Patent Publication Number: US-9885537-B2

Title: Projectile launcher with trigger assist

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/204,336 filed Mar. 11, 2014, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/778,999, filed Mar. 13, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to projectile launchers for firing non-lethal projectiles, such as paintballs or air-soft pellets. In particular, embodiments of the invention include a trigger assist that allows full automatic firing while the trigger is pulled, without requiring the user&#39;s trigger finger to move back-and-forth between cycles. In some cases, the projectile launcher includes a selector switch for selectively allowing a user to switch between semi-automatic firing, full automatic firing and a safe mode. Embodiments are also contemplated in which the launcher can be configured with multiple ways of supplying compressed gas to provide flexibility. In some embodiments, for example, the source of compressed gas could be a cartridge housed in a magazine that is detachable from the launcher. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Devices that fire projectiles using compressed gas are known in the art. For example, airsoft guns and paintball markers typically use compressed gas to propel plastic pellets and frangible projectiles, respectively. These types of devices have a wide variety of applications. For example, a popular recreational use is in simulated war games, in which opposing sides attempt to seek out and “shoot” one another with projectiles. Frangible projectiles have also been used to segregate cattle within a herd. Likewise, law enforcement personnel employ frangible projectiles with immobilizing materials for crowd control. In some situations, it is desirable to shoot projectiles in a full automatic mode in which the user makes a single trigger pull to fire multiple projectiles. 
     It can also be desirable to have flexibility in how compressed gas is supplied to the device. Typically, a compressed gas cartridge is forced into a puncture mechanism with a set screw, which is inconvenient and time consuming. Moreover, existing magazines include multiple components, such as a puncture mechanism and a valve assembly, which increases complexity and cost. There is a need for more flexibility and convenience in supplying compressed gas to these types of devices. 
     According to one aspect, this disclosure provides a projectile launcher with a barrel dimensioned to receive a projectile. The launcher includes a receiver with a breech proximate to the barrel. A valve assembly is provided that allows selective flow between a source of compressed gas and the breech. A trigger is provided that is movable between a first position and a second position. The launcher includes a firing assembly configured to actuate the valve assembly responsive to the trigger being in the second position. In some embodiments, the firing assembly includes a trigger assist feature configured to cycle the firing assembly in a fully automatic manner when the trigger is in the second position without reciprocating the trigger during the firing cycle. 
     Depending on the circumstances, the projectile launcher could include the trigger assist feature having a trigger assist coupled with the trigger using a spring. For example, the trigger assist could be movable between a firing position in which the firing assembly actuates the valve assembly and a cocked position. In some cases, the launcher may include a piston in fluid communication with the valve assembly that moves upon venting of the valve assembly to apply a force to the trigger assist sufficient to overcome the spring to move the trigger assist from the firing position to the cocked position. 
     Embodiments are contemplated in which the launcher includes a selector switch movable between a safe position, a semi-automatic position, and a full-automatic position. In some cases, the selector switch is shaped to block the trigger from moving to the second position when in the safe position. The selector switch could be shaped to block movement of the piston when in the semi-automatic position and allow free movement of the trigger to the second position. However, in the full automatic position, the selector switch is shaped to allow free movement of the piston and allow free movement of the trigger to the second position. 
     According to another aspect, this disclosure provides a method of using a projectile launcher in which a pneumatic gun is provided that includes a trigger movable between a firing position and a released position. The trigger initiates a trigger assist feature to vent of compressed gas to propel projectiles out of the pneumatic gun. In response to moving the trigger to the firing position, projectiles are propelled out of the pneumatic gun in a fully automatic manner by the trigger assist feature repeatedly venting the pneumatic gun. Typically, the trigger is approximately stationary in the firing position without reciprocating during the firing cycle of the pneumatic gun. In some cases, the trigger assist feature includes a trigger assist that reciprocates to vent the pneumatic gun without moving the trigger from the firing position. In some embodiments, the trigger assist feature includes a piston that reciprocates during operation of the pneumatic gun without moving the trigger. 
