Rapidtorc User Manual A5
Rapidtorc User Manual A5
Rapidtorc User Manual A5
• Please read this manual carefully. Most malfunctions in new equipment are the result of improper
operation and/or set up.
• PREPARATION: Remove Your Rapid-Torc hydraulic torque wrench from shipping container.
• INSPECTION: Visually inspect all components for shipping damage. If any damage is found, notify
carrier immediately.
• Use the torque chart that corresponds with your model of hydraulic torque wrench
• Please read the Safety Information booklet that came with your hydraulic torque wrench
• Visit rapidtorc.com/setup to see the quick setup in action
2
2.1 WORKING PRESSURE
The tool’s maximum Working Pressure is 10,000 PSI (700 bar). Make sure that all hydraulic equipment
(pumps, hoses, couplers) used with this tool are rated for 10,000 psi (700 bar) working Pressure. Review
the documentation for the hydraulic pump in use to ensure pressure does not exceed 10,000 psi.
Rapid-Torc Hydraulic pumps are equipped with a zero-pressure relief valve. However, it could be possible
that the retract side remain pressurized after the pump has been switched “off”. This trapped pressure
prevents the user from loosening the retract-side fittings by hand. To release the pressure, simply push the
black button on top of the solenoid. All fittings are free to be manually tightened.
Never disconnect or connect any hydraulic hoses or fittings without first unloading the wrench and the
pump. If the system includes a gauge, double check the gauge to assure pressure has been released.
When making connections with quick disconnect couplings, make sure the couplings are fully engaged.
Threaded connections such as fittings, gauges etc. must be clean and securely tightened and leak free.
CAUTION: Loose or improper threaded fittings can be potentially dangerous if pressurized. Severe over
tightening can cause premature thread failure. Fittings need to be only tightened secure & leak free. Never
grab, touch or in any way, come in contact with a hydraulic pressure leak. Escaping oil can penetrate the
skin and cause injury.
Ensure proper power availability to prevent motor failure or dangerous electrical overloading. Use the rec-
ommended amperage listed on the motor nameplate. Do not use electric pump if ground is not connected
on plug.
Minimize the length of extension cords and be sure they are of adequate wire size, with ground connec-
tions.
Extension cord should be #10 AWG gauge.
WARNING: Electric motors may spark. Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere or in the presence of
conductive liquids. Air driven pumps are better suited for these applications.
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3:1 GENERAL SETUP
All Rapid-Torc hydraulic torque wrenchs are supplied completely assembled, ready for use. A Rapid-Torc
Hydraulic Power Pack, for use with your Rapid-Torc hydraulic torque wrench, is recommended to provide
the speed, pressure and portability that make your Rapid-Torc System efficient and accurate.
The accuracy of your Rapid-Torc hydraulic torque wrench is +/-3% based upon our manufacturer’s speci-
fications. This accuracy is certified through calibration tests conducted by Rapid-Torc or any other quali-
fied calibration facility whose program is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(N.I.S.T). We strongly suggest using Rapid-Torc® certified gauges (with a class 1 accuracy) to enhance
the accuracy your torquing system.
The Rapid-Torc Hydraulic Torque Wrench and the Power Pack are connected by a 10,000 PSI (700 bar)
operating pressure twinline hose assembly. The safety ratio of the Rapid-Torc Hydraulic Hose is 4/1. On
each twin hydraulic hose, one line must be MALE-MALE and the other line must be FEMALE-FEMALE
in order to assure a correct interaction between Pump and Machine. Connect the twinline hose to the
swivel as shown:
IMPORTANT: Ensure connectors are fully engaged and screwed snugly together.
Never use two twin hydraulic hoses between Pump and Machine. If so, you have the high pressure on
the retract side and your machine is no able to work properly. To avoid tool malfunction, do not reverse
connectors. Do not try to loosen the swivel assembly at any moment.
WARNING: Electric motors may spark. Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere of in the presence of
conductive liquids. Air driven pumps are better suited for these applications.
