Abstract: The invention concerns a sliding block breech mechanism for a cannon with a breech ring arranged at the rear end of a cannon barrel and with a sliding breech block that slides perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the cannon barrel in a cavity of the breech ring. To achieve an improved distribution of force inside the breech ring when the cannon is fired compared to previously known sliding block breech mechanisms and thus to optimize the maximum stress load, the invention proposes to provide a sliding block breech mechanism whose sliding breech block has at least two lugs arranged axially one behind the other, wherein the pressure flanks of the first lugs, i.e., the lugs closer to the cannon barrel, have a positive direction of inclination, and the pressure flanks of the second lugs have a negative direction of inclination.

Abstract: An explosion protective shelter apparatus comprises a pair of spaced apart upright parallel walls without rigid structural interconnection. The walls supported by the ground surface so as to define a vehicular space between them. The walls are joined by elastic members or secured against shock absorbers. The walls are easily erected on site and placed in service where personnel may be sheltered from an exploding vehicle that is being inspected between the walls.

Abstract: A firing module having a fully automatic shell supply mechanism for supplying shells to a heavy weapon in a housing. A shell ram having a loading tray is disposed on a free end of a shell transfer arm that is pivotable between a raised position, in which the loading tray is aligned with the gun bore axis, parallel to a plane of elevation, and a lowered position, in which the tray is essentially vertical. A gripping mechanism on a shell transport arm grasps a vertical shell stored in at least one ammunition magazine for supplying a shell from a shell transporter, to the loading tray, in the lowered position of the shell transfer arm. The ammunition magazines and transporter are disposed in the housing ahead of a trunnion. The loading tray is pivotable about a pivot axis, which is essentially vertical in the lowered position of the shell transfer arm, by at least 180° between a receiving position opening ahead of the trunnion, and a delivery position opening behind the trunnion.

Abstract: A hydraulic breech mechanism uses a sealed reservoir of fluid to rigidly support the bolt 6 against barrel 2 resisting pressure generated by discharging a cartridge in chamber 3. Recoil forces cause the high pressure cylinder 7 and barrel assembly 2 and 4 to move relative to the sleeve valve 8 opening communication between reservoirs 9 and 11. This and subsequent bolt travel displace floating piston 12 compressing spring 13. During bolt opening any cartridge in chamber 3 will be ejected. With the firing load removed from the bolt 6 the floating piston 12 under influence of spring 13 will pump fluid into the high pressure reservoir 9, closing the bolt and chambering any round in the loading port. Continued load from spring 13 now returns the high pressure cylinder 7 and barrel assembly 2 and 4 to the original position relative to the sleeve valve locking bolt 6 ready for the next cycle.

Abstract: The load element state detecting portion 72 detects the completion of the filling of the hydraulic oil into the clutch 62 and the working limit of the accumulator 64 on the basis of the displacement of the spool valve element 42. That is, since the completion of the filling of the hydraulic oil into the clutch and the working limit of the accumulator 64 are directly detected, so that the completion of the filling of the hydraulic oil into the clutch 62 and the working limit of the accumulator 64 can be detected with high precision regardless of differences among products and the time-lapse variation. Furthermore, they can be detected without equipping any special device to the hydraulic control circuit, and thus there is an advantage that the device construction is simple.

Abstract: A piston pump delivers precise and repeatable volumes of a fluid from a reservoir to a downstream component, and includes a piston that is rotatably and reciprocally mounted within a cylinder. The outer periphery of the piston forms an interference fit with the inner periphery of the cylinder. At least one groove is formed in the outer periphery of the piston, with the groove defining a precise volume between the piston and the cylinder, and extending in an axial direction of the piston. The cylinder includes an inlet port for providing fluid communication between a reservoir and the at least one groove when the piston is in a first position, and an exit port circumferentially spaced from the inlet port for providing fluid communication between the at least one groove and a downstream component when the first piston is rotated to a second position where the at least one groove is aligned with the exit port.

