Abstract: An apparatus for forming stacked article groups in a packaging process, comprising a linear conveyance mechanism having an upstream end and a downstream end; and at least one article input and combining station, the article input and combining station including high and low article input lines and a combining wheel, the combining wheel being disposed tangentially with respect to the conveyance mechanism and further being arranged to receive a high single level article group from the high input line and to transport the high single level article group to a point of intersection with the conveyance mechanism, the low article input line intersecting the conveyance mechanism at a position which is located upstream with respect to the intersection point and depositing a low single level article group on the conveyance mechanism, and wherein the combining wheel merges the high and low single level article groups to form the stacked article group at the intersection point.

Abstract: A method of completely filling an the interior cavity of a bourdon tube in a pressure gauge with a gelatinous substance ,comprising the steps of:a) evacuating the interior cavity of the bourdon tube to a vacuum level not greater than 50 millitorr;b) depositing a predetermined amount of a gelatinous substance in the interior cavity; andc) venting the interior cavity to remove the vacuum level, whereby increasing air pressure forces the deposited gelatinous substance to completely fill the interior cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the input of articles to a packaging machine. The apparatus comprises a dead plate, a plurality of stop posts and an actuator connected to each stop post. The dead plate has top and bottom surfaces and a plurality of lanes located on the top surface and extending from a proximal edge to a distal edge, across which articles are moved, and at least one aperture disposed in each lane. Each stop post is aligned for extension through a corresponding dead plate aperture. An actuator is connected to each stop post, whereby the stop posts are extendible and retractable above the top surface of the dead plate, the stop posts impeding travel of articles across the dead plate when extended and permitting travel of articles across the dead plate when retracted.

Abstract: A gear pump including a body, a port plate, a pair of gerotor-type rotors, one rotor being connected to a shaft, and a retaining assembly operative on the port plate to rotatably couple it to the body. The retaining assembly permits adjustment of axially oriented inlet and outlet ports disposed in the port plate to vary fluid flow from the pump. Both manually and automatically adjustable retaining assemblies are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming stacked article groups utilizing clip-type article group carriers. The overall apparatus is aligned in a generally linear, continuous orientation. The apparatus longitudinally moves infeed cans from an infeed end to an output end. The apparatus generally comprises (a) an article grouping and clip-type carrier application assembly having at least one input and first and second output lines; (b) a first conveyor disposed to receive and transport first article groups having clip-type carriers attached thereto from and first output line, the first article groups being transported at a first vertical level; (c) a second conveyor disposed to receive and transport second article groups having clip-type carriers attached thereto from the second output line, the second article groups being transported at a second vertical level which is above the first vertical level; and (d) means to merge the second article groups over the top surface of the first article groups.

Abstract: A cartoning apparatus for loading stacked article groups into carton sleeves. The cartoning apparatus comprises at least two article infeed mechanisms, each supplying at least one stream of articles at a predetermined height or level, an article selection and transport mechanism intersecting the article infeed mechanisms to form and move a stream of stacked article groups of a predetermined pattern, a carton supply and transport mechanism synchronized and moving parallel with said article selection and transport mechanism to provide cartons with open ends facing the moving article groups, and an article group transfer mechanism constructed and arranged to move article groups into the open ends of the carton sleeves.

Abstract: A method for use with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator apparatus of the type having a microprocessor-based control circuit, a charging circuit communicatively connected to the control circuit, a small charge storage capacitor, a large charge storage capacitor, switches, and charge output terminals, of delivering a preemptory shock to a patient, comprising the steps of a.) receiving physiological information pertaining to the onset of a deleterious cardiac event; b.) charging the small charge storage capacitor in the implantable cardioverter defibrillator apparatus immediately after step (a); c.) reviewing the information to confirm the onset of a cardiac event; and d.) delivering a preemptory charge from the small charge storage capacitor to the patient if the onset of a cardiac event is confirmed. An apparatus for practicing the above method is also discussed.

Abstract: A telephone line test apparatus is provided for determining the operational status of a telephone line. The apparatus has a cylindrical and compact housing structure, a light emitting diode, a resistor, an electrical interface, and an elongated cable with a terminal modular connector. The electrical interface is disposed within the housing structure and connects the light emitting diode and the resistor in series. The modular connector is communicatively connected to the electrical interface and flexible extends from the housing structure for easy and reliable use. The light emitting diode is a tri-state LED which indicates the presence of D.C. voltage and polarity, as well as A.C. voltage.

Abstract: A compact, unitary test device for use with telephone line conductors connected to customer premises telephone equipment comprises a first test circuit for terminating the conductors of the telephone line and for measuring current therein. The device also comprises a second test circuit for measuring current in the line conductors in series with the customer premises equipment during operation. A third test circuit provides a tone signal of a predetermined frequency to the line conductors. The test device has a switch set, a current measurement section, a resistance section, a tone generator and a power source. Further provided is a method of testing a telephone loop by measuring loop current level from a terminated position and in series with operative customer premises equipment. A tone signal is generated at a first predetermined point on the line conductors for reception at a second predetermined point.