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United States Patent Application 20080236558
Kind Code A1
Bosch; John P. ;   et al. October 2, 2008
PAINTBALL LOADER SYSTEMS

Abstract

A paintball loader system designed to efficiently deliver paintballs to a paintball gun. The drive mechanism is a screw-type design comprising a resilient auger. A microcontroller is programmed to automatically adjust the rotation of the auger based on data from multiple sensor points within the loader. The auger is mounted such that both rotational axial movements are enabled during operation. The axial movement of the auger is used to maintain a constant force on the paintballs awaiting loading within the paintball gun.

Inventors: Bosch; John P.; (Scottsdale, AZ) ; McKay; Clyde; (Scottsdale, AZ)
Correspondence Name and Address: 
    Stoneman Volk Patent Group
    3770 NORTH 7TH STREET, Suite 100
    PHOENIX
    AZ
    85014
    US
Serial No.: 058619
Series Code: 12
Filed: March 28, 2008

U.S. Current Class: 124/48; 124/51.1
U.S. Class at Publication: 124/48; 124/51.1
Intern'l Class: F41B 11/02 20060101 F41B011/02
Claims


1) A paintball loader system comprising:a) at least one paintball storage compartment to store paintballs;b) mounted within said at least one paintball storage compartment, at least one rotatable auger structured and arranged to convey paintballs from said at least one paintball storage compartment to at least one ball passage leading to at least one paintball gun; andc) at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotate said at least one rotatable auger;d) wherein said at least one rotatable auger comprises at least one axial translator structured and arranged to assist axial translation of said at least one rotatable auger along at least one axis of rotation between at least one first auger position and at least one second auger position;e) wherein said at least one axial translator comprises at least one positional biaser, comprising at least one biasing force, structured and arranged to positionally bias said at least one rotatable auger toward said at least one first position; andf) wherein such at least one biasing force is structured and arranged to urge at least one first paintball toward the at least one paintball gun.

2) The paintball loader system according to claim 1 further comprising:a) such at least one ball passage structured and arranged to pass paintballs between said at least one paintball storage compartment and the at least one paintball gun in substantially single-file alignment;b) wherein rotation of said at least one rotatable auger is structured and arranged to exert at least one second force on the at least one first paintball, comprising at least one up-stream paintball of the single file alignment, during such rotation; andc) wherein such at least one second force is structured and arranged to convey the at least one first paintball generally toward said at least one ball passage.

3) The paintball loader system according to claim 2 wherein:a) said at least one rotatable auger is structured and arranged to be urged toward said at least one second position in response to the development of at least one resistance force, acting between the at least one first paintball and said at least one rotatable auger; andb) wherein at least one substantially constant force, comprising at least one of such at least one biasing force and such at least one second force, is structured and arranged to substantially constantly urge the at least one first paintball, comprising at least one up-stream paintball of such substantially single-file alignment, toward the at least one paintball gun.

4) The paintball loader system according to claim 3 further comprising:a) at least one rotation controller structured and arranged to control the rotation of said at least one rotatable auger;b) operationally coupled with said at least one rotation controller, at least one positional sensor structured and arranged to sense the position said at least one rotatable auger;c) wherein said at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged to adjust the rotation of said at least one rotatable auger in response to at least one positional condition of said at least one rotatable auger substantially comprising the presence of said at least one rotatable auger in said at least one first position or said at least one second position.

5) The paintball loader system according to claim 4 wherein such at least one adjustment to the rotation of said at least one rotatable auger comprises at least one stop of rotation.

6) The paintball loader system according to claim 5 wherein said at least one rotator comprises:a) at least one electric motor structured and arranged to provide at least one rotational force;b) at least one force-transfer assembly structured and arranged to transfer the at least one rotational force generated by said at least one electric motor to said at least one rotatable auger;c) at least one electric power source structured and arranged to provide electric power usable by said at least one electric motor; andd) at least one electrical coupler structured and arranged to couple said at least one electric power source to said at least one electric motor;e) wherein conduction of the electric power by said at least one electrical coupler is controlled by said at least one rotational controller.

7) The paintball loader system according to claim 6 wherein said at least one rotational controller comprises:a) at least one position detector structured and arranged to detect the presence of said at least one rotatable auger in said at least one second position;b) wherein said at least one rotational controller is further structured and arranged to alter the delivery of the electric power through said at least one electrical coupler when said at least one position detector detects the presence of said at least one rotatable auger in said at least one second position.

8) The paintball loader system according to claim 7 wherein said at least one force-transfer assembly comprises:a) at least one projecting transfer member structured and arranged to transfer at least one force;b) at least one support member structured and arranged to support said at least one projecting transfer member in at least one position substantially parallel with such at least one axis of rotation;c) wherein said at least one support member is operably coupled with said at least one electric motor;d) wherein said at least one support member and said at least one projecting transfer member are structured and arranged to rotate about the at least one axis of rotation during operation of at least one electric motor;e) wherein said at least one rotatable auger comprises at least one aperture structured and arranged to slidably engage said at least one projecting transfer member; andf) wherein, when said at least one rotatable auger is slidably engaged thereon, rotation of said projecting transfer member produces the rotation of said at least one rotatable auger.

9) The paintball loader system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one positional biaser comprises at least one helical spring acting between said at least one support member and said at least one end flange.

10) The paintball loader system according to claim 6 wherein said at least one force-transfer assembly comprises:a) at least one end flange coupled to said at least one rotatable auger;b) co-axial with the at least one axis of rotation, at least one lash cage structured and arranged to movably receive said at least one end flange;c) at least one interlocker structured and arranged to interlock said at least one end flange with said at least one lash cage;d) wherein said at least one interlocker comprises at least one axial translator structured and arranged to allow axial translation of said at least one end flange relative to said at least one lash cage; ande) wherein said at least one interlocker further comprises at least one rotational coupler structured and arranged to rotatably couple said at least one lash cage with said at least one end flange.

11) The paintball loader system according to claim 8 wherein:a) said at least one end flange comprises at least one projecting tab;b) said at least one lash cage comprises at least one longitudinal slot structured and arranged to movably receive said at least one projecting tab;c) said at least one longitudinal slot comprises at least one longitudinal slot-length at least greater than at least one longitudinal tab-thickness of said at least one projecting tab; andd) said at least one longitudinal slot comprises at least one transverse slot-width substantially equal to at least one transverse tab-width of said at least one projecting tab.

12) The paintball loader system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one paintball storage compartment further comprises:a) at least one first guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one first side of said at least one rotatable auger;b) at least one second guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one second side of said at least one rotatable auger;c) at least one catch tray structured and arranged to catch debris occurring within said at least one paintball storage compartment during use;d) at least one debris passage structured and arranged toi) pass such ball-associated debris from said at least one paintball storage compartment to said at least one catch tray, andii) restrict passage of the paintballs from said at least one paintball storage compartment to said at least one catch tray;e) wherein said at least one debris passage is located within at least one of said at least one first guide-wall and said at least one second guide-wall; andf) wherein said at least one catch tray is located gravitationally below said at least one rotatable auger.

13) The paintball loader system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one rotatable auger substantially comprises at least one resilient material structured and arranged to resiliently engage the at least one first paintball.

14) The paintball loader system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one ball passage comprises:a) at least one hollow cylindrical channel structured and arranged to channel the paintballs to the at least one paintball gun in such substantially single-file alignment;b) wherein said at least one hollow cylindrical channel comprisesi) located proximally of said at least one paintball storage compartment, at least one paintball entry portion, andii) located downstream of said at least one paintball entry portion, at least one paintball exit portion,c) wherein said at least one paintball exit portion comprises at least one first flow detector structured and arranged to detect at least one first paintball flow condition within said at least one paintball exit portion, andd) wherein said at least one paintball entry portion comprises at least one second flow detector structured and arranged to detect a second paintball flow condition within said at least one ball entry portion;e) wherein said at least one first flow detector and said at least one second flow detector are structured and arranged to report such first paintball flow condition and such second paintball flow condition to said at least one rotational controller; andf) wherein said at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged adjust at least one rotation characteristic of said at least one rotatable auger in response to such at least one of such first paintball flow condition and second paintball flow condition.

15) The paintball loader system according to claim 14 wherein said at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged adjust at least one rotation characteristic of said at least one rotatable auger in response to such at least one of such first paintball flow condition and such second paintball flow condition.

16) The paintball loader system according to claim 14 wherein said at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged adjust at least one rotation characteristic of said at least one rotatable auger in response to such at least one of such first paintball flow condition, such second paintball flow condition, and such at least one positional condition of said at least one rotatable auger.

17) The paintball loader system according to claim 14 wherein:a) said at least one rotational controller comprises at least one current draw sensor structured and arranged to sense at least one level of current draw by the said at least one electric motor; andb) said at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged adjust at least one rotation characteristic of said at least one rotatable auger in response to such at least one of such first paintball flow condition, such second paintball flow condition, such at least one positional condition of said at least one rotatable auger, and such at least one level of current draw by the said at least one electric motor.

18) The paintball loader system according to claim 17 wherein said at least one rotation characteristic comprises an adjustment of a rate of rotation.

19) The paintball loader system according to claim 17 wherein said at least one rotation characteristic comprises an adjustment to a direction of rotation.

20) The paintball loader system according to claim 14 wherein:a) said at least one first flow detector and said at least one second flow detector each comprise at least one optical sensor;b) said at least one ball passage comprises at least one optically transparent portion structured and arranged to be substantially optically transparent to said at least one optical sensor; andc) said optically transparent portion substantially isolates said at least one optical sensor from paint debris occurring within said at least one ball passage.

