Abstract: A positioning platform providing positioning of component placed thereon onto four axes includes a lower plate, an upper plate, a first adjustment member, a second adjustment member, a third adjustment member, connection members, fixing members, a first fixing block, a second fixing block, fixing plates, slot fixing members, fixing covers, a yaw screw, a spring pin, a spring, and a yaw block.

Abstract: A detachable mechanical eye cartridge includes a plurality of links, a plurality of couplers, a plurality of electronic connection points, and at least one mechanical eye that can be rotatably actuated in at least two rotational degrees of freedom. The detachable mechanical eye cartridge may include actuators for actuating the eye, eyelid structures, an actuator for actuating the eyelid structures, and imaging sensors within the mechanical eye. The detachable mechanical eye cartridge may include one or two mechanical eyes and related structures and may include a set of magnetic couplers that couple to magnets on a robotic head frame to which the detachable mechanical eye cartridge may couple. The detachable mechanical eye cartridge may also have a set of mechanically coupled linkages for controlling the pitch of each mechanical eye with minimal backlash.

Abstract: A robot joint structure includes a first member and a second member that are hollow, an actuator that rotates the second member about a fourth axis relative to the first member, and a brake mechanism capable of braking rotation of the second member relative to the first member. The actuator includes a motor accommodated within the first member, a speed reducer that reduces the speed of rotation of a motor shaft of the motor and that transmits the rotation to the second member, a first gear provided at the motor shaft, and a second gear provided in the speed reducer and engaged with the first gear. The brake mechanism includes a brake body accommodated within the first member, a brake shaft capable of being braked by the brake body, and a third gear provided at the brake shaft and engaged with the second gear.

Abstract: An efficient automatic liquid-liquid extracting machine includes a body. At least one set of stirring extractor is arranged on the body, the stirring extractor includes a cylindrical separating funnel and a stirring motor that are fixed on the body, a bottom funnel opening of the cylindrical separating funnel is connected to a three-way liquid separating device, the stirring motor is arranged opposite to the opening of the cylindrical separating funnel, a motor shaft of the stirring motor is connected to a stirring device, and a stirring end of the stirring device penetrates into the cylindrical separating funnel. Since multiple mechanical stirring devices are used in the analysis of semi-volatile organics, the extraction process for multiple samples can be performed synchronously at the same time, and the solvent and the solute are brought into full contact due to the rotary mechanical stirring up and down.

Abstract: An agricultural access system is described. The system may utilize a plurality of supports, including posts, cables, beams, and so forth to displace an access component. Control systems, sensors, delivery mechanisms, and other functions may be integrated with the system or access components. Some embodiments may include multiple cells with access components configured to interact with adjacent access components. Methods of accessing an agricultural area are also disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural access system is described. The system may utilize a plurality of supports, including posts, cables, beams, and so forth to displace an access component. Control systems, sensors, delivery mechanisms, and other functions may be integrated with the system or access components. Some embodiments may include multiple cells with access components configured to interact with adjacent access components. Methods of accessing an agricultural area are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spherical orienting device includes a base, first and second actuation shafts, an orientable device, an inner member, a middle member, and an outer member. The first and second actuation shafts are rotatably held by the base for rotary actuation about first and second actuation axes, respectively, which intersect orthogonally at a spherical center of rotation. The orientable device is supported by first and second revolute support joints which are disposed for rotation about an orientation axis of the orientable device and a support axis, respectively. The inner member is fixed to the first actuation shaft and linked to the second support joint. The middle member is inwardly linked to the first support joint and outwardly linked to a middle revolute joint disposed for rotation about a linkage axis. The outer member is fixed to the second actuation shaft and linked to the middle revolute joint.

Abstract: A mounting system for a projector includes a stationary body and a gimbal assembly to connect to a projector. The mounting system further includes a first support having a first end connected to the stationary body and a second end connected to the gimbal assembly, a second support having a first end connected to the stationary body and a second end connected to the gimbal assembly, and a third support having a first end connected to the stationary body and a second end connected to the gimbal assembly. A length of the first, second, and third supports are adjustable independent of the length of the other of the first, second, and third supports to adjust a tilt angle and a roll angle of a projector connected to the gimbal with respect to the stationary body.

Abstract: A symmetrical, balanced receptacle for storing, displaying or transporting goods, materials, people, plants or animals is suspended from a double-axis gimbal mounted on a framework. The receptacle is attached to the gimbal by adjustable bearings and a locking mechanism holds the receptacle in various positions, tilted forward or back, and swiveled to one side or the other. When the receptacle is unlocked, gravity holds it level, which is especially useful when the device is used to hold or transport cargo on sloping ground, turbulent water or shifting air currents. The framework may be stationary or attached to a wheeled vehicle, water craft, aircraft or other means of transport.

