Patent Publication Number: US-2022228841-A1

Title: Polymorphic conducted electrical weapon

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a national stage application filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371, claiming priority to and the benefit of, International Patent Application PCT/US2020/030717, filed on Apr. 30, 2020, and entitled “POLYMORPHIC CONDUCTED ELECTRICAL WEAPON”, which claimed priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/887,137, filed on Aug. 15, 2019, and entitled “POLYMORPHIC CONDUCTED ELECTRICAL WEAPON”, and U.S. Provisional Application 62/840,575, filed on Apr. 30, 2019, and entitled “POLYMORPHIC CONDUCTED ELECTRICAL WEAPON APPARATUS”. This application is further related to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/748,132, filed on Jan. 21, 2020, and entitled “UNITARY CARTRIDGE FOR A CONDUCTED ELECTRICAL WEAPON”. The above-referenced applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to conducted electrical weapons. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a general form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below. 
     Aspects of this disclosure may relate to a conducted electrical weapon, comprising a conducted electrical weapon body that includes a handle portion at a first end configured to be grasped by a hand of a user. The conducted electrical weapon may also include an upper member extending in a substantially front-to-rear direction from the handle portion to a second end opposite the first end. The conducted electrical weapon may further include a magazine bay positioned beneath the upper member, a trigger positioned between the handle portion and the magazine bay, and a power source engaged with the body. A magazine may include a plurality of firing tubes, where the magazine is releasably engaged with the magazine bay. Each firing tube may be configured to engage at least one electrode. 
     Implementations of the conducted electrical weapon may include where the magazine engages with the magazine bay by sliding in the substantially front-to-rear direction, or in some instances, the magazine engages with the magazine bay by sliding in a substantially top-to-bottom direction. The magazine may be configured to launch at least one electrode from at least one firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes. The conducted electrical weapon body may include at least one of a positional sensor and an environmental sensor. The conducted electrical weapon body may include the positional sensor, where the positional sensor is one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. The conducted electrical weapon may be configured to launch at least one electrode from at least one firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes based on data provided from the at least one of the positional sensor and the environmental sensor. The magazine may include a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a rear surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, a front surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, where the front surface includes the plurality of firing tubes. The magazine may comprise nine firing tubes, where the nine firing tubes are arranged in an array of three rows and three columns in a front surface of the magazine. In addition, each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes along a top row may have an axis that may be substantially parallel with an axis defined by rear sights and forward sights of the conducted electrical weapon body. In some embodiments, each firing tube along a bottom row has an axis that is arranged at an acute angle with the axis of the firing tube along the top row. Each firing tube of at least three firing tubes of the plurality of firing tubes along a first column may have a longitudinal axis intersecting a common plane. 
     Another aspect of this disclosure may relate to a conducted electrical weapon comprising: a conducted electrical weapon body with a handle portion at a first end of the body configured to be grasped by a hand of a user, an upper member extending in a front-to-rear direction from the handle portion to a second end of the body opposite the first end, and a magazine bay positioned beneath the upper member, where the magazine bay includes an opening that extends from a portion of the second end of the body onto a bottom side of the body. The conducted electrical weapon body may also include a trigger positioned between the handle portion and the magazine bay. A magazine may releasably engage an opening of the magazine bay. The magazine may have a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a rear surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, a front surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, a first side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface, and a second side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface opposite the first side surface, where the front surface includes the plurality of firing tubes. The first side surface of the magazine may include an alignment guide, where the alignment guide has a surface recessed below the first side surface. Insertion of the magazine into the opening of the magazine bay may expose the bottom surface of the magazine. 
     Still other aspects of this disclosure may relate to a conducted electrical weapon kit, comprising a conducted electrical weapon body that may include a handle portion at a first end of the conducted electrical weapon body configured to be grasped by a hand of a user. The conducted electrical weapon kit may also an upper member extending in a front-to-rear direction from the handle portion to a second end of the conducted electrical weapon body opposite the first end. The conducted electrical weapon body may also include a magazine bay positioned beneath the upper member, and a trigger positioned between the handle portion and the magazine bay, where the magazine bay has an opening that extends from a portion of the second end of the conducted electrical weapon body onto a bottom side of the conducted electrical weapon body. The conducted electrical weapon kit may also include a first magazine configured to be releasably engaged with the magazine bay, where the first magazine comprises a first plurality of firing tubes, where each firing tube of the first plurality of firing tubes is configured to engage at least one electrode. The conducted electrical weapon kit may also include a second magazine configured to be releasably engaged with the magazine bay, where the second magazine comprises a second plurality of firing tubes, where the second magazine is configured to releasably engage with the magazine bay. 
     Other elements of this disclosure may relate to a conducted electrical weapon kit where the second plurality of firing tubes is greater than the first plurality of firing tubes. The first plurality of firing tubes are arranged in an array with a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns on a front surface of the first magazine. The conducted electrical weapon body may further comprise a processor, where the processor communicates with the first magazine to receive data about the first magazine when the first magazine is engaged with the magazine bay, and where the processor communicates with the second magazine to receive data about the second magazine when the second magazine is engaged with the magazine bay. 
     Still other aspects of this disclosure may also relate to a cartridge for a conducted electrical weapon comprising: a cartridge body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a cylindrical outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, and a hollow inner portion; a frangible end cap attached to the first end of the cartridge body; an electrode positioned in the hollow inner portion, wherein the electrode includes an electrode body and a spear, where the electrode body includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The spear may extend from the first end of the electrode body. The cartridge may further include a piston positioned adjacent the second end of the electrode body. The cartridge may have a propulsion module positioned such that the piston is located between the electrode body and the propulsion module. The cartridge may also have a wad positioned adjacent the piston, where the wad is located between the propulsion module and the piston. 
     Implementations of the cartridge for the conducted electrical weapon may include a cartridge body where the hollow inner portion includes a first inner portion having a first diameter, a second inner portion having a second diameter, and a piston stop positioned a predetermined first distance from the first end of the cartridge body, where the first diameter may be smaller the second diameter, and where the piston stop may be configured to directly contact the piston. The piston may be configured to travel a predetermined second distance in the hollow inner portion, where the predetermined second distance is less than the predetermined first distance. In some embodiments, the propulsion module may further include a pyrotechnic material and a conductor disposed through the propulsion module and the pyrotechnic material. The cartridge may further comprise a propulsion module contact positioned adjacent the propulsion module where the propulsion module contact may be configured to transmit an electrical signal from the conducted electrical weapon to the conductor causing the conductor to heat up and ignite the pyrotechnic material. In other embodiments, the cartridge may further comprise a cap with an opening positioned at the second end of the cartridge body, where the cap seals against the cartridge body and the opening surrounds a portion of the propulsion module contact. The wad may fully isolate the piston from the propulsion module. The wad may contact the inner walls of the hollow inner portion, thereby establishing a seal with the inner walls of the hollow inner portion. The frangible end cap of the cartridge may seal against the cartridge body and surround a portion of the first end of the cartridge body. 
     Other attributes of this disclosure may relate to a cartridge for a conducted electrical weapon comprising: a cartridge body configured to engage a firing tube of a provided magazine, the cartridge body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a cylindrical outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, and a hollow inner portion; an electrode positioned in the hollow inner portion, where the electrode includes an electrode body and a spear. The electrode body may include a first end and a second end opposite the first end, where the spear extends from the first end of the electrode body. The cartridge may also include a piston positioned adjacent the second end of the electrode body and a propulsion module positioned such that the piston is between the electrode body and the propulsion module. When the propulsion module is ignited, the piston may be propelled forward causing the electrode to be propelled out of the first end of the cartridge body. 
     Further implementations of the cartridge may have a cartridge body where the hollow inner portion includes a first inner portion having a first diameter, a second inner portion having a second diameter, and a piston stop positioned a predetermined distance of at least 10 millimeters from the first end of the cartridge body, where the first diameter may be smaller than the second diameter, and where the piston stop is a shelf that extends from the first diameter to the second diameter. The cartridge may further comprise a propulsion module contact that contacts the propulsion module, a pyrotechnic material inside the propulsion module, and a conductor within the propulsion module, where the propulsion module contact is configured to transmit an electrical signal from a conducted electrical weapon to the conductor within the propulsion module, thereby causing the conductor to heat up and ignite the pyrotechnic material inside the propulsion module. The piston may be configured to travel a predetermined second distance in the hollow inner portion, where the predetermined second distance is less than the predetermined first distance, and the predetermined second distance is at least half the predetermined first distance. In some embodiments, the cartridge may further comprise an end cap attached to the first end of the cartridge body, where the end cap encloses the first end of the cartridge body. The cartridge may further comprise a wad positioned adjacent the piston, where the wad is located between the propulsion module and the piston. The wad may fill the hollow inner portion between the piston and the propulsion module. 
     Yet other aspects of this disclosure may relate to a cartridge for a conducted electrical weapon comprising: a cartridge body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a cylindrical outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, and a hollow inner portion, where the hollow inner portion includes a first inner portion having a first diameter, a second inner portion having a second diameter, and a piston stop positioned a predetermined distance from the first end. The first diameter may be smaller than the second diameter, where the piston stop is a shelf that extends from the first diameter to the second diameter. An electrode may be positioned in the hollow inner portion, where the electrode includes an electrode body and a spear. The electrode body may include a first end and a second end opposite the first end, where the spear extends from the first end of the electrode body. The cartridge may include a wire tether that is stored inside the electrode body. The cartridge may further include a piston positioned adjacent the second end of the electrode body, where the piston is electrically coupled to one end of the wire tether. The cartridge may also have a propulsion module positioned such that the piston is between the electrode body and the propulsion module. The cartridge may also a propulsion module contact positioned adjacent the propulsion module. A wad may be positioned adjected the piston, where the wad is located between the propulsion module and the piston. The propulsion module may be ignited by a low voltage electrical signal received via the propulsion module contact, and the piston may be propelled forward causing the electrode to be propelled out of the first end of the cartridge body. 
     The cartridge may further comprise a cap positioned at the first end of the cartridge body, where the cap seals against the cartridge body and encloses the first end of the cartridge body. Lastly, the cartridge may be configured to insert into a firing tube of a magazine, where the magazine engages the conducted electrical weapon. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To allow for a more full understanding of the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a side view of a conducted electrical weapon system with a magazine engaged according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the magazine of the conducted electrical weapon system illustrated in  FIG. 1A  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a front view of the magazine of  FIG. 1B  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the magazine of  FIG. 1B  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 1E  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the magazine of  FIG. 1B  with a plurality of unitary cartridges of  FIGS. 3A-3C  installed in the magazine according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view of a conducted electrical weapon body according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of a conducted electrical weapon body illustrated in  FIG. 2A  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a schematic of the conducted electrical weapon according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary fire control process of the conducted electrical weapon; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a side view of a unitary cartridge for use in a conducted electrical weapon according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an end view of the unitary cartridge illustrated in  FIG. 3A  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the unitary cartridge illustrated in  FIG. 4B  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the unitary cartridge illustrated in  FIG. 4C  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a side view of a conducted electrical weapon system with a magazine engaged according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a side view of the magazine of the conducted electrical weapon system illustrated in  FIG. 5A  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates a front view of the magazine of  FIG. 5B  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the magazine of  FIG. 5B  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a side view of a conducted electrical weapon system with a magazine engaged according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a side view of the magazine of the conducted electrical weapon system illustrated in  FIG. 6A  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a front view of the magazine of  FIG. 6B  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 6D  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the magazine of  FIG. 6B  according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic of the conducted electrical weapon with the electrodes engaged on a target according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a schematic of an ignition circuit of a conducted electrical weapon and unitary cartridge according to one or more aspects described herein; and 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a schematic of an alternate embodiment of an ignition circuit of a conducted electrical weapon and unitary cartridge according to one or more aspects described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientation during typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention. Also, the reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     The following terms are used in this specification, and unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, these terms have the meanings provided below. 
     The term “include” and variations of the word, such as “including” and “includes” is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. 
     The term “substantially parallel” means that a first line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. is approximately (in this instance, within 2%) equidistant from with another line, plane, edge, surface, etc., over at least 50% of the length of the first line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. 
     Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in an embodiment” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     A conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”) provides a stimulus signal to a human or animal target to impede locomotion of the target. Locomotion may be inhibited by interfering with voluntary use of skeletal muscles and/or causing pain in the target. A stimulus signal that interferes with skeletal muscles may cause the skeletal muscles to lockup (e.g., freeze, tighten, stiffen) so that the target may not voluntarily move. A CEW may include wire tethered electrodes (e.g., darts) that are launched from its housing by a propellant toward a target. A CEW may provide (e.g., apply) a stimulus signal through a target while the launched electrodes mechanically and/or electrically couple to tissue of the target. The CEW may provide a current through the target via a circuit that includes a filament (e.g., wire-tether) coupled to a first electrode connected to the target, and a second electrode connected to the target and coupled to a second filament back to the CEW. The wire-tethered electrodes may be packaged in individual deployment units (e.g., cartridges). A cartridge may be inserted into the CEW to perform the functions of launching the electrodes and delivering the stimulus signal. 
     The range of a CEW that delivers a stimulus signal via wire-tethered electrodes may be limited by the length of the wire tethers. In the case of a hand-held CEW, the wire tethers extend from the device to the electrodes as they strike the target so that the stimulus signal from the signal generator (within the device) can travel through the wire tethers to and through the target. Because a user generally holds the handle while operating the CEW, the range of the CEW from the user to the target is limited by the length of the wire-tethers. 
     The ability of a stimulus signal to lockup the skeletal muscles of a target increases with the distance between the electrodes that deliver the stimulus signal through the target. A greater distance between electrodes provides the stimulus signal through more target tissue thereby increasing the likelihood of neuromuscular incapacitation. Neuromuscular incapacitation (“NMI”) refers to the rigid state (e.g., lockup) induced in skeletal muscles by the stimulus signal. Lockup of the skeletal muscles inhibits (e.g., interferes with) voluntary operation of skeletal muscles by the target. Lockup deprives a target of voluntary use of skeletal muscles. Because skeletal muscles control the movement of limbs, lockup interferes with voluntary movement of the target. A spacing (e.g., spread, separation) of at least seven inches (17.8 centimeters) between electrodes enables the stimulus signal to travel through at least seven inches of target tissue, which increases the likelihood of skeletal muscle lockup. Providing a stimulus signal through the target where the electrodes are spaced within a range between 6 inches and 12 inches (15.2 centimeters and 30.5 centimeters), preferably 12 inches, from each other increases a likelihood that the stimulus signal will result in neuromuscular incapacitation. 
     Providing a stimulus signal through electrodes that are spaced less than 6 inches apart on the target, and at times depending on the location where the electrodes couple to the target less than 12 inches apart, may not cause NMI. Electrodes that are spaced on the target less than 6 inches apart, or at times less than 12 inches apart, may not provide a stimulus signal through enough target tissue to induce lockup of skeletal muscles. However, even if a stimulus signal does not result in lockup of skeletal muscles, the stimulus signal through target tissue may cause pain in the target. As a result of the pain, a target may voluntarily decide to limit their movement (e.g., locomotion) thereby interfering with locomotion of the target. 
     Knowing the distance from the CEW to the target enables the CEW to determine a likely effect of the stimulus signal on the target and can help the CEW determine the proper electrode to fire at the target. For example, depending upon which magazine is installed in the CEW and the distance to the target, the CEW may determine to fire a first electrode in a first direction and a second electrode in a second direction to achieve the optimal spacing when the electrodes strike the target such that skeletal muscle lockup can be achieved when a stimulus signal is applied. 
     In general, this disclosure relates to a CEW system that can interchangeably receive a plurality of magazines, which can each hold a plurality of cartridges. For instance, each magazine may hold at least four cartridges, or in some instances, each magazine may hold as many as 18 or more cartridges. The magazines may be interchangeably received by the body or housing of the weapon system, such that the CEW system may have multiple configurations. The body of the weapon system may be able to detect which magazine is installed such that it can operably determine the appropriate cartridges to fire to effectively target and disable the target. 
     The conducted electrical weapon (CEW)  10  may include a weapon body or housing  100  that includes a handle or grip portion  108  configured to be grasped by a hand of a user at a first end  101 , or rear, of the body  100 , an upper member  105  extending in a substantially front-to-rear direction from the handle portion  108  to a second end  103 , or front, of the body  100  opposite the first end  101  as shown in  FIG. 1A . The body  100  may include a magazine bay  118  configured to releasably receive a magazine  300 . The body  100  may include an activation input configured to receive a mechanical and/or electrical signal such as from trigger  102 . The trigger  102  may be positioned between the handle portion  108  and the magazine bay  118 . A trigger guard  104  and a safety mechanism, such as a safety switch  106 , may be included on the body  100  to help prevent an accidental discharge of the weapon. The body  100  may further comprise aiming aids such as rear iron sights  112  and front iron sights  114 , laser spot indicators, and/or LED illuminators, which may be aligned to form an axis  115  along the body  100 . In addition, the body  100  may include a power source  110  to energize the weapon, which may be either permanently or releasably engaged with the body  100 . The body  100  may further include a magazine release mechanism configured to eject a magazine  300  or disengage the magazine  300  from the magazine bay  118 . A magazine release button  116  may be positioned along the upper member  105  above the magazine bay  118 , such that when depressed, the magazine release mechanism ejects the magazine  300 . 
     A magazine bay  118  of a body  100  may be configured to releasably receive a magazine, such as magazine  300 . In various embodiments, the magazine bay  118  may be configured to interchangeably receive magazines having different properties (e.g., number of electrodes, orientation of firing tubes, etc.). The magazine bay  118  may be positioned beneath the upper member  105 . The magazine bay  118  may be sized and shaped to engage a portion of a magazine  300 . A shape of magazine bay  118  may complement a shape of magazine  300  to accommodate magazine  300 . 
     In various embodiments, the magazine bay  118  may include an opening that extends from a portion of the second end  103  of the body  100  onto a bottom side  107  of the body  100 . A volume of the magazine bay  118  may be a volume defined by the intersection of the opening of the magazine bay  118  and internal surfaces of body  100  adjacent the magazine bay  118 , wherein the internal surfaces define a boundary of the magazine bay  118  within the body  100 . A volume of the magazine bay  118  may be less than a volume of a magazine  300 , wherein a volume of a magazine  300  may be defined within the external surfaces of magazine  300 . For example, the volume of magazine bay  118  may be between 5% and 25% of the volume of magazine  300 , between 25% and 50% of the volume of magazine  300 , between 50% and 75% of the volume of magazine  300 , or between 75% and 99%, of the volume of magazine  300 , according to various aspects described herein. 
     A magazine  300  may be releasably engaged with the magazine bay  118  of the body  100 . The magazine  300  may include a plurality of firing tubes  316  (e.g., bores, silos, chambers, etc.), where each firing tube  316  is configured to secure at least one cartridge  200  as shown in  FIGS. 1B-1E . The plurality of firing tubes  316  may be integrated into the magazine, wherein magazine  300  fixedly interconnects individual firing tubes of the plurality of firing tubes  316 . In various embodiments, the magazine  300  may include at least three firing tubes  316 . In addition, the magazine  300  may be configured to launch the electrode  212  housed in each of the cartridges  200  installed in each of the plurality of firing tubes  316 . The magazine  300  may engage the magazine bay  118  by sliding in a substantially front-to-rear direction (in a direction from the second end  103  towards the first end  101 ), or by sliding in a substantially top-to-bottom direction (in a direction towards the upper member  105 ). In other words, the magazine  300  may engage magazine bay  118  by sliding in a direction perpendicular to axis  115 , or by sliding in a direction parallel to axis  115 . In some embodiments, magazine  300  may engage the magazine bay  118  by sliding in a combination of a front-to-rear direction and a top-to-bottom direction. That is, magazine  300  may engage the magazine bay  118  by sliding in a front and top to rear and bottom direction. In other words, magazine  300  may engage the magazine bay  118  by sliding in a direction oblique to axis  115 . 
     In various embodiments, magazine  300  may couple the plurality of firing tubes  316  at fixed positions relative to body  100 . Magazine  300  may engage magazine bay  118  in a fixed manner. Magazine  300  and the plurality of firing tubes  316  may not move (e.g., be repositioned, rotate, translate, slide, etc.) relative to body  100  upon engagement of magazine  300  with magazine bay  118 . The position of the plurality of firing tubes  316  relative body  100  may be preserved, including between launch of electrodes from different sets of firing tubes of the plurality of firing tubes  316 . By engaging magazine bay  118  in the fixed manner, operation of magazine  300  may be simplified and each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes  316  may be oriented for launch of a respective electrode upon engagement of the magazine  300  with magazine bay  118 . 
     The magazine  300  may include a top surface  302 , a bottom surface  304  opposite the top surface  302 , a rear surface  308  extending between the top surface  302  and the bottom surface  304 , and a front surface  306  extending between the top surface  302  and the bottom surface  304 . The front surface  306  may include a plurality of firing tubes  316 . The bottom surface  304  of the magazine  300  may be exposed when the magazine  300  is inserted into the opening of the magazine bay  118 . In various embodiments, a portion of the bottom surface  304  may be exposed when magazine  300  is inserted into the opening of the magazine bay  118 . Engagement (e.g., insertion) of the magazine  300  with body  100  may expose at least a portion of the bottom surface  300 . A first side surface  310  may extend from the top surface  302  and the bottom surface  304  between the front and rear surfaces  306 ,  308 , and a second side surface  312  may extend from the top surface  302  and the bottom surface  304  between the front and rear surfaces  306 ,  308  opposite the first side surface  310 . Portions of the side surfaces  310 ,  312  may include a taper (e.g., chamfer) such that the bottom surface  304  is narrower than the top surface  302  to make it easier for a user to grasp the bottom of the magazine  300 . Portions of the side surfaces  310 ,  312  may be textured, knurled, contoured, depressed, or otherwise modified to provide a tactile interface for the user to grasp. The magazine  300  may include an alignment guides, or slides  314 , positioned on the first side surface  310  and second side surface  312  that engage engaging members positioned along the sides of the magazine bay  118  to align and secure the magazine  300  to the CEW body  100 . Each alignment guide  314  may longitudinally extend in a direction of which the magazine  300  is configured to engage the CEW body  100 . Each alignment guide  314  may include a recess  320  positioned below its respective side surface  310 ,  312 . In various embodiments, each alignment guide  314  may include a protrusion positioned above its respective side surface  310 ,  312 . In some embodiments, each alignment guide  314  may include one of a recess and a protrusion configured to cooperate with a respective surface in the magazine bay  118 . 
     A longest dimension of magazine  300  may be a length between the front surface  306  and the rear surface  308 . The length between the front surface  306  and the rear surface  308  may be between one inch and two inches (2.5 centimeters to 5.8 centimeters), between two inches and three inches (5.8 centimeters and 7.6 centimeters), between three inches and four inches (7.6 centimeters and 10.2 centimeters), or between one inch and four inches (2.5 centimeters and 10.2 centimeters), according to various aspects of the present disclosure. 
     Each firing tube  316  may be configured to secure a cartridge, or unitary cartridge,  200  and then launch the electrode  212  from the cartridge  200  independently from its corresponding firing tube  316 . Each firing tube  316  may extend longitudinally between a rear firing tube end  305  and a front firing tube end  307 . A longest dimension of each firing tube  316  may be a length, such as firing tube length L 4 , between the rear firing tube end  305  and the front firing tube end  307 . In various embodiments firing tube length L 4  may be equal to the length of magazine  300 , wherein the rear firing tube end  305  is contiguous with the rear surface  308 , and the front firing tube end  307  is contiguous with the front surface  306 , thereby forming a passage therethrough. In other words, each of front surface  306  and rear surface  308  may comprise a respective opening of firing tube  316 . In other embodiments, each firing tube  316  may be contiguous with only the front surface  306  of the magazine  300 . In other words, the front firing tube end  307  may be conterminous with the front surface  306  of the magazine  300 , such that magazine  300  comprises an opening of firing tube  316 . In various embodiments, each firing tube  316  may be contiguous with at least the front surface  306  of the magazine  300 . In various embodiments, each firing tube  316  may be in fluid communication with an environment external to magazine  300 . 
     In various embodiments, each firing tube  316  may comprise an internal surface defining a cavity. A cross section of each firing tube  316  may comprise a circle, an elliptical, a polygon, or any other suitable shape configured to receive a unitary cartridge  200 . For example, each firing tube  316  may comprise a cylindrical shape extending longitudinally between the front firing tube end  307  and the rear firing tube end  305 . In that regard, each firing tube  316  may comprise a longitudinal axis, about which it extends. Each firing tube  316  may comprise radial symmetry about the longitudinal axis. 
