Patent Publication Number: US-10775120-B2

Title: Automatic magazine ejection system

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/730,822, which matured into U.S. Pat. No. 10,480,879, filed on Oct. 12, 2017, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/676,029, filed on Aug. 14, 2017, and the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention pertains generally to ammunition magazines for firearms and more specifically to an automatic magazine ejection system. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Followers are known in the art. A follower is a component situated within a magazine between a lower spring and the ammunition rounds in the magazine. As the rounds are fired from the firearm, the spring pushes the follower up along the body of the magazine, pushing the rounds into the firing chamber for continued firing. 
     A standard OEM semi-automatic rifle contains a magazine catch assembly. A standard magazine catch assembly is comprised of a magazine catch, a spring, and magazine release button. The magazine catch consists of two ends which occur at a substantially right angle. One end is a threaded screw. The other end is a substantially flat member. When installed in a semi-automatic rifle, the spring is placed over the threaded screw end of the magazine catch. The screw is then inserted through the lower receiver and threaded through the magazine catch button on the opposite side of the lower receiver. The opposite end of the magazine catch rests within a recess in the magazine well receiver. When a magazine is placed in the magazine well the magazine catch slides into a recess in the magazine. The catch holds the magazine in place while the firearm is in use. To release the magazine, a user pushes the magazine release button. When the magazine release button is depressed the magazine catch is lifted from the recess in the magazine and the magazine freely slides out of the magazine well. 
     When a magazine is empty the user does not know until the user has fired all of the rounds from magazine, including those from the magazine which are in the chamber. So currently when a magazine is empty it is still attached to the lower receiver of the firearm. The user does not become aware that the magazine is empty until the user pulls the trigger and the firearm does not fire. At this point in time then the user pushes the magazine release button. The magazine release button is attached to the magazine catch bar. The magazine catch bar resides in a catch recess in the magazine which prevents the magazine from being removed. Once the magazine catch bar is disengaged then the user removes the empty magazine and replaces it with a full magazine to continue firing. 
     This process is inefficient. A user is unable to fire the firearm while removing the magazine and attaching a new magazine. What is needed is a device and method whereby the magazine is automatically ejected from the firearm after the last round has left the magazine. This would increase the efficiency of use because the user does not have to remove the empty magazine but instead can simply insert the new magazine and continue firing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The invention is directed toward an automatic magazine ejection system for a fire arm. The invention comprises a modified bolt catch having a bolt stop portion, an external portion, and an angled connection point connecting said bolt stop portion and said external portion; wherein said bolt stop portion is disposed in an internal chamber in a receiver of said firearm; wherein said external portion is disposed externally from said internal chamber of said firearm, said external portion having a top portion and a bottom portion; wherein said bolt stop portion has a bottom side and a bolt surface; a release switch comprising a magazine catch lever disposed on a bottom portion of said release switch; a magazine catch comprising a magazine catch bolt; a pivotable catch pivotably connected to said magazine catch bolt, wherein said pivotable catch has a first end proximal to said magazine catch bolt and a second end distal from said magazine catch bolt, wherein said release switch is removably connected to said external portion of said modified bolt catch; wherein said release switch is movable in relation to said modified bolt catch between a first position and a second position; wherein when said release switch is disposed in said first position, said magazine catch lever is disengaged from said first end of said pivotable catch; wherein when said release switch is disposed in said second position, said magazine catch lever contacts said first end of said pivotable catch; wherein when said release switch is in said second position, and a last round is fired from a magazine connected to a magazine well of said firearm, a follower in said magazine contacts said bottom side of said bolt stop portion of said modified bolt catch; wherein said modified bolt catch is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein when said modified bolt catch is in said first position, said bolt stop surface is disengaged from a bolt of said firearm and said top portion of said external portion of said modified bolt catch is positioned a substantially equal distance from an external surface of said firearm as said bottom portion of said external portion of said modified bolt catch; wherein when said modified bolt catch is in said second position, said bolt stop surface engages said bolt of said firearm and said top portion of said external portion of said modified bolt catch is further away from an external surface of said firearm than said bottom portion of said external portion of said modified bolt catch; wherein when said modified bolt catch is in said second position and said release switch is in said second position, said magazine catch lever pushes said first end of said pivotable catch and said second end of said pivotable catch disengages from a magazine in said firearm. 
     In another embodiment said release switch further comprises one or more ball recesses; wherein said modified bolt catch further comprises a ball bearing disposed on said external portion of said modified bolt catch; wherein said ball bearing is disposed in one of said one or more ball recesses. 