Abstract: An improved seal and stabilizing system for a piston head in a tank cylinder provides a better mechanism for discharging and wiping a cylinder when heavy liquids such as chocolate or peanut butter are being dispensed. The seal system now includes a free-floating block inside the seal and grooves in the inner lower part of the hollow seal. The block and grooves keep the upper, outer part of the seal from deforming away from the inner surface of the cylinder that facilitates complete discharging and wiping of the material from the cylinder tank. The tensioning mechanism of the seal is made from a unitary and annular ring T-ring that easily slides on the rear surface of the piston head. In order to stabilize the movement of the piston head down the cylinder, clockwise and counterclockwise springs are provided for the stabilizing shoes. The dual spring arrangement prevents coil binding of the springs.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking machine including a combination of horizontal and vertical smoker/grills. A vertical smoker/grill is connected to a horizontal smoker/grill by a tube with a damper. A variety of outdoor cooking techniques are provided, singly or in combination, by the outdoor cooking machine. Among these cooking techniques are: cold/slow smoking, hot smoking, steaming, double boiling, deep frying, stewing, food warming, spit/rotisserie cooking, conventional grilling, baking, an open firepit function, an outdoor fireplace function, and a tabletop function. Some cooking techniques use a single fire while others combine multiple fires from one or more smoker/grills to enhance and/or change cooking options.

Abstract: A jerky dehydrator comprises several baskets for receiving and retaining the product to be dehydrated and a racking grid for retaining several baskets in a vertical orientation. The racking grid is inserted into a metal tray, and the tray is inserted into the oven of a household range. The oven is preheated, prior to inserting the tray and its contents. Subsequently, the oven is maintained at a low temperature, about 200°, and the door of the oven is held open, slightly, to allow moisture to escape. Each basket comprises a first grate and a second grate, retained in pivotal relation by a pair of hinge clips. Tension springs, secured to an anchor on one grate and an extension on the other grate, urge the grates togther to form a basket and retain the jerky therebetween during the dehydration process. Receptacles at the trailing edge of one grate slip over upstanding pins on the racking grid and lock each basket in its vertical orientation.

Abstract: A manufacturing line for manufacturing a print belt comprising a support-forming strip and a photopolymerized resin forming printing characters, the line comprises spreader means adapted to spread the resin on the strip, photopolymerizer means adapted to solidify that portion of the resin that is to correspond to the printing characters, remover means adapted to remove the non-photopolymerized resin from the strip, and drive means adapted to drive the strip in translation in such a manner that each of its transverse sections passes in succession in register with the spreader means, the photopolymerizer means, and the remover means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing unit, comprising at least two pairs of two cylinders each, namely a transfer cylinder and an associated forming cylinder, whereby the transfer and forming cylinders are each embodied with a width sufficient for printing six newspaper pages, arranged axially next to each other and the transfer cylinder co-operates with a printing cylinder embodied as a satellite cylinder to form a printing head in a print-in-place arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to the drive of a printing machine. Cylinders and functional groups are to be driven with low technical expenditure. To this end, all form cylinders in a printing unit, for example, are driven respectively by separate electric motors and are not in mechanical drive connection.

Abstract: A printing machine is comprised of several printing groups, at least one dryer and at least one folding apparatus. At least two of the printing groups are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the cylinders in the printing groups. A longitudinal direction of the dryer extends perpendicular to the axes of rotation of at least one cylinder group which defines a printing gap.

Abstract: A spindle-nut combination for applying a roller to a counterbearing moved essentially at the circumferential speed of the roller. In order to be able to adjust the play of the spindle in a simple manner, an additional nut is associated with, and displaceable against the spindle nut. Both nuts mesh with the thread of the spindle. An additional securable nut is also provided to brace against the additional nut and prevent undesired turning thereof.

Abstract: Blankets or packings to be supplied to a cylinder of a printing machine, and having a certain length, are stored in a storage device. A holding element, in a first operating state, holds the blanket in a first storage position. The holding element and the blanket are separated when the holding element moves into a second operating state. When the holding element is detached, the blanket moves into a second storage position that is vertically spaced, along the length of the blanket, from the first storage position. Two holding devices can be used to hold the blanket on two of its opposed sides. When at least one of the holding elements moves into the second operating state, the distance between the two holding elements is at least temporarily enlarged above the dimension of the blanket held by the holding elements.

Abstract: A method for marking or lettering metallic components, specifically those consisting of titanium and titanium alloys, characterized by the steps of: covering the area requiring lettering or marking with a writing ink or writing gel marking or lettering the area by means of a laser scanner.

