Editing Bill Gardner (section)

== Smart Parts and equipment development ==

Gardner stated that he began Smart Parts in his garage in 1988. He moved the operation to a facility in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in 1989, where he initially worked alone with a lathe and milling machine. Adam Gardner joined the business later.[1]

The company's first major product was the Boss pump marker. Gardner said that he manufactured every component and that approximately 500 examples were sold before the expansion of semiautomatic markers reduced demand for pump-action equipment. He subsequently developed the spiral-ported Smart Parts barrel and applied for patent protection for the design.[1]

Smart Parts later became associated with products including the [[Smart Parts Shocker]], Freak barrel system, Impulse, Nerve and Ion. Gardner was involved in product development while also using the All Americans as an equipment-testing team.[1][4]

Patent records identify Gardner as an inventor or co-inventor on numerous paintball-related designs, including electronic marker controls, pneumatic firing systems, valves and barrel designs. His later patent work includes designs assigned to [[GOG Paintball]].[4]

Following the end of Smart Parts, Gardner remained involved in paintball equipment development. [[DLX Technology]] identifies him as a member of its later engineering and development work.[4][5] Detailed histories of Smart Parts products, intellectual property disputes and the company's closure are covered in the relevant company and equipment articles.