Patent Publication Number: US-2022236031-A1

Title: Non-lethal gas operated gun

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/066,912 filed Oct. 9, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/193,304 filed Nov. 16, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/690,179 filed Aug. 29, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/380,947 filed Aug. 29, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/644,619, filed Mar. 19, 2018, which are all hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to non-lethal gas-operated guns with magazines that hold and supply non-lethal projectiles to be fed automatically to the chamber of a non-lethal gas operated gun. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns that use paintballs as non-lethal projectiles are well known and have been in use for a number of years by individuals and the military (e.g., for training). Regrettably, most such guns are unrealistic in terms of look and feel compared to actual guns that fire live ammunition such as the M4, M16 or their variants. Therefore, skills learned on such guns are generally not translated and applicable when using real guns. 
     Further, conventional magazines used by conventional air guns that use non-lethal projectiles require refill or reloading of the magazine through a slow, tedious process of individually hand-feeding or hand-loading each non-lethal projectile into the magazine. 
     Additionally, conventional magazines used by conventional air guns that use non-lethal projectiles require recharging of gas canister (e.g., CO 2  canister). It should be noted that with conventional magazines, the internal mechanics that drive the non-lethal projectiles into the chamber of a gun eventually wear out due to continuous reuse. 
     Accordingly, in light of the current state of the art and the drawbacks to current air guns, a need exists for a non-lethal gas-operated gun that would provide the users with similar look-and-feel of a real gun in most respects. Further, a need exists for a magazine of an air gun that would not require individual hand-feeding or hand-loading of each non-lethal projectile, separate recharging of gas, and that would not allow reuse of internal mechanical drives to a point where they would wear out and require individual replacement of parts. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposes of exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word “exemplary” may be used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” but the absence of the term “exemplary” does not denote a limiting embodiment. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In the drawings, like reference character(s) present corresponding part(s) throughout. 
         FIGS. 1A to 3G  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a non-lethal gas operated gun and its components invention; 
         FIGS. 4A to 12M  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a magazine and its components; 
         FIGS. 13 to 21D  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of another embodiment of a magazine and its components; 
         FIGS. 22A to 23B  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of additional embodiments of a gas regulator system and their respective components; and 
         FIGS. 24A to 26E-2  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of another embodiment of a magazine and its components. 
         FIGS. 27A and 27B  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of another embodiment of a non-lethal gas operated gun and its components. 
         FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of another embodiment of a non-lethal gas operated gun and its components. 
         FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of another embodiment of a pre-pack. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and or utilized. 
     It is to be appreciated that certain features of the claimed invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the claimed invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Stated otherwise, although the claimed invention is described below in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and aspects described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the claimed invention. 
     In the description given below and or the corresponding set of drawing figures, when it is necessary to distinguish the various members, elements, sections/portions, components, parts, or any other aspects (functional or otherwise) or features or concepts or operations of a device(s) or method(s) from each other, the description and or the corresponding drawing figures may follow reference numbers with a small alphabet character such as (for example) “magazine  108   a ,  108   b , and etc.” If the description is common to all of the various members, elements, sections/portions, components, parts, or any other aspects (functional or otherwise) or features or concepts or operations of a device(s) or method(s) such as (for example) to all magazines  108   a ,  108   b , etc., then they may simply be referred to with reference number only and with no alphabet character such as (for example) “magazine  108 .” 
     Throughout the disclosure, references to M4, M16, or other conventional rifles or variants thereof are meant as illustrative, for convenience of example, and for discussion purposes only and should not be limiting. Further, for ease of understanding, throughout the disclosure, the variant M4 will be mentioned as the one, non-limiting, non-exhaustive example of a conventional weapon for M4 and its variants, M16 and its variant or others instead of specifically mentioning each individually. 
     Throughout the disclosure the use of the term non-lethal projectile(s) is defined as a non-lethal object propelled through the air by the non-lethal gas-operated gun, non-limiting, non-exhaustive listings of examples of non-lethal projectile(s) may include non-lethal round(s), BB(s), paintball(s), or the like. 
     The term “pre-pack” means “prepackaged.” 
     The Applicant has discovered that most conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns operate at a lower pressure and as a result, require additional components for proper operation of the conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns. Further, most make inefficient management and usage of the gas. The Applicant has discovered and recognized that it is this lack of proper pressure and inefficient gas usage that has lead most conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns to use additional components (such as a hammer reset) for proper basic operations of the gun. 
     Accordingly, as detailed below, a non-lethal gas-operated gun is disclosed that maintains the proper basic operation of the gun without the use of additional components such as the hammer reset by sufficiently pressurizing the chamber of the gun and the efficient use and management of gas. 
     The disclosed non-lethal gas-operated gun may provide users with similar look-and-feel and experience of use of a real gun (such as the M4) in most respects, however uses non-lethal projectiles instead of live ammunition. 
     Further, the disclosed gas-operated gun includes a magazine that does not require individual hand-feeding or hand-loading of each non-lethal projectile, separate recharging of gas, and that does not allow reuse of internal mechanical drives to a point where they would wear out and require individual replacement of parts. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a non-lethal gas-operated gun. As illustrated, non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  looks, feels, and provides a user experience similar to that of a conventional rifle, but fires spherical non-lethal projectiles instead of live ammunition. 
     Non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  is comprised of an upper receiver assembly  102  (includes bolt carrier group  504  and other components) and a lower receiver assembly  104  (which includes trigger group  106  and other components) that accommodate spherical non-lethal projectiles rather than live ammunition. 
     As further illustrated, non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  also includes a magazine  108 , that holds and supplies non-lethal projectiles fed to the chamber of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  (located in the upper assembly  102 ) through the cyclic action of the reciprocal bolt (detailed below). Housing  110  of magazine  108  is made to look, feel, and be experienced similar to a magazine of a conventional rifle such as the conventional live-fire M4 and its variants. As best illustrated in  FIGS. 4D and 4E , the lower receiver assembly  104  includes an opening  554  (also known as the “magazine well”) through which magazine  108  is inserted and detachably secured with non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  in well known manner. 
     The look, feel, experience, and use of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  is very similar to that of an M4 or M16 rifle and their respective variants (such as the M4 carbine). For example, in order to use non-lethal gas-operated gun  100 , magazine  108  is inserted into lower receiver  104  in the same manner as is done on an M4 rifle. The next operational act prior to firing non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  is to simply pull charging handle  114  of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100 , similar to a conventional M16 variant rifle. Once the charging handle  114  is pulled, user simply fires rifle  100  by pulling trigger  116  of trigger group  106 . 
     Regarding the actual feel and experience of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  when it does fire non-lethal projectiles, non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  provides the same feel and experience as a well-known conventional Gas Blow Back (GBB) rifle. However, as detailed below, with less parts compared to other conventional non-lethal guns while maintaining proper operation. 
     Non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  uses pressure-regulated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) gas, detailed below, to fire non-lethal projectiles (facilitated by GBB) and hence, users experience the same jerking or “kick” motion as for example, the conventional live-fire M4. It should be noted that GBB mechanism serves the purpose of providing recoil, but most importantly, a new round is chambered through the gun&#39;s GBB action. 
       FIGS. 2A-1 to 2E-4  are non-limiting, illustrations of the various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100 .  FIGS. 2A-1 to 2E-4  progressively illustrate in various corresponding views the cyclic actions of trigger group  106  and bolt carrier group  504  for holding, supplying, and firing of non-lethal projectiles before trigger  116  is pulled ( FIGS. 2A-1 to 2A-4 ), as trigger  116  is pulled ( FIGS. 2B-1 to 2B-4 ), rocket valve  502  closing ( FIGS. 2C-1 to 2C-4 ), bolt carrier group  504  beginning to reset primary hammer  510  ( FIGS. 2D-1 to 2D-4 ), and bolt carrier group  504  moving back ( FIGS. 2E-1 to 2E-4 ) after which, trigger group  106  and bolt carrier group  504  are cycled back to positions shown in  FIGS. 2A-1 to 2A-4 . 
     Accordingly,  FIGS. 2A-1 to 2A-4  are various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  before pulling trigger  116 .  FIGS. 2B-1 to 2B-4  are various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  when or as trigger  116  is pulled.  FIGS. 2C-1 to 2C-4  are various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  illustrating rocket valve  502  closing.  FIGS. 2D-1 to 2D-4  are various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  illustrating bolt carrier group  504  beginning to reset primary hammer  510 .  FIGS. 2E-1 to 2E-4  are various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  illustrating back movement of the bolt carrier group  504 . 