21) A paintball loader system comprising:a) at least one paintball storage compartment to store paintballs;b) at least one ball passage structured and arranged to pass the paintballs between said at least one paintball storage compartment and at least one paintball gun;c) at least one rotating conveyor to convey the paintballs from said at least one paintball storage compartment to said at least one ball passage;d) at least one catch tray structured and arranged to catch ball-associated debris occurring within said at least one paintball storage compartment during use; ande) at least one debris passage structured and arranged toi) pass such ball-associated debris from said at least one paintball storage compartment to said at least one catch tray, andii) restrict passage of the paintballs from said at least one paintball storage compartment to said at least one catch tray;f) wherein operation of said at least one rotating conveyor moves the paintballs generally toward said at least one ball passage and assists movement of such ball-related debris to said at least one catch tray; andg) wherein a reduction of paintball-related debris adjacent the paintballs during delivery to the at least one paintball gun is achieved.

22) The paintball loader system according to claim 21 wherein said at least one rotating conveyor comprises:a) at least one mechanical power source structured and arranged to produce at least one rotational force; andb) at least one power coupler structured and arranged to couple the at least one rotational force to said at least one conveyor.

23) The paintball loader system according to claim 22 wherein said at least one conveyor comprises at least one rotatable auger.

24) The paintball loader system according to claim 23 wherein said at least one paintball storage compartment further comprises:a) at least one first guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one first side of said at least one rotatable auger; andb) at least one second guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one second side of said at least one rotatable auger;c) wherein said at least one debris passage is located within at least one of said at least one first guide-wall and said at least one second guide-wall.

25) The paintball loader system according to claim 24 wherein said at least one catch tray is located gravitationally below said at least one rotatable auger.

26) The paintball loader system according to claim 25 further comprising:a) at least one removable tray assembly structured and arranged to be removable from at least one paintball storage compartment without the use of tools;b) wherein said at least one removable tray assembly at least comprises said at least one rotatable auger and said at least one catch tray.

27) The system according to claim 26 wherein:a) said at least one rotatable auger is removable from said at least one removable tray assembly to assist cleaning of said at least one catch tray; andb) said at least one rotatable auger is removable from said at least one removable tray assembly without tools.

28) The system according to claim 27 wherein said at least one rotatable auger comprises helical flighting wound about said at least one longitudinal axis of rotation;a) wherein said helical flighting comprises at least one ball engager structured and arranged to engage at least one outer surface portion of at least one paintball; andb) wherein said at least one ball engager substantially comprises at least one resilient material structured and arranged to resiliently engage the at least one paintball during such conveyance.

29) A paintball loader system comprising:a) at least one paintball storage compartment to store paintballs;b) at least one ball passage structured and arranged to pass the paintballs between said at least one paintball storage compartment and at least one paintball gun;c) rotatably mounted within said at least one paintball storage compartment, at least one rotatable auger to convey the paintballs from said at least one paintball storage compartment to said at least one ball passage; andd) at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotate said at least one rotatable auger;e) wherein rotation of said at least one rotatable auger exerts at least one force on at least one paintball during such rotation;f) wherein such at least one force conveys the at least one paintball generally toward said at least one ball passage;g) wherein said at least one rotatable auger comprises at least one resilient material structured and arranged to resiliently engage the at least one paintball during such conveyance;h) wherein said at least one resilient material is further structured and arranged to assist in maintaining such at least one moving force within a limit settable by at least one selected resiliency.

30) The paintball loader system according to claim 29 further comprising:a) at least one rotation controller structured and arranged to control the rotation of said at least one rotatable auger; andb) operationally coupled with said at least one rotation controller, at least one load sensor structured and arranged to sense force loading on said at least one rotatable auger;c) wherein said at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged to adjust the rotation of said at least one rotatable auger in response to such force loading; andd) wherein such adjustment to the rotation assists in maintaining such at least one force within such limit.

31) A paintball loader system comprising:a) at least one paintball storage compartment to store paintballs;b) at least one ball passage structured and arranged to pass the paintballs between said at least one paintball storage compartment and at least one paintball gun; andc) at least one conveyor to convey the paintballs from said at least one paintball storage compartment to said at least one ball passage;d) wherein said at least one conveyor comprisesi) at least one ball selector structured and arranged to select the paintballs favorably positioned for delivery to said at least one ball passage, andii) at least one ball ejector structured and arranged to eject paintballs unfavorably positioned for delivery to said at least one ball passage from said at least one conveyor;e) wherein such paintballs favorably positioned for delivery to said at least one ball passage are passed into said at least one ball passage by said at least one conveyor;f) wherein such paintballs unfavorably positioned for delivery to said at least one ball passage are ejected from said at least one conveyor; andg) wherein said at least one paintball storage compartment comprises at least one relocator structured and arranged to relocate the paintballs ejected from said at least one conveyor to at least one area of said at least one paintball storage compartment generally favorable to the delivery of such ejected paintballs to said at least one ball passage by said at least one conveyor.

32) The paintball loader system according to claim 31 further comprising:a) at least one mechanical power source structured and arranged to produce mechanical power usable to operate said at least one conveyor; andb) at least one power coupler structured and arranged to couple the mechanical power to said at least one conveyor;c) wherein said at least one conveyor comprises at least one rotatable auger rotatably mounted within said at least one paintball storage compartment;d) wherein said at least one rotatable auger comprisesi) at least one longitudinal axis of rotation, andii) helical flighting wound about said at least one longitudinal axis of rotation;e) wherein said helical flighting comprises at least one ball engager structured and arranged to engage at least one outer surface portion of at least one paintball;f) wherein said at least one power coupler is structured and arranged to transfer at least one rotational force generated by said at least one mechanical power source to said at least one rotatable auger; andg) wherein rotation of said at least one rotatable auger moves the paintballs engaged within said at least one ball engager generally toward said at least one ball passage.

33) The paintball loader system according to claim 32 wherein said at least one ball engager substantially comprises at least one resilient material.

34) The paintball loader system according to claim 33 wherein said at least one paintball storage compartment comprises:a) at least one first guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one first side of said at least one rotatable auger; andb) at least one second guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one second side of said at least one rotatable auger;c) wherein said at least one relocator comprises, extending between said at least one first guide-wall and said at least one second guide-wall, at least one transverse guide wall structured and arranged to guide movement of the ejected paintballs between said at least one second side and said at least one first side; andd) wherein said at least one ball ejector comprises at least one contact interaction between the at least one paintball and said at least one transverse guide wall.

35) The paintball loader system according to claim 34 further comprising:a) at least one catch tray structured and arranged to catch and retain debris generated within said at least one paintball storage compartment during operation; andb) at least one debris passage structured and arranged toi) pass such debris from said at least one paintball storage compartment to said at least one catch tray, andii) restrict passage of the paintballs from said at least one paintball storage compartment to said at least one catch tray.

36) The paintball loader system according to claim 35 whereina) said at least one debris passage is located within at least one of said at least one first guide-wall and said at least one second guide-wall; andb) said at least one catch tray is located gravitationally below said at least one rotatable auger.

37) The paintball loader system according to claim 34 wherein:a) said at least one first guide-wall and said at least one second guide-wall together define at least one ball channel structured and arranged to channel the paintballs engaged within said at least one ball engager toward said at least one ball passage;b) said at least one ball channel is oriented substantially parallel with said at least one longitudinal axis of rotation;c) said at least one rotatable auger is located adjacent said at least one ball channel; andd) said at least one ball passage originates within said at least one transverse guide wall.

38) The paintball loader system according to claim 37 wherein:a) said at least one rotatable auger comprises at least one proximal auger end-region and at least one distal auger end-region;b) said at least one proximal auger end-region is positioned generally adjacent said at least one power coupler;c) said at least one distal auger end-region is positioned generally adjacent said at least one ball passage; andd) said at least one first guide-wall comprises at least one first guide ramp structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward said at least one proximal auger end-region.

39) The paintball loader system according to claim 38 wherein:a) said at least one second guide-wall comprises at least one second guide ramp structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward said at least one distal auger end-region; andb) said at least one second guide-wall comprises at least one ejection ramp structured and arranged to lift paintballs unfavorably positioned for delivery to said at least one ball passage from said at least one conveyor as such paintballs approach said at least one transverse guide wall.

40) The paintball loader system according to claim 34 wherein:a) said at least one rotatable auger is free to move axially along said at least one longitudinal axis of rotation between at least one first position and at least one second position;b) said at least one power coupler comprises at least one rotation adjuster structured and arranged to adjust the rotation of said at least one rotatable auger by said at least one mechanical power source when said at least one rotatable auger is in said at least one second position;c) said at least one power coupler comprises at least one positional biaser structured and arranged to bias said at least one rotatable auger toward said at least one first position;d) said at least one rotatable auger is translated to said at least one second position by at least one pressure resistance exerted between the paintballs within said at least one ball channel.

41) The paintball loader system according to claim 40 further comprising:a) at least one removable tray assembly structured and arranged to be removable from said at least one paintball storage compartment;b) wherein said at least one removable tray assembly at least comprises said at least one rotatable auger, said at least one mechanical power source, and said at least one power coupler.
Description


CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 60/909,373, filed Mar. 30, 2007, entitled "PAINTBALL LOADER SYSTEMS", and is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 60/989,720, filed Nov. 21, 2007, entitled "PAINTBALL LOADER SYSTEMS", the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.

BACKGROUND

[0002]This invention relates to paintball loader systems. More particularly, it relates to providing paintball loader systems to efficiently deliver paintballs to a paintball gun (also known as paintball markers).