     According to a further aspect, the disclosure provides a projectile launcher with a magazine dimensioned to carry a plurality of projectiles. The magazine includes a cavity dimensioned to receive a cartridge of compressed gas and extends longitudinally transversely to the barrel axis. The receiver an opening dimensioned to receive the magazine. The receiver includes a puncture mechanism configured to pierce a seal of a compressed gas cartridge disposed in the cavity of the magazine. The launcher includes a valve assembly configured to selectively allow flow between a source of compressed gas and the breech. A firing assembly actuates the valve assembly responsive to a trigger pull. In some embodiments, the receiver and/or the magazine includes a latch mechanism configured to releasably couple the magazine to the receiver. For example, the puncture mechanism may include a piercing pin with a tip covered by a spring-loaded wall. When a force is applied by insertion of the magazine, this could overcome the spring-loaded wall to expose the tip of the piercing pin. However, in some cases, the latch mechanism could be configured to allow coupling of the magazine to the receiver without overcoming the spring force of the spring-loaded wall, thereby not exposing the tip of the piercing pin. In some embodiments, the receiver defines a first flow path between the magazine and the valve assembly and a second flow path between the valve assembly and a grip portion of the receiver. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a left side view of an example projectile launcher according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of the example projectile launcher shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a left side view of the example projectile launcher prior to insertion of the magazine; 
         FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the example projectile launcher; 
         FIGS. 5-7  are front cross-sectional views showing insertion of the magazine to puncture the cartridge, thereby releasing compressed gas; 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed side view of the receiver showing the selector switch according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9-10  are detailed side cross-sectional views showing the projectile launcher with the selector switch in the safe mode; 
         FIGS. 11-15  are detailed side cross-sectional views showing the projectile launcher with the selector switch in the semi-automatic mode; 
         FIGS. 16-21  are detailed side cross-sectional views showing the projectile launcher with the selector switch in the full-automatic mode; 
         FIG. 22  is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the projectile launcher showing an example input fitting according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 23-25  are cross-sectional views showing flow paths from the valve assembly according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a side cross-sectional view of the example projectile launcher showing an input fitting distributing compressed gas from a remote line fitting to a valve assembly; 
         FIG. 27  is a side cross-sectional view of the example projectile launcher showing an input fitting distributing compressed gas from a tank adapter to a valve assembly; 
         FIG. 28  is a side cross-sectional view of the example projectile launcher showing an input fitting distributing compressed gas from a remote line fitting or cartridge to a valve assembly; and 
         FIG. 29  is a side cross-sectional view of the example projectile launcher showing an input fitting distributing compressed gas from a remote line fitting or tank adapter to a valve assembly. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principals of the invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  is a left side view of an example projectile launcher  100  that may be used to launch a projectile using compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide, air or nitrogen. The projectile launcher  100  may be used to launch a variety of projectiles. Typically, the projectile launcher  100  would be used to launch non-lethal projectiles that would be similar to those used in conjunction with other compressed gas guns, such as paintball markers, air rifles, pellet rifles, etc. By way of example only, the projectile launcher  100  may launch paintballs, BBs, pellets, air-soft pellets, darts, spark balls, pepper balls, etc. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the projectile launcher  100  includes a receiver  102  defining an internal cavity. The receiver  102  may be a unitary member or multiple pieces that are coupled together, such as the example shown. As used herein, the term “coupled” is broadly intended to encompass both direct and indirect connections. 
     In the example shown, the projectile launcher  100  includes a barrel  104  extending from the receiver  102 . The barrel  104  attaches to the receiver  102 , such as by screwing, interference fit, frictional fit, or unitary formation. The barrel  104  includes a bore  106  dimensioned to receive a projectile  108  ( FIG. 2 ). The bore  106  may be dimensioned to receive projectiles of different sizes, including but not limited to air-soft pellets and/or a 0.68 caliber paintball. When the projectile launcher  100  is fired, a projectile  108  passes through and exits out the barrel  104 . 
     As shown, the projectile launcher  100  includes a grip  110  that is dimensioned for a user to grasp. In the example shown, the projectile launcher  100  is shaped like a rifle with a buttstock  112 . However, the projectile launcher  100  could have a variety of other shapes with or without a buttstock  112 . 
