Abstract: A system for absorbing torsional vibration in a shaft which is drivingly rotated about an axis and wherein the shaft is exposed to torsional disturbances which tend to cyclically increase and decrease the rotational speed of the shaft utilizes a body attachable to the shaft for rotating therewith as the shaft rotates about its axis of rotation and cylindrical rolling elements positioned within cavities disposed in the body. During operation of the system, the torsional disturbances induce pendulum-like motion of the cylindrical elements within the cavities in a manner which absorbs torsional vibration of the shaft. The cylindrical elements, the cavities and the torsional disturbances are related to one another in accordance with an equation which optimizes performance of the system and circumvents time-consuming trial and error techniques during design of the system.

Abstract: A magnetic retrieval tool for retrieving magnetically attractable objects includes a magnet supported in a magnet housing on an elongated, flexible shaft. The magnet is positioned adjacent a face of the housing and is oriented with a line extending through the N and S poles being generally parallel to the face with pole pieces concentrating the magnetic force of the magnet at the face. A remotely operated force reduction feature includes a sleeve of a magnetically attractable material movable between a first position with at least a portion of said magnet disposed within the sleeve to reduce the magnetic forces of the magnet and a second position with the sleeve remote from said magnet.

Abstract: An impact force shaping head includes an elongated casing having an interior wall, an open end and a closed end and contains a liquid. A piston is slidingly mounted within the casing and extends longitudinally beyond the open end of the casing. The piston sealingly engages the interior wall of the casing to define a liquid-filled first chamber between the piston and the closed end of the casing. A reservoir contains liquid and a conduit connects the first chamber with the reservoir. A control valve controls the flow of liquid through the conduit. The control valve is operative in response to changes in the pressure of the liquid contained in the first chamber.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve return is disclosed for a cam-operated intake or exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine having a valve stem extending out of a cylinder head of the engine. The pneumatic valve return of the present invention provides a force acting to close the valve and operates to increase the force as the valve is opened. The pneumatic valve return includes a piston attached to the valve stem which is slidably fitted in a cylinder supported on the cylinder head about the valve stem. A chamber is thereby provided which is supplied with pressurized gas through a supply conduit to act on the piston to provide the closing force. A restriction in the supply conduit prevents rapid fluid escape from the chamber and, additionally, the supply conduct is isolated from the chamber to further prevent fluid escape when the valve has been partially opened by the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A scale for weighing infants using four cantilever beams supporting a platform with a strain gauge on each beam. The strain gauges are connected in a Wheatstone bridge circuit to provide a voltage signal which is independent of the location of the infant on the platform.

Abstract: A drag race reaction timer including a displacement measuring means comprising a roller contained within a housing and a switch operable upon contact with said roller. Circuitry is provided to activate yellow and green lamps simulating the start of a drag race and to determine the time difference between the appearance of the green lamp and displacement of the auto by a predetermined distance. If the auto moves the predetermined distance before the appearance of the green light, a red light is activated.

Abstract: Serious racers strive to squeeze as many revolutions per minute as possible out of their engines. They often use exotic metals like titanium in efforts to minimize the weight of some reciprocating parts. Almost exclusively, serious racers use titanium valve spring retainers to obtain higher speeds. This invention relates to an improved valve spring retainer for use in high performance engines. More particularly, it relates to an aluminum valve spring retainer which is lighter and less costly than titanium retainers of approximately equivalent strength.

Abstract: A limited rotation roller tappet having an aperture and a slot formed in it. A locking bar having a narrow end portion and a shoulder portion prevents rotation of the tappet. The end portion of the locking bar is adapted to pass through both the aperture and the slot while the shoulder portion will not pass through the aperture. The locking bar preferably has a second narrow end portion and is held in place by a second similar roller tappet adjacent to the first having a slot through which the second end portion passes and an aperture through which the shoulder portion will not pass.