Abstract: An apparatus and its method of use for precisely rotating a crankshaft to one or more desired angular positions. The apparatus may include a controller that is programmed to automatically rotate the crankshaft to said one or more positions, or positional control may be allocated to a user of the apparatus. Rotation of the crankshaft is accomplished using a motor or motor/gearbox assembly coupled to a drive element that is adapted to engage an exposed portion of a crankshaft of interest. The angular position of the motor or motor/gearbox assembly and/or the drive element, is monitored, such that the angular position of the crankshaft shaft of interest is known and may be controlled.

Abstract: A tappet clearance setting apparatus includes a screwdriver, a pneumatic portion, and a controller. The screwdriver engages the tappet screw and the pneumatic portion provides a monitored and air flow through an engine cylinder. The controller directs the screwdriver to tighten the tappet until the air flow through the cylinder is indicative of a valve opening. The controller then directs the screwdriver to reverse directions until the sensed air flow indicates that the valve has closed, which further indicates that the tappet screw is in a reference position. From the reference position, the controller directs the screwdriver to loosen the tappet a predetermined amount to establish the desired tappet clearance.

Abstract: A device and its method of use for in situ detection of bent and/or broken teeth on a vehicle engine pulse generator plate. The device includes a pair of detection sensors adapted to detect pulse generator plate teeth during rotation of a pulse generator plate, and a controller in communication with the sensors. The sensors are arranged such that one sensor leads the other with respect to the detection of teeth on a rotating pulse generator plate. Rotation of a pulse generator plate in the presence of the sensors will cause the sensors to produce an output signal each time a tooth passes by. The signals from the sensors form associated pulse trains that are evaluated by a microprocessor device and associated program of the controller to determine if the pulse generator plate has any bent and/or broken teeth.

Abstract: A detector and its method of use for detecting a pulse generator plate, such as a pulse generator plate associated with the crankshaft of an engine or motor. The detector includes a detection sensor that is adapted to inductively couple itself to a pulse generator plate sensor located on an engine or motor of interest when placed in proximity thereto. The detection sensor is preferably connected to an amplifier unit. When a pulse generator plate is present, rotation of the associated crankshaft will cause interruptions of the magnetic fields of both sensors, which interruptions produce electric currents. These electric currents may be passed to the amplifier unit to power an indicator that may be observed by a user. A detector and method of the present invention may be used to detect the presence of and/or damage to a pulse generator plate.

Abstract: A method for pressure testing an engine to detect possible oil seal leaks. The engine is charged with a predetermined pressure while air pressure is also applied to an EGR valve intake port to offset leakage inherent in the EGR valve. Thereafter, a pressure drop in the engine pressure is used to determine whether an oil seal leak may be present. Applying pressurized air to the EGR valve intake port compensates or EGR valve leakage and prevents the EGR valve leakage from masking possible oil seal leaks, thereby making the system more sensitive to such potential oil seal leaks.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a velocity of a part through a part feeder tube. The part feeder tube defines an axis. The apparatus includes first and second sensors spaced axially from each other by a predetermined distance (d). The first sensor sends a first signal in response to sensing the part and the second sensor sends a second, subsequent signal in response to sensing the part. The velocity of the part is based on the distance (d) and the first and second signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a velocity of a part through a part feeder tube. The part feeder tube defines an axis. The apparatus includes first and second sensors spaced axially from each other by a predetermined distance (d). The first sensor sends a first signal in response to sensing the part and the second sensor sends a second, subsequent signal in response to sensing the part. The velocity of the part is based on the distance (d) and the first and second signals.

Abstract: A bolt retaining device for a nutrunner which includes a socket having a longitudinal axis and being sized to fit the bolt, the device having an electromagnet positioned with respect to the socket to generate a magnetic field directed along the axis of the socket to hold the bolt in the socket when the field is present, and a controller connected to the electromagnet controlling the magnetic field. The bolt retaining device wherein the electromagnet is a coil co-axially mounted with respect to the socket. Each nutrunner can include a motor, a socket, and a shaft connecting the motor to the socket. One or more nutrunners can be provided on a movable frame.

Abstract: A bolt retaining device for a nutrunner which includes a socket having a longitudinal axis and being sized to fit the bolt, the device having an electromagnet positioned with respect to the socket to generate a magnetic field directed along the axis of the socket to hold the bolt in the socket when the field is present, and a controller connected to the electromagnet controlling the magnetic field. The bolt retaining device wherein the electromagnet is a coil co-axially mounted with respect to the socket. Each nutrunner can include a motor, a socket, and a shaft connecting the motor to the socket. One or more nutrunners can be provided on a movable frame.

Abstract: A bolt retaining device for a nutrunner which includes a socket having a longitudinal axis and being sized to fit the bolt, the device having an electromagnet positioned with respect to the socket to generate a magnetic field directed along the axis of the socket to hold the bolt in the socket when the field is present, and a controller connected to the electromagnet controlling the magnetic field. The bolt retaining device wherein the electromagnet is a coil co-axially mounted with respect to the socket. Each nutrunner can include a motor, a socket, and a shaft connecting the motor to the socket. One or more nutrunners can be provided on a movable frame.