     As discussed above, the projectile launcher  100  uses compressed gas to propel a projectile  108  out of the receiver  102  through the barrel  104 . In the example shown, multiple manners of supplying the projectile launcher  100  with compressed gas are provided. In the example of  FIG. 2 , a cartridge of compressed gas  114  could be used as the source of compressed gas for propelling projectiles  108 . Likewise, a remote line fitting  115  could be coupled with a source of compressed gas, such as a remote tank of compressed gas. In other embodiments, a tank adapter  116  could be used to couple a tank of compressed gas directly with the projectile launcher  100  ( FIG. 27 ). These different sources of compressed gas are in fluid communication with a valve assembly  118  that selectively vents compressed gas to propel a projectile  108  out of the projectile launcher  100 . In the example shown, a trigger  120  is configured to initiate actuation of the valve assembly  118  so that compressed gas is vented when a user pulls the trigger  120 , thereby propelling a projectile  108 . 
     In the example shown, the projectile launcher  100  includes a magazine  122  configured to supply a plurality of projectiles  108  to a breech area of the projectile launcher  100  where the projectile  108  is ready for launching. In the example shown, the magazine  122  includes a channel  124  with an open end  126  through which projectiles feed into the breech area of the projectile launcher  100 . A pusher  128  is positioned within the channel  124  behind the last projectile to be fed into the breech area. In conjunction with a spring  130 , the pusher  128  urges the projectiles  108  towards the breech area. In this example, the receiver  102  includes a latch  132  ( FIG. 1 ) that couples the magazine  122  with the receiver  102 . In the embodiment shown, a user would actuate a release  134  to uncouple the magazine  122  from the receiver  102  so that the magazine  122  could be removed, such as to refill the channel  124  with additional projectiles  108 . 
     In the example shown, the receiver  102  includes a selector switch  136 . As shown, the selector switch  136  allows a user to change modes in which the projectile launcher fires. In the safe mode, the projectile launcher  100  will not fire projectiles, even if the trigger  120  is pulled. In the semi-automatic mode, the projectile launcher  100  requires the trigger  120  to be pulled each time to launch a projectile. In the full automatic mode, the projectile launcher will continue to fire projectiles  108  while the trigger  120  is pulled by the user. Accordingly, in full automatic mode, multiple projectiles may be launched while the user continues to pull the trigger  120 . As discussed below, the user&#39;s finger does not move while the launcher  100  continues to fire in full automatic mode, which is in contrast to existing launchers, such as shown in Pat. No. 6,550,468, that require the user&#39;s trigger finger to move back-and-forth with the trigger movement while the launcher goes through firing cycles in full automatic mode. 
     In the example shown, the selector switch  136  rotates between the safe, semi-automatic, and full automatic modes. However, the selector switch  136  could move between modes using a linear motion or other types of movement. Moreover, embodiments are contemplated with a single firing mode, such as full-automatic. In such embodiments, the selector switch  136  would be movable only between a safe mode and a full-automatic mode without a semi-automatic mode. In some cases, the selector switch  136  may be optional. For example, the launcher  100  may only fire in the full-automatic mode and a safety mechanism could be implemented in a manner other than the selector switch  136 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the example projectile launcher  100  from  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the magazine  122  ready for insertion into the receiver  102 . In the example shown, the receiver  102  includes an opening  138  that is dimensioned to receive a leading end  140  of the magazine  122 . When the leading end  140  of the magazine  122  is inserted into the opening  138 , the latch  132  engages an opening  142  in the magazine  122  to couple the magazine  122  with the receiver  102 . In this example, if the user wants to remove the magazine  122 , the release  134  ( FIG. 4 ) is pushed to release the latch  132  from the opening  142 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the projectile launcher  100  showing the magazine  122  inserted into the receiver  102 . In the example shown, the magazine includes a cavity  144  that is dimensioned to receive a cartridge  114  of compressed gas. In some cases, for example, the cartridge  114  may hold 12 grams of compressed gas. In the example shown, the cartridge  114  has a sloped neck  146  that terminates in a mouth  148 . Typically, the mouth  148  is initially covered with a seal, such as a foil, to prevent escape of compressed gas from the cartridge  114 . As shown, the mouth  148  is adjacent a piercing pin  150  with a tip that is sufficiently sharp to pierce the seal initially covering the mouth  148  of the cartridge  114 , thereby releasing compressed gas into a chamber  152 . The piercing pin  150  is disposed in a wall that includes grooves for a seal  156  to prevent escape of gas. A seal  158  also surrounds the mouth  148  of the cartridge  114  to prevent escape of gas. The wall  154  is spring-loaded so the tip of the piercing pin  150  is exposed to the seal covering the mouth  148  of the cartridge  114  when the magazine  122  is pushed into the receiver  102 . Accordingly, when the magazine  122  is sufficiently pushed into the receiver  102  to overcome the force of the spring-loaded wall  154 , this exposes the tip of the piercing pin  150  to pierce the seal covering the mouth  148  of the cartridge  114 . The pressure from the compressed gas released from the cartridge  114  and spring urging the wall in the opposite direction secures the cartridge  114  into the cavity  144 . 
