Abstract:
Improvements in a projectile launcher is disclosed. The launcher converts an airsoft gun to fire paintballs to handle feeding either airsoft projectiles or paintball projectiles depending upon the installed kit. The launcher includes a hydraulic damper allows the fire and reload to operate in a controlled motion that allows a projectile to be fires and the next projectile to the loaded in a rapid succession. An improved magazine allows multiple different types of projectiles to be installed in the magazine. An interchangeable trigger mechanism and interchangeable barrel to launch different diameters of projectiles. Different types of firing mechanisms can be removed and interchanged in the launcher. In addition to the barrel can also be changes as the projectile is changed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional application from application Ser. No. 14/630,640 filed Feb. 24, 2015 which claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/944,568 filed Feb. 25, 2014 and to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/944,057 filed Feb. 24, 2014 the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    This invention relates to improvements in pneumatic launchers and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for pneumatically launching paintballs, pellets, metal BBs, airsoft BBs, or other projectiles. 
         [0007]    Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 
         [0008]    Conventional firearms have a firing mechanism to fire a projectile and a barrel to direct the projectile in a desired direction. Guns are made for numerous purposes and include many designs, for example, rifles, shot guns, and hand guns. A broad array of different mechanisms for firing a projectile have been employed for various types of guns. For example, one type of gun is dependent on having a propellant combined with the projectile. In this type of gun, the firing mechanism detonates the propellant contained in the projectile, which launches the projectile along the barrel. This type includes shot guns, which fire cartridges comprised of shot packaged with explosive material, and conventional rifles, machine guns, and handguns, which shoot bullets comprised of a unitary slug packaged with explosive material in a casing. 
         [0009]    Another method of firing a projectile uses a propulsion source separate from the projectile, such as compressed gas, including air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and others. Examples of such guns include, air riffles, BB guns, and paintball guns or “markers.” These guns either include a pump for compressing ambient air or are adapted to receive compressed air from a source, such as a compressed gas cartridge or gas cylinder. Conventional paintball guns rely on such cartridges or gas cylinders for supplying compressed gas, including air, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. 
         [0010]    A typical firearm is constructed to fire either airsoft projectiles or paintballs. Due to the different handling requirements for the different projectiles for airsoft and paintball guns a conversion kit for handling both of these types of projectiles does not exist. A number of patents have been made to address a gunpowder fired projectiles where the bullet or shotgun handling addresses these issues. Exemplary examples of patents that try to address this/these problem(s) are identified and discussed below. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,274 issued on Feb. 4, 2003 to Laszlo Vastag discloses a Removable System for Converting a Breach Loading Shotgun to a .22 Long Rifle. While this patent discloses changing the gun for different types of ammunition, the conversion only allows for firing a single projectile at a time and a user must individually load each bullet into the firearm. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,302,881, and 7,735,409 issued on Dec. 4, 2007 and Jun. 15, 2010 respectively, both to James A. Tertin disclose a Conversion Kit and Method for a Ruger 10/22 Semi-Automatic .22 Caliber Rim Fire Rifle to Shoot .17 Mach 2 Cartridges. Both these patents disclose firing bullets where the gun power is present in the cartridge. While the conversion allows the firearm to reload a projectile the gun powder in each bullet provides the forces to eject the fired shell and load another bullet. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,562,478 issued on Jul. 21, 2009 to Laszlo Vastag discloses a Firearm Conversion System and Caliber Reducer with Hammer Safety Lock. This system is for a revolver and includes a caliber reducer that is placed into the barrel of the firearm and the rotatable cylinder is replaced to accept the smaller caliber bullet. While this system allows for the firearm to fire different caliber projectiles, gun power is still the driving mechanism for the projectile and new projectiles are not self-loaded into the firearm. 
         [0014]    U.S. Publication Number 2010/0059032 published on Mar. 11, 2010 to Lawrence J. Zadra discloses an Interchangeable Gun Barrel Apparatus and Method. In this publication the existing barrel of the firearm is removed and a completely new barrel is installed onto the firearm. 
         [0015]    What is needed is a pneumatic launcher system and method that is configurable as an airsoft firearm that uses compressed gas for expelling a projectile and for loading new projectiles, and further includes a conversion kit to allow the firearm to also fire and reload paintballs using the same compressed gas. The disclosure found in this document provides a solution. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    It is an object of the pneumatic launcher system and method to convert an airsoft gun to fire paintballs to feed and fire airsoft projectiles. The airsoft market is much larger than the paintball market, and often a person who uses a paintball gun may also use an airsoft gun. For these people purchasing two different guns for the different activities can be expensive. This is especially true when the user purchases high quality guns. In addition to the expense, a person becomes accustom the characteristics of a particular firearm and switching guns can alter the aim and feel from the perspective of the user. 
