Paintball Markers

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of paintball makers. In an exemplary embodiment, a paintball marker generally includes a housing including a wall defining a chamber having an axis and an open end. A valve assembly is within the chamber. The valve assembly may be coaxial with the chamber. The valve assembly may be configured for rotation about the axis of the chamber. The valve assembly may be configured to seal compressed gas while at rest and configured to seal and release compressed gas while in motion. Additionally, or alternatively, the revolving valve assembly may have a start position and a stop position which is located one revolution from initial movement out of the start position.

Description

FIELD

This present disclosure relates to the paintball marker devices used in the recreational sport of paintball.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Paintball and Paintball Markers

Paintball markers are used in the sport and recreation of paintball to engage in strategic field tactics against opposing players. Similar to the game of tag, this action pursuit game is generally played as two opposing teams seek to eliminate rival players with paint marks. Each participant (paintball player) uses a paintball marker to precisely fire a paintball projectile intended to burst on the target, leaving a distinct paint mark. Paintball markers propel a paintball projectile, typically a round gelatin-filled ball with non-toxic, washable paint, at a sufficient muzzle velocity so that its capsule breaks on impact within range.

Most paintball markers operate with the assistance of air, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide. Because of the energy generated as these gases exceed atmospheric pressure, compressed gases are commonly used to propel a paintball projectile out the firing chamber and through the barrel of paintball markers. These gases are commonly stored inside the paintball marker apparatus with adequate pressure to achieve the desired muzzle velocity and proper functional operation when fired. The stored energy in the compressed gas is thus transferred to the paintball projectile during the actuation time of the paintball marker; the supply of projectiles and compressed gas is depleted during its operation.

Changes in paintball marker technology have shaped the development of the sport itself. Improvements in paintball markers' speed, accuracy, air efficiency, reliability, ergonomics, aesthetics, and audibility have helped to popularize the sport. Avid paintball players continuously keep an eye out for new and improved paintball marker technology such that an enriched experience can occur on the playing field.

Paintball Marker Selection Criteria

Paintball players may consider numerous technical and aesthetic criteria when selecting a paintball marker, including the following:

Speed (rate of fire): The speed of a paintball marker is measured in paintballs fired per second; 5 to 15 balls per second is a typical speed.

Firing modes: Semi-automatic, 3-burst, full-automatic, ramping, and other firing modes are available.

Accuracy: Several factors influence the accuracy of a paintball marker. It is desirable to minimize recoil, for better or improved overall accuracy and firing stability (or shooting platform). High “ball on ball” precision (the measure of the radial region of paintball splats on the target) is desired. Ideally, paintballs strike ahead of one another on a target. Precise muzzle velocity is also desired. Ideally, the muzzle velocity (measured by a chronograph) has an instrument reading of +/−2 feet per second. “Drop-off” (decrease in muzzle velocity at higher rates of fire or during an initial discharge) should be kept to a minimum or avoided all together.

Air efficiency: Air efficiency is measured by the number of shots that can be discharged with a full tank of compressed gas. Less consumption of compressed gas per shot allows the player to stay longer on the playing field without having to refill the compressed gas tank.

Reliability: “Chopping” and ball breakage must be avoided. Chopping refers to breaking paintballs in the breech before they are discharged from the breech to the barrel. Ball breakage is a general term for breaking paintballs inside the paintball marker before they exit the barrel. Breaking paintballs may ruin the on-field experience and may contribute to a forfeit.

Operation and maintenance: It is desirable to have working parts made of durable materials. Fewer working parts contribute to longer life and ease of routine maintenance (e.g., lubricating moving parts, seals, etc.). Generally, a more simple operation is easier to fix or troubleshoot. The method of operation of the paintball marker may contribute to the likelihood of a breakdown or malfunction.

Ergonomics: A lighter weight paintball marker allows the user to quickly reengage opponents. “Snap-shooting” is a popular skill used on the field; this firing technique involves a quick shot before hiding behind cover, and is easier with a lightweight paintball marker. Generally, a compact design of paintball marker is desired. The smaller the target size, the more likely a player will stay in the game and not be eliminated. Both weight and size contribute to overall firing technique and player endurance.

Aesthetics: It is desirable to have a variety of colors, shapes, milling designs, etc. for different components of the paintball marker. Players often wish to customize their paintball markers by selecting from a variety of compatible parts.

Audibility: Quiet operation is desirable because noise coming from the paintball marker can give away a position to an opponent. Also, a player can better communicate if there is reduced noise interruption from the marker.

Types of Paintball Markers

There are two common types of paintball markers. The first type includes markers with hammers. The second type includes markers without hammers.

Markers with hammers: These paintball marker designs typically use a hammer to thrust open a poppet sealed air valve held shut by a spring. A bolt, typically attached to the hammer, is responsible for loading and sealing the firing chamber while routing the compressed gas from the open valve to propel the paintball. The bolt and hammer reciprocate forward and backwards once while firing a single shot. In some markers, the hammer is driven electronically via an air solenoid. In other markers, the hammer is driven mechanically via a sear and spring. Air solenoids operate with a dwell time which is the length of time the air valve can be opened. Most air solenoids can achieve a minimum of 6 ms (milliseconds) dwell time.

Markers without hammers: These paintball markers use a “spool” with an array of O-rings to seal and contain gas pressure in a plurality of chambers. As the spool is moved or shifted forward, the compressed gas is redirected into new passageways and released to fire a paintball. Similar to markers with hammers, spool markers use a bolt-style design to load and fire a paintball. These operate mechanically or electronically with the assist of an electronic valve or air solenoid.

