Abstract:
An electro-pneumatically operated paint ball gun operates without the use of a mechanical sear, and includes a pneumatically-operated hammer assembly effective to bump open a discharge valve and fire the gun. A hammer member of the hammer assembly is preferably coupled for reciprocation in unison with a bolt of the paint ball gun. A method of operating the inventive paint ball gun includes pneumatic reciprocation of the hammer member and bolt in unison. The paint ball gun may include a pair of solenoid valves activated alternatingly to flow pressurized gas to the hammer assembly, and to allow an increased cyclic rate of operation for the paint ball gun.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/965,599, filed 14 Oct. 2004, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/452,670, filed 30 May 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,682, issued 10 May 2005, and the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent necessary for a full enabling disclosure of this present invention. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates to a pneumatic marker or paint ball gun, and to a method of operating such a paint ball gun.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Paint ball guns were originally developed for marking uses such as forestry and cattle ranching, in which frangible projectiles or paint balls were fired against trees to be harvested or cattle to be taken to market, for example. For this reason, the paint ball guns themselves are frequently referred to as “markers.” But, more recently paint ball guns are much more widely used in various recreational environments, such as simulated war games wherein it is the intent to shoot at an opposing player with the paint ball gun, thus marking this opposing player with a particular color of paint from a frangible paint ball.  
         [0004]     Paint ball guns using compressed air or gas for power are well known. Until recently, most paint ball guns were pneumatically powered, mechanically operated guns. The entry of electro-pneumatically operated paint ball guns provided more consistent and better performing guns for the recreational market. An electro-pneumatic paint ball gun provides improved performance with fewer component malfunctions than the earlier mechanical-pneumatic paint ball guns. However, a common problem with the conventional electro-pneumatic paint ball guns is that they use a mechanical sear device to release a hammer. The hammer is spring loaded to a position at which it impacts a valve stem, opening a flow path for high pressure gas to communicate to a paint ball, propelling the paint ball through and from a barrel of the gun. The adjustment of the engagement and release of the mechanical hammer and sear remains an uncertain element of conventional paint ball gun operation, requiring frequent adjustments in order to operate at high cyclic rates.  
         [0005]     One variety or type of conventional paint ball gun is referred to as an “open bolt gun.” In such a paint ball gun, a reciprocating bolt opens and closes the breach of the gun, and in the “ready” condition of the gun, this bolt is open. When the operator of the gun pulls the trigger, the bolt closes under action of a pneumatic ram, and a mechanical sear mechanism is synchronized with the closing of the bolt to open a discharge valve, delivering pressurized gas to the now-closed breach to discharge the paint ball. As can be understood from this explanation, the successful operation of such an open bolt paint ball gun involves a considerable timing challenge in order to achieve high cyclic rates (i.e., high rates of paint ball fire).  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     In view of the deficiencies of the related art, it is an object for this invention to mitigate or eliminate at least one of these deficiencies.  
         [0007]     Specifically, it is an object for this invention to provide a paint ball gun having no mechanical sear for releasing a hammer to discharge pressurized gas for firing a paint gun from the gun.  
         [0008]     Another object for this invention is to provide such a paint ball gun in which a hammer is pneumatically driven in one direction only to discharge the paint ball gun, and is driven in the opposite direction by a controlled pneumatic leakage path using a small excess of pressurized fluid from the paint ball discharge.  
         [0009]     Yet another object for this invention is to provide a paint ball gun in which the pneumatic operation of the gun components is effected using the same pressure level of pressurized gas as is used to discharge the paint ball from the gun.  
         [0010]     In view of the object immediately above, it will be appreciated that an object for this invention is to provide a paint ball gun utilizing a single pressure regulator effecting reduction in gas pressure from the storage pressure of the source to the single operating pressure of the gun.  
         [0011]     Accordingly, one particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a paint ball gun comprising: a body carrying a grip frame with a trigger, and a barrel for discharging a paint ball, a bolt member reciprocating on the body to open and close a breech of the barrel, and a pneumatic hammer assembly including a hammer member operably coupled to the bolt to reciprocate in unison therewith, a pressure regulator receiving high pressure gas from a source thereof and providing a regulated gas pressure for discharge of paint balls from the gun, a discharge valve flowing the regulated gas pressure to the barrel to discharge a paint ball therefrom, and a solenoid valve controllably providing the regulated gas pressure to the pneumatic hammer assembly to controllably operate the discharge valve in response to actuation of the trigger to fire a paint ball from the paint ball gun.  
         [0012]     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.       
