Abstract: A beverage dispenser (10) with a dispenser body (12) having a flat bottom (20) supported above a base (14) and an upwardly facing open top (22) with a mating, generally horizontal, removable, flat, top closure (24) closing the open top (22). Beverage within the body (12) is dispensed through a drain pipe (36) during actuation of a manually operable, drain valve actuator (38) mounted to a front wall (26) at a location adjacent the top (22). A pair of actuator guards (40, 42), located on either side of the actuator 38, protects the actuator (38) against inadvertent actuation and provides lateral guidance for relative pivotal movement of the actuator (38). When the actuator (38) is pivoted inwardly to an actuated open position (FIG. 1), a plug (68) attached to one end of a relatively narrow, elongate, cylindrical handle (70) is moved upwardly to created a drainage gap (74) between the sides of the plug (68) and an interior surface of a valve opening (64) of the drain pipe (36).

Abstract: A method for assembling a control valve in a hydraulic valve-lash compensation element, which is constructed for the control drive of an internal combustion engine as a reverse spring element is provided. According to the method, the compensation element is preassembled with a control valve spring (10), a ball (19), and a valve cap (20) of the control valve (11), so that the ball lift (21) caused by the construction of the control valve (11) is greater than a desired value required for the function of the element, after which the actual state of the ball lift (21) is measured and then the ball lift (21) is adjusted by deformation of the valve cap base acting as a contact surface (23) for the ball (19), in order to obtain the desired value of the ball lift (21) of the compensation element. In this way, for all of the compensation elements of the motor, the setting of the no-load lift to a constant value having only very small tolerances can be achieved.

Abstract: The effects of an air bearing may be augmented in various ways in order to assist in the automated assembly of valve spools into valve bores. Such augmentation may be achieved by agitating one end of the valve spool with sequentially applied pulses of pressurized air as the spool is being lowered into the valve body, increasing the effective length of the valve spool so that the agitation can be applied to the spool when the spool is partially inserted into the body, varying the position of the valve spool while the spool is being inserted into the valve body to expose a length of the spool to the pulses of pressurized air, and applying an oscillating vibration to the fixture that supports the valve body to dislodge a spool that has become jammed in the valve bore.

Abstract: Apparatus to connect a valve stem to a valve member are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a valve stem having a laterally extending opening, a valve member having a laterally extending opening, and a coupling having adjacent one end an extension received in the laterally extending opening of the valve stem and adjacent an opposite end an extension received in the laterally extending opening of the valve member. A resilient member is located between the valve stem and the valve member.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel rims (14). A detector (50) is comparable with the conveyor (24) to detect size of the wheel rim (14) and a location of an aperture (12) of the wheel rim (14) to receive various valve stems (16, 18). Two robots (110, 112) are adaptable for matably moving the valve stem (16, 18) to the wheel rim (14). A controller (60) is operably communicated with the robots (110, 112) and the detector (50) for receiving a signal from the detector (50) as the detector (50) identities configuration of the wheel rim (14) and then transmitting the signal to the robots (110, 112) thereby directing the robots (110, 112) to selectively engage the valve stem (16, 18) to be inserted into the aperture (12).

Abstract: A fluid treatment device includes at least one treatment module (“pod”) releasably connected to a head unit, the pod and head unit each including riser tubes which may be connected to adjacent riser to form a flow passage through the fluid treatment device. A connection mechanism allows a control valve to be rotatably connected to a fluid treatment device so that it may be oriented as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing an anti-siphon device into an automotive fuel filler comprises; a cylindrical mandrel having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface of the mandrel adapted to receive a proximal end of the hose; a first grasping means configured to grasp the hose at a predetermined distance from a proximal end of the hose, and to insert the proximal end of the hose onto the outer surface of the mandrel; a first actuating means for inducing the first grasping means to grasp the hose at the predetermined distance from the proximal end of the hose, and to insert the proximal end of the hose onto the outer surface of the mandrel; a second grasping means configured to grasp and hold the proximal end of the hose on the mandrel during installation of the anti-siphon device in the hose; a second activating means for inducing the second grasping means to grasp the proximal end of the hose on the mandrel, and hold the hose thereon during installation of the anti-siphon device into the hose;