Markers with air solenoids also require a low pressure regulator (LPR) to regulate the pressure to operate the air solenoid. If there is any variation in the pressure regulation from the LPR to the air solenoid, the paintball marker may discharge a paintball inaccurately. Specifically, relying on a LPR to regulate the air solenoid and open the valve may cause inconstant firing velocity or low precision (poor “ball on ball” accuracy). Furthermore, markers with LPR and air solenoids are prone to drop-off.

Conventional Paintball Markers

Conventional paintball markers, particularly those with low pressure regulators and air solenoids, have several drawbacks that can frustrate the player and disrupt the on-field experience, in particular:

Accuracy: High recoil due to impact and movement from multiple moving parts. Parts reciprocate back and forth. Paintball is moving when fired.

Air Efficiency: Commonly, compressed gas is used to operate the firing mechanism and to propel the paintball. Most markers used assisted valves or air solenoids to linkage their overall firing mechanism. Traditional ones use “blowback” (or a surge of compressed air or CO₂ to reset or “recock” their mechanism. Some air solenoids have a minimum dwell time (length of time the air solenoid can throttle open the valve). Compressed air may be wasted due to an excessive dwell time. The ideal dwell time is 3.33 ms (milliseconds), which cannot be achieved with conventional air solenoids used for paintball markers. Also, pressurized gas is depleted due to the effect of the “off” (the return travel of the valve link) mechanism on these linear reciprocating values. The complexity of internal routing included with the multiple components containing gas passages yields higher pressure losses inside of the marker. Due to the limitations on air efficiency, larger compressed air tanks may be required and/or the player may run out of compressed gas and no longer participate if a filling station is not present.

Reliability: Complex mode of operation, with multiple moving parts requiring lubrication. Paintball marker can chop or break paintballs from their loading mechanisms (bolts reciprocate forwards to load a paintball into its firing position and can break them while doing so). Air solenoids may permanently fail if the input pressure spikes above its maximum pressure rating. Air solenoids have low maximum pressure ratings and are therefore prone to failure. The likelihood of a single or multiple O-rings to fail on a plural and complex arrangement is high and difficult to fix.

Ergonomics: Number and complexity of working parts causes excess weight. Size is driven by the need to house the multiple working parts.

Maintenance: Many different replacement components need to be purchased, e.g. air solenoids, valves, low pressure regulators, hoses, O-rings, air bolts, bolt pins, hammers, spools, springs, etc.

Audibility: Number and complexity of working parts including method of operation cause excess noise during operation.

A conventional paintball marker is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,735,479 to Quinn et al. discloses a paintball marker having a bolt, an impact ring within the bolt, and a striking surface contacted by the impact ring. U.S. Pat. No. 7,594,503 to DeHaan also discloses a conventional paintball marker with a bolt and an air solenoid requiring a low-pressure regulator.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of paintball makers. In an exemplary embodiment, a paintball marker generally includes a housing including a wall defining a chamber having an axis and an open end. A valve assembly is within the chamber. The valve assembly may be coaxial with the chamber. The valve assembly may be configured for rotation about the axis of the chamber. The valve assembly may be configured to seal compressed gas while at rest and configured to seal and release compressed gas while in motion. Additionally, or alternatively, the revolving valve assembly may have a start position and a stop position which is located one revolution from initial movement out of the start position.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are respectively a front perspective view, a side view, and a rear perspective view of a paintball marker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a main housing and a revolving valve assembly coupled with a motor in a paintball marker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are respectively a front perspective view, a rear perspective view, and a disassembled view of the revolving valve assembly and motor shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are respectively a front perspective view, a top view, a cross-sectional side view, and a rear perspective view of a revolving valve assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which revolving valve assembly includes a front revolving chamber scoop and a rear revolving valve.

FIG. 4E is a detail view of the portion designated in FIG. 4D, showing the home position marked on a sensor disc of the revolving valve assembly.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are respectively a cutaway view and a cross-sectional view of the main housing of a paintball marker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an assembled paintball marker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a detail view of the portion designated in FIG. 6A, showing the interior of the main housing with a paintball loaded in the breech thereof.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the paintball marker shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates the starting torque required to turn a PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) revolving valve using press and shrink analysis.

FIG. 9 illustrates the torque curve for a small-sized bipolar stepper motor used in embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing the home position of the front revolving chamber scoop relative to the breech opening in the main housing of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing the home position of the rear revolving valve relative to the compressed gas slot in the main housing of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the front revolving chamber half a revolution from the home position relative to the breech opening in the main housing of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the rear revolving valve half a revolution from the home position relative to the compressed gas slot in the main housing of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a revolving valve assembly according to an alternative exemplary embodiment that includes external features for sealing members.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the revolving valve assembly shown in FIG. 11 with exemplary O-rings added for sealing gas pressure.

