Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to devices for launching a mock bird into the air in order to assist in bird-dog training and, more particularly, to an automatic, remotely controlled mock bird launching device to assist in bird-dog training. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the sport of hunting and, particularly bird hunting, dogs may be used to retrieve the bird after the bird has been shot and fallen to the ground. Such dogs are known as bird-dogs. While certain breeds of dogs are instinctively better for such work over other breeds of dogs, they still have to be trained to recognize and retrieve the fallen bird. 
     Mock birds, dummy birds or bumpers as they are known in the art, may be used in training bird-dogs. Such mock birds are generally a padded, cloth covered bag of various sizes. The mock birds can be treated with various bird scents in order to simulate a particular type of fallen bird. Scented or not, the mock birds are thrown or launched into the air in order to fall to the ground, thus simulating a shot bird. Once the mock bird has fallen to the ground, the bird-dog is commanded or is trained to automatically fetch or retrieve the mock bird. 
     While the mock birds may be manually thrown, this is awkward and not an effective method. Thus, it is known to have a mock bird launcher. However, prior art automatic launching devices for mock birds hold only one mock bird at a time and thus need to be reloaded. Therefore, each time a mock bird is to be launched, the user needs to go to the launcher and load a mock bird. Further, these devices utilize pyrotechnic solid or gaseous chemical propellants that can pose a fire and safety hazard. 
     What is thus needed is an automatic mock bird launching device that can hold and launch a plurality of mock birds. 
     What is further needed is a mock bird launching device that does not utilize pyrotechnic solid or gaseous chemical propellants. 
     What is even further needed is a remote controlled, automatic mock bird launching device that can be located at a point away from the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for launching mock birds. 
     In one form, the present invention is a remote controlled, pneumatically operated mock bird launcher. The launcher includes a plurality of holding cylinders with each holding cylinder adapted to releasably retain a mock bird. An air valve is adapted to be coupled to a source of pressurized air and is actuatable in response to an actuation signal. A transmitter, held by the user/trainer is adapted to send an actuating signal to a receiver that is coupled to the air valve. The receiver is adapted to generate the actuation signal in response to the receipt of the actuating signal from the transmitter. An accumulation cylinder includes an inlet that is coupled to the air valve and an outlet that is adapted to be in communication with one of the holding cylinders upon the accumulation cylinder reaching a given amount of air pressure. The accumulation cylinder further includes a release valve assembly permitting release of air from within the accumulation cylinder through the outlet into one of the holding cylinders upon the accumulation cylinder reaching the given amount of air pressure to eject the mock bird from one of the holding cylinders. An indexer is coupled to the accumulation cylinder and is adapted to position one of the holding cylinders adjacent the outlet of the accumulation cylinder when the accumulation cylinder has reached the given air pressure. 
     The holding cylinders are preferably retained in a rotatable carousel that is coupled to the indexer. Axial movement of the accumulation cylinder upon filling with pressurized air also causes axial movement of the indexer which translates the axial movement thereof into rotational movement that rotates the carousel and positions one of the holding cylinders axially above the accumulation cylinder during each time that the accumulation cylinder fills with air. In this manner, the pressurized air within the accumulation cylinder is released into a next holding cylinder to eject the mock bird therefrom due to the air pressure. 
     In another form, the present invention is a mock bird launcher that holds and launches a plurality of mock birds utilizing pneumatics. The mock bird launcher includes a plurality of holding cylinders retained in a rotatable carousel with each holding cylinder adapted to releasably retain a mock bird. An air valve is adapted to be coupled to a source of pressurized air and is actuable in response to an actuation signal. An accumulation cylinder has an inlet coupled to the air valve and an outlet adapted to be in communication with one of the holding cylinders upon the accumulation cylinder reaching a given amount of air pressure. The accumulation cylinder includes a release valve assembly permitting accumulation of air within the accumulation cylinder and the release of the accumulated air from within the accumulation cylinder through the outlet into one of the holding cylinders upon the accumulation cylinder reaching the given amount of air pressure to eject the mock bird from the one of the holding cylinders. An indexer is coupled to the accumulation cylinder and the carousel and is adapted to sequentially position one of the holding cylinders adjacent the outlet of the accumulation cylinder each time the accumulation cylinder has reached the given air pressure. 
