Abstract: A spike puller for pulling a railroad spike of a track includes a housing, a linear displacement unit mounted at the housing, and a claw unit for gripping the railroad spike. The claw unit is displaceable in a linear manner relative to the housing in a displacement direction by using the linear displacement unit. The linear displacement unit includes a hollow tube which is guided in the housing. A method for pulling a railroad spike of a track is also provided.

Abstract: Method for replacing a chemical injection valve connected to a well head via an injection line housing, where an end of an injection line is provided within the injection line housing, includes: connecting an injection line plugging tool to the chemical injection valve; providing threads in the end of the injection line by means of the injection line plugging tool; connecting an injection line plug to the threads of the injection line by the injection line plugging tool; disconnecting the chemical injection valve from the injection line housing; connecting a further chemical injection valve to the injection line housing; connecting the injection line plugging tool to the further chemical injection valve; removing the injection line plug from the end of the injection line by the injection line plugging tool; disconnecting the injection line plugging tool from the further chemical injection valve.

Abstract: A system for retrieving a failed inner check valve that is part of an injection fitting includes a hollow isolation valve assembly that includes a first section and a second section that is detachable from the first section. The first section includes a first valve and the second section including a relief valve. The first valve moves between a closed position in which the first section is completely occluded and an open position and can be in the form of a ball valve. The system also includes an extraction tool that is configured to be coupled to and advanced along the isolation valve assembly. An elongated inner key is configured to be received into and pass through the hollow isolation valve assembly. A distal end of the inner key is configured to engage and unscrew the failed internal check valve for removal thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gate valve assembly (20) for use in a subsea workover system comprising: —a valve block (22) having a flow path (21c); —valve seats (33, 34) located within the valve block (22) around a periphery of the flow path (21c), —a gate valve member (40) which is moveable across the flow path (21c) between a first position in which the flow path (21c) is open and a second position in which the flow path (21c) is closed; —said gate valve member (40) comprising a first portion (31) surrounding an opening (32) adapted to mate with the flow path (21c) when the gate valve member (40) is in the first position, said first portion (31) is provided with a cutting member (30) arranged on the periphery of the first portion (31) towards the opening (32).

Abstract: An installation tool for installing an insert into a bore having a bore material, the insert having a fluid component disposed within a housing, the installation tool including: an outer tool member and an inner tool member, the inner tool member being concentric with, smaller in diameter than, and slidingly engaged within the outer tool member, the inner tool member being configured to axially drive the insert into the bore; wherein an upper end of the outer tool member forms and defines a blind cavity between the inner tool member at one end of the blind cavity and a cavity end wall at an opposing end of the blind cavity; wherein a resilient biasing member is disposed within the blind cavity, the resilient biasing member being configured to provide an axial load on the inner tool member.

Abstract: A plug tool is presented to selectively plug a back pressure valve (BPV) in a tubing hanger associated with a wellhead of a well. The plug tool and the BPV can seal bottom hole pressure from the well during removal of the Christmas tree, and can retain control of the well while the Christmas tree is removed. The plug tool and the BPV allow a blowout preventer (BOP) to nipple-up and be tested without removing the BPV and without replacing the BPV with a two-way check valve. The plug tool has lower threads to engage internal threads of the BPV, and upper threads to be engaged by a retrieval tool. The plug tool has a seal to seal with the BPV above the internal threads and below a notch.

Abstract: Cassette integrated catalyst for flue gas cleaning comprises one or more depressions in the cassette wall or several of the walls to provide increased structural strength of the cassette and an improved fix of the catalyst monolith or monoliths comprised within the cassette.

Abstract: A tray bender allows a user to easily and efficiently bend a tubing tray or similar item. The tray bender includes a shaft and a tray-bending head. The shaft is an elongated, tubular structure which acts as a gripping element of the tray bender. The tray-bending head is a specifically designed structure which is used to engage the tray bender with a tubing tray or similar item. The user can apply an input force onto the end of the shaft opposite to the tray-bending head in order to provide a torque force to bend a tubing tray or similar. The tray-bending head is designed with prong-like structures with a gap space in between each prong-like structure to receive a tubing tray or similar item.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multilayer structure, includes obtaining a substrate film for accommodating electronics, providing, preferably at least in part by printed electronics technology, a number of conductive traces, and optionally electronic components, at least on a first side of the substrate film to establish a predetermined circuit design, providing a connector element to said substrate film to electrically connect to the circuit, wherein the substrate film is arranged with at least one hole, preferably through hole, substantially matching the location of the connector element so that a number of electrically conductive contact members of the connector element are accessible from a second, opposite side of the substrate film via said at least one hole, and molding thermoplastic material on said first side of the substrate film and said connector element to substantially cover the established circuit and the side of the connector element facing the material.