[0003]The game of paintball involves participants utilizing paintball guns that discharge frangible paint-filled balls "fired" from the gun that burst upon impact to leave a mark at the point of impact. Paintball guns use a pneumatic system for firing the paintballs, typically using compressed air or other compressed gas. Electronically controlled guns are generally capable of very high rates of fire, so much so that the limiting factor in firing speed is typically the rate at which "paint" can be loaded into the gun. In professional competitions, the rate of fire can be as much as 15 balls per second. Often a player will experience missed shots or skipped shots due to a hopper not keeping up with the operation of the gun.

[0004]A significant problem with high-speed loading of paintballs is the controlled application of forces on the paintball. High loading velocities are generally associated with the application of high levels of force to the paintballs. The inherent fragility of the paintballs limits the maximum level of force that can be concentrated on the surface of the ball without breakage.

[0005]An additional problem related to high-speed loading of paintballs is the need for consistent feeding of paintballs into the gun, without interference or interruption. Occasionally, a paintball will break within the hopper hindering the operation. Typically, paint-related debris must be cleared from the hopper before the hopper can be returned to full service. The closed construction of conventional hoppers makes cleaning both difficult and time-consuming. A system to overcome the above-described problems would be of great benefit in advancing the paintball sports.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

[0006]A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system to overcome the above-described problems.

[0007]It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides high loading speeds while reducing paintball breakage during loading. It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides high loading forces while reducing point loads on surface of the paintballs.

[0008]It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that maintains a substantially constant loading on a paintball "stack" extending to the paintball gun. It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that assists in removing debris from the paintball storage compartment of the loader. It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that can be disassembled for cleaning without the use of tools.

[0009]It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that utilizes a lightweight auger and that adjusts the rotation of the auger in response to the firing rate of the paintball gun. It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system It utilizes a resilient auger to control force loads on the paintballs during loading. It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that reduces transfer loads between paintballs by reducing the length of the paintball "stack". It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that relocates stored paintballs from poor loading positions to favorable loading positions.

[0010]A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011]In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a paintball loader system comprising: at least one paintball storage compartment to store paintballs; mounted within such at least one paintball storage compartment, at least one rotatable auger structured and arranged to convey paintballs from such at least one paintball storage compartment to at least one ball passage leading to at least one paintball gun; and at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotate such at least one rotatable auger; wherein such at least one rotatable auger comprises at least one axial translator structured and arranged to assist axial translation of such at least one rotatable auger along at least one axis of rotation between at least one first auger position and at least one second auger position; wherein such at least one axial translator comprises at least one positional biaser, comprising at least one biasing force, structured and arranged to positionally bias such at least one rotatable auger toward such at least one first position; and wherein such at least one biasing force is structured and arranged to urge at least one first paintball toward the at least one paintball gun.

[0012]Moreover, it provides such a paintball loader system further comprising: such at least one ball passage structured and arranged to pass paintballs between such at least one paintball storage compartment and the at least one paintball gun in substantially single-file alignment; wherein rotation of such at least one rotatable auger is structured and arranged to exert at least one second force on the at least one first paintball, comprising at least one up-stream paintball of the single file alignment, during such rotation; and wherein such at least one second force is structured and arranged to convey the at least one first paintball generally toward such at least one ball passage.

[0013]Additionally, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein: such at least one rotatable auger is structured and arranged to be urged toward such at least one second position in response to the development of at least one resistance force, acting between the at least one first paintball and such at least one rotatable auger; and wherein at least one substantially constant force, comprising at least one of such at least one biasing force and such at least one second force, is structured and arranged to substantially constantly urge the at least one first paintball, comprising at least one up-stream paintball of such substantially single-file alignment, toward the at least one paintball gun.

[0014]Also, it provides such a paintball loader system further comprising: at least one rotation controller structured and arranged to control the rotation of such at least one rotatable auger; operationally coupled with such at least one rotation controller, at least one positional sensor structured and arranged to sense the position such at least one rotatable auger; wherein such at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged to adjust the rotation of such at least one rotatable auger in response to at least one positional condition of such at least one rotatable auger substantially comprising the presence of such at least one rotatable auger in such at least one first position or such at least one second position.

[0015]In addition, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one adjustment to the rotation of such at least one rotatable auger comprises at least one stop of rotation. And, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one rotator comprises: at least one electric motor structured and arranged to provide at least one rotational force; at least one force-transfer assembly structured and arranged to transfer the at least one rotational force generated by such at least one electric motor to such at least one rotatable auger; at least one electric power source structured and arranged to provide electric power usable by such at least one electric motor; and at least one electrical coupler structured and arranged to couple such at least one electric power source to such at least one electric motor; wherein conduction of the electric power by such at least one electrical coupler is controlled by such at least one rotational controller.

[0016]Further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one rotational controller comprises: at least one position detector structured and arranged to detect the presence of such at least one rotatable auger in such at least one second position; wherein such at least one rotational controller is further structured and arranged to alter the delivery of the electric power through such at least one electrical coupler when such at least one position detector detects the presence of such at least one rotatable auger in such at least one second position. Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one force-transfer assembly comprises: at least one projecting transfer member structured and arranged to transfer at least one force; at least one support member structured and arranged to support such at least one projecting transfer member in at least one position substantially parallel with such at least one axis of rotation; wherein such at least one support member is operably coupled with such at least one electric motor; wherein such at least one support member and such at least one projecting transfer member are structured and arranged to rotate about the at least one axis of rotation during operation of at least one electric motor; wherein such at least one rotatable auger comprises at least one aperture structured and arranged to slidably engage such at least one projecting transfer member; and wherein, when such at least one rotatable auger is slidably engaged thereon, rotation of such projecting transfer member produces the rotation of such at least one rotatable auger. Moreover, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one positional biaser comprises at least one helical spring acting between such at least one support member and such at least one end flange.

[0017]Additionally, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one force-transfer assembly comprises: at least one end flange coupled to such at least one rotatable auger; co-axial with the at least one axis of rotation, at least one lash cage structured and arranged to movably receive such at least one end flange; at least one interlocker structured and arranged to interlock such at least one end flange with such at least one lash cage; wherein such at least one interlocker comprises at least one axial translator structured and arranged to allow axial translation of such at least one end flange relative to such at least one lash cage; and wherein such at least one interlocker further comprises at least one rotational coupler structured and arranged to rotatably couple such at least one lash cage with such at least one end flange.

[0018]Also, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein: such at least one end flange comprises at least one projecting tab; such at least one lash cage comprises at least one longitudinal slot structured and arranged to movably receive such at least one projecting tab; such at least one longitudinal slot comprises at least one longitudinal slot-length at least greater than at least one longitudinal tab-thickness of such at least one projecting tab; and such at least one longitudinal slot comprises at least one transverse slot-width substantially equal to at least one transverse tab-width of such at least one projecting tab.

[0019]In addition, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one paintball storage compartment further comprises: at least one first guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one first side of such at least one rotatable auger; at least one second guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one second side of such at least one rotatable auger; at least one catch tray structured and arranged to catch debris occurring within such at least one paintball storage compartment during use; at least one debris passage structured and arranged to pass such ball-associated debris from such at least one paintball storage compartment to such at least one catch tray, and restrict passage of the paintballs from such at least one paintball storage compartment to such at least one catch tray; wherein such at least one debris passage is located within at least one of such at least one first guide-wall and such at least one second guide-wall; and wherein such at least one catch tray is located gravitationally below such at least one rotatable auger.

[0020]And, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one rotatable auger substantially comprises at least one resilient material structured and arranged to resiliently engage the at least one first paintball. Further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one ball passage comprises: at least one hollow cylindrical channel structured and arranged to channel the paintballs to the at least one paintball gun in such substantially single-file alignment; wherein such at least one hollow cylindrical channel comprises located proximally of such at least one paintball storage compartment, at least one paintball entry portion, and located downstream of such at least one paintball entry portion, at least one paintball exit portion, wherein such at least one paintball exit portion comprises at least one first flow detector structured and arranged to detect at least one first paintball flow condition within such at least one paintball exit portion, and wherein such at least one paintball entry portion comprises at least one second flow detector structured and arranged to detect a second paintball flow condition within such at least one ball entry portion; wherein such at least one first flow detector and such at least one second flow detector are structured and arranged to report such first paintball flow condition and such second paintball flow condition to such at least one rotational controller; and wherein such at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged adjust at least one rotation characteristic of such at least one rotatable auger in response to such at least one of such first paintball flow condition and second paintball flow condition.

[0021]Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged adjust at least one rotation characteristic of such at least one rotatable auger in response to such at least one of such first paintball flow condition and such second paintball flow condition. Moreover, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged adjust at least one rotation characteristic of such at least one rotatable auger in response to such at least one of such first paintball flow condition, such second paintball flow condition, and such at least one positional condition of such at least one rotatable auger.

[0022]Additionally, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein: such at least one rotational controller comprises at least one current draw sensor structured and arranged to sense at least one level of current draw by the such at least one electric motor; and such at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged adjust at least one rotation characteristic of such at least one rotatable auger in response to such at least one of such first paintball flow condition, such second paintball flow condition, such at least one positional condition of such at least one rotatable auger, and such at least one level of current draw by the such at least one electric motor.

[0023]Also, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one rotation characteristic comprises an adjustment of a rate of rotation. In addition, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one rotation characteristic comprises an adjustment to a direction of rotation. And, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein: such at least one first flow detector and such at least one second flow detector each comprise at least one optical sensor; such at least one ball passage comprises at least one optically transparent portion structured and arranged to be substantially optically transparent to such at least one optical sensor; and such optically transparent portion substantially isolates such at least one optical sensor from paint debris occurring within such at least one ball passage.