Abstract: A tempering device for printing presses, includes a compression refrigerating plant with a condenser and an evaporator, in which a coolant circulates in a compression refrigerating path, and a free cooling path, in which a coolant circulates. A process water path circulates a coolant for either printing rollers or a fountain solution for offset printing. A heat exchanger arrangement cools the process water path with the help of the compression refrigerating plant and/or the free cooling path. The heat exchanger arrangement includes a three-media heat exchanger, in which heat is exchanged between the process water path and the compression refrigerating plant as well as the free cooling path.

Abstract: A frangible projectile for expelling from an industrial ballistic tool may be formed by a powder metallurgy process. A preferred embodiment of slug consists essentially of compacted and optionally sintered material and comprises up to 35% ferrotungsten in particulate form, up to 3% lubricant, and the balance iron in particulate form with inevitable impurities.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle includes a first vehicle section, a second vehicle section, and an articulation joint connecting, and providing rotational movement between, the first and second vehicle sections. The articulation joint comprises a first shaft for bearing loads during normal operation of the joint, and a second shaft within the first shaft for bearing loads when the first shaft is inoperable. A test element, such as a lever, is attached to the second shaft. The second shaft is rotatable via the test element during normal operation of the joint. When the first shaft is inoperable, the second shaft handles loads acting on the articulation joint, and is not rotatable via the test element, thus indicating a failure of the first shaft.

Abstract: A modular, low cost pallet and shelf assembly and a method for assembling the assembly is disclosed. The shelf assembly comprises a plurality of support members arranged so as to releasably accept a pallet therebetween, each vertical support member comprising a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough, wherein each aperture is configured so as to accept and releasably hold tabs inserted through the aperture, and a plurality of pallet securing members, each pallet securing member comprising at least one pallet securing member tab releasably securable within a vertical support member aperture and a securing surface for restraining the pallet between the vertical support members.

Abstract: An incombustible withdrawing system withdraws an incombustible from a fluidized-bed furnace having a fluidized bed formed therein by a fluidized medium. The incombustible withdrawing system has a mixture delivery path to deliver a mixture of the fluidized medium and the incombustible from a bottom of the fluidized-bed furnace. The incombustible withdrawing system also has a fluidized-bed separating chamber disposed downstream of the mixture delivery path to fluidize the mixture by a fluidizing gas and to separate the mixture into a first separated mixture and a second separated mixture. The incombustible withdrawing system includes a return passage to return the first separated mixture to the fluidized-bed furnace, and an incombustible discharge passage to discharge the second separated mixture to an exterior of the fluidized-bed furnace.

Abstract: A seeding and fertilizing apparatus comprises a plurality of seed assemblies each comprising a trailing arm pivotally connected at a front end thereof to the frame and a packer wheel rotatably attached to rear end thereof. A seed knife is attached to the trailing arm ahead of the packer wheel which rolls along the seed furrow created by the knife. A vertical position of the knife with respect to the packer wheel is adjustable, and a bias device is operative to exert a downward bias force on the trailing arm. A plurality of fertilizer assemblies each comprises a fertilizer disc rotatably mounted to the frame such that a vertical position of the disc with respect to the implement frame is adjustable. The seed assemblies and fertilizer assemblies are oriented laterally such that each fertilizer furrow is located between adjacent seed furrows.

Abstract: A device for a pipe (10) in a cargo pressure tank of a ship (2), the pipe (10) mainly being used for loading and unloading of fluids, and the open end portion (13) of the pipe (10) being placed immediately above the lower bottom section (14) of the cargo pressure tank (1).

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering arrangement with a steering motor, a supply path between a pressure source and the steering motor, in which supply path a throttling device and a measuring motor are located, a return path between the steering motor and a pressure sink, in which return path a return throttle is located, and a bypass path, which connects the supply path and the return path on the pressure source end or the pressure sink end, respectively, and which has a bypass throttle. It is endeavoured to make such steering arrangements suitable for fast motorboats. For this purpose it is ensured that with a load on the steering motor the pressure drop over the bypass throttle is larger than the sum of the pressure drops between a point before the first throttle and a point after the last throttle of the throttling device.