 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view, partially in cross section, of a paint ball gun embodying the present invention, and shows the paint ball gun in the condition it has immediately preparatory to filing a paint ball;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view similar to  FIG. 1 , and also partially in cross section, and shows the paint ball gun in the condition it has immediately after the moment the trigger is pulled in order to fire a paint ball;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view similar to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , also partially in cross section, and shows the paint ball gun in the condition it has at the moment pressurized gas is communicated to a paint ball within the barrel of the gun, thus to fire this paint ball from the barrel;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is another side elevation view similar to  FIGS. 1-3 , and is also partially in cross section, and shows the paint ball gun in the condition it has next in sequence after the condition of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4A  is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation view similar to  FIGS. 1-4 , also partially in cross section, and shows a second embodiment of paint ball gun embodying the present invention preparatory to firing a paint ball;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is yet another side elevation view similar to  FIG. 5 , and is also partially in cross section, and shows the paint ball gun in the condition it has next in sequence after the condition of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is yet another side elevation view similar to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , and is also partially in cross section, and shows the paint ball gun in the condition it has next in sequence after the condition of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is yet another side elevation view similar to  FIGS. 5, 6 , and  7  and is also partially in cross section, and shows the paint ball gun in the condition it has next in sequence after the condition of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a side elevation view similar to  FIGS. 1-4 , and  5 - 8  also partially in cross section, and shows a third embodiment of paint ball gun embodying the present invention preparatory to firing a paint ball;  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is yet another side elevation view similar to  FIG. 9 , and is also partially in cross section, and shows the paint ball gun in the condition it has next in sequence after the condition of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is yet another side elevation view similar to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , and is also partially in cross section, and shows the paint ball gun in the condition it has next in sequence after the condition of  FIG. 10 ; and  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is yet another side elevation view similar to  FIGS. 9, 10 , and  11  and is also partially in cross section, and shows the paint ball gun in the condition it has next in sequence after the condition of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation view similar to  FIGS. 1-4 ,  5 - 8 , and  9 - 12 , and is analogous to  FIGS. 2, 6 , and  10 .  FIG. 13  is also partially in cross section, and shows a fourth embodiment of paint ball gun embodying the present invention including a double-solenoid firing arrangement at some time after a trigger pull, and during the process of firing a paint ball;  
         [0028]      FIG. 14  is a side elevation view similar to  FIG. 11 , and is also partially in cross section, and shows fourth embodiment of the paint ball gun in the condition it has next in sequence after the condition of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 15  is yet another side elevation view similar to  FIGS. 4, 8 , and  12 , and is also partially in cross section, and shows the fourth embodiment of paint ball gun in the condition it has next in sequence after the condition of  FIG. 14 .  
         [0030]      FIGS. 16 and 17  are diagrammatic illustrations of alternative embodiments of a double-solenoid firing arrangement which may be employed in any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]     Referring to the drawing Figures in conjunction with one another, and first considering especially  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of paint ball gun  10  includes a main body  12 , with a grip frame  14  pivotally carrying a trigger  16  and defining a trigger guard  18 . A barrel  20  is attached to the main body  12 , and defines a breech opening  22   a  by which a paint ball is received along a feed tube  28 , and muzzle opening  22   b  by which a paint ball is discharged. A gas inlet regulator body  24  is also attached to the main body  12 , and provides communication via an inlet  24   a  (arrowed on  FIG. 1 ) with a source of high pressure gas (not shown in the drawing Figures) for powering the paint ball gun  10 .  
         [0032]     A paint ball hopper and feeding device (also not seen in the drawing Figures) can be mounted on the top of the main body  12 , feeding paintballs  26  into the gun  10  (i.e., into breech opening  22   a ) via an upper extent of feed tube  28  defining a feed port  30 . The feed port  30  opens into a top one  32  of two substantially parallel and vertically spaced bores (i.e., bores  32  and  34 ) defined by the main body  12 . The barrel  20  is received (i.e., threadably attached) at a rear portion thereof into the front of bore  32 , and is able to receive and discharge the paint balls  26 . A bolt assembly  36  is reciprocally and sealingly received into the rear portion of bore  32 , and cooperates with the feed port  30  and with the barrel  20  at breech opening  22   a  to define a breech chamber  38  in which a paint ball is sealingly received and is held until it is forcefully discharged from the gun  10  by a blast of pressurized gas, viewing  FIG. 1 , as will be further explained.  
         [0033]     The gas inlet regulator  24  provides pressurized gas (i.e., compressed air, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide, for example) into a bore portion  34   a . The pressurized gas provided into bore portion  34   a  is of a singular regulated pressure, as will be further noted below. Also, a front part of the bore portion  34   a  communicates via a manifold piece  40  (which sealingly closes this bore at the front of the gun  10 ) with an accumulator chamber  42 . The accumulator chamber  42  simply stores a quantity of pressurized gas at the pressure supplied by regulator  24  in order to provide for operation of the gun  10 . It is seen that the bore portion  34   a  also communicates rearwardly to a larger diameter bore portion  34   b , which serves also to define an additional gas volume accumulator or chamber  34   c , storing a quantity of immediately-available pressurized gas in preparation for a firing operation of the gun  10 .  
         [0034]     Viewing  FIGS. 1-4 , and now particularly  FIG. 4A , it is seen that a discharge valve assembly  44  is sealingly received in the bore  34  aft of the bore portion  34   b , and includes a seat member  46  movably receiving a poppet valve member  48 . The poppet valve member  48  includes an elongate stem portion  50  extending rearwardly through the seat member  46 . The seat member  46  also defines a flow passage  52  communicating via a passage  54  defined by the housing  12  between the bores  32  and  34 , to communicate pressurized gas from chamber  34   c  via a passage  36   a  of the bolt assembly  36  and to the breech chamber  38  when the poppet valve member  48  is unseated, as will be further explained below. A coil spring  56  yieldably urges the poppet valve member  48  into sealing engagement with the seat member  46 .  
