Ball screws are described that may be incorporated into other devices such as a pulley assembly or a differential device. The ball screws include a threaded shaft defining a central longitudinal axis with a threaded nut threadedly coupled thereto to define at least one track in between them. Each track forms a continuous loop around an infield protrusion and is filled with a plurality of rolling elements filling. Each rolling element has the same radius from the central longitudinal axis such that the nut can rotate at higher speeds without the rolling elements locking up as a result of centripetal force.

A secondary assembly drive of an internal combustion engine and a method for operating same are provided. The secondary assembly drive includes: a first drive wheel (1) which can be rotatably connected to a crank shaft (CR) of the internal combustion engine, an electric machine which can be operated either as a generator (AL) of as a motor (M) and a second drive wheel (2) which can be rotatably connected to the electric machine (AL, M), an air-conditioning compressor (A/C) and a third drive wheel (3) which can be rotatably connected to the air-conditioning compressor, a traction element (4) which rotates infinitely and which wraps around the drive wheels, and an actuable clutch (7) for disconnecting the drive of the electric machine and of the air-conditioning compressor from the crankshaft when necessary. In addition, the air-conditioning compressor is designed for operation in both rotational directions, and a reversal of the rotational direction between the generator operating mode and the motor operating mode of the electric machine is provided.

A secondary assembly drive of an internal combustion engine and a method for operating same are provided. The secondary assembly drive includes, in two drive planes, an assembly drive (2) and a starter drive (12) and permits, in addition to a normal operating mode, the following operating modes: —starting of the internal combustion engine, —boosting of the internal combustion engine, —air-conditioning, and —deactivation of the assembly drive (2).

Disclosed are compositions and methods of making non-glycosylated transferrin protein in transgenic monocot plants.

A mixing vessel (10) for containing a liquid, comprises a chamber having a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion wider than the lower portion, gas inlet means (14) for supplying gas to the lower portion and means for redirecting rising gas (24), such that, in use, rising gas in the form of bubbles, initially rises substantially vertically and is redirected in a substantially horizontal direction by the means for redirecting rising gas.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for mixing and controlling the temperature of laboratory vessel contents with an accommodating device in detachable connection with an exchangeable block for accommodating and controlling the temperature of laboratory vessels and with a drive by which the accommodating device can be set in a mixing motion, and with a temperature control device with a heat source or sink in heat-conducting connection with the exchangeable block at least through in each case at least one adjoining contact face firstly on the accommodating device and secondly on the exchangeable block, which is characterized in that the detachable connection is maintained by a spring element which, by virtue of its spring force, horizontally clamps together a first undercut between the accommodating device and the exchangeable block in at least one first direction.

A fastening assembly includes a connecting member, a mounting member mounted to the connecting member, and a sliding member. The mounting member includes a first fixing portion. The sliding member is slidably received in the mounting member and the connecting member. The sliding member includes a first end exposed out of the first fixing portion, and a second end slidably received in the connecting member. The second end of the sliding member is operable to be extended out of or substantially coplanar with an end of the connecting member. The fastening assembly can be utilized to mount a heat sink to a board.

A releasable lock nut assembly for securing a bearing on a threaded hub may include a thrust washer including a disk portion and a peripheral skirt extending axially away from the disk portion, the peripheral skirt having a plurality of openings and a characteristic diameter measured at an axial location of the openings, and a protuberance proximate to at least one of the openings. The assembly may also include a lock ring inserted into the thrust washer, where the lock ring includes a plurality of tangs that extend beyond a lock ring major diameter such that the tangs fit within the openings of the thrust washer. The protuberance may be deformed such that all of the peripheral skirt is within the characteristic diameter, and the protuberance may define an internal envelope of the thrust washer where the internal envelope is larger than the major diameter of the lock ring.

A device for processing welding electrodes with a grinding surface driven by a driving motor with a shaft, which faces the motor and runs in a housing, wherein at least one opening is provided in the housing for guiding a welding electrode for grinding in a defined position relative to the grinding wheel. The housing is releasably fixed to a motor flange for bearing the shaft, and the grinding wheel is arranged on a side of the motor flange which is remote from the motor. The motor flange is formed by a sleeve, which is adapted to be stuck onto the housing in such a way, that at least one opening extends from the circumference of the housing towards the grinding surface facing the motor.

