Valve stem cleaner and lubricator

Abstract

A device for cleaning and lubricating threaded valve stems. In one form the device comprises a bracket attached to a valve hand wheel comprising a circular wire brush which is adjustable to engage the threads of the valve stem at one side with provisions of dropping oil on the brush to lubricate the valve stem. In another form means are provided for supporting diametrically opposed wire brushes to engage the opposite sides of the valve stem for cleaning the threads. In still another form, a circular ring-like holder is provided with a internal wire brush and means are provided for slipping the wire brush over the end of the valve stem and clamping it to the valve bushing. Where the valve stem area to be cleaned is not easily accessible as in the interior of the valve yoke a wire brush holder comprised of split half rings with internal brushes is adapted to be fitted together around the valve stem with clamping means for holding the half rings together and fastening the holder to the valve bushing. Where the internal wire brushes are used with the circular holder a gap is provided in the periphery in order that cleaned debris may drop therethrough and be cleared.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.