         [0035]     In order to effect closing of the bolt  36 , trapping the paint ball  26  in chamber  38 , a pneumatic ram and hammer member  58  (hereinafter referred to simply as a “hammer member”) is received into a cylinder  60  within the aft end portion of bore  34 . The hammer member  58  includes a head portion  58   a , from which a pin  62  extends through a slot  64  interconnecting respective portions of the bores  32  and  34  to engage with the bolt  36 . Consequently, the bolt  36  moves in reciprocation in synchronization with the hammer member  58 . A small protrusion  58   b  of the hammer head portion  58   a  aligns with and is engageable with the stem  50  of the poppet valve  48  in order to open this poppet valve substantially at the forward extent of travel for the bolt member  36 .  
         [0036]     Viewing  FIGS. 1-4 , it is seen that a fluid flow connection (i.e., for the flow of the singular regulated gas pressure from regulator  24 ) is provided from the manifold piece  40  via a conduit  66  to an inlet port  68  of a singular solenoid valve  70 . The solenoid valve  70  includes an outlet port  72 , to which the inlet port communicates when the solenoid valve is energized; and a vent port  74  (indicated by the arrowed reference numeral on the Figures) to which the outlet port  72  is connected when the solenoid valve is de-energized. Another conduit  76  communicates the pressurized gas from outlet port  72  to a fitting  78  disposed on the exposed external portion  60   a  of cylinder  60 , and communicates this pressurized gas into the cylinder to act upon hammer member  58 .  
         [0037]     Further considering the drawing  FIGS. 1-4 , it is seen that the grip frame  14  houses an electronic assembly  80  including a circuit board  82  upon which is mounted a microprocessor-based control system, indicated with arrowed numeral  84 . A battery  80   a  is provided to power the assembly  80 . A switching device  86  (i.e., a microswitch in this embodiment, although the invention is not so limited) is arranged to be activated by rearward movement of the trigger  16  (i.e., by means of an interposed push rod  88 ) so as to discharge the gun  10 , as is further explained below. It is to be noted at this time that while the switching device  86  is depicted in the present embodiment as including or being a micro-switch, the invention is not so limited. For example, another type of electrical contact switch, or an electro-optical switching device may be alternatively employed.  
         [0038]     In order to complete this description of the structure seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , attention is directed to  FIG. 4A  in which an enlarged view of the discharge valve assembly  44  is presented. It is seen viewing this Figure that the valve stem portion  50  includes a portion  50   a , which is movably disposed in a bore  90  defined within a spool member  92  sealingly disposed within the bore  34 . The spool member  92  defines the seat  46  for the discharge valve assembly  44 . The portion  50   a  of this valve stem defines at least one longitudinally extending groove or slot  94 , which establishes a controlled leakage path between the chamber  34   c  and a chamber  96  defined between the head portion  58   a  of hammer member  58 , and the spool member  92 . It will be noted now that this controlled leakage along the stem portion  50  also communicates the chamber  96  to the breach  22   a  of gun  10 .  
         [0039]     It will be seen that the operation of the gun  10  is as follows: With a source of high pressure gas connected to the inlet  24   a  of the gas inlet regulator  24 , with a supply of paint balls  26  provided to the feed tube  28 , and with the controller  84  energized (i.e., by the on-board battery  80   a , for example) the gun  10  is ready for shooting. In preparation for such shooting, the operator can place a first paint ball  26  into the breech chamber  38  by manually grasping and pulling the aft portion  36   b  of bolt  36  rearwardly to place a paint ball from feed port  30  into chamber  38 , preparing the gun  10  so that is in the condition of  FIG. 1 . In this condition of  FIG. 1 , the bolt  36  is open, solenoid valve  70  is de-energized, and pressurized gas is provided into chamber  34   c  (as well as to accumulator  42 ) via the regulator  24 . It will be noted that the gun  10  utilizes a singular regulated gas pressure level. The hammer member  58  is also in its first position (aft position) of  FIG. 1 . This is the “ready” condition for the gun  10 .  
         [0040]     Considering  FIG. 2 , when the trigger  16  is pulled by the operator the control system  84  momentarily energizes solenoid valve  70  (i.e., for a selected time interval sufficient to effect a firing operation of the gun  10 ), applying pressurized gas to the aft end of hammer member  58 . When the solenoid valve  70  later is de-energized, the pressurized gas is vented via vent port  74 . Consequently, in response to a trigger actuation the Hammer member  58  moves quickly and forcefully forward (refer to  FIG. 2 —and noting the movement arrows on this Figure), driving bolt  36  also forward, so that the bolt  36  closes sealingly trapping the paint ball  26  in chamber  38 , and so that the protrusion  58   b  impacts against the aft end of valve stem  50  (refer to  FIG. 3 ), unseating the poppet valve member  48 . Thus, pressurized gas flows from chamber  34   c  along passages  52 ,  54 , (referring to  FIG. 4A ) and  36   a  and to chamber  38 , discharging the paint ball  26  along barrel  20  (refer to  FIG. 3 ).  
