Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an earthworking implement on an earthworking machine to preserve a crown on the surface of a road, including determining the position of the crown on the road surface, choosing a sloped grade on one side of the crown, positioning the earthworking implement on the sloped grade so that a first end of the earthworking implement is on the road surface. The processor determines a desired position of a second end of the earthworking implement so that the second end overlaps the crown and the earthworking implement does not cut the crown.

Abstract: A steel article has a composition, by weight percent, including from 0.20 to 0.45 carbon, from 0.4 to 1.5 manganese, from 0.5 to 2.0 silicon, from 0.01 to 2.0 chromium, from 0.15 to 1.2 molybdenum, from 0.01 to 0.40 vanadium, from 0.01 to 0.25 titanium, from 0.005 to 0.05 aluminum, from 0.0001 to 0.010 boron, less than 0.002 oxygen, from 0.005 to about 0.017 nitrogen, and the balance essentially iron. The steel article is free of any detrimental aluminum nitride and has, after quenching and tempering, a fully martensitic microstructure and a controlled distribution of spaced apart micrometer size titanium nitride cuboids and nanometer size background carbonitride precipitates.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting a powerless condition of a reciprocating internal combustion engine is provided. The engine has a plurality of reciprocating components, at least one cylinder and a crankshaft. The method includes the steps of sensing angular velocity of the crankshaft and responsively producing an angular velocity signal and determining a rate of fuel supplied to the one cylinder and responsively producing a fuel rate signal. The method further includes the steps of determining an indicated torque for the one cylinder as a function of the angular velocity signal and the fuel rate signal and responsively producing an indicated torque signal. Further, the method includes the steps of determining a requested torque for the one cylinder as a function of the fuel rate signal and the angular velocity signal and responsively producing a requested torque signal.

Abstract: An edge scraper device for the inboard edge of a belted track-type vehicle removes debris from the track edge as the vehicle operates in muddy or trash-laden environments by close-proximity relationship to the track edge. Spring biasing and adjustment devices retain the scraper device in a functionally close proximity to the track edge. The edge scraper device is mounted substantially above the track to prevent fallen debris from accumulating on the device.

Abstract: A process for forming pliable elements curable by hot pressing to form high temperature resistant elements is disclosed. In this process, a metal, a metal compound, or a mixture thereof, which has some water of hydration, is mixed with orthophosphoric acid in an amount sufficient to form a resultant mixture having a pH value no greater than 0.85. A refractory material is added to the mixture and a resultant pliable curable material is formed. An element of a preselected configuration is formed from the pliable curable material. The element is dried at a temperature less than about 100.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to form a pliable curable element having a stable unitary mass. The pliable element is cured by "false melt" processing techniques.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward estimating certain operating parameters of an earth moving machine. Advantageously, the present invention utilizes a Kalman filter to estimate the pitch, pitch rate and ground speed of the earth moving machine as a function of the sensed pitch and ground speed signals. By estimating the pitch and ground speed, the present invention overcomes the prior problems of sensing signal noise and bias. The present invention overcomes these problems by combining pitch, pitch rate and ground speed, and determining an estimate of pitch and ground speed by using a sensor measurement model, machine process model and Kalman filter update equations.

Abstract: A differential steer is provided for use in a machine and includes a variable displacement motor operatively connected to a differential disposed between first and second output members. The variable displacement motor is an over-center type and the displacement thereof is varied from zero to maximum in both directions of movement. Pressurized fluid to drive the steer motor is received from the main system pump. A microprocessor senses the direction and rate of rotation of the steer motor output, the speed of the outputs from the differential, the magnitude of a steer input, and controls the output speed of the steer motor to the differential in response to the magnitude of the steer input. Consequently, the quantity of fluid taken from the main system pump is limited to only that necessary to rotate the steer motor at a rate necessary to satisfy the desired steer input.

Abstract: A process for improving fatigue resistance of a case hardened component having a case thickness "t", subjected to one or more of rolling, sliding, abrasion, bending and pitting includes determining the magnitude of fatigue strength at surface and at a plurality of pre-selected points along thickness "t" of a component. The applied fatigue stresses acting upon the component at the surface and at the plurality of pre-selected points along thickness "t" are also determined. Then, a compressive residual stress profile is tailored from the surface to thickness "t" of the component. The compressive residual stresses at the surface and at the plurality of the pre-selected points along thickness "t" respectively have a magnitude sufficient to attain a net resultant stress which is at least 25% lower than the fatigue strength at the surface and the corresponding plurality of pre-selected points.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making powders for plasma spray coatings from single components and multiple component having dissimilar particle size and density, which can withstand temperatures in excess of 200.degree. C. within a plasma spray gun and still be freely flowable. In this invention a process for enhancing the high temperature flowability of a powder for spray coatings is disclosed. The process includes the following steps. A powder selected from one of a metal, a ceramic, or mixtures thereof is mixed with a blend of polymeric cellulose ether and water to a dough-like consistency. The powder and the blend are mixed in a volumetric ratio in the range of about 90:10 to about 99:1, powder:blend and a paste is formed. The paste is dried. The dry paste is particulated and a flowable powder having a particle size the range of about 50 .mu.m to about 300 .mu.m is formed.