     The accumulation cylinder axially upwardly moves upon filling with pressurized air that also causes axial upward movement of the indexer. The indexer translates the axial upward movement thereof into rotational movement that rotates the carousel and positions one of the holding cylinders axially above the accumulation cylinder during each time that the accumulation cylinder fills with air. In this manner, the pressurized air within the accumulation cylinder is released into a next holding cylinder to eject the mock bird therefrom due to the air pressure. The now empty accumulation cylinder and the indexer move axially downward into a rest position, ready to being the sequence again. 
     In another form, the present invention is a method for sequentially launching a plurality of mock birds. The method includes providing a plurality of holding cylinders retained in a rotatable carousel with each holding cylinder releasably retaining a mock bird; providing an accumulation cylinder having an air inlet adapted to be coupled to a source of pressurized air, an air outlet, and a release valve assembly normally closing the air outlet with the accumulation cylinder adapted to be in communication with one of the holding cylinders with the release valve assembly releasing the accumulated pressurized air through the air outlet into the holding cylinder upon the accumulation cylinder reaching a given air pressure; providing an indexer coupled to the carousel and the accumulation cylinder with the indexer adapted to rotate the carousel and sequentially position one of the holding cylinders axially above the accumulation cylinder and the outlet of the accumulation cylinder each time the accumulation cylinder reaches the given amount of air pressure; and, providing an air valve coupled between the source of pressurized air and the air inlet of the accumulation cylinder, the air valve permitting pressurized air to flow to the accumulation cylinder upon receipt of an actuation signal. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that it can be operated remotely. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it can hold and launch a plurality of mock birds without reloading. 
     It is yet another advantage of the present invention that compressed air is used as a propellant for launching the mock birds. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present mock bird launcher; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the launcher of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a transmitter and receiver utilized with the launcher of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view, in partial cross-section, of the accumulation cylinder of the launcher of FIG. 1 with various internal components in partial cross-section; 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view, in partial cross-section, of the accumulation cylinder of FIG. 4 with various internal components in partial cross-section; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view, in partial cross-section, of the accumulation cylinder of FIG. 4 with various internal components in partial cross-section; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view, in partial cross-section, of a portion of the accumulation cylinder of FIG. 4 with various internal components in partial cross-section including the air pressure adjuster; 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view, in partial cross-section, of the accumulation cylinder of FIG. 4 prior to the opening of the pressure relief valve; 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view, in partial cross-section, of the accumulation cylinder of FIG. 8 after the opening of the pressure relief valve; 
     FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view, in partial cross-section, of the indexing mechanism of the launcher of FIG. 1 at the beginning of indexing rotation thereof; 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view, in partial cross-section, of the indexing mechanism of FIG. 10 at the middle of indexing rotation thereof; 
     FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view, in partial cross-section, of the indexing mechanism of FIG. 10 at the end of indexing rotation thereof; 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of the position of the launcher of FIG. 1 prior to a launch cycle; 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of the position of the launcher of FIG. 13 during the middle of the launch cycle; and 
     FIG. 15 is a side view of the position of the launcher of FIG. 13 during the launch of a mock bird. 
    
    
     The exemplification set out herein illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown mock bird or bumper launcher  10 . Mock bird launcher  10  includes stand  12  comprised of first stand portion  14  and second stand portion  16 . First stand portion  14  includes legs  20  and  22  that have respective, pivotally attached stakes  24  and  26  at an end thereof. Stakes  24  and  26  allow first stand portion  14  to be fixed into the ground. First stand portion  14  also includes center bar  28  that is disposed between side bar  30  and side bar  32  of second stand portion  16 . Second stand portion  16  is pivotally coupled to first stand portion  14  by pivot pin  18  which extends through side bars  30  and  32  and center bar  28 . Additionally, second stand portion  16  includes wheels of which only one wheel  34  is able to be shown. This allows launcher  10  to be portable. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, pivot pin  18  is machined or formed with coupling  36  on its end, such as a male plug, which is adapted to receive a mating coupling (not shown), such as a female socket, of an air conduit or hose (not shown). The air conduit is in communication with an air storage tank or compressor (not shown) for supplying compressed air to launcher  10 . With additional reference to FIG. 4, pivot pin  18  is in communication with electrically actuated valve  38  via conduit  40  which is disposed within side bar  30 . Thus, compressed air from the air supply tank or compressor (not shown) is supplied to valve  38  upon receipt of an actuating signal. Such an actuating signal is provided by receiver  44  as depicted in FIG. 3 via communication line  46  that is coupled between receiver  44  and valve  38 . Receiver  44  is mounted to launcher  10 , as schematically shown in FIGS. 13-15. Receiver  44  receives an actuation command signal via a radio frequency (RF) link from transmitter  48 . Transmitter  48  is held by the user/trainer such that remote actuation of launcher  10  may be accomplished. 
     Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, launcher  10  has carousel  50  defined by upper plate  52  and lower plate  54 . Each plate  52  and  54  has corresponding holes each of which supports a mock bird or bumper cylinder  56  such that each bumper cylinder  56  is limitedly, axially slidable therein. Each bumper cylinder  56  holds a mock bird or bumper  58  therein for launching. The mock birds are sized and shaped to fit snugly within the bumper cylinder yet allow ejection therefrom when actuated in accordance with the present invention. Carousel  50  is rotatively supported on indexer drive tube or cylinder  60  and center post  62  which extends upwardly from second stand portion  16 . Center post  62  extends through indexer drive tube  60  and rigid O-ring  64  in a center hole in upper plate  52  such that upper plate  52  is rotatively supported thereby. Indexer drive tube  60  has lower end cap  66  that fits around and helps support indexer drive tube  60  on center post  62 . Lower plate  54  is coupled to and rotated by indexer drive tube  60  as described below. Indexer drive tube  60  is attached to accumulation cylinder  68  by two adjustment rods  70  and  72  such that indexer drive tube  60  is carried upward by motion of accumulation cylinder  68 . As described below, the upward motion of accumulation cylinder  68  is transferred as upward motion to indexer drive tube  60  which translates its upward motion to rotational motion thereby rotating carousel  50 . In this manner, a bumper cylinder  56  containing a bumper  58  is rotated into position for launching. 
     With additional reference to FIGS. 4-7, the operation and structure of accumulation cylinder  68  will now be described. Upon actuation of valve  38  air flows into conduit  42  which passes through the hollow center of lifting rod core tube  76  of accumulation cylinder lifting structure  74  and is sealed against lifting rod piston  78  by eyelet or gasket  80 . As the air fills the interior of accumulation cylinder  68 , pressure is applied to lifting rod piston  78  generating a downward force proportional to the product of the piston area and the pressure. This force acts in opposition to the force applied by compression spring  82  that has one end in contact with the underside of lifting rod piston  78 . O-ring  84  is disposed about lifting rod piston  78  which provides an air seal against lifting rod cylinder  86  to prevent air leakage into lifting rod cylinder  86 . Lifting rod cylinder  86  extends from base  88  of accumulation cylinder  68 . A boss on the underside of lifting rod piston  78  retains actuator sleeve  90  that is disposed about lifting rod core tube  76  and inside compression spring  82 . Thus, the force applied to lifting rod piston  78  is applied to actuator sleeve  90  and in turn to four steel locking balls  92  disposed in annular notch  94  of lifting core tube  76  each of which protrudes from a bore in actuator sleeve  90 , with the four bores being mutually orthogonal. Initially, balls  92  are forced outwardly by the action of the bores of actuator sleeve  90  pushing balls  92  against the angled walls of notch  94 . Outward travel of each ball  92  is restricted by their confinement in notches  96  and in spring sleeve  98 . In this manner, relative upward motion of spring sleeve  98  with respect to lifting rod core tube  76  is prevented by action of balls  92 . Any attempt to move spring sleeve  98  upwards drives balls  92  against notch  94 . When sufficient force is applied to lifting rod piston  78  by the air pressure inside accumulation cylinder  68  to overcome the upward bias force against lifting rod piston  78  by compression spring  82 , lifting rod piston  78  and attached actuator sleeve  90  begin to move downward. Balls  92  are then no longer pressed by the bores in actuator sleeve  90  against the upper angled surface of notch  94  in lifting rod core tube  76 , but are free to move radially inward into notch  94  as actuator sleeve  90  moves downward relative to stationary core tube  76 . This allows balls  92  to fit within the confines of bores in spring sleeve  98  allowing relative movement between spring