     This embodiment is distinct from existing magazines, which are more complex. For example, many of the components disposed in existing magazines, such as a valve assembly and puncture mechanism are disposed in the receiver  102  in the example shown instead of the magazine  122 . Additionally, the ability to house the cartridge  114  in the magazine without an internal puncture mechanism is another distinction from existing magazines. By making the puncture assembly and valve assembly internal components to the receiver  102 , this allows flexibility in the manner by which compressed gas can be supplied to the valve assembly as discussed below. 
       FIG. 5  is a front cross-sectional view of the projectile launcher  100  showing the magazine  122  being gently inserted into the receiver  102 , such that the magazine  122  is not inserted to a point where the cartridge  114  would be punctured or such that the force by which the magazine  122  is inserted does not overcome the spring-loaded wall  154 , thereby not piercing the seal covering the mouth  148  of the cartridge  114 . Accordingly, a user may place an extra cartridge  114  in the magazine  122  for purposes of storage without breaking the seal on the mouth  148  of the cartridge. 
       FIG. 6  is a front cross-sectional view showing the magazine inserted sufficiently to overcome the spring-loaded wall  154 , thereby exposing the seal covering the mouth  148  of the cartridge  114  to the piercing pin and releasing the gas in the cartridge  114 . 
       FIG. 7  is a front cross-sectional view of the projectile launcher after the seal on the mouth  148  of the cartridge  114  has been punctured. 
       FIG. 8  is a detailed view of the receiver  102  showing the selector switch  136 . In this example, the selector switch  136  is in safe mode. As discussed above, however, the selector switch  136  may be used to select a safe, semi-automatic, and full automatic mode. 
       FIG. 9  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the receiver  102  with the selector switch  136  in safe mode. In the example shown, the trigger  120  is coupled with a trigger assist  160  (which is a rear trigger in the embodiment) using a spring  162 . The trigger assist  160  moves under the bias of a first spring  162  and a second spring  164 . The trigger assist  160  pivots about pivot pin  168 , but movement is limited by stop  170 . A sear  172  is interposed between the trigger assist  160  and a rear bolt  174 . In this example, the sear  172  is disposed on a pivot pin  176  and is biased by a spring  178  to urge engagement with the rear bolt  174 . As shown, the trigger assist  160  includes a ridge  180  that engages a first end of the sear  172  while a second end  184  of the sear  172  engages a ridge  186  on the rear bolt  174 . When in the cocked position, such as shown, actuation of the trigger assist  160  releases the rear bolt  174  from the sear  172 . As discussed below, releasing the rear bolt  174  causes the rear bolt to move under the urging of a drive spring  173  ( FIG. 22 ) into a stem  188  of the valve assembly  118 , thereby releasing compressed gas from the chamber  152 . 
     In the safe mode, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the selector switch  136  blocks a rear portion  190  of the trigger assist, thereby preventing the trigger assist  160  from actuating the sear  172 . Even if the user pulls the trigger  120  sufficiently to overcome the force of spring  162 , such as shown in  FIG. 10 , the selector switch  136  prevents movement of the trigger assist  160 , thereby preventing actuation of the sear to prevent firing of the projectile launcher  100 . 
