Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a first arm having a first arm contact surface and operatively connected to a valve actuation motion. A second arm having a second arm contact surface is operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A discrete lost motion device is provided that is controllable between a first, motion conveying state and a second, motion absorbing state. The discrete lost motion devices comprises a plunger contact surface and a housing contact surface. The housing contact surface is configured to engage one of the first or second arm contact surfaces, and the plunger contact surface is configured to engage another of the first and the second arm contact surfaces. The first and second arm contact surfaces, the housing contact surface and the first plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A horizontal tray is provided for growing plants and a liquid nutrient reservoir for receiving a predetermined amount of liquid nutrient therein is supported, in counterbalanced fashion, for vertical shifting relative to the tray between an upper position elevated relative to the tray and a lowered position depressed relative to the tray. The support structure supporting the nutrient reservoir in counterbalanced fashion is slightly overbalanced to cause the support means to shift the nutrient reservoir, by gravity, toward the upper position thereof and a flexible drain tube communicates the lower portions of the interiors of the tray and reservoir for draining nutrient from the reservoir into the tray upon movement of the reservoir to the upper position thereof and return drainage of nutrient from the tray into the reservoir upon subsequent movement of the reservoir to the depressed position thereof, structure being provided to releasably retain the reservoir in the depressed position.

Abstract: An upstanding open top reservoir is provided and a foraminated plate is disposed within an upper portion of the reservoir with the latter and the plate including coacting structure supporting the panel or plate within the reservoir against downward displacement relative thereto. An upstanding sleeve is secured through a central portion of the plate and supported therefrom. The upper and lower ends of the sleeve include liquid outlet and liquid inlet structure, respectively, spaced above and below the plate and manually operable lift pump structure is disposed within the sleeve, includes an operator actuatable from the upper end of the sleeve and is operable, upon actuation of the operator, to lift liquid plant nutrient upwardly through the sleeve from the lower end thereof to the upper end thereof for flowing outwardly from the upper end of the sleeve through the liquid outlet structure.

Abstract: A mounting and control arrangement is provided for a threaded rod such that a subject spinning a split nut on the threaded rod can be "timed" for successive trial rotations. One series of times are taken with the threaded rod stationary. One or more trial times are taken with the threaded rod being rotated at a speed that requires more concentration and effort on the part of the subject. The various time trials are assimilated to provide a "persistence" rating for the subject.