To remove the square drive, push the round button on the drive retainer and
gently pull on the square end of the square drive (for RT20, 25 & 50, push
on the drive retainer while turning it counter-clockwise). To insert the drive in
the tool, place the drive in the desired direction, engage drive and bushing
splines, then twist drive and bushing until ratchet Spline can be engaged.
Push drive through ratchet. Depress drive retainer button, engage retainer
with drive and release button to lock the square drive in position.
REACTION ARM
All Rapid-Torc hydraulic torque wrenchs are equipped with a universal re-
action arm. These reactions arms are employed to absorb and counteract
forces created as the unit operates. The reaction arm should extend in
the same direction of the square drive; however, slight adjustments may RIGHT = TIGHT LEFT= LOOSE
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be made to suit your particular application. The Rapid-Torc Reaction Arm is made of Special Aircraft Alloy
and is 360° adjustable.
NOTE: The standard Rapid-Torc reaction arm cannot be welded on and should not be modified.
The reaction arm for all Rapid-Torc Monobloc Housing is splined to slide over the rear (cylinder) portion of
the tool. In operation, the reaction arm must be fully engaged and secured by inserting the spring loaded
reaction arm lever at the base of the housing ( End Cap ). Ensure the reaction is fully engaged prior to
operation.
Push the ratchet mechanism all Hook powerhead to link. Secure tool with link pin.
the way in (if needed).
The fixed pin of the RTX Powerhead will hook to the ratchet link. At this point, the link pin hole of the
power head and link will align. Insert the link pin to secure.
Select the appropriate size low clearance ratchet link and insert it into the tool. Tool operation, bolt
tightening and loosening, is the same as the square drive tool except for the use of the reaction arm. The
RTX low clearance ratchet links are supplied complete with a long reaction block. This reaction block is
designed to react against an adjacent nut on most normal flange type applications. Prior to operating the
tool, place the tool with the low clearance link on the nut to be tightened/loosened.
If the reaction block abuts against an adjacent nut or to some other secure stationary object, then use of
the reaction block is appropriate. If, however, bolt spacing is such that the reaction block does not reach
the adjacent bolt, use of the short reaction arm is indicated. This will allow reaction to be taken against
the side of the flange. To attach the short reaction arm, remove the standard link retaining pin, align with
the holes of the short reaction arm with those of the reaction block and
insert the long retaining pin to secure. Ensure that the arm extends
in the appropriate direction: right for tightening; left for loosening.
Tightening
Loosening
5
3:5 SETTING TORQUE
• Once the system is fully connected and proper power supply available, the operator may now adjust
the pump pressure to the level needed for the application.
• When tightening, use the manufacturer's specifications to determine the torque value which you will
ultimately require.
• Torque sequence may vary from plant to plant and even within individual plants, depending upon the
gasket material, etc. Always abide by local procedures.
• Next, find the pressure-torque conversion table applicable to the tool which you intend to use. A
complete copy of the chart appears in Section VII. An example of finding the desired torque required
is as follows:
1. Assume you are going to use a Rapid-Torc tool to torque a 1-1/4” bolt to 1,265 ft lbs.
2. Start by going to the chart above and read left-to-right across the top line (Starts out PSI and
go to the right tool model etc) Ex: RT-3
3. Read straight down to the number closest to 1,265 ft lbs, which in this case is 1,280-about
1.5% over the targeted torque value.
4. Now using 1,280 ft lbs, read back to the left on that same line and read the pump pressure,
under the PSI column, 4,000PSI.
5. To be technically correct, you should diminish that 4,000PSI by 1.5% ( to 3,940), but 1,280
is well within the tool’s +/-3% accuracy range, so proceed to set 4,000PSI on your pump’s
regulator valve.
FOR RT
1. For RT Square Drive, place the proper size impact socket on the square drive and secure properly
with a locking ring and pin.
2. Place the tool and the socket on the nut, making sure that the socket has fully engaged the nut.
Further ensure that the drive retainer is engaged.
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FOR RTX
1. For RTX low profile tool, choose the appropriate hex size (Rapid-Torc has inserts available to quickly
reduce the hex size).