FIG. 13 is front view of the revolving valve assembly shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the revolving valve assembly shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the revolving valve assembly shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the revolving valve assembly shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the revolving valve assembly shown in FIG. 11 positioned between an exemplary motor and housing according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the motor assembled to housing shown in FIG. 17, wherein the revolving valve assembly is within (and concealed by) the housing.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the motor and housing shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 20-20 in FIG. 19 and illustrating the revolving valve assembly within the housing and coupled to the shaft of the motor.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the revolving valve assembly shown in FIG. 11 aligned for positioning within a low friction tube, which is aligned for positioning within a housing according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a lower perspective view of the revolving valve assembly, low friction tube, and housing shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the low friction tube shown in FIG. 22, and illustrating the exemplary gas entrance opening and sealing member along the bottom of the low friction tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As explained above in the background, the inventor hereof has identified various selection criteria and features relating to paintball markers. The inventor hereof has also recognized that it would be desirable to provide lightweight, compact, durable paintball markers having a minimum number of (or at least reduced number of) of moving parts for simplicity and/or that does not use or rely upon a low pressure regulator linked to an air solenoid, the timing of multiple parts in sequence, reciprocating part(s) that cause recoil, and accordingly may thus offer improved accuracy, firing precision, air efficiency, reliability, and ergonomics when compared to at least some currently available paintball markers. Accordingly, the inventor hereof has developed and discloses various exemplary embodiments of paintball markers that are relatively lightweight, compact, and/or durable paintball markers and/or that offer improved accuracy, firing precision, air efficiency, reliability, and/or ergonomics.

In an exemplary embodiment, a paintball marker generally includes a housing including a wall defining a chamber having an axis and an open end. The wall includes a first opening and a second opening. A valve assembly is within the chamber and coaxial therewith. The valve assembly is configured for rotation coaxially about the axis of the chamber. A revolution of the valve assembly about the axis of the chamber may include the valve assembly being rotated between a plurality of positions, including first, second and third positions. In the first position, the valve assembly closes the second opening while permitting entry of a ball into the chamber through the first opening. In the second position, the valve assembly closes the first opening while permitting entry of compressed gas into the chamber through the second opening for expulsion of the ball from the chamber through the open end of the chamber. In the third position, the valve assembly closes the second opening while permitting entry of a ball into the chamber through the first opening.

In another exemplary embodiment, a paintball marker generally includes a housing having a wall defining a chamber having an axis. A valve assembly is within the chamber and coaxial therewith. The valve assembly is configured for rotation coaxially about the axis of the chamber. The valve assembly includes a revolving valve body configured to seal compressed gas while at rest and configured to seal and release compressed gas while in motion. The revolving valve body has a start position and a stop position which is located one revolution from initial movement out of the start position.

In another exemplary embodiment, a paintball marker generally includes a housing having formed therein a cylindrical chamber with an axis and an open end, and a valve assembly within and coaxial with the chamber. The chamber wall has first and second openings. The valve assembly is configured so that one period of the valve assembly's revolution about the axis of the chamber (360 degree coaxial revolution) includes a first portion in which the valve assembly closes the second opening while permitting entry of a ball into the chamber through the first opening, and a second portion in which the valve assembly closes the first opening while permitting entry of compressed gas into the chamber through the second opening. The compressed gas entering the chamber during the second portion expels the paintball through the open end of the chamber.

The valve assembly may include a valve body having an axial slot therein for permitting entry of the compressed gas in the second portion of the period. The slot has sides extending in the axial direction and ends extending in the azimuthal direction. The valve body has protrusions at an exterior cylindrical surface thereof for contacting an inner surface of the chamber and thereby preventing escape of the compressed gas at the exterior of the valve. The protrusions form axially spaced circumferential seals at respective ends of the slot and longitudinal or face seal(s) along respective sides of the slot. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve assembly further comprises a scoop for holding the paintball. The scoop is attached to the valve body and coaxial therewith. The scoop is configured to receive the paintball entering the chamber in the first portion of the revolution period and to close the first opening in the second portion of the revolution period. The scoop is open at a front end thereof to permit movement of the paintball therethrough as it is expelled. The scoop has an opening at its back end for communicating with an interior of the valve body, so that the compressed gas flows through the back opening of the scoop toward the paintball in the second portion of the revolution period.

Exemplary embodiments are configured such that delivery of the ball to the housing and delivery of compressed gas to expel the ball requires only a single moving part, which is the valve assembly revolving in the chamber.

With reference now to the figures, FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are three separate views showing a paintball marker 100 embodying one or more aspects in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown, the marker 100 has a main housing 10 into which is inserted a revolving valve assembly 150, which is disclosed in more detail hereinafter.

The revolving valve assembly 150 is driven by a motor 3 (e.g., stepper motor, DC motor, etc.) at the rear of the main housing 10. Paintballs are fed by gravity or agitation from a hopper (not shown) through feedneck 13 and into a breech portion of the main housing 10. Compressed gas from a tank (not shown) coupled to the marker at gas coupler 130, is fed through ninety degree (90°) air swivel connector 30, forward through a gas tube (not shown), and into air source adapter (ASA) regulator 40 through straight air connector 38. Compressed gas fills a reservoir in housing 10. The player holds the handle (integral with trigger guard 36) and squeezes the trigger 35 to discharge one or more paintballs. The revolving valve assembly 150 is driven so that compressed gas from the reservoir meets the paintball inside the main housing 10; and the paintball is discharged through barrel 46.

As shown in FIG. 2, the combination 110 of motor 3 and valve assembly 150 mates with main housing 10 at the rear thereof. The valve assembly 150 is received in a cylindrical bore 510 in the main housing 10 as shown also in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Motor 3 connects to the rear of revolving valve assembly 150, e.g., by mechanical fasteners 8 (FIG. 3C).

Combination 110, which includes the motor 3 and the revolving valve assembly 150, is shown in three separate views in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C. In FIG. 3A, the revolving valve assembly is shown holding a paintball 4.