         [0041]     At the same time, a controlled leakage flow of pressurized gas flows from chamber  34   c  along slot  94  and to chamber  96  (particularly referring to  FIG. 4A ). This leakage flow of pressurized gas is sufficient to drive the hammer member (and bolt  36 ) once again rearwardly as is seen in  FIG. 4  back to the position seen in  FIG. 1  (i.e., because at this time the pressurized gas has been vented from cylinder  60  by operation of solenoid valve  70 ). As noted, the slot  94  also communicates chamber  96  to chamber  38  (which will be receiving a new paint ball via feed tube  28 ) and which is now open to ambient via both the feed tube  28  (because bolt  36  is open or is opening) as well as via the barrel  20 . Consequently, the chamber  96  initially receives a “puff” of pressurized gas while the poppet valve  48  is open, which starts the hammer  58  and bolt  36  into return motion (i.e., leftward motion as seen in  FIG. 4 ), and then after the paintball  26  has been fired from barrel  20 , this chamber  96  quickly leaks down substantially to ambient pressure in preparation for another firing operation of the gun  10 .  
         [0042]     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-8 , another embodiment (second embodiment) of a paint ball gun according to the present invention is illustrated. In order to obtain reference numerals for us in describing this second embodiment to paint ball gun, features which are the same as or analogous to those of the first embodiment are referenced on  FIGS. 5-8  using the same numeral employed above, and increased by one-hundred (100).  
         [0043]     Considering now  FIG. 5 , a paint ball gun  110  includes a main body  112 , with a grip frame  114  pivotally carrying a trigger  116  and defining a trigger guard  118 . A barrel  120  is attached to the main body  112 , and defines a breech opening  122   a  by which a paint ball is received along a feed tube  122   b , and muzzle opening  122   c  by which a paint ball is discharged. A gas inlet regulator body  124  is also attached to the main body  112 , and provides communication via an inlet  124   a  (arrowed on  FIG. 5 ) with a source of high pressure gas (not shown in the drawing Figures) for powering the paint ball gun  110 .  
         [0044]     An upper feed tube  128  defines a feed port  130 . The feed port  130  opens into a top one  132  of two substantially parallel and vertically spaced bores (i.e., bores  132  and  134 ) defined by the main body  112 . The barrel  120  is received (i.e., threadably attached) at a rear portion thereof into the front of bore  132 , and is able to receive and discharge paint balls. A bolt assembly  136  is reciprocally and sealingly received into the rear portion of bore  132 , and cooperates with the feed port  130  and with the barrel  120  at breech opening  122   a  to define a breech chamber  138  in which a paint ball is sealingly received and is held until it is forcefully discharged from the gun  110  by a blast of pressurized gas.  
         [0045]     The gas inlet regulator  124  provides pressurized gas into a bore portion  134   a . Again, the pressurized gas provided into bore portion  134   a  is of a singular regulated pressure. A front part of the bore portion  134   a  communicates via a manifold piece  140  with an accumulator chamber  142 . The bore portion  134   a  communicates rearwardly to a larger diameter bore portion  134   b.    
         [0046]     A discharge valve assembly  144  is sealingly received in the bore  134  aft of the bore portion  134   b , and includes a seat member  146  movably receiving a poppet valve member  148 . The poppet valve member  148  includes an elongate stem portion  150  extending rearwardly through the seat member  146 . The seat member  146  also defines a flow passage  152  communicating via a passage  154  defined by the housing  112  between the bores  132  and  134 , to communicate pressurized gas from chamber  134   c  via a passage  136   a  of the bolt assembly  136  and to the breech chamber  138  when the poppet valve member  148  is unseated, as will be further explained below. A coil spring  156  yieldably urges the poppet valve member  148  into sealing engagement with the seat member  146 .  
         [0047]     In order to effect closing of the bolt  136 , trapping the paint ball  126  in chamber  138 , a pneumatic ram and hammer member  158  (hereinafter referred to simply as a “hammer member”) is received into a cylinder  160  within the aft end portion of bore  134 . The hammer member  158  includes a head portion  158   a , from which a pin  162  extends through a slot  164  interconnecting respective portions of the bores  132  and  134  to engage with the bolt  136 . Consequently, the bolt  136  moves in reciprocation in synchronization with the hammer member  158 . An elongate protrusion  158   b  of the hammer head portion  158   a  aligns with and is engageable with the stem  150  of the poppet valve  148  in order to open this poppet valve.  
         [0048]     Viewing  FIGS. 5-8 , it is seen that a fluid flow connection (i.e., for the flow of the singular regulated gas pressure from regulator  124 ) is provided from the manifold piece  140  via a conduit  166  to an inlet port  168  of a singular solenoid valve  170 . The solenoid valve  170  includes an outlet port  172 , to which the inlet port communicates when the solenoid valve is energized; and a vent port  174  (indicated by the arrowed reference numeral on the Figures) to which the outlet port  172  is connected when the solenoid valve is de-energized. Another conduit  176  communicates the pressurized gas from outlet port  172  to a fitting  178  disposed on the exposed external portion  160   a  of cylinder  160 , and communicates this pressurized gas into the cylinder to act upon hammer member  158 .  