2. Place RTX hex making sure that the hex has fully engaged the nut.
Make sure the reaction arm is firmly abutted against a stationary object (i.e. an adjacent nut, flange, equip-
ment housing etc.). When positioning the wrench, make sure that the hose connections are well clear of
any obstructions and that all body parts are safely out of harm's way. THEN, AND ONLY THEN, apply
momentary pressure to the system to ensure proper tool placement. If it doesn't look or act right, stop and
re-adjust the reaction arm.
IMPORTANT: The reading of full preset pressure after the cylinder is extended DOES
NOT INDICATE that this pressure (torque) is applied to the bolt. It only indicates that the cylinder is fully
extended and cannot turn the socket or the ratchet link further until the tool automatically resets itself.
Releasing the remote control button will retract the cylinder. The tool will automatically reset itself and the
operator will hear an audible "click" indicating he can again push the remote control button and the socket
will turn. Each time the cylinder is extended and retracted, it is called a cycle. Successive cycles are made
until the tool "stalls" at the pre-set Torque/PSI with an accuracy of +/-3%. Repeatability is +/- 1%.
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS ATTEMPT ONE FINAL CYCLE TO ENSURE THE "STALL" POINT HAS BEEN
REACHED.
Should the tool "lock-on" after the final cycle, push down on the remote control button once more ( to build
pressure) and, while maintaining this pressure, pull back on the external disengagement lever (RT) or
reaction Pawl(RTX). Releasing the remote control while continuing to hold back on the pawl lever/reaction
pawl will allow the tool to be removed easily.
Use of the automatic system is only recommended after Point 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8 have been respected.
With an Automatic Pump, cycle the tool one more time without automatic to check the final torque.
First, set the pump to 9,000 PSI (Do not try directly at 10.000 PSI). Change the drive and the reaction arm
to the loosening mode (Left = Loose), assuring the reaction arm abuts squarely off a solid reaction point.
Press and hold the remote control button down. Pressure will decrease as the socket begins to turn. As the
cylinder extends fully, you will hear an audible "click". Release the remote control button, and the cylinder
automatically retracts, at this time you will again hear the audible "click". Repeat this process until the
fastener can be removed by hand.
NOTE: IF THE BOLT DOES NOT LOOSEN WITH THE ABOVE PROCEDURE, IT IS AN INDICATION
THAT YOU NEED A LARGER TOOL TO LOOSEN THE BOLT.
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4.1 SETTING TORQUE
All Rapid-Torc Power Packs operate at a pressure range from 500 to 10,000 PSI and are fully adjustable.
They have been engineered and designed for portability and high flow for increased speed. Before using
your Rapid-Torc power pack, check the following points.
• Is the reservoir filled with oil?
• Where is the closest electrical outlet at the job site?
• Is there enough air pressure (60 to 100 PSI) and Air flow at the job site? (Air units only)
• Is the gauge mounted and rated for 10,000 PSI/700 bar ?
The pump's maximum working pressure is 10,000 PSI / 700bar. Make sure all hydraulic equipment and
accessories are rated for 10,000 PSI / 700bar operating pressure.
Never disconnect or connect hydraulic hoses or fittings without first unloading the wrench. Unplug the
electrical cord of the pump, and open all hydraulic controls several times to assure that the system has
been depressurized. If the system includes a gauge, double check the gauge to assure pressure has been
released. When making a connection with quick disconnect couplings, make sure the couplings are fully
engaged threaded connections such a fittings, gauges etc. must be clean and securely tightened and leak
free.
4.6 OPERATION
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Before starting your Electric Panther Pump, connect your hydraulic hoses to both the pump and torque
wrench. To start the pump, press briefly the white button on the remote control. This will start your pump
and place it in the retract position Push the white switch to advance and release.
NOTE: Read the section labelled Rapid-Torc OPERATION and SETTING TORQUE prior to installing the
torque wrench onto the application
Your Rapid-Torc Panther hydraulic pump has been designed with an auto shut off system. The pump will
shut off after approximately 1 minute of non-cycling. This will prevent overheating and unnecessary wear,
thereby prolonging the life of your pump.
PANTHER Pump with an Automatic system: To run the automatic, simply keep pushing the blue button
until you reach the final pressure.
