Patent Publication Number: US-2019195094-A1

Title: Wrench assembly for adjusting relative position between mechanical components in a mechanical system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/609,853, filed on Dec. 22, 2017, and entitled “WRENCH ASSEMBLY FOR ADJUSTING SPACES IN MECHANICAL SYSTEMS THAT USE ADJUSTER SCREW AND ADJUSTER NUT”. As far as permitted, the contents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/609,853 are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Modern internal combustion engines typically include a plurality of cylinders, with each cylinder being generally equipped with one or more valves that are cyclically opened and closed during normal operation to control the introduction of fuel to the cylinders and the exhaustion of the product of combustion from the cylinders. The valves may be opened by way of an actuator assembly that includes a driving member, such as a camshaft, and a rocker arm. In particular, the camshaft actuates a valve lifter which in turn actuates the valve usually through a push rod and the rocker arm acting on the valve stem. The rocker arm extends between a tip of the valve stem and an end of the push rod. Additionally, the rocker arm can be manufactured to have any suitable or desired rocker ratio. 
     Because of expansion of internal combustion engine parts from heat generated during engine operation, it is common to provide an amount of valve lash, i.e. clearance or spacing, between the tip of the valve stem and a tip of the rocker arm which it contacts. Without such valve lash, the expanded parts might be severely stressed and subjected to possible ultimate failure. Thus, the plurality of valves can require various adjustments, e.g., valve lash adjustments, over time to ensure better performance. However, proper valve lash adjustment can be a delicate balancing act between durability and maximum power. 
     In many engine arrangements, the rocker arm can include a combination of an adjuster screw and an adjuster nut to adjust the spacing between the push rod and the adjuster screw, which in turn determines the amount of valve lash between the tip of the valve and the tip of the rocker arm that opens the valve. Thus, in such arrangements, it is desirable to mechanically adjust the adjuster screw and the adjuster nut on each valve with a wrench assembly, known in the industry as a valve lash adjuster, to obtain more efficient fuel burning and appropriate pressure in the cylinders of the engine. 
     Conventional valve lash adjusters have been used for decades. Unfortunately, these conventional valve lash adjusters have not been altogether satisfactory. Thus, it is desired to provide an improved wrench assembly, i.e. a valve lash adjuster, for precisely and efficiently adjusting the valve lash within the cylinders of the engine. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed toward a wrench assembly for use in adjusting relative position between a first mechanical component and a second mechanical component in a mechanical system. In various embodiments, the wrench assembly includes a lash adjuster, a lash indicator, and a measurement scale. The lash adjuster includes an adjuster axis. Additionally, the lash adjuster is configured to selectively rotate about the adjuster axis to adjust the relative position between the first mechanical component and the second mechanical component. Further, a relative position between the lash indicator and the measurement scale provides a precise visual indication of the relative position between the first mechanical component and the second mechanical component. 
     In some embodiments, one of the lash indicator and the measurement scale is fixedly secured to the lash adjuster such that rotation of the lash adjuster about the adjuster axis provides a corresponding rotation of the one of the lash indicator and the measurement scale about the adjuster axis. In such embodiments, the other of the lash indicator and the measurement scale does not rotate about the adjuster axis correspondingly with the lash adjuster. For example, in one embodiment, the lash indicator is fixedly secured to the lash adjuster and rotates about the adjuster axis correspondingly with the rotation of the lash adjuster. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the measurement scale is fixedly secured to the lash adjuster and rotates about the adjuster axis correspondingly with the rotation of the lash adjuster. 
     In certain embodiments, the lash indicator points at the measurement scale to provide the visual indication of the relative position between the first mechanical component and the second mechanical component. Additionally, in one such embodiment, the measurement scale includes a plurality of measurement markers that are incrementally spaced apart from one another on a face of the measurement scale. 
     Additionally, in some applications, the mechanical system includes an adjuster screw. In such applications, the lash adjuster is configured to engage the adjuster screw and rotate the adjuster screw to adjust the relative position between the first mechanical component and the second mechanical component. Further, the adjuster screw can have a thread pitch. Additionally, the first mechanical component can be a rocker arm having a rocker ratio. In such embodiment, the measurement scale can be rotatable about the adjuster axis to calibrate the relationship between the lash indicator and the measurement scale based at least in part on the thread pitch of the adjuster screw and the rocker ratio of the rocker arm. In certain such embodiments, the wrench assembly can further include a torque wrench head and a base member that is fixed secured to the torque wrench head. In such embodiments, the base member is configured to center the lash adjuster for accurate engagement with the adjuster screw. Still further, in some such applications, the mechanical system further includes an adjuster nut that is selectively rotatable relative to the adjuster screw. In such applications, the wrench assembly further includes a socket that is selectively positionable about the adjuster nut, the socket including a socket axis, the socket being selectively rotatable about the socket axis to adjust the position of the adjuster nut relative to the adjuster screw to adjust a torque setting within the mechanical system. 