         [0017]    It is an object of the pneumatic launcher system and method to convert an airsoft gun to fire paintballs to fire paintballs. The activity of combat with paintball guns has grown in great popularity. The accuracy of a paintball gun is critical for marking an opponent. The firing of paintballs can be with firing individual paintballs, a burst of successive paintballs in rapid fire. This burst is typically about three paintballs of rapid fire as paintballs are sprayed in a general area of an opponent. The paintball guns provide a realistic appearance and weight of the paintball gun to simulate an actual combat firearm such as an AR-15 type rifle. 
         [0018]    It is another object of the pneumatic launcher system and method to convert an airsoft gun to fire paintballs to handle feeding either airsoft projectiles or paintball projectiles depending upon the installed kit. The kit allows for a user to purchase a single reliable gun that can be used for either activity and then install or remove a kit that allows the gun to be used in either of the two activities. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the pneumatic launcher system and method to include a hydraulic damper. The hydraulic damper allows the fire and reload to operate in a controlled motion that allows a projectile to be fires and the next projectile to the loaded in a rapid succession. The hydraulic damper can also be adjusted to calibrate the firing rate of the firearm. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the pneumatic launcher system and method to provide an improved magazine. The improved magazine allows multiple different types of projectiles to be installed in the magazine. The projectiles are loaded into the magazine and are pushed with a spring around and oriented out the end of the magazine where they are fed into a firearm. A keeper prevents projectiles from falling out the end of the magazine when the magazine is not filly inserted into the firearm. 
         [0021]    It is another object of the pneumatic launcher system and method to provide an interchangeable trigger mechanism and interchangeable barrel to launch different diameters of projectiles. Different types of firing mechanisms can be removed and interchanged in the launcher. This allows the launcher to be upgraded for the firing type, firing rate and projectile types and sizes. In addition to the barrel can also be changes as the projectile is changed. 
         [0022]    It is still another object of the pneumatic launcher system and method to convert an airsoft gun to fire paintballs. The conversion requires little or no tools and can be performed in the field as the user prepares for their next combat. While it is unlikely that a user will utilize both airsoft projectiles and paintballs at the same time, a user may use the different types of projectiles in a single day as they switch between the two activities. 
         [0023]    Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the exterior of a launcher. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  shows a top plan view of the exterior of the launcher. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  shows a side plan view of the exterior of the launcher. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the launcher in an open configuration. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  shows a sectional view of the launcher with the internal components. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  shows a sectional view of the launcher with the internal components. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  shows various views of the barrel of the launcher. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  shows a side perspective view of the launcher with a top feed adapter. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of the launcher with the top fee adapter. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the top feed adapter. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the top feed adapter with the top feed adapter hinged open. 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the magazine. 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of the magazine. 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  shows a top perspective view of view of the magazine. 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of the magazine in a partially exploded view. 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  shows a plan view of one side of the magazine showing the internal structure. 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of half of the magazine. 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of half of the magazine loaded with projectiles. 
           [0042]      FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of half of the magazine loaded with projectiles. 
           [0043]      FIG. 20  shows a detail perspective view of half the magazine loaded with projectiles. 
           [0044]      FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of an empty magazine with the channel for the projectiles. 
           [0045]      FIG. 22  shows a perspective view of an empty magazine with the channel for the projectiles. 
           [0046]      FIG. 23  shows the spool from the magazine. 
           [0047]      FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of the forward portion of the barrel. 
           [0048]      FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of the forward portion of the barrel. 
           [0049]      FIG. 26  a perspective view of a projectile seat in the end of the barrel. 
           [0050]      FIG. 27  shows a perspective view of the trigger assembly. 
           [0051]      FIG. 28  shows a perspective view of the trigger assembly. 
           [0052]      FIG. 29  shows a perspective view of the trigger assembly. 
           [0053]      FIG. 30  shows an outer view of the full auto hydraulic module. 
           [0054]      FIG. 31  shows the center section of the full auto hydraulic module. 
           [0055]      FIG. 32  shows the end stroke preload dampers sectional view full auto hydraulic module. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0056]    It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a launcher  10  in accordance with the present invention may support pneumatic actuation of one or more components thereof. For example, a launcher  10  may support pneumatic actuation or manipulation of an action thereof. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, pneumatic forces may be responsible for propelling a projecting out of a launcher  10 . 
         [0058]    In selected embodiments, a launcher  10  may have an exterior look and feel that mimics, substantially matches, or matches the look and feel of a particular firearm (e.g., rifle, pistol, or the like). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a launcher  10  may match or substantially match the exterior dimensions, look and feel, or the like of an AR-15 type rifle. A launcher  10  may also have external controls that match or substantially match the exterior controls of an AR-15 type rifle. Accordingly, a launcher  10  may provide an effective simulation or training platform. 