[0024]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a paintball loader system comprising: at least one paintball storage compartment to store paintballs; at least one ball passage structured and arranged to pass the paintballs between such at least one paintball storage compartment and at least one paintball gun; at least one rotating conveyor to convey the paintballs from such at least one paintball storage compartment to such at least one ball passage; at least one catch tray structured and arranged to catch ball-associated debris occurring within such at least one paintball storage compartment during use; and at least one debris passage structured and arranged to pass such ball-associated debris from such at least one paintball storage compartment to such at least one catch tray, and restrict passage of the paintballs from such at least one paintball storage compartment to such at least one catch tray; wherein operation of such at least one rotating conveyor moves the paintballs generally toward such at least one ball passage and assists movement of such ball-related debris to such at least one catch tray; and wherein a reduction of paintball-related debris adjacent the paintballs during delivery to the at least one paintball gun is achieved.

[0025]Further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one rotating conveyor comprises: at least one mechanical power source structured and arranged to produce at least one rotational force; and at least one power coupler structured and arranged to couple the at least one rotational force to such at least one conveyor. Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one conveyor comprises at least one rotatable auger.

[0026]Moreover, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one paintball storage compartment further comprises: at least one first guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one first side of such at least one rotatable auger; and at least one second guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one second side of such at least one rotatable auger; wherein such at least one debris passage is located within at least one of such at least one first guide-wall and such at least one second guide-wall.

[0027]Additionally, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one catch tray is located gravitationally below such at least one rotatable auger. Also, it provides such a paintball loader system further comprising: at least one removable tray assembly structured and arranged to be removable from at least one paintball storage compartment without the use of tools; wherein such at least one removable tray assembly at least comprises such at least one rotatable auger and such at least one catch tray.

[0028]In addition, it provides such a system wherein: such at least one rotatable auger is removable from such at least one removable tray assembly to assist cleaning of such at least one catch tray; and such at least one rotatable auger is removable from such at least one removable tray assembly without tools. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one rotatable auger comprises helical flighting wound about such at least one longitudinal axis of rotation; wherein such helical flighting comprises at least one ball engager structured and arranged to engage at least one outer surface portion of at least one paintball; and wherein such at least one ball engager substantially comprises at least one resilient material structured and arranged to resiliently engage the at least one paintball during such conveyance.

[0029]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a paintball loader system comprising: at least one paintball storage compartment to store paintballs; at least one ball passage structured and arranged to pass the paintballs between such at least one paintball storage compartment and at least one paintball gun; rotatably mounted within such at least one paintball storage compartment, at least one rotatable auger to convey the paintballs from such at least one paintball storage compartment to such at least one ball passage; and at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotate such at least one rotatable auger; wherein rotation of such at least one rotatable auger exerts at least one force on at least one paintball during such rotation; wherein such at least one force conveys the at least one paintball generally toward such at least one ball passage; wherein such at least one rotatable auger comprises at least one resilient material structured and arranged to resiliently engage the at least one paintball during such conveyance; wherein such at least one resilient material is further structured and arranged to assist in maintaining such at least one moving force within a limit settable by at least one selected resiliency.

[0030]Further, it provides such a paintball loader system further comprising: at least one rotation controller structured and arranged to control the rotation of such at least one rotatable auger; and operationally coupled with such at least one rotation controller, at least one load sensor structured and arranged to sense force loading on such at least one rotatable auger; wherein such at least one rotational controller is structured and arranged to adjust the rotation of such at least one rotatable auger in response to such force loading; and wherein such adjustment to the rotation assists in maintaining such at least one force within such limit.

[0031]In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a paintball loader system comprising: at least one paintball storage compartment to store paintballs; at least one ball passage structured and arranged to pass the paintballs between such at least one paintball storage compartment and at least one paintball gun; and at least one conveyor to convey the paintballs from such at least one paintball storage compartment to such at least one ball passage; wherein such at least one conveyor comprises at least one ball selector structured and arranged to select the paintballs favorably positioned for delivery to such at least one ball passage, and at least one ball ejector structured and arranged to eject paintballs unfavorably positioned for delivery to such at least one ball passage from such at least one conveyor; wherein such paintballs favorably positioned for delivery to such at least one ball passage are passed into such at least one ball passage by such at least one conveyor; wherein such paintballs unfavorably positioned for delivery to such at least one ball passage are ejected from such at least one conveyor; and wherein such at least one paintball storage compartment comprises at least one relocator structured and arranged to relocate the paintballs ejected from such at least one conveyor to at least one area of such at least one paintball storage compartment generally favorable to the delivery of such ejected paintballs to such at least one ball passage by such at least one conveyor.

[0032]Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system further comprising: at least one mechanical power source structured and arranged to produce mechanical power usable to operate such at least one conveyor; and at least one power coupler structured and arranged to couple the mechanical power to such at least one conveyor; wherein such at least one conveyor comprises at least one rotatable auger rotatably mounted within such at least one paintball storage compartment; wherein such at least one rotatable auger comprises at least one longitudinal axis of rotation, and helical flighting wound about such at least one longitudinal axis of rotation; wherein such helical flighting comprises at least one ball engager structured and arranged to engage at least one outer surface portion of at least one paintball; wherein such at least one power coupler is structured and arranged to transfer at least one rotational force generated by such at least one mechanical power source to such at least one rotatable auger; and wherein rotation of such at least one rotatable auger moves the paintballs engaged within such at least one ball engager generally toward such at least one ball passage. Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one ball engager substantially comprises at least one resilient material.

[0033]Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one paintball storage compartment comprises: at least one first guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one first side of such at least one rotatable auger; and at least one second guide-wall structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward at least one second side of such at least one rotatable auger; wherein such at least one relocator comprises, extending between such at least one first guide-wall and such at least one second guide-wall, at least one transverse guide wall structured and arranged to guide movement of the ejected paintballs between such at least one second side and such at least one first side; and wherein such at least one ball ejector comprises at least one contact interaction between the at least one paintball and such at least one transverse guide wall. Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system further comprising: at least one catch tray structured and arranged to catch and retain debris generated within such at least one paintball storage compartment during operation; and at least one debris passage structured and arranged to pass such debris from such at least one paintball storage compartment to such at least one catch tray, and restrict passage of the paintballs from such at least one paintball storage compartment to such at least one catch tray. Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein such at least one debris passage is located within at least one of such at least one first guide-wall and such at least one second guide-wall; and such at least one catch tray is located gravitationally below such at least one rotatable auger.

[0034]Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein: such at least one first guide-wall and such at least one second guide-wall together define at least one ball channel structured and arranged to channel the paintballs engaged within such at least one ball engager toward such at least one ball passage; such at least one ball channel is oriented substantially parallel with such at least one longitudinal axis of rotation; such at least one rotatable auger is located adjacent such at least one ball channel; and such at least one ball passage originates within such at least one transverse guide wall.

[0035]Moreover, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein: such at least one rotatable auger comprises at least one proximal auger end-region and at least one distal auger end-region; such at least one proximal auger end-region is positioned generally adjacent such at least one power coupler; such at least one distal auger end-region is positioned generally adjacent such at least one ball passage; and such at least one first guide-wall comprises at least one first guide ramp structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward such at least one proximal auger end-region. Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein: such at least one second guide-wall comprises at least one second guide ramp structured and arranged to guide the paintballs toward such at least one distal auger end-region; and such at least one second guide-wall comprises at least one ejection ramp structured and arranged to lift paintballs unfavorably positioned for delivery to such at least one ball passage from such at least one conveyor as such paintballs approach such at least one transverse guide wall.

[0036]Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system wherein: such at least one rotatable auger is free to move axially along such at least one longitudinal axis of rotation between at least one first position and at least one second position; such at least one power coupler comprises at least one rotation adjuster structured and arranged to adjust the rotation of such at least one rotatable auger by such at least one mechanical power source when such at least one rotatable auger is in such at least one second position; such at least one power coupler comprises at least one positional biaser structured and arranged to bias such at least one rotatable auger toward such at least one first position; such at least one rotatable auger is translated to such at least one second position by at least one pressure resistance exerted between the paintballs within such at least one ball channel. Even further, it provides such a paintball loader system further comprising: at least one removable tray assembly structured and arranged to be removable from such at least one paintball storage compartment; wherein such at least one removable tray assembly at least comprises such at least one rotatable auger, such at least one mechanical power source, and such at least one power coupler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037]FIG. 1 shows a partial sectional view cut longitudinally through a paintball loader according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the paintball loader mounted to a paintball gun in a preferred operational position.

[0038]FIG. 2 shows an overall perspective view of the paintball loader according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0039]FIG. 3 a partial sectional view cut longitudinally through the paintball loader FIG. 1.

[0040]FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the paintball loader according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0041]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a paintball conveyor assembly according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0042]FIG. 6 shows the sectional view 6-6 of FIG. 5 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0043]FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the paintball conveyor assembly of FIG. 5.

[0044]FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view, generally illustrating preferred paintball selection and loading processes, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0045]FIG. 9 shows a top view of the assembled paintball conveyor assembly of FIG. 5.

[0046]FIG. 10 shows a top view of the paintball conveyor assembly of FIG. 5 illustrating a preferred arrangement of guide walls.

[0047]FIG. 11 shows the sectional view 11-11 of FIG. 10.

[0048]FIG. 12 shows a front view illustrating the removable loader tray of FIG. 5.

[0049]FIG. 13 shows a longitudinal sectional view through the removable tray loader of FIG. 5, illustrating the preferred operation of a preferred power coupler assembly according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0050]FIG. 14 shows a second longitudinal sectional view through the removable tray loader of FIG. 5, further illustrating the preferred operation of the power coupler assembly.

