Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a mechanical drive train having a bushing-type plain journal bearing, a housing radially supporting the bearing to a reference plane, and a shaft extending through the bearing beyond the reference plane. That portion of the bearing between the reference plane and a bearing end is unsupported by the housing and therefore subject to fatigue breakage as the shaft repeatedly deflects or tips. The improvement comprises a contoured surface formed on an end of the bearing to define a clearance zone. When the shaft deflects or tips under load or for other reasons, the shaft is prevented from contacting the bearing along the zone. Fatigue breaking of the bearing is thereby substantially reduced. The invention also helps reduce localized heating and wear and formation of wear particles which may result in secondary damage. All of the foregoing would contribute to reduced bearing life.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making structural panel from the rinds of sugarcane and similar woody grasses. The method includes providing a collection of straight and rather long rind fiber-bundle strands, coating them with binder, depositing coated strands in a loose pile with the strands randomly oriented in substantially parallel planes, pressing the pile to a final thickness, and curing to interconnect each strand with others. The curing step preferably includes moving air through the pile, which had been deposited on a perforated belt and pressed between a pair of such belts.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a pneumatic regulating valve of the type having a main flow path and a bleed passage. In the improvement, the bleed passage is in parallel with the main flow path and regulates a downward-trending pressure at the outlet port to prevent such pressure from diminishing or from rapidly diminishing. The valve also includes a check valve in series with the bleed passage for regulating an upward-trending pressure at the outlet port. Using a constant bleed orifice to substantially pressure-balance the check valve and a small-area protrusion on the check valve to reduce contact area, the check valve exhibits very low hysteresis.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a machine such as a surface mining "shovel" having an arm, a bucket-like digging dipper and a brace. The latter is used to maintain a selected "rake angle" between the arm and the dipper. The brace has first and second end lugs and extends between the arm and the dipper. The improvement comprises a tube-like collar interposed between and connecting the lugs. At least the first end lug is positionally adjustable with respect to the collar so that the "rake angle" between the arm and the dipper may be readily selected. In a highly preferred embodiment, each end lug is threaded to an opposite end of the collar and better "vernier" adjustment of the rake angle results.

Abstract: An improved clay-stabilized bituminous emulsion surface-coating composition and method of preparation therefore, including an aqueous bituminous emulsion and a surfactant selected from the group consisting of neutral polyamines, partially and fully acid-neutralized polyamine salts, and mixtures thereof having the structural formula[R(NH.sub.2 R").sub.n NH.sub.n,].sup.+Yz Y(X.sup.-z)wherein R is a lipophile selected from the group consisting of ##STR1## R' is an alkyl chain having 3-26 carbon atoms, R" is a hydrocarbon fragment having from 2-6 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 0-4, n' is an integer from 2-3, z is an integer from 0-5 corresponding to the degree of surfactant neutralization and positive charge, X is an anion selected from the group consisting of fully- or partially-unprotonated mono- or polyacids, and Y is an integer from 0-5 corresponding to the number of anions having a negative z charge.

Abstract: A fastener for affixing a mounting track to a wall of a switchbox includes a retainer block for supporting a mounting track, the retainer block having a cross-sectional size and shape generally conforming to that of the interior cavity of the track. The retainer block includes a stop plate formed on a retainer block face, the stop plate covering the end of the mounting track when the retainer block is supporting the track. A fastening bore is formed in that end of the retainer block facing the stop plate and a sealing stay or rib is disposed on the retainer block to encircle the fastening bore.

Abstract: The improved steering controller is of the type used to control the angular position of the rear wheels on a four-wheel-steer vehicle as a function of the angular position of the front, operator-steered wheels. The controller includes a computing section, a visual display of the alpha-numeric type and a visual indicator which provides a bar-like display having a number of individual "markers" arranged in a row. The apparent length of such bar-like display, which changes as markers are illuminated, apprises the vehicle operator of the approximate magnitude and direction of angular displacement of the rear wheels from the centered position. The alpha-numeric visual display indicates operational mode as well as "errors" used in troubleshooting diagnosis and repair.

Abstract: As a human foodstuff, substantially rind-free sugarcane flour made of pith separated from the sugarcane stalk. Such sugarcane flour may have some or substantially all of the natural sugar content of the pith removed in the manufacturing process to suit specific end uses.

Abstract: Improved sugarcane separation equipment having movable carriages adjacent to the tower-like central unit, such carriages being movable toward and away from such central unit and having dermax removal apparatus thereon. Secondary and tertiary carriages can be included on each side of the central unit to provide additional downstream functions or earlier diversion of the product streams, as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing straight elongate fiber-bundle strands, such as sugarcane or sweet sorghum rind strands, in a loose pile on a conveyor with the strands randomly oriented in substantially parallel planes during manufacture of structural panel from such strands. The method includes dropping bit by bit a randomly-oriented collection of strands over a drop edge located above the conveyor and flicking the strands onto the conveyor by quick downward motion of counter-rotating arrays of flicker tines in the drop zone.

Abstract: A device for preventing inadvertent headlight illumination includes a first panel for securing the device to an interior surface of a vehicle. A second panel is attached to the first panel and is movable with respect thereto for exposing a warning legend. The warning legend is disposed on one or both of the panels and is exposed to the view of the operator when the second panel is moved. The warning device also includes a motor vehicle door from within the vehicle. A cavity is formed in the door and a panel is received in the cavity. The panel is movable from a repose position to a warning position in which it also interferes with access to the interior door handle.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for carrying out the method is connectable by a telephone line to a central computer system. The apparatus includes first and second input ports for receiving first and second signals, respectively. The first signal represents a volumetric water flow rate while the second signal represents a physical characteristic of the treated water. A processing circuit is connected to the input ports and includes a microprocessor programmable for receiving and totalizing the first signals to a flow volume. The processing circuit also includes a real time clock connected to the microprocessor for continuously computing time. A power supply provides the necessary voltages to the apparatus.The apparatus is arranged to initiate a call to the central computer system upon the occurrence of any one of two or more described conditions such as measured deterioration of water quality, lapse of time or others. Several embodiments are disclosed.