Suzuki variable valve timing. 1992

I remember when Suzuki introduced variable valve timing to the motorcycling world on the 1992 Bandit 400 and trying to figure out a mechanism that would allow that. 

So if you're an engine guy, give a thought to how you might do it- before looking at the image...  

This would add quite a bit of reciprocating weight in the valve train but it didn't seem to be an issue, the engine revved to 12,000 rpm.  

Deutz air cooled diesel cutaway

Its been awhile since I posted anything Deutz, here is a sectioned engine sent to me by a reader.  
Previous Deutz aircooled diesel post here.

thanks, Rolf!

snowmobile patent

Patent application no. 367104

Registered June 29, 1937

"Some day, I will invent a little machine that will glide over the snow and will even allow me to go up hills."  J.Armand Bombardier

Previous post here

One of my vices is vises, C. Parker No 5 1/2

 I dropped in to visit the Waterloo Central railway in St Jacobs today (more on that later) and was greeted by this big old Charles Parker Number 5 1/2 vise sitting out proudly by itself in the middle of the yard. It's obviously had a long hard life and it's good to see it still working!

One of my vices is vises. Prentiss Vices

Prentiss Vice was organized by John and Edwin Mulford in Montour Falls, NY in 1877. It appears that they had acquired the Hall Manufacturing Company, who employed a man named Mason Prentiss, who held US Patent 75,576, issued March 17, 1868 for a bench vise. 

Although the ad mentions a NYC address, this seems to be only the sales or head office,  Prentiss Vises were manufactured by Bagley & Sewall in Watertown, NY. 

 As is common with this era of tool manufacturers many companies became intertwined and in 1925 the Prentiss Vise Company completed the purchase of the Henry Cheney Hammer Company.

In 1947 The Prentiss Vise Company, including the Cheney Hammer division, was sold to the Charles Parker Company of Meriden, Connecticut.

Tyre choices 1928

American Motor AMX

 About 19,000 of these were made from 1968-70. There can't be many left.

RD400

Here's one for you, Glenn...

1983 Suzuki Katana

Lots of detail changes for 1983, black engines, smooth vinyl on the seat, cleaner front engine mounts and more obviously, red paint on the 750, blue on the 1100.

Monday Mystery

Here's another interesting old device whose use isn't immediately apparent. It took awhile to figure out, the clue being the "Red Devil" name. We'll do a different format and turn it into a multiple choice quiz.
The above device is:
a) an overly complicated 19th century carabiner, named after the Red Devil mountain.
b) a shoe stretcher (competition for the Coulter product).
c) stapler for installing window points

 Answer here.

Update, Red Devil Inc.is alive and well in Pryor Ok. though not making staplers any more.