     Additionally, the present invention is also directed toward a method for using a wrench assembly for adjusting relative position between a first mechanical component and a second mechanical component in a mechanical system, the method including (i) selectively rotating a lash adjuster about an adjuster axis to adjust the relative position between the first mechanical component and the second mechanical component; (ii) providing a lash indicator; (iii) providing a measurement scale; and (iv) fixedly securing one of the lash indicator and the measurement scale to the lash adjuster such that rotation of the lash adjuster about the adjuster axis provides a corresponding rotation of the one of the lash indicator and the measurement scale about the adjuster axis; and wherein a relative position between the lash indicator and the measurement scale provides a precise visual indication of the relative position between the first mechanical component and the second mechanical component. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a partially exploded side view illustration of a portion of a mechanical system including a first mechanical component and a second mechanical component, and an embodiment of a wrench assembly having features of the present invention that is configured to adjust a relative position between the first mechanical component and the second mechanical component within the mechanical system; 
         FIG. 1B  is a partially exploded perspective view illustration of the wrench assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is an exploded perspective view illustration of the wrench assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustration of another embodiment of the wrench assembly; and 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating one representative example of a use of the wrench assembly. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the context of a wrench assembly for adjusting relative position, e.g., spacing, clearance or lash, between a first mechanical component and a second mechanical component in a mechanical system. More specifically, in some embodiments, the wrench assembly of the present invention includes a lash adjuster that is configured to more accurately and precisely adjust spaces in mechanical systems that use an adjuster screw, an adjuster nut and/or a rocker arm. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the present invention is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with application-related and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
       FIG. 1A  is a partially exploded side view illustration of a portion of a mechanical system  10  including a first mechanical component  11  and a second mechanical component  12 , and an embodiment of a wrench assembly  14  having features of the present invention that is configured to adjust relative position, i.e. the lash or spacing, between the first mechanical component  11  and the second mechanical component  12  within the mechanical system  10 . Additionally,  FIG. 1B  is a partially exploded perspective view illustration of the wrench assembly  14  illustrated in  FIG. 1A , which illustrates certain additional features and components of the wrench assembly  14 . Further,  FIG. 1C  is an exploded perspective view illustration of the wrench assembly  14  illustrated in  FIG. 1A , which also illustrates certain additional features and components of the wrench assembly  14 . 
     As provided herein, the wrench assembly  14  can be configured for use with any suitable type of mechanical system  10 . For example, in various non-exclusive embodiments, the wrench assembly  14  can be used with engines for automobiles or other machines, such as those used in high performance racing, motorcycles and/or other types of motorized vehicles. In such embodiments, the mechanical system  10  can include a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and the first mechanical component  11  can be a valve and the second mechanical component  12  can be a rocker arm with any suitable or desired rocker ratio. Additionally, in such embodiments, the wrench assembly  14  can be configured to adjust the relative position, i.e. the lash or spacing, between a tip of the valve and a tip of the rocker arm that opens the valve. Alternatively, the wrench assembly  14  can be used for numerous other purposes that require adjustment of multiple mechanical components of the mechanical system  10 . 
     In one non-exclusive embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the mechanical system  10  can include a stud-mounted rocker. Alternatively, in another non-exclusive embodiment, the mechanical system  10  can include a shaft-mounted rocker. Still alternatively, in other embodiments, the mechanical system  10  can include other components and/or have another suitable design. 