Abstract: One embodiment of a support system for a lift motor unit comprises a first frame comprising left and right first stanchions and a first beam extending laterally between and connected to the stanchions. The support system also includes a similar second frame. A first connector is connected to the first beam and a second connector is connected to the second beam. A rail is connected to the connectors. Another embodiment of the lift motor support system includes similar third and fourth frames and third and fourth connectors. A first rail is connected to the third and fourth connectors, and the rail between the first and second connectors is a second rail. A traverse rail is engaged with and longitudinally translatable along the first and second primary rails.

Abstract: A linear motion machine includes a base having an upper surface configured to support one or more work pieces and an instrument movably mounted to the base via a plurality of guideways permitting movement of the instrument relative to the base along three axes. At least one of the pluralities of guideways includes an elongated guideway member made of a plurality of elongated generally planar web members. Each of the elongated generally planar web members has a length and a pair of opposite side edges running along the length. The plurality of elongated generally planar web members are bonded together at least at one or more of the side edges to form the elongated guideway member. The elongated guideway member includes a ceramic material.

Abstract: A method of driving a pipe into the ground includes steps of placing a pipe to be driven into the ground onto a series of at least two spaced skids each having an upwardly opening cradle thereon so that the pipe spans and is supported by the skid cradles, one skid proximate a front end of the pipe and the other skid proximate a rear end of the pipe, each skid including a vertical jack mechanism for raising and lowering the pipe supported by the skid, positioning the pipe in a position for ramming into the ground by operating the vertical jack mechanisms as needed to raise the pipe into the ramming position, and ramming the pipe using an impact ramming tool applied to push the pipe into the ground.

Abstract: A movement device (1) having a Stewart platform includes a movable platform (9) that has platform joints (8) connecting it in an articulated manner by at least six rods (6) to a base (3). The rods (6) have base joints (7) resting in an articulated manner on carriages (4, 5) that can be displaced in the longitudinal direction on rails (2a, 2b) that are fixed to the base. Each carriage (4, 5) has a dedicated drive, and the carriages (4, 5) can be moved independently of one another. Exactly two rails (2a, 2b) are provided, and each rail (2a, 2b) supports at least three carriages (4a, 4b, 4c and 5a, 5b, 5c).

Abstract: An apparatus that provides for rotation about two axes orthogonal to each other includes a gimbal having two arms adjoining a portion that is mounted to a base for rotation about a first axis. A shaft defining a second axis orthogonal to the first pivotally couples a mounting plate to the arms. The mounting plate has an arcuate edge with first and second parallel grooves therein adapted to receiving a drive cable. A drive cable that is engaged with a drive pulley is aligned by at least one idler pulley with the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. The drive cable has opposing free ends that are received in the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. A motor is coupled to the drive pulley for controlling the drive cable travel, to accordingly rotate the mounting plate to provide for orientating a device in a desired direction.

Abstract: A manipulating system, for manipulating two telescopic columns into desired positions in particular for use in an X-ray apparatus is disclosed, wherein the system comprises: one or more rails arranged in parallel in a first direction X and fastened to a ceiling; a carriage comprising an upper and a lower section, where said upper section comprises means for travelling along the rails in the X direction and the lower section is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a horizontal X-Y plane by means of a rotation device arranged between the upper and lower section; —two sliding rails arranged in parallel with a mutual distance between the rails, provided in a lower face of the lower section, where the sliding rails overlap each other in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the sliding rails; —two telescopic columns extendable in a Z direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane, where each column is slidably fastened to separate.

Abstract: The two dimensional drive system is capable of properly supporting a load applied to a slider and improving the positioning accuracy, the resolution, etc. The drive system comprises: a base; a pair of first fixed guides; a pair of second fixed guides; a first moving beam being capable of moving in the first direction; a second moving beam being capable of moving in the second direction; a slider being capable of moving along the first moving beam and the second moving beam; a first ball screw for moving the slider in the first direction; a second ball screw for moving the slider in second direction; first driving means for driving the first ball screw; second driving means for driving the second ball screw; and a third fixed guide being fixed between the first fixed guides and slidably connected to the first moving beam, whereby the third fixed guide guides the first moving beam in the first direction.