Abstract: A pipeline control unit that joins pipeline conduits and has a housing with an interior compartment for receiving a gate. A valve servicing assembly or pressure plates can be installed onto the housing to form a fluid tight structure to allow removal and replacement of a retained gate without depressurizing a pipeline system. Strongbacks attached to the housing can compress lateral walls of the housing to secure a gate in the interior compartment, and removal of such compression allows removal of the gate while the pipeline is pressurized.

Abstract: A wellhead is provided. In one embodiment, the wellhead includes a plug for sealing a side passage of the wellhead. The plug may include an outer member, an inner member extending through the outer member and coupled to the outer member with at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the outer member, and a moveable seal disposed around the outer member. In some embodiments, the moveable seal is configured to seal against the side passage in response to being moved on the outer member by the inner member.

Abstract: An applier for ligation clip is provided. The applier includes: an outer tube having mounting bosses; a pair of jaws pivotally connected to the mounting bosses, the jaws having actuating projections; a feed tube located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the feed tube having actuating slots in which the actuating projections are located; a clip lock arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube; and a clip advance arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the clip advance arm having flexible pinchers at one end of the clip advance arm. A method of applying a ligation clip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A guide pin assembly for a CVT variator includes a retainer and a guide pin coupled to the retainer. The retainer provides at least three functions for the guide pin: pilot, orientation and retention. The guide pin provides lateral and axial constraints to a chain guide through which a chain extends.

Abstract: Disclosed is an acetabular positioning and insertion instrument. Additionally, a method of positioning an acetabular prosthesis with an insertion instrument is disclosed. The positioning instrument can include engaging members to contact an acetabular prosthesis and holding it relative to a portion of the instrument for both rotational and positioning of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A pressure relief tool including a stem connected to a plunger assembly, a plunger rod slidably retained in the plunger assembly and the stem, a stem connector for connecting the stem to a test cell vent opening, a handle operably connected to the plunger rod, and a vent tube extending from said plunger assembly, the vent tube fluidly connected to an annular opening within the stem. A method of opening a blockage and venting pressure from a high temperature high pressure test cell includes attaching a pressure relief tool of the present invention to the test cell vent opening; advancing the plunger rod through the vent opening, puncturing the blockage in the test cell to allow fluid flow to the vent opening, and allowing fluid to exit the test cell through the annular opening in the stem and the vent tube.

Abstract: A bushing removal device for removing a pilot bushing from a crankshaft cavity includes a casing defining a threaded bore extending into the casing. A grease fitting is coupled to an outer wall of the casing and configured to receive an infusion of grease. The casing includes a grease channel in communication with the grease fitting and with a grease channel outlet situated at the threaded bore. A nozzle includes opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end having a threaded configuration received into the casing threaded bore. The nozzle includes a grease conduit having a grease conduit inlet at the proximal end that is in communication with the casing grease channel when the nozzle is coupled to the casing and having a grease conduit outlet at the distal end of the nozzle. The casing and nozzle also include air channels and valve for exhausting air from the crankshaft cavity.

Abstract: A tool for gaining leverage and facilitating the removal of a motor vehicle's ball joints during service. The tool comprises a bar with a gusset that provides for an attachable/detachable tool head that may be rotated 180 degrees, set to a left or right hook, and or moved in placement from front to back of the bars end. Additionally the present invention has a chain hookup set for gaining better access to the ball joints and a removable foam cover to provide for a more comfortable use while straddling the bar.