Particularly, a thin-film solar cell panel or the like is processed without necessity of attaching and detaching of mask and washing steps with respect to a workpiece in a fine blasting employing a fine abrasive. A negative pressure space (20) and an opposing negative pressure space (40) having openings (22, 42) are opposed by being spaced at a movement allowable interval of the workpiece such as a thin-film solar cell panel or the like and so as to face one side edge in the same direction as a moving direction of the workpiece. Further, a fine abrasive is injected while relatively moving the workpiece in a moving direction (T) with respect to a blast gun (30) in which an injection hole (31) is disposed within the negative pressure space (20), and the fine abrasive injected into the negative pressure space (20) and/or the opposing negative pressure space (40) and a cut and removed cut scrap such as a thin film layer or the like are sucked and recovered through the intermediary of suction devices (21a, 21b) and/or an opposing suction device (41) respectively communicating with the spaces (20) and/or (40).

A toolholder assembly includes a toolholder body having a coolant passage and a cutting insert seated within a recess of the body. The cutting insert includes an insert orifice extending between a top face and a bottom face that aligns with the coolant passage. A lock pin includes a lock pin orifice that aligns with and is in fluid communication with the coolant passage of the body. The lock pin orifice has an outlet port to allow the fluid to flow through the lock pin orifice and exit through the outlet port. A lock pin ring includes a coolant port in fluid communication with the outlet port of the lock pin to effectively discharge cooling fluid in the direction of a cutting area of the cutting insert.

A cutting insert (14) is formed with an insert aperture (32) opening out to insert top and bottom surfaces (14A, 14B) of the cutting insert (14). In a plan view of the insert top surface (14A), the cutting insert (14) and the insert aperture (32) both have oblong shapes which are elongated along a common insert longitudinal axis (AIL). The aperture (32) includes first and second side surfaces (32A1, 32A2) which each extend along the insert longitudinal axis (AIL), and aperture first and second end surfaces (32B1, 32B2) which each extend transverse relative to the insert longitudinal axis (AIL). At least one of the aperture first and second end surfaces (32B1, 32B2) is formed with a clamping lip (32C1, 32C2).

A cutting tool used for grooving and turning operations where a cutting insert is resiliently securable in a holder blade. The cutting insert includes an insert central lower surface located between, and recessed with respect to, two insert lower component surfaces, each having an insert lower abutment surface. At least one of the two insert lower component surfaces includes an insert inner curved ramp extending from its insert lower abutment surface to the adjacent insert lower intermediate surface and at least the other of the two insert lower component surfaces includes an insert outer curved ramp extending from its insert lower abutment surface to an adjacent end surface.

Bioprinting station (1) comprising:—a Bioprinting device (4) adapted to deposit a pattern of biological material (2) onto an area of interest (3a) of a substrate (3),—an imaging system (15) adapted to acquire an image of the substrate (3) and to reveal on the acquired image the area of interest (3a) with respect to a remaining part (3b) of the substrate (3), the acquired image of the substrate (3) being processed so as to detect the revealed area of interest (3a) on the acquired image and to determine the pattern corresponding to the area of interest (3a) detected on the acquired image.

A binder assembly for receiving and retaining articles and that includes a cover having a spine portion and at least one cover leaf portion and a first binder element and a second binder element having a plurality of first and second retaining fingers, respectively. The first and second binding elements are moveable between 1) an open position wherein articles are permitted to be removed from or mounted to the binder assembly, and 2) a closed position wherein articles mounted to the binder assembly are prevented from being removed. The binder assembly further includes an elongated retainer/lock constructed to releasably attach to the first and second binding elements in the closed position thereof with the spine portion of the cover therebetween for locking the first and second binding elements in the closed position and securing the first and second binding elements to the spine portion of the cover.

The present invention is applied to a frequency converter used for a receiver. The frequency converter according to the present invention includes an LO signal generator (11) that generates an LO signal and outputs the LO signal; and a mixer (10) that multiplies a received signal that has been band-limited to a usable bandwidth of said receiver by the LO signal so as to convert the frequency of the received signal and outputs the resultant signal. Said LO signal generator is capable of varying a phase resolution.