     In particular,  FIGS. 2A-1, 2B-1, 2C-1, 2D-1, and 2E-1  are non-limiting, exemplary top views of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100 . 
       FIGS. 2A-2, 2B-2, 2C-2, 2D-2, and 2E-2  are non-limiting, exemplary side-plan sectional views taken from the respective  FIGS. 2A-1, 2B-1, 2C-1, 2D-1, and 2E-1  of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100 , and are used to exemplary illustrate the progressive cyclic actions of the trigger and bolt carrier group for holding, supplying, and firing of non-lethal projectiles.  FIGS. 2A-3, 2B-3, 2C-3, 2D-3, and 2E-3  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations that show an enlarged portion of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  indicated in respective  FIGS. 2A-2, 2B-2, 2C-2, 2D-2, and 2E-2 , with  FIGS. 2A-4, 2B-4, 2C-4, 2D-4 , and  2 E- 4  showing the same, but viewed at an angle. 
       FIGS. 2A-1 to 2E-4 , illustrate a non-lethal gas-operated gun  100 , comprising a trigger group  106  and a bolt carrier group  504  that provide cyclic actions of holding, supplying, and firing of non-lethal projectiles without the use of hammer reset component. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-1 to 2A-4 , prior to pulling trigger  116 , disconnector  508  holds (or maintains) primary hammer  510  in place. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2B-1 to 2B-4 , when trigger  116  is pulled (shown by arrow  520 ), disconnector  508  pivots free of primary hammer  510 , which also frees primary hammer  510  to swing forward (shown by arrow  522 ) and strike against secondary hammer  514 . As secondary hammer  514  is struck by primary hammer  510 , it also swings forward and strikes against a poppet valve  506  of gas regulator system  512   a  of magazine  108 , releasing gas (shown by arrows  518 ) into bolt carrier group  504  propelling a non-lethal projectile  320 . That is, when poppet valve  506  is actuated/depressed by secondary hammer  514 , pressurized gas  518  is released from magazine  108  and into bolt carrier group  504  via gas inlet  524  on bottom surface  528  of bolt  526 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2C-1 to 2C-4 , after non-lethal projectile  320  exits bolt  526 , rocket valve  502  pushes forward and blocks gas existing from front  528  of bolt  526  and through barrel  530 . This closure of front  528  of bolt  526  directs gas  518  to rear  532  of bolt carrier group  504 . The force of gas  518  against rear  532  of bolt carrier group  504  initiates the recoil process. That is, once a set volume “X” of pressurized gas is present in bolt  526 , non-lethal projectile  320  is shot forward and bolt carrier group  504  is pushed back. Gas  518  propels non-lethal projectile  320  out of barrel  530  and rear moving gas  518  pushes bolt carrier group  504  backwards creating recoil. 
     As indicated above, Applicant has discovered and recognized that it is lack of proper pressure and inefficient gas usage that has lead most conventional gas-operated guns to use additional components (such as a hammer reset component) for proper basic operations of the gun. Accordingly, the disclosed gas-operated gun may maintain the proper basic operation of the gun without the use of additional components such as the hammer reset component by sufficiently pressurizing the chamber of the gun and the efficient use and management of gas. That is, the disclosed system provides a non-limiting, exemplary higher gas pressure of approximately 250 psi or higher, which provides sufficient gas flow in the momentary actuation of poppet valve  506  by secondary hammer  514 . Therefore, no lag or dwell time is required to provide more gas flow and therefore, no need for a hammer reset component. Gas pressure may optionally be limited to no higher than 450 psi. 
     In particular, most conventional gas-operated guns use a lower gas pressure of less than 200 psi. This means that it may take “Y” millisecond to provide the required “X” volume of gas to bolt  526  for ejecting a non-lethal projectile  320  and moving bolt carrier group  504  back. Since “Y” milliseconds is longer than the momentary actuation of poppet valve  506  when struck by secondary hammer  514 , conventional systems require the addition of the hammer reset component, which when set, locks poppet valve  506  to open/pressed position to release more gas until sufficient pressure is achieved so that bolt  526  has successfully pushed backwards to reset the hammer reset component and poppet valve  506  (releasing/closing poppet valve  506  to shut off gas flow). With the disclosed system, the non-limiting, exemplary higher pressure of greater than 250 psi means that it takes less than “Y” milliseconds to provide “X” volume of gas to bolt  526 . Indeed, “X” volume of gas is released the second poppet valve  506  has been actuated thereby obviating the need for a hammer reset component to hold poppet valve  506  to open position for “Y” milliseconds. Further details are provided with respect to efficient use of gas to maintain high pressure when discussing details of gas regulator system  512   a  below in relations to  FIGS. 12A to 12M ). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2D-1 to 2D-4 , as bolt carrier group  504  travels rearwards, it pushes against primary hammer  510 , releasing pressure on secondary hammer  514  and poppet valve  506 , and starting reset of the trigger group components, all without the use of reset hammer component. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2E-1 to 2E-4 , as bolt carrier group  504  reaches the rear  536 , primary hammer  510  is fully pressed down and reset, ready to fire once bolt carrier group  504  returns to forward. The manner in which bolt carrier group  504  moves forward is well known and convention. That is, well-known recoil buffer  764  pushes bolt carrier group  504  by a well-known spring (not shown for clarity) back to start position ( FIGS. 2A-1 to 2A-4 ). 
       FIGS. 3A to 3G  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various views of a bolt of gas-operated gun shown in  FIGS. 1A to 2E-4 . Bolt  526  has been modified to enable a more efficient usage of gas while maintaining the proper basic operations of the gun. Bolt  526  includes a hood  538  with a generally greater thickness  540  (compared to conventional hoods of non-lethal gas-operated guns) to strengthen bolt  526  and provide a larger flat surface  542  to seal against hop-up  544  (best shown in  FIG. 2A-4 ), which prevents potential gas leakage and hence, increases efficiency of gas usage. 
     As further illustrated, bolt  526  further includes an added filler  546  (configured as a beveled or slanted surface) to front bore  548  to better “cradle” non-lethal projectiles  320 , and includes a generally thickened pusher  550  ( FIG. 3B ) to strengthen bolt  526 . As further illustrated, bolt  526  now includes an integrated single piece gas-key that is shorter for a better fit within upper receiver  102 , and includes a gas inlet  524  moved back and angled to better interface with magazine  108  gas seal outlet  552  ( FIGS. 2E-4  and  FIG. 4E ). 
       FIGS. 4A to 4C  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various view of a fully assembled magazine that includes a pre-pack, with  FIG. 4A  a lateral view,  FIG. 4B  a front view, and  FIG. 4C  a rear view of the magazine. In addition,  FIGS. 4D and 4E  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a lower receiver (and “magazine well”  554 ) of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  shown in  FIGS. 1A to 3G  with  FIG. 4D  illustrating lower receiver  104  without magazine  108 , and  FIG. 4E  illustrating the same but with an inserted magazine  108 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A to 4E , magazine  108  looks, feels, and provides the same experience as a conventional magazine of a conventional rifle such as the M4. To use magazine  108 , a user may insert magazine  108  into magazine well  554  as shown in  FIGS. 4D and 4E , and use non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  as if using a conventional rifle such as the M4. Magazine  108   a  includes a pre-pack  556   a  (detailed below) that supplies rounds to non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  through the action of the reciprocal bolt carrier group  504  as detailed above. Magazine  108  also includes a gas regulator system  512   a  (detailed below) for supply of gas (generally CO 2 ) to non-lethal gas-operated gun  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A to 4E , magazine  108  is comprised of a housing  558  that has an exterior  560  with a form-factor commensurate with a magazine well  554  of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100 . In other words, exterior  560  is shaped or configured and is adapted to be used with and fit non-lethal gas-operated gun  100 . 
     Housing  558  includes a top side  562  that interfaces with upper receiver  102  of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  and includes a front opening  564  that receives feeder  566  of a pre-pack  556   a . Top side  562  further includes gas seal  552 , and has a top, rear lateral opening  568  for receiving a strike (or actuation or switch) member  570  of a poppet valve  506 . 
     Rear side  572  of magazine  108  includes a rear opening  574  for enabling access to an adjuster mechanism  716  (detailed below) of an adjustable stabilizer assembly  712  of outlet chamber  696  of pressure and flow stabilizer  690  of gas regulator system  512   a  (all of which are detailed below). The magazine further includes an enclosure assembly  584  to enable access into an interior  590  of housing  558  of magazine  108  to insert and remove pre-pack  556   a.    