Revolving Valve Assembly

Components of the revolving valve assembly 150 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C and 4A-4E. This assembly 150 includes front revolving chamber scoop 1 and rear revolving valve 2. Front revolving chamber scoop 1 is shaped so that it holds the paintball at rest prior to the paintball being propelled through the barrel. Chamber scoop 1 is made of transparent material (e.g., acrylic or polycarbonate, etc.) to permit the electronic break beam eyes 7 (described more fully below) to function. The scoop 1 is located directly beneath feedneck 13 so that as the paintball 4 feeds itself into the breech portion 501 of the main housing 10, the paintball 4 lands directly in the scoop 1 and remains in the scoop 1 until the paintball is discharged. Scoop 1 has an air exit hole 121 opening to the rear of the scoop 1 along the axis of the valve assembly 150. Compressed gas is discharged through this hole 121 to propel the paintball through the barrel. In operation, the scoop 1 revolves while the paintball is discharged, thereby closing the breech as compressed gas is discharged from the air exit hole 121. The scoop 1 is sized according to the calibre or caliber of the paintball. By way of example, the scoop 1 may be configured for .68 caliber or .50 caliber paintballs, which are common sizes, though the scoop 1 may be configured for other paintball calibers in other embodiments. Scoop 1 is attached to rear revolving valve 2 by chamber screws 9 as shown in FIG. 3C.

Rear revolving valve 2 can be constructed of ball-bearing grade materials. These ultra-slick materials have an extremely low friction coefficient, which decreases with an increase of external force applied, and are frequently used in dynamic sealing applications. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4A, the body of valve 2 is cylindrical, has air entrance slot 123 formed therein and has round seals 122 protruding slightly from the cylindrical surface. Air entrance slot 123 extends along the axis of the cylinder and typically is relatively narrow in the direction perpendicular to the axis (that is, the azimuthal direction). In this exemplary embodiment, the angular width of air entrance slot 123 is thirty degrees (30°). The round seals 122 trap compressed gas in a reservoir while the revolving valve 2 is at rest. The round seals comprise two circumferential seals (that is, following the circumference of the cylinder in the azimuthal direction), axially spaced from each other at either end of air entrance slot 123, and two longitudinal seals (parallel to the axis) and sometimes comprising of a surface, or face, seal containing air entrance slot 123 on either side of the air entrance slot 123. The two longitudinal seals (and in some instances a face seal) prevent compressed gas from escaping to the air entrance slot when the valve is at rest and while the valve is in motion, except during a portion of the period of its revolution (the dwell time, as explained below) when the air entrance slot is open to the compressed gas reservoir. The two circumferential seals (on both ends of air entrance slot 123) keep compressed gas sealed at all times, both while the valve 2 is at rest and while the valve is in motion.

As rear revolving valve 2 turns about its axis, a paintball resting in the front chamber scoop 1 is loaded to be discharged. The home position 126 for movement of the valve (marked on the IR sensor disc 124) corresponds to an open breech position where the scoop 1 faces upward towards breech opening 511 and thence towards the hopper, so that the scoop 1 is ready for the next paintball to drop into it (FIG. 10A). When the revolving valve 2 and seals 122 are in the home position, air entrance slot 123 faces opposite to slot 520 in the main housing, so that compressed gas does not escape from reservoir 502 (FIG. 10B). After half a revolution (e.g., after 25 milliseconds at a speed of 20 revolutions per second (rps) in this example, etc.), scoop 1 faces downward, thereby sealing off the breech opening 511 (FIG. 10C). The two longitudinal round seals 122 are an appropriate angular distance apart (30° in this exemplary embodiment). As the valve 2 turns and seals 122 sweep past slot 520, compressed gas from reservoir 502 is allowed to enter through the air entrance slot 123 (FIG. 10D). This compressed gas exits through the air exit hole 121 with an appropriate dwell time depending on the angular velocity and angular separation of the longitudinal round seals. For example, if the valve 2 turns at 20 revolutions per second (so that one period is 50 milliseconds) and the seals are 30° apart, the dwell time is approximately 4 milliseconds. Accordingly, for about 4 milliseconds during each period, compressed gas escapes from the reservoir and enters the interior of the valve body in a radial direction through slot 123. The compressed gas then escapes from the valve body in an axial direction through exit hole 121 to propel the paintball.

Torque and Gas Pressure

By way of example only, FIG. 8 provides the estimated starting torque required to move a PTFE rear revolving valve for various values of the radial squeeze or radial interference δ (that is, the amount by which the radius of the valve body, measured at the circumferential seals, exceeds the inside diameter of the bore in the main housing in which the valve turns). In this example, there is a total required starting torque of approximately 8 oz-in (ounces per inch) when the radial squeeze of 0.002 inch between the valve body and main housing. In FIG. 8, starting torque and radial squeeze are related by:

{Starting Torque (oz-in)=91852*(Radial Squeeze (in.))^1.506}.

At this radial squeeze, the maximum allowable radial pressure σ_r is approximately 260 psi (pounds per square inch). The radial squeeze and maximum allowable pressure are related by:

{Maximum Allowable Pressure (psi)=131000*(Radial Squeeze (in.)}

This means that a maximum of 260 psi of compressed gas can be used to fire a paintball with the radial squeeze value chosen. Notably, the specific numerical values provided in FIG. 8 and elsewhere in this application are examples only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments may be configured differently, e.g., with different operational parameters, such as higher or lower starting torques than what is shown in FIG. 8.

