Patent Publication Number: US-7913679-B2

Title: Valve assembly for a compressed gas gun

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/578,431, filed Jun. 10, 2004, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a valve assembly for a compressed gas gun, and a compressed gas gun incorporating the valve assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Paintball is a sporting game having two teams of players usually trying to capture one another&#39;s flag. The sport is played on a large field with opposing home bases at each end. Each team&#39;s flag is located at the player&#39;s home base. In addition, all of the players have compressed gas guns, referred to herein as either “compressed gas guns” or “paintball markers”, that shoot projectiles commonly referred to as paintballs. These paintballs are generally spherical gelatin capsules filled with paint. During play of the sport, the players on each team advance towards the opposing team&#39;s base in hopes of stealing the opposing team&#39;s flag, without being eliminated from the war game. A player is eliminated from the game when the player is hit by a paintball fired from an opposing player&#39;s marker. When the paintball hits a player, a “splat” of paint is left on the player. 
     Compressed gas guns (launching mechanisms) using compressed gas or air for firing projectiles are well known. As used herein, compressed gas gun refers to any gun or similar launching mechanism for use in sport wherein a projectile is fired via the force of compressed gas, and includes paintball markers. As used herein, projectiles refers to both paintballs, and other projectiles used in sport and game play. 
     Paintball markers have two basic mechanisms working in conjunction for firing a paintball from the marker during a firing operation. One of these mechanisms is for loading a paintball in the breech of a paintball marker, and usually involves a bolt that reciprocates from a loading position, allowing a projectile into the breech, to a firing position. A valving system is employed to release compressed gas from a source of compressed gas to fire the projectile from the marker. 
     Several types of compressed gas guns are available in the paintball sport field. These fall into two main classes or “actions”: the “open bolt” action and the “closed bolt” action. 
     In the open bolt action, two chambers (upper and lower) are provided in a gun body. The upper chamber houses the bolt. The lower chamber houses a hammer and a valve, such as a pin type or poppet valve, also referred to as an exhaust or firing valve. The valve that controls the opening and closing of a flow passage between a high pressure chamber, and the upper chamber and bolt. The bolt moves during firing and returns to the loading (open) position after firing, in most cases by “blow back” gas pressure, thus the term “open bolt.” A spring biases the bolt and/or hammer forward. The bolt and hammer are sometimes connected by a mechanical linkage, thus moving together. When the bolt is cocked in the loading position, the hammer is held in place such as by a sear. Releasing the sear by actuation (pulling) of the trigger allows the hammer and bolt to move forward by spring force. The bolt, in the firing position, is in alignment with the flow passage of the valve. In the firing position, the hammer impacts the valve, releasing high pressure compressed gas. The compressed gas flow through the flow passage, through the aperture in the bolt, and fires the chambered projectile. 
     In the closed bolt action, the bolt and hammer are arranged to move independently, thereby allowing for less “bounce” or “kick” when the gun is fired, since the bolt is not moving when the valve released compressed gas. The “closed bolt” action is referred to as such because the bolt is in the firing position, and paintballs are already chamber, prior to a mechanism such as a hammer opening the valve. In a closed bolt action paintball marker, a projectile is already chambered, and when the trigger is pulled, the hammer is released, striking the valve and sending gas through the bolt, thus firing a paintball. 
     A cross sectional side view of an illustrative prior art closed bolt mechanically cocking, or “automatically cocking,” compressed gas gun  200  is shown in  FIG. 19 . A close bolt compressed gas gun  200  of the “automatically cocking” closed bolt action has a gun body  202 , having an upper chamber or breech  204 , and a lower chamber  206 . The lower chamber  206  houses firing components, including a cocking rod  208  which projects rearwardly from the gun body, and has a hammer  210  at its forward end. The hammer  210  is biased forward by a cocking spring  212  in the rear of the lower chamber  206 . 
     A firing valve  214  is provided in the lower chamber having a stem  216  facing the hammer  210 , and a valve seat  218  on the opposite side of the firing valve  214 . The firing valve  214  is normally of a spring-biased poppet valve, as is known in the art. A high pressure chamber  240  receives compressed gas under pressure from a compressed gas source (not shown) adjacent the seat  218 . Generally, in the sport of paintball for example, the source of high pressure compressed gas is a compressed gas tank, as is well known in the art. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the upper chamber  204  houses a bolt  220  having an aperture  222  therethrough. The bolt  220  is attached to a back block  224 . Projectiles  226 , such as paintballs, are received in the upper chamber  204  via an infeed opening  227 . 
     A ram  228  is provided as a means for reciprocating the back block  224 . The ram  228  performs as a pneumatically operated piston, and is connected to the back block  224  via a linking rod  230 . A valve  232 , generally of the “three-way” variety, positioned at a forward portion of the gun  200 , is used to control the supply compressed gas to move the ram  228 . In mechanically operating guns, a trigger  234  housed in a trigger frame  248  is mechanically linked to the valve  232 . Actuating (pulling) the trigger  234  mechanically operates the three-way valve  232 , allowing compressed gas to move the ram  228  which in turn moves the linking rod  230  and back block  224  rearward, placing the bolt in a loading position. 