sleeve  98  and core tube  76 . Balls  92  continue to move downward relative to core tube  76  until they contact the lower angled surface of notch  94  of core tube  76  and are again forced radially outward until they contact the walls of the bores of spring sleeve  98 . Radial motion of balls  92  ceases and the upward linear motion of spring sleeve  98  and accumulation cylinder  68 , to which spring sleeve  98  is attached, continues relative to core tube  76 . When actuator sleeve  90  has traveled to the point where the bores through which the balls pass reach countersink  100  of bottom or support plate  88 , radial motion of balls  92  is no longer restricted by the bores of spring sleeve  98 . Balls  92  move radially outward until they contact counterbore  100  of support plate  88 . In this position, balls  92  prevent any downward motion of support plate  88  and accumulation cylinder  68  to which it is attached, relative to stationary core tube  76 . With particular reference to FIG. 6, core tube  76  is made stationary by attachment to side bars  30  and  32  through use of standard threaded nuts or the like attached to threads on core tube  76 . Any attempt to move plate  88  downward drives balls  92  against the lower angles surface of notch  94 . 
     Disposed within accumulation cylinder  68  is second cylinder lifting structure  102 . At this point, it should be understood that cylinder lifting structure  102  is structurally and operationally the same as cylinder lifting structure  69  with the exception that cylinder lifting structure  102  does not have an air conduit like air conduit  42  for supplying compressed air, but instead includes safety relief valve structure  104  to allow the release of air through bore  108  in lifting rod piston  106  should the air pressure within accumulation cylinder  68  become too great. Relief valve structure  104  comprises ball  110  sealed against a seat in lifting rod piston  106  by compression spring  112  that is contained in screw fitting  114 . In this manner, ball  110  normally closes bore  108  until sufficient pressure within accumulation cylinder  68  exerts a greater pressure against compression spring  112  thereby letting the air escape through bore  108  which extends through the inner core tube of lifting structure  102 . 
     With additional reference to FIGS. 10-12, indexer drive tube  60  and its operation will now be described. Accumulation cylinder  68  is fixedly attached to indexer drive tube  60  by rods  70  and  72  such that as accumulation cylinder  68  axially moves when accumulation cylinder  68  axially moves. Indexer drive tube  60  is supported by two end caps, end cap  66  seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and end cap  114  that are free to slide vertically on center post  62 . Surrounding the top portion of indexer drive tube  60  is indexing sleeve  116  having bottom surface  118  that rests against two, diametrically opposed bearing wheels of which only one bearing wheel  120  may be seen. The bearing wheels  120  are free to rotate about bearing pin  122  which passes through diametrically opposed parallel vertical holes (not seen) in central post  62 , diametrically opposed parallel vertical slots, of which only one such slot  128  is seen, in indexer drive tube  60 , and two diametrically opposed holes in indexing housing  126 . Bearing pin  122  is secured by clips, of which only one clip  124  is shown, on the outer surface of indexing housing  126 . Balls  130 , here numbering eight, are disposed in circumferential slots  132  that pass through indexing sleeve  116 . Balls  130  have a diameter that is approximately one and one-half (1½) times the wall thickness of indexing sleeve  116 . In this manner, balls  130  rest against the outer diameter of indexer drive tube  60  with the portion thereof that extends beyond the outer wall of indexing sleeve  116  constrained in two circumferential, parallel slots  134  and  136  that pass through indexing housing  126 . The width of slots  134  and  136  are chosen to be narrower than the diameter of balls  130  to prevent the balls  130  from passing through the slots and falling out of the assembly. 