     In another embodiment wherein said release switch further comprises a shaped protrusion disposed on said top portion of said release switch; wherein said modified bolt catch further comprises a shaped recess disposed on a top portion of said modified bolt catch; wherein said shaped protrusion is disposed in said shaped recess; 
     In another embodiment the automatic magazine ejection system said shaped recess has a length with a first end and a second end; wherein said shaped protrusion has a length with a first end, a second end, and a central point disposed between said first end and said second end; wherein when said release switch is disposed in said first position, said central point of said shaped protrusion is disposed toward said first end of said shaped recess; wherein when said release switch is disposed in said second position, said central point of said shaped protrusion is disposed toward said second end of said shaped recess. Said shaped protrusion may have a channel disposed along said length. 
     Furthermore said modified bolt catch further comprises a locking screw having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said locking screw is disposed in said modified bolt catch, wherein said second end of said locking screw is disposed in said channel of said release switch. 
     In another embodiment said release switch further comprises one or more ball recesses wherein said modified bolt catch further comprises a ball bearing disposed on said external portion of said modified bolt catch; wherein said ball bearing is disposed in one of said one or more ball recesses. 
     Said pivotable catch further comprises a magazine catch protrusion disposed at said second end of said pivotable catch. 
     In another embodiment said release switch further comprises a first ball recess and a second ball recess, wherein said first ball recess is disposed toward a first side of said release switch, wherein said second ball recess is disposed toward a second side of said release switch. 
     In another embodiment said release switch further comprises one or more ball recesses; wherein said modified bolt catch further comprises a ball bearing disposed on said external portion of said modified bolt catch; wherein said ball bearing is disposed in one of said one or more ball recesses. 
     The automatic magazine ejection system as may further comprise a follower disposed in a magazine in a magazine well of said firearm; wherein said follower further comprises an insert block; a spring disposed in a recess of said insert block; a lateral pin disposed adjacent to said spring; wherein when a last round is fired out of said magazine, said lateral pin is disposed through an aperture in said magazine well and engages said second end of said pivotable catch. 
     The follower may comprise a resilient arm having a first end and a second end; wherein when a last round is fired from out of said magazine, a portion of said resilient arm is disposed through an aperture in said magazine well and engages sad second end of said pivotable catch. 
     A method of converting a magazine into an automatically ejected magazine is disclosed comprising removing a factory installed bolt catch from a receiver of a firearm; removing a factory installed magazine catch from said receiver of said firearm; attaching a modified bolt catch to said to said receiver of said firearm; attaching a magazine catch to said receiver of said firearm; and attaching a release switch to sad modified bolt catch. 
     Still other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described the embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a lower receiver with the automatic release system; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a lower receiver with the automatic release system; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the automatic release system; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the automatic release system; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the automatic release system; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the automatic release system; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the automatic release system; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the automatic release system; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a magazine catch; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a magazine catch; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a magazine follower; and 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a magazine follower. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims. 
     The invention is an automatic release system for a firearm. The automatic release system is configured to operate such that when a firearm fires the last round in a magazine then the magazine is automatically released from the magazine well. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the automatic release system is displayed as mounted on the lower receiver  100  of a firearm. As shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the automatic release system comprises a release switch  200 , a magazine catch  300 , and a modified bolt catch  400 . As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , the automatic release system is shown in the “on” position. In this position a portion of the release switch  200  engages a portion of the magazine catch  300 . In this position the automatic release system is engaged and the magazine will automatically eject after the last round is fired. As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , the automatic release system is shown in the “off” position. In this position the release switch  200  does not engage the magazine catch  300 . In this position the automatic release system is disengaged and the magazine will remain attached in the magazine well after the last round is fired. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , the preferred embodiment of the release switch  200  and modified bolt catch  400  are illustrated. The release switch  200  and the modified bolt catch  400  are movably attached together so that the release switch  200  can slide laterally along the interface with the modified bolt catch  400 . When mounted, the release switch  200  can slide forward and backward along the line of firing of the receiver  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , the modified release switch  200  is a solid and contiguous member. In other embodiments the release switch  200  is made up of separate components mechanically or chemically adhered together by any means, such as screws, bolts, or any type of adhesive. In the preferred embodiment, the release switch  200  is a shaped metal component comprising a top end with a shaped protrusion  210 , one or more ball recesses  220 , and a magazine catch lever  230 . In the preferred embodiment the shaped protrusion  210  has a channel running along the length of the shaped protrusion. The channel is shaped to receive a locking screw  420  disposed in the modified bolt catch  400 . The shaped protrusion  210  is shaped so that it is disposed within the shaped recess  410  of the modified bolt catch  400 . The shaped protrusion  210  is configured to move from side to side in the shaped recess  410  so that the release switch  200  can move from the “on” position to the “off” position when in use. The shaped protrusion  210  and shaped recess  410  can be any size and shape provided that movement of the release switch  200  is not impeded. 