     The cocking rod  208  is additionally moved rearward by the movement of the back block  224 , which catches the rear end of the cocking rod  208  during the back block&#39;s rearward movement. By movement of the cocking rod  208 , the hammer  210  is placed in a “cocked” position, with sear  236  holding hammer  210  in a cocked position. When the trigger is pulled and the sear  236  is released, it operates the three-way valve, which allows compressed gas to contact the rearward portion of the ram. The back block  224  moves forward, biasing the bolt  220  to a firing position. Pulling (actuating) the trigger moves the sear  236  away from the hammer  210 , the hammer  210  is now released for forward motion, the spring  212  biases the hammer  210  forward to hit the valve stem  216 . Upon contact by the hammer  210 , the firing valve  214  opens to send compressed gas through the bolt  220 , and the projectile  226  is fired. The bolt  220  will remain in the firing position (closed bolt) until the next firing operation is initiated by the trigger. A compressed gas gun  10  of the closed bolt “automatically cocking” closed bolt action type is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,763,822. While a mechanically operated paintball marker of the “automatically cocking” closed bolt type is shown, electronic closed bolt markers are available that operate with electronically operated trigger or valving systems. 
     As can be discerned from the above description, the mechanical back block, cocking rod and sear arrangement is not efficient, nor is the ram/three-way valve arrangement. 
     The consistency which compressed gas is released to fire a projectile greatly impacts the accuracy of a paintball marker. It would be advantageous to have a compressed gas gun where a novel valve mechanism is provided in place of the known assemblies discussed above. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a novel valve assembly for a compressed gas gun. The novel valve assembly can be utilized in either a closed bolt or an open bolt action compressed gas gun, although it is preferred that the novel valve assembly be incorporated into a closed bolt action compressed gas gun. 
     A valve assembly according to the present invention includes a valve housing having a first end and a second end. A selectively closeable flow path runs through the valve housing. A valve body is disposed in the valve housing. The valve body is moveable, by the force of compressed gas (pneumatically) and/or by a spring, from a first position closing the flow path to a second position opening the flow path. The valve body has a channel therethrough. A secondary chamber is located on a side of the valve body opposite the flow path in communication with the channel. An exhaust port is provided in communication with the secondary chamber. A selectively actuable solenoid is provided adjacent the secondary exhaust port, the solenoid is adapted to selectively open the secondary exhaust port. 
     A compressed gas gun utilizing the valve assembly of the present invention includes a compressed gas gun body having a breech, and a bolt moveable within the breech from a loading position to a firing position. The bolt has an aperture therethrough. A valve assembly is provided, including a valve housing having a first end and a second end. A selectively closeable flow path runs through the valve housing. A valve body is disposed in the valve housing. The valve body is pneumatically moveable from a first position closing the flow path to a second position opening the flow path. The valve body has a channel therethrough. A secondary chamber is provided located on a side of the valve body opposite the flow path in communication with the channel. An exhaust port is provided in communication with the secondary chamber. A solenoid is provided adjacent the secondary exhaust port, the solenoid adapted to selectively open the secondary exhaust port. The aperture of the bolt is positioned for fluid communication with the flow path when the bolt is in the firing position and the valve assembly is in the open position. A second valve assembly according to the present invention may be provided for controlling the pneumatic movement of the bolt. 
     The present invention is also directed to a method for converting a closed bolt action compressed gas gun with a valve assembly of the present invention. 
     The present invention eliminates the cocking rod and hammer arrangement, and may also eliminate the ram and/or the three-way valve, of known “automatically cocking” closed bolt compressed gas guns, and provides a simple, efficient pneumatic firing system that may be electronically controlled. An open bolt arrangement using the novel valve assembly of the present invention is also provided. In addition, the valve assembly of the present invention can be used to replace existing valves in compressed gas guns to increase performance. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent arts upon reading the following detailed description of a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, which illustrates the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  shows a top plan view of a first embodiment of a valve assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a sectional view the valve assembly of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2 , with the valve assembly in the closed position. 
         FIG. 3  shows a sectional view the valve assembly of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 , with the valve assembly in the open position. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side sectional view of a compressed gas gun utilizing a firing valve assembly of the present invention and a forward valve assembly of the present invention, in a ready-to-fire position. 
         FIG. 4A  shows a detailed close up view of the forward valve assembly shown in  FIG. 4  in a ready-to-fire position. 
         FIG. 5  shows a side sectional view of the compressed gas gun shown in  FIG. 4 , in a firing position. 
         FIG. 5A  shows a detailed close up view of the forward valve assembly shown in  FIG. 5  in a firing position. 
         FIG. 6  shows a front plan view of the compressed gas gun shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a side sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 , showing the bolt piston passage of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a valve assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a sectional view the valve assembly of the present invention shown in  FIG. 8 , taken along line  9 - 9 , with the valve assembly in the closed position. 
         FIG. 10  shows an exploded isometric view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  shows a side sectional view of a compressed gas gun employing the valve assembly of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a valve assembly replacement unit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows a side sectional view of a closed bolt “automatically cocking” style compressed gas gun modified to incorporate a valve assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows a top plan view of a further embodiment of a valve assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows a sectional view the valve assembly of the present invention shown in  FIG. 14 , taken along line  15 - 15 , with the valve assembly in the closed position. 
