Abstract: A piercing valve comprises upper and lower blocks having, respectively, lower and upper mating surfaces. Each mating surface has a positionally corresponding generally linear groove extending thereacross. The upper block has a cylindrical bore extending vertically therethrough and intersecting the grooved lower surface thereof. An upper bore section is adapted for receiving screw threads, with the topmost section of the bore having a diameter less than that of the threaded upper section thereof; the lower section of the bore is of a diameter larger than that of the upper section. The upper block further has an access port extending therethrough and intersecting the bore along the lower section thereof, a cylindrical piercing needle, and a cylindrical unitary seal.

Abstract: A shock absorber, in an exemplary embodiment, especially adaptable for use on motorcycles and the like vehicles, wherein the shock absorber utilizes a piston member having at least a compression and rebound orifices through which fluid flows, and wherein first and second metering rods are selectively positionable into and out of the compression and rebound orifices respectively control the rate of fluid flow therethrough so as to vary the compression and rebound modes of the shock absorber. The metering rods take the form of co-axial, concentric, needle-like valves extending within a hollow shaft, or the piston rod, wherein each of the metering rods is independently and selectively manipulable and adjustable from an external position of the shock absorber thereby allowing selective manipulation of fluid flow through the piston of the shock absorber, depending upon end results desired with regard to shock absorber function.

Abstract: A simple plate-like tool, having a U-shaped slot in one end thereof with means for positioning a handle for rotative movement of the tool once the tool has been positioned between adjacent windings of a helical spring, which by rotation of the tool, compresses or decompresses the tool in an easy and efficient manner.

Abstract: A shock absorber, in an exemplary embodiment, especially suited for motorcycles and the like characterized as being fabricated of a minimum number of components assembled in a manner which permits rebuilding of worn components and wherein selected variable dampening is obtained through the provision of external adjustment device for varying the degree of dampening. The adjustability features allow for variable jounce and rebound factors to accommodate both normal and severe driving conditions and to permit compensation thereof, all without dismantling or demounting of the shock absorber from the vehicle with which it is associated. Adjustment in one instance comprises metering the hydraulic fluid and in the other instance varying the disposition of the main compression spring. Structure on the body of the shock absorber is provided to dissipate heat thereby increasing the quality of performance of the shock absorber during jounce and rebound conditions.