Abstract: A tool for removing valve springs and seals from an engine's intake and exhaust valves includes a bracket having apertures spaced therealong and for receiving fastening members therethrough. The tool further includes a plurality of support pedestals provided with channels extending therethrough and for receiving the fastening members respectively so that the bracket is maintained at a substantially stable position. The tool also includes a mechanism for simultaneously compressing a valve head keeper and releasing associated locks so that a user can remove the valve springs and valve seals from the valve head. The compressing mechanism cooperates with the pedestals and the bracket and is rotatable about a fulcrum axis traversing the pedestals wherein the fulcrum axis extends along a horizontal plane subjacent the bracket.

Abstract: An engine valve lifter lifting tool for lifting valves to clear a camshaft such that the camshaft is replaceable without having to remove the intake manifold includes a plate having a plurality of rods each snugly inserted through a respective alignment tube to permit selective positioning of each rod within the respective alignment tube. Each rod includes a magnet to engage one of the valve lifters to hold the lifter clear of the camshaft. A respective plunger assembly is attached to each rod to detach the lifter from the magnet.

Abstract: A system for performing rapid charging and evacuation of systems that contain a fluid, such as cooling systems on refrigeration products. In addition, the invention relates to methods of accomplishing rapid charging and evacuation, as well as to tools that form part of the system and that are used to accomplish the methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of an automotive vehicle wheel includes rims being supplied in series by a conveyor to a gauging station where the type and/or size of the rim and the location and alignment of an aperture for receiving the valve stem is determined by a machine vision system. An electronic control system directs a robotic manipulator to grasp either the valve stem or the rim, move the valve stem or the rim to a mounting station, position the valve stem or the rim with respect to the other such that the aperture in the rim is in coaxial alignment with the valve stem, and insert the valve stem through the aperture in the rim. If necessary, a power-actuated nut runner, mounted on the robotic manipulator or adjacent the mounting station, is used to tighten a nut over the valve stem.

Abstract: Described herein is a catch pan constructed for use in extracting damaged lifters when inserted into the camshaft receiving bore of an overhead valve engine after the camshaft has been removed. The catch pan is a narrow, elongate body defining an open reservoir therein adapted to unobstructedly receive a downwardly falling lifter. The body has an open inserting end, an opposite withdrawing end, a length at least as long as the length of the camshaft receiving bore and an outer diameter no greater than the diameter of the camshaft receiving bore. The body has a lower section, and right and left side sections extending from the lower section to upper right and left edges defining therebetween an upper opening providing access into the reservoir.

Abstract: An insertion tool for attaching a corporation stop onto a tapping saddle uses a body member that has a top with an opening therein, an open bottom, a first side, a second side, a third side opposite the first side, and a fourth side opposite the second side. A generally rectangular-shaped first notch is located on the first side of the body member while a generally U-shaped second notch is located on the third side. A corporation stop having a shank, a valve handle and a valve packing is provided such that the shank of the corporation stop is received within the body member, the valve handle is received within the first notch, and the valve packing is received within the second notch. An extension of a socket wrench is received within the opening and the socket wrench is used to turn the body member and thus the corporation stop.

Abstract: The invention is an improved conduit flow controller for selectively controlling the flow of fluid through an elongated conduit. The conduit has an aperture defined by a continuous peripheral edge in the sidewall of the conduit. An elongated housing surrounds the aperture and is sealingly connected to the conduit. A conduit stopper is movably mounted in the housing and is positionable in the conduit. The conduit stopper includes a deformable sealing element having opposed flat sides and an edge engageable with the conduit. A carrier is sealingly connected with the sealing element. A resilient seal is mounted on a carrier and is engageable with the continuous edge. The sealing element is cooperative with the seal to close a portion of the conduit to regulate the flow of fluid along the elongated conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cotter-mounting apparatus that, by engaging a pair of cotters with engagement grooves provided on the outer circumferential surface of an axial member, mounts the pair of cotters that fix a retainer for holding a spring to exert a pressing force to the axial member in a compressed state, wherein the cotter-mounting apparatus includes a retainer holding mechanism that holds a retainer having a pair of cotters incorporated, and is driven to be relatively elevated and lowered on the upper side in the axial line direction of the axial member; a cotter separating mechanism for separating the pair of cotters from each other over the outer diameter of the axial member roughly in the horizontal direction while pushing up the pair of cotters from downward and for holding the pair of cotters; and a cotter pressing mechanism for pressing the pair of cotters separated by the cotter separating mechanism from the outside roughly in the horizontal direction and causing the cotters to be en

Abstract: Apparatus for removing valve seals from a cylinder head of an engine. More particularly, valve seal removal apparatus having a lever and at least a pair of gripping members for frictionally gripping a portion of a valve seal.