       FIGS. 5A to 5H  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations, progressively illustrating a non-limiting, exemplary method of insertion (and removal, if reversed) of a pre-pack into the magazine housing of magazine  108  shown in  FIGS. 1A to 4E . As illustrated, a pre-pack  556   a  may be inserted and removed from magazine  108  housing  558  with ease through enclosure assembly  584 . In the non-limiting exemplary instance illustrated in  FIGS. 5A to 5E , magazine  108  is empty with no pre-pack  556   a.    
     Once a pre-pack  556   a  is used and emptied out of its non-lethal projectiles  320 , it may be removed and replaced with a new pre-pack  556   a . A new pre-pack  556   a  may be inserted into magazine housing  558  by first opening enclosure assembly  584  ( FIGS. 5A to 5D ), and inserting a new pre-pack  556   a  ( FIGS. 5E and 5F ), and finally closing off the enclosure assembly  584  ( FIGS. 5G, 5H, and 4A to 4E ). As detailed below, interior  590  of magazine housing  558  is keyed (or indexed) to receive pre-pack  556   a  in only a certain orientation so that a gas reservoir (e.g., a canister)  206  of pre-pack  556   a  is aligned and mates with and is pierced by gas regulator system  512   a  of magazine  108  as enclosure assembly  584  is fully latched ( FIGS. 4A to 4E ). 
       FIGS. 6A to 6D  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various views of the magazine illustrated in  FIGS. 1A to 5H , but with a pre-pack and with one lateral wall removed.  FIG. 6D  is a partial sectional view taken from  FIG. 6A  (gas regulator system  512   a  is not shown as sectioned).  FIGS. 7A to 7G  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various views of the magazine illustrated in  FIGS. 1A to 6D , but without a pre-pack and with one lateral wall removed. 
       FIG. 8  is non-limiting, exemplary exploded view illustration of the magazine illustrated in  FIGS. 1A to 7G , but without showing a pre-pack. The exploded view shown in  FIG. 8  illustrates disassembled, separated components that show the cooperative working relationship, orientation, positioning, and exemplary manner of assembly of the various components of the magazine, with each component detailed below. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A to 8 , interior  590  of magazine  108   a  includes lateral walls  592  and  594  that are mirror images and include outward extending bulge (convex)  596  (and corresponding inner concaved surface or “channel”  597 ) to accommodate cylindrical body of canister  206 . Exterior convex or bulge  596  and corresponding interior concaved portion  597  may be used as an indexing feature, which aid in proper orientation of pre-pack  556   a  prior to insertion thereof into magazine  108   a . Interior  590  of magazine  108   a  further accommodates gas regulator system  512   a.    
     Magazine enclosure assembly  584  includes a handle  598  associated with a latch member  600   a , and an enclosure  602   a  with a keeper portion  604   a  that enables latch member  600   a  to latch onto keeper  604   a  to maintain enclosure  602   a  at closed, latched position. Handle  598  is comprised of a first end  606  ( FIG. 8 ) that is used to move it and a second end  608  comprised of a yoke with first and second extensions  610  and  612 . 
     First and second extensions  610  and  612  of handle  598  include a first set of openings  614  that are aligned and a second set of openings  616  that are aligned. First set of openings  614  engage latch member  600   a , while second set of openings  616  pivotally engage lateral sides walls  592  and  594  of magazine  108   a  via a first pivot pin  618 . Magazine has a first set of enclosure assembly openings  620  along lateral walls  592  and  954  that receive first pivot pin  918 . 
     Latch member  600   a  is comprised of a top portion  622  that includes a set of lateral projections  624  that extend transversely, forming pegs that pivotally engage (are inserted into) first set of openings  614  of handle  598 , enabling latch member  600   a  and handle  598  to independently rotate (pivot) with respect to one another. A lower portion  626  of latch member  600   a  has an opening  628  defined by a transversely extending interlock portion  630  connected with longitudinally extending support portions  632 , with opening  628  receiving keeper  604   a  of enclosure  602   a  to interlock keeper  604   a  with interlock portion  630  of latch member  600   a.    
     Enclosure  602   a  is comprised of a first end that is configured as keeper  604   a , and a second end (a hinge)  634  that pivotally engages a rear end of magazine  108   a  by a second pivot pin (a hinge pin)  636 . Magazine  108   a  has a second set of enclosure assembly openings  638  along lateral walls  592  and  594  thereof that receive second pivot pin  636 . Enclosure  602   a  rotates about second pivot pin  636 . In other words, enclosure  602   a  is a hinged door that includes a hinge pivot  636  that is inserted through a hinge barrel  634  and connected to second set of enclosure assembly openings  638  of magazine  108   a.    
     The set up provides a rotating handle  598  as shown to allow latch  600   a  to lock or be released from keeper  604   a . It should be noted that as shown in  FIGS. 5G and 5H , initially latch  600   a  does not open fully just because handle  598  is at its resting, unlatched position. This provides a fail-safe feature in the event that canister  206  is accidentally released when still full of gas, which can cause it to “propel” towards the bottom of magazine  108   a ; with this fail-safe feature, latch  600   a  catches door  602   a  and allows gas to expel without the entire pre-pack  556   a  ejecting out of bottom of magazine  108   a.    
       FIGS. 9A to 9J  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various views of a pre-pack.  FIG. 10  is non-limiting, exemplary exploded view illustration of the pre-pack illustrated in  FIGS. 1A to 9J . The exploded view shown in  FIG. 10  illustrates disassembled, separated components that show the cooperative working relationship, orientation, positioning, and exemplary manner of assembly of the various components of the pre-pack, with each component detailed below.  FIGS. 11A to 11I  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various detailed views of a projectile drive assembly of the pre-pack illustrated in  FIGS. 1A to 10 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 1A to 11I , magazine  108   a  accommodates and securely houses pre-pack  556   a . Pre-pack  556   a  is a replaceable cartridge that includes a casing (or a container)  640   a , with casing  640   a  housing a projectile actuator assembly  642  and accommodating a gas canister  206 . Casing  640   a  may comprise of two mirrored pieces (best shown in  FIG. 10 ) that may be connected together by a living hinge, solvent-bonded together, mechanically clipped together, ultrasonic welded together, or other well known methods of connections. Casing  640   a  includes an exterior front side  644  that has a configuration that is commensurate with interior configuration of a front side  646  ( FIG. 4B ) of magazine  108   a.    
     Casing  640   a  further includes an exterior rear side  648  part of which is configured as a cradle portion  650  of casing  640   a  that accommodates gas canister  206 . Canister  206  may be secured to cradle portion  650  of casing  640   a  by a variety of mechanisms, a non-limiting example of which may include the use of adhesives such as a glue to fix canister  206  onto cradle portion  650  of casing  640   a.    
     Casing  640   a  is comprised of a compartment  652  positioned along an interior of front side  644 , with compartment  652  having a top end  654  comprised of feeder  566 . Feeder  566  includes a loader opening  324  that enables bolt leg of bolt  526 , to clear it. Bolt  526  through its forward motion moves projectile  320  at ejector opening  322  into the inner barrel chamber. 
     Feeder  566  also includes a restrictor opening  328  that prevents non-lethal projectiles  320  from falling out of feeder  566 . In other words, restrictor opening  328  is configured as a slit, which prevents further vertical motion of non-lethal projectiles  320  out of feeder  566 , prior to projectile  320  being horizontally driven by bolt  526  out of ejector opening  322 . It should be noted that there is constant load acting on non-lethal projectiles  320  prompting them to move upward towards restrictor opening  328 . The load originates from projectile actuator assembly  642  (detailed below). 
     A bottom end  656  of casing  640   a  has an assembly opening  658  that receives a lower portion of a follower member  660  of projectile actuator assembly  642 , with assembly opening  658  facilitating the assembly of pre-pack  556   a . As illustrated, compartment  652  houses non-lethal projectiles  320  and projectile actuator assembly  642 . 
     Projectile actuator assembly  642  is comprised of follower member  660  and a biasing mechanism  662  comprised of a resilient member in a form of a spring. It should be noted that biasing mechanism  662  is active once pre-pack  556   a  is assembled, ready for use. 
     Follower member  660  includes a top distal portion  664  that engages to push and guide non-lethal projectiles  320  within compartment  652  and out from feeder  566 . Follower member  660  further includes a body  666  around which biasing mechanism  662  is wrapped, with a first end  668  of biasing mechanism  662  supported by a set of transversely extending flanges  670   a  of top distal portion  664 , and a second end  672  of biasing mechanism  662  supported by bottom end  656  of casing  640   a.    