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5.1 TROUBLE SHOOTING HYDRAULIC TORQUE WRENCH
Tool failure, although rare, does occur. Such failure is most often in the hydraulic couplers or hoses. These
items are repairable or replaceable immediately, since they are available universally. Failures of structural
members of the tool are quite rare, however, replacement parts are available from stock. All repairs to
Rapid-Torc tools may be made by reasonably experienced individuals according to the aforementioned
instructions. Otherwise, please contact Rapid-Torc to schedule a quick repair of the tool.
• Lubrication: All moving parts should periodically be coated with a good quality lubricant as Molykote
with Graphite P37 or Dow Corning 1000. Under harsh environmental conditions, cleaning and lubri-
cating should be performed more frequently. Warning: Sea Water is very corrosive, and, therefore,
tools exposed to sea water should be maintained more frequently.
• Hydraulic hoses: Hoses should be checked for cracks and leaks after each job. Hydraulic fittings can
become plugged with dirt and should be flushed periodically. Hydraulic hoses have to wear a valid
control certification.
• Quick-Connects: Fittings should be kept clean and not allowed to be dragged along the ground or
floor, as even small particles of dirt can cause the internal valves to malfunction.
• Springs: Springs are used for the drive pawl assembly and for the accuracy assurance pawl. These
springs can be replaced if necessary.
• Cylinder Seals: If the cylinder requires disassembly, it is recommended that the cylinder seals be
replaced at the same time. Seal kits are readily available.
• Structural Member: All structural parts on the tool should be inspected once a year to determine if
there are any cracks, chips or deformities. If so, immediate replacement is required.
Rapid-Torc Hydraulic Power Packs are precision-built units and, as such, do require a certain amount of
care and maintenance
• Hydraulic Oil Oil should be completely changed after every 40 hours of operation, or at least twice a
year. Always make sure the reservoir is filled with fluid. If additional oil is required, use only high-
grade hydraulic oil such as grade 46.
• Quick-Disconnect Fittings sh ould be checked periodically for leaks. Dirt or foreign materials should
be kept away from fittings. Clean before use.
• Hydraulic Gauge: Some gauges are liquid filled. Should this liquid level drop, it indicates external
leakage, and replacement is necessary. Should the gauge fill with hydraulic oil, it indicates internal
failure and it should be discarded.
• Filter on Pump: The filter should be replaced twice a year in normal use and more often if the pump is
used daily or in a dirty, harsh environment.
• Remote Control: (Air Unit) The air line to the remote control unit should be checked for obstructions or
kinks in the line periodically. If there is a bend or break in the line, it must be replaced. The spring-
loaded buttons on the remote handle should be checked in the event of operating difficulties. (Electric
Unit) The switch buttons should be checked periodically if any indications of problems exist.
• Air Valve : This valve should be checked twice a year.
• Armature: (Electric Unit) Check yearly.
• Pumping unit: The pump should be overhauled every 2 years. This can be done by Rapid-Torc or by a
qualified hydraulic service center.
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6.1 TESTS
TEST #1
Attach hoses to pump and tool in the normal manner. Press the advance button and hold it down. If the
pump pressure builds and the hoses "flex" but the tool still refuses to cycle, the problem is most likely a
loose or defective coupling connection. To find out where the bad coupling is, remove the tool from the
hoses and marry the loose ends together and cycle the pump. If the gauge pressure reads no more than
500 PSI, then the bad fitting is on the tool. A significantly greater pressure indicates that the problem is in
either the pump or a hose fitting.
TEST #2
Remove screws from pump motor to reservoir, slide pump motor to the back while keeping pistons into
oil. Turn pump on. If you have no oil coming out from the solenoid tube, change the solenoid. Tight the
regulating valve to maximum, Push on the advance button and while holding down, look if any oil is com-
ing out from the regulating tube. If oil is coming out, change the regulating valve.
TEST #3
Remove tool from hoses. Cycle pump. If pump fails to build pressure, the problem is with the pump. If it
does build pressure, the problem is with hydraulic blow-by in the tool.
