US 7,607,424 B2 · Electro-magnetically operated rotating projectile loader

Abstract

A bolt mechanism that is actuated by an electromagnetic arrangement is provided for use within a pneumatic projectile launcher or marker. The electro-magnetic arrangement provides for rapid movement and a high degree of control over the bolt. Generally, an arrangement of electro-magnetic coils is provided that exert a force on ferrous materials or permanent magnets thereby causing the bolt to reciprocate back and forth. Several embodiments are provided that disclose configurations having varied numbers of electromagnetic coils, ferrous materials and permanent magnets strategically placed within the breech and bolt of the marker, wherein energizing the coils produces movement of the bolt. Further, the electro-magnetic bolt system of the present invention is equally applicable to slide bolts as well as rotary bolts.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An electro-magnetically operated rotational projectile loader, comprising:

a receiver body having a breech therein, said breech having a longitudinal axis;
a rotating projectile loader-belt received in said breech, said projectile loader-belt having at least one seat therein configured to rotate in a single direction around a rotational axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the breech thereby transporting a projectile from a projectile storage region to a position in said breech;
and
means for generating an electromagnetic force, said electro-magnetic force acting directly on said projectile loader, said electromagnetic force to selectively induce rotation of said projectile loader thereby moving the seat between the projectile storage region and the breech.

1 more element

A pneumatic projectile launcher comprising:

a receiver body;
a breech within said receiver body, said breech having a longitudinal axis and terminating in a firing chamber;
a rotating projectile loader located in said breech, said projectile loader having at least one seat therein configured to rotate in a single direction around a rotational axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the breech thereby transporting a projectile from a projectile storage region to a position in said breech;
a controller capable of controlling a loading operation, said controller generating an electro-magnetic force, said electro-magnetic force acting directly on said projectile loader, said electro-magnetic force to selectively induce rotation of said bolt thereby moving the seat between the projectile storage region and the breech wherein a projectile enters said breech to complete said loading operation.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electro-magnetically operated rotating projectile loader

Life of this patent

Electro-magnetically operated rotating projectile loader

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16