Abstract: A long travel, varying spring rate combination spring includes two differing rate springs connected end-to-end in such a way that the lower rate spring is compressed until positive engagement of a plunger with an intermediate flange member occurs with the higher rate spring thereafter compressed. Each spring may be assembled separately and connected together with a coupling to create a combination spring, allowing various springs to be combined to meet the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: A long travel, varying spring rate combination spring includes two differing rate springs connected end-to-end in such a way that the lower rate spring is compressed until positive engagement of a plunger with an intermediate flange member occurs with the higher rate spring thereafter compressed. Each spring may be assembled separately and connected together with a coupling to create a combination spring, allowing various springs to be combined to meet the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: A long travel, varying spring rate combination spring includes two differing rate springs connected end-to-end in such a way that the lower rate spring is compressed until positive engagement of a plunger with an intermediate flange member occurs with the higher rate spring thereafter compressed. Each spring may be assembled separately and connected together with a coupling to create a combination spring, allowing various springs to be combined to meet the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: A servo motor driven tapping unit for in die installation has a tap holder pitch adapter assembly mounted for removal while the unit is in the die to facilitate tap and pitch adapter replacement. In one embodiment, the tap holder pitch adapter assembly extends transversely to the servo motor axis, and is offset in another embodiment.

Abstract: A long travel, varying spring rate combination spring includes two differing rate springs connected end-to-end in such a way that the lower rate spring is compressed until positive engagement of a plunger with an intermediate flange member occurs with the higher rate spring thereafter compressed. Each spring may be assembled separately and connected together with a coupling to create a combination spring, allowing various springs to be combined to meet the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: A servo motor driven tapping unit for in die installation has a tap holder pitch adapter assembly mounted for removal while the unit is in the die to facilitate tap and pitch adapter replacement. In one embodiment, the tap holder pitch adapter assembly extends transversely to the servo motor axis, and is offset in another embodiment.

Abstract: An in-die tapping unit for a press in which two ball screw mechanisms are driven by closing motion between two housing pieces caused by press actuation. Both ball screw mechanisms rotate a central drive gear which causes rotation and axial advance of a pitch adapter sleeve axially advanced by a threaded engagement with a fixed pitch adapter hub, the movable pitch adapter carrying a tap holder, which rotates and advances a tap inserted therein. A striker pad and acceleration spring reduces the shock loading of the unit when the press engages the upper housing piece.

Abstract: An in-die tapping unit for a press in which two ball screw mechanisms are driven by closing motion between two housing pieces caused by press actuation. Both ball screw mechanisms rotate a central drive gear which causes rotation and axial advance of a pitch adapter sleeve axially advanced by a threaded engagement with a fixed pitch adapter hub, the movable pitch adapter carrying a tap holder, which rotates and advances a tap inserted therein. A striker pad and acceleration spring reduces the shock loading of the unit when the press engages the upper housing piece.

Abstract: Programs which control conventional computerized test systems must be changed when a particular test instrument controlled by the system is changed to a different test instrument. In accord with this invention, the need for such program changes is minimized by utilizing a generic instrument interface for each class of test instruments. A separate specific instrument interface, which corresponds to the specific instrument to be utilized within the general class, is identified in accordance with global variables and a look-up table based upon the general instrument interface called for in the basic test program. A simulator interface is also provided to facilitate the debugging of a basic test program by generating simulated data responses as if an actual test instrument was connected.