         FIG. 16  shows a sectional view the valve assembly of the present invention shown in  FIG. 14 , with the valve assembly in the open position. 
         FIG. 17  shows a side sectional view of a compressed gas gun employing the valve assembly of  FIG. 16  with the gun in the ready to fire position. 
         FIG. 17A  shows a close up view of the valve assembly shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18  shows a side sectional view of the compressed gas gun of  FIG. 17 , in the firing position. 
         FIG. 18A  shows a close up view of the valve assembly shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 19  shows a prior art mechanical closed bolt style compressed gas gun. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Certain terminology is used in the following detailed description for convenience only and is not considered limiting. Several embodiments of a valve assembly of the present invention and a compressed gas gun incorporating the valve assembly is disclosed here and in the Figures. For clarity, within this document all reference to the top and bottom of the compressed gas gun and valve assembly will correspond to the compressed gas gun as oriented in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  11 , and  13 . Likewise, all reference to the front or forward portion of said compressed gas gun and valve assembly will correspond to the leftmost part of said gun as viewed in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  11 , and  13 , and all reference to the rear portion of said compressed gas gun and valve assembly will correspond to the rightmost part of said compressed gas gun and valve assembly as viewed in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  11 , and  13 . The words “upper” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “forward” and “rear” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Additionally, the terms “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically noted. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , valve assembly  32  is provided, which may be sized to extend along the lower portion of a gun body  12 , shown in  FIG. 4 , as will be further described below. The valve assembly  32  of the present invention may be used to replace “Nelson-style” or poppet valves normally used in “automatically cocking” type closed bolt paintball markers. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a high pressure chamber  34  is provided adjacent the valve assembly  32  and in communication with the valve assembly  32  via opening  20 , which may be selectively closed off as will be described. It is expected that compressed gas at a high pressure will be supplied to the high pressure chamber  34  from a source of compressed gas (not shown), such as a compressed gas tank. The high pressure compressed gas will flow through opening  20  from the high pressure chamber  34  into a valve housing  46  of the valve assembly  32  via opening  20 . 
     In one embodiment, of the valve assembly  32  a valve body  48  (which may be a spool or poppet valve or other acceptable valve body) is located within the valve housing  46 . The valve housing  46  has a main valve port  47  provided as an opening in the valve housing  46  for communication of compressed gas from a compressed gas source. The main valve port  47  comprises part of the flow passage  70 , described in greater detail below. 
     The valve body  48  is moveable from a ready-to-fire or first position, shown in  FIG. 2 , to a firing or second position as shown in  FIG. 3 . The valve body  48  has a channel  50  therethrough. The valve body  48  may be formed having a second portion  75  that is opposite to and larger than a first portion  52 . 
     In a ready-to-fire or first position or closed position, the first or forward end or portion  52  of valve body  48  rests against seat  54  adjacent opening  20 . In a firing position or second position or open position, valve body  48  is moved away from seat  54 , as will be described in greater detail below. A flow passage  70  (also referred to as a “flow path”, both “flow passage” and “flow path” being used interchangeably herein) is provided through the valve housing  46  and provides fluid communication between the high pressure chamber  34  and the aperture  30  of the bolt  18  of a compressed gas gun (shown in  FIG. 4 ) when the valve body  48  is moved away from seat  54 , thereby placing the valve assembly in an open position. An O-ring receiving space  56  may be provided along the valve body  48 , for receiving an O-ring  49 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , to seal a secondary chamber  58  from the flow path  70 . 
     A secondary chamber  58  is provided adjacent the second or rearward portion  62  of the valve body  48 . The secondary chamber  58  is located within the valve housing  46  opposite opening  20 . A secondary exhaust port  60  is provided as a channel running through the second portion  62  of the valve housing  46 , which, when open, provides fluid communication between secondary chamber  58  and exhaust channel  63 . 
     A solenoid  64  is provided adjacent the secondary exhaust port  60 . The solenoid  64  includes a solenoid plunger  66 , having a sealing portion  68 . The solenoid  64  is electrically operable by actuation of the trigger  24 , as will be described in greater detail below. The sealing portion  68  may be formed as a plug from an elastic material adapted for sealing air or gas channels, such as, for example, any rubber or silicone material. The solenoid plunger  66  is moveable, such that in a first or loading position shown in  FIG. 2 , the sealing portion  68  closes secondary exhaust port  60 . The solenoid plunger  66  is biased to the first position by a solenoid spring  67 . While the use of a “pull type” solenoid, biasing the solenoid plunger  66  against the bias of the solenoid spring  67  when the solenoid is actuated, is described, it is appreciated that other solenoid or valve arrangements could be used, as are known to those in the art. 
     The second portion  75  of the valve body  48  divides the valve housing  46  into a first pressure area  71  including the portions of the valve body  48  in contact with compressed gas forward of the second portion  75 , and a second pressure area  72 , including the portions of the valve body  48  in contact with compressed gas rearward of the second portion  75  when the solenoid  64  is not activated, and secondary exhaust port  60  is closed. It is appreciated that high pressure gas acts on both sides of the second portion  75 . The movement of the valve body  48 , is controlled, at least in part, by the different pressure forces acting on the valve body  48  from the first pressure area  71  and the second pressure area  72 . 