A surgical assembly (20) comprises a post (100) having a longitudinally extending axis (104), a support (56) for resisting movement of the post in a negative longitudinal direction, and a platform (70) offset from the support in a positive longitudinal direction. The platform includes an opening (82) through which the post projects. The opening includes a throat (86). The post has a first dimension which renders the post incapable of passing through the throat and a second dimension which renders the post capable of passing through the throat. Alternate embodiments in which the post can be removably engaged with the support and platform and disengaged therefrom without translating the post in the longitudinal direction are also disclosed.

A binder based predominantly on molasses which incorporates both polymeric and monomeric polycarboxylic acid components to form a composite including both melanoidin and polyester polymeric structures. The binder incorporates the chemical profile of molasses with a mixture of polycarboxylic acids which combines to form a strong and weatherable binder composition which may be used to bind loosely or non-assembled matter.

An intraocular lens is disclosed with an optic that changes shape in response to forces exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic with an inner and outer ring couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. The haptic stresses the optic when the intraocular lens is in a natural state such that the internal stress is present throughout the accommodation range in order to prevent ripples and/or waves in the optic.

Ocular implant delivery assemblies are provided which include a cannula having a lumen extending therethrough, a proximal end, a proximal end opening, a distal end, a distal end opening, and a lumen extending through the cannula. A cap is provided having a closed distal end, being in contact with the outer wall of the cannula, and covering the distal end and the distal end opening of the cannula, the cap being structured to allow the distal end and the distal end opening of the cannula to pass through the cap as the cannula is passed into an eye. An ocular implant is located in the lumen. The implant may be sealed in the cannula without the addition of a liquid carrier or it may be contained in a liquid carrier medium in the cannula. The implant may be made up of a number of microparticles having different compositions or different forms. The assembly also includes a sleeve located on the proximal end of the cannula and suitable for coupling the assembly to a syringe containing a pushing gel.

Thermoplastic composition and articles containing UV absorbers that protect the articles contents from harmful UV radiation are disclosed as well as methods for making the thermoplastic articles and methods for using the articles to contain and protect materials sensitive to UV radiation. The UV absorbers contain oxazolone and/or azine functional groups that absorb UV radiation and prevent its transmission into the article. Many of the compounds are novel compositions of matter. The generally clear thermoplastic articles of this disclosure are particularly useful for containing a variety of UV sensitive consumer products that would otherwise have to be packaged in opaque containers.

Apparatus and method are provided for electric induction heating and/or stirring of a molten electrically conductive composition in a containment vessel with the apparatus being removably insertable in the molten composition. An induction coil embedded in refractory or a coating is submerged in the composition and used to heat and/or stir the molten composition either externally or internally to the refractory or coating.

The present invention relates to an electric channel inductor assembly and method of forming an electric channel inductor assembly. A nonremovable, hollow, nonmagnetic channel mold is used to form the one or more flow channels of the assembly. A heated fluid medium is circulated in the hollow interior of the mold after the mold is situated in the assembly to heat treat the refractory surrounding the exterior walls of the mold. After heat treatment a liquid is supplied to the hollow interior of the mold to chemically dissolve the mold.

Apparatus and process for heating and melting a material in a susceptor vessel are provided wherein phase synchronized ac voltage is supplied from a separate power source to each one of at least two induction coils in separate zones around the vessel. Power magnitude from each source to an induction coil is controlled by pulse width control of the source's output voltage. Output frequency from each source is either fixed or variable based upon the electrically conductive state of the material. Optional electromagnetic stirring is achieved by establishing a phase shift between the voltage outputs of the power supplies after the material in the susceptor vessel has melted.

A heating electrode assembly for a crystal growth furnace includes: a heat insulation board unit that is disposed between a furnace wall and a heater, that includes a first surface facing the furnace wall and a second surface facing the heater, and that is formed with a hole extending through the first surface and the second surface; an electrode unit that includes an electricity input portion mounted to the furnace wall, a post portion disposed in the hole, and an abutment flange connecting the post portion and the heater; and an electrical insulating unit including a tubular sleeve that is disposed in the hole and that surrounds the post portion, and a pad that is clamped between the abutment flange and the second surface.