Abstract: An engine component incorporates an installation feature for minimizing probability of misassembly of the component to or within an engine structure. For example, a ventless thermostatic valve may be made distinguishable from a vented, but otherwise identical, thermostatic valve, via the provision of tabs extending upwardly from the top of the ventless thermostatic valve. The tabs may be received into a corresponding tab-receiving groove of an associated engine part. As such, the tabs of the ventless component may offer a tactically sensitive distinguishing feature to signal that something may be amiss during an engine installation. The corresponding tab-receiving groove may be a widened aperture within a radiator elbow sleeve into which an upper portion of the ventless thermostatic valve may be mated and secured between an elbow sleeve flange and a cylinder head. Finally, a method of using the installation feature to reduce opportunities for misassembly error is disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly tool includes a frame coupled to a gun body, and a push rod configured to traverse through the frame and the gun body, the gun body having a fixed handle and a trigger for causing distal movement of the push rod as the trigger moves towards the fixed handle. The tool further includes a pressure rod coupled to or forming a portion of the push rod, the pressure rod being arranged and constructed to apply pressure to a tip of a fuel injector to compress springs within the fuel injector and maintain internal alignment of fuel injector components. In one arrangement, the tool includes a pressure rod adaptor nut coupling the push rod to the pressure rod. A method of re-assembly of a fuel injector using the fuel injector assembly tool is disclosed. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for optimizing a valve orifice shape. According to one representative embodiment, a method includes determining a specified relationship between a valve position and an output characteristic, and determining an orifice profile. The method also includes determining a relationship of an orifice area to the output characteristic. Further, the method includes shaping an orifice in a valve based on the orifice profile and the specified relationship between the valve position and the output characteristic. According to the method, the valve should approximately exhibit the specified relationship.

Abstract: A tool for attaching valve keys to a valve stem includes an elongated holder with a longitudinal axis, an inner hollow space and an end opening. An elongated core is arranged in the hollow space of the holder coaxially to the longitudinal axis. An elongated recess for receiving a substantial upper portion of the valve stem is provided in the end region of the core coaxially to the longitudinal axis. The recess of the core issues into the end opening and has a depth which is greater than or at least equal to the axial distance between the end and the annular groove of the valve stem. The core at least partially covers the annular groove, such that the valve keys can be supplied to the lateral surface of a valve stem underneath the annular groove and incorrect engagement can be avoided.

Abstract: An alignment mechanism is used for assembly of a diffuser inside a pressure reducing and conditioning valve, said valve having a body, an inlet port, an outlet port, a pressure reducing section between the ports, and a diffuser in an internal cavity of the pressure reducing section. The alignment mechanism comprises at least one alignment assembly having an alignment port disposed in the valve body in the pressure reducing section. The port has a passageway passing through an outer wall of the valve, and has a removable closure member adapted to close one end of the passageway. A removable alignment rod is adapted to be inserted through the passageway in the alignment port to contact an outer surface of the diffuser when the diffuser is inserted into the internal cavity of the pressure reducing section of the valve. A method of use of the alignment assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning and piston replacement kit for an accumulator of a vehicle transmission which includes a brush for cleaning, reconditioning and polishing worn accumulator bores and replacement pistons each of which includes a pair of sealing rings for supporting and spacing the replacement pistons from the accumulator bores to thereby prevent scrapping of the walls of the bores by movement of the pistons within the bores and a method of reconditioning the accumulator bore.

Abstract: A pistol grip spring compressor system including a spring lock unit, an actuator assembly, and an anvil module such that the spring lock unit secures a valve spring coil of a valve spring unit from an internal combustion engine in a fixed position relative to a frame element to permit an anvil, provided by the anvil module and positioned against a valve spring retainer of the valve spring unit, to maintain compression on the valve spring while the valve spring unit is separated from an automobile internal engine combustion block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated valve spring assembly includes a head assembly with elongated passageways that movably support a pair of retainer keys. A pair of control members selectively close off the passageways. The head assembly further includes a moveable divider plate and a pair of jaws. A push member or rod closes off the passageways by shifting the control members upon movement of the pushrod. The pushrod also slides the retainer keys such that the retainer keys contact tapered inner surfaces of the jaws and rotate the jaws outwardly. The retainer keys are thereby axially positioned relative to the end of a valve stem. The retainer plate is then retracted, and the jaws shift inwardly and push or position the retainer keys on the valve stem.

