Abstract: A test array is mountable on a test fixture having a set of test fixture sockets. Each of the test fixture sockets is configured to receive a device under test. The test array comprises a first heat sink having a position on the test array that corresponds to a first socket of the set. The test array also comprises a second heat sink having a position on the test array that corresponds to a second socket of the set. The test array further comprises a first set of heat sinks having a first heat sink height and a second set of heat sinks having a second heat sink height such that the difference in the heights compensates for differences in the warpage of the test fixture between the location of the first and second set of heat sinks.

Abstract: A vacuum die casting system has three die casting machines connected to a single vacuum system, all of which is controlled by a programmable logic controller. The controller allows any two of the machines to be operatively connected to the vacuum system so that the casting operation of those two machines are performed under vacuum. The controller comprises six address relays, a sixteen channel input card, a processor, a sixteen channel output card, an interface and two high speed counter cards. The result is an efficient, reliable, and economical vacuum die casting system.

Abstract: A vacuum valve control system for a vacuum die casting machine that controls the opening and closing of a vacuum valve. The system comprises an input device for entering certain values, a detecting device for determining the position and speed of an injection plunger, a processor to calculate when the injection plunger has reached particular values for position and speed and a control device for opening and closing the vacuum valve when the particular values have been reached. The processor includes two counting devices, one to calculate the position of the injection plunger and one to calculate the speed of the plunger. The control device includes solid state relays which energize a solenoid to open the vacuum valve when the plunger has reached a certain position. The solid state relays also deenergize the solenoid to close the vacuum valve when either another particular position of the plunger has been reached or when the plunger is approaching a certain speed.

Abstract: A vacuum system testing tool for checking a vacuum system for leaks or restrictions includes a hollow housing defining a central chamber, with a calibrated air flow orifice, a connector for connecting the tool to the system to create a pressure drop across the air flow orifice, and a device for measuring the pressure drop.

Abstract: A die casting machine comprises a die cavity, a sleeve communicating with the die cavity, and a piston which reciprocates within the sleeve to inject molten metal through the sleeve into the die cavity. The piston includes a stem portion having a passage which communicates with the interior of the sleeve. An air supply system is adapted to communicate with a source of pressurized air and with the stem portion passage to selectively deliver a stream of pressurized air into the sleeve through the stem portion passage. A lubricant supply system is adapted to communicate with a source of lubricant and is operatively connected with the air supply system for introducing lubricant into the air stream for delivery by the air stream into the sleeve. A cleaning fluid supply system is provided to selectively flush cleaning fluid through the lubricant and air supply systems and the stem portion passage.