     Further, in various embodiments, as described in detail herein, the wrench assembly  14  is most appropriate for adjusting lash in mechanical systems  10  that use an adjuster screw  15 A and an adjuster nut  15 B. It is understood that the terms adjuster screw  15 A and adjuster nut  15 B can include any suitable form and/or combination that may be used in mechanical systems requiring adjustment, including screws, bolts, pins, nuts, etc. As referenced herein, the adjuster nut  15 B generally threads onto the adjuster screw  15 A. In other words, the adjuster screw  15 A rotates upon a thread pitch inside the adjuster nut  15 B. In certain embodiments, the adjuster screw  15 A is generally connected to a part and/or structure, e.g., to one of the mechanical components  11 ,  12 , of the mechanical system  10 , such that the adjuster nut  15 B and the adjuster screw  15 A combination can adjust the lash of the specific part and/or structure relative to another part and/or structure of the mechanical system  10 . For example, in an embodiment such as noted above, the mechanical system  10  may include the rocker arm  12 , wherein the rocker arm  12  includes the adjuster nut  15 B and adjuster screw  15 A combination to adjust the lash between a push rod  16  and the adjuster screw  15 A. The adjustment of the lash between the push rod  16  and the adjuster screw  15 A in turn determines the amount of lash between a tip of the valve  11  and a tip of the rocker arm  12  that opens the valve  11 . In various applications, the appropriate or desired spacing or lash between the first mechanical component  11  and the second mechanical component  12  can be precisely determined and controlled based at least in part on the thread pitch of the adjuster screw  15 A and the rocker ratio of the rocker arm  12 . 
       FIG. 1A  further illustrates the calculation or determination of the rocker ratio of the rocker arm  12 . In particular, a length of the push rod side of the rocker arm  12  from a first end  12 A of the rocker arm  12  to a pivot point  12 B of the rocker arm  12  is shown as “X” in  FIG. 1A . Additionally, a length of the valve side of the rocker arm  12  from a second end  12 C of the rocker arm  12  to the pivot point  12 B of the rocker arm  12  is shown as “Y” in  FIG. 1A . From these values, the rocker ratio is defined as the ratio of Y:X. In some embodiments, the rocker ratio of the rocker arm  12  can be between approximately 1.25:1 and 1.75:1. In other embodiments, the rocker ratio of the rocker arm  12  can be between approximately 1.4:1 and 1.6:1. Still alternatively, the rocker ratio of the rocker arm  12  can be another suitable value that is outside of the ranges specifically identified herein. 
     It is appreciated that although the valve and the rocker arm are identified herein as specific examples of the first mechanical component  11  and the second mechanical component  12 , respectively, such relationship is not intended to be limiting in any manner. For example, it is appreciated that any of the valve, the rocker arm, the push rod  16 , the adjuster screw  15 A and the adjuster nut  15 B can be referred to as the “first mechanical component” and/or the “second mechanical component”, as described herein. 
     As an overview, it is appreciated that in such applications, the relationship between the adjuster nut  15 B and the adjuster screw  15 A, including the thread pitch of the adjuster screw  15 A, at a specified torque setting, as well as the rocker ratio, ultimately determines the valve lash on the rocker arm  12 . As provided herein, with the present invention, the wrench assembly  14  is uniquely configured to precisely and accurately indicate the relative position between the first mechanical component  11 , e.g., the tip of the valve, and the second mechanical component  12 , e.g., the tip of the rocker arm, thus enabling the user to precisely adjust the relative positions of the mechanical components  11 ,  12 , e.g., the valve lash, without guessing. 
     The design of the wrench assembly  14  can be varied. In various embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the wrench assembly  14  can include a torque adjustment assembly  18  for selectively adjusting a desired torque specification (also sometimes referred to herein as a “torque setting”) within the mechanical system  10 , and a lash adjustment assembly  20  for selectively adjusting the relative position, or lash, between the mechanical components  11 ,  12  of the mechanical system  10 . It is appreciated that in many embodiments, the components used within and the functioning of the torque adjustment assembly  18  and the lash adjustment assembly  20  can overlap and/or be interrelated with one another. Additionally, it is appreciated that each of the torque adjustment assembly  18  and the lash adjustment assembly  20  can include more components or fewer components than those specifically illustrated and described herein. 
     It is further appreciated that lash adjustments do change depending on the amount of torque applied to the adjuster nut  15 B and adjuster screw  15 A combination. Thus, as provided herein, by torqueing the adjuster nut  15 B to the correct torque specification, e.g., with the torque adjustment assembly  18 , each time prior to checking and adjusting as necessary the valve lash, it is easier to precisely make the required adjustment to the valve lash, e.g., with the lash adjustment assembly  20 , the first time. Otherwise, the user would have to go back after any lash adjustments and torque the adjuster nut  15 B properly, and then re-check the lash adjustment. 