In addition, other exemplary embodiments may include other revolving valve configurations that achieve the same or similar purpose, such as revolving valve configurations that include the use of a removable O-ring or O-rings (or other suitable sealing members). For example, FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a revolving valve assembly 650 having external features 660, 661, and 662 (e.g., grooves, slots, etc.) for sealing members (e.g., O-rings, other sealing members, etc.), which is disclosed in more detail hereinafter.

Motor

As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, motor 3 drives revolving valve 2, with the motor shaft received in motor shaft hole 125 at the rear of the valve body (see FIG. 4D). In this embodiment, motor 3 comprises a motor configured to be precisely controlled to an accurate starting and stopping position. The motor shaft inserts into motor shaft hole 125 and is locked into place by motor shaft screw 8 (FIG. 3C) or via other suitable connection means (e.g., other mechanical fasteners, etc.). For example, FIG. 17 illustrates another exemplary embodiment in which a revolving valve assembly 650 includes a wedge clamp or coupling 670 for securing a shaft 674 of a motor 603 to the valve body 602 via a mechanical fastener 676 (e.g., screw, etc.), which is inserted through fastener holes of the wedge clamp or coupling 670.

Appropriately sized motors (e.g., stepper motors, DC motors, etc.) may supply approximately 6 to 50 oz-in of torque output and are typically controlled with the use of a driver and microprocessor with multiple I/O commands or if a DC motor sometimes through a home position. FIG. 9 shows a torque curve for a stepper motor that may be used in this embodiment. The motor with the torque curve in FIG. 9 can provide approximately 9 oz-in of torque at a speed of 20 revolutions per second.

A stepper motor or DC motor may be used in various exemplary embodiments for the purpose of rotating the valve assembly. In other embodiments, a gear train may be used to adjust the desirable torque or speed output to the revolving valve. Other electronically driven, air-assisted, or manual rotational devices and mechanisms for turning the revolving valve may also be used.

Paintball

As noted above, paintball 4 rests in the front revolving chamber scoop 1 before being discharge by the compressed gas exiting from the rear revolving valve 2. Current popular paintball sizes are .5 caliber and .68 caliber. Paintball 4 typically requires 150 to 300 psi of compressed gas to be propelled so as to achieve a muzzle velocity of 280 FPS (feet per second). The pressure required to obtain a desired muzzle velocity depends on the size and weight of the paintball.

Infrared (IR) Photosensor

As shown in FIG. 3B, this exemplary embodiment includes an IR photosensor 5 that provides feedback for the circuitry of the motor controller. The IR photosensor 5 tracks the angular position of disc 124 and thus provides a “home position” signal to the controller. The home position 126 for revolution of the valve 2 is marked approximately one revolution from start to stop on the IR sensor disc 124. The front revolving chamber scoop 1 is open to feed a paintball in this position.

Ball Detent

Ball detent 6 (FIG. 2) is located at the interior wall of main housing 10 (the wall of the cylindrical chamber 510 in which the revolving valve assembly turns). The ball detent 6 protrudes radially inward toward the front revolving chamber scoop 1. The ball detent 6 holds the paintball in place while the revolving valve 2 is at rest. As the revolving chamber turns, the front revolving chamber scoop 1 pushes the ball detent 6 beneath itself, so that the paintball is free to exit the breech when pushed by air escaping from air exit hole 121. The ball detent 6 may be made of rubber, etc.

Electronic Breakbeam Eye

One or more electronic break beam eyes 7 monitor and sense the position of the paintball 4 (scoop 1 is made of a transparent material for this reason). The electronic break beam eyes 7 determine whether the paintball is in the correct position to be discharged. If the paintball is not properly positioned, the electromagnetic beam is not broken. The circuit board detects a signal accordingly and the operation of the paintball marker will halt. The electronic break beam eyes are used to prevent the paintball marker from operating prematurely and decrease the chance of the paintball breaking inside the breech due to premature firing.

Main Housing Breech and Gas Reservoir

FIG. 5A is a cutaway view of the main housing 10. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the main housing 10 showing two parallel chambers having openings 461, 451 in the front face of the main housing 10. The upper chamber 510 is cylindrical and receives the revolving valve assembly 150 through a rear opening 515. The valve assembly 150 is driven by motor 3 and turns inside chamber 510. A breech portion 501 has the front revolving chamber scoop 1 turning therein. Paintballs from the hopper enter the breech through opening 511. The lower bore (in this exemplary embodiment, a second cylindrical chamber) comprises compressed gas reservoir 502. Reservoir 502 is plugged at the front end by front hole plug screw 45 (see FIG. 7). Opening 503 receives the outlet of a gas regulator which supplies compressed gas to the reservoir. The cylindrical chambers communicate through a slot 520 which is blocked by the revolving valve 2 and the round seals 122, except when in alignment with air entrance slot 123 of the revolving valve 2 (see FIG. 10D).

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrates opening and closing of the breech opening 511 and slot 520 during one revolution of the valve assembly. FIGS. 10A and 10C are cross-sectional views of the chamber at breech 501. FIGS. 10B and 10D are cross-sectional views of the chamber at slot 520. As noted above, FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the home position of the revolving valve assembly 150, while FIGS. 10C and 10D illustrate the position of the revolving valve assembly 150 half a revolution removed from the home position.