Abstract: A valve inspection chamber includes a housing having a vertical inspection and valve retrieval opening. A valve cassette is provided which includes a frame and a valve member movable relative to the frame between an open position and a closed position. A valve cassette receptacle is positioned in the housing. The valve cassette is inserted and retrieved through the vertical inspection and valve retrieval opening of the housing using a retrieval tool.

Abstract: A temporary ball valve support structure is utilized to apply pressure to the ball in a ball valve so that a seal is maintained between the ball and the upstream seal member in the ball valve to prevent fluid from leaking from the valve while the valve is being serviced. The temporary ball valve support allows a downstream seal member and the ball valve retainer housing assembly to be removed. This allows the outer seal and retainer to be replaced and/or serviced without allowing fluid to escape from the tank or pipe. First and second ball support members are alternately used to force the ball member against the upstream seal member.

Abstract: A dismantling device is provided for dismantling a fuel injector from a mounting bore in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. The dismantling device has a jacket body, which at least partially surrounds the fuel injector, and has an engagement section, which engages with the fuel injector via of a contact face projecting radially inward. The engagement section of the jacket body surrounds the fuel injector only over a maximum angle range of 180° between two free ends. The contact face tapers in the direction of free ends of the engagement section.

Abstract: A valve press tool (10) includes a C-shaped frame (12) having an adjustable platen (28) and an over-center lever device (48) at opposite ends (20, 22) of the C-frame. Attached to the over-center device is a pressure plate (40) to which is attached three legs (42) having non-skid ends (44). The pressure plate and legs are located directly opposite each other so that valve components (70) to be serviced may be placed into compression for disassembly. The platen is adjustable by means of an attached threaded rod (26) that threads into a threaded receiver (24) on one end of the C-frame. This adjustability allows the press tool to be used on various valves having different dimensions and heights.

Abstract: A method of installing a valve seal at the base of a valve stem of an automotive internal combustion engine is disclosed. A two-piece tool consisting of first and second tool parts is employed for carrying out the method. The first tool part is used to push upon the valve seal while the second tool part is engaged over the free end of the valve stem and guides the movement of the first tool part as it pushes upon the valve seal. The method employs a coaxial assembly to keep square the pushing upon the valve seal by the first tool part consisting both of the slidable engagement between the two tool parts and of the fixed engagement between the second tool part and the valve stem.

Abstract: An irrigation valve comprises a valve housing made from a valve body joined to a valve bonnet by a plurality of attachment screws. The valve body and valve bonnet have an alignment rib received in an alignment notch when the body and bonnet are joined together such that the holes that receive the attachment screws are automatically aligned with one another. The attachment screws have a smooth portion adjacent a threaded portion such that the smooth portion when visible signals to the user that the attachment screws are clear of the valve body but are still captured in the valve bonnet. The valve includes a solenoid that may be remotely actuated to open the valve. An L-shaped actuator arm is also operatively connected to the solenoid for manually opening the valve with the upper portion of the actuator arm being closer to the user than in previous valves and thus easier to grip and turn.

Abstract: The converter for converting a mechanical joint to a socket fusion joint includes a body having an inner surface, a stop disposed on the inner surface, and a fusion surface extending from the stop for a distance d1. The converter also includes a marker disposed on the outer surface for providing a reference location as to where the body can be severed to keep d1≧FM, wherein FM is the minimum fusion surface length allowable for the fusion socket joint. A method for repairing a leaking mechanical joint is provided which includes severing the mechanical coupling from the converter and the pipe. The method also includes performing a facing operation on the converter end surface to form a faced end such that the fusion surface extends between the faced end and a stop for an axial distance d1≧FM.