     When the solenoid  64  is inactivate, the sealing portion  68  of the solenoid plunger  66  closes the secondary exhaust port  60 , and compressed gas flows through the channel  50  in the valve body  48 , from the high pressure chamber  34  to collect in the secondary chamber  58 . When the secondary exhaust port  60  is closed, the effective surface area, or pressure area, in the second pressure area  72  is greater than effective surface area, or pressure area, in the high pressure chamber  34 . The compressed gas accumulated in the second pressure area  72  exerts a pressure force on the valve body  48  that is greater than the opposing pressure force exerted by the compressed gas in the high pressure chamber  34 , forcing the valve body to a first or closed position, with at least a portion of the first portion  52  of valve body  48  pressed against seat  54 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     It is appreciated that, rather than a channel  50  running through the valve body  48  to channel compressed gas from the high pressure chamber  34  to the secondary chamber  58 , other channels in the gun body  12  or hoses or ports in the valve housing  46  could be employed to accomplish the same effect, so long as compressed gas is channeled to the secondary chamber  58 . 
     When the sealing portion  68  of the solenoid plunger  66  is moved away from the secondary exhaust port  60 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , opening secondary exhaust port  60 , the compressed gas in the secondary chamber  58  is vented to exhaust channel  63 , and may be vented to atmosphere from exhaust channel  63 . Preferably, the solenoid plunger  66  is adapted to move quickly and return to its original position. With the decrease in pressure in the second pressure area  72 , the pressure force in the high pressure chamber  34  forces the valve body  48  away from the seat  54 , opening the valve assembly  32 . Other assemblies for venting compressed gas from the secondary chamber  58  can be used, as are know in the art, including solenoid valves, mechanical valves, mechanical stoppers, pistons, flaps, and the like. 
     When the valve body  48  is in the second position, which is considered the “open” or firing position, flow passage  70  is opened, thereby allowing compressed gas from the high pressure chamber  34  to flow through flow passage  70 . The compressed gas flowing through the flow passage  70  of the valve assembly  32  may, for example, be used to fire a projectile from the compressed gas gun, as will be described in greater detail below. The valve assembly of the present invention may also be used to control the movement of the bolt of a compressed gas gun, as shown in  FIG. 4 , and as will be described in greater detail below. 
     To close the valve body  48 , the secondary chamber  58  is closed when the solenoid plunger  66  returns to an inactivated or ready-to-fire position, sealing secondary exhaust port  60 . The secondary chamber  58  re-fills with compressed gas flowing thru the channel  50 . The compressed gas pressure balance again shifts the valve assembly  32  to a closed position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-5 , an embodiment of a compressed gas gun  10  having the valve assembly  32  of the present invention is shown. The compressed gas gun  10  shown in  FIGS. 4-5  is of the closed bolt action type, similar to the type described above and described in detail in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/064,693, filed Feb. 23, 2005, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , compressed gas gun  10  has a gun body  12 , which has an upper chamber  14  and a lower chamber  44 . The lower chamber  44  of the gun body  12  houses the valve assembly  32 , previously described. A valve assembly  32  according to the present invention is positioned in the lower chamber  44 . A pressure regulator adaptor  38  may be provided at a lower portion of the compressed gas gun body  12 , in communication with the high pressure chamber  34 . The pressure regulator adaptor  38  may be used to receive a regulator for adjustment of the operation of the compressed gas gun, as is known in the art. It is appreciated that a compressed gas gun utilizing the valve assembly of the present invention may not be equipped with a pressure regulator without departing from the present invention. In addition, an attached or “in-line” low pressure regulator may be used to adjust the compressed gas pressure from the compressed gas source. 
     The gun body  12 , shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , has a breech  16  which chambers projectiles  26  for firing. A projectile infeed tube  28  is provided for receiving projectiles  26  into the breech  16 . The infeed tube  28  may be attached to a projectile hopper or loader (not shown) mounted on top of the compressed gas gun  10 . A barrel  22  may be permanently or removeably attached to the gun body  12 , such as by threaded engagement. Gun body  12  may have a firing port  15  providing fluid communication with the main valve port  47  of the valve assembly  32 , and adapted to supply compressed gas to the bolt aperture  30  of the bolt  18  when the bolt  18  is in the firing position. 
     A trigger frame  92  having a grip portion  94  may also be attached to the gun body  12 . The trigger frame  92  includes a trigger guard  98  that protects the trigger  24 , and may also house assemblies, a power source such as a battery  40 , and electronic control circuitry  96  for operation of components of the compressed gas gun, described in greater detail below. The electronic control circuitry  96  may include a microprocessor for controlling a firing operation of the gun  10 . 