     Follower  660  has a bottom distal portion  674  that includes a flat surface with a protrusion  676  that extends from bottom end  674 , and extends out of assembly opening (through-hole)  658  of bottom end  565  of casing  640   a . Protrusion  676  includes an opening  678  that receives a pin  677  ( FIG. 11B-2 ) that functions to capture/maintain follower  660  at its loaded position (at bottom of casing  640   a , best shown in  FIG. 11B ), but without exertion of force onto non-lethal projectiles  320 . This facilitates shipping of pre-pack  556   a  without non-lethal projectiles  320  experiencing a constant compressive force. It should be noted that the protrusion  676  and pin  677  may be colored (e.g., orange), informing users that pin  677  should be removed prior to insertion of pre-pack  556   a  into magazine  108 . 
     Once pin  677  is removed out of opening  678  (best shown in  FIG. 11E ), follower  660  is pushed up due to the force of biasing mechanism  662 , which moves non-lethal projectiles  320  towards feeder  566 , with non-lethal projectiles remaining at the feeder  566  (and not falling or popping out) due to restrictor opening  328 . After which, bottom non-lethal projectiles  320  are moved up by the force of biasing mechanism  662  as top non-lethal projectiles  320  are fed into gun chamber. 
     As illustrated, non-lethal projectiles  320  (about 30 rounds or more) may optionally be positioned two-wide (double stack pattern) in a vertical channel  680  and are pushed into chamber of the gun via biasing mechanism  662 . Top surface  682  of follower  660  located between biasing mechanism  662  and the last non-lethal projectiles  320  in casing  640   a  has a geometry that preferentially pushed one projectile at a time into the chamber of the gun. The preferential geometry is comprised of offset top surfaces  684  and  686  that enable only one projectile  320  to be pushed into the chamber of the gun at any time. 
     As indicated above, magazine  108  further includes a gas regulator system  512   a .  FIGS. 12A to 12M  are non-limiting, exemplary views of a gas regulator system. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A to 12M , gas regulator system  512   a  includes poppet valve  506  where gas is moved from poppet valve  506  and into bolt  526  as described above. Further included in gas regulator system  512   a  is a pressure regulator  688   a.    
     Further included is a piercing portal  670   a  comprising a piercing cavity  672  that includes two sealing members  674  and  676  that seal gas canister  206  from external leakage prior to piercing of gas canister  206 , and an invasive probe  678  in the form of a needle to pierce canister  206 . 
     A first o-ring  674  seals canister  206  prior to being pierced, and as canister  206  is further driven into piercing portal  670   a , a second o-ring  676  further seals canister  206 . It should be noted that once gas reservoir cartridge (or canister)  206  is pierced, the gas will flow from canister  206  and hence, it is a matter of regulating flow and pressure build-up within pressure regulator  688   a  to make efficient use of gas. 
     Pressure regulator  688   a  includes a pressure and flow stabilizer  690  as well as a pressure limiter  692   a . Pressure and flow stabilizer  690  includes an inlet chamber  694  and an outlet chamber  696 , with inlet chamber  694  associated with outlet chamber  696  by a stabilizer opening  698 . Inlet chamber  694  includes an ingress opening  700  associated with piercing portal  670   a , and an inlet valve assembly  702  positioned between ingress opening  700  and stabilizer opening  698 . 
     Inlet valve assembly  702  is comprised of a first biasing mechanism  704  and an inlet restrictor valve  706 . Inlet restrictor valve (or flow restrictor)  706  is a hex, enabling continuous, but controlled flow of gas around inlet restrictor valve  706  and into inlet chamber  694  via ingress opening  700 . 
     First biasing mechanism  704  biases inlet restrictor valve  706  to a closed position to close off stabilizer opening  700 . First biasing mechanism  704  is a resilient member comprised of a spring with one end pressing against fastener  695  while the other end pressing against inlet restrictor valve  706 . 
     Outlet chamber  696  is comprised of an outlet  708  that guides gas into poppet valve  506 , an opening  710  that leads into pressure limiter  692   a , and an adjustable stabilizer assembly  712 . Adjustable stabilizer assembly  712  includes an actuator shaft  715  of inlet flow restrictor valve  706  and a second biasing mechanism  714  to adjustably move actuator shaft  715 . Further included is an adjuster mechanism  716  (further detailed below). Second biasing mechanism  714  biases (forces) actuator shaft  715  to move inlet flow restrictor valve  706  to a less restrictive position away from stabilizer opening  698  to allow greater flow of gas. 
     A first end  718  of the actuator shaft  715  is engaged with second biasing mechanism  714 , and a second end  720  of actuator shaft  715  is coupled with inlet flow restrictor valve  706 . Second biasing mechanism  714  is positioned in-between, and engaged with, adjuster mechanism  716  and actuator shaft  715 . 
     Adjuster mechanism  716  may be used to calibrate and set a desired stabilizing force required to be exerted by second biasing mechanism  714  to counter cumulative forces exerted by first biasing mechanism  704  and pressure from gas canister  206 . This adjusts the position of inlet flow restrictive valve  706  to adjust flow of gas. 
     The compression force of first and the second biasing mechanisms  704  and  714  are dynamically, and continuously changed in relation to one another to maintain stability (and desired gas flow rate) based on the desired calibrated stabilizing force commensurate with pressurized force of gas from canister  206 . In other words, biasing mechanisms  704  and  714  control the position of inlet flow restrictor valve  706  to control gas flow and hence, amount of pressure at a given time. As illustrated, adjuster mechanism  716  is a threaded plate that engages second biasing mechanism  714  and provides desired compression force to second biasing mechanism  714 . 
     Adjuster mechanism  716  may be rotated from outside magazine  108 , which would push on second biasing mechanism  714  and compress second biasing mechanism  714  to thereby apply force to actuator shaft  715 . Therefore, any time second biasing mechanism  714  is stronger than the combined force from the gas pressure and the first biasing mechanism  704 , inlet flow restrictor valve  706  moves to a less restrictive position away from stabilizer opening  698  to allow increased flow of gas. Adjuster mechanism may be adjusted prior to installation and assembly of magazine  108  or, alternatively, may be further adjusted by end user. 
     Pressure limiter  692   a  is comprised of a pressure chamber  722   a  and an outlet relief valve assembly  724  ( FIG. 12G ) for venting excess built-up pressure to a maximum operating pressure. Relief valve assembly  724  is comprised of a biasing member  726  (resilient member such as a spring) that biases a valve  728  to a closed position, with valve  728  moved to an open position against biasing force of resilient member  726  under the pressure of the excess gas from pressure chamber  722   a . That is, valve  728  opens when pressure exceeds a certain maximum point. 
     It should be noted that gas regulator system  512   a  and in particular, pressure regulator  688   a  enables the use of canister  206  for several days rather than hours. In most instances, the CO 2  from canister  206  continuously leaks out gas after it has been pierced and directs connects with poppet valve  506 . Pressure regulator  688   a  may extends the life and hence, the use of the same canister  206  over several days. Accordingly, pressure regulator  688   a  can efficiently regulates flow rate and pressure of gas from canister  206 , including at poppet valve  506 . 
     Most CO 2  canisters operate at a much higher PSI than the maximum operating PSI required by the gun. This means that maximum required pressure to eject a non-lethal projectile  320  is less than that which may be generated by a canister. 
     Pressure limiter  692   a  restricts (or regulates) the amount of pressure applied to projectile  320  to below a maximum level pressure of canister. Gas first moves into regulator inlet chamber  694  and into pressure limiter  692   a , which operates to limit and maintain the overall gas pressure at poppet valve  506  at no more than a maximum level required to operate the gun and eject projectile  320 . 
     Initial state of gas regulator system  512   a —no gas: 
     If force from second biasing mechanism  714  is adjusted by adjuster mechanism  716  to be greater than first biasing mechanism  704 , inlet flow restrictor valve  706  is less restrictive to flow of gas from stabilizer opening  698 . 
     With gas canister  206  connected: 
     If the force from second biasing mechanism  714  is adjusted by adjuster mechanism  716  to be greater than first biasing mechanism  704  and the force generated by the pressure of the gas from canister  206 , inlet flow restrictor valve  706  moves to open position. That is, second biasing mechanism  714  will exert force “F 2 ” greater than the combined force “F 1 ” of first biasing mechanism  704  and the force from the pressurized gas. Accordingly, inlet flow restrictor valve  706  is moved to less restrictive position to allow controlled flow of gas from inlet chamber  694  to outlet chamber  696  via the stabilizer opening  698 . This further stabilizes the pressure between the inlet and outlet chamber  694  and  698  at desired pressures P 1  (inlet chamber pressure) and P 2  (outlet chamber pressure). The pressure “differential” between P 1  and P 2  sets the pressure by which gas moves to the feeding tube (first outlet)  708  to poppet valve  506 , thereby controlling the amount of gas flowing into and out of poppet valve  506  and into the chamber of the gun. 