     Indexer drive tube  60  further includes ring  138  that is disposed in an annular counterbore within indexer drive tube  60  and includes two diametrically opposed magnets, of which only one magnet  140  may be seen. Each magnet  140  is positioned so as to be radially behind the uppermost portion of a diagonal slot, of which only one such diagonal slot  142  may be seen, extending through the wall of indexer drive tube  60 . The width of each slot  142  is chosen to be narrower than the diameter of balls  130  to prevent the balls from passing through the slot and falling from the assembly. Balls  130  are made from a ferrous material so that magnets exert a pulling force thereon. During the rest state, as depicted in FIG. 10, a ball is positioned at the uppermost portion of each diagonal slot  142  and pulled radially inward by the pulling force of magnet  140 . The radial depth of slots  142  is chosen so that the extremities of a ball will fall within the inner diameter of indexing housing  126  when that ball has been pulled into the respective diagonal slot by the respective magnet. 
     When indexer drive tube  60  is pulled upwardly by accumulation cylinder  68  after actuation of valve  38  and the filling of accumulation cylinder  68  with compressed air, indexing sleeve  116  will not move upwardly since indexing sleeve  116  is coupled to bottom plate  54  of carousel  50  by two dowel pins  144  and  146 . During this upward travel of indexer drive tube  60 . diagonal slots  142  exert a tangential force against the two balls  130  (driven balls) that have beer, pulled into the slots. This force causes each of the balls  130  to move tangentially in its respective slot  132  in indexing sleeve  116 . When the two driven balls  130  reach the limit of their respective slot  132  by continued upward motion of indexer drive tube  60 , they apply a tangential force to indexing sleeve  116  causing tangential sleeve  116  to rotate about the common axis of indexer drive tube  60 , indexing sleeve  116 , and indexing housing  126  (see FIG.  11 ). Indexing sleeve  116  continues to rotate under the action of the two driven balls as indexer drive tube  60  continues its upward motion until the balls reach the end of diagonal slots  142 . The impingement of balls adjacent the driven balls upon indexing housing  126  provides a mechanical stop that prevent further rotation of indexing sleeve  116 . When the driven balls have reached the limit of diagonal slots  142 , two magnets, of which only one such magnet  148  may be seen, magnetically pull the driven balls radially outward out of the diagonal slot. This allows indexer drive tube  60  to continue its upward motion free from impediment by balls  130  against the limits of slots  132 . 
     As indicated above, indexing sleeve  116  is coupled to bottom plate  54  of carousel  50 . Bottom plate  54  is free to rotate about the mutual outer diameter of top-most end cap  114  and indexer drive tube  60 , while top plate  52  is supported by hub  150  (see FIG. 2) which is free to rotate about center post  62  and supported by O-ring  64 . Plates  52  and  54  are coupled together by tie rods  152  that are fastened to plates  52  and  54  using standard mechanical fasteners. Carousel  50  is shown with eight bumper cylinders  56  each containing a tight fitting bumper  58 . Bumper cylinders  56  pass through aligned holes in plates  52  and  54 . The diameter of the holes in plates  52  and  54  is chosen to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bumper cylinder to allow the bumper cylinders to slide vertically relative to plates  52  and  54 . The vertical range of motion of each bumper cylinder  56  is restricted by upper O-ring  153  and lower O-ring  154 . The depth of slots  134  of indexing housing  126  and diagonal slots  142  of indexer drive tube  60  are chosen to impart a precise angular rotation to indexing sleeve  116  to index each of the bumper cylinders  56  with accumulation cylinder  68  each time indexer drive tube  60  is moved upward by the action of accumulation cylinder  68 . 
     With additional reference to FIG. 6, when accumulation cylinder  68  continues its upward motion, accumulation cylinder  68  reaches the bottom of the bumper cylinder aligned with it by the rotation of indexing sleeve  116 . Accumulation cylinder head  156  engages bottom  158  of bumper cylinder  56 . Specifically, bottom  158  of bumper cylinder  56  contacts top  160  of accumulation cylinder head  156  and fits within annular rim or lip  162 . O-ring  164  is disposed on top  160  adjacent rim  162  to provide a seal between accumulation cylinder head  156  and bottom  158  of bumper cylinder  56 . As accumulation cylinder  56  continues its upward motion, bumper cylinder  56  is axially upwardly displaced. This causes the top of bumper cylinder  56  to engage the bottom of stationary barrel  166 . Stationary barrel  166  provides a launching tube for the bumper and is attached to barrel support post  168  that is coupled to fastening plate assembly  170  which is in turn coupled to support post  62 . Adjustment handle  172  is coupled thereto to provide adjustment to stationary barrel  166 . O-rings are provided in stationary barrel  166  and the top of the indexed bumper cylinder to seal the joints therebetween. 