         [0059]    For example, a launcher  10  may include a trigger  12 , charging handle  14 , magazine release  16 , forward assist  18 , butt stock  20  (e.g., adjustable butt stock), grip  22 , fore grip  24 , magazine  26 , bolt release  28 , trigger guard  30 , selector switch  32 , or the like or a combination or sub-combination thereof that collectively or individually match or substantially match the operations, sizes, shapes, and/or relative positions of comparable components on an AR-15 type rifle. In certain embodiments, all such components may be functional. In other embodiments, certain components (e.g., a forward assist  18  and/or bolt release  28 ) may be provided merely to maintain aesthetic realism, but may otherwise be non-functional. 
         [0060]    In certain embodiments, various components of a launcher  10  in accordance with the present invention may be actual AR-15 parts. For example, in selected embodiments, a butt stock  20 , grip  22 , fore grip  24 , trigger guard  30 , or the like or a combination or sub-combination thereof may be actual AR-15 parts (e.g., “milspec” parts, aftermarket parts, or the like). Accordingly, a user may customize his or her launcher  10  in the same manner and/or with the same parts as he or she would with an actual AR-15 type rifle. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , in selected embodiments, a launcher  10  may comprise an upper receiver  34  and a lower receiver  36 . Various internal components may correspond to an upper receiver  34 , while other components may correspond to a lower receiver  36 . For example, in certain embodiments, a magazine well  38 , valve assembly  40 , trigger assembly  42 , grip  22 , and stock mount  44  may correspond to a lower receiver  36 , while a barrel  46 , barrel detent  48 , bolt assembly  50 , and charging handle  14  may correspond to an upper receiver  34 . 
         [0062]    An upper receiver  34  may be separable from a lower receiver  36 . For example, one or more pins  52  may secure an upper receiver  34  to a lower receiver  36 . Removal of one or more such pins  52  may grant access to a bolt assembly  50 , valve assembly  40 , trigger assembly  42 , or the like. In selected embodiments, the various components of an upper receiver  34  may be secured within the upper receiver  34 . Similarly, the various components of a lower receiver  36  may be secured within the lower receiver  36 . Accordingly, mere separation of an upper receiver  34  from a lower receiver  36  may not result in such components falling out. In selected embodiments, a trigger assembly  42  may include a trigger  12 , sear  54 , bolt catch  56 , one or more pivots  58 , one or more biasing members  60 , and one or more stops  62 . Pulling the trigger  12  may cause a sear  54  to pivot until it contacts a bolt catch  56 . With sufficient pressure, a sear  54  may urge a bolt catch  56  out of engagement with a bolt  64  of a bolt assembly  50 . Once a bolt  64  is free of a bolt catch  56 , the bolt  64  may move forward as biased by a biasing member  66  acting on the bolt  64 . In selected embodiments, a bolt  64  may travel forward to actuate a valve  68  of a valve assembly  40 . 
         [0063]    Compressed gas (e.g., compressed air, compress carbon dioxide, or the like) may be conducted by one or more conduits  70  to an upstream side of a valve  68  in a suitable manner. In selected embodiments, a launcher  10  may provide or include a platform supporting multiple entry points for compressed gas. For example, in certain embodiments, a lower receiver  36  may include conduits  70  for receiving compressed gas from a butt stock  30  (e.g., via a container or conduit located in the place of a “buffer tube”) or a grip  22  (e.g., via a container or conduit located within a grip  22 ) or a combination thereof. In any given embodiment, entry points that are not to being used may be sealed with an appropriate plug. Thus a user or manufacturer may selected from among various arrangements or configurations with respect to the enlry point of compressed gas. 
         [0064]    Regardless of the entry point used, compressed gas may be passed by one or more conduits  70  from a reservoir, source, or container of some sort (e.g., 12 or 16 gram canister of carbon dioxide or the like) to an upstream side of a valve assembly  40  (e.g., past a trigger assembly  42  to a space  72  or cavity  72  on an upstream side of the valve assembly  40 ). 
         [0065]    A valve  68  of a valve assembly  40  may be biased toward a closed position by the pressure of gas on the up-stream side of the valve  68 , by a biasing member (e.g., by an unknown biasing member within the space  72  or cavity  72 ), or by some combination thereof. However, after a trigger  12  is pulled and a bolt  64  moves forward, a ramp  74  forming part of the bolt  64  may contact a valve  68  (e.g., a wear element  76  of a valve  68 ) and force the valve  68  open. 