     When gun is not discharged: 
     Gas continues to build-up (as the gas continues to move from canister  206  and into pressure and flow stabilizer  690 ), but relief valve  728  of gas storage pressure chamber  722   a  regulates the pressure to maintain it at desired PSI. 
     When a gun is discharged: 
     When pulling trigger  116 , secondary hammer  514  of trigger group  106  opens poppet valve  506 ; gas moves to the breach of the gun; this drops pressure in the pressure and flow stabilizer  690 ; however, at the same time, gas continues to fill the pressure and flow stabilizer  690  from canister  206  as well as the storage chamber  722   a , which provides additional sufficient volume of gas to maintain desired pressure. 
     Substantially consistent projectile velocity: 
     The time for the pressure to recuperate within the pressure and flow stabilizer  690  and poppet valve  506  to maintain a substantially consistent projectile velocity is significantly shorter due to the use of a pressure limiter  692   a . Without the use of pressure regulator  688   a  (and the pressure storage chamber  722   a  in particular) where canister  206  is directly connected to popper valve  506 , once a projectile  320  is fired, it would take significant amount of time to recuperate gas pressure to an appropriate level. The time required to recuperate the pressure to minimal required operating pressure depends on several variables, all of which are compensated by the use of pressure storage chamber  722   a . For example, if non-lethal projectiles  320  are rapidly fired, there may not be sufficient time for pressure to recuperate for the next firing of projectile  320 . 
     Pressure storage chamber  722   a  of the pressure limiter  692   a  also enables rapid fire (ejections) of multiple non-lethal projectiles  320  in a short duration within a pressure range, enabling the gun to operate in automatic mode. The restricted volume of gas (and hence the pressure thereof) entering into poppet valve  506  and the chamber of the gun is not sufficient to propel and eject multiplicity of non-lethal projectiles  320  in a short duration. Accordingly, pressure chamber  722   a  also functions (as a “capacitor”) to compensate with added pressure of gas to enable automatic mode of operation for the gun. 
       FIGS. 13 to 20I  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a magazine. Magazine  108   b  illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 20I  includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as the magazine  108   a  that is shown in  FIGS. 1A to 12M , and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of  FIGS. 13 to 20I  will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to magazine  108   a  that is shown in  FIGS. 1A to 12M  but instead, are incorporated by reference herein. 
       FIG. 13  is a non-limiting, exemplary illustration of a magazine.  FIGS. 14A to 14D  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the magazine illustrated in  FIG. 13 , but with no pre-pack.  FIGS. 15A to 15D  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the magazine illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 14D  with a pre-pack, but with one wall removed.  FIGS. 16A to 16G  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the magazine illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 15D  without a pre-pack, but with wall removed. 
       FIG. 17  is non-limiting, exemplary exploded view illustration of the magazine illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 16G , but without showing a pre-pack. The exploded view shown in  FIG. 17  illustrates disassembled, separated components that show the cooperative working relationship, orientation, positioning, and exemplary manner of assembly of the various components of the magazine. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 17 , in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, magazine  108   b  also includes walls  592  and  594  but with no exterior bulge  596 . Instead, walls  592  and  594  have exterior surfaces that are substantially flat while maintaining interior concaved portions (“channel”)  597  for indexing or keying for proper guidance and insertion of pre-pack  556   a . Accordingly, indexing is from outside and inside (convex  596  and concave  597 ) for magazine  108   a , but is only from inside (concave  597 ) for magazine  108   b . Therefore, removal of exterior bulge  596  has made magazine  108   b  more aesthetically realistic while still maintaining functionality of indexing or keying for proper insertion of pre-pack  556   a.    
     As further illustrated (best shown in  FIG. 17 ), in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of magazine  108   b , latch member  600   b , enclosure  602   b , and keeper  604   b  have simpler designs. The enclosure  602   b  is a bit thicker, having a bottom outer surface that may include a “bumper” material for protection of magazine housing. The thickened closure  602   b  increases the overall weight balance of magazine  108   b  to more closely match the overall weight balance of conventional magazines of guns that are used with ammunition. Pivot pins  618  and  636  of magazine  108   a  have been replaced by shoulder screws  734  and  736  (where the unthreaded portions thereof function as “pivot pins”), which reduce the number of parts used while maintaining pivot functionality of the various components. 
       FIG. 18A to 18J  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a pre-pack illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 17 .  FIG. 19  is non-limiting, exemplary illustration of the pre-pack illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 18J , but with the pre-pack open by living-hinge, illustrating its interior.  FIGS. 20A and 20B  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a pre-pack illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 19 , with  FIG. 20B  illustrating a sectional view taken from  FIG. 20A . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 20B , in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, pre-pack  556   b  is comprised of casing  640   b  comprised of two identical pieces  748  and  750  (best shown in  FIG. 19 ) that are connected together by a living-hinge  738 . As with casing  640   a , two pieces  748  and  750  of casing  640   b  may also be connected in several different manners, non-limiting examples of which may include mechanical clips, sonic weld, solvent bonds, or other means of securing assembly. Casing  640   b  includes a first set of complementary interlocking features such as a set of projections  740  and recesses or opening  742  and a second set of complementary interlocking features such clips  744  and retainer openings  746  that enable first piece  748  to fold onto second piece  750  (similar to closing a book), with first and second pieces  748  and  750  snapping together to form pre-pack  556   b.    
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 20B , in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, pre-pack  556   b  also includes a collar  752  for securing canister  206  onto cradle portion  650  of casing  640   b . The use of collar  752  to hold canister  206  eliminates the need for use of adhesive to fix canister  206  to cradle portion  650  of casing  640   b  of pre-pack  556   b , eliminating a manufacturing step. It should be noted that collar  752  maintains canister  206  in place within casing  640   b , which necessitates damaging the injection molded parts in order to remove the canister  206 , thus preventing re-use of pre-pack  556   b , which is preferred. 
       FIGS. 21A to 21D  are non-limiting, exemplary illustration of an embodiment of a gas regulator system in accordance with another embodiment. Gas regulator system  512   b  illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 21D  includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as the gas regulator system  512   a  that is shown in  FIGS. 1A to 12M , and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of  FIGS. 13 to 21D  will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to gas regulator system  512   a  that is shown in  FIGS. 1A to 12M  but instead, are incorporated by reference herein. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 21D , gas regulator system  512   b  has a smaller form-factor with a piercing portal  670   b  that may be unfastened and removed for cleaning of debris. Accordingly, piercing portal  670   b  is fixed onto a hex-fastener  754  where the entire portal  670   b  may be removed for cleaning and or replacement (if need be). As best illustrated in  FIGS. 21B to 21D , in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, piecing portal  670   b  includes piercing probe  678  as well as a mesh  756  (for protection against debris) assembled onto an inner diameter threaded hex fastener  754 . 
     Further, gas regulator system  512   b  includes pressure regulator  688   b  comprised of a pressure limiter  692   b  with a reduced size pressure chamber  722   b  without a relief valve that is machined directly into a body  758  of gas regulator system  512   b . Accordingly, in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, relief valve of the pressure chamber has been eliminated. 
       FIGS. 22A to 22D  are non-limiting, exemplary illustration of another embodiment of a gas regulator system. Gas regulator system  512   c  illustrated in  FIGS. 22A to 22D  includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as gas regulator system  512   a  and  512   b  that is shown in  FIGS. 1A to 21D , and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of  FIGS. 22A to 22D  will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to gas regulator system  512   a  and  512   b  that are shown in  FIGS. 1A to 21D  but instead, are incorporated by reference herein. 
     As illustrated, in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, gas regulator system  512   c  includes pressure regulator  688   c  comprised of a pressure limiter  692   c  having an elongated pressure chamber  722   c  that may be threaded  760  ( FIGS. 22A to 22C ) or machined ( FIG. 22D ) into body  758  of gas regulator system  512   c . Further, as with gas regulator system  512   b , relief valve of pressure chamber  722   c  has been eliminated. 
       FIGS. 23A and 23B  are non-limiting, exemplary illustration of a gas regulator system. Gas regulator system  512   d  illustrated in  FIGS. 23A and 23B  includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as gas regulator system  512   a ,  512   b , and  512   c  that are shown in  FIGS. 1A to 22D , and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of  FIGS. 23A and 23B  will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to gas regulator system  512   a ,  512   b ,  512   c  that are shown in  FIGS. 1A to 22D  but instead, are incorporated by reference herein. 