Abstract: A retractable boat bumper system includes a bumper plate and a positioning mechanism. The bumper plate is selectively operated between a first, retracted position wherein the bumper plate is proximate the boat and a second, extended position wherein the bumper plate is disposed away from the boat. When the boat is secured to a dock or the like, the bumper plate is disposed within the second position and protects the boat from the dock. When underway, the bumper plate is disposed within the first position such that the bumper plate is out of the way.

Abstract: A mooring system (28) of a floatable unit (20), such as life raft or platform, the floatable unit (20) having a first side (21) facing a vessel side (22) and a second side (23) facing away from the vessel side (22). The mooring system (28) comprises at least two back springs (2) which are in connection with the first side (21) of the floatable unit (20), and at least one strap (1) which is in connection with the second side (23) of the floatable unit (20), the back springs (2) and the strap (1) being connected to the vessel (30). The back springs (2) are adapted to control the floatable unit (20) in a longitudinal direction in relation to the vessel (30), and the strap (1) is adapted to control the floatable unit (20) in a transverse direction in relation to the vessel (30). The floatable unit is held in secure and fixed position alongside the vessel side, thereby enabling people evacuating from the vessel to enter the floatable unit without any high risk of injury or damage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methods for a plurality of users to work and/or play underwater with a supply of breathable air. The breathable air is taken from the atmosphere above the surface of the water. The air is sent to one or two submerged users. The apparatus and its components are enclosed in a water resistant enclosure encapsulated by an inner tube which floats on the surface of the water. The apparatus provides breathable air to one or two users from a flexible air supply line, which runs from the apparatus to each submerged user. The air pumps of the apparatus push a constant flow of breathable air to each user. Each user inhales air from the apparatus with a mouth piece that is connected to the air supply line which is connected to the air pumps. Equipment such as regulators, tanks or reservoirs are not needed. The apparatus is powered by a dry cell battery and does not require fuel to operate.

Abstract: An inflatable boat comprising: an inflatable float that is U-shaped and open at the stern, and that braced by a transom; a floor that is disposed inside the space defined by the float, and a V-shaped keel formed of a flexible canvas sheet fastened to the float and to the transom and tensioned by a longitudinal inflatable keel-forming spacer interposed between the floor and the canvas sheet; the inflatable keel-forming spacer is formed by at least two elongate and flat chambers inflated under a relatively high pressure; and the two chambers have their respective bottom longitudinal edges touching and their respective top longitudinal edges spaced apart from each other so that the keel-forming spacer is generally V-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: A convertible boat top provides a covered area to protect the occupants from environmental concerns such as sun, rain, etc. The convertible top is easily deployed and can be unobtrusively tucked away into a storage area. The top can be provided as original equipment or may be embodied as a kit to adapt an existing boat.

Abstract: A boat includes a hull, topsides with a cockpit therein. A top is provided having a perimeter contoured for engaging a topsides perimeter in a closed position and providing a canopy for the topsides in an open position. Linear actuators are provided for moving the top between the open and closed positions along with a motor mechanism for operating the linear actuation. A panel moveably attached to the top enables operator entry and exit from the boat with the top in the closed position through an access provided by the panel.

Abstract: Wetness indicating compositions having improved colorant retention and durability and to wearable articles comprising this wetness indicating composition are provided.

Abstract: A gas delivery system and method are disclosed in which a flow indicator is interposed between the distal end of a conduit connected to a gas source and a device for introducing the gas in the airway of an individual so that the individual, or some other person in visual contact with the individual, can easily determine whether or not gas is flowing through the system.

Abstract: A dial 21a is positioned in front of an LCD 21c, and has an inner periphery surrounding the LCD 21c. A pointer 21b is rotatable by a drive 21d positioned at a backside of the LCD 21c. The pointer 21b is extended from a rotation center in a direction Y1 against the rotation center along a back surface of the LCD 21c, then bent and extended along an outer periphery of the LCD 21c, and bent and extended in the direction Y2 toward the rotation center via a gap formed between a front surface of the display 21c and a back surface of the dial 21a. Then, the pointer 21b is extended along an inner periphery of the dial 21a, and bent and extended in the direction Y1 along a front surface of the dial 21a.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is provided for curing powdered coatings on the face of porous wood products, such as medium density fiberboard (MDF), wherein a pair of inclined infrared catalytic heaters are used to apply heat directly onto the side edges of the board. In addition, catalytic heaters that are normally used to heat and cure the face surface of the board are moved father back to reduce their effectiveness and to limit out-gassing of entrapped air from the inner low density core of the board. This arrangement also allows the coating to cure at the side edges of the board at approximately the same rate as the face of the board, promoting a more uniform curing of the powder coating.