[0051]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an alternate paintball loader according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052]FIG. 16 shows a side view of the alternate paintball loader according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0053]FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of the alternate paintball loader according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0054]FIG. 18 shows a rear view of the alternate paintball loader according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0055]FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of the alternate paintball loader of FIG. 15 showing preferred internal components.

[0056]FIG. 20 shows a sectional view through the section 20-20 of FIG. 17. showing preferred internal component arrangements of an assembled alternate paintball loader.

[0057]FIG. 21 shows the sectional view 21-21 of FIG. 16 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15 illustrating a preferred alternate paintball storage compartment.

[0058]FIG. 22A shows an exploded view of the front internal components of the alternate paintball storage compartment according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0059]FIG. 22B shows a perspective view of the ball floor structure according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0060]FIG. 23 shows another rear view of the alternate paintball loader with a removable auger tray in a removed position according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0061]FIG. 24 shows an exploded view of the removable auger tray according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0062]FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of an alternate auger drive assembly according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0063]FIG. 26 shows an exploded view of the alternate auger drive assembly, including an associated rotator assembly, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0064]FIG. 27 shows a top view of the alternate auger drive assembly, in a first operable position, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0065]FIG. 28 shows a second top view of the alternate auger drive assembly, in a second operable position, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0066]FIG. 29 shows a top view schematic diagram illustrating preferred positioning of sensors within is with the alternate paintball loader of FIG. 15.

[0067]FIG. 30 shows a diagrammatic side view of a preferred sensor positioning within the alternate paintball loader of FIG. 15.

[0068]FIG. 31 is a table indicating preferred operation relationships between the reporting of sensors and control of ball delivery within the alternate paintball loader of FIG. 15.

[0069]FIG. 32 is a flow diagram indicating preferred software control within the alternate paintball loader of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0070]FIG. 1 shows a partial sectional view cut longitudinally through a high-speed paintball loader 102 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows paintball loader 102 mounted to paintball gun 104 in a preferred operational position. FIG. 2 shows an overall perspective view of paintball loader 102 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 a partial sectional view cut longitudinally through paintball loader 102 of FIG. 1.

[0071]Paintball loader 102 is illustrative of a preferred embodiment of loader system 100. Paintball loader 102 is preferably designed to hold a plurality of paintballs and to efficiently deliver the paintballs to the breach of a paintball gun at a high sustainable feed rate.

[0072]Preferably, paintball loader 102 of paintball loader system 100 comprises paintball storage compartment 110 functioning to store the plurality of paintballs 106 prior to transfer to the breach 108 of paintball gun 104, as shown. Preferably, feedneck 112 is coupled to the lower front portion of paintball storage compartment 110 and preferably functions to pass paintballs 106 between paintball storage compartment 110 and the inlet of breach 108, as shown. A "stack" of paintballs 106 are shown within feedneck 112 awaiting delivery to paintball gun 104. Feedneck 112 preferably comprises a hollow tubular channel having an interior diameter of slightly greater size than the outer diameter of paintballs 106, as shown. The larger diameter of feedneck 112 provides sufficient clearance for the passage of airflow around paintballs 106 while reducing the effects of blowback from the paintball gun 104. Feedneck 112 preferably comprises a directional transition between a generally horizontal inlet from paintball storage compartment 110 to a generally vertical outlet extension structured and arranged to firmly engage the female feedneck receiver 128 of paintball gun 104, as best shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, feedneck 112 is relatively short to minimize the number of paintballs within the "stack", as shown. Feedneck 112 is preferably adapted to contain fully not more than about three paintballs 106, as shown.

[0073]A specialized power-driven conveyor assembly 114 is preferably used to mechanically convey paintballs 106 from paintball storage compartment 110 to feedneck 112 (at least embodying herein at least one passage structured and arranged to pass the paintballs between such at least one paintball storage compartment and the at least one breach inlet), as shown. Preferably, conveyor assembly 114 occupies the lower portion of paintball storage compartment 110 to allow gravity-assisted movement of the plurality of paintballs 106 toward the conveyance mechanism, as shown.

[0074]Conveyor assembly 114 preferably comprises at least one rotating auger 116 positioned within the lower portion of paintball storage compartment 110, as shown. Preferably, auger 116 is rotatably mounted on auger shaft 118 that is preferably aligned coaxially along longitudinal axis of rotation 120, as shown. Preferably, auger 116 comprises helical flighting 122 spiral wound about longitudinal axis of rotation 120, as shown. Preferably, the concave interstitial spaces of helical flighting 122 are shaped to closely match the outer circumferential surfaces (that is, at least one outer surface portion) of paintballs 106, as shown. These concave interstitial spaces preferably comprise about a 0.75-inch radius and function to contact a relatively large portion of the outer surface of paintballs 106, as shown. This preferred arrangement allows auger 116 to engage the paintballs in a manner that allows for improved distributed transfer of conveyance forces. Since the total force applied to the surface of the ball is spread over a wide area, the level of concentrated point loading at the surface of the ball is decreased. This allows the application of greater overall levels of pressure force while decreasing the risk of ball breakage.

[0075]In addition, auger 116 acts as a force distributor, allowing the moving force to be distributed to individual paintballs 106 queued within the ball "stack", rather than applying a single point load on the initial ball of the "stack". Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as intended use, advances in technology, etc., other force transfer arrangements, such as, rotating wheels, belts, cups, etc., may suffice.

[0076]Preferably, auger 116 is operationally coupled to a mechanical power source identified herein as power assembly 124, as shown. Preferably, power assembly 124 is structured and arranged to produce mechanical power, most preferably a rotational torque usable to operate conveyor assembly 114. In most preferred embodiments, power assembly 124 utilizes an electrically driven motor 150 to produce such mechanical power. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preference, intended use, etc., other torque generation arrangements, such as springs, pneumatic drives, etc., may suffice. Preferably, power coupler 126 is positioned between power assembly 124 and auger 116 and preferably functions to transfer the rotational force generated by power assembly 124 to auger 116, as shown. Preferably, rotation of auger 116 moves the paintballs 106 engaged within auger 116 in a direction generally toward transverse guide wall assembly 144 (the forward wall containing the opening to feedneck 112), as shown.

[0077]The preferred outer shape of paintball storage compartment 110 is generally aerodynamic in character, as shown, being more slender in the front, to increase the chance of safely deflecting incoming paintball away from the system.

[0078]FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of paintball loader 102 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Paintball loader 102 is preferably assembled from a number of individual subcomponents, as shown. The main supportive structure of paintball loader 102 is preferably assembled around three principal subcomponents, identified herein as upper housing portion 130, main housing portion 132, and removable back housing 134, as shown. Preferably, removable back housing 134 is adapted to contain conveyor assembly 114, as shown. Together, upper housing portion 130, main housing portion 132, and removable back housing 134 define paintball storage compartment 110.

[0079]Preferably, upper housing portion 130 comprises a generally circular access opening 136 used to refill paintball storage compartment 110, as shown. Preferably, a pivoting door cover 138 covers access opening 136 to prevent loss of paintballs during operation. Door pivot assembly 140 preferably comprises a pivot shaft and tension spring 141 used to bias door cover to an open position. Preferably, door cover 138 comprises door retainer assembly 142 designed to secure door cover 138 in a closed position. Preferably, door retainer assembly 142 comprises at least one magnet, mounted within door cover 138, interoperating with at least one magnetic element located within upper housing portion 130, as shown.

[0080]For efficiency of fabrication, transverse guide wall assembly 144 is preferably constructed as a separate insert that is permanently bonded to main housing portion 130 during assembly (see FIG. 3 for preferred positioning). For efficiency of fabrication, a portion of feedneck 112 is integrally formed with transverse guide wall assembly 144, as shown. When installed, the sloping upper horizontal extension of transverse guide wall assembly 144 forms the upper boundary of a battery-holding compartment, as shown. Preferably, battery compartment 146 is adapted to hold at least one electrical power source, most preferably one or more batteries 147 used to supply direct current to electrically driven motor 150 (see FIG. 3). Preferably, batteries 147 are of an expendable or rechargeable (secondary) type. Preferably, main housing portion 130 comprises a lower battery access opening 152 allowing access to the interior of battery compartment 146 for battery renewal. Preferably, a removable battery door 154 snap-fits over battery access opening 152 (as shown) to seal the compartment during use. Preferably, battery door 154 comprises battery doorplate 156 supporting conductive contacts 158 for the batteries, as shown. Similarly, a set of upper conductive contacts 158 are fitted to the underside of the sloping upper horizontal extension of transverse guide wall assembly 144, as shown. Preferably, at least one set of power contact links 160 conducts the electrical current supplied by the batteries to power assembly 124. Preferably, battery compartment 146 is located in the forward portion of paintball loader 102 to improve overall weight balance.

[0081]Preferably, removable back housing 134 is slidably engaged within a lower rear opening of main housing portion 132, as shown. This preferred tray-like feature allows (as shown) the entire conveyor assembly 114 to be removed from the main storage compartment for inspection and service (at least embodying herein at least one removable tray assembly structured and arranged to be removable from at least one paintball storage compartment). Preferably, removable back housing 134 and lower rear opening of main housing portion 132 each comprise a set of complementary interlocking alignment rails 162 (as shown) to assist in accurately positioning removable back housing 134 within main housing portion 132 during insertion. Preferably, removable back housing 134 comprises user interface accommodation 164, providing access to user interface board 166 (located within the rear of conveyor assembly 114), as shown.