     As illustrated, gas regulator system  512   d  is very similar to that of gas regulator  512   b  with the exception that body  758  of gas regulator system  512   d  is cast and then machined to include all cavities required to accommodate various components. In addition, fastener  695  would no longer be needed since body  758  is machined to include a blind-hole cavity as inlet chamber  694 . It should be noted that in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, piercing portal  670   d  may also be an integral part of body  758  rather than assembled onto a hex fastener and be removable. 
       FIGS. 24A to 26E-2  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a magazine. Magazine  108   c  illustrated in  FIGS. 24A to 26E-2  includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as the magazine  108   a  that is shown in  FIGS. 1A to 23B , and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of  FIGS. 24A to 26E-2  will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to magazines  108   a  and  108   b  that are shown in  FIGS. 1A to 23B  but instead, are incorporated by reference herein. 
     In this non-limiting, exemplary instance, non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  also includes a magazine  108   c  that holds and supplies non-lethal projectiles  320  fed to chamber of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100 . Magazine  108   c  includes an automatic projectile feeder mechanism, supplying rounds to non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  through the action of reciprocal bolt carrier group  504 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 24A to 24C , automatic projectile feeder mechanism includes a replaceable cartridge (or pre-pack bounded by dashed line  204 ) that is comprised of a gas canister  206  and a projectile actuator module  208 . Further included is a drive mechanism (bounded by dashed line  210 ) that delivers rotational motion to the projectile actuator module  208 , as well as a linear translation to the gas canister  206 , mating canister  206  with a gas regulator system  512  (bounded by dashed line  212 ). 
       FIGS. 25A to 25Q-4  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a replaceable cartridge or pre-pack  204 , which includes canister  206  and projectile actuator module  208 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 25A to 25Q-4 , pre-pack  204  is comprised of a first compartment  302  that houses projectile actuator module  208 , and a second compartment  304  that houses canister  206 . 
     First compartment  302  of cartridge  204  is comprised of a first end  306  (best illustrated in detail in  FIGS. 25E and 25F ) that is comprised of a first opening  308  for insertion and removal of projectile actuator module  208 . First opening  308  is caped by a removable enclosure  310  that secures projectile actuator module  208  within first compartment  302 , with enclosure  310  having an opening  312  through which a driver end  314  of projectile actuator module  208  is passed. 
     As further illustrated, first compartment  302  of cartridge  204  is further comprised of a second end  316  (best illustrated in  FIGS. 251, 25J-1, and 25J-2 ) that is comprised of a channel  318  that guides non-lethal projectiles  320  pushed from projectile actuator module  208  to an ejector opening  322  (shown by arrow  326 ). As best shown in  FIG. 251 , a laterally extending protuberance  330  is also included that maintains or retains non-lethal projectiles  320  away from top distal end  316  in initial state (e.g., during shipping where there is no force applied to non-lethal projectiles  320 ). 
     Second compartment  304  of cartridge  204  is comprised of a first opening  332  that receives piercing end  334  of gas canister  206  (best illustrated in  FIGS. 25C and 25D ). Further included is a second opening  336 , located opposite the first opening  332 , which enables mating of the bottom end  338  of gas canister  206  with engagement end of piercing post of drive mechanism  210 . It should be noted that the second compartment  304  has a larger size than the actual canister itself, enabling smaller-sized canister  206  to move along direction  340 , while remaining within second compartment  304 . That is, gas canister  206  may move along direction  340  until wider outer diameter section  342  of gas canister  206  reaches smaller, inner diameter of opening  332 . This way, gas canister  206  is kept within second compartment  304  of cartridge  204  even during initial state (e.g., during shipping and handling). 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 25K to 25Q-4 , projectile actuator module  208  includes the illustrated auger  364  and associated components such as a latch member  350 , bolt stop member  366 , etc. Auger  364  moves non-lethal projectiles  320  within first compartment  302  from its first end  306  to second end  316 . 
     Auger  364  includes a top distal end  344  that is comprised of a lateral recess or indentation  346 . Lateral recess  346  functions as a keeper that receives an engagement portion  348  of a latch member  350 . This prevents auger  364  from rotating when latch member  350  is in latch position (best shown in  FIGS. 25G and 25J-2 ) where engagement portion  348  is positioned within the keeper  346 . 
     Top distal end  344  of auger  208  further includes a circumferential groove  352  for accommodating engagement portion  348  of latch member  350  when latch member  350  is in unlatched position to thereby allow rotation of auger  364 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 25P-1 to 25P-8 , latch member  350  is moved from latched to unlatched position when magazine  108   c  is inserted into non-lethal gas-operated gun  100 , where an added unlatching pin  362  ( FIGS. 25P-1 to 25P-5 ) in non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  pushes latch member  350  from latched position ( FIGS. 25P-7 ) to the unlatched position ( FIGS. 25P-8 ). It should be noted that the added unlatching pin  362  is included and required only for magazine  108   c . In other words, unlatching pin  362  is removed and in fact, need not be part of non-lethal gas-operated gun  100  when using magazines  108   a  and  108   b.    
     Top distal end  344  of auger  364  further includes a central opening  354  that leads to final flighting  356  of the auger  364  via an angled conduit, or canal,  358 , through which non-lethal projectiles  320  are moved from the final auger flighting  356  to the channel  318  of first compartment  316  of cartridge  204 . Therefore, non-lethal projectiles move along the outer periphery of the auger  364 , moved by flighting  356  of the auger, but exit through central opening  354  without being jammed. As further illustrated, a bottom distal end of auger  364  includes driver end  314  that is configured to engage with drive mechanism  210 . Auger  364  provides efficient packaging in that it provides narrowest (smallest diameter) for packing non-lethal projectiles. In general, viewed in the cross-sectional, auger  364  has four pillars of non-lethal projectiles  320  that are moved by auger  364 . 
     The limitation of size of auger  364  to include optimal number of non-lethal projectiles  320  is not a limitation of capability, but one that provides the same number of rounds as a conventional M4 rifle magazine. The number of flightings, and flight angle for each flighting of auger  364  is selected in accordance with the number of auger rotations required based on the energy that may be stored in biasing mechanism  428  (detailed below). 
     Projectile actuator module  208  further accommodates a bolt stop member  366  (best illustrated in  FIGS. 25Q-1 to 25Q-4 ) that indicates to a user that magazine  108   c  is out of non-lethal projectiles  320 . Bolt stop member  366  includes a drive engagement section  368  that slides in-between individual flightings of auger  364  until toggle actuator section  370  of bolt stop  366  reaches a set of toggle levers  372 , which in turn, push a “catch” (or metal bolt stop on the gun). The “catch” maintains bolt carrier group  506  open, which indicates to the user that magazine  108   c  is empty. Bolt stop  366  slides up auger  364  as auger  364  is rotated. Toggle actuator section  370  is longer than at least one flighting space and hence, not all non-lethal projectiles are emptied prior to indication of empty magazine  108   c.    
       FIGS. 26A to 26E-1  are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the various views of a drive mechanism. As illustrated, drive mechanism  210  of magazine  108  is comprised of a piercing shaft assembly  402  that includes a piercing shaft  450  that moves gas canister  206  to engage with a piercing portal of gas regulator system  212 . 
     Drive mechanism  210  further includes a projectile actuator shaft assembly  404  that includes a projectile shaft  452  that rotates auger  364  of projectile actuator module  208  to feed non-lethal projectiles  320  into chamber of gun. Drive mechanism  210  also includes mechanical components (e.g., one-way bearings, crank, adapter, torsion spring, etc. detailed below) that enables selective actuation of piercing shaft  450  and projectile actuator shaft  452 . 
     Piercing shaft assembly  402  is comprised of a seat  406  that is moveably (rotates or spins) secured to a first distal end  408  of piercing shaft  450  by a fastener  454 , with seat  406  engaging canister  206 . Piercing shaft  450  includes a first end  410  that has an outer diameter threading  412  that engages an inner diameter threading  414  of a hollow support post  416  of a support base  418  of drive mechanism  210 . 
     Further, piercing shaft assembly  402  also accommodates a second end of a biasing mechanism (or resilient member)  428  comprised of a torsion spring, near first end  410  of piercing shaft  450 . Piercing shaft  450  also includes a second distal end  420  that is adapted and configured to slide within a central double D internal feature of an adapter  436  associated with crank assembly  456 . 