         [0066]    In selected embodiments, a ramp  74  and/or wear element  76  of a valve  68  may be configured to provide a long service life. For example, materials used in the formation of a ramp  74  and/or wear element  76  may be selected to produce little wear on each other. In selected embodiments, one or both of a wear element  76  and a ramp  74  may be formed of a carbide material. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a ramp  74  may be free to rotate with respect to other components of a bolt  64  (e.g., free to rotate about a central axis of a bolt  64 ). Accordingly, wear caused by the contact between a ramp  74  and a valve  68  may be distributed over a large area of the ramp  74 . 
         [0067]    With a valve  68  open, compressed gas may be able to pass from an upstream side of the valve  68  and through one or conduits of a manifold  78  forming a down-stream part of a valve assembly  40 . Accordingly, in selected embodiments, a manifold  78  may control how compressed gas is distributed within a launcher  10 . For example, in selected embodiments, a manifold  78  may include a first aperture  80  directing a first stream of compressed gas to launch a chambered projectile (not shown) and a second aperture  81  directing a second stream of compressed gas to an aperture  82  feeding a particular space  84  within a bolt assembly  50 . Compressed gas within this particular space  84  may slow the forward motion of a bolt  64 , stop the forward motion of the bolt  64 , produce a rearward motion of the both  64 , return a bolt  64  to a cocked position (e.g., where a bolt catch  56  has once again engaged a bolt  64 ), or some combination thereof. 
         [0068]    In selected embodiments, a bolt assembly  50  may include a bolt sleeve  86 , separator  88 , end cap  92 , buffer  94 , bolt  64 , or the like or a combination or sub-combination thereof. A bolt sleeve  86  may provide an interface between a bolt  64  and an upper receiver  34 . In certain embodiments, a bolt sleeve  86  may include apertures permitting a valve  68 , compressed gas, bolt catch  56 , to enter a bolt assembly  50 . A bolt sleeve  86  may have an interior surface against which various other components of a bolt assembly  50  may seal. In certain embodiments, a bolt sleeve  86  may be selectively removable. Accordingly, one or more fasteners  90  (e.g., threaded fasteners) may secure a bolt sleeve  86  within an upper receiver  34 . 
         [0069]    In selected embodiments, a separator  88  may separate compressed gas for launching a projectile from compressed gas for returning a bolt  64  to a cocked position. In selected embodiments, a bolt  64  may pass through a central aperture of a separator  88 . Additionally, a separator  88  may include an aperture  104  aligned to receive compressed gas from a first aperture  80  of a manifold  78 . Accordingly, once a valve  68  is actuated, this aperture  104  of a separator  88  may align with an aperture  106  in a forward portion  96  of a bolt  64 , thereby enabling compressed gas to pass forward through a central (e.g., axial) aperture  108  in the forward portion  96  and propel a projectile out the barrel  46 . 
         [0070]    An end cap  92  may fit within a bolt sleeve  86  and provide an interface between a bolt assembly  50  and a stock mount  44  of a lower receiver  36 . A stock mount  44  may be sized, shaped, and contain sufficient material (e.g., be substantially solid material as opposed to the ring of material found in an actual AR15 type rifle) to properly and repeatedly resolve the loads imposed thereon by a bolt assembly  50 . In selected embodiments, an end cap  92  may include a center extension for supporting and aligning a biasing member  66  acting on a bolt  64 . Alternatively, or in addition thereto, an end cap  92  may house, support, or locate a buffer  94 . A buffer  94  may cushion an impact between a returning bolt  64  and an end cap  92 . 
         [0071]    A bolt  64  may include a forward portion  96 , rearward portion  98 , ramp  74 , extension  100 , or the like or a combination or sub-combination thereof. A rearward portion  98  may interface with a biasing member  66  urging the bolt  64  forward. For example, in selected embodiments, a rearward portion  98  may include an aperture for receiving such a biasing member  66 . As a bolt moves forward, a forward portion  96  may push a projectile off the top of a magazine  26  and into a chamber location of a barrel  46 . In a forward position, a forward portion  96  may also form a bridge for conducting compressed gas past one or more openings (e.g., a port  110  in a barrel through which projectiles pass) that would otherwise permit compressed gas to escape. 
         [0072]    In selected embodiments, an extension  100  of a bolt  64  may extend through a corresponding slot  102  in a bolt sleeve  86 . According, as a charging handle  14  is pulled rearward, it may engage an extension  100  and pull a bolt  64  rearward. This rearward motion may continue until a bolt catch  56  engages an appropriate edge, lip, or surface of a bolt  64  (e.g., of a rearward portion  98 ). In this manner, certain embodiments of a launcher  10  in accordance with the present invention may be manually cocked. 