[0082]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an assembled conveyor assembly 114, separated from removable back housing 134 for clarity. FIG. 6 shows the sectional view 6-6 of FIG. 5 illustrating the functional components of conveyor assembly 114. Preferably, auger 116 is positioned within an arrangement of guide walls that cooperatively control the loading of paintballs 106. Preferably, first guide-wall 168 and second guide-wall 170 flank opposing sides of auger 116 and together form a uniquely shaped ball channel 172 located generally below auger 116, as shown. Preferably, ball channel 172 is structured and arranged to channel paintballs 106 engaged within auger 116 engager along a non-linear path toward opening 198 of feedneck 112, as shown. The preferred physical configuration of ball channel 172 and its importance to the improved loading of paintballs 106 is further discussed in reference to FIG. 8

[0083]FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of conveyor assembly 114 of FIG. 5. The preferred subcomponents of conveyor assembly 114 comprise (as shown) ball channel 172 with integral drive support portion 174, auger 116, auger shaft 118, end flange 176 (integrally joined with auger shaft 118), shaft bearing 178, cylindrical lash cage 180, reduction gears 182, forward gear cover 184, gear bearing 185, rear gear cover 186, bias spring 188, electrically driven motor 150, and gear engager 190 (coupling lash cage 180 to reduction gears 182). In addition, conveyor assembly 114 preferably comprises main electronics board 192 with sensor unit 196, and user interface electronics board 194, as shown. FIG. 7 generally illustrates preferred subcomponent locations and assembly orientations. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as intended use, target markets, cost, advances in technology, etc., other component arrangements, such as alternate mounting points, alternate gearing and gear engagements, alternate sensor locations, longer auger assemblies, alternate electronic board locations, etc., may suffice.

[0084]FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view, generally illustrating preferred paintball selection and loading processes, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 shows a top view of the conveyor assembly 114 of FIG. 5. FIG. 10 shows a top view of conveyor assembly 114, with auger 116 removed, to further illustrate a preferred arrangement of the guide walls 168 and 170. In the following description, specific reference will be made to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, with continued reference to the prior figures. In the following descriptions, rotation of auger 116 is assumed to be counterclockwise, unless noted otherwise. Arrow depictions within the ramp illustrations of FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 indicate prevailing direction of paintball travel during loading operation.

[0085]A preferred feature of paintball loader system 100 is the ability of conveyor assembly 114 to selectively manipulate paintballs within paintball storage compartment 110 to provide improved loading consistency, regardless of the quantities of paintballs that are stored within the compartment.

[0086]Preferably, conveyor assembly 114 is designed to perform a first selection process wherein paintballs 106, favorably positioned for loading, are conveyed by auger 116 to opening 198 at feedneck 112. In a second preferred selection process, conveyor assembly 114 is preferably designed to eject paintballs 106 unfavorably positioned for delivery to feed neck 112 from conveyor assembly 114. Both FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate the mechanics of the selection process. In general, the selection is preferably enabled by the interoperation of auger 116 with first guide-wall 168 and second guide-wall 170.

[0087]As previously described, first guide-wall 168 and second guide-wall 170 together define ball channel 172, preferably located generally below auger 116, as best illustrated in FIG. 10. Preferably, ball channel 172 is adapted to channel paintballs 106, engaged within the helical flighting 122 of auger 116, on a substantially non-linear path toward opening 198 at feedneck 112. Preferably, the bottom of ball channel 172 comprises ball rail 209 adapted to guide paintballs 106 initially along a path oriented substantially parallel with longitudinal axis of rotation 120, as shown. Preferably, ball channel 172 flattens at distal channel area 208 allowing paintballs 106 to fall in alignment with opening 198, as shown.

[0088]Preferably, auger 116 comprises proximal auger end-region 200 and distal auger end-region 202, as shown. Preferably, proximal auger end-region 200 is positioned generally adjacent power coupler 126, with distal auger end-region 202 positioned generally adjacent opening 198, as shown.

[0089]Preferably, paintballs 106 contacting first guide-wall 168 are guided by first guide ramp 203 (and by the sloping surfaces of first guide-wall 168) to positions of engagement within the concave interstitial spaces of helical flighting 122 (to the first guide-wall-side of longitudinal axis of rotation 120), as shown. These paintballs are favorably positioned for delivery to feed neck 112, as shown. Preferably, first guide ramp functions to control the angle and point of ball entry and preferably guides paintballs 106 located adjacent transverse guide wall assembly 144 to positions of engagement within the concave interstitial spaces of the first guide-wall-side of helical flighting 122, generally near proximal auger end-region. Preferably, first guide ramp 203 slopes downwardly from a high elevation generally adjacent distal auger end-region 202 to a low elevation terminating near about the midpoint of ball channel 172, as shown.

[0090]Preferably, paintballs 106 contacting second guide-wall 170 are guided by second guide ramp 206 (along with the sloping surfaces of second guide-wall 170) to positions of engagement within the concave interstitial spaces of the second guide-wall-side of helical flighting 122 (that is, the second guide-wall-side of longitudinal axis of rotation 120), as shown. If paintballs 106 have previously deposited within ball channel 172, and paintballs 106 are queued in distal channel area 208, paintballs 106 engaged within helical fighting 122 on the second guide-wall-side of longitudinal axis of rotation 120 are unfavorably positioned for delivery and are ejected from auger 116 (it should be noted that paintballs 106 engaged on the second guide-wall-side of longitudinal axis of rotation 120 drop to distal channel area 208 and are preferably conveyed to feedneck 112 when no paintballs 106 reside within the distal portion of ball channel 172).

[0091]Ejection of paintballs from auger 116 is preferably assisted by the contact interaction of paintballs 106 with ejection ramp 204, as shown. Preferably, ejection ramp 204 is integrally formed within the distal end of second guide-wall 170, as shown. Preferably, ejection ramp 204 is designed to lift paintballs 106 out of helical fighting 122 (to the right of longitudinal axis of rotation 120), as shown. The preferred upward slope of ejection ramp 204 (rising toward the forward transverse guide wall assembly 144) lifts paintballs 106 from auger 116 as they are driven toward transverse guide wall assembly 144, as shown. As the paintballs 106 collide with transverse guide wall assembly 144, they are ejected from auger 116 and are preferably relocated by transverse guide wall assembly 144 (assisted by the counter-clockwise rotation of auger 116) toward the first guide-wall-side of longitudinal axis of rotation 120, as best shown in FIG. 8 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one relocator comprises, extending between such at least one first guide wall and such at least one second guide wall, at least one transverse guide wall structured and arranged to guide movement of the ejected paintballs between such at least one second side and such at least one first side; and wherein such at least one ball ejector comprises at least one contact interaction between the at least one paintball and such at least one transverse guide wall).

[0092]Once relocated, paintballs 106 previously ejected from auger 116 reside in an area of paintball storage compartment 110 generally favorable to the delivery of the relocated paintballs 106 to feedneck 112. More specifically, a significant portion of the relocated paintballs 106 will preferably reside in a favorable loading position adjacent first guide ramp 203 and are eventually guided by the wall structures to a favorable engagement within auger 116, as described above. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as intended use, size of paintball, length of auger, etc., other loading arrangements, such as the use of additional ramps, ramps of alternate shapes, positions, etc., may suffice.

[0093]FIG. 11 shows the sectional view 11-11 of FIG. 10, generally illustrating a preferred cross-sectional shape of first guide wall 168, second guide wall 170, and channel 172. FIG. 12 shows a front view illustrating the relationship between first guide wall 168, second guide wall 170, and opening 198. Note that opening 198 is preferably located substantially within transverse guide wall assembly 144, as shown, and is preferably positioned directly below auger shaft 118 (and longitudinal axis of rotation 120).

[0094]FIG. 13 shows a longitudinal sectional view through conveyor assembly 114 illustrating the preferred operation of power coupler 126 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 shows a second longitudinal sectional view through conveyor assembly 114 further illustrating the preferred operation of power coupler 126.

[0095]It is important to coordinate the operation conveyor assembly 114 with the operation of paintball gun 104. When the user of paintball gun 104 ceases firing, the bolt of paintball gun 104 is closed, preventing paintballs from entering breach 108. When paintball gun 104 is in such an idle condition, is preferable to quickly reduce the amount of moving force applied to the ball stack. This quick reduction in the applied force prevents the sudden buildup of force levels that could break one or more paintballs within the stack. Paintball loader 102 efficiently satisfies this essential requirement by incorporating a disengager assembly 220 within power coupler 126.

[0096]Preferably, auger 116 is free to move axially along auger shaft 118 (coaxial with longitudinal axis of rotation 120) between at least one first position 222 (illustrated in FIG. 13), and at least one second position 224 (illustrated in FIG. 14). In first position 222, mechanical power is preferably delivered to auger 116. Preferably, disengager assembly 220 is structured and arranged to disengage auger 116 from the mechanical power when auger 116 is in second position 224.

[0097]Preferably, disengagement of auger 116 is initiated by a buildup of pressure within the ball stack of FIG. 14, identified herein as restricted ball stack 226. This buildup in pressure is expected when paintball gun 104 is idled, the bolt is closed, and auger 116 is rotating under the power of power assembly 124. Alternately, a buildup in pressure is expected when jam has occurred within the ball path. Preferably, a sufficient buildup in pressure results in the urging of auger 116 axially toward second position 224 (at least embodying herein, wherein such at least one auger is urged to such at least one second position in response to the development of at least one level of resistance force between the paintballs and such at least one auger). It is therefore preferred that power coupler 126 comprise a means for facilitating axial auger movement while maintaining the ability to transfer rotational torque between power assembly 124 and auger 116.