     Piercing shaft assembly  402  is further comprised of a first one-way roller bearing (or one-way needle clutch bearing)  430  comprised of outer race  460  and roller pins  462 . First one-way roller bearing  430  is associated with piercing shaft  450  by adapter (double D lock profile)  436  and a first driver gear  438  of the gear train, with the first one-way roller bearing  430  positioned in-between first driver gear  438  and the adapter  436 . Outer race  460  of first one-way roller bearing  430  is connected to inner circumference  464  of first drive gear  438 , while roller pins  462  roller over outer circumference  466  of adapter  436 , enable one-way rotation of piercing shaft  450  in first direction  496 . As detailed below, first one-way bearing  430  enables one-way transfer of torque from rotating piercing shaft  450  to a spool  444  associated with projectile actuator shaft assembly  404  via the gear train in the initial mode of operation. However, as detailed below, first one-way bearing  430  prevents rotation of adapter  436  (and hence piercing shaft  450 ) in second direction  498  while first driver gear  438  freely rotates in second direction  498  under the torsion force of biasing mechanism  428 . 
     First one-way roller bearing  430  locks in relation to adapter  436  (and hence, the piercing shaft  450 ) when rotated along a first direction  496 , including rotating the first driver gear  438  in the first direction  496 . As first driver gear  438  turns, it rotates an idle gear  440  of the gear train, which, in turn, rotates a second driver gear  442  (detailed below) of the gear train in the first direction  496 . First one-way roller bearing  430  freely rotates in relation to the adapter (and hence, piercing shaft  450 ) when rotated along a second direction  498  (roller pins  462  simply roll over the outer circumference  466  of adapter  436 ), which enables rotation of the first drive gear  438  in the second direction, while piercing shaft  450  is not rotated. It should be noted that a plate gear  478  supports the first drive gear  438 . 
     Piercing shaft assembly  402  further includes crank assembly  456  that includes a handle base  468 , a handle toggle  470 , with pin  472  connecting handle base  468  and handle toggle  470  together. The pin  472  slips into the opening of handle toggle  470 , and is press fit in the opening of handle base  468 . Crank assembly  456  is connected to adapter  436  via a first and second roll-pin fasteners  474  and  476 . Crank assembly  456  converts application of torque into a reciprocal (or linear) motion for piercing shaft  450  and further, for application of a torsion load to biasing mechanism  428  for storing mechanical energy. 
     As crank assembly  456  is rotated, torque from crank assembly  456  rotates piercing shaft  450  that has its outer diameter (OD) threading  412  engaged with inner diameter (ID) threading  414  of hollow support post  416  of base  418  to axially move (vertically) the piercing shaft  450 . In other words, the threads enable translational movement of the rotating piercing shaft  450  along its longitudinal axis. The threaded shaft  450  pivots about its longitudinal axis, rotating through hollow support post  416 , enabling both translational and rotational movement of shaft  450  through the threaded hollow support post  416 . As indicated above, seat  406  is free to rotate due to fastener  454  connection. 
     Projectile actuator shaft assembly  404  is comprised of a driver engagement member  422  associated with a first distal end  424  of projectile actuator shaft  452  via a first spacer washer  480  to ensure relative movement of both in relation to one another. A snap ring  482  secures driver engagement member  422  onto projectile actuator shaft  452 . Driver engagement member  422  latches onto driver end  314  of auger  364  to rotate auger  364 . 
     Projectile actuator shaft assembly  404  is further comprised of a second one-way roller bearing (or one-way needle clutch bearing)  434  that is identical to first one-way roller bearing  430 , but installed to have an opposite mode of operation in relation to bearing  430 . Second one-way roller bearing  434  is illustrated as an “interface view” for simplicity. 
     Second one-way roller bearing  434  is associated with projectile actuator shaft  452  and driver engagement member  422 , with second one-way roller bearing  434  positioned in-between projectile actuator shaft  452  and driver engagement member  422 . Outer race (not shown) of second one-way roller bearing  434  is connected (press-fit) to inner circumference of driver engagement member  422 , while roller pins (not shown) roll over outer circumference of projectile actuator shaft  452 , enable one-way rotation of driver engagement member  422  in second direction  498  (detailed below). In other words, second one-way bearing  434  and driver engagement member  422  are fixed relative to one another. 
     As detailed below, second one-way bearing  434  enables one-way transfer of torque from rotating projectile actuator shaft  452  to driver engagement member  422  in second direction. However, as detailed below, second one-way bearing  434  prevents rotation of driver engagement member  422  in first direction  496  while projectile actuator shaft  452  freely rotates in first or second directions  498 . 
     As further illustrated, projectile actuator shaft assembly  404  further includes a spool  444  that accommodates torsion spring  428 , a first end of which is secured to spool  444  by pin  484  within space  486 . Spool  444  is associated with a simple bearing  490  via washer  488  to ensure that the adjacent parts move one relative to the other, with bearing  490  allowing projectile actuator shaft  452  to rotate freely within base  418 . 
     Projectile actuator shaft  452  also includes a second end  426  that is coupled with second driver gear  442  via an E-ring  492 , which prevents projectile actuator shaft  452  from being pulled out through bearing  490 . E-ring  492  in cooperation with washer  494  allow projectile actuator shaft  452  to rotate freely. 
     Drive mechanism  210  has an initial mode of operation that enables engagement of canister  206  with piercing portal of gas regulator system  212  and stores mechanical energy within biasing mechanism  428 . Drive mechanism  210  has an operation mode function that rotates auger  364  of projectile actuator module  208  by stored mechanical energy of biasing mechanism  428 . A final mode of drive mechanism  210  enables disengagement of canister  206  from piercing portal of gas regulator system  212  for replacing cartridge  204 . 
     As indicated above, crank assembly  456  converts application of torque into a reciprocal (or linear) motion for piercing shaft  450  and further, for application of a torsion load to biasing mechanism  428  for storing mechanical energy. First one-way roller bearing  430  enables transfer of torque from rotating piercing shaft  450  to spool  444  associated with projectile actuator shaft  452  via a gear train in the initial mode of operation. Second one-way roller bearing  434  enables transfer of stored energy from biasing mechanism  428  (wound on piercing shaft assembly  402 ) back onto spool  444  on projectile actuator shaft  404 , rotating projectile actuator shaft  452 . The first and the second one-way bearings  430  and  434  are set to operate in opposite modes (e.g., opposite one-way directions). 
     The second one-way roller bearing  434  allows free rotation of the projectile actuator shaft  404  in the first direction  496  as shown but without the rotation of driver engagement member  424  when second driver gear  442  is rotated in the first direction  496 . This means that as projectile actuator shaft  404  rotates in first direction  496 , driver engagement member  422  does not rotate to rotate an attached auger  364 . It should be noted that if driver engagement member  422  is rotated in the first direction  496  to rotate auger  364  in the first direction  496 , non-lethal projectiles  320  would be pushed downwards towards the drive mechanism  210  and hence, they would jam. Accordingly, driver engagement member  422  does not rotate when projectile actuator shaft  404  rotates in first direction  496  (due to second one-way bearing  434 ). 
     The rotation of second driver gear  442  in first direction  496  rotates projectile actuator shaft  452  in first direction  496  to rotate the connected spool  444  in first direction  496  to unwind biasing mechanism  428  onto outer circumference of hollow support post  416  associated with piercing shaft  450  while second one-way roller bearing  434  prevents driver engagement member  422  from rotating. Once wound onto hollow support post  416 , as non-lethal projectiles  320  are ejected (in operation mode), biasing mechanism  428  unwinds from hollow support post  416  back onto spool  444 , applying a stored torsion energy to rotate projectile actuator shaft  452  in a second direction  498 . Rotation of first driver gear  438  in second direction  498  rotates idle gear  440  in second direction  498  to rotate second driver gear  442  in second direction  498 . 
     The piercing shaft  452  is locked out of rotation in second direction  498  due to first one-way roller bearing  430 , which allows piercing shaft  450  to rotate in first direction  496  only. In other words, as first driver gear  438  rotates in second direction  498 , one-way roller bearing  430  rotates in second direction  498  with bearings freely rotating and rolling over the piercing shaft  450  rather than locking shaft  450  in tandem motion with first driver gear  438 . 
     Rotation of second driver gear  442  in second direction  498  rotates the projectile actuator shaft  452  in second direction  498 , which rotates second one-way roller bearing  434  in second direction  498 . This allows driver engagement member  422  to rotate in second direction  498 , which rotate auger  364  to move non-lethal projectiles  320  into the chamber of the gun. In other words, in second direction  498 , projectile actuator shaft  452  and driver engagement member  422  move in tandem due to second one-way roller bearing  434 . That is, second one-way roller bearing  434  locks with the motion of projectile actuator shaft  452  together with engagement member  422 . 