     In various embodiments, a maximum width of firing tube  316  may be a diameter, such as firing tube diameter D 3  of firing tube  316 . The diameter of each firing tube  316  may be selected to receive unitary cartridge  200 . In various embodiments, an inner diameter D 3  of firing tube  316  may be sized to cooperate with an outer diameter of unitary cartridge  200 , such as outer diameter D 4  (with brief reference to  FIG. 4A ). For example, inner diameter D 3  may be equal to or greater than outer diameter D 4 . In that regard, unitary cartridge  200  may slip into firing tube  316  in a slip-fit manner. For example, inner diameter D 3  may equal to outer diameter D 4 , 0.001 inches (0.003 centimeters) greater than outer diameter D 4 , 0.002 inches (0.005 centimeters) greater than outer diameter D 4 , 0.003 inches (0.008 centimeters) greater than outer diameter D 4 , or any other suitable size to receive unitary cartridge  200  with minimal friction. In some embodiments, inner diameter D 3  of firing tube  316  may be less than outer diameter D 4  of unitary cartridge  200 . For example, unitary cartridge  200  may be press-fit (e.g., interference fit) into firing tube  316  to secure unitary cartridge  200  within firing tube  316 . In that regard, a press-fit may prevent unitary cartridge  200  from cyclically slipping within firing tube  316 . For example, inner diameter D 3  may be 0.001 inches (0.003 centimeters) less than outer diameter D 4 , 0.002 inches (0.005 centimeters) less than outer diameter D 4 , 0.003 inches (0.008 centimeters) less than outer diameter D 4 , or any other suitable size to receive unitary cartridge  200  with maximal friction. 
     In various embodiments, inner diameter D 3  of firing tube  316  may be constant about its length from front firing tube end  307  to rear firing tube end  305 . In some embodiments, in diameter D 3  may vary (e.g., taper) about the length of firing tube  316 . For example, front firing tube end  307  may comprise a larger or smaller diameter than rear firing tube end  305 . In that regard, the smaller diameter of firing tube  316  may be configured to cooperate with a unitary cartridge  200  to limit translation of unitary cartridge  200  in a direction along the longitudinal axis of firing tube  316 . In some embodiments, firing tube  316  may comprise a shelf (e.g., step, stop, etc.) protruding from the inner surface. As another example, front firing tube end  307  may comprise an opening having a diameter less than outer diameter D 4  of unitary cartridge  200 . For example, firing tube  316  may comprise a shelf adjacent front firing tube end  307 , where a diameter of the shelf may be less than a diameter of rear firing tube end  307 . In that regard, the shelf may be configured to limit translation of a unitary cartridge  200  in a direction along the longitudinal axis of firing tube  316  and toward front firing tube end  307 . A direction of movement of each unitary cartridge  200  and electrode  212  may be constrained to the longitudinal axis of its corresponding firing tube  316 . 
     Each firing tube  316  performs the functions similar to that of a barrel of a firearm. The orientation of the firing tube  316  may determine a direction of flight (e.g., trajectory) of the electrode. The firing tubes  316  may be grouped as a pattern such as an array comprising a plurality of rows and columns when looking at the front surface  306  of the magazine  300 . In various embodiments, the firing tubes  316  may be arranged in a circular pattern, a triangular pattern, a staggered (e.g., offset) pattern, or any other suitable pattern configured to minimize a footprint of the firing tubes  316  on the front surface  306  of magazine  300 . In various embodiments, the firing tubes  316  may be arrange in a pattern to maximize a number of firing tubes  306  in a volume of a magazine  300 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 1D , the magazine comprises nine firing tubes  316  grouped together in an array having three rows and three columns (3×3 array). Each firing tube  316  may be oriented parallel with one another with an axis configured to be substantially parallel with an axis  115  defined by sights  112 ,  114  of the CEW body  100  or corresponding with the laser spot indicators or LED illuminators as shown in  FIG. 1D . In various embodiments, a distance between the longitudinal axes of parallel firing tubes  316  may be less than 0.5 inches (1.27 centimeters), less than 0.25 inches (0.64 centimeters, less than 0.13 inches (0.03 centimeters), or less than 0.06 inches (0.15 centimeters), in accordance with various embodiments discussed herein. In other embodiments, as described in more detail below, the magazine  300  may have a plurality of firing tubes  316  arranged where the firing tubes in a top row are arranged in an orientation substantially parallel to the axis defined by sights  112 ,  114  of the CEW body  100  (e.g., axis  115 ), and the firing tubes  316  below the top row of firing tubes  316  may be oriented either substantially parallel to the firing tubes  316  of the top row, or oriented at an axis forming an acute angle with an axis of a firing tubes  316  arranged in the top row. In various embodiments, a maximum distance between the longitudinal axes of oblique firing tubes  316  may be less than 0.5 inches (1.27 centimeters), less than 0.25 inches (0.64 centimeters, less than 0.13 inches (0.03 centimeters), or less than 0.06 inches (0.15 centimeters), in accordance with various embodiments discussed herein. When electrodes  212  launch from firing tubes  316  oriented with an angle to each other, the trajectory of the electrodes launch in different directions such that the flight paths diverge from one another with approximately the same angle between them. For a particular angle between firing tubes  316 , the distance to the target may determine the spread between the electrodes  212  when they reach the target. 
     In various embodiments, magazine  300  may comprise at least three firing tubes arranged in a single column. For example, each inner surface of the at least three firing tubes may be tangent with a same plane. A longitudinal axis of each of the at least three firing tubes may be coplanar. The longitudinal axis of each of the at least three firing tubes may intersect a common plane. The at least three firing tubes may each be oriented at one or more angles with a first firing tube. A first pair of firing tubes may be oriented at a first angle with one another may be configured to launch electrodes  212  at a first trajectory to provide an optimal and/or minimum spacing at a first distance to a target. A second pair of firing tubes oriented at a second angle with one another may be configured to launch electrodes  212  at a second trajectory to provide the optimal and/or minimum spacing at a second distance to the target. The first pair of firing tubes may share a common firing tube with the second pair of firing tubes. Magazine  300  may be configured to selectively launch electrodes  212  from a first pair of firing tubes to achieve the optimal spread at a first range, to selectively launch electrodes  212  from a second pair of firing tubes to achieve the optimal spread at a second range, to selectively launch electrodes  212  from a third pair of firing tubes to achieve the optimal spread at a third range, and so on. As another example, magazine  300  may be configured to launch electrodes from each of the plurality of firing tubes to achieve the optimal spread at a plurality of ranges. Magazine  300  may be configured to provide the optimal spread at a number of ranges equal to the number of distinct angles formed by each of the plurality of firing tubes with a first firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes. In this manner, magazine  300  may be configured to provide the optimal spread of electrodes  212  at multiple ranges. Magazine  300  may be configured to selectively launch two or more electrodes  212  in accordance with positional and/or environmental data as discussed further herein. In various embodiments, magazine  300  may be configured to launch less than all of the plurality of firing tubes  316 . 
     For example, magazine  300  may comprise a first firing tube  316   a , a second firing tube  316   b , and a third firing tube  316   c . First firing tube  316   a , second firing tube  316   b , and third firing tube  316   c  may be arranged in a single column. First firing tube  316   a  may be configured to be oriented parallel to axis  115  of CEW body  100  when magazine  300  is engaged with CEW body  100 ; second firing tube  316   b  may form a first acute angle with the first tube  316   a ; and third firing tube  316   c  may form a second acute angle with the first firing tube  316   a . In various embodiments, the first acute angle may be less than the second acute angle. Magazine  300  may be configured to selectively launch electrodes  212  from at least two of the at least three firing tubes. For example, magazine  300  may be configured to launch electrodes  212  from first firing tube  316   a  and second firing tube  316   b  to provide the optimal spread at a first distance. Magazine  300  may be configured to launch electrodes  212  from first firing tube  316   a  and third firing tube  316   c  to provide the optimal spread at a second distance. As another example, magazine  300  may be configured to launch electrodes  212  from each of firing tubes  316   a ,  316   b , and  316   c  to achieve the optimal spread at the first distance and the second distance. 
     In embodiments, a column of the plurality of firing tubes  316  may be disposed linearly in a direction between the top surface  302  and the bottom surface  304  of magazine  300 . A longitudinal axis of each firing tube in the column may intersect a line along front surface  306  of magazine  300 . A longitudinal axis of each firing tube in the column may be disposed in a same plane. The plane may bisect magazine  300 . The column may include at least three firing tubes of the plurality of firing tubes. For example, a column of firing tubes of the plurality of firing tubes  316  may be disposed along an axis along which the cross-section of  FIG. 1D  is defined, as illustrated in  FIG. 1C . In embodiments, the column may include four firing tubes of the plurality of firing tubes. In embodiments, the column may be disposed substantially perpendicular to one or more of top surface  302  and bottom surface  304 . 
     In various embodiments, magazine  300  may include a plurality of columns. The plurality of columns may be disposed parallel to each other. Longitudinal axes of a first set of firing tubes in a first column may be parallel to longitudinal axes of a second set of firing tubes in a second column of the plurality of columns. Each column of the plurality of columns may include a same number of firing tubes. In embodiments, the plurality of columns may include two or more columns, three or more columns, or four or more columns. The plurality of columns may be configured to launch sets of electrodes from the plurality of firing tubes from similar positions on the magazine  300 . For example, a position of a first firing tube in a first column may be horizontal to a position of a second firing tube in a second column of the plurality of columns. 
     While the exemplary magazine  300  illustrated in  FIGS. 1B-1E  shows nine firing tubes  316 , the number of firing tubes may have any number, such as 12 or 18 firing tubes as described below. In addition, the magazine  300  and unitary cartridge  200  arrangement may provide a user with the ability to carry a number of cartridges in a compact arrangement. This arrangement may be expressed as a ratio of cartridges to volume. For example, in some embodiments, the unitary cartridge  200  may have a volume of less than 0.4 cubic inches (6.6 cubic centimeters) allowing the magazine  300  to store three cartridges in approximately 1.2 cubic inches. In other examples, the magazine may store three cartridges within a volume of 1.2 cubic inches (19.7 cubic centimeters) to 2.0 cubic inches (32.8 cubic centimeters). 
     Diverging trajectories may result in electrodes that strike a target at a distance from each other. Preferably, at least two electrodes are positioned at least 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) away from each other while coupled to the target to increase an amount of target tissue through which the stimulus signal travels. For example, for an angle of 8 degrees between the firing tubes may achieve a separation of 7 inches (17.8 centimeters) at a distance of 4.14 feet (1.26 meters) from the target. In some instances, the electrodes  212  may be launched along diverging trajectories by firing them from firing tubes  316  arranged at diverging angles. In other instances, when firing them from firing tubes  316  that are parallel to each other, a user may create the desired spacing of electrodes  212  on the target by serially activating (e.g., serial firing, serial launch) the unitary cartridges  200  while moving the CEW  10  between activations to set the diverging trajectories. For example, a user may aim the CEW  10  at a first location on a target and launches a first electrode  212 . Then the user may then reposition the CEW  10 , aim the CEW  10  at a second location on the target and launch a second electrode  212 . The user may aim, and fire until all cartridges  200  in the magazine  300  have launched their respective electrodes  212  toward different locations on the target. In this manner, the user may determine the spread of the electrodes  212  and the number of electrodes launched toward the target. Any delay between firing the electrodes  212  from any two cartridges may be determined by the user. 