     In certain embodiments, as noted above, the wrench assembly  14 , via the torque adjustment assembly  18 , can be configured to be set to varying torque specifications, or torque settings. It is appreciated that the wrench assembly  14  can include any torque settings that the adjuster nut  15 B and adjuster screw  15 A combination may require. Additionally, it is further appreciated that the torque settings can be provided in any suitable units, such as foot-pounds, inch-pounds, newton-meters, or any other suitable units. 
     The design of the torque adjustment assembly  18  can be varied to provide the necessary and desired adjustments to the torque settings. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the torque adjustment assembly  18  can include a torque wrench body  22 , a torque wrench head  24 , and a socket  26  that is selectively coupled to the torque wrench head  24 . 
     As illustrated, the torque wrench head  24  is coupled to the torque wrench body  22 . In some embodiments, the torque adjustment assembly  18  can include a coupling assembly  28  (illustrated in  FIG. 1C ) for purposes of coupling the torque wrench head  24  to the torque wrench body  22 , such that movement of the torque wrench body  22  results in corresponding movement and control of the torque wrench head  24 . 
     Additionally, as shown, the socket  26  is selectively coupled to the torque wrench head  24 . In various embodiments, a socket receiver  30  (illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) can be utilized to selectively couple the socket  26  to the torque wrench head  24 , such that movement, e.g., rotation, of the torque wrench head  24  results in corresponding and/or related movement, e.g., rotation, of the socket  26 . 
     As provided herein, the torque adjustment assembly  18  can be used to adjust the position of the adjuster nut  15 B, e.g., relative to the adjuster screw  15 A. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the socket  26  can include a nut engager (not shown) that can be positioned to fit around and/or engage the adjuster nut  15 B. The nut engager can be four-, five-, six-, eight- or twelve-sided (as non-exclusive examples), in order to fit over and/or engage the adjuster nut  15 B to be adjusted. The socket  26  can then be rotated about a socket axis  26 X to adjust the position of the adjuster nut  15 B relative to the adjuster screw  15 A and/or relative to the rocker arm  12 , which position adjustment can vary depending upon the particular rocker ratio of the rocker arm  12 . For example, rotation of the socket  26  about the socket axis  26 X in a first direction can move the adjuster nut  15 B so as to tighten the adjuster nut  15 B down toward and/or against the rocker arm  12 . Additionally, rotation of the socket  26  about the socket axis  26 X in an opposite, second direction can move the adjuster nut  15 B away from the rocker arm  12  and, thus, loosens the adjuster nut  15 B relative to the rocker arm  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1B , as noted, the socket receiver  30  is utilized to selectively couple the socket  26  to the torque wrench head  24 . For example, in some embodiments, the socket  26  can include a wrench engager  32  that is opposite the nut engager, and the socket receiver  30  can be configured to selectively engage the wrench engager  32 . Stated in another manner, the socket receiver  30  is used to selectively receive and retain the socket  26  via engagement between the socket receiver  30  and the wrench engager  32 . In one embodiment, the socket  26  can be a standard socket having a four-sided wrench engager  32  that engages the socket receiver  30 . Alternatively, the socket  26  can have a wrench engager  32  that has greater than four sides or fewer than four sides for engagement with the socket receiver  30 . 
     The socket receiver  30  can be configured to have any suitable width dimensions, i.e. ¼ inch, ⅜ inch, ½ inch, etc., as non-exclusive examples, in order to effectively and selectively receive and retain the socket  26 , i.e. via engagement with the wrench engager  32 . However, it is recognized that the width dimensions of the socket receiver  30  can be larger or smaller than the foregoing examples. 
     Additionally, it is appreciated that the socket receiver  30  can be configured to engage sockets  26  of various different sizes. Stated in another manner, in various embodiments, the socket  26  is removable and can be replaced with a different sized socket  26  depending on the specific requirements of use of the wrench assembly  14 , i.e. depending on the specific dimensions of the components of the mechanical system  10 . In such embodiments, the socket receiver  30  of the torque adjustment assembly  18  and the wrench engager  32  of the socket  26  can be sized and shaped so as to allow a more universal type connection between the socket receiver  30  and sockets  26  of various different sizes. 