         [0073]    A bolt assembly  50  may include various seals as desired or necessary. For example, one or more seals may interface between a forward portion  96  and a barrel  46 , a separator  88  and a bolt sleeve  86  (grooves for seals are show in separator  88 , by the seals are not shown), a separator and a forward portion  96 , a rearward portion and a bolt sleeve  86 , or the like or a combination or sub-combination thereof. 
         [0074]    In selected embodiments, a barrel  46  may include a projectile retainer  112 . A projectile retainer  112  may hold a projectile in a desired location, ready to be pushed forward into a chamber of the barrel  46 . In certain embodiments, a projectile retainer  112  may deflect or pivot out of the way as a forward portion  96  of a bolt  64  chambers a projectile. 
         [0075]    A launcher  10  in accordance with the present invention may be modular and easily converted between various configurations. For example, in selected embodiments, an upper and lower receivers  34 ,  36  may form a platform into which various modules or sub-assemblies may be easily swapped in and out. This swapping in and out may be accomplished with simple motions like threading fasteners and pushing or pulling pins and without any machining, welding, bonding, or other permanent changes. 
         [0076]    For example, in selected embodiments, a lower receiver  36  and the components corresponding thereto may be left unchanged, while a barrel  46  and all or some portion of a bolt assembly  50  is replaced in an upper receiver  34 . 
         [0077]    Alternatively, if desired or necessary, a new manifold  78  or the like may be swapped into a lower receiver  36  to properly interface with a new bolt assembly  50  or some portion thereof that have been swapped into an upper receiver  34 . 
         [0078]    Such a change to the barrel  46 , bolt assembly  50 , manifold  78 , or the like may enable a newly configured launcher  10  to propel a different kind of projectile. For example, in one configuration, a launcher  10  may be configured to fire paintballs, while in another configuration, a launcher  10  may be configured to fire BBs (e.g., metal BB&#39;s, airsoft BBs, or the like) or some other projectile. Thus, components (e.g., valve assemblies  40  or selected portions thereof, trigger assemblies  42  or selected portions thereof, bolts  64  or selected portions thereof, bolt sleeves  86 , barrels  46 , or the like) may be swapped in and out of a platform in accordance with the present invention to produce a launcher  10  for anyone of a wide range of projectiles, while preserving the look and feel and external characteristics of the launcher  10 . 
         [0079]    In selected embodiments, a valve assembly  40  or some portion thereof (e.g., a manifold  78  may extend forward into a portion of a magazine well  38 . This may enable a valve assembly  40  to receive compressed gas from a magazine  26 . Alternatively, this may enable a valve assembly  40  to direct compressed air into a magazine  26 . This compressed gas may then be used within a magazine to aid in some function such as urging projectiles or the like. In selected embodiments, compressed gas delivered to a magazine  26  may be stored in the form of advancing a piston or the like against a biasing member. In this manner energy from the compressed gas associated with multiple firing events may be collected and used as desired. 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , in selected embodiments, a barrel  46  and barrel detent  48  may combine to provide significant flexibility and speed in adapting a barrel  46  to differing configurations. For example, in selected embodiments, it may be desirable to feed projectiles from a magazine  26 . Accordingly, a port  110  in a barrel  46  may be positioned to open to the magazine  26 . However, in other embodiments, it may be desirable to feed projectiles from a top mounted hopper. Accordingly, a barrel  46  may need to be rotated (e.g., about a central axis) to position a port  110  to receive a top feed of projectiles. 
         [0081]    To accomplish this, in selected embodiments, a barrel  46  may include a circumferential groove  114 . A barrel detent  48  may extend into this groove  114 . Accordingly, an engagement between a barrel detent  48  and a circumferential groove  114  may axially secure a barrel  46  within an upper receiver  34 . However, when a user desires to change a position of a port  110 , the user may simply grasp the barrel  46  and rotate it until the port  110  is in the desired position. A fore grip  24  and certain other forward components (e.g., forward components, rails, or the like corresponding to a simulated or mock gas block), may secure directly to an upper receiver  34  and may be “free float” a barrel  46 . 
         [0082]    Accordingly, a barrel  46  may rotate within the fore grip  24  and those forward components without the fore grip  24  and those forward components moving or being loosened from an upper receiver  34 . 
         [0083]    In selected embodiments, a circumferential groove  114  may include one or 5 more resting locations  116 . A resting location  116  may be an enlargement in the circumferential groove  114 . Accordingly, when it encounters a resting location  116 , a barrel detent  48  may engage more deeply and noticeably to the user. Resting locations  116  may correspond to desired positions of rotation of the barrel  46 . For example, a first resting location  116  may correspond to a proper alignment of a port  110  with a magazine  26 , while a second resting location may correspond to a proper alignment of a port  110  with a top feed hopper. 