     As illustrated in the schematic of  FIG. 3A , the CEW body  100  may further comprise a processor or processing circuit  120  and/or sensors configured to control the operation of the weapon. The processor  120  may connect to power source  110  to control the power distribution to the sensors  122 ,  124  as well as the signal generator  126 . The CEW  10  may be configured to selectively launch an electrode  212  or plurality of electrodes  212  in the firing tubes  316  of the magazine  300  based on data received from either environmental sensors  122  or positional sensors  124 , or a combination of the data provided from the environmental or positional sensors  122 ,  124  provided on the body  100  of the CEW  10 . Sensors  122 ,  124  may be passive or active and may include positional sensors  124 , such as accelerometers, magnetometers, or gyroscopes as well as environmental sensors  122  such as a photosensitive sensor, and barometers. These photosensitive sensors may include a laser range sensor, infrared sensor, motion detector, or similar detector. In addition, the magazine  300  may include a control/identification circuit  322  to communicate with the processor  120 , where the processor  120  may determine which magazine  300  is installed into the CEW body  100  and configure the CEW  10  accordingly. For example, the data provided by the control circuit  322  may include the number of cartridges  200 , characteristics of the cartridges  200  (e.g. distance range (wire tether length), amount of propellant/exit velocity of the electrode, voltage requirements for the electrode), the orientation of the firing tubes  316  in the magazine  300 , and the status of the firing tubes (e.g. which tubes contain cartridges  200  and which tubes are empty or have been fired). In addition, the control circuit  322  may communicate the type of cartridge installed, such as live cartridges, training cartridges, or inert/resettable cartridges. This control circuit  322  may also receive and transmit the firing and stimulus signals from the CEW  10  to the unitary cartridges  200 . In some embodiments, the CEW  10  may be configured to utilize a processor  120  and sensors  122 ,  124  to determine the distance of a target from a user. In some cases, the processor  120  may be receiving data from the various environmental and positional data from sensors  122 ,  124  along with the data gathered from the magazine  300 , such that when an input to fire is received from the trigger  102 , the processor  120  can use this data to determine the appropriate electrodes  212  to fire at the target to provide the most effective stimulus on the target as shown in the fire control process  130  shown  FIG. 3B . Upon determining the proper fire control process  130 , the processor  120  may then selectively arm a plurality of unitary cartridges  200  in the plurality of firing tubes  316  to launch a plurality of electrodes  212  at a plurality of angles toward a target. For example, in response to receiving an input of trigger  102 , processor  120  may selectively arm and launch electrodes  212  from a first pair of firing tubes  316  in accordance with environmental and positional data from sensors  122 , and  124 . As another example, in response to receiving an input of trigger  102 , processor  120  may selectively arm and launch electrodes  212  from a three firing tubes  316  of the plurality of firing tubes  316 , where each of the three firing tubes  316  are oriented at a different trajectory with respect to one another. In various embodiments, magazine  300  may be configured to launch electrodes  212  from less than all of the plurality of firing tubes  316  in response to an activation of the trigger  102 . In some embodiments, magazine  300  may be configured to launch electrodes  212  from all of the plurality of firing tubes  316  in response to an activation of the trigger  102 . The plurality of electrodes  212  may be fired serially or simultaneously. The process for detecting the distance between a CEW  10  and a target is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/025,300 filed on Jul. 2, 2018, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Optionally, the magazine  300  may also include environmental or positional sensors to send data to the processor  120  of the body  100  to further assist in the fire control process  130 . 
     The electronics of the CEW body  100  may control the operation of the CEW  10 . The processor or processing circuit  120  may comprise a microprocessor or microcontroller and memory storage. The electronics within CEW body  100  may further include a communications circuit. A processor  120  may control some or all of the operations (e.g., functions) of a CEW  10  including power management. The processor  120  may control the launch of electrodes  212  as well as control the signal generator  126 , completely or in part, to provide one or more stimulus signals. The processing circuit  120  may receive signals from sensors  122  to determine whether another stimulus signal should be provided to a target. 
     A signal generator  126  may generate a stimulus signal. The signal generator  126  may receive energy from power source  110 , and may transform the energy from power source  110  to form the stimulus signal. For example, the signal generator  126  may increase the voltage of the electrical power provided by power source  110  up to approximately 100 volts or in some cases approximately 1,600 volts. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the signal generator  126  may provide pulses of current at a voltage of about 100 volts, while in other embodiments, the signal generator  126  may provide pulses of current at a voltage of about 1,500 volts. The signal generator  126  may provide a series of pulses of current as a stimulus signal, where the pulse of current may have a pulse width. A series of pulses of current may have a pulse repetition rate. The stimulus signal may include a fixed number of current pulses provide over a predetermined period of time, or in some embodiments, the stimulus signal may include a variable number of current pulses over a predetermined period of time. 
     The signal generator  126 , as discussed above, may couple (e.g., directly, indirectly) to two or more wire tethers. The signal generator  126  may electrically couple to a wire tether via one or more spark gaps, a transformer, and/or a silicon control rectifier (e.g., thyristor). The two or more wire tethers may couple to respective electrodes. A signal generator  126  may provide a stimulus signal through target tissue via two or more electrodes and their respective wire tethers. 
     The power source  110  may include any type of power source that provides energy for operating the CEW  10  and for immobilization of the target. For example, a power source  110  may comprise a one or more rechargeable or disposable batteries. The power source  110  may be releasably engaged or may be permanently installed. The battery (or batteries) may be rechargeable such that they can be reenergized when either removed or installed in the body  100 . The power source  110  may also provide energy for operation of the electronics and signal generator of the CEW  10 . 
     Once one or more of the electrodes  212  have been launched, a user may remove the magazine  300 , from the body  100  and insert a new magazine into the magazine bay  118  of the body  100 . In some embodiments, the CEW  10  may comprise a kit that includes a CEW body  100  and multiple magazines  300 , where each magazine may have the same number of electrodes or a different number of electrodes. After a unitary cartridge  200  has been used (e.g., spent), the unitary cartridge  200  may be removed from the magazine  300 , and a new (e.g., used) unitary cartridge  200  may be installed into the empty firing tube  316 . In that regard, the magazine  300  may be configured to be reloadable, such that a user may replace a spent unitary cartridge  200  with an unused unitary cartridge  200 . 
     The components of the CEW  10 , such as the CEW body  100  and magazine  300  may be formed from metallic materials or a combination of metallic and non-metallic components to provide adequate pathways for the conductive elements. One or more components of CEW  10  may be formed of one or more rigid, durable materials able to withstand force(s) applied to CEW  10  during use. For example, one or more components of CEW  10  may include one or more rigid, plastic materials, metal materials, and/or composite materials. The one or more rigid materials may include corrosion-resistant materials, UV resistant materials, and/or any other suitable material configured to at least partially withstand environmental factors. Rigid materials may include metals and metallic alloys (e.g., aluminum, steel, titanium, etc.), composites (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.), plastics (e.g., polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyether ether ketone, etc.), and/or the like. The rigid materials may also be treated (e.g., heat-treated, galvanized, anodized, etc.), painted (e.g., powder-coated, e-coated, etc.), and/or similarly modified to aid in withstanding environmental factors. The body  100  and magazine  300  may be formed using any number of methods, such as casting, forging, molding, and machining. In addition, body  100  and magazine  300  may be formed of multiple components that are assembled together. 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  depict views of the unitary cartridge  200  that can be loaded into the magazine  300 . Unitary cartridge  200  may have a cartridge body  202  having a first end  203 , a second end  205  opposite the first end  203 , a cylindrical outer surface  207  extending between the first end  203  and the second end  205 , and a hollow inner portion  209 . A frangible end cap, or lid,  204  may be attached to the first end  203  of the cartridge body  202 . An electrode  212  may be positioned in the hollow inner portion  209 , where the electrode, or probe,  212  may include an electrode body  213  and a spear  214 . The electrode body  213  may include a first end  215  and a second end  216  opposite the first end  215 , wherein the spear  214  extends from the first end  215  of the electrode body  213 . A piston, or piston driver,  210  may be positioned adjacent the second end  216  of the electrode body  213 , where the piston may act as a plunging mechanism to force the electrode  212  from the cartridge body  202 . A wad  211  may be positioned adjacent the piston  210  such that the wad  211  is positioned between the piston  210  and the propulsion module, or primer,  208 . The propulsion module  208  may be configured to receive an electrical signal via a propulsion module contact, or primer contact,  206  positioned adjacent the propulsion module  208 . The propulsion module contact  206  may be configured to transmit an electrical signal from a CEW body  100  to the propulsion module  208  to fire electrode  212  from the cartridge body  202 . A cap  218  may be arranged at the second end  205  of the cartridge body  202 , where the cap  218  seals against the cartridge body  202 . The cap  218  may have a central opening  219  such that the propulsion module contact  206  extends at least a portion through the opening  219  and the opening  219  surrounds a portion of the propulsion module contact  206 . 
     Upon receiving an electrical signal from the CEW body  100 , the primer  208  may discharge, resulting in a rapid increase of gas. The resulting rapid increase in gas may then act on the piston driver  210 , propelling the piston driver  210  along a length of the cartridge body  202  and propelling the electrode  212  out of the cartridge body  202 . The piston  210  may travel along the inside of the cartridge body  202 , until the piston  210  contacts a mechanical feature configured to stop the piston  210  at a predetermined distance or length, L 1 , such as piston stop  217 . 
     Spear  214  may aid in mechanical and electrical coupling of an electrode to a target. The spear  214  may include a pointed (e.g., narrowed, sharpened) end portion to aid in piercing or penetrating target clothing and/or target tissue. A spear  214  may be wholly or partially electrically conductive to establish an electrical connection with a target. A spear may include one or more mechanical structures (e.g., barbs) for retaining mechanical and electrical coupling of the spear  214  to the target. For example, in some instances, spear  214  may include two barbs. 
     Electrode  212  may further include a wire tether (e.g., filament, wire) (not shown) stowed (e.g., stored) inside electrode body  213 . A first end portion of the wire tether may electrically couple to body  213  and/or spear  214 . The component (e.g., body, spear) to which the first end portion of the wire tether couples is electrically conductive. A second end portion of the wire tether may electrically couple to one of cartridge body  202  and piston  210 . Piston  210  may be formed of an electrically conductive material. 
     Front-end cap  204  may cover an open first end  203  of a cartridge body  202 . End cap  204  protects the electrode  212  positioned in cartridge body  202  prior to use of the unitary cartridge  200 . Cap  204  may removably couple to cartridge body  202  and may be removed from the cartridge body  202  by activation of the unitary cartridge. Upon launch of the electrode  212 , the spear  214  of the single electrode  212  may push against the cap  204  causing the cap  204  to be removed or break upon impact. Thus, the cap  204  may move away from the trajectory of the electrode  212  to not interfere with flight of the electrode  212  to its target. For example, cap  204  may mechanically couple to body  202  and in some embodiments form a hermetic seal against the body  202 . 
     In embodiments, cap  204  may cover an opening of cartridge body  202  at first end  203 , was well as one or more outer surfaces of cartridge body  202 . The one or more outer surfaces may include one or more outer surfaces defining a circumference of cartridge body  202  at first end  203 , such that cap  204  encloses a portion of cartridge body  202  at first end  203 . The circumference may be a full circumference, such that cap  204  fully encloses a portion of cartridge body  202  at first end  203 . Cap  204  may surround a portion of first end  203  of cartridge body  202 , attached across the opening of cartridge body  202  and at least two opposite outer surfaces of the one or more outer surfaces of cartridge body  202 . 
     Cap  204  may extend a length L 3  along cartridge body  202 , parallel to a direction in which electrode  212  may be launched from cartridge body  202 . In embodiments, length L 3  may be equal or greater than a diameter of cap  204  across the opening of cartridge body  202 . In embodiments, length L 3  may be equal or greater than half the diameter of cap  204  across the opening of cartridge body  202 . Length L 3  may be greater than a thickness of cap  204  along distance L 2 . In embodiments, length L 3  may be greater than a distance between spear  214  and cap  204  prior to launch of electrode  212 . A perpendicular cross-section of unitary cartridge  200  along length L 3  may include spear  214 , a first portion of cap  204  on a first outer surface of cartridge body  202 , and a second portion of cap  204  on a second outer surface of cartridge body  202 , opposite the first outer surface. Length L 3  may be selected to ensure retention of cap  204  on first end  203  and/or improve resistance of cap  204  to incidental forces that may be applied to cartridge body  202  from different directions, including incidental forced that may be encountered prior to the unitary cartridge  200  being inserted into a magazine. Upon placement of unitary cartridge  200  into the magazine, a portion of cap  204  at first end  203  may be physically retained (e.g., pressed) between the one or more outer surfaces of cartridge body  202  and the magazine, improving retention of cap  204  on cartridge body  202  prior to launch of electrode  212  from cartridge body  202 . 
     Rear cap  218  covers at least a portion of the second end  205  of cartridge body  202 . A cap  218  may couple to cartridge body  202 . The cap  218  may provide access to a primer contact  206 , where the primer contact  206  may provide a path for an electrical current. The cap  218  may be formed of a material that insulates, such that the cap  218  may resist or deny formation of a path for a current of electricity. This material may include electrical insulators. Cap  218  may remain coupled to a cartridge body  202  before, during and after activation of the unitary cartridge  200 . Cap  218  may seal against the cartridge body  202  to resist or prevent an escape of gas when the pyrotechnic material of the propulsion module  208  is ignited. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, cap  218  attaches and seals to the cartridge body  202 . The cap  218  has an opening  219  that surrounds and seals around a portion of the primer contact  206 . An end of the contact  206  is left exposed at the rear of the unitary cartridge  200  so that a current may flow through the contact  206  to the primer  208  to fire the electrode  212  at the target. 
