Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the valve lash of an internal combustion engine is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a probe is employed for verifying and/or setting valve lash settings in an automated manner. A further aspect of the present invention does not require determination of a zero lash position or reference datum prior to adjusting the valve lash adjusting screw for desired lash.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically feeding an oil filter(s) into a crushing zone to shear a canister from a connector plate. The apparatus feed the oil filters into the crushing zone one at a time for the crushing by a movable wall against a fixed wall (211) to flatten the canister while blade shears the canister from the connector plate. The apparatus enables capture of oil and recycling of the canister and connector plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the valve lash of an internal combustion engine is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a probe is employed for verifying and/or setting valve lash settings in an automated manner. A further aspect of the present invention does not require determination of a zero lash position or reference datum prior to adjusting the valve lash adjusting screw for desired lash.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for automatically processing multiple used oil filters (3, 34) used for internal combustion engines for disposal, in particular for disposal in which essentially all of the residual oil is removed making the crushed canister (18, 18A) and internal element a non-hazardous material and making the connector base plate (38A) available for recycling as scrap steel.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a masking apparatus is adapted to mask the overspray of a coating applied by a spraying device. In another aspect of the present invention, a coated article or part includes a member with an inner surface and at least one opening. The inner surface is sprayed with the coating. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a deformable masking cup which is operably located adjacent to the opening in the article.

Abstract: A thermal spraying system includes thermal spray material, an electrical energy thermal spraying device atomizing and spraying the thermal spray material, a power supply supplying electrical power to the spraying device, a sensor monitoring a power characteristic of the supplied electrical power, and a feed rate control module adjusting a feed rate of the thermal spray material based on the monitored power characteristic.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a masking apparatus is adapted to mask the overspray of a coating applied by a spraying device. In another aspect of the present invention, a coated article or part includes a member with an inner surface and at least one opening. The inner surface is sprayed with the coating. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a deformable masking cup which is operably located adjacent to the opening in the article.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for automatically processing multiple used oil filters (3, 34) used for internal combustion engines for disposal, in particular for disposal in which essentially all of the residual oil is removed making the crushed canister (18, 18A) and internal element a non-hazardous material and making the connector base plate (38A) available for recycling as scrap steel.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for coating the interior surface of a cylinder wherein separate consumable electrodes are fed to an arc formed between a rotating non-consumable electrode and directing an atomizing gas through the arc formed to carry the molten metal of the consumable electrode to the cylinder wall to coat the wall and wherein a first consumable electrode in introduced in the cylinder bore with a rotating thermal spray head and a second consumable electrode is introduced into the cylinder from an end opposite the rotating non-consumable electrode and wherein either or both consumable electrodes may be utilized to form deposits on the cylinder of mixed or alternative composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for coating the interior surface of a cylinder wherein a consumable electrode is fed to an arc formed between a rotating non-consumable electrode and directing an atomizing gas through the arc formed to carry the molten metal of the consumable electrode to the cylinder wall to coat the wall and wherein the consumable electrode is introduced into the cylinder from an end opposite the rotating non-consumable electrode.

Abstract: A fastener tensioning method wherein pre-tensioning fastener tightening history acquired during the tightening of the fastener prior to the point of proportional tensioning of the fastener is utilized to modify the tightening cycle occurring after the point of proportional fastener tensioning to reduce the resultant tension scatter while using a tightening perimeter such as torque as an indicator of fastener tension.

Abstract: A crankshaft bearing inspection system for confirming the presence of bearing inserts and the proper amount of bearing crush during assembly of reciprocating machines accomplished by measuring a fastener tension related function and a function fastener rotation, and evaluating the curves thus obtained to confirm and identify a characteristic signature of the bearing presence as, for example, a first constant rate of tension increase followed by a second increased constant rate of tension increase falling within expected inspection limits.

Abstract: A crankshaft bearing inspection system for confirming the presence of bearing inserts and the proper amount of bearing crush during assembly of reciprocating machines accomplished by measuring a fastener tension related function and a function fastener rotation, and evaluating the curves thus obtained to confirm and identify a characteristic signature of the bearing presence as, for example, a first constant rate of tension increase followed by a second increased constant rate of tension increase falling within expected inspection limits.

Abstract: A roller element for a powered-roller tarnsfer system has a plurality of lubricant pressure relief areas about or in the bearing surface to increase and provide consistent rotary drive power transmitted from a powered axle to the roller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for cold testing of typical piston engines to determine their internal integrity and tolerance prior to further testing or use which could be destructive if a defect exists. A source of pressure oil is fed to the normal engine oil pressure system while the engine is slowly rotated. The amount of oil flow is measured and recorded by a unique orifice flow device which yields a differential pressure signal in proportion to the oil flow as the engine is rotated. The variation in oil flow in selected segments of rotation is analyzed to determine the engine condition. Such common assembly faults as missing rod or main bearings, loose bearing caps, or excessive bearing clearance may be detected and isolated for repair.

Abstract: A tool and method for automatically adjusting internal combustion engine valve lash is disclosed. The engine is first rotated to correctly position the valve lifter cam for the individual valve which is to be adjusted. The novel tool of this invention is then positioned and sequenced through a series of operations which properly set the valve lash or preload, whichever is required. The system uses a linear variable differential transformer probe in the preferred embodiment to establish when the valve is seated. The valve lash adjusting means is advanced until the rocker arm engages the valve stem. The initial movement of the valve stem is sensed by a linear variable differential transformer and a zero reference is established at the point where the valve just begins to move.

Abstract: A fastener tension inspection system for use with torque producing power tools such as nut runners, screwdrivers, or the like. The inspection system includes a means for measuring torque or other tension proportional function applied to a fastener and a means for measuring at least one additional parameter associated with fastener tightening; for example, time or rotation. With appropriate electronic circuitry, the torquing cycle is started by freerunning the fastener and bringing it up to a predetermined low level of torque sufficient to seat the fastener. Upon reaching the predetermined low level of torque, the means for measuring the additional parameter is initiated and continues until final torquing is completed. The predetermined minimum torque level on the fastener must be reached and a predetermined maximum torque level not exceeded within a predetermined range of the additional parameter or the fastener is rejected.

Abstract: A sealed system process for the elimination (destruction or removal) of superfluous projections, such as unwanted burrs and sharp edges, on shaped or fabricated articles of manufacture, particularly those produced by mechanical shaping or fabricating, by treatment with transient elevated gaseous temperatures in a sealed and confined space. The transient elevated gaseous temperatures in the sealed and confined space are produced, for instance, by the ignition or other suitable reaction initiation of various compositions which are exothermic in the sealed and confined space, by the rapid and substantially adiabatic compression of a gas in the sealed and confined space or by some other manner such as by the rapid movement of a heated gas wave under pressure through the sealed and confined space, such as exists in a shock wave, so that the transient elevated gaseous temperatures are produced.