Abstract: The invention comprehends friction plates, typically fabricated of metal, having friction material that is disposed in multiple concentric bands disposed in interrupted or discontinuous segments or a combination of both. In a first embodiment, the friction material is arranged in two concentric bands on each face, an inner band having a smaller radial width and an outer band having a larger radial width. In a second embodiment, the inner band is replaced with a plurality of discontinuous sections or segments wherein their circumferential separation is greater than their circumferential length. A third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment except that the inner, discontinuous segments have a circumferential length greater than their circumferential separation.

Abstract: An apparatus employing a self propelling chassis for the harvesting of sugar cane employing copying wheels for following the microrelief of the ground responsive to movement in a harvesting section of the apparatus. A crosscutting assembly employing two differently dimensioned drums with off-set blades is used to cut the cane; and an associated pneumatically operated cleaning chamber employing dispersing drums, vanes, and shutters in conjuction with specifically placed blowers, act upon foreign matter during the harvesting operation and eject same to the outside of the chamber where it is deflected to a desired location.