     Because cap  218  seals against the cartridge body  202  and a portion of contact  206 , cap  218  functions as a barrier against the passage of the expanding gas generated upon the ignition of primer  208 . This seal created by the cap  218  may help to retain the rapidly expanding gas inside the cartridge body  202  and to focus the gas on moving the piston  210  to propel the electrode  212  to the target. Cap  218  may act to reduce or prohibit the passage of the gas produced by primer  208  rearward indefinitely or for a period of time after igniting primer  208  to allow the electrode  212  to exit the cartridge body  202 . 
     As discussed above, the cartridge body  202  may have a first end  203 , a second end  205  opposite the first or forward end  203 , a cylindrical outer surface  207  extending between the forward end  203  and the second end  205 , and a hollow inner portion  209 . In some embodiments, the cylindrical outer surface  207  may have a diameter of approximately 8 millimeters (mm), or within a range of 7 mm and 9 mm. 
     Cartridge body  202  may be configured to house and store a single electrode  212 , a piston  210 , a wad  211 , a primer  208 , and a contact  206  prior to the launch of the electrode  212 . The body  202  may couple to a lid  204  and a cap  218 . A hollow inner portion  209  may be generally cylindrical in shape and may receive and store the single electrode  212  prior to launch. The electrode body  213  may be generally cylindrical in shape such that the electrode  212  and the hollow inner portion  209  are substantially coaxial. In this manner, the hollow inner portion  209  may help to set the initial trajectory of the electrode  212 . 
     In embodiments, cartridge body  202  may have an outer surface that is symmetrical about a central axis of unitary cartridge  200 . The central axis may be an axis along which electrode  212  travels upon being launched from unitary cartridge  200 . The symmetrical outer surface may include a cylindrical outer surface. In embodiments, the cylindrical outer surface may be devoid of grooves, shoulders, or other irregular contours between first end  203  and second end  205 . That is, the cylindrical outer surface may be flat between first end  203  and second end  205 . In other embodiments, a cylindrical outer surface may comprise grooves, shoulders, or other irregular contours between first end  203  and second  205  configured to engage one or more respective surfaces of a magazine to retain cartridge body  202  in the magazine. The symmetrical outer surface may include one or more outer surfaces positioned regularly about the central axis. In embodiments, a cross-section of the symmetrical outer surface, perpendicular to the central axis, may have a shape of one of a circle, ellipse, triangle, square, rectangle, hexagon, or another regular polygon. Because unitary cartridge  200  is configured to launch a single electrode  212 , the cartridge body  202  may have a symmetrical outer surface because the orientation of the electrode  212  relative to another electrode is not determined by a common cartridge body in which both electrodes are housed; rather, the relative position is determined by a separate magazine (e.g., magazine  300 ) as discussed elsewhere herein. Accordingly, a symmetrical outer shape may increase a number of rotational orientations at which cartridge body  202  may be inserted into a magazine, thereby decreasing a maximum degree to which cartridge body  202  may need to be rotated before being inserted into a magazine and thus simplifying a loading process for cartridge body  202  into the magazine. In embodiments, the symmetrical outer surface may include one or more linear outer surfaces between first end  203  and second end  205 . Each linear outer surface of the one or more linear outer surfaces may be devoid of grooves, shoulders, or other irregular contours between first end  203  and second end  205 . That is, each linear outer surface may be flat between first end  203  and second end  205 . In other embodiments, one or more linear outer surfaces may comprise grooves, shoulders, or other irregular contours between first end  203  and second end  205  configured to engage one or more respective surfaces of a magazine to retain cartridge body  202  in the magazine after loading. The symmetrical outer surface may have a constant, same diameter along the central axis between the first end  203  and the second end  205 , thereby simplifying insertion of unitary cartridge  200  into the magazine. In embodiments, cap  204  may have a symmetrical shape as well, corresponding to the symmetrical outer shape of cartridge body  202 . 
     The hollow inner portion  209  may include a first inner portion  220  having a first diameter, D 1 , and a second inner portion  222  having a second diameter, D 2 . The piston stop  217  may be positioned a predetermined bore distance or length, L 2 , from the first end  203 . The first diameter, D 1 , may be smaller than the second diameter, D 2 . The piston stop  217  may be a shelf that is formed along the perimeter where the first inner portion  220  connects to the second inner portion  222 . The piston stop  217  may extend around the full circumference of the interior of the cartridge body  202 , or may extend along only a portion of the circumference of the interior of the cartridge body  202 . In some embodiments, the distance, L 2 , between piston stop  217  and first end  203  of the cartridge body  202  may be configured to alter the kinetic energy imparted on electrode  212  and spear  214 . The diameters D 1 , D 2  may be greater than the outside diameter of the electrode body  213 . In embodiments, a piston travel distance or length, L 1 , may include a distance between piston stop  217  and piston  210  prior to launch of electrode  212  from unitary cartridge  200 . Piston travel distance, L 1 , may include a maximum range of travel for piston  210 . In embodiments, first inner portion  220  may be disposed in cartridge body  202  along bore distance L 2  and/or second inner portion  222  may be disposed in cartridge body  202  along piston travel distance L 1 . 
     The propulsion module  208  may comprise any type of device that may be controlled to provide a rapidly expanding gas. The propulsion module  208  may be ignited to launch the single electrode  212  from the unitary cartridge  200 . The primer  208  may be ignited in any manner, such as by a striking (e.g., percussion) movement that directly or indirectly contacts the primer or electrically by passing a current through the primer  208 . When electrically ignited, the electrical current by a direct current or an alternating current. In some embodiments, the electrical current for igniting a primer may be a pulsed current or a current provided as a step function. The polarity of the current may be positive or negative. 
     For example in some embodiments, primer  208  may be ignited via a mechanical striking force. For example, a mechanical striking force may be applied to contact  206 . The striking force may be transferred by contact  206  to primer  208 . The striking force may pierce (e.g., penetrate) and/or crush (e.g., compress) primer  208  thereby causing (e.g., initiating) a chemical reaction in primer  208  that causes the pyrotechnic material of primer  208  to burn (e.g., ignite). The burning of primer  208  produces a rapidly expanding gas. The striking force may be provided by any object such as a firing pin. 
     In other embodiments, primer  208  may be ignited via an electrical current. For example, a current may be provided to contact  206 . Contact  206  may include electrical paths (e.g., conductors) that permit the current to flow through contact  206  to primer  208 . Contact  206  may include mechanical structures that include electrical paths to the primer  208 . Flow of a current to the primer  208  may cause a conductor to heat up thereby igniting the pyrotechnic material inside primer  208 . An electrical path for the current may include contact  206 , primer  208 , and cartridge body  202 . For example, body  202  of unitary cartridge  200  may be grounded and a voltage having a positive or negative polarity may be applied to contact  206  to induce a current to flow through contact  206  to primer  208 . Igniting the pyrotechnic material in primer  208  produces a rapidly expanding gas. 
     Because cap  218  remains coupled to body  202  during launch of electrode  212 , the force from the rapidly expanding gas directed against contact  206  is redirected forward against wad  211 . The wad  211  applies a force on a piston  210 , and the piston  210  applies a force on a rear-end portion of the single electrode  212 . The force from the rapidly expanding gas moves the wad  211 , the piston  210 , and the electrode  212  in a forward direction. As the single electrode  212  moves in a forward direction, the spear  214  of the electrode  212  applies a force on the cap  204  of the unitary cartridge  200 , which moves the lid  204  away from the cartridge body  202 . Removing the lid  204  from the body  202  may permit the electrode  212  to exit the cartridge body  202  to fly toward a target and to provide a stimulus signal through the target. 
     Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 4D , the unitary cartridge  200  may be configured to have the propulsion module  208  electrically coupled to the cartridge body  202 , such that the cartridge body  202  includes electrical paths to the propulsion module  208 . For example, cartridge body  202  may be grounded and a voltage having a positive or negative polarity may be applied to cartridge body  202  to induce a current to flow to the propulsion module  208  causing the propulsion module  208  to ignite. 
     Wad  211 , piston  210 , and electrode  212  may move in a forward direction until piston  210  contacts (e.g., strikes) piston stop  217 . When piston  210  contacts stop  217 , piston  210  and wad  211  may cease to move in the forward direction even though the gas provided by primer  208  continues to rapidly expand. In other words, when piston  210  contacts stop  217 , piston  210  and wad  211  may cease to move forward even though the force applied on wad  211  and piston  210  may increase for a period of time after piston  210  contacts stop  217 . 
     In embodiments, piston  210  may contact stop  217  directly. A surface of the stop  217  may physically strike a surface of the piston  210 . Travel of piston  210  along distance L 1  may be physically unimpeded by another material or element of unitary cartridge  200 . In such an arrangement, gas provided by primer  208  may be sealed within hollow inner portion  209  by one or more elements (e.g., wad  211 ) other than piston  210 , eliminating a need for the gases to be retained within hollow inner portion  209  by piston  210  itself or another element otherwise positioned on a side of piston  210  adjacent electrode  212 . By enabling piston  210  to contact stop  217  directly, a number of potentially interfering of elements may be reduced or eliminated and consistency of travel of piston  210  along piston travel distance L 1  may be improved. 
     Forward movement of electrode  212  does not cease when piston  210  contacts piston stop  217 . Because electrode  212  is not mechanically coupled to piston  210 , even though the forward movement of piston  210  stops upon contact with stop  217 , electrode  212  continues to move in a forward direction until the entirety of electrode  212  exits hollow inner portion  209  of cartridge body  202 . The interior walls of body  202  that define hollow inner portion  209  set (e.g., determine) the direction of travel (e.g., trajectory) of electrode  212 . As electrode  212  exits body  202 , electrode  212  travels (e.g., flies), at least initially, along a trajectory that is coincident with a central axis of hollow inner portion  209 . 
     Wad  211  may contact the inner walls of hollow inner portion  209 . The wad  211  establishes a seal around the inner walls of a cartridge body  202  to reduce an amount of the rapidly expanding gas that bypasses the wad  211  to exit the body  202  with the electrode  212 . The wad  211  may retain the rapidly expanding gas so that the gas does not pass, at least initially, forward of the wad  211 . By retaining the expanding gas, the force applied to the wad  211 , piston  210 , and electrode  212  may be increased. Any gas that bypasses the wad  211  may reduce the amount of force that is applied to the electrode  212 . 
     In addition, the wad  211  may reduce the amount of gas that contacts the electrode  212  during launch. Because the rapidly expanding gas is the result of burning a pyrotechnic material, the rapidly expanding gas may contain the byproducts of burning (e.g., soot), which can foul (e.g., dirty) the surface of the electrode  212 . Accordingly, by using wad  211 , the fouling of the electrode  212  during launch may be reduced. 
     The wad  211  may be formed of a material (e.g., felt, rubber, plastic) that seals against an inner surface of hollow inner portion  209 . In particular, the wad  211  may seal against the second inner portion  222  of the cartridge body  202 . During the initial moments after the primer  208  ignites, the seal between wad  211  and the inner surface of second inner portion  222  may reduce or prevent the rapidly expanding gas from passing between the edge of wad  211  and the inner surface of second inner portion  222 . Wad  211  may be formed of a material that provides a mechanical structure for transferring a force provide by the rapidly expanding gas to piston  210 . The material of wad  211  may be somewhat compressible, but after being compressed the material of wad  211  may be suitably rigid for transferring force from the rapidly expanding gas to piston  210 . 
     After electrode  212  is launched, the gas that was initially contained rearward of wad  211  may slowly leak around wad  211  to escape from cartridge body  202  via the front opening that was covered by lid  204 . In addition, excess gases caused may be expelled via vents (not shown) arranged in the cartridge body  202 . 