         [0084]    In certain embodiments, a mere detent engagement between a barrel detent  48  and a circumferential groove  114  (e.g., a resting location  116  in a circumferential groove  114 ) may be all the engagement necessary. In other embodiments, tightening a barrel detent  48  (e.g., threading a portion of a barrel detent  48  down onto a detent ball or the like) may effectively lock the barrel  46  in a desire location (e.g., resting location  116 ). 
         [0085]    In selected embodiments, a barrel  46  may include an axial groove  118 . An axial groove  118  may provide a mechanism for the easy removal of a barrel  46 . For example, once a barrel  46  has been rotated with respect to an upper receiver  34  to the point where a barrel detent  46  is aligned with an axial groove  118  (e.g., enters a resting location  116  formed at the junction of a circumferential groove  114  and an axial groove  118 ), the user may pull the barrel  46  away from the upper receiver  34  in the axial direction. This may make the barrel detent  48  enter the axial groove  118  and the barrel  46  may be pulled free of the upper receiver  34  (and free of the fore grip  24  and certain forward components mounted to the upper receiver  34 ). To install a barrel  46 , this process may be reversed. 
         [0086]    A barrel  46  may include various apertures  120  as desired or necessary. For example, in selected embodiments, a barrel  46  may include one or more apertures  120  (e.g., opposing apertures  120 ) for housing projectile retainers  112 . 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-11 , in selected embodiments, a launcher  10  in accordance with the present invention may include a feed tube  122 . A feed tube  122  may enable projectiles to flow down into a launcher  10  (e.g., from a hopper supported by or connected to the feed tube  122 ). In certain embodiments, a feed tube  122  may be mounted on a “dust cover”  124 . 
       Antifouling Shroud 
       [0088]    An integrated molded-in circular shroud is formed when the two halves of the magazine are placed together, this shroud encapsulates approximately 75% of the reel, leaving only an opening toward the feeding hole . The magazine “reel” always performs an expected “over stroke” when the magazine, under spring tension, is actuated. 
         [0089]    In an AR-15 type rifle, a dust cover  124  may cover an ejection port to prevent unwanted materials from entering the action while the firearm is not in use. In selected embodiments in accordance with the present invention, a feed tube may be included as part of a dust cover  122  (e.g., a mock or a functional dust cover) to pivot therewith. This pivoting and a corresponding latch  126  may support inspection, cleaning, or the like. Additionally, the pivot points of a dust cover  124  may provide connection points enable a dust cover  124  without a feed tube  122  to be swapped for a dust cover  124  with a feed tube  122 . Thus, the aesthetic integrity of the launcher  10  may be preserved as much as possible. 
         [0090]    In certain embodiments, an aperture  128  for admitting a larger projectile (e.g., a paintball) may be bigger than an ejection port (e.g. mock ejection port  130 ) typically associated with AR-15 type rifles. In such embodiments, a dust cover  124  without a feed tube  122  may extend up to cover that larger aperture  138 . Thus, in selected embodiments, a dust cover  124  may be functional as a cover. 
       Internal Mainspring Retention Sleeve  162   
       [0091]    The purpose of this sleeve  162  is so the user can easily open the magazine and clean the channels as needed without having the spring  138  be in their way. Prior to opening the magazine, the user completely winds the magazine all the way back to the stopped position. They then open the magazine and can see that the follower  136  and spring  138  are completely retained within the sleeve  162 . This is also a great benefit for reassembling the magazine so that the user does not have to have difficulty manipulating the sleeve  162  into the proper channels when closing the two halves together. 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIG. 12-23 , in selected embodiments, a magazine  26  may include a housing  132 , follower assembly  134 , and keeper  146 . A housing  132  may be have the exterior size and shape of a convention AR-15 magazine  26 . Internally, a housing  132  may define a channel  150  for housing and feed projectiles  148 . A housing may have two halves. In selected embodiments, the various internal components of a magazine may be secured to one half or the other. Accordingly, when one or more fasteners  154  are removed and the two halves are separate, not internal components will fall out. 
       Non-Wearing Cord Bushing 
       [0093]    The “pilot”  174  that the cord goes through made of a material other than polymer. This ensures that no erosion takes place while the cord is under stress and in motion. 
       Helical Transition 
       [0094]    A geometrical arrangement incorporated into both molded sides of the magazine. This arrangement is made for the sole purpose of reorienting projectile  14  into the magazine so that the magazine is able to attain its maximum volume capacity. This helical transition has no effect on the feeding of regular spherical projectiles. It should be noted that this helical transition was made to intentionally take place on the forward, concave portion of the magazine thereby reorienting the projectiles  14  so that the “skirts” are separated and that the “round nose” portions only make contact with one another to assure the maximum bearing situation for proper rotation, reorientation and flow. 