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a decoupler assembly for between an endless drive element and a shaft. The endless drive element may be, for example, an accessory drive belt from a vehicular engine. The shaft may be, for example, the input shaft of a belt-driven accessory, such as an alternator or a compressor. The decoupler assembly includes a hub that mounts to the shaft, a pulley that is rotatable with respect to the hub, a dampening spring and a clutch member. A part of the pulley is supported on a pulley support surface on the hub. There is a gap between the pulley and the pulley support surface. The gap has lubricant therein to facilitate sliding between the pulley and the pulley support surface. By eliminating the use of a polymeric bushing between pulley and the hub, there are several advantages that are provided.

An input shaft assembly is movable along an axis to absorb external impact loads. A biasing member exerts an axial load in a direction counter to potential impact loads. A stop is provided to control the application of biasing loads to control application of such axial load.

A driveline shield system having a cap disposed to releasably engage a bearing mounted adjacent a drive shaft. The cap supports a tubular guard or shield in a coaxial position relative to the drive shaft. One or more lugs on the bearing are disposed to seat in corresponding slots formed in the cap. When the lugs are seated in the slots, rotation of the cap relative to the bearing causes the bearing and the cap to engage one another. A U-shaped clip is pivotally mounted to the cap and rotatable between a first position in which the clip extends into the slot and secures the lugs in engagement with the cap and a second release position in which the clip is retracted from the slot, thereby permitting relative rotation between the cap and bearing.

A propshaft assembly includes an axle flange, a propshaft, and a damper. The propshaft includes a prop flange, which may be mated to the axle flange for common rotation therewith. The damper includes an outer mass that annularly surrounds the prop flange. The damper is press-fit onto one of the prop flange and a flange pilot, such that the damper is attached directly to the propshaft without fasteners.

A pusher assembly for a stent delivery device includes a distal end of an elongate member and a stent-engaging member having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the stent-engaging member is mechanically coupled to the distal end of the inner member by a connector, or the proximal end of the stent-engaging member is at least partially inside the distal end of the elongate inner member. The stent-engaging member includes a portion that radially outwardly extends towards the distal end of the stent-engaging member, or the stent-engaging member includes a portion that radially outwardly extends towards the distal end of the stent-engaging member. The stent-engaging member is configured to move a stent when distally advanced and configured to not move a stent when proximally retracted. A stent delivery device includes an elongate outer member, an elongate inner member coaxially positioned within the outer member, and the pusher assembly.

A propshaft assembly that includes a tubular member, first and second end connections coupled to opposite ends of the tubular member and a damper that is received in the tubular member and positioned between the first and second end connections. The tubular member has a wall member that defines an interior circumferential surface. The damper has a first damping device, a second damping device and a third damping device. The first damping device has a first core and a first damping member that is fixed to the first core. The first damping member extends helically about the first core and engages the interior circumferential surface. The second damping device is formed of foam and is positioned in the tubular member between the first and third damping devices. The second damping device engages the interior circumferential surface. The third damping device has a second core and a second damping member that is fixed to the second core. The second damping member extends helically about the second core and engages the interior circumferential surface.

Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles. A docking station having receptacles to accommodate dispenser is provided. Docking station has communication ports enabling two-way communication with personal computer.

The present invention relates to a novel polymeric composition comprising a novel polymer having two or more repeat units and a terminus having the structure (1): wherein R1 represents a C1-C20 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, w is a number from 1-8, X is oxygen (O) or nitrogen (N), and Rd is a reactive group. The invention also relates to a process for forming a pattern using the novel polymeric composition. The invention further relates to a process of making the novel polymer.

Frames are disclosed for mounting windows within the walls of enclosures for isolating or sealing substances such as radioactive or other hazardous substances from the surrounding environment. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a window assembly includes a two-piece frame that is welded into the wall of an enclosure. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a window assembly includes a three-piece frame that is clamped to the wall of an enclosure. The frame assemblies may also be used to mount structures other than windows to enclosure walls, such as ducts or pipes intended for passing power, gas, vacuum, or other utilities into the interior of an enclosure.

Frames for mounting windows within the walls of enclosures for isolating or sealing substances such as radioactive or other hazardous substances from the surrounding environment. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a window assembly includes a two-piece frame that is welded into the wall of an enclosure. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a window assembly includes a three-piece frame that is clamped to the wall of an enclosure. The frame assemblies may also be used to mount structures other than windows to enclosure walls, such as ducts or pipes intended for passing power, gas, vacuum, or other utilities into the interior of an enclosure.