     Now, with reference back to FIGS. 614 9 , as air continues to fill accumulation cylinder  68 , pressure is exerted against small release valve piston  174  and large release valve piston  176 , exerting an outward force against both pistons. Large release valve piston  176  is free to translate within cylinder  178  which is secured to base  88  while O-ring  180  prevents air leakage around large release valve piston  176 . Small release valve piston  174  is free to translate in bore  182  in top  160  of accumulation cylinder head  156 . O-ring  184  prevents air leakage around piston  174  and is centered in the gland of piston  174  by compressible foam ring  186 . The O-rings seals used to prevent air leakage around the pistons are preferably of the floating piston type. This type of seal design minimizes friction between the O-ring and bore by compressing only the outer diameter of the O-ring while allowing a slight clearance between the inner diameter of the O-ring and bottom of the O-ring gland. 
     Piston  174  is attached to piston coupling  188  by ball and socket assembly  190  while piston  176  is attached to piston coupling  192  by ball and socket assembly  194 . Each ball and socket assembly  190  and  194  include a threaded ball stud confined in a counterbore in each piston with the shaft of the stud threaded into a bore in the coupling, and includes an O-ring compressed against the bottom of the counterbore by the spherical portion of the ball stud to prevent air leakage through the bore. A top retaining washer for each ball and socket assembly  190  and  194  prevents the ball stud from translating in the counterbore of the respective piston. Piston coupling  188  is riveted to one end of tie strips  196  and  198  while piston coupling  192  is riveted to the other end of tie strips  196  and  198  to form a release valve assembly. Ball and socket assemblies  190  and  194  allow for misalignment between the axes of pistons  174  and  176  respectively without causing binding of the assembly. The diameter, and corresponding area, of large release valve piston  176  is chosen to be greater than the diameter and area of small release valve piston  174  so that the net force applied to the release valve assembly by air pressure in accumulation cylinder  68  acts to move the release valve assembly downward. In a rest state, small release valve piston  174  is seated in bore  182  of top  160  while large release valve piston  176  is axially above bore  200  in base  88 . Pin  202  passes through aligned holes in tie strips  196  and  198  and attaches the valve assembly to two release valve linkages  204  and  206  on the inside of tie strips  196  and  198 . Two release valve bearing wheels  208  and  210  are supported by pin  202  on the outside of tie strips  196  and  198  and captured by retaining rings, of which only one such retaining ring  212  is shown, such that release valve bearing wheels  208  and  210  are free to rotate about pin  202 . Bearing wheels  208  and  210  roll against track  214  which is retained onto adjustment rods  70  and  72  by retaining rings  216  and  218  respectively. In this manner, the release valve assembly is free to translate vertically but is prevented from outward horizontal motion by the action of bearing wheels  208  and  210  against track  214 . 
     With particular reference to FIGS. 7-9, extending through linkages  204  and  206  is pin  220 . Pin  220  also extends through pressure adjustment wheel  222  and pressure adjustment rod  224  such that pressure adjustment wheel  222  is free to rotate about pin  222 . Pressure adjustment wheel  222  is contained by the bifurcated end or slot of pressure adjustment rod  224 . Dowel pin  230  provides a mechanical stop to restrict movement of rod  224  inward towards the center of accumulation cylinder  68 . Partially compressed bias spring  232  is disposed within pressure adjustment housing  226  and at one end thereof, abuts push rod  224  to apply a force thereto. Spring  232  is also disposed within a bore of pressure adjustment screw  234  which is disposed within pressure adjustment housing  226 . The other end of spring  232  abuts knob  240 . Threaded engagement between pressure adjustment screw  234  and pressure adjustment housing  226  allows screw  232  to transverse along the longitudinal axis of pressure adjustment housing  236  as knob  240  is rotated. O-ring  236  precludes leakage of air from accumulation cylinder  68  from about screw  234  while retaining ring  238  provides a mechanical stop to limit the outward travel of screw  234 . Horizontal force applied by bias spring  232  to rod  224  is converted by the linkages to an upward vertical force applied to the valve assembly. This force acts to oppose the net downward force applied to the valve assembly by air pressure acting on the differential area of valve pistons  174  and  176 . The amount of horizontal force applied by bias spring  232  can be increased or decreased by rotating knob  240 . 