     A bolt  18  is provided within the breech  16 . The bolt  18  has a bolt aperture  30  therethrough, permitting the passage of compressed gas for firing a projectile. The bolt  18  is moveable from a first, forward, or firing position adjacent the forward end of the upper chamber  14  as shown in  FIG. 4 , to a second, rearward or loading position adjacent a rear of the upper chamber  14 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     A novel valve assembly and mechanism for operating the bolt of a compressed gas is also provided. In the example, the compressed gas gun is of the closed bolt type action. It is appreciated that in the closed bolt arrangement of the valve assembly  32  of the present invention, the bolt  18  moves completely independently of the valve assembly  32  (which can be considered the “firing” valve assembly for firing projectiles  26  from the gun  10 ), and the bolt movement is not dependent on operation of the valve assembly  32 . In addition, the compressed gas flowing through the valve assembly  32  is not used to move the bolt  18 , with the bolt  18  operated independently by a separate valve and or a combination of a separate valve and spring, as described in detail below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-5A , high pressure chamber  34  has a first chamber  78  toward the front of the gun  10 . A valve assembly  80  according to the present invention is provided at a forward end  100  of the first chamber  78 . As previously described and shown in detail in  FIG. 4   a , valve assembly  80  has a valve housing  82 , valve body  84 , channel  86  through the valve body  84 , and a seat  90 . Valve housing  82  has a main valve port  83  that makes up at least part of a flow passage  108 . Valve housing  82  may be in fluid communication with first chamber  78  via selectively closeable opening  79  in valve housing. 
     The valve body  84  has a first portion  88  and a rear portion  76  and a second portion  114 . The second portion  114  of the valve body  84  has at least a portion that is preferably larger than first portion  88  and rear portion  76  of the valve body  84 . The second portion  114  of the valve body  84  divides the valve assembly into a first pressure area  128  rearward, in  FIG. 4A , of the valve body  84 , and a second pressure area  130  forward of the valve body  84 . 
     The valve housing  82  has a secondary chamber  110  at a second portion  114  of the valve housing  82 . A secondary exhaust port  112  is provided. A solenoid  102  is provided, having a solenoid plunger  104  biased by a solenoid spring  105 , with a sealing portion  106  adapted to close the secondary exhaust port  112 . As can be seen from  FIGS. 4 and 4   a , the valve assembly  80  is in the reverse orientation of the valve assembly  32  previously described, with the solenoid  102  forward the valve housing  82 . Ports  81 ( a ) and  81 ( b ) are provided in the valve housing  82  as drilled holes in the valve housing  82  communicating to atmosphere. When the valve assembly  80  is in the closed position with the valve body  84  resting against seat  90  sealing the valve housing, gas in the first pressure area  128  may vent to atmosphere through ports  81 ( a ) and  81 ( b ). When the valve assembly  80  is in the open position, ports  81 ( a ) and  81 ( b ) are closed off by the valve body  84  while the flow passage  108  is open. 
     It is appreciated that either valve assembly  32  or valve assembly  80  may be oriented in a different direction than pictured in the attached Figures and described herein, such as vertically oriented in relation to the longitudinal axis of the gun  10 , with either the valve housing positioned top-most, or the solenoid positioned top-most. The orientation of either valve assembly  32  or valve assembly  80  may be changed according to the needs of a user, and is not limited to the orientations shown in the attached Figures. 
     The bolt  18  may be operated by the novel valve assembly  80  according to the present invention as follows. First chamber  78  receives compressed gas from a compressed gas source (not shown). When the solenoid  102  is not activated, sealing portion  106  of solenoid plunger  104  closes secondary exhaust port  112 , and the valve assembly  80  operates as previously described. According to this embodiment, a bolt spring  124  is provided rearward of the bolt  18  in the upper chamber  14 . Bolt spring  124  biases bolt  18  to the forward or firing position. 
     According to this embodiment, a flow passage  108  is provided between the first chamber  78  and a bolt piston passage  116 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . A port  118  may be provided running through the gun body  12 , and providing fluid communication between the first chamber  78  and the bolt piston passage  116  when the valve assembly  80  is in the open position. The flow passage  108  is closed when the valve assembly  80  is in the closed position, and any gas in the bolt piston passage  116  may vent to atmosphere through ports  81 ( a ) and  81 ( b ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , bolt piston passage  116  runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gun  10 , and houses bolt piston  120 . Bolt piston  120  is adapted to moved from a first or forward position to a second or rearward position within the bolt piston passage  116  by pneumatic force, against the bias of bolt spring  124 . In its rearward position, bolt piston  120  contacts bolt pin  122 , which may be an extension of the bolt  18  projecting into a bolt receiving pin channel  126  formed as the rearward portion of the bolt piston passage  116 . The bolt pin  122  may be a link pin inserted into the bolt  18  and projecting into the bolt receiving pin channel  126 . The bolt pin  122  may alternately be an extension of the bolt  18  projecting into a rearward potion of the bolt piston passage  116  adapted to receive the bolt pin  122 . 
     When valve assembly  80  is opened by actuating solenoid  102 , the flow passage  108  is opened, and bolt piston  120  moves rearwardly under pressure from compressed gas flowing through flow passage  108 , until it contacts bolt pin  122 . The compressed gas pressure flowing through flow passage  108  must be forceful enough to overcome bias of bolt spring  124 . Further rearward movement of bolt piston  120  will move bolt pin  122  rearward, thereby “cocking” the gun  10  by moving the bolt  18  to a loading position. In the loading position, a projectile  26  can move from the infeed tube  28  to the breech  16 . 