Abstract: Two-axis positioning apparatus utilizes a yoke including a hub mounted on a base for rotation about a first axis, an integral bight member extending radially away from the hub in opposite directions and a pair of upstanding legs distant from the hub extending away from the bight member at spaced apart locations. A load, such as an antenna, extends between and is mounted on the upstanding legs of the yoke member for rotation about a second axis distant from the bight member. A first drive system rotatably positions the yoke about the first axis and a second drive system intermediate the yoke and the load includes a first drive component rotatable about the first axis for rotatably positioning the load about the second axis as a function of the difference in angular movement of the support member about the first axis and the angular movement of the first drive component about the first axis.

Abstract: A sample stage of a precision sample positioning system includes a sample plate supported above a base plate on a plurality of slider assemblies. Each slider assembly includes a base slider secured to a surface of the base plate and a stage slider secured to the sample plate. Each slider is made from a common material. The common material possesses the characteristic of not having a yield point, and having a sufficiently high strength so as to permit sliding without surface degradation.

Abstract: An X-Y table of a microscope includes an a X-axis moving plate, an object holder mounted on an upper surface of the X-axis moving plate, a Y-axis moving plate to which the X-axis moving plate is slidingly coupled for movement in the X direction, a fixed plate to which the Y-axis moving plate is slidingly coupled for movement in the Y direction, an X-axis driving system which uses a belt for moving the X-axis moving plate in the X direction, and Y-axis driving system which also uses a belt for moving the Y-axis moving plate in the Y direction. The X-axis moving plate and the Y-axis moving plate serve as the stage of the microscope. In operation, when it is desired to move the X- and Y-moving plates rapidly to generally position the object under the microscope, the belts of the X- and Y-driving systems are disengaged from drive elements associated therewith.

Abstract: An adjustable stand is disclosed for raising and lowering a cantilevered load while reducing friction and preventing binding in the raising and lowering mechanism. A carriage for a cantilever arm, carrying the cantilevered load, rolls along a pair of parallel linear shafts by means of ball bearing bushings thus providing linear non-binding rolling motion therealong. In addition, an air clamp is provided for lockably positioning the cantilevered load in a desired rotational orientation with respect to the cantilever arm.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple rugged two degree-of-freedom spherical orienting device applicable to point payloads such as cameras, mirrors, lasers, antennas and the like. A spherical five-bar mechanism with payload support is actuated by two rotary actuators fixed in position to a base. Advantages of the device include: the preserving of image horizon for cameras (in contrast to three degree-of-freedom devices); the ability to position the payload at the geometric center of rotation thereby reducing inertia; high stiffness enabling orientation of large loads and use of high angular velocities and accelerations; simplification of inverse kinematic computation; relatively large outward workspace (approximating a hemisphere) and large internal free space for payload orienting.

Abstract: A structure of support of a focusing head of a laser beam for a machine for working parts provided with a carriage capable of supporting the focusing head sliding in a vertical direction comprises a first girder capable of supporting the carriage sliding in the direction of a transversal axis and a second load bearing bridge-type girder, integral with two portals arranged along the short sides of a working plane. The first girder is supported by the second load bearing girder, sliding in the direction of a longitudinal axis like a yoke, by means of a sleeve formed in the first girder and slipped over the second load bearing girder.

Abstract: A dual axis mechanically actuated motion platform which allows a user to move him or herself through a wide range of angular displacement in two intersecting axes individually or simultaneously by apply manual pressure to a lever in the direction of desired angular displacement. The motion platform is comprised of a base frame, a user support platform mounted on top of a universal joint, and a bearing mounted, preloaded offset linkage system coupled to a joystick lever. The offset linkage system creates enough increased mechanical advantage to move the seat platform in concert with the movement of the joystick lever, providing the user with the feeling of controlling an aircraft and the attendant sensations of pitch and roll motion.

Abstract: A microscope stage comprising an upper stage and a lower stage provided on a preset microscope and overlapped on each other in a vertical direction, said upper stage being disposed to move in a straight direction with respect to said lower stage, a pair of pulleys disposed on one of said upper stage and said lower stage and arranged with a preset distance in a direction parallel to the movement direction of said upper stage, and an endless driving force transmission member stretched between said pair of pulleys and reciprocally moved between said pulleys.

Abstract: A weight supporting apparatus supports the weight of a structure required to have very high surface precision, without affecting the surface precision of the structure. The weight support apparatus includes a driving unit for moving a driven body in the direction of gravity with respect to a base, and a supporting unit for supporting the weight of the driven body at a position after being driven, wherein the driving unit and supporting unit are so arranged that the drive force of the driving unit and the support force of the supporting unit are on the same axis.

