Abstract: The present invention provides novel endophytic yeast strains capable of metabolizing both pentose and hexose sugars. Methods of producing ethanol and xylitol using the novel endophytic yeast are provided herein. Also provided are methods of fixing nitrogen and fertilizing a crop using the novel endophytic yeast strains provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel endophytic yeast strains capable of metabolizing both pentose and hexose sugars. Methods of producing ethanol and xylitol using the novel endophytic yeast are provided herein. Also provided are methods of fixing nitrogen and fertilizing a crop using the novel endophytic yeast strains provided herein.

Abstract: An axle beam includes a hollow beam body with at least first and second apertures formed in opposing wall portions of the hollow beam body. A stiffener is received within the first and second apertures and is fixed to the hollow beam body at an attachment interface.

Abstract: An axle beam includes a hollow beam body with at least first and second apertures formed in opposing wall portions of the hollow beam body. A stiffener is received within the first and second apertures and is fixed to the hollow beam body at an attachment interface.

Abstract: A spring is to be supported on an axle with a housing. The housing surrounds a portion of the spring and has a housing inner portion positioned between first and second housing end portions. A lining secures the spring to the housing. A portion of the lining at the first and second housing end portions is thicker than a portion of the lining at the housing inner portion.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a composite leaf spring having a mounting segment of a tapered width combined with an expanding depth. Any position along the longitudinal length of the mounting segment provides a singular cross-sectional shape taken parallel to an axle beam. An axle beam attachment system defines a cavity having a shape equivalent to the leaf spring at the predetermined location for mechanically interlocking the axle beam attachment system with the leaf spring at that predetermined location.

Abstract: A suspension for a steering axle includes two links extending from the axle laterally inwardly to be attached to a lateral shackle plate. The lateral shackle plate is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame. The links may be two separate members, or may be a single V-shaped member. The links operate to transfer lateral loads between the two sides of a vehicle receiving the suspension.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a composite leaf spring attachment system having a bracket, a mount and a shear damper mounted therebetween. The mount is rectilinear in cross-section to receive a rearward leaf spring segment of the composite leaf spring. During flexing of the leaf spring, the rearward leaf spring segment of the leaf spring slides within the mount. The shear damper in combination with sliding of the leaf spring through the mount accommodates this longitudinal lengthen during flexing. Also, due to the width of the of the leaf spring segment the shear damper may alternatively be utilized alone to accommodate the flexing of the leaf spring as the significant width of the composite leaf spring provides a large mounting platform for a significantly large shear damper heretofore unavailable with relatively thin conventional steel leaf springs.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a composite leaf spring having an arcuate segment that is located between a retaining pin and a bumper. The retaining pin includes a shank surrounded by a resilient tube. The bumper is located adjacent a rear wall of the bracket opposite the retaining pin. The bumper includes an arcuate face to engage the outer arc of the arcuate segment while the pin is at least partially surrounded by the arcuate segment. The end of the composite leaf spring is thereby securely yet resiliently retained within the front leaf spring attachment system without penetrating fasteners.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a non-drive steering axle includes a set of air springs supported on an axle beam extending between a pair of rotating wheels. The axle beam defines a lateral axis about which the wheels rotate. A lateral stiffener assembly cooperates with the axle beam, which provides torsional stiffness, to provide high lateral stiffness in the air suspension system. The lateral stiffener assembly includes a first arm that extends from the axle beam transverse to the lateral axis and is positioned on one lateral side of the vehicle. A second arm extends from the axle beam transverse to the lateral axis and is positioned on an opposite lateral side of the vehicle. Each of the first and second arms has one arm end supported by the axle beam and an opposite arm end mounted to a vehicle frame member.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a composite leaf spring having a mounting segment of a tapered width combined with an expanding depth. Any position along the longitudinal length of the mounting segment provides a singular cross-sectional shape taken parallel to an axle beam. An axle beam attachment system defines a cavity having a shape equivalent to the leaf spring at the predetermined location for mechanically interlocking the axle beam attachment system with the leaf spring at that predetermined location.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a composite leaf spring having an arcuate segment that is located between a retaining pin and a bumper. The retaining pin includes a shank surrounded by a resilient tube. The bumper is located adjacent a rear wall of the bracket opposite the retaining pin. The bumper includes an arcuate face to engage the outer arc of the arcuate segment while the pin is at least partially surrounded by the arcuate segment. The end of the composite leaf spring is thereby securely yet resiliently retained within the front leaf spring attachment system without penetrating fasteners.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a composite leaf spring attachment system having a bracket, a mount and a shear damper mounted therebetween. The mount is rectilinear in cross-section to receive a rearward leaf spring segment of the composite leaf spring. During flexing of the leaf spring, the rearward leaf spring segment of the leaf spring slides within the mount. The shear damper in combination with sliding of the leaf spring through the mount accommodates this longitudinal lengthen during flexing. Also, due to the width of the of the leaf spring segment the shear damper may alternatively be utilized alone to accommodate the flexing of the leaf spring as the significant width of the composite leaf spring provides a large mounting platform for a significantly large shear damper heretofore unavailable with relatively thin conventional steel leaf springs.

Abstract: A topically applied sunscreen composition is provided, which by use of nano-sized particles of a physical UV screening agent in a dermatologically acceptable carrier, provides a dermatologically acceptable level of SPF and broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB radiation, without the need to include chemical UV screening agents in the composition.