     In certain embodiments, the socket receiver  30  can include a bearing element, which can be used to exert a rotational force (torque) on the socket  26  in order to tighten or loosen the adjuster nut  15 B as desired. Additionally, the socket receiver  30  can be further configured to inhibit any unwanted movement of the socket  26  in a direction substantially along the socket axis  26 X. For example, in some embodiments, the socket receiver  30  includes a resilient material, such as a rubberized O-ring in one non-exclusive embodiment, which selectively retains the socket  26  and inhibits the socket  26  from becoming disengaged from the socket receiver  30 . Stated in another manner, with such design, the socket receiver  30  is configured to inhibit movement of the socket  26  in a direction along the socket axis  26 X (illustrated in  FIG. 1A ). The O-ring can alternatively be formed from another suitable material, such as plastic, acrylic, metal, silicon, other synthetic materials, etc. Alternatively, the socket receiver  30  can utilize another suitable mechanism for retaining the socket  26 . 
     In some embodiments, the socket receiver  30  is integrally formed with the torque wrench head  24 . Alternatively, the socket receiver  30  can be formed separately from the torque wrench head  24  and then subsequently be secured to the torque wrench head  24  by any suitable means. 
     Additionally, in certain embodiments, the socket receiver  30  can be fixed relative to the torque wrench head  24  such that the socket receiver  30  rotates in either direction with the rotation of the torque wrench head  24 . Alternatively, in other embodiments, the socket receiver  30  can include a ratchet mechanism, such that the socket receiver  30  can rotate relative to the torque wrench head  24  in a ratcheting manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1C , a non-exclusive example of the coupling assembly  28  is illustrated, which is configured to couple the torque wrench head  24  to the torque wrench body  22  so as to enable and control any desired torque adjustments. In this embodiment, the coupling assembly  28  can include one or more of a dowel pin  28 A, a click ball  28 B, a V-block  28 C, a tension spring  28 D and a spring seat  28 E that cooperate to enable the desired coupling between the torque wrench head  24  and the torque wrench body  22 . As shown, the dowel pin  28 A can be configured to fit within and/or extend through a body aperture  22 A in the torque wrench body  22  and a head aperture  24 A in the torque wrench head  24  for purposes of providing the desired physical coupling between the torque wrench head  24  and the torque wrench body  22 . Additionally, the other components of the coupling assembly  28 , i.e. the click ball  28 B, the V-block  28 C, the tension spring  28 D and the spring seat  28 E, enable the desired control of the torque adjustment assembly  18 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 1C  is a torque adjustment screw  34  that is configured for selectively adjusting and/or controlling the desired torque setting. 
     Alternatively, the coupling assembly  28  can have another suitable design. For example, in one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, the desired coupling, adjusting and controlling performed with the coupling assembly  28  can be achieved with an electronic load cell combined with mechanical attachments in order to produce the desired torque. 
     Referring again back to  FIG. 1A , the lash adjustment assembly  20  will now be described in greater detail. The design of the lash adjustment assembly  20  can be varied. In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the lash adjustment assembly  20  includes a lash adjuster  36  (also sometimes referred to as a “fastener”), a lash indicator  38  (also sometimes referred to as a “pointer”), a measurement scale  40  (also sometimes referred to as a “dial”), a base member  42 , and a retaining member  44 . Alternatively, the lash adjustment assembly  20  can include more components or fewer components than those listed herein. 
     As provided herein, in this embodiment, the lash adjuster  36  is configured to engage the adjuster screw  15 A to adjust the lash between the push rod  16  and the adjuster screw  15 A, which in turn, based at least in part on the rocker ratio, determines the lash between the tip of the valve  11  and the tip of the rocker arm  12  that opens the valve  11 . More specifically, the lash adjuster  36  includes an adjuster end  36 A that is positioned to engage a screw end (not shown) of the adjuster screw  15 A. Additionally, in this embodiment, the lash adjuster  36  is further positioned to extend through each of the lash indicator  38 , the measurement scale  40 , the base member  42  and the retaining member  44 . In particular, the lash adjuster  36  is positioned to extend through an indicator aperture  38 A (illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) of the lash indicator  38 , through a scale aperture  40 A (illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) of the measurement scale  40 , through a base aperture  42 A (illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) of the base member  42 , and through a retainer aperture  44 A (illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) of the retaining member  44 . Further, the lash adjuster  36  is further positioned to extend through a receiver aperture  24 B (illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) of the torque wrench head  24 , and through the wrench engager  32  (illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) of the socket  26 . 