[0098]Preferably, proximal auger end-region 200 of auger 116 comprises end flange 230, as shown. Preferably, end flange 230 is rigidly coupled to auger 116, as shown. Preferably, lash cage 180 comprises a cup-shaped hollow cylindrical member having an interior bore 234 situated co-axially with longitudinal axis of rotation 120, as shown. Preferably, interior bore 234 is sized to movably receive end flange 230, as shown.

[0099]Preferably, end flange 230 comprises at least one interlocker, preferably a series of projecting tabs 236 structured and arranged to interlock end flange 230 with lash cage 180, as shown. Preferably, projecting tabs 236 are evenly distributed about the outer circumference of end flange 230, as shown. Preferably, lash cage 180 comprises a complementary distribution of longitudinal receiving slots 238 in which projecting tabs 236 engage, as shown. Preferably, receiving slots 238 are structured to allow axial movement of projecting tabs 236 (and the underlying end flange 230) relative to lash cage 180 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one interlocker comprises at least one axial mover structured and arranged to allow axial movement of such at least one end flange relative to such at least one lash cage), as shown. Preferably, the engagement of projecting tabs 236 within longitudinal receiving slots 238 functions as a rotational coupler, coupling end flange 230 to lash cage 180, as shown (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one interlocker further comprises at least one rotational coupler structured and arranged to rotatably couple such at least one lash cage with such at least one end flange).

[0100]Preferably, each longitudinal receiving slot 238 comprises at least one longitudinal slot-length A at least greater than at least one longitudinal tab-thickness B of the engaged projecting tab 236, as shown. Furthermore, each longitudinal receiving slot 238 comprises at least one transverse slot-width substantially equal to at least one transverse tab-width of an engaged projecting tab 236. This preferred relationship enables axial movement of auger 116 relative to lash cage 180, but restricts relative radial movement between the two elements, as shown.

[0101]Preferably, auger 116 is positionally biased toward first position 222 by bias spring 188, as shown (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one power disengager comprises at least one positional biaser structured and arranged to bias such at least one auger toward such at least one first position). Preferably, bias spring 188, most preferably at least one helical spring, is situate coaxially with longitudinal axis of rotation 120, generally between end flange 230 and the rear wall of lash cage 180, as shown.

[0102]Preferably, the disengagement of auger 116 is by electrical control of electrically driven motor 150. Preferably, paintball loader 102 comprises at least one electrical circuit 250 to conduct electrical power between batteries 147 and electrically driven motor 150 (see subcomponents of FIG. 4 and FIG. 7). Preferably, electrical circuit 250 comprise at least one electrical control 252 functioning to control the conduction of current between batteries 147 and electrically driven motor 150. Preferably, electrical control 252 comprises sensor unit 196 (see also FIG. 7) adapted to sense the position of auger 116. Preferably, sensor unit 196 enables the conduction of the electrical current between batteries 147 and electrically driven motor 150 when auger 116 is in first position 222. Preferably, sensor unit 196 disables the conduction of the electrical current between batteries 147 and electrically driven motor 150 when auger 116 is in second position 224. Preferably, sensor unit 196 is adapted to detect the position of end flange 230 and/or portion of auger 116 within lash cage 180, as shown. Preferably, sensor unit 196 comprises an emitter/receiver pair that is preferably positioned adjacent power coupler 126, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as cost, intended use, etc., other disconnect arrangements, such as mechanical systems, clutch systems, magnetic systems, etc., may suffice.

[0103]Preferably, additional control of the operation of paintball loader 102 is provided by an embedded microprocessor, or microcontroller, preferably located on main electronics board 192. User interface electronics board 194 preferably interoperates with main electronics board 192 to provide user control of the onboard programming supported by the embedded microprocessor. Preferably, user interface electronics board 194 comprise at least one visual display, most preferably an illuminated light emitting diode (LED) display 254, as shown. Preferably, user interface electronics board 194 further comprises at least one user input, preferably comprising a set of momentary contact switches 256, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as intended use, advances in technology, etc., other interface arrangements, such as wireless interfaces, two-way data ports, insertable electronic media, data logging features, etc., may suffice.

[0104]For high levels of loading performance, it is preferred to maintain a level of force on the queued stack of paintballs 106 at all times. Preferably, this application of force should be applied continuously, even while the user is not firing.

[0105]Preferably, bias spring 188 also functions to maintain continuous pressure on the ball stack, even when auger 116 is not spinning. This constant pressure assures that a paintball 106 is driven into breech 108 the moment the bolt of paintball gun 104 is opened sufficiently to pass the ball, even before electrically driven motor 150 is activated. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as intended use, cost, etc., other force generation arrangements, such as motor tensioning with variable torque controls, stepper motors with electronic controls, etc., may suffice.

[0106]Preferably, paintball loader 102 is constructed from one or more durable and lightweight materials with the substantial use of rigid plastics being generally preferred. Portions of preferred embodiments of paintball loader 102 may be constructed from transparent or translucent materials to provide an indication of the interior of the loader.

[0107]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of alternate paintball loader 302 according to another preferred embodiment of loader system 100. Preferably, alternate paintball loader 302 comprises a number of enhancements over the above-described paintball loader 102. Alternate paintball loader 302 is preferably designed not only to rapidly deliver a plurality of paintballs to the breach of paintball gun 104, but to do so in a manner that reduces force loads on the surface of the paintballs while reducing power demand on the onboard batteries. These preferred features are enabled through material selection, incorporation of adaptive loading structures, and development of sensor-enabled software controls, as described below.

[0108]FIG. 15 through FIG. 18 illustrate preferred external features of alternate paintball loader 302. FIG. 16 shows a side view of alternate paintball loader 302, FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of alternate paintball loader 302, and FIG. 18 shows a rear view of alternate paintball loader 302.

[0109]FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of the alternate paintball loader of FIG. 15 showing both external and internal components making up the embodiment. FIG. 20 shows a sectional view through the section 20-20 of FIG. 17 showing preferred external and internal component arrangements of an assembled alternate paintball loader 302. Reference is now made to FIG. 15 through FIG. 20 with continued reference to the prior figures.

[0110]Alternate paintball loader 302 comprises a preferred arrangement of external components including upper shell 320, lower shell 322, auger drive tray assembly 314, lid 326, lid release assembly 328, lid spring assembly 330, one-piece outer feed neck 332, battery cover 334, battery door screw 336, and user interface board 338, as shown.

[0111]The preferred outer form-factor (shape) of alternate paintball loader 302 is generally aerodynamic in character, as shown, preferably being more slender in the front (above feed neck 332) to increase the chance of safely deflecting an incoming paintball without breakage. Preferably, alternate paintball loader 302 comprises a forward-neck design meaning that one-piece outer feed neck 332 is positioned toward the front portion of the loader. The preferred forward-neck design assists in providing a reduced target profile during use with paintball gun 104, thus assisting a user during competitive play.

[0112]To assist in balancing the weight of such a forward-neck design, the principal mass of the embodiment is preferably concentrated toward one-piece outer feed neck 332. As the onboard batteries comprise a substantial portion of the overall weight of the operating loader, batteries 147 are preferably located in a forward position within alternate paintball loader 302, as shown in the dashed-line depiction of FIG. 16. Preferably, battery compartment 344 is located directly above and adjacent one-piece outer feed neck 332, as shown, to assist in providing a generally neutral weight distribution.

[0113]Preferably, battery compartment 344 is adapted to hold at least one electrical power source, most preferably one or more batteries 147 used to supply direct current to electrically driven motor 358. Preferably, batteries 147 are of an expendable or rechargeable (secondary) type.

[0114]Preferably, battery compartment 344 comprises a removable battery cover 334, as shown. Preferably, battery cover 334 is retained on battery compartment 344 by battery door screw 336, preferably comprising a thumbscrew, preferably adapted to be removable without tools. Preferably, battery cover 334 is removed from the battery compartment 334 by unscrewing battery door screw 336. Battery door screw 336 is preferably retained within the cover by a d-ring retainer to prevent loss. Preferably, once battery door screwed 336 is released, battery cover 334 may be removed from battery compartment 334 to expose batteries 147.

[0115]Preferably, battery cover 334 comprises an elastomeric battery door seal 345 overlaying the interior face of the cover, as shown. Preferably, elastomeric battery door seal 345 protects the battery compartment against infiltration of moisture and functions to support the lower electrical contacts for batteries 147. In addition, elastomeric battery door seal 345 partially surrounds and protects one-piece outer feed neck 332 against impact damage by dampening impact forces imparted to the neck.

[0116]Preferably, upper shell 320 comprises a generally circular access opening 340 used to refill paintball storage compartment 310. Lid 326 preferably functions to cover access opening 340 during operation to prevent loss of paintballs and to prevent entry of debris during use. Preferably, lid 326 is spring-loaded such that, on depressing lid release assembly 328, lid 326 "springs" to the open position of FIG. 19, allowing rapid reloading of paintball storage compartment 310. Preferably, lid 326 comprises an arcuate pivot arm 327 that is pivotally coupled to upper shell 320 at a point within lid spring assembly 330, as shown. Lid spring assembly 330 preferably comprises a pivot coupler 331A, to couple lid 326 to upper shell 320, and bias spring 331B acting between upper shelf 320 and lid 326, as shown.

[0117]Preferably, access opening 340 is further protected by a recessed moisture shedding channel 341 formed within upper shell 320, as shown. Preferably, the peripherally located moisture shedding channel 341 is designed to channel moisture away from access opening 340, thus extending the usefulness of the system to rainy or muddy operation. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as intended use, etc., other arrangements, such as the use of moisture resistant seals, structures designed to interface with specific speed-loading devices, etc., may suffice.

