Paintball

[Sly1]

Just as a forethought lets not get in some big debate/sp rape thread like the threads over the Dlx issue.. 2-3 threads on the same subject closed.. probably a record for mcb..

but anyway, I was wondering if makers of guns with the magnetic firing system.. (have no idea how it works, or the correct term for it) have to pay royalties on the micro switch concept.. is it still microswitch technology?

I'm thinking of the invert mini in particular just in case anyone was wondering

[Fubarius]

The patent has nothing to do with the switch (who keeps repeating that misconception?). It covers the use of an electronic circuit board to control the operation of a paintball gun. Type, configuration, and operation of the trigger 'switch' is irrelevent.

[Sly1]

Oh, yeah I had just heard from word of mouth that it was the microswitch..

wow, so basically everyone is paying royaltees to sp.. bummer
well thanks for clearing that up

[ThePixelGuru]

The "magnetic firing system" you're talking about is most likely a Hall Effect Sensor, like the Emag. AGD stopped making the Emag because they thought it was just a matter of time before Smart Parts came after them.

Maybe it's covered, maybe it's not. AGD didn't take chances, though, which is probably a good indication that a court would say it's covered.

[custar]

From the patent itself (#6474326) on the scope of the claimed patent:

The present invention is directed to an electronically controlled paintball marker. In particular, it relates to a magnetic paintball firing control system.

The microswitch is just one way to activate the electronics and certainly the most convenient method for doing so. That may be why many (including myself when in a hurry) reference the patent as the electronic microswitch patent. To me, the patent could cover both a microswitch AND the board.

custar

[custar]

Originally Posted by Fubarius

The patent has nothing to do with the switch (who keeps repeating that misconception?). It covers the use of an electronic circuit board to control the operation of a paintball gun. Type, configuration, and operation of the trigger 'switch' is irrelevent.

I stumbled on this thread (IQ loss caution: it is on PBN). Beginning with post 77, SP's favorite shill seems to be promoting that idea.

custar

[Fubarius]

You could concievably patent a new swich for use in a paintball gun, but the original SP patent will still get you, since you still have a circuit board for electronically controling the paintball gun. They're separate inventions.

You want around it, make a pneumatic operated frame with no circuitry. Of course then you run into the Pro-team patent and the G-force patent.

[russc]

Does anyone have a solid idea of how much licensed companies must pay to continue producing electronic guns?

[ThePixelGuru]

Originally Posted by russc

Does anyone have a solid idea of how much licensed companies must pay to continue producing electronic guns?

No, and the licensing agreements come with gag orders, so you're going to have a tough time finding out.

I've been repeatedly told by people with access to the numbers that it's not an insignificant fee, though. Still wish I had the hard numbers.

[LK-13]

now here is the question that keeps coming to my mind:

the Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Chrysler products are all used by "custom" Hot Rod builders.
After Market Companies like Edelbrock and Holley produce parts that are used on all of the big 3;

and these markets go merrily along.
there are Chopper builders world wide. they use original and after market parts.

so why is it that a custom Paintball marker/gun builder should be bothered by patents of the original fabricators?

Boyd Coddington was never sued by Ford for tricking out old 1933 and 34 five window coupes?

Chip Foose doesn't get hauled over the coals for OVERHAULIN' old beaters on national TV.

so why should I worry about PTP or G-Force coming after me if I build a PneuMag? (hell G-Force even announced no intention of producing the Product)

How can SP get away with stopping a custom shop from building a custom gun using electronics?

if i buy an APE board so I can build an Electro, I don't see how anyone has the right to stop me.
Further, if i choose to sell said gun. I don't see how i have violated any patents.
if i was producing the parts and marketing them as name brand SP Parts, then they would have a case.
but as a "Hot Rod Marker Builder" i just don't see them having a case...
can someone shed some light on this?
what am i missing?

if I'm using parts from GoApeOnline
and they have paid royalties to produce the parts;
I should have the right to use these parts in anything i choose to build then use as i see fit.

isn't that correct?