     It is appreciated that the lash adjuster  36  need not only be configured to engage the adjuster screw  15 A, and the lash adjuster  36  can additionally or alternatively be configured to engage any other suitable part to be adjusted. 
     The lash adjuster  36  can have any suitable design for purposes of effectively engaging the screw end of the adjuster screw  15 A so as to rotate the adjuster screw  15 A. Stated in another manner, the size and shape of the lash adjuster  36  can be varied to accommodate various sizes and shapes of adjuster screws  15 A depending on the manufacturer and the application. For example, in one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the lash adjuster  36  can be a hex key that is configured to engage a substantially hexagon-shaped recess in the screw end of the adjuster screw  15 A. Alternatively, the lash adjuster  36  can have another suitable design. For example, in other non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the lash adjuster  36  can be a slotted screwdriver or screwdriver bit, and/or can have an “X” configuration, a star configuration, or any other suitable shape. 
     During use of the lash adjustment assembly  20 , the lash adjuster  36  is rotated about an adjuster axis  36 X to loosen, tighten or otherwise position the adjuster screw  15 A (or other suitable part) as necessary to achieve the desired lash and/or relative positioning of the part. As shown in  FIG. 1A , in certain embodiments, the adjuster axis  36 X can be substantially coaxial with the socket axis  26 X. 
     The lash indicator  38 , or pointer, can be utilized as a visual indicator of the direction and extent of rotation of the lash adjuster  36 , and thus the adjuster screw  15 A, in relationship to the measurement scale  40 . In this embodiment, the lash indicator  38  is fixedly secured to the lash adjuster  36  so as to rotate with the lash adjuster  36  about the adjuster axis  36 X. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the measurement scale  40  can include measurement markers  40 B (illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) that are positioned on a face  40 C (illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) of the measurement scale  40 . During rotation of the lash adjuster  36 , and thus the lash indicator  38 , the lash indicator  38  will point toward the measurement markers  40 B on the face  40 C of the measurement scale  40  to visually indicate the direction and rotation of the adjuster screw  15 A, and thus the precise adjustment of the lash, e.g., between the first mechanical component  11  and the second mechanical component  12 . Alternatively, in one embodiment, the lash adjustment assembly  20  can be designed without a separate lash indicator  38 , and the lash adjuster  36  can be integrally formed with the lash indicator to further serve the purpose of providing a visual indication of the direction and rotation of the adjuster screw  15 A, and thus the precise adjustment of the lash, e.g., between the first mechanical component  11  and the second mechanical component  12 . 
     As shown, the measurement markers  40 B can be incrementally positioned about the face  40 C of the measurement scale  40  to enable precise lash adjustment with the lash adjustment assembly  20 . In one embodiment, the measurement markers  40 B, or measurement increments, can include degrees. In such embodiment, the degreed measurement increments  40 B can cover a full three hundred sixty degrees around the face  40 C of the measurement scale  40 , or dial. In other embodiments, the face  40 C of the dial  40  can include degreed increments covering any portion of three hundred sixty degrees. In still other embodiments, the face  40 C of the dial  40  can include any other suitable measurement increments, degreed or otherwise, that may be used with the adjuster nut  15 B and adjuster screw  15 A combination. For example, the measurement markers  40 B can be provided at increments of 0.005 inches, 0.001 inches, or 0.0005 inches, as certain non-exclusive examples. 
     Additionally, in one embodiment, the measurement scale  40  can be mounted to the base member  42 , and can be allowed to rotate about the adjuster axis  36 X precisely in order to calibrate or to zero the relationship of the lash indicator  38  to the measurement scale  40 . It is appreciated that the calibration between the lash indicator  38  and the measurement scale  40  can include calibration to any thread pitch of the adjuster screw  15 A, as well as calibration to any rocker ratio of the rocker arm  12 . Additionally, it is further appreciated that in certain embodiments, the calibration of the measurement scale  40  to the thread pitch of the adjuster screw  15 A and the rocker ratio of the rocker arm  12  can entail the use of different precisely calibrated measurement scales  40  that can be alternatively mounted relative to the lash adjuster  36 , the lash indicator  38  and/or the base member  42 . Stated in another manner, in such embodiments, the specific measurement scale  40  used at any given time with the wrench assembly  14  is selected based on the thread pitch of the adjuster screw  15 A and the rocker ratio of the rocker arm  12  with which the wrench assembly  14  will be used. 