     Once the solenoid  102  ceases being actuated, valve assembly  80  closes, based on the pressure in the second chamber  110  increasing and moving the valve body  84  to a closed position against the seat  90 , closing flow passage  108 , and venting compressed gas from bolt piston passage  116  to atmosphere through ports  81 ( a ) and  81 ( b ). The compressed gas pressure in the bolt piston passage  116  is no longer sufficient to overcome the bias of bolt spring  124 . Thus, bolt spring  124  moves bolt  18  to its forward or firing position. As bolt  18  moves forward, the bolt pin  122  contacts bolt piston  120 , and bolt piston  120  is returned to the forward portion of the bolt piston passage  116 . 
     During the firing operation of a closed bolt action design of a compressed gas gun using one or more valve assemblies according to the present invention, the electronic control circuitry  96  may be set to cycle the valve assemblies  32 ,  80  upon actuation (pulling) of the trigger, to provide for firing of the gun by first having the bolt cycle from a forward or firing position, to a rearward or loading position, and back to a firing position thereby chambering a projectile, and then having a valve assembly such as valve assembly  32  operate to provide high pressure compressed gas for firing a chambered projectile. Thus, where a forward valve assembly  80  is employed for moving the bolt  18 , upon actuation of the trigger, the solenoid  102  will be actuated, and valve assembly  80  will open and close, thereby causing the bolt  18  to cycle from a loading position to a firing position to chamber a projectile. Then, the valve assembly  32  would be actuated for firing the projectile. 
     Once bolt  18  is in its firing position, the bolt aperture  30  is positioned adjacent firing port  15 , and is therefore in fluid communication with the flow passage  70  of valve assembly  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-5 . When valve assembly  32  is open, high pressure compressed gas escaping through flow passage  70  and firing port  15  will flow through bolt aperture  30 , firing projectile  26  through the barrel  22 , thus completing a firing operation. 
     An alternate embodiment of the valve assembly is shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . As shown in detail in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , valve assembly  132  has a valve housing  134  housing a valve body  136 . Valve housing  134  has a main valve port  133  making up at least part of flow passage  174 . Valve housing  134  has selectively closeable opening  135  for fluid communication with a high pressure chamber supplying compressed gas from a source of compressed gas. 
     The valve body  136  is moveable from a first, closed position as shown in  FIG. 9 , to a second, open position in which valve body  136  moves toward the second end  140  of the valve housing  134 , opening the opening  135  and flow path  174 . The first portion  176  of valve body  136  can be provided with an O-ring  180  to assist in closing flow passage  174 . The second portion  178  of valve body  136  may be provided with an O-ring  182  or “quad ring” to assist in maintaining compressed gas within secondary chamber  150 . The second portion  178  of valve body  136  is preferably sized to be larger than the first portion  176  of the valve body  136 . The second portion  178  of valve body  136  divides the valve assembly  132  into a first pressure area  188  and a second pressure area  189 . 
     A seat  142  is provided adjacent the first end  138  of the valve housing  134 . An channel  144  runs through the valve body  136 . A valve spring  146  is provided within the valve housing  134  adjacent the second end  140 , assisting in biasing the valve body  136  toward the seat  142 . An orifice plate  148  is provided adjacent the second end  140  of the valve housing  134  having an orifice channel  149 , and enclosing a secondary chamber  150  adjacent the second end  140  of the valve housing  134 . The orifice plate  148  has a secondary channel  152  therethrough. A solenoid  154  is provided having a solenoid plunger  156  and a sealing portion  158  is provided, for sealing the a secondary channel  152 . A solenoid spacer  159  can be provided for threadably or otherwise securing the solenoid  154  to the orifice plate  148 . A solenoid spring  155  biases the solenoid to a first position, sealing the a secondary channel  152 . A set screw may be provided in a threaded opening the valve housing  134 . A rod spacer  161  can be provided to fill the space in a gun body where a cocking rod and hammer of a prior art closed bolt compressed gas gun would be, when using valve assembly  132  as a replacement component. 
     This embodiment operates similar to the previously described embodiments, with the addition of a spring assist by spring  146  that works in conjunction with the effective surface area difference to return the valve body  136  to the closed position more quickly. A compressed gas gun  160  incorporating this embodiment is shown in  FIG. 11 . The compressed gas gun  160  has a gun body  162 , with an upper chamber  164  and a lower chamber  166 . The upper chamber  164  houses a bolt  168  moveable from a loading position to a firing position, having a bolt aperture  170  therethrough. 