         [0095]    In selected embodiments, a channel  150  may include a contoured surface  152  to change an orientation of projectiles  148  as they pass thereby. Accordingly, a magazine may be suitable for use with non-spherical projectiles. For example, a magazine  26  may be suitable for use with FIRST STRIKE (registered trademark) projectiles. In selected embodiments, a channel  150  may house about 18-20 paintball projectiles  148 . 
         [0096]    A biasing member  138  may be positioned within a channel  150  and extend to urge a follower against the projectiles  148 . In a retracted position, a biasing member  138  may be drawing into a sleeve  162 . In an extended position, a biasing member  138  may extend about the length of the channel  150 . Thus, a biasing member  138  may provide a motive force urging projectiles  148  out of the channel  150  and magazine  26 . 
       Dual-Purpose Ball Retention System 
       [0097]    This system uses a keeper  146  to assist in retaining projectiles in magazine while said magazine is outside of magazine well. Since retainer is spring-loaded against underside of upper receiver internals, upon magazine ejection, the magazine is urged downward “aiding” magazine ejection 
         [0098]    A flexible tether  174  (e.g., string, cord, cable) may extend from a follower  136  and wrap around a spool  142 . A lock  144  may selectively engage the spool  142 . When the lock  144  engages the spool  144 , no tether  174  may be released and the biasing member  138  may not advance within a channel  150 . Conversely, when the lock  144  releases the spool  144 , the spool  144  may turn and release tether  174 , which may free a follower  136  to move through a channel  150  pushing the projectiles  148 . 
         [0099]    A lock  144  may be actuated by a corresponding portion of a launcher  10  (e.g., an extension on a bolt sleeve  86 ). Thus, when the magazine  26  is fully seated and secured in the magazine well  38 , the lock  144  may be pushed against the bias of a biasing member  156  and pivot out of engagement with one or more teeth extending from the side of a spool  142 , which may then be free to turn. Conversely, when the magazine  26  is released from the magazine well  38 , the lock  144  may act as biased and engage the teeth extending from the side of the spool  142  to prevent further rotation thereof. Thus, when a magazine  26  is released from a magazine well  38 , a follower  136  may be prevented from pushing any more projectiles  148  out of the magazine  26 . 
         [0100]    In selected embodiments, a spool  144  may be encircled by a barrier  158  or wall  158 . Accordingly, the barrier  158  may prevent the tether  174  from slipping out of the spool  142  and causing a jam or malfunction. 
       Available Hex Key Location on Crank for Easy Winding 
       [0101]    The crank  164  provides a more robust and reliable magazine system for both round and aerodynamic projectiles. The incorporation of these features ads to an extended life of all internal components and function, easier serviceability and handling, improved feeding characteristics. 
         [0102]    In selected embodiments, a keeper  146  may prevent projectiles  148  from falling out of a magazine  26  when the magazine is out of the magazine well  38 . A keeper  146  may pivot against a bias of a biasing member  160 . Thus, when the magazine is fully seated and secured in the magazine well  38 , the keeper  146  may be pushed against the biasing of a bias member  160  and pivot out of the channel  150 , which may then free projectiles  148  to exit the magazine  26 . 
         [0103]    Conversely, when the magazine  26  is released form the magazine well  38 , the keeper  146  may act as biased and pivot back into the channel  150  to prevent additional projectiles  148  from exiting the magazine  26 . In selected embodiments, the biasing member  160  acting in a magazine  26  may provide an aid in urging the magazine  26  out of a magazine well  38 : Accordingly, once a magazine release  16  has been actuated, a biasing member  160  may urge a keeper  146  out and cause to the magazine  26  to move or pop somewhat out of the magazine well  38 . 
         [0104]    A spool  142  may be turned by an exterior crank  164 . A crank  164  may be turned by hand or using a tool (e.g., an HEX wrench or the like). Turning a crank  164  may turn a spool  142  and wind the tether  174  back around the spool  142 , thereby compressing the biasing member  138  and pulling the follower  136  back to a starting position. In selected embodiments, a magazine  26  may include a sleeve  162 . A sleeve  162  may house a biasing member  138  when it is fully retracted. 
         [0105]    A follower  136  may have a “tail”  166  to which a tether  174  may secure or from which a tether  174  may extend. The tail  166  may be somewhat elongated to help the follower  136  track in a proper orientation through a channel  150 . In selected embodiments, a follower  136  may include a recessed pocket  168  for receiving a biasing member  138 . This pocket  168  may allow for a more compact design supporting more projectiles  148  within a magazine  26 . 