     The ball recesses  200  are circular recesses disposed in the body of the release switch  200 . The ball recesses  220  can be any size and shape and may extend partially or completely through the body of the release switch  200 . The ball recesses  220  are shaped to receive the ball bearing  460 . The ball bearing  460  can be disposed in either of the ball recesses  220 . In the preferred embodiment there are two ball recesses  220  but in other embodiments there may be any number of ball recesses  220 . When sliding the release switch  200  from the “on” to “off” position, the ball bearing  460  is transitioned from one ball recess  220  to the other. Thus, when in the “on” position the ball bearing  460  is disposed in one ball recess  220  and when in the “off” position the ball bearing  460  is disposed in the other ball recess  220 . 
     The modified bolt catch  400  can be made in almost any configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the modified bolt catch  400  is a solid and contiguous member. In other embodiments the modified bolt catch  400  is formed from separate components mechanically or chemically adhered together by any means, such as screws, bolts, or any type of adhesive. In the preferred embodiment, the modified bolt catch  400  is a shaped metal component where a portion of the member is disposed on external section of the receiver  100  and a portion is disposed in an internal chamber of the receiver  100 . The modified bolt catch  400  has a bolt stop portion  430 . The bolt stop portion  430  may be any size and shape. In the preferred embodiment the bolt stop portion  430  has a flat surface for engaging the bolt of the firearm when the firing chamber is empty. The bolt stop portion  430  has a bottom edge  450 . The bottom edge  450  is engaged by a follower in a magazine after a last round is fired. The top of the follower engages the bottom edge  450  when the magazine is empty of all rounds. The bolt stop portion  430  engages the external portion of the modified bolt catch  400  at the angled connection point  440 . The angled connection point  440  is an angled or narrowing section of the bolt stop portion  430 . The top edge of the angled connection point  440  angles downward to a narrow point. Furthermore, the bottom edge of the angled connection point  440  angles upward from the bottom edge  450 . This angled connection point  440  permits the modified bolt catch  400  to pivot at the angled connection point  440 . 
     The modified bolt catch  400  may further comprise a locking screw  420 . The locking screw  420  extends through the body of the modified bolt catch  400  and into the shaped recess  410 . In the preferred embodiment the locking screw extends into the channel of the shaped protrusion  210  of the release switch  200 . The locking screw  420  thereby prevents the release switch  200  from fully disengaging from the modified bolt catch  400 . If the release switch is slid to the front or back of the firearm then the locking screw  420  will engage a lip at the end of the channel in the shaped protrusion  210  and prevent the release switch  200  from being removed. 
     The modified bolt catch may utilize a ball bearing  460 . The ball bearing  460  may be any size or shape. The ball bearing  460  extends within the ball recesses  220  to ensure that the release switch  200  is disposed in predetermined positions in relation to the modified bolt catch  400 . The ball bearing  460  may have a spring disposed behind the ball bearing  460  within the body of the modified bolt catch  400  to permit the ball bearing  460  to retract from the exterior surface of the modified bolt catch  400 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , the preferred embodiment of the magazine catch  300  is displayed. The magazine catch  300  may be any size and shape and made from any material. The magazine catch  300  comprises a magazine catch bolt  310 . The magazine catch bolt  310  extends through the body of the receiver  100  to attach the magazine catch  300  to the receiver  100 . The magazine catch bolt  310  has a member extending perpendicularly at the end. Connected to the magazine catch bolt  310  is a pivotable catch  320 . The pivotable catch  320  is connected to the magazine catch bolt  310  by a pivot  330 . The pivot  330  allows the pivotable catch  320  to move outward from the receiver  100 . At the end of the pivotable catch  320  is a magazine catch protrusion  322 . The magazine catch protrusion  322  extends into the wall of the magazine well in the receiver  100  to hold the magazine in place. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , an enhanced follower  500  is displayed. The follower  500  may be utilized with the additional components of the automatic release system. In other embodiments, the automatic release system does not utilize an enhanced follower  500  but only comprises a release switch  200 , a magazine catch  300 , and a modified bolt catch  400 . 