[0118]Preferably, auger drive tray assembly 314 is removable from lower shell 322 for cleaning and service, as further described in FIG. 23. Preferably, the operable components of auger drive tray assembly 314 are contained within auger drive outer housing 324, as shown. Preferably, the rear portion of auger drive outer housing 324 comprises a user accessible control panel identified herein as user interface electronics board 394, as shown. Preferably, user interface electronics board 394 interoperates with main electronics board 392 to provide user control of the onboard programming supported by an embedded microprocessor, as further described in a later section.

[0119]Auger drive tray assembly 314 preferably comprises a preferred arrangement of internal components preferably including auger 316, auger support shaft 318, power coupler 376, inner support tray 352, main electronics board 392, gearbox 356, and motor 358, as shown.

[0120]Alternate paintball loader 302 further comprises a preferred arrangement of internal components preferably including ball floor 350, transparent feed-tube section 346 (see FIG. 22A), and front sensor board 348, as shown. Preferably, battery compartment 344 further comprises an upper half of an interior feed-tube sleeve 355. This portion of feed-tube sleeve 355 is preferably flanked by a set of integrally-molded battery chambers 353, each one preferably adapted to maintain the position of batteries 147 within the battery compartment 344 (see FIG. 22A). Transparent feed-tube section 346 preferably comprises the lower half of feed-tube sleeve 355, as shown. In addition, transparent feed-tube section 346 preferably comprises a set of wall portions 354 designed to complete the encapsulation of batteries 147 within battery chambers 353. Together, transparent feed-tube section 346 and battery compartment 344 define internal feed-tube sleeve 355, which preferably sweeps an arcuate pathway extending between paintball storage compartment 310 and the interior bore of one-piece outer feed neck 332, as shown.

[0121]Preferably, feed-tube sleeve 355, when assembled, comprises a smooth hollow cylindrical channel structured and arranged to channel paintballs 106 to paintball gun 104 in substantially single-file alignment (see the diagram of FIG. 30). Preferably, feed-tube sleeve 355 comprises a generally horizontal paintball entry portion 360 located proximally of paintball storage compartment 310, and a generally vertical paintball exit portion 362 located downstream of paintball entry portion 360, as shown.

[0122]Preferably, front sensor board 348 comprises a set of flow detectors adapted to detect the flow of paintballs within two regions of feed-tube sleeve 355. Preferably, front sensor board 348 comprises two separate ball-flow sensor arrays identified herein as first detection unit 364 and second detection unit 366. Preferably, first detection unit 364 is positioned to detect a flow of paintballs within the lower paintball exit portion 362, as shown. Preferably, second detection unit 366 is positioned to detect a flow of paintballs within upper paintball entry portion 360, as shown.

[0123]Preferably, front sensor board 348 is situated adjacent transparent feed-tube section 346, preferably between feed-tube section 346 and the rearward projecting mounting flange 357 of one-piece outer feed neck 332, as shown. Preferably, first detection unit 364 and second detection unit 366 each comprises a matched emitter and detector pair, respectively positioned on opposite sides of transparent feed-tube section 346 (see FIG. 29 and FIG. 30). Preferably, the emitter of each matched emitter/detector pair generates a beam that projects through the transparent feed-tube section 346 to the corresponding detector. Preferably, first detection unit 364 and second detection unit 366 each comprises an infrared (IR) emitter/detector pair preferably utilizing an infrared beam. Preferably, first detection unit 364 and second detection unit 366 are electrically coupled with the control circuits of main electronics board 392.

[0124]Preferably, as paintballs pass within transparent feed-tube section 346, the IR beam is momentarily interrupted, resulting in a change of detector output voltage that is preferably registered at main electronics board 392. Preferably, the patterns of voltage changes within the detection units allow the microcontroller to determine ball flow within alternate paintball loader 302, preferably using embedded system software. Flow data is preferably used by the system software to adjust and optimize the rotation of auger 316, as further described below.

[0125]Preferably, the sensors of both first detection unit 364 and second detection unit 366 are fully separated from the interior of feed-tube sleeve 355 by transparent feed-tube section 346. This highly preferred feature shields the sensors from paint and debris that could otherwise hinder ball-flow detection. In the event of broken paint within feed-tube sleeve 355, it is a simple matter to clear the detector "eyes" by pulling a jerk-type squeegee through feed-tube sleeve 355. This preferred cleaning process is further facilitated by the removal of auger drive tray 314 from lower shell 322, as further described in FIG. 23.

[0126]Preferably, ball floor 350 is secured to battery compartment 344 and lower shell 322, preferably using mechanical-type fasteners 311, as shown. Preferably, alternate paintball loader 302 is assembled using a plurality of moisture-resistant seals 315, as best shown in FIG. 22A. Preferably, moisture-resistant seals 315 are located to limit the intrusion of paint, moisture, and dirt within sensitive areas of the loader.

[0127]Preferably, upper shell 320 and lower shell 322 are removably joined using a corresponding set of snap-together couplers 321, as shown. Preferably, upper shell 320 and lower shell 322 are further retained by one or more mechanical-type fasteners 311, as shown. Together, upper shell 320, lower shell 322 and ball floor 350 define paintball storage compartment 310, as shown.

[0128]FIG. 21 shows the sectional view 21-21 of FIG. 16 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15 illustrating lower shell 322 containing ball floor 350 and auger 316 of paintball storage compartment 310. FIG. 22A shows an exploded view of the front internal components of paintball storage compartment 310. FIG. 22B shows a perspective view of ball floor 350 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.

[0129]Ball floor 350 of paintball storage compartment is preferably adapted to guide paintballs 106 toward auger 316, as shown. For clarity, the combination of ball floor 350 and auger 316 are identified herein as conveyor assembly 414

[0130]Preferably, auger 316 comprises proximal auger end-region 400 and distal auger end-region 402, as shown. Preferably, proximal auger end-region 400 is positioned generally adjacent power coupler 376, with distal auger end-region 402 positioned generally adjacent feed-tube opening 398, as shown.

[0131]Preferably, ball floor 350 comprises a bowl-shaped structure defined by a plurality of guide walls generally identified herein as first guide-wall 368, second guide-wall 370, and transverse guide wall assembly 444, as shown. Preferably, all surfaces of ball floor 350 are sloped toward auger 316. Preferably, first guide-wall 368 is structured and arranged to guide paintballs 106 toward a first side of auger 316, and second guide-wall 370 structured and arranged to guide paintballs toward a second side of auger 316, as shown. Preferably, ball floor 350 comprises auger opening 365 to allow first guide-wall 368 and second guide-wall 370 to be positioned flanking opposing sides of auger 316, as shown. Transverse guide wall assembly 444 extends between first guide-wall 368 and second guide-wall 370 and comprises an accommodation for feed-tube opening 398, as shown. Feed-tube opening 398 preferably provides access to internal feed-tube sleeve 355, as shown.

[0132]Guide wall assembly 444 preferably comprises a projecting guide hood 374, preferably surrounding feed-tube opening 398, as shown. Preferably, guide hood 374 assists in guiding paintballs 106 engaged within auger 316 through feed-tube opening 398. Preferably, guide hood 374 is positioned adjacent the second guide-wall 370, as shown. Preferred embodiments of guide wall assembly 444 also comprises a built-in attachment point 403 for supporting additional structures adjacent feed-tube opening 398. This preferably allows a user to temporarily modify the feed characteristics of the loader, for example, to accommodate a specific type of play, ball type, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as intended use, etc., other paintball storage compartment arrangements, such as the mounting of additional sensors, mounting of alternate ball guides, etc., may suffice.

[0133]Preferably, paintballs 106 contacting first guide-wall 368 and second guide-wall 370 are guided to positions of engagement within the concave interstitial spaces of helical flighting 372 of auger 316. Preferably, paintballs 106 engaged within helical flighting 372 are actively conveyed toward feed-tube opening 398 of internal feed-tube sleeve 355, by the rotation of auger 316. Preferably, the distance between helical flighting 372 of auger 316 has been increased such that two paintballs 106 may be accommodated within each flight. Field testing has demonstrated that such extended auger flighting increases the rate at which auger 316 feeds paintballs 106, at all rotational speeds, when compared to a single-ball-per-flight configuration.

[0134]A preferred feature of conveyor assembly 414 is the ability to selectively manipulate paintballs within paintball storage compartment 310 to provide improved loading consistency. Preferably, conveyor assembly 414 is designed to perform a first selection process wherein paintballs 106, favorably positioned for loading, are conveyed by auger 316 to feed-tube opening 398. In a second preferred selection process, conveyor assembly 114 is preferably designed to eject paintballs 106 unfavorably positioned for delivery to feed-tube opening 398 from conveyor assembly 414.

[0135]As the paintballs 106 intersect with transverse guide wall assembly 444, they are either captured under projecting guide hood 374 and guided toward feed-tube opening 398, or alternatively, are ejected from auger 316. A quantity of ejected paintballs 106 are relocated by transverse guide wall assembly 444 (assisted by the rotation of auger 316) toward either first guide-wall 368 or second guide-wall 370. In alternate paintball loader 302, paintballs 106 engaging either side of auger axis of rotation 319 may comprise a favorable position allowing conveyance by auger 316 to feed-tube opening 398. Preferably, ejection of the paintballs further functions to continuously agitate the plurality of paintballs contained within paintball storage compartment 310 to further improve loading. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as intended use, size of paintball, length of auger, etc., other loading arrangements, such as the use of additional ramps, walls of alternate shapes, positions, etc., may suffice.

[0136]FIG. 23 shows another rear view of alternate paintball loader 302, illustrating auger drive tray 314 in a removed position, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15. One of the highly preferred features of both paintball loader 102 and alternate paintball loader 302 is ease of cleaning afforded by the removal feature of the auger drive