Abstract: A tool and a method for replacing brake system components for automotive vehicles. The tool is designed to rotatably secure a worn or defective treadle valve side by side with a rotatably secured replacement treadle valve. The treadle valves can be rotated and locked into place to present corresponding faces to the user. The tool and method allows the user to measure the orientation or alignment of threaded fittings on the worn or defective treadle valve, remove them and then install them or their replacement fittings on the replacement treadle valve in the same general orientation or alignment as the fittings had on the worn or defective treadle valve. The tool and method ensures that when the replacement treadle valve is reinstalled on the vehicle, the threaded couplings on the ends of lengths of tubing will align with the fittings installed on the replacement treadle valve.

Abstract: A frost proof sill cock extraction tool for removing a broken sill cock. The frost proof sill cock extraction tool includes a bar. The bar is elongate and has a distal end and a proximal end. A peripheral wall extends between and is integrally coupled to the distal and proximal ends. The bar is generally hollow and has a hole extending through the distal and proximal ends. An outer surface of the peripheral wall positioned adjacent to the distal end is knurled. The bar has a break therein located generally adjacent to the distal end such that a first portion and a second portion of the bar is defined. The first portion abuts the distal end. The break extends from the peripheral wall to a point generally adjacent to the distal end in an angular relationship to a longitudinal axis of the bar. An inside surface of the first portion is threaded. A rod is elongate and has a first end and a second end. The rod has a threaded outer surface.

Abstract: A dismantling device is provided for dismantling a fuel injector from a mounting bore in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. The dismantling device has a jacket body, which at least partially surrounds the fuel injector, and has an engagement section, which engages with the fuel injector via of a contact face projecting radially inward. The engagement section of the jacket body surrounds the fuel injector only over a maximum angle range of 180° between two free ends. The contact face tapers in the direction of free ends of the engagement section.

Abstract: A grasping tool for removing and reinstalling a valve from within a valve guide in an internal combustion engine. The grasping tool includes a securing loop of cable extending from a grasping head. The length of the securing loop can be adjusted such that the valve is entrapped between the securing loop and the grasping head. Specifically, the length of cable that forms the securing loop is fixed at one end relative to the grasping head and includes a locking member attached to a second end to fix the length of the cable between the first end and the locking member. The grasping tool includes a handle movably mounted to an elongated shaft through which the cable passes. The handle is rotatable relative to the elongated shaft to adjust the length of the cable that forms the securing loop.

Abstract: Valve clearance adjusting shims in an internal combustion engine having an overhead cam, are removed and replaced by compressing a valve spring through a cam follower forcibly held against the spring pressure by a valve clearance tool. A method for relieving pressure against the valve spring and for replacing the valve clearance adjusting shims is described.

Abstract: A service tool for dislodging circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending fingers of a flangeless retainer of a valve stem seal from a valve guide of an internal combustion engine, the guide of the type having circumferential detents for retaining radially inwardly turned ends of the fingers. The tool includes an exterior shell formed of two symmetrical halves divided along a longitudinal axis. The shell is coupled to a cylindrical puller element that is encased within and axially movable in the shell; the puller element also comprises symmetrical halves longitudinally divided along same axis. The puller element halves are hinged, and each of the puller halves contain gear teeth for reacting with separate worm gears contained in shell halves and attached to levers. Manual movement of the levers causes cams in radially inwardly turned arms at opposite end of the puller to dislodge the fingers of the seal retainer.

Abstract: A dismantling device is provided for dismantling a fuel injector from a mounting bore in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. The dismantling device has a jacket body which at least partially surrounds the fuel injector, an engagement section, which engages with the fuel injector, via a contact face projecting radially inward. The engagement section of the jacket body surrounds the fuel injector over a maximum angle range of 180° between two free ends. The contact face tapers in the direction of free ends of the engagement section.

Abstract: A valve adjusting and injector preload tool is provided for an internal combustion engine having a valve opening member with a male threaded member operatively and adjustably contacting the valve. The tool includes a first member engagable with the threaded member for rotating the threaded member towards or away from the valve. There is a knob for rotating the first member in a first rotational direction so the male threaded member moves towards the valve and for rotating the first member in a second rotational direction so the male threaded member moves away from the valve. There is a clutch for stopping movement of the first member, as the male threaded member moves towards the valve, when the male threaded member operatively contacts the valve and takes up play between the valve opening member and the valve.