     In certain embodiments, the base member  42  is configured to be positioned tightly against the torque wrench head  24 . Additionally, the base member  42  can be further configured to be stationary, i.e. fixed in its position relative to the torque wrench head  24 , during use of the wrench assembly  14 . The base member  42  is generally utilized for two separate purposes. First, the base member  42  can be used to center and allow for the measurement scale  40  to accurately rotate about the adjuster axis  36 X. Second, the base member  42  also allows for the lash adjuster  36  to be properly centered for accurate insertion into and/or engagement with the adjuster screw  15 A. 
     The retaining member  44  can have any suitable design for purposes of maintaining the desired positioning of certain components of the lash adjustment assembly  20 . For example, in one embodiment, the retaining member  44  can be a retention clip that holds the measurement scale  40  to the fixed base member  42  at a proper tension so as to allow for desired and precise rotation and calibration of the measurement scale  40  about the adjuster axis  36 X. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustration of another embodiment of the wrench assembly  214 . As illustrated in this embodiment, the wrench assembly  214  again includes a torque adjustment assembly  218  and a lash adjustment assembly  220 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the torque adjustment assembly  218  is substantially similar to the torque adjustment assembly  18  illustrated and described above. Accordingly, the various components and details thereof of the torque adjustment assembly  218  will not be described in detail herein. 
     However, in this embodiment, the lash adjustment assembly  220  is somewhat different than in the previous embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, the lash adjustment assembly  220  includes a lash adjuster  236 , a lash indicator  238 , a measurement scale  240 , a base member  242 , a retaining member  244 , and one or more attachers  246 . Alternatively, the lash adjustment assembly  220  can include more components or fewer components than what is specifically shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     It is appreciated that although this embodiment of the lash adjustment assembly  220  and the previous embodiment of the lash adjustment assembly  20  have certain components in common, in some instances the components are positioned and/or function somewhat differently than in the previous embodiment. For example, in the embodiment of the lash adjustment assembly  20  illustrated and described in relation to  FIG. 1A , the lash indicator  38 , or pointer, is fixedly secured to and rotates with the lash adjuster  36 , while the measurement scale  40 , or dial, does not rotate with the lash adjuster  36 . However, in this embodiment, the measurement scale  240 , or dial, is fixedly secured to and rotates with the lash adjuster  236 , while the lash indicator  238 , or pointer, does not rotate with the lash adjuster  236 . It is appreciated than in either embodiment, it is the relative movement and/or position between the lash indicator  38 ,  238  and the measurement scale  40 ,  240 , e.g., during rotation of the lash adjuster  36 ,  236 , that enables the precise and accurate lash adjustments between the mechanical components  11 ,  12  (illustrated in  FIG. 1A ) of the mechanical system  10  (illustrated in  FIG. 1A ), and/or the precise adjustment of the adjuster screw  15 A (illustrated in  FIG. 1A ) relative to the adjuster nut  15 B and/or the other components of the mechanical system  10 . Stated in another manner, a relative position between the lash indicator  38  and the measurement scale  40  provides a precise visual indication of the relative position between the first mechanical component  11  and the second mechanical component  12 . As noted above, it is appreciated that the first mechanical component  11  and the second mechanical component  12  can be any components of the mechanical system  10 , e.g., the valve, the rocker arm, the push rod  16 , the adjuster screw  15 A, the adjuster nut  15 B, etc. Additionally, it is further noted that a rocker ratio of greater than one, i.e. when the pivot point  12 B (illustrated in  FIG. 1A ) of the rocker arm is not positioned centrally along the rocker arm, generates more lift for the valve by multiplying the lift from the push rod  16  (illustrated in  FIG. 1A ) by the rocker ratio of the rocker arm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the lash adjuster  236  can again have any suitable configuration for purposes of engaging the adjuster screw  15 A to adjust the lash between the push rod  16  (illustrated in  FIG. 1A ) and the adjuster screw  15 A, which in turn determines the lash between the tip of the valve  11  and the tip of the rocker arm  12  that opens the valve  11 . For example, in one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the lash adjuster  236  can be a hex key that is configured to engage a substantially hexagon-shaped recess in the screw end of the adjuster screw  15 A. Alternatively, the lash adjuster  236  can have another suitable design. For example, in other non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the lash adjuster  236  can be a slotted screwdriver or screwdriver bit, and/or can have an “X” configuration, a star configuration, or any other suitable shape. It is further appreciated that the size and shape of the lash adjuster  236  can be varied to accommodate various sizes and shapes of adjuster screws  15 A depending on the manufacturer and the application. 