     The follower  500  may be a single contiguous body or may be made of separate components attached together. The follower  500  may be any size and shape and may be made up of any number of components. In the preferred embodiment, the follower  500  has a lateral pin  510  extending to the side of the follower  500 . The follower  500  is utilized in a magazine of a firearm. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the follower  500  may be made of separate components. In this embodiment the follower  500  has a top portion  502 , an insert block  504 , a spring  508 , a pin  510 , and a cover  506 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the insert block  504  has a lateral recess disposed one side of the insert block  504 . The recess may be any size and shape. The recess houses a spring  508 . The spring  508  is utilized to push a pin  510  laterally from the insert block  504 . The pin  510  may be pushed toward the insert block  504 , compressing the spring  508 . The pin  510  may be any size and shape. In the preferred embodiment the pin  510  has a flange. The insert block system may also utilize a cover  506 . The cover  506  is disposed on a lateral side of the insert block  504 . The cover  506  has an aperture which is aligned with the recess of the insert block  504 . The pin  510  is disposed through the cover  506 . The flange of the pin  510  prevents the pin  510  from accidentally falling away from the insert block  504  and being lost. 
     Disposed on the top portion  502  of the follower  500  is a spacer. The spacer supports one of the two columns of cartridges in a dual stacked magazine. The spacer may be any size and shape. In the preferred embodiment the spacer is similar in shape to a cartridge and is an elongate member disposed on the top portion  502 . 
     When the follower  500  is in use in the magazine the pin  510  engages the internal side wall of the magazine and is pushed back into the lateral recess. After the last round from the magazine is fired the pin  510  engages an aperture in the wall of the magazine. The aperture in the wall of the magazine engages the magazine catch protrusion  322  from the pivotable catch  320 . When the pin  510  engages the aperture the spring  508  pushes the pin  510  outward and into the aperture in the magazine wall. The outward lateral force causes the pin  510  to force the magazine catch protrusion  322  outward from the aperture in the magazine wall. This is because the pivotable catch  320  pivots away from the lower receiver  100 . Once the magazine catch protrusion  322  is disengaged from the magazine, the magazine naturally slides out of the magazine well of the lower receiver  100 . The user can then insert a new magazine into the magazine well without needing to push the magazine release button on the lower receiver. 
     Disposed on the front side of the follower  500  is a stop recess. The stop recess may be any size and shape. The stop recess is configured to engage at least a portion of the magazine body to prevent the follower  500  from moving any further upward along the magazine toward the firearm. 
     Disposed on the rear side of the follower  500  is a bolt stop interface. In some embodiments the rear side is completely flat and does not have a bolt catch interface. In the preferred embodiment the bolt catch interface extends as a protrusion from the rear side. The bolt catch interface engages the bolt catch to stop the bolt in the backward position when the magazine is empty. This permits the user to insert a new magazine and load a new round from the new magazine into the chamber. 
     In the preferred embodiment the follower  500  has a pair of front fins and a pair of rear fins. The front fins and rear fins can be any size and shape. The front fins and rear fins engage with grooves or guiderails within the magazine to stabilize the follower  500  within the magazine during use. Alternatively, the front fins and rear fins may fit within linear recesses in the walls of the magazine. These recesses may end in a stop at the upper end so that the follower  500  is not ejected from the end of the magazine when all of the rounds have been fired. In other embodiments there may be any number of front fins and rear fins. For instance, there may be no front fin and only a rear fin, or vice versa. There may be a front fin or rear fin on only one side of the follower  500 . There may be a rear fin only one side of the follower  500 . 
     In other embodiments of the invention, the follower  500  has an internal cavity with a resilient arm. In this embodiment the resilient arm replaces the pin  510 . The resilient arm terminates in a lateral protrusion. The resilient arm is disposed within the internal cavity. The resilient arm may be any size and shape. The resilient arm is configured to flex laterally such that the distal end with the lateral protrusion moves inward to the internal cavity and outward from the internal cavity. The lateral protrusion may be any size and shape. In the preferred embodiment the lateral protrusion has a triangular profile shape, although other profiles and shapes may be utilized. In the preferred embodiment the lateral protrusion extends outward from the main body of the follower  500 . 
     When the follower  500  is in use in the magazine the lateral protrusion engages the internal side wall of the magazine and is pushed back into the internal cavity, causing the resilient arm to deform. After the last round from the magazine is fired the lateral protrusion is positioned to engage an aperture in the wall of the magazine. The aperture in the wall of the magazine engages the magazine catch from the magazine catch assembly. When the lateral protrusion engages the aperture the resilient arm returns from its deformed position to a natural position, pushing the lateral protrusion into the aperture in the magazine wall. The outward lateral force created by the resilient arm causes the lateral protrusion to force the magazine catch protrusion  322  outward from the aperture in the magazine wall. Once the magazine catch protrusion  322  is disengaged from the magazine, the magazine naturally slides out of the magazine well of the lower receiver. The user can then insert a new magazine into the magazine well without needing to push the magazine release button on the lower receiver. 
