Abstract: A low shock work transport system for moving workpieces into a pressure vessel without significant vibrations or mechanical shocks. The pressure vessel has two opposing ends with a sealable port in each of the opposing ends. A vessel rail is contained entirely within the pressure vessel with the two ends of the rail adjacent the ends of the pressure vessel. A movable rail is adjacent each end of the pressure vessel. Each movable rail is movable between a first position in which one end of the movable rail is within the pressure vessel and contiguous with the adjacent end of the vessel rail, and a second position in which the one end of the movable rail is outside the pressure vessel such that the sealable ports can be sealed. The workpieces are moved by sliding them over the upper surfaces of the rails.

Abstract: An electrical heating element, such as a graphite block, is resiliently held in electrical contact with a support block by a plurality of spring loaded connectors. The support block is electrically connected to an electrode. The spring loaded connectors extend through a plate, the heating element, and the support block. The connectors extend through slot shaped openings in the heating element such that the heating element can move in the direction of its length relative to the plate and the support block to provide a first degree of freedom between the electrode and the heating element. There may be up to six degrees of freedom in the mechanical connection between the electrode and the heating element.