What exactly happened between smar parts and AGD?

[Lohman446]

Probably not true of the pin valve or HPA. We see them as common place because they were "gifts" to the sport. They would have never developed to where they are now, as far as being common place, if they had been patented.

As to AGD and electros. TK does not feel the risk to reward analysis is worth putting out a new electro. I think that the legal environment is part of it, we have frankly been told it is, but its not all of it.

[Beemer]

Probably not true of the pin valve or HPA. We see them as common place because they were "gifts" to the sport. They would have never developed to where they are now, as far as being common place, if they had been patented.

I dont think a patent on those would have changed anything.

[aqua_scummm]

I dont think a patent on those would have changed anything.

Seriously, if Tippmann charged 25 cents on each pin valve produced and AGD tacked one dollar onto the price of each HPA system, they would be just as popular.

Pin valves grew quickly because they were so safe compared to thermo tanks, what price would you put on safety?

HPA grew because it allowed rapid rates of fire in the summer without using liquid CO2 or experiencing shootdown using gaseous CO2, and we all know what price people will pay for speed... look at the prices of cyborgs, angels, and quests.

edit: someone is gonna say it was for consistency, well you can shoot just as fast with CO2, it just wont be as consistent

[Pneumagger]

edit: someone is gonna say it was for consistency, well you can shoot just as fast with CO2, it just wont be as consistent

It was for consistency

Anyways, I'm pretty sure the smartparts patent coverd the useage of an electrical switch that started a firing sequence or something. Not the idea of actual electronics IIRC.

[Lohman446]

I dont think a patent on those would have changed anything.

Are we talking a patent or an enforced patent / licensing agreement?

[aqua_scummm]

It was for consistency

Anyways, I'm pretty sure the smartparts patent coverd the useage of an electrical switch that started a firing sequence or something. Not the idea of actual electronics IIRC.

Eventually it got to any paintball marker with an electronic on/off switch, button, etc of any kind. Meaning turning the marker on or off, turning a solenoid on or off, etc.

Although I think it's no longer upheld to that point

[Beemer]

Are we talking a patent or an enforced patent / licensing agreement?

Take your pick.

It wouldnt have mattered because the demand was there. Nobody cared about the cost. Everybody wanted it and it wasnt so cheap to have it anyway back then. Royalties would have been paid in a heartbeat. The cost wasnt gonna stop us. I played thru that paradigm shift and saw it first hand.

Pin valves grew quickly because they were so safe compared to thermo tanks, what price would you put on safety?

Where did you get this info or why do have this opinion?

[aqua_scummm]

The safety wasn't as much from the valve itself, but the standardization. Plenty of people rigged their thermo tanks using fittings not rated for the pressures of CO2. By standardizing the valves and lines, as well as integrating them into the marker, Tippmann helped ensure player safety

I'll admit I am too young to be saying this firsthand, I started in 97, but that's what an old field manager once told me

[p8ntbal4me]

I remember seeing a patent in Haveblu that was pre-dated before the PVI shocker that SP says is their "cover all" say all patent.

Im looking for it now,.. it was somethign like 15 months registered earlier than ANY SP patent to date.

There was a big disscusion about it on the Tinkers Guild too.

[Lohman446]

Take your pick.

It wouldnt have mattered because the demand was there. Nobody cared about the cost. Everybody wanted it and it wasnt so cheap to have it anyway back then. Royalties would have been paid in a heartbeat. The cost wasnt gonna stop us. I played thru that paradigm shift and saw it first hand.





Where did you get this info or why do have this opinion?

HPA had a hard enough time getting accepted without more cost. Im not so sure. Its an interesting question.

[spectre184]

Here is 1st gun that started electros But look at the gun that actually made it into production. Scroll down to last pic and see what it says. Course not long after SP bought out PN (I think) and you know the rest..........

[y0da900]

Here is 1st gun that started electros But look at the gun that actually made it into production. Scroll down to last pic and see what it says. Course not long after SP bought out PN (I think) and you know the rest..........

I think the Cyber 9000 came after the Shocker, and was PVI's attempt to keep going after SP pulled out and started building the shocker themselves.

[Ydna]

That's correct.

[SCpoloRicker]

whatever