Abstract: An air hammer tool having a head section defining a blind-hole and a contact surface surrounding the blind-hole, configured to be coupled with an air hammer to provide a percussive force through the contact face of the tool to an axle flange around an axle shaft flange hole, after a flange nut has been removed, to shock a cone-washer disposed therein. The design and solution to this long-felt issue allows for easier removal of the cone-washers from the axle shaft flange holes while not contacting the respective studs and lowering chances for damage of the axle componentry.

Abstract: A puller tool comprises a cross bar with a central portion having a through hole defining a first axis; a forcing screw configured to extend through the through hole; and an adapter detachably attached to the cross bar and having a threaded hole defining a second axis for the forcing screw, and wherein the first axis and second axis are substantially aligned. The adapter comprises a threaded hole configured to receive the forcing screw and defining a second axis, wherein the first axis and second axis are substantially aligned; a base portion containing the threaded hole and arrangeable adjacent a first axial side of the cross bar; at least a first wall portion extending away from the base portion and arrangeable adjacent to a first lateral side of the central portion of the cross bar, and wherein the adapter is detachably attachable to the cross bar.

Abstract: A puller tool comprises a cross bar with a central portion having a through hole defining a first axis; a forcing screw configured to extend through the through hole; and an adapter detachably attached to the cross bar and having a threaded hole defining a second axis for the forcing screw, and wherein the first axis and second axis are substantially aligned. The adapter comprises a threaded hole configured to receive the forcing screw and defining a second axis, wherein the first axis and second axis are substantially aligned; a base portion containing the threaded hole and arrangeable adjacent a first axial side of the cross bar; at least a first wall portion extending away from the base portion and arrangeable adjacent to a first lateral side of the central portion of the cross bar, and wherein the adapter is detachably attachable to the cross bar.

Abstract: A wheel hub removal tool is provided that allows a single technician to readily remove the hub using the vehicle steering. The tool is a generally U-shaped bracket that is seated on the ball-joint to support a pair of arms on opposite sides of the U-joint assembly. The arms carry corresponding blocks that are sized to seat between the drive axle housing and a component of the U-joint that is coupled to the wheel hub. The tool maintains a block on either side of the U-joint assembly so that pressure may be applied alternatively between the blocks to gradually dislodge the wheel hub from the axle. The tool is adjustable to accommodate different axle hub and bearing assembly configurations for different vehicles.

Abstract: A wheel hub removal tool is provided that allows a single technician to readily remove the hub using the vehicle steering. The tool is a generally U-shaped bracket that is seated on the ball-joint to support a pair of arms on opposite sides of the U-joint assembly. The arms carry corresponding blocks that are sized to seat between the drive axle housing and a component of the U-joint that is coupled to the wheel hub. The tool maintains a block on either side of the U-joint assembly so that pressure may be applied alternatively between the blocks to gradually dislodge the wheel hub from the axle. The tool is adjustable to accommodate different axle hub and bearing assembly configurations for different vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle lift jack is provided. The jack may include: a frame; a lifting arm attached to the frame; a saddle attached to an end of the lifting arm; and a video camera attached to the jack and oriented to capture video footage of an area proximate to the saddle. A method of lifting a vehicle using a jack may be provided. The method may include: positioning the jack under the vehicle; capturing an image of the vehicle; viewing the image; determining the jack is in a desired position with respect to the vehicle; and raising the vehicle with the jack.

Abstract: A work piece turning tool is provided. The tool includes: a body having two ends; a gripper located at one end configured to grip a work piece; a handle located at the end opposite of the gripper; and tool attachment located at a base of the handle at the end of the tool, wherein the tool attachment includes both an exterior drive and an interior drive. A method of turning a work piece is provided. The method includes: attaching a first tool having a movable gripper end to the work piece; attaching a second tool to a drive mounted to the handle of the first tool; moving the first tool to a desired orientation with respect to the gripper; and turning the work piece by moving the second tool.

Abstract: A vehicle lift jack is provided. The jack may include: a frame; a lifting arm attached to the frame; a saddle attached to an end of the lifting arm; and a video camera attached to the jack and oriented to capture video footage of an area proximate to the saddle. A method of lifting a vehicle using a jack may be provided. The method may include: positioning the jack under the vehicle; capturing an image of the vehicle; viewing the image; determining the jack is in a desired position with respect to the vehicle; and raising the vehicle with the jack.

