Abstract: An electronic thread tapper includes a cam-operated feed mechanism which drives the tap carriage rigidly in the advance direction only. Separate force means are employed to move the carriage in the retract direction when the tap is being withdrawn from the work material. Spindle and feed motors operate separately, but are cycle-coordinated during a dwell period between tapping strokes. By measuring any position error developed between the spindle and feed positions, a fault condition, such as a worn tap, a workpiece material defect, or an obstruction in the machine can be sensitively detected.

Abstract: An electrical connector panel incorporates a self-clinching type standoff fastener which is installed through mounting holes in the panel from the inside out. The fasteners include a knurled head sized so that excessive bulging of the metal around the panel D-shaped cutout does not develop when pressed into the panel. The head of the fastener is preferably installed flush with the inside of the panel to which the receptacle portion of the cable connector is fastened. With this construction, changes in panel thickness from one application to another will not alter the prescribed distance between the flanges of the mating cable plug and receptacle. Hence, an individual standoff part may be used for many different applications without the need for additional loose hardware.

Abstract: A programmable fastener press includes workpiece protection by utilizing punch position and punch contact sensors. The sensors signal a controller which classify portions of the punch's linear travel into multiple zones of operation. One zone is a stop window wherein any unwanted contact with the punch during its descent will cause the press to be halted and to remain stationary without being returned to home position. The press operator may, after correcting the fault condition, elect to instruct the press to proceed from the stoppage point downward continuing the normal operation of the press.

Abstract: A brushless DC motor includes a rotor having an iron core affixed to a motor shaft. Permanent magnets are affixed to the core and separated by aluminum inserts which are keyed to the core. An annular groove in one end of the rotor core is dimensioned so that its outer diameter coincides with the inner tips of the aluminum inserts. The inner diameter of the groove and its depth provide only minimal clearance around commutation transistors which occupy the space within the groove. The commutation transistors are affixed and electrically connected to a circuit board which, in turn, is secured to the motor body by attachment to a removable motor end plate. With this structure, the commutation transistors are surrounded on three sides by the rotor and are triggered by its drive magnets. This structure permits the commutation transistor to be triggered by a strong magnetic flux which is more accurately directed through the transistor at its switch plane.

Abstract: 12-step motor commutation is provided by a three-phase sinusoidal signal generator and related circuitry. Circuitry which compares the voltage outputs of two primary signals provides two additional switching points for every 360 electrical degrees. Three comparator circuits provide six additional switching points. Primary voltage outputs are weighted in the ratio of 2:1 prior to comparison.

Abstract: A 12-step commutation in a brushless DC motor is achieved by six shaft-mounted commutation sensors and circuitry which permits inexpensive shaft-angle decoding for coil excitation. The commutation signal devices are Hall sensors arranged in two sets. A first set is arranged to produce the desired switching signals every 120 electrical degrees; a second set of three Hall sensors is similarly arranged equally spaced between the electrical switch points of the first set, however, the second set of sensors is wired together through the process of EXCLUSIVE-ORing to form a single, fourth output. Thus, the six Hall sensors are configured to produce four output signals which may be inexpensively decoded using a standard 32.times.8 PROM. A further refinement includes current modulation to the field coils in order to equalize the torque output of alternate steps.

Abstract: A point of operation safety device for hydraulic or pneumatic presses. The safety device is computer controlled and limits the movement of the punch by employing two sensing devices. These sensing devices include both position and contact sensors which are used as dual input variables to satisfy computer monitored operational condition limits which, if not met, shut down the operation of the machine to prevent accident or injury to the operator. Both sensing devices are located within the housing of the press and the ram assembly so that no additional structures are required which might obstruct the working area and thereby hinder the efficient use of the press. Because the components of this safety device are located within the body of the machinery and include complicated electronic control circuitry, it is impossible to defeat the safety mechanism by disconnecting any of the components.

Abstract: A stud with a threaded shank at one end and a flat head at the other end. Between the threaded shank and the flat head is a collar of smaller diameter than the head, but of larger diameter than the threaded shank. The collar has a knurled portion adjacent the head to secure the stud to a printed circuit board. At the juncture of the collar with the threaded shank, the collar forms a shoulder or seat upon which the heat sink and the semi-conductor case rest in spaced relation with the printed circuit board. A nut is then threaded onto the shank to secure the stud, the heat sink, the semi-conductor case and the printed circuit board to each other.

Abstract: A press for assembling a fastener or the like to a plate or the like comprises a frame and an anvil assembly carried by the frame. A linkage mechanism assembly is carried by the frame and includes two links. A ram assembly is operatively connectable to one of the two links. A first fluid operated cylinder and piston assembly holds the ram assembly in a raised position. A first switch terminates the flow of fluid to the first cylinder, thereby permitting the ram assembly to drop. A second fluid switch is activated after a sufficient drop of said piston to energize a second fluid operated cylinder and piston assembly for extending and retracting said links, and thereby move one of said links into force transmitting relationship with said ram assembly, to thereby cause said ram assembly to move forcefully down toward the fastener for the purpose of installing the fastener into the plate.

Abstract: A point of operation safety device for hydraulic or pneumatic presses. The safety device includes a probe which descends by gravity toward the work area when the operator initiates the cycle. If during the descent of the probe no obstruction is encountered and the probe sufficiently enters the work area, a limit switch is automatically closed by the probe shaft to energize the control circuit of the press.Switch means are provided for retracting the ram of the press if the operator pushes up on the probe after the cycle has started. Relay means are provided to prevent the press from recycling at the end of one cycle, unless the operator again closes the circuit of the safety device. Further, a box construction is provided to jam the probe assembly to prevent initiation of the cycle when the cover to the box which houses the safety device is in the open position.

Abstract: A press for assembling a fastener or the like to a plate or the like comprises a frame and an anvil assembly carried by said frame. A toggle mechanism assembly is carried by the frame and includes two toggle links. A ram is operatively connectable to the toggle links. A first pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly holds the ram in a raised position. A first pneumatic switch terminates the flow of pressurized air to the first pneumatic cylinder, thereby permitting the ram to drop by gravity. A second pneumatic switch is activated after a sufficient drop of said piston to energize a second pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly for extending and retracting said toggle links, and thereby forcefully lower the ram to install the fastener or the like to a plate or the like.

Abstract: A self-clinching stand-off to be embedded into thin sheeted material. The stand-off comprises a base produced on a "screw machine" and an extension molded thereto. The extension is formed from a material which is softer than that of the base. Further, the extension may vary in length for a given base.