摘要 |
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a loader apparatus for use with a paintball marker including a base attachable to the marker, a cartridge removably attachable to the base and a delivery conduit. The base includes a motor, which drives a driven means ending in a first gear. The cartridge includes a paintball chamber with an outlet, and a flow assistor driven by a second gear that meshes with the first gear on the base. The chamber includes a pressure plate and spring assembly which pushes the paintballs in the chamber towards the outlet. The flow assistor includes a rotating generally funnel-shaped surface having bosses and dimples to enhance the agitation of paintballs and to assist the flow of paintballs from the chamber. The operation of the flow assistor is controlled by a controller. The controller receives input from an on/off switch on the base, a second switch which senses the presence of a cartridge on the base, and a plurality of paintball sensors located in the delivery conduit. Magnetic plates mounted in the cartridge and in the base mate to each other when the cartridge is mounted to the base, helping to hold them together. Similarly, the base includes an external battery pack which is mounted to the base by a magnetic plate arrangement. A tube mounted in the base communicates with the paintball outlet of the chamber, and with the paintball inlet of the paintball marker.
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