     The piston  210  may provide a base for pushing against an electrode  212 . Piston  210  provides structure for applying a force on to launch the electrode  212 . Preferably, the piston  210  may be formed of a stiff (e.g., inflexible, less flexible) material, such as a metallic or rigid polymeric material. The piston  210  may not seal against the surfaces of the second inner portion  222  of the cartridge body  202 . The piston  210  may move forward in the body  202  in response to a force applied by the wad  211  on the piston  210 . The diameter of a piston  210  may be less than diameter, D 2 , of the second inner portion  222  rearward of the piston stop  217 . The diameter of the piston  210  may be greater than the diameter, D 1 , of the first inner portion  220  forward of the stop  217 . Responsive to the force from the wad  211 , the piston  210  may move forward inside the body  202  until the piston  210  contacts (e.g., touches) the stop  217 . Forward movement of the piston  210  may stop when the piston  210  contacts the stop  217 . Forward movement of the piston  210  pushes electrode  212  forward causing spear  214  to decouple lid  204  from body  202 . Because the outer diameter of piston  210  may be greater than the inner diameter, D 1 , of first inner portion  220  forward of stop  217 , piston  210  and wad  211  cannot move forward of stop  217 , while the forward movement of electrode  212  continues as it exits body  202  to fly toward a target. 
     In embodiments, wad  211  may be formed of a different material compared to piston  210 . Wad  211  may be formed of a first material, while piston  210  may be formed of a second material, different from the first material. The first material may be more compressible than the second material, enabling wad  211  to form a seal with inner walls of hollow inner portion  209  as noted above. The second material may be more rigid than the first material, enabling the piston  210  to evenly transfer force from rapidly expanding gas of propulsion module  208  to electrode  212 . Collectively, the first material and the second material may enable a controlled and efficient transfer of force from the rapidly expanding gas of propulsion module  208  to electrode  212 . 
     In embodiments, wad  211  may be physically separate and separable from piston  210 . Prior to being inserted in unitary cartridge  200 , wad  211  may be detached from piston  210 , enabling wad  211  to be inserted into unitary cartridge  200  prior to piston  210  during assembly of unitary cartridge  200 . Wad  211  may be disposed in physical contact with piston  210  in unitary cartridge  200 , but wad  211  may not be physically attached to piston  210  via an adhesive or other physically coupling material. By remaining separate, wad  211  may evenly and/or centrally be positioned or self-positioned within hollow inner portion  209  without interference from an adhesive or material coupling the wad to piston  210 . A separate wad  211  and piston  210  may also simplify manufacture of wad  211  and piston  201 , including when wad  211  and piston  210  comprise different materials as noted above. 
     In embodiments, a diameter of wad  211  may be equal or greater than a diameter of piston  210 . For example, the diameter of wad  211 , parallel to a surface of wad  211  immediately adjacent piston  210 , may be equal to diameter D 2  when wad  211  is positioned within hollow inner portion  209 . The diameter of wad  211  may be greater than diameter D 2  prior to insertion of wad  211  into hollow inner portion  209 , enabling wad  211  to be compressed radially upon insertion into hollow inner portion  209 . The larger diameter of wad  211  may ensure that a seal is formed between wad  211  and hollow inner portion  209 . 
     In embodiments, wad  211  may be configured to fully isolate piston  210  from propulsion module  208 . Wad  211  may completely occupy (e.g., fill) hollow inner portion  209  between piston  210  and propulsion module  208 . Wad  211  may be continuous between inner walls of hollow inner portion  209 . An outer edge or periphery of wad  211  may be contiguous with an inner wall or periphery of hollow inner portion  209 . A non-zero thickness of wad  211  may be disposed between piston  210  and propulsion module  208  for each location on a surface of piston  210  oriented toward propulsion module  208 , parallel to piston travel distance L 1 . The non-zero thickness may include a same thickness for each location on wad  211  parallel to bore distance piston travel distance L 1 . Wad  211  may fully cover piston  210  in a direction between piston  210  and propulsion module  208 , preventing direct transfer of force from propulsion module  208  to piston  210 . By fully covering piston  210 , wad  211  may ensure that a rapidly expanding gas from propulsion module  208  does not foul a surface of piston  210 , while also increasing evenness and diffusion of the force from propulsion module  208  to piston  210 . 
     In embodiments, a first surface of wad  211  may contact a second surface of piston  210 . The first surface may be disposed immediately adjacent the second surface when wad  211  and piston  210  are disposed within unitary cartridge  200 . The first surface and/or second surface may be planar, promoting an even transfer of force from propulsion module  208 . The first surface and second surface may be complementary in shape, enabling force received on another surface of wad  211 , opposite the first surface, to be transferred to piston  210  via a corresponding portion of the first surface and the second surface. 
     A retention mechanism may retain electrode  212  in unitary cartridge  200  so as to limit movement of electrode  212  relative to cartridge body  202  prior to launch. A retention mechanism, such as a mechanical retention mechanism and/or a magnetic retention mechanism may retain electrode  212  at a predetermined position within cartridge body  202 . The retention mechanism may be configured to prevent movement of electrode  212  when unitary cartridge  200  is subjected external forces such as drop, shock, vibration, etc. The retention mechanism may enable electrode  212  to be precisely (e.g., repeatably) positioned in cartridge body  202  during assembly. A retention force provided by the retention mechanism may be less than a force generated by ignition of propulsion module  208 . The force from the rapidly expanding gas due to ignition of propulsion module  208  may overcome the retention force provided by retention mechanism for retaining electrode  212  in unitary cartridge  200 . In embodiments, a retention mechanism may be provided between first end  203  and piston  210 . The retention mechanism may be at least partially disposed in hollow inner portion  209 . The retention mechanism may be separate from one or more other elements of unitary cartridge  200 , including one or more of cap  204 , piston  210 , propulsion module  208 , and cap  218 . 
     In various embodiments, and with reference to  FIG. 4C , a mechanical retention mechanism may retain electrode  212  in a predetermined position. A mechanical interference between electrode body  213  and cartridge body  202  may provide the mechanical retention mechanism. For example, an interference fit between electrode body  213  and body  202  may provide a mechanical retention mechanism. A maximum diameter of electrode body  213  may be greater than diameter D 1  so as to create an interference fit. As another example, electrode body  213  may comprise a mechanical structure configured to engage a complementary mechanical structure of inner surface of hollow inner portion  209 . The mechanical structure may comprise one of a protruding structure (e.g., lap, finger, snap, ball, etc.) and a recessed structure (e.g., notch, groove, etc.), and the complementary mechanical structure may comprise the other of the protruding structure and the recessed structure. The protruding structure may be configured to break and/or deform, such that the force generated by ignition of propulsion module  208  may overcome the mechanical retention mechanism provided by engagement of the mechanical structure with the complementary mechanical structure. As yet another example, a portion of electrode  212  (such as a portion of spear  214 , a portion of first end  215 , etc.) may be in contact with cap  204 , such that a normal force provided by cap  204  on electrode  212  may serve as a mechanical retention mechanism to position electrode  212  relative to unitary cartridge  200 . As a further example, a normal force provided by cap  204  may be transmitted to electrode  212  via a retention body, such as retention body  223 . Retention body may be disposed between electrode  212  and cap  204 . Retention body  223  may be in contact with cap  204  and a portion of first end  215  of electrode  212 . Retention body  223  may comprise a compressible material to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. 
     In other embodiments, and with reference to  FIG. 4D , one or more permanent magnets (e.g., neodymium iron boron magnets, samarium cobalt magnets, etc.) may provide a magnetic retention mechanism to retain electrode  212  relative to unitary cartridge  200 . The magnetic retention mechanism between electrode  212  and body  202  may be configured to limit movement of electrode  212  relative to body  202  prior to launch. For example, electrode  212  may comprise first magnet  224  (with brief reference to  FIG. 4D ). First magnet  224  comprise a shape having a circular cross section, such as a disc, a ring, etc. First magnet  224  may be disposed within electrode body  213 , between spear  214  and first end  215 , or any other suitable location on electrode  212 . First magnet  224  may be attracted to cartridge body  202 . The magnetic attraction between first magnet  224  and cartridge body  202  may provide a magnetic retention mechanism between electrode  212  and unitary cartridge  200 . As another example, cartridge body  202  may comprise a second magnet, such as second magnet  225  (with brief reference to  FIG. 4D ). Second magnet  225  may comprise a similar shape to first magnet  224 . Second magnet  225  may be configured to attract electrode  212  to retain electrode  212 . Second magnet  225  may be configured to attract first magnet  224  of electrode  212  to retain and/or locate electrode  212  relative to cartridge body  202 . 
     Piston  210  may further provide a path for providing the stimulus signal to a wire tether of the electrode  212 . Once piston  210  contacts stop  217 , electrode  212  may continue its movement away from piston  210  and cartridge body  202 . As electrode  212  moves away from piston  210 , a wire tether may begin to deploy from electrode body  213 . A first end of the wire tether may be coupled (e.g., connected) electrode  212 . A second end of the wire tether may be coupled to piston  210 . Forward movement of electrode  212  may draw (e.g., deploy) the wire tether from out of cartridge body  202  to extend from electrode  212  to piston  210 . Alternatively, the second end of the wire tether may be coupled to the cartridge body  202  instead of the piston  210 . 
     If piston  210  and body  202  are formed of a conductive material, the stimulus signal sent by the signal generator  126  may be applied to electrode body  213  through the cartridge body  202 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the stimulus signal may travel through cartridge body  202 A, including piston  210 A, through the wire tether attached to a first electrode  212 A, through the first electrode  212 A that is coupled to target tissue  12 , through the tissue  12  to a second electrode  212 B coupled to target tissue  12 , through the second electrode  212 B, through a second wire tether, and then through cartridge body  202 B of the second electrode  212 B, including piston  210 B, to the signal generator thereby forming a circuit through the target. The stimulus signal through this circuit then immobilizes the target. 
     In some embodiments, the piston travels distance, L 1 , defined as the distance from a starting position of piston  210  (e.g., rearward end  216  of electrode body  213 ) to piston stop  217  may be configured to alter the kinetic energy imparted on electrode  212  and spear  214 . In one embodiment, the piston travel distance, L 1  of a starting position of piston  210  (e.g., rearward end of electrode  212 ) to stop  217  (e.g., piston travel) may be approximately 20 mm, or within a range of 12 mm and 25 mm. For example, using a predetermined amount of pyrotechnic material in the primer  208  in combination with a piston travel distance, L 1 , of 20 mm may result in launching the electrode  212  from the cartridge body  202  at a speed of about 300 feet per second. In other embodiments, a piston travel distance, L 1 , may be approximately 4 mm, or within a range of 2 mm and 12 mm. As another example, using the same predetermined amount of pyrotechnic as above in combination with a piston travel distance of 4 mm may result in launching the electrode  212  at a speed of about 200 feet per second, or in combination with a piston travel distance of 2.5 mm launched the electrode at a speed of 150 feet per second. A person skilled in the art may realize that other features may be altered, such as chemistry of primer  208  and position of piston stop  217  of  FIG. 4B  to further tailor firing characteristics of the electrode  212  from a unitary cartridge  200 . Once exiting the cartridge body  202 , the velocity of electrode  212  may decrease within a range of 5 and 30 feet per second before striking the target. 
     In embodiments, piston travel distance L 1  and bore distance L 2  may be selected to provide predetermined stability and force for launch to electrode  212 . The piston travel distance L 1  may be selected to allow piston  210  to provide the force for launch with a given amount of pyrotechnic material, while minimizing a size of a cartridge body  202 . The bore distance L 2  may be selected to impose a direction of motion upon a minimum length of electrode  212  as it is being launched, while also minimizing an amount of friction applied to the electrode  212  by cartridge body  202  and/or minimizing a size of a cartridge body  202 . 
     In embodiments, piston travel distance L 1  may be determined relative to bore distance L 2 . For example, piston travel distance L 1  may be equal to bore distance L 2 . Piston travel distance L 1  may be less than bore distance L 2 , while a value of piston travel distance L 1  may be alternately or additionally at least 90% of a value of bore distance L 2 , at least 80% of the value of bore distance L 2 , at least 70% of the value of bore distance L 2 , at least 60% of the value of bore distance L 2 , or at least 50% of the value of bore distance L 2 . In embodiments, piston travel distance L 1  may be less than bore distance L 2 , but at least half of bore distance L 2 . For example, bore distance L 2  may be 30 mm, while piston travel distance L 1  may be between 30 mm and 15 mm. 
     In other embodiments, bore distance L 2  may be equal or less than piston travel distance L 1 , while a value of bore distance L 2  is alternately or additionally at least 90% of a value of piston travel distance L 1 , at least 80% of the value of piston travel distance L 1 , at least 70% of the value of piston travel distance L 1 , at least 60% of the value of piston travel distance L 1 , or at least 50% of the value of piston travel distance L 1 . In embodiments, bore distance L 2  may be less than piston travel distance L 2 , but at least half of piston travel distance L 1 . For example, piston travel distance L 1  may be 30 mm, while bore distance L 2  may be between 30 mm and 15 mm. 
