Abstract: A method and apparatus for a buffer for providing approximately unity gain to an input signal is shown to include a field effect transistor, wherein the input signal is applied to the gate of the field effect transistor, a first bias source such as a current source, connected to the field effect transistor, the first bias source having a first bias value, a transistor, having its base connected to the field effect transistor, a second bias source such as a current source connected to the field effect transistor, the second bias source having a bias value greater than the first bias value and a resistor, connected between the first bias source and the transistor for maintaining the drain-source voltage of the field effect transistor at a relatively constant value.

Abstract: A cartridge loading apparatus including a guide arrangement for directing articles in a desired orientation from a receptacle in which the articles are randomly deposited to a cartridge and means for loading the articles in a trough formed in the cartridge in a desired stacked relation. A slide block is mounted in the trough for movement therein to progressively increase the effective length of the trough assuring the proper disposition and stacking of the articles in the desired attitude within the trough.