Abstract: A positioning device (10, 10') including a mounting base (16), a yaw assembly (18) for imparting yaw movement relative to the mounting base (16) and a pitch assembly (22) for imparting pitch movement relative to the mounting base (16) is disclosed. The yaw assembly (18) comprises a yaw table (20) rotatably mounted to the mounting base (16) and the pitch assembly (22) comprises a pitch wheel (24) rotatably mounted to the yaw table (20). The positioning device (10, 10') includes a pitch motor (28) located on the yaw table (20) for rotating the pitch wheel (24) relative to the yaw table (20) and a yaw motor (38) located on the yaw table (20) for rotating the yaw table (20) relative to the mounting base (16).

Abstract: The object of the of the present invention is to provide a two dimentional drive system having a small and simple structure. The two dimensional drive system comprises: a first lever whose one end is fixed to a first shaft; a second lever whose one end is fixed to a second shaft; a third lever whose one end is fixed to a third shaft; a fourth lever whose one end is fixed to a fourth shaft; a first moving guide whose one end is rotatably connected to the other end of the first lever and whose the other end is rotatably connected to the other end of the second lever; a second moving guide whose one end is rotatably connected to the other end of the third lever and whose the other end is rotatably connected to the other end of the fourth lever; and a moving body being capable of moving on the first moving guide and the second moving guide.

Abstract: A three-axis stabilized platform is disclosed wherein the azimuth, or train axis, a cross-level axis and an elevation axis intersect each other at a substantially common pivot point. Each axis supports a pivotable member which includes sensing and drive means for correcting the position of that member to maintain the direction of an antenna toward an aiming point in space. Azimuth post rotates or pivots about the azimuth or train axis and is cantilevered from a support base so that the post extends vertically and radially inwardly from the base to provide pivot supports at its outer end and in planes perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the plane of the azimuth axis.

Abstract: In the two dimensional drive system of the present invention, each end of a first X-shaft is connected to each first Y-guide, and the first X-shaft is capable of moving along the first Y-guides. Each end of a second X-shaft is connected to each second Y-guide, and the second X-shaft is capable of moving along the second Y-guides. Each end of a Y-shaft is connected to each X-guide, and the Y-shaft is capable of moving along the X-guides. A first moving body always locates at a cross point of the first X-shaft and the Y-shaft, and is capable of moving thereon. A second moving body always locates at a cross point of the second X-shaft and the Y-shaft, and is capable of moving thereon. An X-drive mechanism moves the Y-shaft along the X-guides. A first Y-drive mechanism moves the first X-shaft along the first Y-guides. A second Y-drive mechanism moves the second X-shaft along the second Y-guides.

Abstract: An X-Y drive apparatus suitable for use in positioning an electronic component or the like at a desired position, such as a mounting position of a printed circuit board, is provided. Each of X and Y table units includes an elongated housing provided with a pair of stationary pulleys at its opposite ends and a table provided with a pair of moving pulleys. A pair of brackets is also mounted on the housing, each located between one of the stationary pulleys and a corresponding one of the moving pulleys. A belt, having its one end fixedly attached to one of the brackets, extends first around one of the moving pulleys, then around each of the stationary pulleys, and then around the remaining moving pulleys with its remaining end fixedly attached to the remaining bracket.

Abstract: The testing device, also known as a totally integrated payload attitude control tester (T.I.P.A.C.T.), is suspend on a single, high strength, low torsional moment line through the gravity vector axis. Attached directly to this line is a strong back assembly having a fixed lateral width with ends thereon. Attached to the ends of the strong back assembly are thin, high strength straps which are connected to a pair of tensile universal joints which are further connected to, by way of this high strength straps, to a pair of trunnions. The trunnions are connected to the payload support frame which may have a satellite payload therein. The three orthogonal axes of the test device allow rotation to .+-.45 degrees, .+-.60 degrees and >360 degrees, simultaneously in roll, yaw, and pitch respectively. The thin fabric strap allows movement with virtually no friction or suspension resistance.

