SYNCHRONIZING SYSTEM FOR RAPID-FIRE GUN IN A MICROBALLISTIC PRINTER OR THE LIKE

摘要

Abstract of the DisclosureApparatus for synchronizing the aiming and firingof the solid projectile gun of a microballistic printer orthe like. In the preferred embodiment, a microphoneacoustically coupled to an inlet used to supply pressurizedair to the ball gun senses the pressure drop occurring inthe ball gun pressure chamber when a ball is fired. Themicrophone output is used by the ball gun control system todetermine when the ball has left the ball gun, allowing theball gun to be redirected at a new target location. Inalternative embodiments of the invention, a microphonedisposed adjacent the muzzle of the ball gun and an opticaldetector are respectively used to sense when a ball hasbeen fired.