         [0049]     Further considering the drawing  FIGS. 5-8 , it is seen that the grip frame  114  houses an electronic assembly  180  including a circuit board  182  upon which is mounted a microprocessor-based control system, indicated with arrowed numeral  184 . A switching device  186  (i.e., a microswitch in this embodiment) is arranged to be activated by rearward movement of the trigger  116  acting through a push rod  88  so as to discharge the gun  110 , as is further explained below.  
         [0050]     In contrast to the first embodiment, in which  FIG. 4A  depicts valve stem defining at least one longitudinally extending groove or slot  94 , and the establishment of a controlled leakage path between the chamber  34   c  and a chamber  96 , the second embodiment does not employ this controlled leakage of pressurized gas to restore the hammer member  158 , and the bolt  136 , to their respective aft positions. Instead, the second embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8  utilizes an elongate coil spring  100  which is in part disposed about the portion  158   a  of the hammer member  158  and extends to seat against the spool member  192 . This coil compression spring yieldably biases the hammer member  158  and bolt  136  to their first positions seen in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0051]     The operation of the gun  110  is as follows: with the gun  110  in the condition of  FIG. 5 , when the trigger  116  is pulled by the operator the control system  184  momentarily energizes solenoid valve  170  applying pressurized gas to the aft end of hammer member  158 . The hammer member  158  moves forcefully forward (refer to  FIG. 6 ), driving bolt  136  also forward, so that the bolt  136  closes trapping a paint ball  126  in chamber  138 , and so that the protrusion  158   a  impacts against the aft end of valve stem  150  (refer to  FIG. 7 ), unseating the poppet valve member  148 . Thus, pressurized gas flows from chamber  134   c  along passages  152 ,  154 , and  136   a  and to chamber  138 , discharging the paint ball  126  along barrel  120  (refer to  FIG. 7 ).  
         [0052]     In this embodiment, forward movement of the hammer member  158  and bolt  136  compresses spring  100 . After the hammer member  158  bumps open the poppet valve member  148  discharging the paint ball  126 , the spring  100  drives the hammer member  158  and bolt  136  back to the positions seen in  FIG. 5 , preparing the gun  110  for another firing action.  
         [0053]     Turning to  FIGS. 9-12 , still another embodiment (third embodiment) of a paint ball gun according to the present invention is illustrated. In order to obtain reference numerals for us in describing this second embodiment to paint ball gun, features which are the same as or analogous to those of the first embodiment are referenced on  FIGS. 9-12  using the same numeral employed above, and increased by two-hundred (200).  
         [0054]     Considering now  FIG. 9 , a paint ball gun  210  includes a main body  212 , with a grip frame  214  pivotally carrying a trigger  216  and defining a trigger guard  218 . A barrel  220  is attached to the main body  212 , and defines a breech opening  222   a  by which a paint ball is received along a feed tube  228 , and muzzle opening  122   b  by which a paint ball is discharged. A gas inlet regulator body  224  provides communication via an inlet  224   a  (arrowed on  FIG. 8 ) with a source of high pressure gas for powering the paint ball gun  210 . The upper extent of feed tube  228  defines a feed port  230 . A bolt assembly  236  is reciprocally and sealingly received into the rear portion of bore  232 , and cooperates with the feed port  230  and with the barrel  220  at breech opening  222   a  to define a breech chamber  238 .  
         [0055]     The gas inlet regulator  224  provides pressurized gas at a first regulated gas pressure into a bore portion  234   a . However, a front part of the bore portion  234   a  communicates the first regulated gas pressure via a manifold piece  240  with a second regulator  102 , which provides a second (and lower) regulated gas pressure level.  
         [0056]     A discharge valve assembly  244  is sealingly received in the bore  234  aft of the bore portion  234   b , and includes a seat member  246  movably receiving a poppet valve member  248 . The poppet valve member  248  includes an elongate stem portion  250  extending rearwardly through the seat member  246 . The seat member  246  also defines a flow passage  252  communicating via a passage  254  defined by the housing  212  between the bores  232  and  234 , to communicate pressurized gas at the first regulated gas pressure from chamber  234   c  via a passage  236   a  of the bolt assembly  236  and to the breech chamber  238  when the poppet valve member  248  is unseated, as will be further explained below. A coil spring  256  yieldably urges the poppet valve member  248  into sealing engagement with the seat member  246 .  
         [0057]     In order to effect closing of the bolt  236 , trapping the paint ball  226  in chamber  238 , a pneumatic ram and hammer member  258  (hereinafter referred to simply as a “hammer member”) is received into a cylinder  260  within the aft end portion of bore  234 . The hammer member  258  includes a head portion  258   a , from which a pin  262  extends through a slot  264  interconnecting respective portions of the bores  232  and  234  to engage with the bolt  236 . Consequently, the bolt  236  moves in reciprocation in synchronization with the hammer member  258 . An elongate protrusion  258   b  of the hammer head portion  258   a  aligns with and is engageable with the stem  250  of the poppet valve  248  in order to open this poppet valve.  
