Abstract: A mechanical adjustable device described herein is adapted to enable changing the spatial shape of the device from a first shape to a second shape, while retaining the device in its second shape. Preferably, the device includes: a) a spring; b) a plurality of longitudinally extended ribs or wires that are capable of being bent, wherein these plurality of ribs or wires are circumferentially disposed along an enclosure confined by the spring, adjacent to the inner side of the spring; and c) a flexible sleeve or tube disposed longitudinally along the enclosure confined by the spring.

Abstract: A mobilizing apparatus is provided for moving an airplane positioned on the ground, wherein the mobilizing apparatus comprises at least one pair of main wheels and engagement means, and is characterized in that the engagement means is adapted to enable engagement of the mobilizing apparatus to the airplane central under carriage so that the axis along which the at least one pair of the mobilizing apparatus main wheels is essentially located, is along a virtual axis formed between the central wheels of the airplane to be moved, thereby the mobilizing apparatus main wheels are positioned essentially parallel to the respective airplane central wheels upon engaging the mobilizing apparatus to the airplane to be moved.

Abstract: A scanning system for use in inspecting or writing on a substrate minimizes vibrations by applying movement-actuating forces directly between a carriage and a countermass which are both free to move along parallel tracks. Forces for decelerating and accelerating the scanning carriage are preferably applied along a minor part of a length of movement of the carriage. The carriage is then isolated from forces applied parallel to the track while moving along a major part of its length of movement. As a result, the carriage travels smoothly with approximately uniform speed during it's operative pass, without suffering from vibrations introduced by direct closed-loop feedback control.