     When the air pressure acting on pistons  174  and  176  of the valve assembly reaches a level sufficient to cause the downward force acting on the valve assembly to surpass the upward force applied to the valve assembly by linkages  204  and  206 , the valve assembly begins to move downward. As the valve assembly moves downward, the angle from horizontal of linkages  204  and  206  decreases and rod  224  moves radially outward, further compressing bias spring  232 . As the angle from horizontal of linkages  204  and  206  decreases, the horizontal component of the force that linkages  204  and  206  apply against rod  224  increases proportionally to the reciprocal of the tangent of the angle. The opposing force that bias spring  232  exerts against rod  224  is proportional to the cosign of the angle. Since the reciprocal tangent function exhibits a greater change in magnitude than the cosign function for a given change in angle, once the radial outward movement of rod  224  commences, rod  224  will continue to move requiring less and less force to be applied to linkages  204  and  206  by the valve assembly to sustain the movement. In this manner, the valve assembly, linkages  204  and  206 , bias spring  232 , rod  224 , adjustment screw  234 , adjustment housing  226 , and their associated parts form an adjustable force break-over mechanism that allows the pressure that the valve opens to be adjusted by turning adjustment screw  234  by knob  240 . In one form, it was found by the inventor that the initial and final angles for linkages  204  and  206  of 80° and 20°, respectively, give acceptable performance. Thus, as the valve assembly moves downward, O-ring  184  of small release valve piston  174  enters the radiused portion of bore  182 . The valve assembly continues to travel downwardly until the bottom face or surface of large release valve piston  176  abuts seat  242  to close or seal opening  200  wherein O-ring  180  is compressed and movement of the valve assembly is arrested (see FIG.  9 ). 
     Pressurized air that filled accumulation cylinder  68  now flows through bore  182  and fills the volume behind bumper  58  applying a force to the base of bumper  58  and to the upper surface of top  160 . The pressure against the upper surface of top  160  tries to drive accumulation cylinder  68  downwardly. However, accumulation chamber  68  is prevented from downward movement by action of locking balls  130  on indexer core tube  76  and base  88  as described above. The force from the air pressure acting on the base of bumper  58  propels bumper  58  up bumper cylinder  56  and stationary barrel  166  until bumper  58  reaches the end of stationary barrel  166  where bumper  58  exits stationary barrel  166  with appreciable velocity thereby launching bumper  58  into the air. The pressure within accumulation cylinder  68  continues to decrease as air continues to exit accumulation cylinder  68  via bore  182 . As the air pressure acting on pistons  174  and  176  decreases to approximately {fraction (1/20)} th  of its initial value, the downward force acting on the valve assembly becomes less than the upward force applied to the valve assembly by bias spring  232  acting against rod  224  and linkages  204  and  206 . The valve assembly moves upward to its original, rest position wherein small release valve piston  174  seats within bore  182  and large release valve piston  176  unseats to open bore  200 . O-ring  184  of piston  174  is kept centered by foam ring  186  to preclude twisting and binding of O-ring  184  as piston  174  enters the radiused portion of bore  182  and radial compression of O-ring  184  occurs. 
     Upward motion of the valve assembly is limited by a mechanical stop consisting of screw  244  threaded into coupling block  246  contacting O-ring  248  on dowel pin  250  at the end of adjustment rod  70 . Coupling block  246  is riveted to tie rods  196  and  198 . When the force applied to lifting rod piston  78  by air pressure in accumulation cylinder  68  decreases to the level where it can no longer overcome the upward bias force against lifting rod piston  78  exerted by compression spring  82 , lifting rod piston  78  and attached actuator sleeve  90  are pushed upward by compression spring  82 . This allows the locking balls  92  to move radially inward and fit within the confines of notch  94  machined into core tube  76 , allowing relative movement between the spring sleeve  98  and core tube  76 . Balls  92  continue to move upward relative to core tube  76  until they contact the upper angled surface of notch  94  and are again forced radially outward until they contact the wall of the thru-bore. Radial motion of balls  92  ceases and the downward translation of spring sleeve  98  and accumulation cylinder  68 , under the influence of expanding spring  82 , continues relative to core tube  76 . When actuator sleeve  90  has traveled to the point where the bores through which balls  92  pass reach the end of the thru-bores of spring sleeve  98 , radial motion of balls  92  is no longer restricted by the thru-bores of spring sleeve  98 . Balls  92  move radially outward until they contact the wall of notch  94  and spring sleeve  98 , and relative upward motion of spring sleeve  98  with respect to core tube  76  is once again prevented by action of balls  92 . Of course, it should be understood that lifting assembly  102  experiences the same conditions and functions the same as lifting assembly  74 . 
