Patent ID: 6668639
Filing Date: 2003-12-30
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
A method for providing a uniformly preset spring force pre-load among a number of plunger assemblies, wherein each plunger assembly comprises a plunger and a spring mated therewith, wherein the plunger includes a plunger body having a central bore and a rod partially received in the central bore, wherein a spring pocket is defined between a rod end located within the central bore and an abutment location spaced from the rod end, the spring being located in the spring pocket, and wherein the preset spring force pre-load is defined by compression of the spring between the rod end and the abutment location, said method comprising the steps of:providing a plunger by placing a predetermined portion of a rod within a central bore of a plunger body, wherein a rod end of the rod enters into the central bore from a forward end of the plunger body; selecting a particular spring for being uniquely mated with the plunger; placing the spring into an open end of the central bore, wherein the spring enters into the central bore from a rearward end of the plunger body so that a first end of the spring abuts the rod end; placing an abutment against a second end of the spring, wherein the abutment is located in substantially fixed relation to the rearward end of the plunger body; sliding the rod relative to the plunger body to thereby compress the spring between the rod end and the abutment until compression force of the spring equals a present spring force pre-load.