       FIGS. 11-15  show a detailed cross-sectional view of the receiver  102  with the mode selector switch  136  in the semi-automatic mode progressing through a firing sequence. In this mode, the geometry of the selector switch  136  is such that the rear portion  190  of the trigger assist  120  is not impeded (as it was in safe mode) and can freely move when a user actuates the trigger  120 . However, the selector switch  136  is configured to block a piston  192  when in the semi-automatic mode. As explained below with respect to the full automatic mode, the piston  192  has a leading end  196  that actuates the back portion  194  of the trigger assist  160  to reset the trigger assist  160  in full automatic mode. In the semi-automatic mode, as mentioned above, the selector switch  136  blocks a portion of the piston to prevent movement. As a result, the piston  192  remains stationary in the semi-automatic mode due to the selector switch  136 . When the trigger  120  is pulled in this mode, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the force of the spring  162  is sufficient such that the trigger  120  and trigger assist  160  move in unison. As a result, the ridge  180  of the trigger assist  160  actuates the first end  182  of the sear  172 , which rotates the sear  172  about the pivot pin  176 . This releases the second end  184  of the sear  172  from the ridge  186  of the rear bolt  174 . Due to a drive spring  173  urging the rear bolt  174  toward the valve stem  188 , a leading end of the rear bolt  174  impacts the valve stem  188  to shift the position of the valve assembly  118 . When the valve assembly  118  shifts in this manner, this vents compressed gas from chamber  158  to propel a projectile out of the projectile launcher  100 . At the same time, there is a fluid path to propel the rear bolt  174  rearward to reset the rear bolt  174  with respect to the sear  172  for firing another projectile. Likewise, another fluid path to a flow control valve  198  supplies compressed gas to the piston  192 , but the piston does not shift due to the obstruction caused by the selector switch  136  in the semi-automatic mode. 
       FIG. 14  shows the rear bolt  174  after traveling rearward due to compressed gas to recock, which latches the second end  184  of the sear  172  with the ridge  186  of the rear bolt  174 . 
       FIG. 15  shows the trigger after the user has released the trigger. As discussed above, the user must pull the trigger  120  each time to propel a projectile  108  out of the projectile launcher  100  in the semi-automatic mode. 
       FIGS. 16 through 21  are detailed side cross-sectional views of the receiver  102  with the selector switch  136  set to the full automatic mode showing a firing sequence. In this mode, the selector switch  136  does not impede movement of the trigger assist  160 , nor does the selector switch  136  impede movement of the piston  192 .  FIG. 16  shows the projectile launcher  100  in a cocked position ready to be fired. 
       FIG. 17  shows the projectile launcher  100  after the trigger  120  has been pulled by the user. As with the semi-automatic mode, the force of spring  162  is sufficient so that trigger assist  160  moves to actuate the sear  172 , which releases the rear bolt  174 . The drive spring  173  urges the rear bolt to impact the stem  188  of the valve assembly  118 , as shown in  FIG. 18 , which vents the compressed gas from the chamber  158 . As discussed above, the vented gas has three fluid paths in this embodiment. First, the vented gas is directed toward the projectile in the breech area, which propels the projectile out of the projectile launcher  100 . Second, a fluid path is directed to the leading edge of the rear bolt  174  which causes the rear bolt  174  to travel rearward to be recocked. A third fluid path  200  directs compressed gas through flow control valve  198  to piston  192 . 
       FIG. 19  shows the rear bolt  174  having traveled rearwardly to be recocked. 
       FIG. 20  shows the compressed gas directed to the piston  192  and shifted the piston  192  (leftward in this view) so that the leading end  196  has actuated the back portion  194  of the trigger assist  160  to reset the position of the trigger assist  160  overcoming the force of spring  162 . In contrast of existing trigger assist devices, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,468 for a “Trigger Assist Mechanism and Method,” the trigger  120  does not move when the trigger assist  160  is reset. Accordingly, the user&#39;s trigger finger does not flutter back-and-forth when the launcher  100  goes through firing cycles. Instead, the trigger  120  stays in the same position when the user continues to pull the trigger  120  to continue firing. Since the user has continued to pull the trigger  120  in this example, when the piston  192  shifts back to its original position, the spring  162  urges the first end  182  of the sear  172 , thereby releasing the rear bolt, as shown in  FIG. 21 . Through this action, the rear bolt will cause the firing of the projectile launcher  100  repeatedly as the user continues to pull the trigger  120 . In this manner, the piston  192  will reciprocate back and forth as compressed gas is vented from the chamber  158  to reset the trigger assist  160  against the force of the spring  162 , thereby continuing to fire the projectile launcher  100 . 