Paintball Marker: Assembled View

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an assembled paintball marker in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Paintball 4 (see detail in FIG. 6B) is shown at rest in the breech 501 whereat the paintball 4 is ready to be propelled down barrel 46. Feedneck clamp 14 fastens and secures the paintball hopper (not shown) to feedneck 13, which is connected to (e.g., threaded, etc.) to the main housing 10. Air Source Adapter (ASA) regulator 40, connecting to reservoir 502, regulates input pressure from the compressed gas tank (not shown) and outputs an adjusted pressure into reservoir 502. The input of regulator 40 is connected to straight air connector 38, which, in turn, connects to a gas tube (not shown) leading to the air source adapter 40 having coupler 130 connecting to the gas tank. The mechanism for propelling the paintball has only one moving part, which is the revolving valve assembly 150 driven by the motor 3. Furthermore, all (or substantially all) of the gas pressure from the regulator 40 supplied to reservoir 502 is expended in propelling the paintball, as no gas is diverted to operating any mechanism.

Paintball Marker: Exploded View

FIG. 7 illustrates other exemplary components of the paintball marker in this exemplary embodiment. For example, eye covers 11 protect the electronic break beam eyes 7 from debris and UV radiation. Eye cover screws 12 attach the eye covers 11 to the main housing 10. Feedneck clamp screw 15 adjusts the tightness of the feedneck clamp 14. O-ring 16 seals the trigger frame compartment and protects the electronics from harmful saturation exposure. Motor damper 17 reduces vibration from the motor 3. Circuit board dampers 18 protect circuit board 19. Circuit board 19 operates motor 3. Circuit board screws 20 attach circuit board 19 to main housing 10. Ball detent cover screw 21 secures ball detent 6 in position. The circuit board 19 may include a suitable driver and microprocessor to power and operate the rotation device in an exemplary embodiment.

Trigger switch 22, which in this embodiment comprises an IR sensor, activates the firing operation. The firing operation is initiated when trigger adjustment screw 37 on trigger 35 interrupts the switch. Trigger switch 22 rests behind the trigger. Trigger switch magnet 23 and trigger magnet 39 use magnetic repulsion to return trigger 35 to a safe, non-firing position. Trigger frame screws 24 attach trigger frame 36 to main housing 10.

Grip covers 25 protect one or more batteries stored in the grip frame compartment of the trigger frame. Grip covers 25 also provide a secure gripping surface for the user. On/Off switch screw 26 attaches On/Off switch 34 to trigger frame 36. Grip cover screws 27 attach grip covers 25 to trigger frame 36.

Trigger switch dowel pins 28 secure trigger switch 22 inside the trigger frame. Trigger dowel pin 29 acts as a pivot to trigger 35 and secures it in a swivel position in the trigger frame.

A ninety degree (90°) air swivel 30 connects an external air tube to straight air connector 38 and routes compressed gas from the air source adapter 33 to ASA regulator 40. ASA screws 32 attach the air source adapter 33 to the bottom of trigger frame 36.

On/Off LED light 31 lights up to indicate whether the marker is on or off. This light thus functions as a firing and safety mode indicator. On/Off switch 34 turns the paintball marker on and off, and also acts as a safety switch. Trigger adjustment screw 37 is adjusted to interrupt trigger switch 22 at a desired firing location during a trigger pull. Trigger adjustment screw 41 adjusts the magnetic repulsion length or trigger return length between the trigger frame magnet and the trigger magnet.

Air slot cover plate 44 compresses air slot cover plate O-ring 43 to seal the main housing reservoir. Air slot cover plate screws 42 attach the air slot cover plate to the main housing. The various components shown in FIG. 7 are exemplary in nature as alternative embodiments may include other and/or differently configured components than that shown in FIG. 7.

FIGS. 11 through 16 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of a revolving valve assembly 650 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11, the revolving valve assembly 650 includes a front front revolving chamber scoop 601 and rear revolving valve 602. The scoop 601 and valve 602 may be configured and operate substantially similar to the scoop 1 and valve 2 described above.

In this exemplary embodiment, the valve 2 includes external features 660, 661, and 662 (e.g., grooves, slots, etc.) for sealing members (e.g., O-rings, other sealing members, etc.). The groove 660 is configured for respectively receiving a face seal 664 (FIG. 12), which is operable for sealing gas pressure around the air entrance slot or opening 623. The grooves 661, 662 are configured for respectively receiving azimuthal or circumferential seals 665, 667, which are operable for containing air pressure at all times during operation.

Also in this exemplary embodiment, the revolving valve assembly 650 includes a wedge coupling or clamp 670. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, the wedge coupling or clamp 670 may be used for securing a shaft 674 of a motor 603 to the valve body 602 via a mechanical fastener 676 (e.g., screw, etc.), which is inserted through fastener holes of the wedge clamp or coupling 670. The shaft 674 is inserted within a passageway or hole 625 at the rear of the valve body 602. The fastener 676 is tightened so as to tighten the clamp or coupling 670, and thereby couple the motor shaft 674 to the valve 602 so that the motor 603 is operable for rotating the valve 602.

Also shown in FIGS. 17 through 20 is an exemplary housing 610 (e.g., hollow tubular body, etc.) that may be attached to the motor 603 via mechanical fasteners 614 or other suitable means. As shown in FIG. 20, the housing 610 includes a chamber 613 into which is inserted the revolving valve assembly 650. Paintballs from a hopper enter the breech through an opening 611. The housing 610 also includes an opening 615 that receives the outlet (e.g., regulator adapter attachment, etc.) of a gas regulator which supplies compressed gas. The opening 615 is blocked by the revolving valve 602 when in alignment with the opening or air entrance slot 623 of the revolving valve 602 similar to that explained above for the revolving valve assembly 150.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate the revolving valve assembly 650 aligned for positioning within a tube or hollow tubular body 780, which, in turn, is aligned for positioning within a hollow tubular housing or body 710 according to an exemplary embodiment. The tube 780 is preferably made of a low friction material, such as ball-bearing grade materials, low friction coated materials, or other ultra-slick materials having an extremely low friction coefficient. The tube 780 may thus provide for improved performance and/or allow different materials to be used for the body 710 as low friction materials are not required of the body 710 given the low friction provided by the tube 780.