     At the final mode of operation, drive mechanism  210  may be used to facilitate disengagement of canister  206  from gas system  212 . Rotating crank  802  in a second direction  498  rotates piercing shaft  402  to lower canister  206  away from the piercing portal, regardless of the state of the first and second one-way bearings  430  and  434 . It should be noted that the biasing mechanism (e.g., torsion spring)  428  and piercing shaft  450  have no direct mechanical connection to affect one another in final mode. Further, first one-way bearing shaft  430  enables tandem rotation of drive gear  438  and piercing shaft  452  in only one direction (first direction  496 ), but not the second  498 . Hence, when rotating crank assembly  456  in second direction  498 , piercing shaft  452  rotates in second direction  498  since crank assembly  459  is connected to piercing shaft  450  by means of adapter  436 , but first drive gear  438  is not rotated due to bearing  430 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 27A and 27B , non-lethal gas-operated gun  800  is illustrated. Non-lethal gas-operated gun  800  is an alternate embodiment of the claimed invention. Non-lethal gas-operated gun  800  is generally similar to a conventional AK47 rifle and is generally similar in the look, feel, operation and experience of a conventional AK47. Non-lethal gas-operated gun  800  generally includes magazine  808  that contains pre-pack  556   a  as described in detail above. Magazine  808  is removable insertable into non-lethal gas-operated gun  800  and generally is similar in the look, feel and experience of an AK47 magazine holding live rounds. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the look and feel of other types of rifles or carbines can be reproduced, including the felt recoil when fired. 
     Magazine  808  includes housing  858  with a form-factor commensurate with a magazine well (not illustrated) in non-lethal gas-operated gun  800 . Magazine  808  includes opening  864  that receives feeder  566  of pre-pack  556   a . Magazine  808  also includes gas seal  852  and magazine  808  defines opening  868  that receives strike member  870  of a gas system that is contained in magazine  808 . The gas system in magazine  808  is similar to the gas system disclosed above with regard to magazine  108   a.    
     Magazine  808  defines interior chamber  897  that receives pre-pack  556   a . Magazine  808  includes pivot pin  818 , handle  898  associated with latch member  899 , and enclosure  802  with keeper portion  804  that enables latch member  899  to latch onto keeper  804  to maintain enclosure  802  in a closed, latched position. 
     Similar to magazine  108   a  detailed above, interior chamber  897  is keyed or indexed to receive pre-pack  556   a  in a specific orientation so that canister  206  is aligned with and is pierced by the gas regulator system of magazine  808  as enclosure  802  is fully latched (as shown in  FIG. 27B ). 
     Magazine  808  also includes the fail-safe feature described above with regard to magazine  108   a  in the event that canister  206  is accidentally released when still full of gas, which can cause it to “propel” towards the bottom of magazine  808 ; latch  899  catches enclosure  802  and allows gas to expel without the entire pre-pack  556   a  or canister  206  ejecting out of the bottom of magazine  808 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C , non-lethal gas-operated gun  900  is illustrated. Non-lethal gas-operated gun  900  is an alternate embodiment of the claimed invention. Non-lethal gas-operated gun  900  is generally similar to a Glock 17 pistol and is generally similar in the look, feel, operation and experience of a conventional firearm such as a Glock 17. Non-lethal gas-operated gun  900  generally includes magazine  908  that contains pre-pack  956  as described in detail above. Magazine  908  is removable insertable into non-lethal gas-operated gun  900  and generally is similar in the look, feel and experience of a pistol magazine such as a Glock 17 magazine holding live rounds. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the look and feel of other types of pistols can be reproduced, including the felt recoil when fired. 
     Magazine  908  includes housing  958  with a form-factor commensurate with a magazine well (not illustrated) in non-lethal gas-operated gun  900 . Magazine  908  includes opening  964  that receives feeder  966  of pre-pack  956 . Magazine  908  also includes gas seal  952  and magazine  908  defines opening  968  that receives strike member  970  of a gas system that is contained in magazine  908 . The gas system in magazine  908  is similar to the gas system disclosed above with regard to magazine  108   a.    
     Magazine  908  defines interior chamber  997  that receives pre-pack  956 . Similar to magazine  108   a  detailed above, interior chamber  997  is keyed or indexed to receive pre-pack  956  in a specific orientation so that canister  906  is aligned with and is pierced by the gas regulator system of magazine  908  as enclosure  902  is fully latched (as shown in  FIG. 28C ). Magazine  908  includes enclosure  902  that contains pre-pack  956  inside enclosure  958 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 28A , pre-pack  956  is illustrated. Pre-pack  956  is a replaceable cartridge that includes casing  940 , with casing  940  housing a projectile actuator assembly  942 , a plurality of non-lethal projectiles  320  and accommodating gas canister  906 . Casing  940  may comprise two mirrored pieces  944 ,  946  that may be connected together by a living hinge, solvent-bonded together, mechanically clipped together, ultrasonic welded together, or other well-known methods of connection. Projectile actuator assembly  942  may be similar to projectile actuator assembly  642  described above. 
     Casing  940  includes a cradle portion  950  that accommodates gas canister  906 . Canister  906  may be secured to cradle portion  950  of casing  940  by a variety of mechanisms, a non-limiting example of which may include the use of adhesives such as a glue to fix canister  906  onto cradle portion  950  of casing  940 . Casing  940  also includes feeder  966  that operates in the same way as feeder  566  described above. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C , pre-pack  1056  is illustrated. Pre-pack  1056  is a replaceable cartridge that includes casing  1040 , with casing  1040  accommodating gas canister  1006 . Casing  1040  may comprise two mirrored pieces  1044 ,  1046  that may be connected together by a living hinge, solvent-bonded together, mechanically clipped together, ultrasonic welded together, or other well-known methods of connection. Pre-pack  1056  has similar dimensions as pre-pack  556   a  or  956  and is configured for use with magazine  108  and/or  908   
     Pre-pack  1056  does not include any structure similar to feeder  966  or feeder  566  or projectiles  320  described above. Instead, pre-pack  1056  is configured for use in situations where simulated weapon firing is desired but firing a projectile is not necessary. For example, pre-pack  1056  could be used with a non-lethal gas-operated gun fired in confined spaces where a projectile, even a non-lethal projectile, is not desired. Similarly, a non-lethal gas-operated gun could be integrated with a light or laser system and/or a virtual reality system where the hit point is determined by something other than a projectile, but the look and feel of an actual weapon is desired, for example, for training. Note that casing  1040  is the same as casing  940  and defines a compartment large enough to contain a feeder such as feeder  966  and  30  projectiles. Alternatively, a pre-pack  556   a  or  956  could be utilized in such an application, but without any projectiles, or with the projectiles retained in a position that they do not feed feeder  566 . 
     Casing  1040  includes a cradle portion  1050  that accommodates gas canister  1006 . Canister  1006  may be secured to cradle portion  1050  of casing  1040  by a variety of mechanisms, a non-limiting example of which may include the use of adhesives such as a glue to fix canister  1006  onto cradle portion  1050  of casing  1040 . As shown in  FIGS. 29A-29C , pre-pack  1056  may include collar  1052  to secure canister  1006  onto cradle portion  1050  of casing  1040 . Collar  1052  is configured to closely fit neck  1007  of canister  1006 . The use of collar  1052  to hold canister  1006  can optionally eliminate the use of adhesive to fix canister  1006  to cradle portion  1050  of casing  1040  of pre-pack  1056 , which can eliminate a manufacturing step. It should be noted that collar  1052  maintains canister  1006  in place within casing  1040 , which necessitates damaging the injection molded parts in order to remove the canister  1006 , thus restricting re-use of pre-pack  1056 . 
     Although the claimed invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, the specification is not confined to the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, pre-pack  556  or  956  may comprise a single piece rather than two pieces. As another example, the path of the non-lethal projectiles within casings  640  could be purely linear (as shown) or cured in geometries similar to a “J” or a “U” shape to maximize the total number of non-lethal projectiles that could be housed in the allowed space. As yet another example, the two pieces of casing  640   b  or casing  640   a  may also be assembled so that the pieces are separated with ease (e.g., using well known detachable connection mechanisms) so that canister  206  or even their respective internally housed projectile actuator modules may be replaced without damaging the respective pre-packs  556   a  or  556   b . Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. 
     It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, inside, outside, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction, orientation, or position. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations/positions and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object. 
     In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group. 
     Further the terms “a” and “an” throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. 
     In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of,” “act of,” “operation of,” or “operational act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.