Abstract: A disclosed refrigerator installing structure that enables a refrigerator including a cylinder and a displacer to be installed in a vacuum vessel in which an object to be cooled is accommodated, the displacer being removed from the cylinder during maintenance, the cylinder being movable inside a sleeve between a position at which the cylinder thermally contacts the sleeve and another position at which the cylinder does not thermally contact the sleeve includes a discharge mechanism configured to discharge a gas inside a space formed between the sleeve and the cylinder if a pressure inside the space becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a holding unit configured to hold a fuel injector for disassembly, a removal unit and an actuating unit. The removal unit comprises a first removal tool for removing a circlip and ferrule ring from the fuel injector, a second removal tool for removing a cone nut from the fuel injector, and a third removal tool for removing a screw from the fuel injector. The actuating unit comprises a first actuator configured to operate the holding unit, a second actuator configured to move the removal unit, and a third actuator configured to operate the third removal tool.

Abstract: A method for repairing damaged valve stem assemblies includes enlarging a bore within a body of a valve stem to form an enlarged bore portion and creating a conical hole in an end of the valve stem body around the enlarged bore portion. Internal threads are created within the enlarged bore portion, and a valve stem repair extension is installed in the enlarged bore portion. The valve stem repair extension has a beveled surface that mates with the conical hole to form a hermetic seal between the valve stem body and the valve stem repair extension. The steps of enlarging the bore and creating the conical hole may both be performed using a countersinking drill bit having a beveled cutting portion.

Abstract: A method of molding a valve lifter guide includes determining a flow path of injected material in the mold cavity by including a thin walled section in the formed guide. A leading edge of the material flow path forms a dam when crossing a thin walled section in the mold cavity to change a direction of a portion of the leading edge of the material flow path, until the leading edge meets a trailing edge of the material. The valve lifter guide includes a front wall, rear wall, a first radiused end wall, a second radiused end wall, and a bottom surface having an elongated socket. A tab extending from the valve guide support member has a first projection. The valve guide support member is disposed between the engine block and a cylinder head and the first projection is received in an opening of the engine block.

Abstract: The thermostat installing structure is provided, according to which a thermostat can be installed stably in the circulation path of cooling medium, and the circulation path of cooling medium can be also fastened to the body of an internal combustion engine without causing any damage to the function of the thermostat. The thermostat (5) comprises a frame (12) formed integrally with an annular supporting substrate (6) having the inner circumferential edge portion serving as a valve seat (6a) and regulating a projecting head portion (7a) of an extendable rod (7), whereby the thermostat is installed between the circulation path of cooling medium and the cooling medium channel of the internal combustion engine in a manner that the circulation path of cooling medium and the internal combustion engine body are integrally fastened by fixing the thermostat at a predetermined position in the circulation path of cooling medium with the fixing means and thereafter fitting a gasket.

Abstract: A fast-action direct-fluid (gas or liquid) actuated valve assembly including a valve housing having an internal fluid port defined by a larger chamber and a smaller chamber, separated by a shoulder, a valve body seated in the valve housing and defined by a plurality of ports evenly spaced circumferentially around its circumference adjacent to an endplate seatable in the housing, a plurality of supporting wall sections (mullions) between the ports, and a plurality of internal vanes 9 each running along a corresponding mullion providing reinforcement thereof. The vanes 9 are inclined and/or curved, and defined by rounded faces to promote a smooth circular internal fluid flow. A valve cap formed with an annular collar is affixed to the valve body, and the valve body 2 and cap/collar 7 are slidably carried in the valve housing 1 between an open position and a closed position. A toolset is also disclosed for easily installing and removing the valve assembly.

Abstract: A retaining clip fits on the exhaust rocker arms of a large diesel engine to hold the exhaust brake power pistons in place while performing service on the engine. The retaining clips are easily installed and removed from the rocker arm and prevent the loss or damage of the power piston due to the piston accidentally falling out of the rocker arms during service to the engine.

Abstract: An alignment mechanism is used for assembly of a diffuser inside a pressure reducing and conditioning valve, said valve having a body, an inlet port, an outlet port, a pressure reducing section between the ports, and a diffuser in an internal cavity of the pressure reducing section. The alignment mechanism comprises at least one alignment assembly having an alignment port disposed in the valve body in the pressure reducing section. The port has a passageway passing through an outer wall of the valve, and has a removable closure member adapted to close one end of the passageway. A removable alignment rod is adapted to be inserted through the passageway in the to alignment port to contact an outer surface of the diffuser when the diffuser is inserted into the internal cavity of the pressure reducing section of the valve. A method of use of the alignment assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for applying pressure relief valves to packaging from a liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves passing over a series of rollers in tension onto a peeler bar. There is a valve applicator unit proximate the peeler bar with a punch shaft and an applicator shaft with an applicator vacuum head. The liner is moved by a retraction unit including clamping members that alternately maintain the liner stationary under tension and pull the liner under tension to advance the liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves. A supply reel for a roll of liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves has a pair of spaced apart plates and a pair of rings with a non-stick coating positioned between each of the plates and the roll of liner. The plates, rings and roll of liner are compressed together by an adjustable retainer.

