Abstract: An apparatus and method for merging articles on multiple infeed lines into a single outfeed line. The apparatus comprises a frame structure with an infeed end and an outfeed end, and at least two side transfer conveyors, each with a pair of parallel upstanding belts separated a predetermined distance and forming a central conveyance path. The side transfer conveyors are alternately operable to convey a predetermined number of articles to the outfeed end. A guide rail structure is located at the outfeed end and is aligned with the side transfer conveyors to direct output articles into a single line configuration.

Abstract: A reduced animal product pet food or non-animal pet food composition having a mixture of proteinaceous and farinaceous components in an amount sufficient to provide a nutritionally balanced, dry pellet. The pet food composition includes a non-meat based animal fat substance and a vegetable based fat substance. The non-meat based animal fat substance is preferably an egg or dairy based fat substance. Lactase, pectin, hyperfortified vitamin, and flavoring components are also provided.

Abstract: An article transfer mechanism of an article transfer device comprising a support structure having a central axis, at least one engagement member extending from the support structure perpendicular to the support structure axis. The engagement member contacts an article at a first predetermined location thereon. The mechanism also includes a synchronized vacuum control system which provides vacuum to the engagement member. At least one article control member is further provided to contact the article at a second predetermined location and apply a force thereto, whereby the synchronized engagement member and article control member permit the article to be transferable at high speed.

Abstract: A method of forming a conductive lamina for use with and to form a bio-medical electrode device comprising the steps of providing a non-conductive base structure, providing a mixture of an electrically conductive substance and a media component, depositing the mixture onto the base structure, and curing the mixture. The method further comprises the step of mixing the electrical conductant and the media component in a closed cell, positive pressure kinetic mixer. The method further comprises the steps of combining a urethane base and a polyhydric alcohol to form the media component and delaying the mixing of the media component and the electrical conductant for a predetermined time period. In another embodiment, the method comprises the steps of combining a photo-initiator, a cross-linking agent, and low pH acrylic monomers to form a precomponent, and mixing the precomponent with the glycol to form the media component.

Abstract: A continuous packaging sleever assembly and process for wrapping packaging sleeves about product groups. The assembly has a frame structure with a generally horizontal working surface, a transfer conveyor to move the product containers across the working surface, and horizontally movable flight bar structures connected to a continuous chain structure. The flight bar structures are constructed and arranged to be selectively movable in a generally perpendicular direction to the product transfer conveyor means and to separate the product containers into predetermined groups. A packaging sleeve transfer and placement structure is provided in synchronization with the flight bar structures for depositing flat packaging sleeves between adjacent flight bar structures and above the product groups. The flight bar structures simultaneously move the product groups and the individual sleeves thereon.

Abstract: Wheel scale assemblies and load cell structures are provided for weighing loads. The invention provides a low profile portable wheel scale assembly of a predetermined height. The scale assembly has a thin lightweight base structure and a cooperating load platform. At least one load cell structure having strain gauges is in communication with the base structure and the load platform at predetermined locations and configurations. A platform support structure is provided to distribute the platform load. A unitary shear load cell structure contacts the weighing platform and provides a structural weight bearing component. The load cell structure has a unitary symmetrical load cell body. The load cell body has a centrally spanning elongated, deflectable beam structure. Opposing lateral indented beam portions form a central stress isolation web for the structural support and weighing of the load. Strain gauges are mounted in predetermined orientations to the parallel lateral beam walls.

Abstract: A unitary, compact telecommunications interface adapter system. The adapter system comprises a bifurcated housing structure enclosing a modular connector and associated elements. The housing structure has a plug end constructed and arranged for connection to a BIX-type telecommunications interface. The adapter further has an internal printed circuit board interface between the modular connector and a plurality of contact blades which are connected to and which extend horizontally beyond the perimeter of the printed circuit board through channels to expose the blades for contact outside the housing structure at the plug end. The telecommunications interface adapter system additionally comprises a support structure which has top and bottom spacially parallel extension members integrally formed with the housing structure at the plug end and which are disposed respectively above and below the contact blades.

Abstract: This invention provides a sound sensor apparatus for reception of bio-acoustic signals from the body of a patient and for use with a medical diagnostic device. The apparatus comprises a unitary containment structure of a pliable, adhering material for conforming placement on the patient body surface. A sound sensing transducer is embedded in the containment structure to receive and convert bio-acoustic signals to electrical signals. A cable is communicatively linked to the sound sensing transducer for transmitting the electrical signals to the medical diagnostic device. The composition of the pliable containment structure material is a polymeric mixture substantially acoustically matched to the patient body. The sound sensing transducer is preferably a piezoelectric crystal transducer constructed of a composite material which comprises at least 65 percent by weight lead, at least 20 percent by weight zirconium, and at least 10 percent by weight titanium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unitary, compact telecommunication interface adapter system. The adapter system comprises a plurality of electrical contacts, a modular connector, a housing structure connected to the modular connector and an electrical interface between the modular connector and the electrical contacts. The housing structure has at least one plug end enclosing the contacts which is connectable to a 66 block telecommunications interface. The modular connector and the electrical interface are disposed within the housing structure so that the modular connector is exposed for mating via an aperture in the housing structure. The electrical interface comprises a printed circuit board having the electrical contacts extended horizontally beyond the perimeter of the printed circuit board through channels in the plug end to expose the electrical contacts for efficient and reliable mating within the channels.

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.