     In other embodiments of the invention the resilient arm comprises a hinge which permits the resilient arm to pivot laterally, moving the lateral protrusion into and out of the magazine catch aperture. 
     In embodiments utilizing an insert block  504  in the invention, the insert block  504  may be any size and shape. The insert block  504  is configured to fit into an underside of a follower. The insert block  504  has a front side facing the direction of fire of the firearm, a rear side facing the rear of the firearm, a top side, a bottom side, and two lateral sides. The insert block  504  may have one or more recesses in the top side into which portions of the follower may be disposed. Alternatively, the insert block  504  may have one or more protrusions extending from the top side to engage portions of the follower. The insert block  504  may be further shaped to complement the follower to ensure a complete fit to the follower such that the insert block  504  is immovable. In the preferred embodiment the top portion of the insert block has a narrower width than the bottom portion. In addition, the length of the top portion of the insert block  504  is shorter than the length of the bottom portion of the insert block  504 . In other embodiments the width and length of the insert block  504  is consistent between the top portion and the bottom portion. In the preferred embodiment the front portion of the top portion of the insert block  504  is curved. 
     The automatic release system may be utilized in an embodiment without a follower with a pin  510 . When utilized in this embodiment, after the last round is fired from the magazine, the top of the follower  500  engages the bottom edge  450  of the modified bolt catch  400 , pushing the modified bolt catch  400  upward. The modified bolt catch  400  pivots at angled connection point  440 . The top portion of the release switch  200  moves outward from the receiver  100  and the magazine catch lever  230  moves toward the receiver  100 . When the release switch  200  is switched into the “on” position, the magazine catch lever  230  engages the pivotable catch  320 . The end of the pivotable catch  320  disposed near the mag catch bolt  310  is pushed toward the receiver  100 . The end of the pivotable catch  320  with the magazine catch protrusion  322  moves outward from the receiver  100 . The magazine catch protrusion  322  is disposed in an aperture in the magazine well and holds the magazine within the magazine well. When the magazine catch protrusion  322  moves outward from the aperture in the magazine well, the magazine is disengaged and it automatically falls from the magazine well. 
     If the release switch  200  is in the “off” position then the magazine catch lever  230  does not engage the pivotable catch  320 . Then the pivotable catch  320  is not moved and the magazine catch protrusion  322  remains disposed in the aperture in the magazine well and engaged with the magazine. When “off” the magazine catch protrusion  322  remains engages with the magazine and the magazine stays within the magazine well after the last round is fired. 
     In another embodiment, the automatic release system may utilize a follower  500  having a pin  510 . In this embodiment, when there are rounds within the magazine, the spring  508  pushes the pin  510  toward the side wall of the magazine. When the last round is fired, the pin  510  is aligned with an aperture in the wall of the magazine. The pin  510  passes into the aperture in the wall of the magazine and pushes against the magazine catch protrusion  322 . The spring  508  then pushes the pin  510  against the magazine catch protrusion  322 . 
     At the same time, the top of the follower  500  engages the bottom edge  450  of the modified bolt catch  400 , pushing the modified bolt catch  400  upward. The modified bolt catch  400  pivots at angled connection point  440 . The top portion of the release switch  200  moves outward from the receiver  100  and the magazine catch lever  230  moves toward the receiver  100 . When the release switch  200  is switched into the “on” position, the magazine catch lever  230  engages the pivotable catch  320 . The end of the pivotable catch  320  disposed near the mag catch bolt  310  is pushed toward the receiver  100 . The end of the pivotable catch  320  with the magazine catch protrusion  322  moves outward from the receiver  100 . The magazine catch protrusion  322  is disposed in an aperture in the magazine well and holds the magazine within the magazine well. When the magazine catch protrusion  322  moves outward from the aperture in the magazine well, the magazine is disengaged and it automatically falls from the magazine well. In this embodiment, the magazine catch protrusion  322  is moved outward by both the pin  510  and the magazine catch lever  230 . 
     The system is utilized to both automatically eject the magazine and hold the bolt back after the last round is fired. In competing products or other disclosed systems, the competing systems are not configured to hold back the bolt after the last round is fired. If a follower from another system pushes the bolt catch upward, the bolt catch is no longer pushed upward by the follower when the magazine falls out of the magazine well. This presents an issue of safety as the bolt may push forward even though the chamber is empty. The invention overcomes this problem with the modified bolt catch  400 . The modified bolt catch  400  is configured to remain engaged with the bolt even after the follower  500  is disengaged when the magazine is removed from the magazine well. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 
     The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams are provided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed in the order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art the order of steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the methods. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. 
     The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.