Abstract: A work piece turning tool is provided. The tool includes: a body having two ends; a gripper located at one end configured to grip a work piece; a handle located at the end opposite of the gripper; and tool attachment located at a base of the handle at the end of the tool, wherein the tool attachment includes both an exterior drive and an interior drive. A method of turning a work piece is provided. The method includes: attaching a first tool having a movable gripper end to the work piece; attaching a second tool to a drive mounted to the handle of the first tool; moving the first tool to a desired orientation with respect to the gripper; and turning the work piece by moving the second tool.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system for measuring the cylinder compression of an engine is provided The system may include a microprocessor; a sensor operatively connected to the microprocessor, the sensor configured to measure a pressure; a memory operatively connected to the microprocessor, the memory configured to store a pressure detected by the sensor; and a database operatively connected to the microprocessor, the database configured to a store baseline pressure associated with an engine.

Abstract: A motor vehicle component support and method that includes reciprocating horizontal members that maintain the vehicle component in balance as the support is adjusted according to the component size. With the reciprocating action, the adjustments to one horizontal member are identically and automatically performed on the other horizontal member. In addition, the apparatus includes cushions capable of pivoting to better accommodate components of irregular geometries.

Abstract: A motor vehicle component support and method that includes reciprocating horizontal members that maintain the vehicle component in balance as the support is adjusted according to the component size. With the reciprocating action, the adjustments to one horizontal member are identically and automatically performed on the other horizontal member. In addition, the apparatus includes cushions capable of pivoting to better accommodate components of irregular geometries.

Abstract: An assist drive assembly for adjusting tension in a web generated when the web is moved over a roller in a contacting relationship therewith. A plurality of north and south pole elements are disposed about the roller. A controller is coupled to a magnetic pole sensor and an magnetic coil. The magnetic pole sensor and magnetic coil are disposed adjacent the north and south pole elements such that, when, during rotation of the roller in a direction of rotation, as a result of the web moving over the roller, the magnetic pole sensor observes a south pole element a first signal is generated that actuates the controller to energize the magnetic coil to generate a north pole field that attracts an immediately adjacent south pole element thereby imparting a torque to the roller in a direction of rotation of the roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and removing a recessed spark plug to and from an engine without a component thereof becoming disengaged. The spark plug tool is long enough to reach a recessed spark plug and includes a first housing member having an opening fitted with an elastomeric sleeve for receiving a spark plug, a shaft that may be integrally connected to the first housing member, and a second housing member which may be integrally connected to the shaft. The second housing member can be coupled to a torque member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and removing a recessed spark plug to and from an engine without a component thereof becoming disengaged. The spark plug tool is long enough to reach a recessed spark plug and includes a first housing member having an opening fitted with an elastomeric sleeve for receiving a spark plug, a shaft that may be integrally connected to the first housing member, and a second housing member which may be integrally connected to the shaft. The second housing member can be coupled to a torque member.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for integrating returned products into a forward supply chain manufacturing process. The method comprises forecasting returns for at least one product by quantity for a given time period. The product includes a product identifier. Based upon the forecasting returns, determining raw component supply for at least one constituent component of the at least one product utilizing a Bill of Material for the product and the product identifier. The method also includes analyzing raw component supply data in conjunction with supply suitability analysis data. The raw component supply comprises a component identifier, a potential quantity, and a time period operable for identifying when a component is anticipated to be available for return. Other embodiments of the invention include a system, and a storage medium.

Abstract: An assist drive assembly for adjusting tension in a web generated when the web is moved over a roller in a contacting relationship therewith. A plurality of north and south pole elements are disposed about the roller. A controller is coupled to a magnetic pole sensor and an magnetic coil. The magnetic pole sensor and magnetic coil are disposed adjacent the north and south pole elements such that, when, during rotation of the roller in a direction of rotation, as a result of the web moving over the roller, the magnetic pole sensor observes a south pole element a first signal is generated that actuates the controller to energize the magnetic coil to generate a north pole field that attracts an immediately adjacent south pole element thereby imparting a torque to the roller in a direction of rotation of the roller.