Abstract: A puck retaining recess in a plunger of a solenoid valve is formed with a puck retaining lip that is fixed or unified with the plunger. The puck is then radially compressed to fit through a central opening of the retainer lip, and once the puck is pushed past the retainer lip, it is allowed to radially expand within the recess where the puck is retained between a bottom of the recess and the retainer lip. This eliminates many problems that previously occurred with separable retainer lips pressed into position to hold a puck after its insertion into a plunger recess.

Abstract: A tool for installing irrigation barb emitters into irrigation tubing including a cradle handle and a punch handle, the cradle handle and the punch handle being arranged in a parallel relation and connected intermediate their ends at a center point. A cradle which receives irrigation tubing is included. A punch pin allows a user to punch holes in irrigation tubing as desired with a spring loaded body which removes the punch pin when it has been driven into irrigation tubing. A barb holder allows a user to install emitter barbs into irrigation tubing as desired. A barb remover allows removal of barbs from irrigation tubing as desired.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to load a valve packing are described. An example apparatus to load a valve packing includes a load assembly having a biasing element disposed between a valve packing flange and a stop flange to provide a load to a seal assembly. The packing flange is adjustable relative to the stop flange to adjust the load to be applied to the seal. A first guide member coupled to the packing flange or the stop flange provides a first predetermined distance between the packing flange and the stop flange. The first guide member provides an indication of a first predetermined load to be provided by the load assembly when the packing flange and the stop flange are spaced at the first predetermined distance provided by the first guide member.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable finger lever (1) comprising an inner lever (2) comprising on one end (4), a support (5) for a gas exchange valve and on another end (6), a contact surface (7) for a head of a support element, said inner lever (2) comprising on the one end (4), pivotable outer arms (8) made separately from each other, which outer arms (8) comprise on their upper sides (10), contacting surfaces (11) for high lift cams, a coupling device (12) comprising a coupling slide (13) for simultaneously connecting the outer arms (8) to the inner lever (2) being seated in a section of the another end (6) in the inner lever (2), which coupling slide (13) is seated in an oblong hole (14) extending transversely through the inner lever (2) as also in longitudinal direction of the finger lever (2), the coupling slide (13) comprises two end portions (15) which protrude beyond the outer walls (9), and for effecting coupling, the coupling slide (13) can be displaced with the two end portions (15) partially under

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a prosthetic heart valve, including a procedure for tightly wrapping fabric around a heart valve support stent. The support stent typically includes alternating cusps and commissures that create a highly contoured undulating outflow edge. The system includes a mandrel for retaining tension without manual assistance in a tubular length of fabric wrapped over the support stent. The mandrel may include an inner clamping mechanism for holding the first end of the fabric tube, a pedestal tube on which the support stent rests and through which the fabric tube passes, and an outer clamping mechanism for holding the free end of the fabric tube. The inner and outer clamping mechanisms include discrete clamps spaced apart 120° from each other that pull the fabric only in the cusps of the support stent. The inner clamping mechanism, outer clamping mechanism, and pedestal are relatively axially movable.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an inward edge flange with an inserted sealing ring is arranged in the form of a valve seat at the free end of a constricted can neck on a can body. The inward edge flange holds the sealing ring without completely surrounding it, and the sealing ring is therefore accessible from the interior of the can lateral surface. After the crimping of a valve part, an inner stop is formed between the sealing ring and the connecting shell flange. Since the sealing ring is elastic, the connecting shell flange bears against the sealing ring without gaps along the entire circumference. The sealing ring also bears tightly against an inner contact surface of the inward edge flange of the can body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a high-pressure-tight connection between a pole core and a valve sleeve of a solenoid valve and to an associated valve cartridge for a solenoid valve. According to the invention, the pole core is placed in a two-part compression mold, which comprises a middle die and an outer die, in such a way that a joining gap is produced between an inner bore of the outer die and the placed-in pole core. Subsequently, the pole core is placed against the valve sleeve and the valve sleeve is inserted into the joining gap. Then, the middle die and the outer die are pressed simultaneously with the pole core such that the valve sleeve passes into the joining gap. When a pressed diameter of the pole core is reached, the valve sleeve expands and is shaped in the joining gap between a first shaping edge and a second shaping edge and is joined onto the pole core. The diameter of the inner bore tapers between the first shaping edge and the second shaping edge.