A method for design of a fuel assembly for nuclear reactors, including structural components made from zirconium alloy: the mean uniaxial tensile or compressive stress to which the components are subjected during the assembly life is calculated, the zirconium alloy of which the components are made is selected according to the following criteria: those components subjected to an axial or transverse compressive stress of between −10 et −20 MPa are made from an alloy with a content of Sn between Sn=(=0.025σ−0.25)% and Sn=−0.05σ%: those components subjected to such a stress of between 0 et −10 MPa are made from an alloy the Sn content of which is between Sn=traces and Sn=(0.05σ+1)%: those components subjected to such a stress of between 0 and +10 MPa are made from an alloy the Sn content of which is between Sn=0.05% and Sn=(0.07σ+1)%: and those components subjected to such a stress of between +10 and +20 MPa are made from an alloy the content of SN of which is between 0.05% and 1.70%. A fuel assembly made according to the method.

Length adjustment can be performed in a simple manner and without impairment of the insulating effect in an insulation cassette for the heat insulation of elongated elements. A multilayer insulation includes flat reflection elements (21, 22). Each layer of the insulation has at least two of the flat reflection elements (21, 22), which overlap at least partly at their ends (24) facing each other.

A generic route for synthesis of asymmetric nanostructures. This approach utilizes submicron magnetic particles (Fe3O4—SiO2) as recyclable solid substrates for the assembly of asymmetric nanostructures and purification of the final product. Importantly, an additional SiO2 layer is employed as a mediation layer to allow for selective modification of target nanoparticles. The partially patched nanoparticles are used as building blocks for different kinds of complex asymmetric nanostructures that cannot be fabricated by conventional approaches. The potential applications such as ultra-sensitive substrates for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) have been included.

Self-assembled silica condensates are described as well as their use in coating compositions. The self-assembled silica condensates can be formed from the hydrolysis of medium to long chain trialkoxy silane compounds. Coating compositions containing the self-assembled silica condensates can provide coatings having improved scratch and mar resistance and can have excellent recoat adhesion.

A hot-pressed member includes a steel sheet, a Ni-diffusion region present in a surface layer of the steel sheet, and an intermetallic compound layer and a ZnO layer which are provided in order on the Ni-diffusion region, the intermetallic compound layer corresponding to a γ phase present in a phase equilibrium diagram of a Zn—Ni alloy, wherein a spontaneous immersion potential indicated in a 0.5 M NaCl aqueous air-saturated solution at 25° C.±5° C. is −600 to −360 mV based on a standard hydrogen electrode.

Provided is a zinc-plated steel sheet for hot pressing having outstanding surface characteristics, comprising: a steel foundation plate comprising a metal surface diffusion layer of which the Gibbs free energy reduction per mole of oxygen during oxidation is less than that of Cr; an aluminum-rich layer containing at least 30 wt. % of aluminum formed on the surface diffusion layer, and a zinc plating layer formed on the aluminum-rich layer. In this way, a metal having a low affinity for oxygen is coated to an effective thickness prior to annealing and thus the creation of annealing oxides at the surface of the steel sheet is suppressed and a uniform zinc plating layer is formed, and alloying of the zinc plating layer is promoted during press-processing heat treatment. Cracking in the steel foundation plate during hot press molding is prevented.

A method and transmission control unit configured to improve shift event performance in a vehicle with an automatic transmission by determining a vent time for release of a clutch assembly in a transmission of a vehicle. The vehicle must be stopped and a gear selector in the vehicle must be set to a drive condition. If these conditions are met, the clutch assembly is vented. The vent time from when venting begins to when a turbine (or input shift) speed of the transmission rises is tracked. Once the turbine speed of the transmission rises, the clutch assembly is reapplied. The clutch assembly vent time is set based on the tracked vent time.

