Abstract: A cluster key arrangement may be mechanically configured or electronically configured. The cluster key arrangement may include twelve cluster keys configured in an arrangement of three columns by four rows, such as conventionally found on standard telephones. The cluster key arrangement may also be configured for use or cellular/mobile telephones, television remote controls, other handheld data entry devices, automotive controls, desktop/wall-mounted/cordless telephones, combination telephone recorders, Personal Digital Assistants, and other electronic devices. The mechanically or electronically configured cluster, keys provide a user with the ability to select one of a plurality of key elements representing numbers, letters, symbols, functions, etc., in a mutually exclusive manner.

Abstract: A cluster key arrangement may be mechanically configured or electronically configured. The cluster key arrangement may include twelve cluster keys configured in an arrangement of three columns by four rows, such as conventionally found on standard telephones. The cluster key arrangement may also be configured for use on cellular/mobile telephones, television remote controls, other handheld data entry devices, automotive controls, desktop/wall-mounted/cordless telephones, combination telephone recorders, Personal Digital Assistants, and other electronic devices. The mechanically or electronically configured cluster keys provide a user with the ability to select one of a plurality of key elements representing numbers, letters, symbols, functions, etc., in a mutually exclusive manner.

Abstract: A continuously moving stream of pieces taken from a storage bin is separated into precisely counted batches, for bagging, or the like. The flow speed of the pieces is optimized and substantially constant at a highest possible speed of flow higher than the batcher operating speeds will handle. Thereby this invention provides an alternative to eliminate the need for reducing flow speed because batchers require relatively long operating times and to avoid the disadvantage that reduction of the flow line speed when handling many successive batch pieces which is a slow process because of the high inherent inertia to changes of speed. In order to increase the flow speeds to higher effective batch handling rates, some of the pieces are removed from a high speed stream flow to create gaps in the flow stream between batches, thereby permitting optimized time interfacing with the necessary batching operations which thereby may proceed at a slower rate than the average piece by piece flow rate.