Abstract: An improved self-lubricating bearing arrangement for gear pumps utilizes a system of material feed channels and reservoir pockets to divert a portion of the material being pumped from the pressure side of the intermeshing gears to lubricate the gear-supporting shafts within the bearing arrangement. At each gear shaft, a linear material feed channel is formed in the radial face of the bearing between a pressure relief recess and an axial opening supporting the shaft and a parabolic reservoir pocket is formed within the bearing opening adjacent the shaft to apply diverted polymer to the shaft. Each material feed channel and reservoir pocket is polished to a mirror finish to minimize any tendency of suspended additives in the polymer from adhering to or collecting within the channels or pockets, thereby to prevent unusual or localized wearing of the gear shafts.

Abstract: A drive connection between a drive pinion and a motor shaft. The motor shaft has a longitudinal axial bore into which is force-fitted a pinion shaft which is preferably integral with the pinion. The pinion shaft is shorter in length than the length of the bore in the motor shaft and connects with said motor shaft bore therebeyond to define a cavity between the end of the pinion shaft and the bottom of the bore when the shaft is fully fitted within the bore. A second bore extends from the surface of the motor shaft into the cavity area of such longitudinal bore and has a fitting associated therewith for the selective introduction of a fluid under pressure into the cavity to force the pinion shaft out of the bore for disconnecting the pinion from the motor shaft.In one embodiment, both the axial bore and the pinion shaft have a constant diameter. In another embodiment the longitudinal bore has a stepped diameter and the pinion shaft has a stepped diameter corresponding to the bore diameter.

Abstract: In the operator's station of a vehicle, it has been common practice to mount the steering wheel and the control levers needed to manipulate the vehicle on an adjustable control console. The control console may then be moved fore and aft to accommodate the individual operators that may operate the vehicle to enhance their comfort. Mechanical latching mechanisms have been used that provide only a selected number of positions to which the control console may be placed, and are often rather cumbersome. Hydraulic cylinders have also been incorporated into an adjustable control console design to provide an unlimited number of positions that the control console may assume. These designs, however, are quite complex, involving a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and extensive valving componentry. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing an actuating mechanism that is positioned about one of the pivot shafts that is utilized in the pivotal mounting of the control console to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: In the operator's station of a vehicle, it has been common practice to mount the steering wheel and the control levers needed to manipulate the vehicle on an adjustable control console. The control console may then be moved fore and aft to accommodate the individual operators that may operate the vehicle to enhance their comfort. Mechanical latching mechanisms have been used that provide only a selected number of positions to which the control console may be place, and are often rather cumbersome. Hydraulic cylinders have also been incorporated into an adjustable control console design to provide an unlimited number of positions that the control console may assume. These designs, however, are quite complex, involving a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and extensive valving componentry. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing an actuating means that is positioned about one of the pivot shafts that is utilized in the pivotal mounting of the control console to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: Chemical biological agents to be encapsulated are dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous solution of polyhydroxy polymer xanthate. Simultaneous addition of a strong acid and a coupling agent to the solution insolubilizes the polyhydroxy polymer without degrading the xanthate moiety, thereby entrapping the agents in a protective matrix. Encapsulation of biologically active compositions provides a shield against hostile environments, improves safety in handling, and slows the release of such compounds to the surrounding medium. Highly volatile liquids are protected against losses by evaporation. Encapsulation also provides protection against decomposition from exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Water-soluble and water-insoluble solid and liquid core materials are encapsulated by the same method. Core materials are simply entrapped in a matrix of water-insoluble polyhydroxy polymers which are insolubilized from their corresponding water-soluble xanthates in the presence of the core materials. Encapsulation of biologically active compositions provides a shield against hostile environments, improves safety in handling, and slows the release of such compounds to the surrounding medium. Highly volatile liquids are protected against losses by evaporation. Encapsulation also provides protection against decomposition from exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An optical concentrator and cooling system in which a photovoltaic cell array is immersed in a liquid inside an elongated tube having a curved transparent wall for incident radiation, said liquid having a refractive index suitable for concentrating the incident radiation onto the photovoltaic cell array.

Abstract: Filled composite plastics are prepared, which consist entirely of a rigid filler which has been graft polymerized with a thermoplastic polymer. The conventional thermoplastic matrix has been eliminated. When the rigid filler is a polysaccharide, such as starch, a product with improved biodegradability is produced. Also, valuable petroleum reserves are conserved, since the polysaccharide portion serves as an extender for the petroleum-based polymer.

Abstract: Starch graft polymer latexes as well as processes for their preparations are disclosed. The starch graft latexes are water-dispersed grafted starch particles (300-1500 A in size) consisting of either (1) a cationic starch graft polymerized with up to 66% by weight of either nonionic or cationic vinyl monomers alone or with selected combinations thereof or (2) a nonionic starch graft polymerized with a cationic monomer alone or in combination with nonionic monomers. The latexes, having a range of properties, dry at 25.degree. C. or at higher temperatures to clear continuous films.

Abstract: Storage apparatus with a vertical door with a storage recess facing inwardly, a shelf in the recess, an article retaining open rack for easy viewing of the retained articles extending across the recess in the vicinity of the shelf to retain articles within the recess and prevent their accidental dislodgement when the door is opened and closed and a cooperating guide and track on the door and the rack for guiding movement of the rack in a generally vertical path to an elevated position for exposing the shelf to provide ready access thereto in inserting and removing the articles.

Abstract: An optical concentrator and cooling system in which a photovoltaic cell array is immersed in a liquid inside an elongated tube having a curved transparent wall for incident radiation, said liquid having a refractive index suitable for concentrating the incident radiation onto the photovoltaic cell array.