Abstract: In a movement guiding device, two parallel stationary guides are fixed to a surface plate and plural hydrostatic gas or bearing members are provided for the surface plate and the stationary guides. A Y stage is moved in a Y-axis direction under the influence of these bearing members. Additional hydrostatic gas or air bearing members are provided in relation to the surface plate and the Y stage so as to support an X stage for movement in an X-axis direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction. Guide of the Y stage in the X-axis direction is made by the stationary guides on the surface plate, while guide thereof in a Z-axis direction perpendicular to an X-Y plane is made by the surface plate. Guide of the X stage in the Y-axis direction is made by the Y stage, while the guide thereof in the Z-axis direction is made by the surface plate, similar to the Y stage. With such structure, any vibration, rolling, or otherwise, of the Y stage is not transmitted to the X stage. Thus, high-precision guide is attainable.

Abstract: A manipulator features the use of a single motor and a plurality of flexible cables which are interconnected with the motor via a plurality of clutches which can be selectively engaged and disengaged. The cables transmit rotational energy to elements of the manipulator via translation devices which convert the rotational motion into linear motion.

Abstract: A compound angle limiting device is disclosed herein. The invention provides for control of the angular excursion of a pivotal mass within first and second angles about first and second axes without the necessity for external stops. The invention includes a first coupling mechanism for sensing movement of the mass about the first axis, a second coupling mechanism for sensing movement of the mass about the second axis; a first cam coupled to the mass via the first coupling mechanism and movable in response thereto; and a second cam coupled to the mass via the second coupling mechanism and movable in response thereto. The first and second cams are mounted for physical contact at at least one point to limit the compound angular excursion of the mass via the first and second coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: An X, Y, Z (and .theta.) article positioner and method are disclosed in which two axial elements, one inclined at an angle .alpha. and the other inclined at an angle -.alpha., are utilized in conjunction with each other to accomplish moves in a pure X or pure Z direction or a combination thereof. Each axial element is driven by a lead screw, which in turn is driven by a motor. Pure X movement is achieved by driving the lead screws the same amount, at the same rate, in the same direction. Conversely, to achieve a pure Z movement, the two lead screws are driven the same amount, at the same rate, but in opposite directions. In the preferred embodiment, three superposed and independently driven wedges are used to provide the desired single axis or combinational axis movement to position a workpiece in X, Y and Z with rotational movement of the three wedges providing .theta. axis positioning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a labeling machine for receptacles comprising a labeling unit which is disposed on a compound slide comprising an upper carriage part and a lower carriage part. The upper carriage part is connected with parallel rods which extend through slide bushings on the lower carriage part. The upper carriage part is linked to a pivotable lever being limited in its pivoting path by an adjustable stop.

Abstract: A machine for gas-free sealing/welding of overlapping edges of thermoplastic material is provided and is of the type which includes a framework carrying an ultrasonic transducer horn assembly having a hammer at a lower end thereof. An anvil is positioned below the hammer. A mounting mechanism for mounting the framework for side-to-side movement, and a drive mechanism for moving the framework on the mounting mechanism are also provided. The improvement resides in the mounting mechanism comprising a beam which extends between spaced apart support members and which has at least one upper rail edge and one lower rail edge and wheels rotatably mounted to the framework and including at least one upper wheel and at least one lower wheel which engage, respectively, the upper and lower edges.

Abstract: A suppport frame comprising a primary and secondary frame. The primary frame is U-shaped, having a hole on each end and a disc-like central section with a plurality of pits and a cylindrical projection. The secondary frame has a seat with a circular recess on one end and an engaging device on the other end. The motor assembly is disposed between the tips of the U-shaped frame by screws. The base of the fan, together with the control panel, engages with the engaging device by screws. The seat of the secondary frame with its circular recess receives the cylindrical projection of the primary frame and they are coupled together with a screw. Two sets of a spring and ball are placed respectively within two apertures on the seat of the secondary frame to coincide with the pits on the disc. Thus, the primary frame may be adjusted relative to the secondary frame.

Abstract: An attaching device for mounting guide means in a liquid holding tank, the guide means being arranged to guide a submersible mixer into and out of the tank. The attaching device includes mutually pivoted parts which make possible securing of the device on horizontal, vertical as well as sloping surfaces.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a vehicle refrigerator includes a pivoting mounting structure for securely mounting the refrigerator to the body structure of the vehicle for pivotally moving about at least two axes which are parallel to the longitudinal and transverse axis respectively of the vehicle and includes a universal pivoting mount with electrically driven mechanical jacks operable in selected combinations for tilting the refrigerator body about a selected one of the horizontally oriented longitudinal or transverse axis of the vehicle or an axis in between.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating the upper and lower dies of a die set comprising a gantry having a fixture mounted on a main frame for up and down movement, and a sub-frame mounted on the fixture for 180.degree. of rotation. Clamping units are mounted on the sub-frame for clamping the upper die to the sub-frame when the fixture is in a lower position at a work-transfer station. The die set is transported on a cart to the work-transfer station where the upper die is clamped to the sub-frame. The fixture is raised to elevate the upper die to an upper position. The cart is moved away from the work-transfer station carrying only the lower die with it. The upper die is inverted, lowered onto a second cart and it, too, is then moved away from the work-transfer station. Both dies now face upwardly for convenient inspection, cleaning and/or repair. The transporter cart table on which the die set is supported can be rotated to any desired angle such as 90.degree.