         [0058]     Viewing  FIGS. 9-12 , it is seen that a fluid flow connection (i.e., for the flow of the second regulated gas pressure from second regulator  102 ) is provided from a fitting  104  via a conduit  266  to an inlet port  268  of a singular solenoid valve  270 . The solenoid valve  270  includes an outlet port  272 , to which the inlet port communicates when the solenoid valve is energized; and a vent port  274  (indicated by the arrowed reference numeral on the Figures) to which the outlet port  272  is connected when the solenoid valve is de-energized. Another conduit  276  communicates the pressurized gas from outlet port  272  to a fitting  278  disposed on the exposed external portion  260   a  of cylinder  260 , and communicates this pressurized gas into the cylinder to act upon hammer member  258 .  
         [0059]     In contrast to the first embodiment, in which  FIG. 4A  depicts valve stem  50  defining at least one longitudinally extending groove or slot  94 , and like the second embodiment described above, the third embodiment of  FIGS. 9-12  utilizes an elongate coil spring  200  which is in part disposed about the portion  258   a  of the hammer member  258  and extends to seat against the spool member  292 . This coil compression spring yieldably biases the hammer member  258  and bolt  236  to their first positions seen in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0060]     The operation of the gun  210  is as follows: with the gun  210  in the condition of  FIG. 9 , when the trigger  216  is pulled by the operator the control system  284  momentarily energizes solenoid valve  270  applying pressurized gas at the second regulated gas pressure to the aft end of hammer member  258 . The hammer member  258  moves forcefully forward (refer to  FIG. 10 ), driving bolt  236  also forward, so that the bolt  236  closes trapping a paint ball  226  in chamber  238 , and so that the protrusion  258   a  impacts against the aft end of valve stem  250  (refer to  FIG. 11 ), unseating the poppet valve member  248 . Thus, pressurized gas at the first regulated gas pressure flows from chamber  234   c  along passages  252 ,  254 , and  236   a  and to chamber  238 , discharging the paint ball  226  along barrel  220  (refer to  FIG. 11 ).  
         [0061]     In this third embodiment, forward movement of the hammer member  258  and bolt  236  compresses spring  200 . After the hammer member  258  bumps open the poppet valve member  248  discharging the paint ball  226 , the spring  200  drives the hammer member  258  and bolt  236  back to the positions seen in  FIG. 5 , preparing the gun  210  for another firing action.  
         [0062]     Turning to  FIGS. 13-15 , yet another embodiment (fourth embodiment) of a paint ball gun according to the present invention is illustrated. In order to obtain reference numerals for us in describing this fourth embodiment to paint ball gun, features which are the same as or analogous to those of the first embodiment are referenced on  FIGS. 13-15  using the same numeral employed above, and increased by three-hundred (300). As is noted with respect to some elements of the fourth embodiment, component parts differ from the preceding embodiments and these differences are explained below.  
         [0063]     Considering now  FIG. 13 , a double-solenoid valve paint ball gun  310  includes a main body  312 , with a grip frame  314  pivotally carrying a trigger  316  and defining a trigger guard  318 . A barrel  320  is attached to the main body  312 , and defines a breech opening  322   a  by which a paint ball is received along a feed tube  328 , and muzzle opening  322   b  by which a paint ball is discharged. A gas inlet regulator body  324  provides communication via an inlet  324   a  (arrowed on  FIG. 13 ) with a source of high pressure gas for powering the paint ball gun  310 . The upper extent of feed tube  328  defines a feed port  330 . A bolt assembly  336  is reciprocally and sealingly received into the rear portion of bore  332 , and cooperates with the feed port  330  and with the barrel  320  at breech opening  322   a  to define a breech chamber  338 .  
         [0064]     The gas inlet regulator  324  provides pressurized gas at a first regulated gas pressure into a bore portion  334   a . However, a front part of the bore portion  334   a  communicates the first regulated gas pressure via a manifold piece  340  with a second regulator  202 , which provides a second (and lower) regulated gas pressure level.  
         [0065]     A discharge valve assembly  344  is sealingly received in the bore  334  aft of the bore portion  334   b , and includes a seat member  346  movably receiving a poppet valve member  348 . The poppet valve member  348  includes an elongate stem portion  350  extending rearwardly through the seat member  346 . The seat member  346  also defines a flow passage  352  communicating via a passage  354  defined by the housing  312  between the bores  332  and  334 , to communicate pressurized gas at the first regulated gas pressure from chamber  334   c  via a passage  336   a  of the bolt assembly  336  and to the breech chamber  338  when the poppet valve member  348  is unseated, as will be further explained below. A coil spring  356  yieldably urges the poppet valve member  348  into sealing engagement with the seat member  346 .  
         [0066]     In order to effect closing of the bolt  336 , trapping the paint ball  326  in chamber  338 , a pneumatic ram and hammer member  358  (hereinafter referred to simply as a “hammer member”) is received into a cylinder  360  within the aft end portion of bore  334 . The hammer member  358  includes a head portion  358   a , from which a pin  362  extends through a slot  364  interconnecting respective portions of the bores  332  and  334  to engage with the bolt  336 . Consequently, the bolt  336  moves in reciprocation in synchronization with the hammer member  358 . An elongate protrusion  358   b  of the hammer head portion  358   a  aligns with and is ehgageable with the stem  350  of the poppet valve  348  in order to open this poppet valve.  