         [0106]    Referring to  FIGS. 24-26 , in selected embodiments, a forward portion  96  may include a beveled edge  170  that may assist the forward portion in engaging, positioning, pushing, and/or delivering compressed gas to certain projectiles (e.g., FIRST STRIKE projectiles). Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a forward portion  96  may have a flat  172  formed therein or thereon. In selected embodiments, the flat  172  may be positioned within a seal groove. Accordingly, when a seal is placed in the seal groove, the seal may extend less from a forward portion  96 . In certain embodiments, a seal groove may also have a bevel  176  formed thereon. A seal that extends less and/or a bevel  176  formed on an edge of a seal groove may be positioned on the bottom of a forward portion  96  and help to prevent a forward portion  96  from snagging on a projectile  148  (e.g., the skirt of a projectile  148 ) in the “on deck position” (e.g., next in line to be chambered) as the forward portion  96  move forward. 
         [0107]    Referring to  FIGS. 27-29 , in selected embodiments, a trigger assembly  42  may support semiautomatic fire, fully automatic fire, a safety, or a combination or sub-combination thereof. For example, a selector switch  32  may control the pivoting of a trigger  12 , sear  54 , or both. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, in a safe mode, a selector switch  32  may block pivoting of a trigger  12 . In a semiautomatic fire, a selector switch  32  may leave a trigger  12  free to pivot and a sear  54  free to pivot with respect to the trigger  12 . In a fully automatic mode, a selector switch  32  may leave a trigger  12  free to pivot and block certain pivoting (and resetting) of a sear  54 . Thus, by controlling a trigger  12  and/or sear  54 , a selector switch  32  may control the motion of a catch  56  and set the mode of firing. 
         [0108]    In certain embodiments, a trigger assembly  42  may provide a mechanical fully automatic fire, selectable with a selector switch  32 . This may be accomplished in any suitable manner. In selected embodiments, it may be accomplished hydraulically, wherein a damper is used to slow the motion of certain components of a trigger assembly  42  (e.g., a bolt catch  56 ). This may enable a trigger assembly  42  to operate at a slower rate (e.g., 8-20 cycles per second) to a firing rate that can accommodate certain types of projectiles (e.g., paintballs). 
         [0109]    In illustrated embodiment shown in cross section, a hydraulic damper  178  may slow forward of motion of a catch  56 , without slowing rearward motion of the catch  56 . A damper  178  may include a first cavity  182 , a second cavity  184 , and a check valve  180  position in a fluid path between the first and second cavities  182 , 184 . As a catch  56  moves forward and back within its slot  186 , one or more pistons  188  may move within a first cavity  182 , changing the volume thereof. For example, as a catch  56  moves forward, pistons  188  may lower the volume of the first cavity  182  and push hydraulic fluid out of the first cavity  182 , against a check valve  180  and into the second cavity  184 . Due to the restriction caused by the check valve  180 , this may be a relatively slow process. 
         [0110]    Conversely, as a catch  56  moves rearward, pistons  188  may increase the volume of the first cavity  182  and draw hydraulic fluid out of the second cavity  182 , through the check valve  180  and into the first cavity  184 . Due to the opening of the check valve  180 , this may be a fast process. 
         [0111]      FIG. 30  shows an outer view of the full auto hydraulic module  FIG. 31  shows the center section of the full auto hydraulic module and  FIG. 32  shows the end stroke preload dampers sectional view full auto hydraulic module. The hydraulic module is removable from the frame by removing two pins through holes  301 . Spring  302  keeps the bolt catch  56  or sear  54  pulling to the rear of the biasing member  156 . A clevis  303  is connected to a pin  304  that is then connected to a hydraulic damper  305  that allows slow forward motion, but fast rearward motion to allow for a rapid reset so it can fire fully automatic in a controlled manner. When the selector  32  is placed in this semi-automatic position, the end of the sear  54  is prevented from full movement by a shelf  310  in the selector  32 . This allows the angled top  320  of the sear  54  to move along the bottom  321  of the bolt catch  56 . This allows a firing rate of  9  to  16  rounds per second, but this rate can be adjusted. Over time, seals on the piston  305  can have an increased static coefficient of friction. 
         [0112]    Because of the increased static coefficient of friction, an end-stroke preload device when the unit is cocked, a spring loaded pin  330  (located on both sides of the unit) prevents the increased static friction by assisting the return spring. The sum of the spring force on the spring loaded pin  330  and the spring  302  must be less than the force of the return spring. This makes the biasing member of the catch  56  moves within a portion of the slot  340 . 
         [0113]    Thus, specific embodiments of a pneumatic launcher system and method has been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. 
       SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0114]    Not Applicable.