Abstract: A support for a CRT monitor provides translational movement for the monitor in two perpendicular directions. The support is on rollers for movement over a horizontal surface, and includes telescoping arms for movement in a first direction. One of the arms enters an elongate guide channel mountable on the surface and includes rollers for rolling along a vertical wall of the channel so that the support moves in a second direction perpendicular to the first. The channel includes a cover and end walls.

Abstract: A projector stacking stand for supporting at least one image projector comprises a frame and at least one mounting platform connected to the frame with ends supporting an image projector. Each mounting platform is connected to the frame for enabling adjustment of the pitch, roll and yaw thereof relative to the frame by means of a gimbal having three discrete pivot axes corresponding to pitch, roll and yaw axes. The gimbal is moved about the pitch and roll axes by two shafts, each mounted on the gimbal for independent rotation with the axis thereof disposed parallel to the pitch axis and a cable for each shaft having at least one turn therearound. Each cable is connected to the frame under tension with a portion above and below the turn around the shaft and each shaft is rotatable to effect vertical movement thereof along its cable, whereby pitch adjustment is obtained by rotating the two shafts simultaneously in the same direction and roll adjustment is obtained by rotating the shafts individually.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted refrigerator includes an apparatus for levelling the condenser coils including a support frame mounted in a generally horizontal plane and pivotable about generally orthogonal axis with electrically powered levelling support jacks activated by level sensing switches for levelling the frame on which the condenser coils of the refrigerator are mounted. An alternate embodiment includes hand operated jacks for levelling the condenser coils.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a three axis gun mount wherein the gun is mounted for movement in elevation and in train (azimuth) with respect to a platform which is disposed in a plane which is at an angle to the horizontal and which platform is mounted for movement about the zenith axis.An additional feature of this invention is the provision of such a mount wherein said platform is provided with unlimited rotation in either direction about the zenith axis.A yet additional feature of this invention is the provision of such a mount wherein the three axes of the mount, and the axis of the gun along which the firing impulse is applied to the mount, all have a common intersection.

Abstract: To ensure that a body will be independent of gravitation for the performance of tests, an evacuable protection box is provided which encloses contact free the body from all sides.The protection box has contactless scanning units to monitor the position of the body in its inside. It is conducted along three axes by a guiding system firmly connected to the spacecraft.The movements along each of the three axes is accomplished by driving means controlled by the scanning units so that the protection box follows changed positions of the body relative to the spacecraft.

Abstract: A support base for a machine or the like in which reference points on the support base may be readily and selectively adjusted so as to support the machine in a desired manner and so as to accommodate distortions or other forms of misalignment which may be present in the support base as a result of its manufacture.

Abstract: A rotary kiln having a live ring is supported by a pair of rollers on shafts. The ends of each shaft are supported by bearings carried at the ends of a weigh beam having a rocking bearing so that the rollers can tilt to follow changes in the slope of the kiln. To allow the rollers to follow any axial movement of the live ring, upon thermal expansion or contraction of the kiln, the rocking bearing is slidable on a partly cylindrical segment.

Abstract: A rolling arc gimbal mount includes a base having means for attachment to a support structure and an arcuate yoke supported in the base by recirculating bearing means. The recirculating bearing including a raceway formed in opposite sides of the yoke and in opposed facing mounts on the support structure with plurality of balls or rollers disposed between the yoke guideway and the base guideway and including recirculating guides.

Abstract: A completely mechanically operated microscope bridge includes rapid rough positioning, fine positioning, coarse focusing and fine focusing with an automatic locking system locking the microscope at the position set by the operator whether power is on or off. In the focusing mechanism the drive slips when the microscope hits the viewing platen or if the microscope rhomboid is caught under the cross beam or overhanging arm on the light table while being raised. A brake prevents the microscope from being manually pushed into the viewing platen. In the x and y plane movement mechanisms torque limiting clutches prevent damage to the drive mechanisms, and a slip clutch allows turning of a positioning knob without driving when the bridge reaches the end of travel.