In this exemplary embodiment, the housing or body 710 may be configured substantially similar to the housing 610 described above. For example, the housing or body 710 may be configured to be attached to a motor via mechanical fasteners (not shown) or other suitable means. The housing 710 includes an opening 715 (FIG. 22) that receives the outlet (e.g., regulator adapter attachment, etc.) of a gas regulator which supplies compressed gas. The housing 710 includes a chamber 713 into which is inserted the tube 780.

As shown in FIG. 21, the tube 780 includes an opening 781 such that paintballs from a hopper can enter the breech via the body's opening 711 and the tube's opening 781 when those openings 711, 781 are aligned. The tube 780 also includes a chamber 782 into which is inserted the revolving valve assembly 650. As shown in FIG. 22, the tube 780 includes an opening or gas entrance slot 783 on the bottom that is alignable with the opening 715 in the body 710 to allow compressed gas to enter through the aligned openings 715, 783. The compressed gas exits through an air exit hole 621 as disclosed above. The opening 783 in the tube 780 is blocked by the revolving valve 602 except when in alignment with the opening or air entrance slot 623 of the revolving valve 602 similar to that explained above for the revolving valve assembly 150.

FIG. 21 also illustrates exemplary sealing members 784, 785 (e.g., O-rings, etc.) that may be disposed within grooves, slots, etc. in the tube 780. The sealing members 784, 785 may help seal the chamber 782 of the tube 780 and inhibit compressed gas from escaping or leaking out between the tube 780 and body 710. FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an exemplary sealing member 786 that may be disposed within a groove, slot, etc. in the tube 780 generally around the opening 783. The sealing member 786 (or static face seal) may be operable for sealing gas pressure around the air entrance slot or opening 783.

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide one or more (but not necessarily any or all) of the following advantages and/or benefits. For example, exemplary embodiments are configured such that there is only one moving part (the revolving valve assembly), and thus there are no parts moving linearly or reciprocating to initiate recoil. Thus, there is no recoil from mechanical operation to gain better control of the target accuracy. Paintball markers today are composed of primary and secondary operations; primary is to route the gas to the paintball and propel it out through the barrel, and secondary is to repeat or reset this operation. As disclosed herein, the inventor's exemplary embodiments use one moving part to achieve both primary and secondary operations; instead of multiple moving parts. The revolving valve assembly loads, discharges, and resets the paintball marker one within one motion (rotation). The paintball is at rest as it is discharged or pressurized. This leads to a more stable flight trajectory for the paintball projectile. Compressed gas is solely used to propel a paintball and not added into the operation of the internal components. A low pressure regulator or other means to load and cock the marker is not necessary (as it is with conventional paintball markers today). By adjusting the speed of the revolving valve, it is possible to achieve a desired dwell time without relying on the timing of an air solenoid or other related device. Also, there is no valve return travel leading to wasted air. The fluid mechanics within the inventor's exemplary embodiments are optimal due to a short gas route through a single part to the paintball (instead of multiple long and winding routes as seen in other conventional paintball markers). This will allow for a lower input pressure into the paintball marker. This provides for the use of a smaller compressed air tank and/or for a longer lasting experience on the playing field. The simplicity of operation, owing to a single moving part, ensures a high level of reliability and user comprehension. Furthermore, no intense lubrication is necessary, and no extra internal gadgets or large arrays of O-rings are required. The only contact mechanics involved during operation is the sealing mechanism of the revolving valve itself. The utility is simple to operate for the user and requires basic knowledge of the single moving part inside to maintain. Tinkering is not essential for stable and reliable operation. The marker is easier to troubleshoot due to easier access to the single moving part. Because there is no force from internal loading of the paintballs into the breech, there is less likelihood of paintball breakage. The revolving valve scoop is softer on paint so that more brittle paint could be used without sacrificing reliability. Accordingly, the inventor's exemplary embodiments of a paintball marker disclosed herein may be lightweight and have a compact body design due to the single-part operation. In addition, the components are relatively inexpensive to produce, especially when considering the only critical part to manufacture; the revolving valve.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that may be achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements may be present. For example, one or more resistors may be coupled between two elements, which are “connected” to one another. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term “about” when applied to values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms “generally”, “about”, and “substantially” may be used herein to mean within manufacturing tolerances.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended or stated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A paintball marker comprising: a housing including a wall defining a chamber having an axis and an open end, the wall including a first opening and a second opening; anda valve assembly within the chamber and coaxial therewith, the valve assembly configured for rotation coaxially about the axis of the chamber;whereby a revolution of the valve assembly about the axis of the chamber includes the valve assembly being rotated between a plurality of positions including:a first position in which the valve assembly closes the second opening while permitting entry of a ball into the chamber through the first opening;a second position in which the valve assembly closes the first opening while permitting entry of compressed gas into the chamber through the second opening for expulsion of the ball from the chamber through the open end of the chamber; anda third position in which the valve assembly closes the second opening while permitting entry of a ball into the chamber through the first opening.

2. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the paintball marker is configured such that the third position is located one full revolution from the first position.

3. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the paintball marker is configured such that: the second position located one-half of a revolution from the first position; and/orthe third position is located one-half of a revolution from the second position.

4. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein: the valve assembly includes a valve body having an axis aligned with the axis of the chamber;the first and third positions are start and stop home positions of the valve body; andthe revolution of the valve assembly comprises a three hundred sixty degree rotation of the valve body about the axis of the chamber.

5. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly comprises a revolving valve body configured to seal compressed gas while at rest and configured to seal and release compressed gas while in motion, the revolving valve body having a start position and a stop position which is located one revolution from initial movement out of the start position.

6. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the paintball marker is configured such that a ball is discharged solely with a revolving operation of the valve assembly.

7. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein: the valve assembly is operated by an assisted rotational device; and/orthe valve assembly is constructed of an injection molded ball-bearing grade material.

8. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein: the valve assembly comprises a valve body having an opening therein for permitting entry of the compressed gas when the valve assembly is in the second position; anda time during the revolution which the opening of the valve body is at least partially aligned with the second opening is characterized as a dwell time for flow of the compressed gas into the chamber and thence toward the ball.

9. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve body and a scoop for holding the ball, the scoop attached to the valve body and coaxial therewith, the scoop configured to receive the ball entering the chamber when the valve assembly is in the first and third positions and to close the first opening when the valve assembly is in the second position, the scoop being open at a front end thereof to permit movement of the ball as it is expelled and having an opening at a back end thereof to communicate with an interior of the valve body, so that the compressed gas flows through said opening toward the ball when the valve assembly is in the second position.

10. The paintball marker of claim 9, wherein: the chamber includes a breech portion communicating with the first opening into which the ball drops when the valve assembly is in the first or third position, the breech portion having the scoop disposed therein so that the ball drops into the scoop; andthe paintball marker further comprises a hopper coupled to the breech portion via the first opening for holding the ball prior to dropping into the breech portion.

11. The paintball marker of claim 9, wherein: the paintball marker further comprises one or more electronic break beam eyes for monitoring and for sensing the position of the ball; andthe scoop is formed of a transparent material to permit the one or more electronic break beam eyes to monitor and sense the position of the ball.

12. The paintball marker of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for sensing a position of the valve assembly during revolution about the axis.

13. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein: the valve assembly comprises a valve body having an opening therein for permitting entry of the compressed gas when the valve assembly is in the second position;a plurality of sealing members are disposed externally about the valve body, including at least two sealing members circumferentially disposed about the valve body on opposite sides of the opening in the valve body, and at least one sealing member disposed about a perimeter of the opening in the valve body.

14. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein the paintball marker is configured such that delivery of the ball to the housing and delivery of compressed gas to expel the ball requires only a single moving part, which is the valve assembly revolving in the chamber.

15. The paintball marker of claim 1, wherein: the paintball marker further comprises a tube positioned within the housing;the valve assembly is positioned within the tube; andthe tube comprises a low friction material.

16. A paintball marker comprising: a housing including a wall defining a chamber having an axis; anda valve assembly within the chamber and coaxial therewith, the valve assembly configured for rotation coaxially about the axis of the chamber, the valve assembly including a revolving valve body configured to seal compressed gas while at rest and configured to seal and release compressed gas while in motion, the revolving valve body having a start position and a stop position which is located one revolution from initial movement out of the start position.

17. The paintball marker of claim 16, wherein the paintball marker is configured such that delivery of a ball to the housing and delivery of compressed gas to expel the ball from the housing requires only a single moving part, which is the valve assembly revolving in the chamber.

18. The paintball marker of claim 16, wherein: the chamber has an open end;the wall includes a first opening and a second opening; andthe valve assembly is configured such that during one revolution, the valve assembly is rotated between a plurality of positions including: the start position in which the valve assembly closes the second opening while permitting entry of a ball into the chamber through the first opening;an intermediate position in which the valve assembly closes the first opening while permitting entry of compressed gas into the chamber through the second opening for expulsion of the ball from the chamber through the open end of the chamber; andthe stop position in which the valve assembly closes the second opening while permitting entry of a ball into the chamber through the first opening.

19. The paintball marker of claim 16, wherein: the revolving valve body includes an opening therein for permitting entry of the compressed gas when the valve assembly is in an intermediate position between the start and stop positions; and a plurality of sealing members are disposed externally about the revolving valve body, including at least two sealing members circumferentially disposed about the revolving valve body on opposite sides of the opening in the valve body, and at least one sealing member disposed about a perimeter of the opening in the revolving valve body; and/orthe paintball marker further comprises a tube positioned within the housing, the valve assembly is positioned within the tube, and the tube comprises a low friction material.

20. A paintball marker comprising: a housing including a wall defining a chamber having an open end, the wall including a first opening and a second opening; anda valve assembly within the chamber, the valve assembly configured for rotation about the axis from a start position to a stop position which is located one revolution from initial movement out of the start position, the valve assembly is configured such that during one revolution, the valve assembly is rotated between a plurality of positions including: the start position in which the valve assembly closes the second opening while permitting entry of a ball into the chamber through the first opening;an intermediate position in which the valve assembly closes the first opening while permitting entry of compressed gas into the chamber through the second opening for expulsion of the ball from the chamber through the open end of the chamber; andthe stop position in which the valve assembly closes the second opening while permitting entry of a ball into the chamber through the first opening;whereby the paintball marker is configured such that delivery of a ball to the housing and delivery of compressed gas to expel the ball from the housing requires only a single moving part, which is the valve assembly revolving in the chamber.