Abstract: A tool for mounting of disk valves in motor cylinder heads includes a shaft and a spring-loaded tap that may be pressed into the shaft, and two vaulted clamping arms placed on opposite sides of the shaft, with the purpose of holding two locking bodies in connection with the occasion when these bodies are to be transferred to the rod of the valve. On the individual clamping arm there are protrusions that protrude relative to an axially straight inside on the clamping arm and serve as carriers for the individual locking body. Each protrusion has support surfaces that are obliquely positioned relative to the clamping arm in order to hold a convexly vaulted outside on the locking body placed against the concave inside of the clamping arm, when the locking body is dislocated from the tap to grooves in the valve rod, thereby distancing the front edge of the locking body from the external envelope surface of the valve rod.

Abstract: A tool for removal of an automotive engine valve from a cylinder head, the valve including a valve stem, valve spring, and keepers locking the spring in engagement with the valve stem. The tool compresses the valve spring to remove the keepers from the valve stem to thereby permit removal of said valve. The tool includes a working head and a shaft/handle extending up from it. The working head includes axially aligned bottom and top members separated by spacer posts. The bottom member includes an annular ring with a center aperture and an upstanding cylindrical sidewall, and magnets on the annular ring within the sidewall. The shaft/handle are connected to the top member and extend upward from the working head in axial alignment with it. Axial movement of the working head along the valve stem and against the valve spring compresses the spring to release the keepers from the valve stem for attachment to the magnets.

Abstract: A tool for a pressurized refrigeration system having a valve with a removable valve core comprises: a valve assembly having a first opening and a second opening and a shut-off valve, the shut-off valve adapted to close and open a passageway between the first opening and the second opening; a valve adapter coupled to the first opening, wherein the valve adapter is adapted to couple to the valve; and, a shaft assembly coupled to the second opening, the shaft assembly having a shaft adapted to move through the passageway, when the shut-off valve is open, and engage the removable valve core. The removable valve core can be removed, while under pressure, from the valve, by rotating the shaft to extract the removable valve core in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a valve member from a pump. The apparatus comprises a puller stem containing external threads and a bushing having an inner surface, and wherein the puller stem is disposed through the bushing. Also included is a first halve nut containing first internal threads, and a second halve nut also containing internal threads. The first end of the bushing will abut both the first halve nut and the second halve nut. The apparatus further includes a sleeve having an outer portion and an inner portion, and wherein the inner portion has the threaded stem therethrough. The sleeve will engage the first halve nut and the second halve nut. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a first lip attached to the first halve nut and a second lip attached to the second halve nut. The sleeve contains a collar that is concentrically disposed about the sleeve, the collar having an overlapping leg that forms a chamber, and wherein the first and second lip are disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A hand tool that greatly expedites the installation of the valve locks that secure a valve spring retainer to the free end of a valve stem. The valve locks include an inwardly extending ridge that engages a circumferential groove that extends around an end portion of the valve stem. The valve lock is retained in this position by a tapered central bore of the valve spring retainer that produces an inward clamping force on the valve lock. The tool includes a plunger having a diameter equal to the diameter of the valve stem. The user positions the valve locks on the protruding cylindrical surface of the plunger, where they are held by magnetic attraction. The user pushes the end of the tool against the valve spring retainer, thereby compressing the valve spring so that the valve stem pushes the plunger into a close-fitting loader end cap until the valve locks are transferred to the valve stem and into engagement with the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A rotary valve includes a housing having a housing bore which can be laterally closed by bearing covers. Inside the housing, a cellular wheel is rotatably supported. A guiding device extends in an axial direction of the cellular wheel and serves for drawing the cellular wheel in the direction of its axis of rotation out of the housing bore. This guiding device includes an additional bearing which can be displaceable in the axial direction relative to that bearing cover which is on the guiding side. The additional bearing serves to support the cellular wheel temporarily during removal from the housing bore. This additional bearing can be connected to that end of a cellular wheel shaft which is situated at the side of the guiding device.