Abstract: A lifting device for raising and lowering a component of a vehicle for maintenance is provided. The lifting device includes a base with a plurality of legs, a fixed support arm attached to the base, a movable support arm rotatably attached to the fixed support arm, a device attached to the fixed and movable support arms, such as a long arm jack, to raise and lower the movable support arm, and an articulated gripper attached to an end of the movable support arm.

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: A method and apparatus for transmitting a force around a corner is provided. The apparatus includes a force transmitter comprising a first and second rounded end, a connecting member connecting the first and second rounded ends having a smaller diameter than the first and second rounded ends. The method for transmitting a force around a corner comprises the steps of urging a force transmitter in one direction, transmitting the force from the force transmitter and a second direction wherein the force transmitter has two rounded ends and a connecting portion having a lesser diameter than either rounded end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the height of a fuel injector in an engine assembly by providing a variable fuel injector height gauge, selecting a height on the gauge, setting the height on the gauge and adjusting the height of the fuel injector in accordance with the height of the gauge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting a force around a corner is provided. The apparatus includes a force transmitter comprising a first and second rounded end, a connecting member connecting the first and second rounded ends having a smaller diameter than the first and second rounded ends. The method for transmitting a force around a corner comprises the steps of urging a force transmitter in one direction, transmitting the force from the force transmitter and a second direction wherein the force transmitter has two rounded ends and a connecting portion having a lesser diameter than either rounded end.

Abstract: A clutch handler is provided for removal and installation of vehicle parts, such as clutches and the like. The clutch handler comprises a base, a lift arm mechanism including a base end and a distal end, the base end being pivotally mounted to the base by a unique linkage. This linkage allows a clutch to be flipped between the horizontal and the vertical positions without the user's assistance.

Abstract: A clutch handler is provided for removal and installation of vehicle parts, such as clutches and the like. The clutch handler comprises a base, a lift arm mechanism including a base end and a distal end, the base end being pivotally mounted to the base by a unique linkage. This linkage allows a clutch to be flipped between the horizontal and the vertical positions without the user's assistance.

Abstract: An extensible handle includes an elongated inner member and an elongated outer member. The outer member is hollow and telescopically receives the inner member. The inner member includes a section having an expanded width, and the outer member includes a restriction so that when the section having expanded width contacts the restriction, the inner member is prevented from fully passing through the outer member. The extendability of the handle allows the handle to be used with vehicle part jacks and other applications where handles of varying lengths are desired.

Abstract: A fluid pumping apparatus (10) includes a soft start valve (16) coupled with the outlet of a pump (14) driven by an electric motor (12) for reducing the startup current of the motor (12). The preferred valve (16) includes a fluid chamber (32), a valve operator in the nature of a ball (22) shiftable in the chamber (32) between the inlet (36) and a valve seat (48), and a biasing assembly (24) including an axially shiftable rod (54) and a spring (56) for biasing the rod (54) against the ball (22) in order to bias the ball (22) toward the chamber inlet (36). Upon startup, the valve (16) provides a reduced start pressure, less than the pump pressure under load, at the inlet (36) as the operator (22) moves toward the seat (48). The chamber (32) presents a volume sufficient for the valve (16) to provide the start pressure long enough for the motor (12) to achieve synchronous speed, thereby reducing motor startup current.

Abstract: A fluid pumping apparatus (10) includes a soft start valve (16) coupled with the outlet of a pump (14) driven by an electric motor (12) for reducing the startup current of the motor (12). The preferred valve (16) includes a fluid chamber (32), a valve operator in the nature of a ball (22) shiftable in the chamber (32) between the inlet (36) and a valve seat (48), and a biasing assembly (24) including an axially shiftable rod (54) and a spring (56) for biasing the rod (54) against the ball (22) in order to bias the ball (22) toward the chamber inlet (36). Upon startup, the valve (16) provides a reduced start pressure, less than the pump pressure under load, at the inlet (36) as the operator (22) moves toward the seat (48). The chamber (32) presents a volume sufficient for the valve (16) to provide the start pressure long enough for the motor (12) to achieve synchronous speed, thereby reducing motor startup current.

Abstract: A puller apparatus and method for disassembling a universal joint which has a cruciform spider and two yokes each of which has collars that carry bearing cups mounted upon the opposite arms of the spider. Integral flanges on the cups prevent them from being pulled through the collars. A puller bridge assembly has studs which extend loosely through holes in the cup flange and are screwed into threaded bores in a first collar of the first yoke; and side plates are mounted on the collars of the second yoke. Puller means has a cross head with puller arms that engage the side plates and a driver screw that bears on the bridge plate so that turning the screw separates the first yoke from the first cup. The bridge assembly and puller means are then repositioned and used to remove the second cup from the first yoke, after which the first yoke is removed.