     At this point, accumulation cylinder  68  and attached indexer drive tube  60  continue their downward travel until base  88  contacts bumpers  252  and  254  (see FIG.  6 ). The force exerted on balls  130  by magnets  148  (see FIGS. 10-12) prevents the balls from re-entering diagonal slots  142  in indexer drive tube  60  as they pass by the balls. Magnets  148  thus prevent indexing sleeve  116  from rotating backwards. Launcher  10  is ready to begin the sequence again when another bumper is to be launched. 
     With reference to FIGS. 13-15, a simplified version of the bumper launch sequence will be described. When the trainer inputs a command into transmitter  48 , receiver  44  receives a signal from transmitter  48  and sends a signal via line  46  to actuate valve  38 . Actuation of valve  38  allows air to flow from an air compressor or tank (not shown), through valve  38  and into accumulation cylinder  68 . At the rest state, as depicted in FIG. 13, accumulation cylinder  68  and thus indexer drive tube  60  are in a downward position. As accumulation cylinder  68  fills with the compressed air as described above, accumulation cylinder  68  begins to travel upwardly as depicted in FIG.  14 . Upward motion of accumulation cylinder  68  causes upward motion of indexer drive tube  60  on center post  62  since indexer drive tube  60  is coupled to accumulation cylinder  68  by rods  70  and  72 . The upward motion of indexer drive tube  60  causes the indexer mechanism including indexing sleeve  116  to rotate carousel  50  in order to align a bumper cylinder  56  between accumulation cylinder  68  and barrel  166  for launching bumper  58  contained within bumper cylinder  56 . Continued upward motion of accumulation cylinder  68  by compressed air entering therein causes accumulation head  156  of accumulation cylinder  68  to abut the underside of bumper cylinder  56 , which by this time has been rotated into position by indexer drive tube  60  as depicted in FIG.  15 . Accumulation cylinder  68  axially upwardly moves bumper cylinder  56  which, like all of the bumper cylinders, is loosely retained by upper and lower plates  52  and  54  and whose axial travel both in an upward and downward sense is limited by O-rings  153  and  154 . The top of bumper cylinder  56  engages the bottom of barrel  166  and is sealed by various O-rings as described above. At this point, the valve mechanism within accumulation cylinder  68  closes the bottom hole or port in accumulation cylinder  68  while opening the upper hole or port in accumulation cylinder  68  to allow the compressed air contained within accumulation cylinder  68  to escape into bumper cylinder  56 . The bumper contained within bumper cylinder  56  is launched into barrel  166  by the accumulating air pressure. The air pressure is adjustable through knob  240  as described above. 
     After launching of the bumper, the air pressure within accumulation cylinder  68  is reduced allowing the valve mechanism therein to close the upper hole and open the lower hole. Accumulation cylinder  68  thus travels downwardly, bringing indexer drive tube  60  downwardly Indexer drive tube  60  does not further rotate carousel  50  until the next upward travel thereof. 
     It should be understood that while carousel  50  is shown having eight (8) bumper cylinders, practically any number of bumper cylinders may be held by the carousel. Further, multiple launching devices may be used wherein the transmitter can send signals to launch a bumper from any launching device. In this manner, one launching device may be set to launch a bumper to a particular distance and height, while another launching device may be set to launch a bumper to a different distance and height. The supply of compressed air may be coupled to all of the launching devices or each launching device may be coupled to its own source of compressed air. 
     While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 1