     The valve assembly  132  is provided in lower chamber  166 . A high pressure chamber  172  is provided adjacent valve assembly  132  for supplying compressed gas from a compressed gas source to the valve assembly  132  via opening  135 . The gun  160  operates as previously described, with movement of the valve body  136  assisted by the valve spring  146 . Prior to initiating a firing operation, the valve spring  146  biases valve assembly  132  to a closed position. In addition, the movement of the valve body  136  to a closed position is assisted by compressed gas flowing through channel  144  from the high pressure chamber  172  to the secondary chamber  150  and accumulating in the secondary chamber  150 , as previously described. Due to the imbalance in pressure force on the valve body  136  caused by the difference in pressure on effective surface areas of first portion  176  if valve body  136  and first pressure area  188 , in comparison to the second pressure area  189 , the valve body  136  is forced against seat  142 , and the valve assembly  132  is in a closed position. 
     Actuating (pulling) the trigger  184  sends an electrical signal to actuate the solenoid  154 . Actuating the solenoid  154  moves solenoid plunger  156  away from secondary channel  152 . Compressed gas from the secondary chamber  150  vents through secondary channel  152 . The pressure imbalance forces valve body  136  toward the second end  140  of the valve housing  134 , against bias of valve spring  146 , opening flow passage  174 . When the bolt  168  is in the firing position, with bolt aperture aligned with flow passage  174 , compressed gas will flow through the valve housing  134  from the high pressure chamber  172  to the bolt aperture  170 , firing a projectile  186  from the gun  160 . The bolt  168  may be moved from a loading to a firing position as previously described, with a 3-way valve and ram arrangement as in the closed bolt “automatically cocking” style markers, or with compressed gas supplied to the forward end and rear end of the bolt. 
     When the solenoid  154  is not activated (electricity is no longer supplied), the solenoid plunger  156  will return to its original position, with the sealing portion  158  closing off the secondary channel  152 . The valve assembly  132  will then close. 
     It is appreciated that the valve housing may house the solenoid, or the solenoid may be included as a separate assembly. 
     Unique features of the valve assembly of the present invention are apparent. The valve assembly of the present invention uses the high pressure gas from a high pressure chamber to provide the force that opens and closes the valve. This means that no secondary regulation is required. It also means the valve assembly provides a valve and compressed gas gun using the valve with minimal parts and porting. 
     By using the high pressure compressed gas in the high pressure chamber to move the valve, the valve assembly can be opened and closed quickly and with virtually no lag time. This make for efficient use of air. 
     The valve assembly of the present invention can have the air channels or ports that allow communication between the front and back of the valve or spool drilled straight through the valve itself, eliminating costly or large ports or air lines. 
     The seal on the front of the valve can be adapted to any pressure or assembly method, including a face seal, a tapered seal, or a radial seal. 
     The valve assembly can also be used to close off or open up other channels or ports used by compressed gas guns. This can turn a valve from a “2-way” valve into a “3-way” or multi-way valve. 
     The valve assembly can be sized to operate at any pressure and flow rate making suitable as the main firing valve of a compressed gas gun, or as a secondary valve that moves a “bolt” to chamber a projectile. 
     Since only a small volume of air needs to be vented in order to allow the valve body to move, a very small secondary valve such as a solenoid can be used to accomplish this. 
     It is contemplated that a compressed gas gun made according to the present invention may include a bolt that reciprocates by a ram, rod and back block arrangement, or may include a bolt that reciprocates by blow back gas, a spring arrangement, or by alternately directing compressed gas to the forward and rearward portions of the bolt. Any means for reciprocating the bolt may be used without departing from the present invention. In the closed bolt arrangement, the bolt movement should be independent from the movement of the pneumatic assembly, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     The valve assembly of the present invention may also be used to convert an existing “automatically cocking” compressed gas gun to include the valve assembly disclosed herein. In that case, the original cocking rod, cocking spring, hammer and/or three-way valve may be replaced by one or more valve assemblies of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 13 , a prior art closed bolt “automatically cocking”-style gun  190  has been modified, with a valve assembly  32  of the present invention replacing the hammer  210 , cocking rod  208 , and cocking spring  212  shown in  FIG. 19 . In addition, the ram and piston may be replaced with a second valve assembly of the present invention, for operation of the bolt. In that case, the back block can also be eliminated. The valve assembly  32  can be offered as a single, “drop in” or replacement unit  192 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . A replacement unit may also be offered as a single unit comprising a high pressure chamber and a valve assembly in combination. 
     An “in-line” embodiment (as opposed to a “stacked” or top/bottom arrangement as in the previous embodiments), of a valve assembly according to the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 14-18A . The valve assembly  250  includes a valve housing  252  having a first end  256  and a second end  258 , housing a valve body  254 . The valve housing  252  defines a primary chamber  278  that houses at least a portion of the valve body  254  and a first pressure area  322 . The first end  256  of the valve housing  252  further includes an elongated wall  276  defining a main valve port  280 . A primary chamber  278  is provided adjacent the main valve port  280 , which will accumulate compressed gas. The valve housing  252  further defines a secondary chamber  290  and a second pressure area  324 . The secondary chamber  290  is provided adjacent the second end  258  of the valve housing  252 . 
     The valve body  254  has a first end  284  and a second end  285 . The valve body  254  is moveable within the valve housing  252  from a first position adjacent the first end  256  of valve housing  252 , to a second position adjacent the second end  258  of the valve housing. The valve body  254  is provided with an enlarged portion  260  positioned within channel  262  adjacent the second end  258  of the valve housing  252 . In the first position, the valve body  254  may selectively close a flow passage  326 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , provided adjacent the first end  256  of the valve housing  252  providing fluid communication between primary chamber  278  and main valve port  280  when the valve assembly  250  is in the open positioned. 
