Multi-point activation trigger system and method

Abstract

A trigger assembly for a paintball gun preferably includes a trigger arranged to move between a forward and a rearward position. A position transducer is preferably arranged in communication with the trigger to detect an amount of movement of the trigger. The position transducer preferably generates a signal corresponding to the amount of movement of the trigger. A control circuit preferably receives the signal from the position transducer and initiates a firing operation of a firing device when the output signal characteristics satisfy certain predetermined parameters. In one embodiment, the control circuit initiates a firing operation when a change in the output signal is greater than a predetermined threshold value. A change in the output signal can be determined by comparing a present output signal value with a reference signal value. The reference signal value can be set when the trigger is at rest or when the trigger transitions from a forward movement to a rearward movement. In another embodiment, the control circuit can be configured to adjust a firing rate of the firing device based on the amount of trigger pull.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to triggers for pneumatic paintball guns (“markers”) or other pneumatic guns or firing devices. More specifically, this invention relates primarily to a trigger system and method for actuating a firing sequence of an electrically-operated firing device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Paintball is a fast-paced game, and players must be able to fire quickly and accurately to be victorious. Although paintball was originally played with purely mechanically-operated pneumatic markers, with the introduction of electronic paintball guns, a new age in paintball technology was born. Along with electronic control came the ability to precisely control the timing of gun operations. Precise electronic timing enabled much higher firing rates than previously considered possible. The extremely light triggers made possible by the use of electronic control made it possible for users to easily reach high firing rates even in pure semi-autom...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]According to one aspect of this invention, an improved trigger system can provide numerous activation points. In one preferred embodiment, a potentiometer or other position transducer is electrically connected to a control circuit (e.g., a control board) and configured to be actuated by trigger movement. In this embodiment, the position transducer preferably permits monitoring of the position and movement of the trigger, including the direction of movement of the trigger throughout its course of travel. The control

Problems solved by technology

Although some of these methods may provide an adjustable activation point, each typically provides only a single activation point for initiating a firing operation in the paintball gun.

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