     In embodiments, bore distance L 2  may be further selected relative to a length of electrode  212  disposed parallel to a direction along with bore distance L 2  is determined. A relative value of bore distance L 2  may be selected to impart a preferred degree of direction and friction on the electrode  212  as it is launched. For example, bore distance L 2  may be selected such that at least half of electrode  212  is retained in hollow inner portion  209  while piston  210  travels piston travel distance L 1 . In embodiments, bore distance may be at least 40% of a length of electrode  212 , at least 50% of electrode  212 , or at least 60% of electrode  212 . By selecting bore distance L 2  relative to the length of electrode  212 , electrode  212  may be guided from unitary cartridge  200  upon launch in a controlled manner, while minimizing a size of a cartridge body  202 . 
     In embodiments, bore distance L 2  may include a second predetermined distance, relative to a first predetermined piston travel distance L 1 . Bore distance L 2  may be at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, or at least 30 mm. In one embodiment, the bore distance may be approximately 20 mm, or within a range of 10 mm and 30 mm. In other embodiments, a bore distance, L 2 , may be approximately 6 mm, or within a range of 2 mm and 12 mm. 
     As discussed above, the range of a CEW  10  may be limited by the length of the wire tethers. The electrode body  213  may comprise a hollow portion that includes a wire tether. The wire tether may be electrically coupled at a first end to the spear  214  and at a second end to the piston  210 . The wire tether may provide an electrical connection between the CEW body  100  and the spear  214  to deliver the stimulus signal to the target. The cartridge body  202  may be electrically conductive such that the cartridge body  202  may transmit an electrical charge from the CEW body  100  to the piston  210  through the wire tether to the spear  214  and into the target. 
     In some embodiments, the length of a deployed wire tether between the unitary cartridge  200  and a launched electrode  212  may be approximately 20 feet. While in other embodiments, the length of the wire tether may be approximately 40 feet, or approximately 60 feet. In some embodiments, the length of the wire tether may be within a range of 8 feet to 20 feet, or within a range of 8 feet to 40 feet, or within a range of 8 feet to 60 feet. 
     Unlike existing cartridges that typically comprise a plurality of electrodes, the unitary cartridge  200  may comprise a unitary electrode  212  configured to launch via a unitary cartridge body  202 . Significant practical advantages may be afforded by such an apparatus. First, by directly coupling a single propulsion module  208  with a unitary electrode  212  may remove the need for a manifold to direct expanding gas to a plurality of electrodes. Further, removing a manifold from a cartridge and using a piston driver  210  significantly reduces the size of unitary cartridge  200 . In the embodiments disclosed herein, a polymorphic CEW  10  may have a magazine  300  configured to accommodate more than 12 single electrode unitary cartridges  200  in the same footprint as a traditional CEW that may only accommodate two dual electrode cartridges. However, a polymorphic CEW  10  may also be more capable than a traditional CEW in order to individually control the polarity and charge characteristics of each probe of each unitary cartridge  200  of a magazine  300 . 
     In some embodiments, the magazine  300  may comprise various pluralities of unitary cartridges  200 , creating different firing characteristics, such as but not limited to range, velocity, propulsion type, electrode exit angle, and/or barb geometry. Examples of various embodiments of magazine  300  configurations are described below. 
     For the magazine embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5D , the features are referred to using similar reference numerals under the “4xx” series of reference numerals, rather than “3xx” as used in the magazine embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-1E . Accordingly, certain features of the magazine  400  that were already described above with respect to magazine  300  of  FIGS. 1A-1E  may be described in lesser detail, or may not be described at all.  FIGS. 5A-5D  show magazine  400  may comprise a plurality of firing tubes  416  oriented along different axes. Magazine  400  may interchangeably engage with the CEW body  100  to form the CEW  10 .  FIGS. 5A-5D  depict magazine  400  comprising 12 firing tubes  416  configured to launch unitary cartridges  200  at a plurality of angles. For example, the firing tubes  416  may be oriented in an array of 4 rows by 3 columns (4×3 array). Each of the firing tubes  416 A in the top row of firing tubes  416 A of magazine  400  may have an axis  422  oriented parallel with one another and also oriented substantially parallel with axis  115  defined by sights  112 ,  114  of the body  100 . Each of the firing tubes  416 B in the second row of firing tubes  416 B of magazine  400  may have an axis  424  oriented parallel with one another and also oriented substantially parallel with the axis  422 . Each of the firing tubes  416 C in the third row of firing tubes  416  of magazine  400  may have an axis  426  oriented parallel with one another and also oriented to be at an acute angle  430  with the axes  422  of the firing tubes  416 A of the first row. In some embodiments, the angle  430  may be approximately 3 degrees, or within a range of 2 and 4 degrees, or within a range of 2 degrees and 6 degrees, or in some cases, within a range of 0 degrees and 20 degrees. Each of the firing tubes  416 D in the bottom row of firing tubes  416  of magazine  400  may have an axis  428  oriented parallel with one another and also oriented to be at an acute angle  432  with the axes  422  of the firing tubes  416 A of the first row where the angle  432  is greater than angle  430 . In some embodiments, the angle  432  may be approximately 12 degrees, or within a range of 10 and 14 degrees, or within a range of 8 degrees and 16 degrees, or in some cases, within a range of 0 degrees and 20 degrees. Angle  432  may be greater than angle  430 , such that the axis  428  diverges from axis  426  and also diverges from axes  422 ,  424 . While magazine  400  shows a particular arrangement of firing tubes  416 A,  416 B,  416 C, and  416 D shown in  FIGS. 5B-5D , a person skilled in the art will realize that numerous alternate configurations may exist. 
     For the magazine embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6D , the features are referred to using similar reference numerals under the “5xx” series of reference numerals, rather than “3xx” as used in the magazine embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-1E . Accordingly, certain features of the magazine  500  that were already described above with respect to magazine  300  of  FIGS. 1A-1E  may be described in lesser detail, or may not be described at all.  FIGS. 6A-6D  show magazine  500  may comprise a plurality of firing tubes  516  oriented along different axes. Magazine  500  may interchangeably engage with the CEW body  100  to for the CEW  10  similar to magazines  300  and  400 .  FIGS. 6A-6D  depict a magazine configuration comprising 18 firing tubes  516  configured to launch unitary cartridges  200  at a plurality of angles. For example,  FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate magazine  500  comprising 18 firing tubes  316  configured to launch a plurality of unitary cartridges in a plurality of directions.  FIG. 6A  illustrates an embodiment wherein a polymorphic CEW body  100  is releasably engaged with magazine  500  via a magazine bay  118 . In the exemplary embodiment, magazine  500  may comprise 18 firing tubes grouped into a plurality of groups, where each group of firing tubes  516  may have an axis oriented at a different direction. For example, the firing tubes  516  may be oriented in an array of 6 rows by 3 columns (6×3 array) that are arranged in four groups  516 A,  516 B,  516 C,  516 D. Each of the firing tubes  516 A in the first group of magazine  500  may have an axis  522  oriented parallel with one another and also oriented substantially parallel with axis  115  defined by sights  112 ,  114  of the body  100 . Each of the firing tubes  516  in the second group  516 B below the first group of magazine  500  may have an axis  524  oriented parallel with one another and also oriented at an acute angle  530  with the axes  522  of the firing tubes  516  of the first group  516 A. In some embodiments, the angle  530  may be approximately 3 degrees, or within a range of 2 and 4 degrees, or within a range of 2 degrees and 6 degrees, or within a range of 0 degrees and 20 degrees. Each of the firing tubes  516  in the third group  516 C of magazine  500  may have an axis  526  oriented parallel with one another and also oriented to be at an acute angle  532  with the axes  522  of the firing tubes  516  of the first group  516 A. In some embodiments, the angle  532  may be approximately 12 degrees, or within a range of 10 and 14 degrees, or within a range of 8 degrees and 16 degrees, or within a range of 0 degrees and 20 degrees. Each of the firing tubes  516  in the fourth group of firing tubes  516 D of magazine  500  may have an axis  528  oriented parallel with one another and also oriented to be at an acute angle  534  with the axes  522  of the firing tubes  516  of the first group  516 A. In some embodiments, the angle  534  may be approximately 16 degrees, or within a range of 14 and 18 degrees, or within a range of 12 degrees and 20 degrees, or within a range of 0 degrees and 20 degrees. Angle  534  may be greater than angles  530 ,  532 , such that the axis  528  diverges from axis  526  and also diverges from axes  422 ,  424 . In addition, angle  532  may be greater than angle  530 , such that axis  526  diverges from axes  422 ,  424 . While magazine  500  shows a particular arrangement of firing tubes groups  516 A,  516 B,  516 C, and  516 D shown in  FIGS. 6B-6D , a person skilled in the art will realize that numerous alternate configurations may exist. 
     As discussed above, processor  120  of polymorphic CEW  10  may be configured to aid in determining which electrode  212  to fire. The processor  120  may receive data regarding the distance from the CEW  10  to the target  12  and use this data to determine which electrodes  212  to fire to achieve the optimal spacing to induce NMI when the stimulus signal is activated. For instance, for a target  12  positioned at a first predetermined distance from the CEW  10 , the processor  120  may select to fire an electrode  212  or plurality of electrodes  212  from a firing tube  316 ,  416 ,  516  arranged at a substantially parallel to axis  115  (zero degrees) of the CEW body  100 . In some instances, the first predetermined distance may be within a range of 15 feet to 50 feet (4.6 meters to 15.2 meters). In other instances, such as a second predetermined distance, the processor  120  may fire a first electrode  212 A from a first row of firing tubes, such as an upper row of firing tubes (parallel to axis  115 ), and a second electrode  212 B from a second row of firing tubes that are arranged with an axis that is at an acute angle to axis  115 , such as one of the firing tubes  416 C,  416 D,  516 B,  516 C,  516 D in a lower low of tubes, such that when the first electrode  212 A and the second electrode  212 B are coupled to the target  12 , they will have an optimal spacing to induce NMI when the stimulus signal is sent. For example, the second predetermined distance may be within a range of 1 foot to 20 feet (0.3 meters to 6.1 meters). 
     While the magazine configurations depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1E, and 5A-6D  depict various embodiments of the number of unitary cartridges and firing tube arrangements, the illustrated embodiments should not restrict this disclosure and are merely representations of a few example implementations. The foregoing description discusses preferred embodiments of the present invention, which may be changed or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. Examples listed in parentheses may be used in the alternative or in any practical combination. As used in the specification and claims, the words ‘comprising’, ‘comprises’, ‘including’, ‘includes’, ‘having’, and ‘has’ introduce an open-ended statement of component structures and/or functions. In the specification and claims, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ are used as indefinite articles meaning ‘one or more’. While for the sake of clarity of description, several specific embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the invention is intended to be determined by the claims as set forth below. In the claims, the term “provided” is used to definitively identify an object that not a claimed element of the invention but an object that performs the function of a workpiece that cooperates with the claimed invention. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that this disclosure includes any practical combination of the structures and methods disclosed. 
     In various embodiments, and with reference to  FIG. 3A , processor  120  may be electrically and/or electronically coupled to signal generator  126 . Processor  120  may be configured to transmit or provide control signals to signal generator  126  in response to detecting an activation event of trigger  102 . Multiple control signals may be provided from processor  120  to signal generator  126  in series. In response to receiving the control signal, signal generator  126  may be configured to perform various functions and/or operations. 
     In various embodiments, signal generator  126  may be configured to receive one or more control signals from processor  120 . Signal generator  126  may provide an ignition signal to unitary cartridge  200  based on the control signals. Signal generator  126  may be electrically and/or electronically coupled to processor  120  and/or unitary cartridge  200 . Signal generator  126  may be electrically coupled to power source  110 . Signal generator  126  may use power received from power source  110  to generate an ignition signal. For example, signal generator  126  may receive an electrical signal from power source  110  that has first current and voltage values. Signal generator  126  may transform the electrical signal into an ignition signal having second current and voltage values. The transformed second current and/or the transformed second voltage values may be different from the first current and/or voltage values. The transformed second current and/or the transformed second voltage values may be the same as the first current and/or voltage values. Signal generator  126  may temporarily store power from power source  110  and rely on the stored power entirely or in part to provide the ignition signal. Signal generator  126  may also rely on received power from power source  110  entirely or in part to provide the ignition signal, without needing to temporarily store power. 