Abstract: Device for producing a plasma, in particular for treating surfaces, for chemically reacting gases, or for producing light, by way of microstructure electrode discharges, using a device for producing plasma having at least one guide structure. A microwave generator which can be used to launch microwaves into the guide structure. The guide structure has a locally narrowly limited plasma region in contact with a gas. The guide structure is preferably a metallic waveguide filled with a dielectric material, or an arrangement of strip lines which run on a dielectric plate. The device and the method are particularly suited for processing or activating surfaces or for depositing layers on a substrate.

Abstract: A plasma processing system includes a reactor, a top electrode made of a magnetic or ferromagnetic metal or a metal-alloy, wherein a RF or DC power is applied to generate plasma within the reactor; a gas showerhead fixed to the top electrode; a sheet-like magnetic assembly bound to the upper surface of the gas showerhead, which includes a plurality of separate magnets, a metal sheet made of a ferromagnetic metal, and a deformable film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a milking machine comprising at least one teat cup for application to a teat of an animal to be milked, a teat cup liner, mounted in said teat cup, defining a teat receiving space inside said liner, and a pulsating chamber between said liner and said teat cup, said liner having a teat receiving end portion, a vacuum source for applying a vacuum level to the teat receiving space for drawing milk from said animal, a pulsator for application of a pulsating vacuum to the pulsating chamber for moving the teat cup liner between a closed position and an open position, thereby massaging said teat of said animal, and a vacuum sensor for sensing the vacuum level in said teat receiving end portion. The invention is further characterized in that said milking machine is arranged to initiated take off of said at least one teat cup, if a vacuum level sensed by said vacuum sensor indicates that the vacuum level in said teat receiving end portion is rapidly increasing.

Abstract: An animal feeder which generates sensorially perceivable indicia upon the coincidence an alteration in food or water conditions and the proximity of a person to the animal feeder.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber adjacent the water container; a burner associated with the combustion chamber; a blower assembly located to receive combustion products generated by the burner; an intake conduit sealingly connected to the combustion chamber and having a combustion air intake opening located adjacent an upper portion of the water heater; and a dilution air conduit sealingly connected to the blower assembly and having a dilution air intake opening located adjacent a lower portion of the water heater.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a reformer for reforming a fuel air mixture to produce a reformed gas, a crank angle sensor for detecting a rotational speed of the engine, and an ECU. The ECU obtains a difference of an actual rotational speed from a target rotational speed of the engine during an idling thereof based on a signal from the crank angle sensor. When the difference thus obtained exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the ECU determines that a reforming catalyst of the reformer has deteriorated or there is any abnormality in the reformer.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes one or more pistons (4), each of which is mounted to reciprocate in a respective cylinder (2) and is pivotably connected to a connecting rod (6) which is connected to a respective crank on a crankshaft (7). The connecting rod (6) is pivotably connected to one end of an elongate link (14), which is pivotably connected to the associated crank at a point intermediate its ends and whose other end constitutes a rod (18) which is restrained by a mounting (20, 24) such that it may pivot about a pivotal axis parallel to the axis of the crankshaft. The mounting includes a first movable mounting member (20) and a second movable mounting member (24). The first mounting member (20) is connected to the rod (18) by a connection which permits only relative sliding movement in the direction of the length of the rod and is pivotally connected to the second mounting member (24) to pivot with respect thereto about the said pivotal axis.

Abstract: An engine having a cylinder, a piston slideably received in the cylinder, a crankshaft connected to the piston, and a multi-link piston crank mechanism. The multi-link piston crank mechanism controls movement of the piston such that an acceleration of the piston at top dead center is less than an acceleration of the piston at bottom dead center. A determining device determines an operating condition of the engine. A combustion mode control device controls the engine to operate at an air-fuel ratio leaner than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio when the determining device determines that the operating condition of the engine is in a predetermined operating region.