       FIG. 22  is a side cross-sectional view of the projectile launcher  100  with an input fitting  202  defining a fluid path between the cartridge  114  and the chamber  158 . With the input fitting  202 , this blocks the fluid path  204  to a remote line or tank adapter, as shown in other figures. 
       FIGS. 23 and 24  show fluid paths to the projectile, rear bolt  174 , and piston  192 . 
       FIG. 25  shows the fluid path  200  to the piston  192  through the flow control valve  198 . In this embodiment, the user may adjust the amount of flow through the flow control valve  198 , which affects the speed by which the piston  192  reciprocates in full automatic mode. In this manner, the user can control the rate of fire of the projectile launcher  100  in the full automatic mode. In some embodiments, the flow control valve  198  may only restrict flow from the piston  192 . In such embodiments, the piston  192  would extend the trigger assist  160  with full movement, but would restrict with a slower movement. 
       FIG. 26  shows an embodiment with an input fitting that allows fluid flow between fluid path  204  and the chamber  158 . In this manner, a remote line fitting  115  may be attached with a grip  110  for remotely connecting a compressed gas cylinder. In this configuration, the remote line would supply compressed gas to the projectile launcher  100 . 
       FIG. 27  is similar to  FIG. 26 , but with a tank adapter  116  connected to the grip  110  instead of a remote line fitting  115 . Accordingly, the projectile launcher  100  could be used with either a compressed gas tank that is directly connected to the tank adapter  116 , or through a remote cylinder of compressed gas using the remote line fitting  115 . 
       FIG. 28  shows an embodiment in which the input fitting allows flow between either the cartridge  114  or the remote line fitting  115 . 
       FIG. 29  is similar to  FIG. 28  but with a tank adapter  116 , rather than the remote line fitting  115  attached to the grip  110 . 
     Accordingly, the launcher  100  may be supplied compressed gas using multiple configurations. For example, the user may decide to supply compressed gas using a cartridge  114 . In such a configuration, the user would place a new cartridge  114  into the cavity  144  of the magazine  122  and then insert the magazine  122  into the receiver  102  with sufficient force such that the piercing pin  150  pierces a seal covering the mouth  148  of the cartridge  114 . Compressed gas will then flow out of the cartridge  114  through the input fitting  202  into the chamber  158 . It would be the user&#39;s choice whether to have a remote line  115  or tank adapter  116  attached to the grip, such as shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 . With this configuration, a check valve  220  in the remote line  115  or tank adapter  116  prevents compressed gas from being released out the grip  110 . Although this would allow quick change over to a tank or remote canister from the cartridge  114 , the user may prefer to remove the remote line  115  or tank adapter  116  for a more realistic appearance, such as shown in  FIG. 22 . In this configuration, the input fitting  202  blocks the flow to fluid path  204 . Accordingly, the input fitting  202  prevents escape of compressed gas out the grip  110  by blocking fluid path  204 . 
     In some circumstances, the user may want to configure the launcher  100  to be supplied with compressed gas from either a canister connected to the remote line  115  or a tank connected with the tank adapter  116 . With either of these configurations, the user may place a used cartridge  114  into the cavity  144 . The seal  158  surrounding the mouth  148  of the cartridge  114  prevents compressed gas from escaping out the magazine  144 . If the user does not want to place a used cartridge  114  into the cavity  144 , an input fitting  202  could be used to block the fluid path normally used for supplying compressed gas from a cartridge  114 , which prevents escape of compressed gas from the magazine  144 . In some embodiments a check valve could be used to prevent escape of compressed gas from the magazine  144 . In some circumstances, the puncture assembly could be removed from the receiver  102 , such as shown in  FIGS. 26-27 . With the puncture assembly removed, the user could use a high-capacity magazine with the launcher  100 , which would hold more projectiles than magazine  122 . For example, the receiver  102  may be compatible with certain after-market or third party high-capacity magazines with the puncture assembly removed. The G&amp;G 450 Rounds Hi-Cap Airsoft Gun Magazine by G&amp;G or the KWA M4/M16 A.E.G. 360 rds HI-CAP Airsoft Magazine, which are both available on Amazon.com, are examples of high capacity magazines that could be used. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, from the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the invention and various changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.