TEST #4
Connect tool, pump and hoses together normally and turn pump "on". As oil leaks from the small port
under the wivel, use a proper size Allen wrench and slowly tighten (clockwise) the set screw positioned
between the couplings on the swivel. Continue to tighten until the flow stops plus a quarter turn.
TEST #5
TOOL Advanced Side-Male HOSE Advance side- Female PUMP Advance side-Male
to Female
Retract side-Female Retract Side-Male to Retract Side-Female
Male
Note that connecting two (or any even numbers) of hoses together creates "one" hose which is plumbed
backwards! Male to Female and Female to Male. This will cause the system to operate backwards per
Test #5 above. If you hose isn’t long enough, connect 3 hoses together, move your pump or call Rapid-
Torc for a longer hose assembly.
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SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE REQUIRED ACTION
Gauge shows pres- Couplings are loose or not working Tighten and/or replace couplings. Use Test #1 to isolate problem
sure build-up but the Solenoid is not working Use test #2 . if not working replace solenoid
tool will not cycle
Cylinder pressure will 1. Oil blow by in tool (Piston seal 1. Replace defective parts. SHOP JOB
not build leak, blown O-ring, cracked piston) 2. Remove screws from pump motor to reservoir, slide pump motor to
the back while keeping pistons into oil. Turn pump on. If you have no
oil coming out from the solenoid tube, change the solenoid.
2A. Tight the regulating valve to maximum, Push on the advance
button and while holding down, look if any oil is coming out from the
2. Pump Problem. regulating tube. If oil is coming out, change the regulating valve.
2B If pump sounds like a lot of pebbles in a tin can, the problem may
be a worn motor coupling-remove motor from base plate-using a pair
of needle nose pliers removes the motor coupling-if worn replace.
SHOP JOB.
2C AIR PUMP-Fault FLR due to excessive moisture and/or dirt in air
supply. Disassemble and change. SHOP JOB.
2D. Air pumps- Faulty remote control
vv valve cartridge. Replace.
Cylinder/tool leaks 1. Safety relief valve on swivel 1A Tighten all hose and couplers. If leak
has lifted. continues, adjust safety setting-Test#4.
1B Check to see if the system is properly
plumbed by running test #5 (high
pressure on retract side will lift the safety
relief valve).
2. Replace O-Ring with proper high
2. Blown O-ring in cylinder. pressure O-Ring. SHOP JOB.
3. Replace gland seal. SHOP JOB.
3. Defective gland seal.
Tool operates back- 1. Couplings reversed. 1. Run test #5. Replumb system as necessary.
wards 2. Multiple hoses in even numbers. 2. As plumbed, Rapid-Torc hoses may only be joined together in
odd numbers ONLY. If it is necessary to use 2, 4, 6 hoses-make an
adapter from spare high pressure couplings and nipples.
Ratchet will not take 1. Broken or otherwise inoperative . Replace drive pawl and/or spring. SHOP
successive strokes. drive pawl or spring. JOB.
2. Cylinder not retracting complete- 2. Remove tool from nut and cycle freely for several strokes. If prob-
ly. Ratchet will not take successive lem persists, check pawls.
strokes. 2A Operator not allowing adequate time for
cylinder to retract fully
3. Replace parts as necessary –SHOP JOB.
3. Linkage between piston rod and
drive plates is broken.
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SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE REQUIRED ACTION
Tool locks onto nut. 1. Reaction pawl is loaded when 1. Press advance button on remote and build
the tool is maxed out in torque. pressure- continue to press down on remote while pulling back on
one of the accuracy assurance levers- release remote while continu-
ing to hold back on levers.
2. Push advance button down-tool should immediately fall free- Run
2. Tool is operating backwards. test #5.
3. Remove shroud from around ratchet. Using any tool available, try
3. Tool is wedged under a fixed the drive pawl out of the ratchet and at the same time pull back on the
object. accuracy assurance levers. Tool should swing free or burn away the
socket or obstruction.
Pump will not build 1. Air Electric supply is low. 1. Check air pressure or voltage.
pressure. 2. Defective relief or regulator valve. 2. Replace valve. SHOP JOB.