         [0067]     Viewing  FIGS. 13-15 , it is seen that a fluid flow connection (i.e., for the flow of the second regulated gas pressure from second regulator  202 ) is provided from a fitting  204  via a conduit  366  to a respective pair of inlet ports (respectively referenced with the numerals  368   a  and  368   b ) of a pair of solenoid valves, which are respectively referenced with the numerals  370   a  and  370   b . The solenoid valves  370   a/b  each include an outlet port, respectively  372   a  and  372   b . These outlet ports  372   a/b  are individually connected via respective conduits  376   a  and  376   b  each with an intervening check valve  374   a  and  374   b  to a T-fitting  378 . Consequently, either one of the solenoid valves  370   a/b  may provide pressurized gas to the T-fitting  378 , and to the hammer assembly, as is further explained below. Interposed between the T-fitting  378  and the hammer assembly is a quick exhaust valve (QEV)  379 . This QEV  379  normally vents the cylinder  360  to ambient when pressurized gas is not applied to the QEV  379 . However, when pressurized gas is provided to the T-fitting  378  via either one of the check valves  374   a/b , from either one of the pair of solenoid valves  370   a/b , then the QEV  379  closes communication of the cylinder  360  to ambient, and connects the pressurized gas into the cylinder  360  of the hammer assembly  358 . On the other hand, once one of the solenoid valves  370   a/b  is activated, and then is de-activated, the QEV valve  379  vents the pressurized gas from the cylinder  360  immediately to ambient. This quick venting of the pressurized gas from cylinder  360  provides for a faster cyclic action of the gun  310 . It is to be understood that the double-solenoid valve arrangement described with reference to the present disclosure may be employed with any of the embodiments here described, as well as with other embodiments of paint ball gun, such as those which operate with a closed-bolt operation.  
         [0068]     The operation of the gun  310  is as follows:  FIG. 13  shows the gun in a condition analogous to that of  FIG. 10 , and some time after the trigger  316  has been pulled. The control system  384  has momentarily energized a selected one of the solenoids valves  370   a/b , applying pressurized gas via the respective check valve  376   a/b  to the T-fitting  379  and to QEV  379 . The QEV  379  closes communication of the cylinder  360  to ambient, and communicates the pressurized gas into the cylinder  360  moving the ram  358   a  to the position seen in  FIG. 13 , where the ram  358   a  has just impacted and is about to open the valve  348 . The forward movement of the bolt  336  has moved paint ball  326  into the breech and chamber  338  of barrel  320 .  
         [0069]     Thus, as  FIG. 13  shows, pressurized gas at the first regulated gas pressure will flow from chamber  334   c  along passages  352 ,  354 , and  336   a  and to chamber  338 , discharging the paint ball  326  along barrel  320  as is further explained below. Note that  FIG. 13  shows just the initial movement of paint ball  326  into the chamber  338  of the barrel  320 . That is, it will be seen that in this fourth embodiment also, forward movement of the hammer member  358  and bolt  336  compresses spring  300 . After the hammer member  358  bumps open the poppet valve member  348  discharging the paint ball  326 , the spring  300  drives the hammer member  358  and bolt  336  back to the starting positions, not seen in the drawing Figures, but refer to  FIG. 9  for illustration of the analogous positions.  
         [0070]      FIG. 14  shows the paint ball gun with paint ball  326  being discharged from the barrel  320 , while  FIG. 15  shows the bolt  336  being moved back toward its open position by action of hammer assembly  358 . It is to be noted that the quick opening action of the ram  358   a  and of the bolt  336  are facilitated in this embodiment because as soon as the activated one of the pair of solenoid valves  370   a/b  is deactivated, and as soon as communication of pressurized gas from the deactivated solenoid valve  370   a/b  stops, the QEV  379  opens to vent pressurized gas from the cylinder  360 . This quick venting of pressurized gas from the cylinder  360  facilitates rapid return of the ram  358   a  and bolt  336  to their starting positions, so that another firing cycle of the gun  310  may be started more quickly also. These actions and conditions of a paint ball gun according to the present invention will by now be familiar to the reader.  
         [0071]     Importantly, it is to be noted that upon the operator of the gun  310  actuating the trigger  316  a next successive time, the actions described above are repeated, except that the control system  384  actuates the other of the pair of solenoid valves  370 . That is, the solenoid valves  370  are alternatingly activated by the control system  284  in response to successive trigger activations by an operator of the paint ball gun  310 . This alternating activation of the solenoid valves  370  permits an improved (i.e., faster) cycle rate of fire for the paint ball gun  310 .  