Abstract: A self-lubricating and wear resistant valve/valve guide combination for an engine includes a self-lubricating coating deposited on one of (a) the inner surface of the valve guide, or (b) the outer surface of the valve stem. A wear-resistant coating deposited on one of (a) the outer surface of the valve stem when the self-lubricating coating is deposited on the inner surface of the valve guide, or (b) the inner surface of the valve guide when the self-lubricating coating is deposited on the outer surface of the valve stem. The self-lubricating coating has a composition, by weight, consisting essentially of, (a) a first component, comprising, a metal-bonded chromium carbide in the range of about 60% to about 80%, (b) a second component, comprising, a soft noble metal in the range of about 1% to about 20%, and (c) a third component, comprising, a metal fluoride eutectic in the range of about 5 to about 20%.

Abstract: A process for automated measurement of ammonia in a gas mixture containing ammonia gas and one or more water-insoluble gases includes providing a water reservoir adapted for supplying water therefrom through a first solenoid valve and providing a measurement vessel adapted for receiving water. The vessel is adapted for draining the water therefrom through a second solenoid valve. The vessel is also adapted for receiving the gas mixture through a third solenoid valve and purging the gas mixture from the vessel through a fourth solenoid valve. The vessel is adapted for maintaining the gas in the vessel and receiving water thereinto in an amount sufficient to dissolve the ammonia gas contained in the gas mixture, into the water, and allowing a differential pressure between the gas mixture and the water containing dissolved ammonia to be measured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing an elongate, flexible member operatively attached to rods that move up and down, on a Jacquard loom. A latch control mechanism is provided for latching said elongate, flexible member in a fixed position by applying pressure thereto by vacuum or pressure. This latching of the rod in an upper position creates a shed whereby filling yarns can be passed through to create Jacquard fabric. The pressure can be applied against the elongate, flexible member by filling sealed elongate, elastomeric member with pressured gas. In addition, the pressure can be applied against the elongate, flexible member by activating a dimensionally alterable, electric element that presses against the elongate, flexible member.

Abstract: A method for increasing the energy absorption of a fabric constructed of high tenacity fiber. This method modifies the ballistic stress-deflection curve of the fabric by effectively toughening the fabric by controlling the peak stresses generated in the fabric layer. These stresses are controlled by perforating the fabric into relatively narrow portions or cutting the fabric into relatively narrow strips, preferably along the bias. This unexpected property is counter-intuitive to known expertise in this area in that the weakening of the fabric by cutting or perforating actually improves the ballistic performance.

Abstract: A method for increasing the energy absorption of a fabric constructed of high tenacity fiber. This method modifies the ballistic stress-deflection curve of the fabric by effectively toughening the fabric by controlling the peak stresses generated in the fabric layer. These stresses are controlled by perforating the fabric into relatively narrow portions or cutting the fabric into relatively narrow strips, preferably along the bias. This unexpected property is counter-intuitive to known expertise in this area in that the weakening of the fabric by cutting or perforating actually improves the ballistic performance.

Abstract: A method for increasing the energy absorption of a fabric constructed of high tenacity fiber. This method modifies the ballistic stress-deflection curve of the fabric by effectively toughening the fabric by controlling the peak stresses generated in the fabric layer. These stresses are controlled by perforating the fabric into relatively narrow portions or cutting the fabric into relatively narrow strips, preferably along the bias. This unexpected property is counter-intuitive to known expertise in this area in that the weakening of the fabric by cutting or perforating actually improves the ballistic performance.

Abstract: A method for increasing the energy absorption of a fabric constructed of high tenacity fiber. This method modifies the ballistic stress-deflection curve of the fabric by effectively toughening the fabric by controlling the peak stresses generated in the fabric layer. These stresses are controlled by perforating the fabric into relatively narrow portions or cutting the fabric into relatively narrow strips, preferably along the bias. This unexpected property is counter-intuitive to known expertise in this area in that the weakening of the fabric by cutting or perforating actually improves the ballistic performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous treatment of webs of fabric having upright pile comprised of wetting the fabric to at least 50% saturation, heating the fabric to approximately 225.degree. to 350.degree. Fahrenheit and then brushing the fabric in both the pile and counter-pile directions. The presence of liquid and steam plasticize and lubricate the fibers, thereby allowing an easier, more complete return to the uncrushed state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating an appearance of a moire fabric on a textile fabric having a number of filling yarns per inch utilizing a substantially transparent sheet having a number of lines per inch which substantially corresponds to said number of filling yarns per inch in the textile fabric to be viewed. The lines are aligned substantially parallel to the filling yarns of the textile fabric thereby simulating the appearance of a moire fabric. When the textile fabric has a lateral shifting of the filling yarns, then the lines on the substantially transparent sheet are straight and if the filling yarns of the textile fabric are not yet shifted, then the lines on the substantially transparent sheet are curved in accordance with the proposed filling yarn shift.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining directional variation of shade of pile or napped materials. This directional variation of shade can be determined in multiple directions either simultaneously or sequentially utilizing spectrophotometers with bifurcated fiber optic cables. The bifurcated fiber optic cable is repeatably and accurately positioned over the pile or napped materials. A typical non-limiting example of pile materials includes carpeting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous treatment of webs of fabric having an upright pile comprising spraying the pile fabric with a sheet of liquid and then optionally heat-setting the fabric. The spraying of pile fibers allows the fibers to return to their preferred upright orientation.