3. Low oil or clogged filter. 3. Fill reservoir and clean filter.
4. Internal leak in oil line from exter- 4. Open reservoir, inspect oil line while trying to build pressure- if
nal relief valve to pump body. leaking tighten fittings or replace.
5. Defect Solenoid or regulating 5. See “Cylinder will not build pressure-#2
valve. above”
Motor sluggish and 1. Air or electric supply is low. 1. See #1 in preceding block
inefficient “sounds 2. Clogged filter. 2. Clean or replace filter
sick” slow to build
pressure.
Pump heats up. 1. Improper use. 1. Operator is continuing to hold down onthe advance stroke after
the cylinder has reached end of stroke- this causes a lot of oil to go
through a very small hole in relief-valve- causing heat build-up. Have
operator release advance stroke after accuracy assurance levers
spring forward.
2. Turn pump off whenever not actually
2. Remote control is left in “on” being used. DO NOT leave pump
position when pump is not actively running when tool is not in use.
in use.
Pump cannot reach 1. Change regulating valve 1A. Remove 3 screws of 4 port block manifold
10,000 psi, only Part# 10006 1B. Remove regulating valve #10006
9,000psi 1C. Replace new regulating valve #10006
1D. Don’t forget metal ring
1E. Check o’rings on block manifold
1F. Replace block manifold
1G. Place 1 drop of loctite on each screw
1H. Tighten screws firmly - double check screws are fully tightened.
Pressure can’t reach 1. Change cut off valve(s) 1A. Remove the pump from tank
4,000 psi Part# 10011 1B.Change cut-off valves 3,250 psi /70 bar
90% Chance pump is working
1C. If pump can’t get 10,000 psi change cut-off valve 1,250 psi/350
bar
Pressure not stable 1. Change check valves 1A. Remove the pump from tank
(small variation) Part# 20374 1B. Replace check valve
Need special tooling 1C. Do not tight too much
Part#
13
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE REQUIRED ACTION
No pressure 1. Check piping 1A. Remove the pump from tank or Check piping couplers
1B. Check t-coupler inside the pump
Uncontrolled pressure 1. Check coupling 1A. Remove the pump from the tank
Part#10190 1B. Remove piping
1C. Remove block pump (screws# 20444)
1D. Check attentively coupling
1E. Do not forget to replace keys(part #10184)
Motor start difficult 1. Bearing 1A. Remove the pump from the tank
Part#10198 & 10178 1B. Remove block pump
1C. Disassemble block pump
1D. Change bearing
Blown fuses when 1. Check if fuse 16 a is blown 1A. To avoid the problem don’t run motor
starting Part# 10064 If hydraulic hose are not connected
Hose or tool fitting is 1. Broken or melted plastic outer 1. If underlying plastic is still intact
damaged or leaks. covering. continue operation. Inspect frequently.
2. Frayed plastic strands. 2. Cut hose in half and discard. Replace
hose.
3. Oil leaks through fibres. 3. Cut hose in half and discard. Replace
hose.
4. Broken fittings. 4. Remove old fitting and replace with
STEEL high pressure fittings only. After
changing fittings, always run test #5 to
insure proper plumbing.
Electric pump will 1. Loose electric connections in 1. Open control box and visually inspect for
not run control box. loose threaded or push-on connectors.
2. Motor burned up. 2. Replace motor components whichever is
3. Fuse necessary. SHOP JOB.
3. Change defect fuse
14
7.1 SQUARE / ALLEN DRIVE WORKING TORQUE
DRIVE SIZE: The square or hex drive of each Rapid-Torc is limited in its maximum output by its material
and its engagement area. Since your Rapid-Torc uses a specially suited alloy-steel for its drive members,
the following maximum torque output can be achieved without drive failure, provided the reaction member
abuts close to the same plane as the nut to be turned.
If the reaction arm cannot abut on the same plane as the nut to be turned, less torque should be applied,
as the additional side load has to be taken into consideration. When toque requirements are close in ex-
cess of the values listed above, use RT’s/-9/ Sockets Hex-Drive with replaceable Hex Insert Bits.
mm in ft lbs Nm ft lbs Nm
15
rt_eum13_en Printed in USA Revised December 2013
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