         [0072]     Further to the above,  FIGS. 16 and 17  each illustrate alternative embodiments of the gun  310  seen in  FIGS. 13-15 . That is, the embodiments of  FIGS. 16 and 17  differ from the fourth embodiment of  FIGS. 13-15  only with respect to the plumbing and arrangement of functional flow-control elements disposed in fluid flow communication between a pair of solenoid valves and the hammer assembly  358 . Accordingly, the alternative embodiments of  FIGS. 16 and 17  are illustrated only schematically, with reference to  FIGS. 13-15  being made if necessary to remind the reader of the physical structure associated with the schematically illustrated elements of  FIGS. 16 and 17 . In order to obtain reference numerals for use in describing the embodiments of  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the analogous elements of these Figures are respectively indicated by reference numerals respectively increased by 100, (or by 200) over  FIGS. 13-15 .  
         [0073]     Viewing  FIG. 16 , a paint ball gun  410  includes a pair of solenoid valves  470   a/b , which are each individually connected via conduits  476   a/b  to respective quick exhaust valves (QEV)  479   a/b . The QEV&#39;s  479   a/b  each communicate to a shuttle valve  478 . The shuttle valve communicates pressurized gas from the one of the QEV&#39;s  479   a/b  which is pressurized to the cylinder  460  of a hammer assembly  458 , as will be well understood in view of the schematic illustration of  FIG. 16 . In operation of the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , dependent on which one of the solenoid valves  470   a/b  is activated, the pressurized gas is communicated along one of the conduits  476   a/b  to one of the QEV&#39;s  479   a/b . The one QEV  479   a/b  which receives pressurized gas closes communication with ambient, and provides the pressurized gas to the shuttle valve  478 . The shuttle valve includes a shuttle member (not seen in the drawing Figures) which moves so as to close communication between the cylinder  460  and the QEV  479  which is not receiving pressurized gas. This movement of the shuttle member also communicates pressurized gas from the one QEV  479  which is receiving pressurized gas to the cylinder  460 . Subsequently, when the activated one of the pair of solenoid valves  470   a/b  is de-activated, the QEV  479  which had been receiving pressurized gas opens communication of the cylinder  460  to ambient. In this way, the pair of QEV&#39;s  479   a/b  dither between providing pressurized gas to, and venting gas from, the cylinder  460 . The shuttle valve  478  similarly dithers between communication first one and then the other of the pair of QEV&#39;s  479   a/b  to the cylinder  460 .  
         [0074]     Viewing  FIG. 17 , a paint ball gun  510  includes a pair of solenoid valves  570   a/b , which are each individually connected via conduits  576   a/b  to a shuttle valve  578 . The shuttle valve communicates with a quick exhaust valve (QEV)  579 . In operation of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , dependent on which one of the solenoid valves  570   a/b  is activated, the pressurized gas is communicated along one of the conduits  576   a/b  to the shuttle valve  578 . This shuttle valve has a shuttle member (not seen in the drawing Figures) which moves so as to close communication between the one conduit  576   a/b  which is not receiving pressurized gas and the other of the pair of conduits  576   a/b . This movement of the shuttle member also communicates pressurized gas from the one conduit  576   a/b  which is receiving pressurized gas from the activated one of the solenoids  570   a/b  to the QEV  579 . As will be now understood, the QEV  579  closes communication of the cylinder  560  with ambient, and communicates the pressurized gas into the cylinder  560 . Subsequently, when the activated one of the pair of solenoid valves  570   a/b  is de-activated, the QEV  579  opens communication of the cylinder  560  to ambient. In this way, a single shuttle valve  578  and single QEV  579  serve to provide communication of pressurized gas from either of the pair of solenoid valves  570   a/b  and the cylinder  560 , while also providing for rapid venting of the gas from cylinder  560  upon the one activated solenoid valve  570   a/b  being deactivated.  
         [0075]     In view of the above, it is seen that this invention provides a first embodiment of paint ball gun which operates in an open-bolt mode, and in which the gun utilizes only a single pressure regulator, and a single regulated gas pressure, and in which the operation of the hammer member and bolt is entirely effected pneumatically (i.e., by pressurized gas).  
         [0076]     A second embodiment of the present inventive paint ball gun similarly operates in open-bolt mode, and has a single pressure regulator, and a single regulated gas pressure, but utilizes a coil compression spring to assist movement of the hammer member and bolt in the rearward direction.  
         [0077]     A third embodiment of the present inventive paint ball gun similarly operates in open-bolt mode, but utilizes two series connected pressure regulators, the first providing a first regulated gas pressure which is utilized to discharge a paint ball, and the second providing a second regulated gas pressure, which is utilized to operate a hammer member. This embodiment also utilizes a coil compression spring to assist movement of the hammer member and bolt in the rearward direction.  
         [0078]     Finally, a fourth embodiment of the present inventive paint ball gun also operates in open-bolt mode, but utilizes two series connected pressure regulators, and two alternatingly operating solenoid valves, each providing operating gas pressure to a pneumatic hammer assembly, in order to significantly improve the cyclic rate of fire for the paint ball gun. This embodiment also utilizes a coil compression spring to assist movement of the hammer member and bolt in the rearward direction.  
         [0079]     While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. For example, versions of the first or second embodiments utilizing two pressure regulators is clearly possible, and are within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, a version of the third embodiment which operates without spring  102  and which is entirely pneumatic is also clearly possible, and is within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this invention is intended to be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims, giving full cognizance to equivalents, and to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements as is permitted under the law.