The present invention provides for a transmission shift assembly for a vehicle and methods of monitoring and controlling the same. The transmission shift assembly includes a transmission having a shift position member movable between a plurality of gear positions, an actuator configured to move the shift position between the gear positions, and a linkage coupled to the actuator and movable between a plurality of positions in response to movement of the actuator. The assembly further includes a controller to control the actuator, an ignition to receive a key, and at least one key sensor positioned within the ignition and configured to transmit a signal to the controller upon sensing removal of the key, the controller controlling the actuator to move the shift position member to a predetermined gear position upon receiving the signal from the key sensor that the key has been removed from the ignition.

A rotary element assembly structure in which a rotary element 53 is assembled to a tip side of a hollow shaft B1 provided upright on a pedestal 60. A cylindrical portion 53c for fitting with the hollow shaft is provided to a rotation center portion of the rotary element. In the cylindrical portion, a hook strut portion 53s that has a hook portion 53f overhanging in the radial direction at its tip side and that extends substantially in the fitting direction is arranged. A base end portion of the hook strut portion and a base end portion of the cylindrical portion are coupled with each other by a resin-made thin plate portion 53p. A small diameter portion B1s which is smaller in diameter than a hollow portion B1d of the hollow shaft is provided on the tip side of the hollow shaft. The radius of the overhang tip portion of the hook portion is set to be greater than the radius of the small diameter portion of the hollow shaft, and to be smaller than the radius of the hollow portion. By fitting the hollow shaft with the cylindrical portion of the rotary element, the hook portion on the tip side of the hook strut portion is pushed into the hollow portion via the small diameter portion on the tip side of the hollow shaft. Thereby, the hook portion engages with a stepped portion formed by the hollow portion and the small diameter portion.

There is provided a disk drive apparatus including a first chassis unit that has a pickup base at which an optical pickup and a disk table have been disposed, and a first base chassis to which the pickup base has been attached, and a second chassis unit that has a second base chassis and at which a chucking pulley has been disposed. A first rectifying plate part is provided at the first base chassis. A second rectifying plate part is provided at the second base chassis.

An unload auger assembly for a combine harvester includes a drive coupler configured between adjacent first and second auger segments. The coupler includes a driver component and associated driver cog coupled to the first auger segment. A driven component and associated driven cog is coupled to the second auger segment. The driven cog is rotationally engaged by the driver cog to transmit rotational drive from the first auger segment to the second auger segment. A friction clutch is configured in-line between the driver component and driven component and rotationally couples the driver component to the driven up to a release torque value wherein the friction clutch disengages the driver component from the driven component.

A support assembly for supporting a moveable member of an agricultural combine is provided. The support assembly includes a moveable member, such as a foldable chaff pan assembly for spreading chaff and other crop residue from the rear of an agricultural combine, a support member and a resilient member connected to the support member for supporting the moveable member. The resilient member can be configured as an arched shaped or cylindrically shaped member.

An auger assembly for a combine harvester includes an auger trough having side walls with a length so as to extend laterally between opposed side sheets. Guide tracks are configured along bottom edges of the side walls. A flexible bottom cover member is slidably engaged within the guide tracks. The cover member is removably attached to the side walls by being slid into and out of the guide tracks from a longitudinal end of the side walls outboard of the side sheets for an auger clean-out procedure.

A counter knife bank assembly of a chopper assembly for an agricultural combine is provided that can pass obstructions without damaging the knife blades of the knife blade assembly. The counter knife bank assembly includes a knife bank and a lever assembly connected to the knife bank. The knife bank is moveable between a first position and a second position relative to a stationary frame of the chopper assembly. The lever assembly includes an extension member having a first end connected to the knife bank, a biasing member connected to the extension member, and an abutment member. The abutment member is engaged with the biasing member and is biased against a stationary support member of the counter knife bank assembly for articulation therewith.

A helical auger flight has an inner edge, an outer edge, an inner face, an outer face, and a leading extremity that includes a prominence and a leading edge that extends from the outer edge to the prominence. The prominence extends outward from the leading edge of the leading extremity to an outer end having an upturned jut. A wear plate is releasably connected to the inner face of the helical auger flight. The wear plate extends from the outer edge of the helical auger flight to the prominence. A front extremity of the wear plate extends forwardly of the leading edge of the helical auger flight so as to be in a shielding relationship with respect to the leading edge of the helical auger flight, and a nose of the front extremity of the wear plated is seated in direct contact against a contact surface of the jut.