     Signal generator  126  may be controlled entirely or in part by processor  120 . In various embodiments, signal generator  126  and processor  120  may be separate components (e.g., physically distinct and/or logically discrete). Signal generator  126  and processing circuit  120  may be a single component. For example, a control circuit within weapon body  100  may at least include signal generator  126  and processor  120 . The control circuit may also include other components and/or arrangements, including those that further integrate corresponding function of these elements into a single component or circuit, as well as those that further separate certain functions into separate components or circuits. 
     Signal generator  126  may be controlled by the control signals to generate an ignition signal having a predetermined current value or values. For example, signal generator  126  may include a current source. The control signal may be received by signal generator  126  to activate the current source at a current value of the current source. An additional control signal may be received to decrease a current of the current source. For example, signal generator  126  may include a pulse width modification circuit coupled between a current source and an output of the control circuit. A second control signal may be received by signal generator  126  to activate the pulse width modification circuit, thereby decreasing a non-zero period of a signal generated by the current source and an overall current of an ignition signal subsequently output by the control circuit. The pulse width modification circuit may be separate from a circuit of the current source or, alternatively, integrated within a circuit of the current source. Various other forms of signal generators  126  may alternatively or additionally be employed, including those that apply a voltage over one or more different resistances to generate signals with different currents. In various embodiments, signal generator  126  may include a high-voltage module configured to deliver an electrical current having a high voltage. In various embodiments, signal generator  126  may include a low-voltage module configured to deliver an electrical current having a lower voltage (e.g., low voltage), such as, for example, 2,000 volts. 
     Responsive to receipt of a signal indicating activation of trigger  102 , a control circuit  322  (with brief reference to  FIG. 3A ), provides an ignition signal to unitary cartridge  200 . For example, signal generator  126  may provide an electrical signal as an ignition signal to unitary cartridge  200  in response to receiving a control signal from processor  120 . In various embodiments, the ignition signal may be separate and distinct from a stimulus signal. For example, a stimulus signal in CEW  10  may be provided to a different circuit within unitary cartridge  200 , relative to a circuit to which an ignition signal is provided. Signal generator  126  may be configured to generate a stimulus signal. In various embodiments, a second, separate signal generator, component, or circuit (not shown) within weapon body  100  may be configured to generate the stimulus signal. Signal generator  126  may also provide a ground signal path for unitary cartridge  200 , thereby completing a circuit for an electrical signal provided to unitary cartridge  200  by signal generator  126 . The ground signal path may also be provided to unitary cartridge  200  by other elements in weapon body  100 , including power source  110  (with brief reference to  FIG. 3A ). 
     In embodiments, and responsive to an input received via trigger  102 , a control circuit  322  (with brief reference to  FIG. 3A ), selectively provides an ignition signal to less than all firing tubes of a plurality of firing tubes  316 . The control circuit  322  may be configured to provide the ignition signal to a subset of firing tubes in a column of firing tubes in magazine  300 . For example, the control circuit may be configured to provide the ignition signal to less than all of three firing tubes in a column of firing tubes. The control circuit may be configured to provide the ignition signal to at least two firing tubes of the plurality of firing tubes in accordance with a distance to a target, a predetermined sequence of firing tubes, or an input received via an environmental sensor or positional sensor. Magazine  300  may include an ignition circuit for each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes by which magazine  300  is configured to launch less than all electrodes housed in magazine  300 , wherein the launch is further determined in accordance with the ignition signal provided by control circuit  322 . In embodiments, control circuit  322  may sequentially provide the ignition signal to different sets of less than all firing tubes in the plurality of firing tubes, wherein the different sets may include firing tubes in same or different columns of firing tubes in magazine  300 . 
     In various embodiments, CEW  10  may be configured to send an ignition signal to a single unitary cartridge  200 , to cause a single primer  208  to ignite. The single unitary cartridge  200  may be one unitary cartridge of a plurality of unitary cartridges in a same magazine coupled to CEW  10 . Each unitary cartridge in the plurality of unitary cartridges, including the single unitary cartridge  200 , may be configured to receive a different ignition signal from CEW  10 . CEW  10  may provide a respective, individual ignition signal to each unitary cartridge in the same magazine, wherein the respective, individual ignition signal may be received distinctly by each unitary cartridge in the magazine. A first ignition signal provided to single unitary cartridge  200  may be separate from another ignition signal provided to another unitary cartridge in the plurality of unitary cartridges, including one or more other ignition signals respectively provided to each other unitary cartridge in the plurality of unitary cartridges. Each unitary cartridge in the plurality of unitary cartridges may be electrically coupled in parallel to signal generator  126  of CEW  10 . When unitary cartridge  200  is engaged with CEW  10 , CEW  10  may form a closed electrical circuit with a single primer  208 . 
     In various embodiments, primer  208  may comprise a solid conductive structure, such as conductor  226  (with brief reference to  FIG. 8A ). Flow of an electrical signal through primer  208  may cause conductor  226 , to heat up, thereby igniting the pyrotechnic material inside primer  208 . Conductor  226  may comprise metal or an alloy. Conductor  226  may pass through a portion of primer  208 . 
     In some embodiments, and with reference to  FIG. 8A , an electrical signal may travel through cartridge body  202 , through primer  208 , and then through contact  206 , to signal generator  126  thereby forming a closed circuit. Conductor  226  may be directly coupled with contact  206  and cartridge body  202 . Conductor  226  may conductively couple contact  206  and cartridge body  202 . Conductor  226  may be coupled with contact  206  and cartridge body  202  via solid conductive medium. Contact  206  may be grounded and a voltage having a positive or negative polarity may be applied to cartridge body  202  to induce a current to flow through conductor  226  to contact  206 , causing primer  208  to ignite. An electrical path for an ignition signal may include contact  206 , primer  208 , conductor  226 , and cartridge body  202 . 
     In other embodiments, and with reference to  FIG. 8B , an electrical signal may travel through cartridge body  202 , through primer  208 , and then through cartridge body  202 , to signal generator  126  thereby forming a closed circuit. Conductor  226  may be directly coupled with cartridge body  202 . A portion of cartridge body  202  may be grounded and a voltage having a positive or negative polarity may be applied to cartridge body  202  to induce a current to flow conductor  226 , causing primer  208  to ignite. An electrical path for an ignition signal may include primer  208 , conductor  226 , and cartridge body  202 . 
     In embodiments, a symmetrical portion of cartridge body  202  may be conductive, enabling cartridge body  202  to contact an electrode of magazine  300  in various rotational orientations of cartridge body  202  relative to magazine  300 . The symmetrical portion may include an entire portion of cartridge body  202 . Each outer surface of cartridge body  202  may be conductive. In embodiments, the symmetrical portion may include at least a band of cartridge body  202  that circumscribes cartridge body  202  perpendicular to a central axis of cartridge body  202 . The symmetrical portion may further include two or more electrically isolated portions of cartridge body  202 , wherein a signal may be received by the cartridge body  202  at a first portion of the two or more electrically isolated portions and transmitted from the cartridge body  202  at a second portion of the two or more electrically isolated portions. For example, a first portion of the cartridge body  202  may be configured to be coupled to a ground electrode of magazine  300 , while a second, electrically isolated portion of cartridge body may be configured to receive an ignition signal as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 8B . The first portion and second portion may be symmetrically positioned about cartridge body  202  as illustrated in  FIG. 8B . 
     Aspects of this disclosure relate to a magazine for a conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”). In a first example embodiment, a magazine body may include a top surface, a bottom surface opposing the top surface, a rear surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, a front surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, a first side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface, and a second side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface. The magazine may also comprise a plurality of firing tubes integrated with the magazine body, where each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes is contiguous with the front surface, and where each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes is configured to launch an electrode toward a target. 
     In a second example embodiment of a magazine, the magazine may comprise a magazine body including a front surface; three firing tubes, where each firing tube of the three firing tubes are contiguous with the front surface; and an electrode disposed within each firing tube of the three firing tubes, where each electrode is configured to be launched from its respective firing tube. 
     A third example embodiment of a magazine may include a magazine of any one of the preceding example embodiments, where each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes are oriented parallel with one another. 
     A fourth example embodiment of a magazine may include a magazine of any one of the preceding example embodiments, where the magazine body comprises three firing tubes. 
     A fifth example embodiment of a magazine may include a magazine of any one of the preceding example embodiments, where three firing tubes are arranged in a column. 
     A sixth example embodiment of a magazine may include a magazine of any one of the preceding example embodiments, where a first pair of firing tubes of three firing tubes are oriented to achieve a minimum electrode spread at a first range, and a second pair of firing tubes of the three firing tubes are oriented to achieve the minimum electrode spread at a second range. 
     A seventh example embodiment of a magazine may include a magazine of any one of the preceding example embodiments, where a first firing tube of three firing tubes is orientated at a first angle relative to a second firing tube of the three firing tubes, a third firing tube of the three firing tubes is orientated at a second angle relative to the first firing tube, and where the first angle is greater than the second angle. 
     An eighth example embodiment of a magazine may include a magazine of any one of the preceding example embodiments, where a first firing tube of three firing tubes is orientated parallel to a second firing tube of the three firing tubes, and a third firing tube of the three firing tubes is orientated at an angle relative to the first firing tube. 
     A ninth example embodiment of a magazine may include a magazine of any one of the preceding example embodiments, where the plurality of firing tubes comprise a first column of firing tubes oriented parallel to a second column of firing tubes, where the first column of firing tubes comprises a first set of three firing tubes, and where the second column comprises a second set of three firing tubes. 
     A tenth example embodiment of a magazine may include a magazine of any one of the preceding example embodiments, where a distance between each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes is less than 0.25 inches (0.635 centimeters). 
     A eleventh example embodiment of a magazine may include a magazine of any one of the preceding example embodiments, where a first pair of firing tubes of three firing tubes are oriented at a first angle, and a second pair of firing tubes of the three firing tubes are oriented at a second angle, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle. 
     A twelfth example embodiment of a magazine may include a magazine of any one of the preceding example embodiments, where the first pair of firing tubes of three firing tubes and the second pair of firing tubes of the three firing tubes are tangent with a common plane. 
     Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”). In a first example embodiment of a conducted electrical weapon, the conducted electrical weapon may comprise a conducted electrical weapon body that may include a handle portion at a first end configured to be grasped by a hand of a user, an upper member extending in a substantially front-to-rear direction from the handle portion to a second end opposite the first end, a magazine bay positioned beneath the upper member, a trigger positioned between the handle portion and the magazine bay, and a control circuit. The conducted electrical weapon may also comprise a magazine comprising a magazine body including a front surface and a rear surface, where the rear surface opposes the front surface, and a plurality of firing tubes, where each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes comprises an opening contiguous with the front surface, and where each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes are configured to house a unitary cartridge that comprises an electrode. The control circuit may be configured to selectively provide an ignition signal to less than all of the plurality of firing tubes in response to an input received via the trigger. 
     A second example embodiment of a conducted electrical weapon may include a conducted electrical weapon of any of the preceding example embodiments, where the plurality of firing tubes comprises three firing tubes arranged in a column in the front surface, and wherein the control circuit is configured to provide the ignition signal to less than all of the three firing tubes. 
     A third example embodiment of a conducted electrical weapon may include a conducted electrical weapon of any of the preceding example embodiments, where the control circuit is configured to provide the ignition signal to at least two firing tubes of the plurality of firing tubes in accordance with a distance to a target. 
     A fourth example embodiment of a conducted electrical weapon may include a conducted electrical weapon of any of the preceding example embodiments, where the opening of each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes is in fluid communication with an environment external to the magazine. 
     A fifth example embodiment of a conducted electrical weapon may include a conducted electrical weapon of any of the preceding example embodiments, where an inner diameter of the opening of each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes is less than an outer diameter of each of the unitary cartridges. 
     A sixth example embodiment of a conducted electrical weapon may include a conducted electrical weapon of any of the preceding example embodiments, where a first orientation of a first firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes relative to a second firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes is configured to provide a minimum electrode spacing at a first distance, and a second orientation of the first firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes relative to a third firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes is configured to provide the minimum electrode spacing at a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. 
     A seventh example embodiment of a conducted electrical weapon may include a conducted electrical weapon of any of the preceding example embodiments, where each firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes are oriented parallel to each other. 
     An eighth example embodiment of a conducted electrical weapon may include a conducted electrical weapon of any of the preceding example embodiments, where the magazine bay and magazine are configured to couple the plurality of firing tubes at fixed positions relative to the conducted electrical weapon body. 
     After considering this disclosure, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments covered by the claims. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and methods. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.