     Channel  262  runs along at least a portion of the length of valve body  254 . The enlarged portion  260  may be fitted with an O-ring  264  to assist in sealing the channel  262 . The valve body  254  has a first end  284  that is adapted to close opening  286  in main valve port  280  when the valve body  254  is in the first or closed position. 
     An inlet port  282  is provided as an opening in the valve housing  252  in communication with channel  262  forward the enlarged portion  260 . The inlet port  282  is adapted to receive compressed gas from a source of compressed gas (not shown). A secondary exhaust port  266  is provided adjacent the second end  258  of the valve housing  252 . 
     A solenoid  268  is provided adjacent the secondary exhaust port  266 . The solenoid  268  may be housed within the valve housing  252 , as shown in  FIGS. 14-18A , or may be a separate assembly. The solenoid  268  has a solenoid plunger  270  biased by a solenoid spring  269 , with a sealing portion  272  that closes off the secondary exhaust port  266 . 
     The valve assembly  250  operates as follows. When the solenoid is not activated, sealing portion  272  of solenoid plunger  270  closes secondary exhaust port  266 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . The enlarged portion  260  divides the valve assembly into a primary chamber  278  and a secondary chamber  290 . Compressed gas from a compressed gas source enters the inlet port  282 , and accumulates in the primary chamber  278  and the secondary chamber  290  as compressed gas from the primary chamber  278  passes through channel  262 . As previously described, due to the difference in the effective surface areas of the valve body  254  in the primary chamber  278  and the secondary chamber  290 , and the lack of pressure in the main valve port  280 , the pressure force of the compressed gas in the secondary chamber  290  biases the valve body  254  to the first end  256  of the valve housing  252 . The first end  284  of the valve body  254  rests against opening  286 , and closes main valve port  280 . 
     When the solenoid is activated, the solenoid plunger  270  is moved away from secondary exhaust port  266 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , and compressed gas in the secondary chamber  290  is vented, such as to atmosphere through exhaust opening  318 . The pressure force imbalance acting on the valve body  254  forces the valve body  254  toward the second end  258  of the valve housing  252 , thereby moving first end  284  of the valve body  254  away from opening  286 , and opening main valve port  280 . The high pressure compressed gas accumulated in the primary chamber  278  can now rush out of the valve housing  252  through the main valve port  280 . When the solenoid  268  is inactivated, solenoid plunger  270  returns to close secondary exhaust port  266 . 
     A compressed gas gun  292  employing this embodiment of the valve assembly  250  of the present invention may operate as follows. Referring to  FIG. 17 , gun body  294  defines a chamber  296  running along a longitudinal axis of gun body  294 . The chamber  296  is in communication with breech  300 , for chambering projectiles  302 . Projectiles  302  are received into breech  300  via infeed opening  304 . The chamber  296  has a bolt section  298  and a valve section  310 . 
     A bolt section  298  of the chamber  296  houses a bolt  306  moveable from a rearward or loading position to a forward or firing position. The bolt  306  is biased to a loading position by bolt spring  308 . Thus, the gun  292  is designed to operate from an open bolt action. A bolt piston  312  is provided as a pneumatically moveable piston attached to a portion of the bolt  306 , and adapted to extend into main valve port  280 . A bolt aperture  314  is provided as a channel running through a portion of the bolt  306 . A valve section  310  of the chamber  296  houses the valve assembly  250 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , in the loading or ready to fire position, the solenoid  268  is not activated, sealing portion  272  of solenoid plunger  270  closes secondary exhaust port  266 . When trigger  316  is pulled, an electronic signal is sent to solenoid  268 , and the solenoid plunger  270  is moved away from secondary exhaust port  266 . The valve assembly  250  operates as described above. 
     When the main valve port  280  is open, compressed gas forces the bolt piston  312  forward, thereby moving the bolt  306  to a firing position, as shown in  FIG. 18 . When bolt  306  reaches its firing position, the bolt piston  312  is removed from the main valve port  280 . Compressed gas flows from the main valve port  280  out through the bolt aperture  314 , thereby firing the projectile  302  from the gun  292 . In this novel arrangement, the valve assembly used for firing a projectile is also used for moving the bolt. In addition, the same compressed gas stored in the valve assembly for firing a projectile is also used for moving the bolt. 
     Trigger  24  can be provided as a trigger  24  activating an electronic switch  320 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , for example. The electronic control circuitry  96  may be used to control operations of the gun, such as a firing operation. A microprocessor may be used as part of the electronic control circuitry  96  to control gun operation such as a firing operation, as well as to monitor, track and/or display variables of gun operation, including tracking data such as shots fired, power supply, game time, firing parameters, firing mode, etc. A power source such as a battery  40  may be housed in the grip portion of the trigger frame. 
     Having thus described in detail several embodiments of the Valve Assembly For A Compressed Gas Gun of the present invention, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein. 
     Having thus described in detail several embodiments of the attachment system of the present invention, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.