Abstract: An engine includes at least one cylinder bore having a cylinder wall and a piston positioned within the cylinder bore, and adapted for reciprocal movement therein. At least one piston sleeve is positioned within the cylinder bore, radially between the piston and the cylinder wall. The piston sleeve extends around the piston, and is adapted for reciprocal movement therein. The piston and the piston sleeve are able to move independently of one another. A stop selectively secures the piston sleeve stationary within the cylinder adjacent a top portion of the cylinder. When the stop is de-activated, the piston and the piston sleeve move together within the cylinder, and when the stop is activated, the piston sleeve is secured adjacent the top portion of the cylinder and the piston moves reciprocally within the piston sleeve.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which comprises a variable valve timing mechanism which varies an opening-and-closing timing of an intake valve and/or an exhaust valve of an engine, and in which the opening-and-closing timing at a time of starting the engine is set to a starting time timing which is at a further advance side than a maximum retard timing which is retarded at the maximum, said apparatus characterized in that, at a time of stopping the engine, the variable valve timing mechanism is controlled such that the opening-and-closing timing is made to be the starting time timing.

Abstract: An engine adjusts the amount of intake air by cooperative control for the valve duration of the intake valve and the opening degree of the throttle valve. In the engine, the valve duration is fixed to a warm-up valve duration ?w in a low-to-middle speed range of the engine during a period from immediately after starting of the engine to when warm-up is completed. In a high speed range, on the other hand, the valve duration is increased from the warm-up valve duration ?w in accordance with increase in the engine speed Ne.

Abstract: A control apparatus calculates a exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of a plurality of cylinders, in which the operation angle of an intake valve is set to a predetermined operation angle, e.g., a maximum operation angle, based on a value output from an air-fuel ratio sensor so as to minimize a variation in an fuel injection quantity between the plurality of cylinders by that exhaust gas air-fuel ratio. That is, the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio of the plurality of cylinders, in which the valve opening characteristics of the intake valve and an exhaust valve are set such that the intake air amount to be introduced into the plurality of cylinders is limited by the opening amount of a throttle valve, for example, and not limited by the valve opening characteristics of the intake valve or the exhaust valve is calculated, and the variation in the fuel injection quantity among the plurality of cylinders is then reduced by that exhaust gas air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: A variable valve actuating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes an intake valve timing control device to vary a center phase of an intake valve operation angle, an exhaust valve timing control device to vary a center phase of an exhaust valve operation angle, and an intake valve operation angle control device to vary an intake valve operation angle of the engine. A fail-safe control system is arranged to detect a malfunction of the exhaust valve timing control device; and to adjust an intake valve opening timing at or after an exhaust valve closing timing of the engine, upon detection of the malfunction, by operating at least one of the intake valve control device and the intake valve operation angle control device.

Abstract: A camshaft is formed at a generally middle portion with an enlarged cylindrical portion. An annular vane member is mounted on the enlarged cylindrical portion and secured thereto by means of a nut. An annular housing or sprocket is arranged to receive therein the annular vane member in a manner to permit a rotation of the vane member relative to the annular housing. Each of a circular opening of the vane member and a circular opening of the annular housing is so sized as to permit cam lobes of the camshaft to pass therethrough.

Abstract: This variable valve train has a camshaft, a rocker shaft, and a rocker arm mechanism for transmitting a motion of a cam formed on the camshaft to a valve. The rocker arm mechanism includes a first arm which drives the valve, a second arm, a third arm, and a variable mechanism which rocks the rocker shaft. The first arm is rockably supported on the rocker shaft. The second arm is driven by the cam and rocks around a universal joint as a pivot on the side of the rocker shaft. The third arm is displaced to drive the first arm as the second arm rocks.

Abstract: A deactivating valve control system for an internal combustion engine and, for each deactivating intake poppet valve (19D), there is provided a deactivating lash compensation device (37). Each of the devices (37) includes a latch member (83) biased toward an unlatched condition (FIG. 3) by a spring member 69, including a vertically-extending spring portion (73). In one embodiment (FIG. 1), the deactivation system includes an actuation rod (49) which is rotated to overcome the biasing force of the spring members (69) and move the latch members (83) into latching engagement (FIG. 5). In another embodiment (FIG. 7), an actuation wire (105) is reciprocated linearly to pivot a lever member (99) associated with each deactivating device (37), again to overcome the spring (69) and move the latch member (83) into latching engagement.