Abstract: Upper and lower support members (25, 26), supporting a valve (13), are lowered toward a valve guide (12) with at least the lower support member (25) vibrated by a vibrating device (19). When a lower-end chamfered surface (13g) of the valve has failed to be brought into contact with the opening edge (12c) of the guide through the lowering, not only the upper support member is caused to gradually move away from an umbrella section (13b) of the valve but also the position of supporting, by the lower support member, of a shaft section (13a) of the valve is displaced downward after the lower end of the shaft section of the valve contacts the upper end surface (12b) of the guide, so that vibrating movement of the lower end of the shaft section is reduced to allow the chamfered surface to contact the opening edge. Then, the valve is inserted into the guide by a pressing member (32).

Abstract: A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).

Abstract: The invention teaches using a generally cylindrical replacement tool and multifunction tool to replace a valve seat of a airless spray gun. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The thermostat installing structure is provided, according to which a thermostat can be installed stably in the circulation path of cooling medium, and the circulation path of cooling medium can be also fastened to the body of an internal combustion engine without causing any damage to the function of the thermostat. The thermostat (5) comprises a frame (12) formed integrally with an annular supporting substrate (6) having the inner circumferential edge portion serving as a valve seat (6a) and regulating a projecting head portion (7a) of an extendable rod (7), whereby the thermostat is installed between the circulation path of cooling medium and the cooling medium channel of the internal combustion engine in a manner that the circulation path of cooling medium and the internal combustion engine body are integrally fastened by fixing the thermostat at a predetermined position in the circulation path of cooling medium with the fixing means and thereafter fitting a gasket.

Abstract: An improved system and method for disassembling the valve body assembly of a motor vehicle transmission. Air automatically ejects the internal components of a valve body assembly sub-assembly, thereby eliminating the need for an operator to manually “beat” the sub-assembly to remove said internal components. The process of separating the upper and lower sub-assembly, and of pre-washing the sub-assembly, remain the same as in the prior art. As before, the operator manually removes the valve retainers and plugs in each sub-assembly. The operator then loads either sub-assembly onto tooling specifically designed for that sub-assembly (either upper or lower). Once started, the tooling begins an automated, pre-programmed sequence of (1) clamping the sub-assembly, (2) injecting air into specific valve ports to eject internal components causing them to be automatically ejected into parts bins specified for each valve port, and (3) releasing the sub-assembly that no longer contains any internal parts.

Abstract: A method of assembling a prosthetic valve using sheets of material, such as pericardium material, polymer or bioengineered film, or other material. The method provides an accurate and repeatable system of making pericardial valves in which sheets or pieces of material are held securely in place relative to each other throughout the steps of assembling the valve. In addition, methods of the present invention include maintaining consistent alignment of the fixtures and pericardium material throughout the valve assembly process and utilize features that make the tooling components easy to assemble and handle. Certain aspects of the invention can be used to help establish a repeatable sewing and cutting technique for creating a pattern shape for valve leaflets, establishing stitch lengths, and determining the exact placement of stitches.

Abstract: A system for applying pressure relief valves to packaging from a liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves passing over a series of rollers in tension onto a peeler bar. There is a valve applicator unit proximate the peeler bar with a punch shaft and an applicator shaft with an applicator vacuum head. The liner is moved by a retraction unit including clamping members that alternately maintain the liner stationary under tension and pull the liner under tension to advance the liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves. A supply reel for a roll of liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves has a pair of spaced apart plates and a pair of rings with a non-stick coating positioned between each of the plates and the roll of liner. The plates, rings and roll of liner are compressed together by an adjustable retainer.

Abstract: A retaining clip fits on the exhaust rocker arms of a large diesel engine to hold the exhaust brake power pistons in place while performing service on the engine. The retaining clips are easily installed and removed from the rocker arm and prevent the loss or damage of the power piston due to the piston accidentally falling out of the rocker arms during service to the engine.

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 spring by exerting pressure upon a valve head keeper and retainer, thereby releasing associated locks keepers 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.