     As with the previous embodiment, the lash indicator  238 , or pointer, can again be utilized as a visual indicator of the direction and extent of rotation of the lash adjuster  236 , and thus the adjuster screw  15 A, in relationship to the measurement scale  240 . However, in this embodiment, the lash indictor  238  is fixed to the torque wrench head  224 . For example, in one non-exclusive embodiment, the lash indicator  238  is substantially cylindrical, dowel-shaped, and is fixedly secured to and extends away from a surface  224 C, e.g., an upper surface, of the torque wrench head  224 . With such design, as noted above, the lash indicator  238  does not rotate in connection with the rotation of the lash adjuster  236 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the measurement scale  240  is precisely mounted to the lash adjuster  236 , e.g., with the retaining member  244  and the one or more attachers  246 , so that the measurement scale  240  rotates correspondingly with the rotation of the lash adjuster  236 , and thus the adjuster screw  15 A. Additionally, the measurement scale  240  can again include measurement markers  240 B that are incrementally spaced on a face  240 C of the measurement scale  240 . The measurement markers  240 B can again be configured to indicate any suitable measurement increments, degreed or otherwise, that may be used with the adjuster nut  15 B and adjuster screw  15 A combination, and the rocker arm with various rocker ratios. 
     During rotation of the lash adjuster  236 , and thus the measurement scale  240 , the fixed lash indicator  238  will point toward the measurement markers  240 B on the face  240 C of the measurement scale  240  to visually indicate the direction and rotation of the adjuster screw  15 A, and thus the precise adjustment of the lash, e.g., between the first mechanical component  11  and the second mechanical component  12 . 
     In certain embodiments, the base member  242  is configured to be positioned tightly against the torque wrench head  224 . Additionally, the base member  242  can be further configured to be stationary, i.e. fixed in its position relative to the torque wrench head  224 , during use of the wrench assembly  214 . Further, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the base member  242  generally serves the sole purpose to center the lash adjuster  236  for proper insertion into and/or engagement with the adjuster screw  15 A. 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the retaining member  244  can be provided in the form of a specialized jaw that will accept and attach various sized lash adjusters  236  to the measurement scale  240 , so as to maintain precision orientation of the lash adjuster  236  to the measurement scale  240 . Further, the one or more attachers  246 , e.g., screws, can be utilized to fix the retaining member  244  to the measurement scale  240 , with a portion of the lash adjuster  236  held in place therebetween. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating one representative example of a use and/or a method of operation of the wrench assembly. It is appreciated that the order and/or sequence illustrated and described herein are not necessarily indicative of how the wrench assembly operates chronologically, as one or more of the steps can be combined, reordered, repeated and/or performed simultaneously without deviating from the intended breadth and scope of the wrench assembly and method. It further is recognized that the method described below is merely one representative example of how the wrench assembly can be utilzed and is not intended to be limiting in any manner. Additionally, it is also appreciated that the wrench assembly and the method recited herein can be used to make any necessary lash adjustments, e.g., coarse lash adjustments and/or fine lash adjustments. 
     At step  301 , the socket of the wrench assembly can be positioned about the adjuster nut so as to enable rotation of the adjuster nut. 
     At step  303 , the lash adjuster can be positoned to engage the adjuster screw so as to enable rotation of the adjuster screw. 
     At step  305 , the adjuster nut is loosened, and the adjuster screw can be adjusted to zero lash ( 0 . 000 ), i.e. with no space between the particular mechanical components to be adjusted. 
     At step  307 , the adjuster nut is then retightened to a specified torque setting. At step  309 , the measurement scale can be indexed to zero utilizing the lash adjuster. 
     At step  311 , the adjuster nut is again loosened, and the lash adjuster is rotated until the lash indicator indicates a desired lash specification on the measurement scale. 
     At step  313 , the adjuster nut is then again retightened to the specified torque setting. 
     At step  315 , the user can double check that the lash indicator is still indicating the desired lash specification. 
     It is understood that although a number of different embodiments of the wrench assembly  14  have been illustrated and described herein, one or more features of any one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of one or more of the other embodiments, provided that such combination satisfies the intent of the present invention. 
     While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of the wrench assembly  14  have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.