Abstract: A coincident three axis manipulator comprises a first member which is mounted to rotate about a first axis and carries a second member which is mounted to rotate about a second axis obliquely inclined to the first axis. The second member carries a third member which is mounted to rotate about a third axis obliquely inclined to the second axis. First and second mirrors are carried by the first member and mounted to rotate with it. The first mirror is situated on the first axis and positioned to reflect a laser beam which is parallel to the first axis on to the second mirror which is on the second axis. Third and fourth mirrors are carried by the second member and mounted to rotate with it. The third mirror is situated on the second axis and positioned to reflect the laser beam reflected by the second mirror on to the fourth mirror. The fourth mirror is situated on the third axis positioned to direct the laser beam parallel to the third axis.

Abstract: Transport apparatus comprises a drive unit and a slave unit movable in unison along a predetermined path. The slave unit is disposed beneath the drive unit to move along a tunnel with work stations located at intervals along the tunnel. The drive unit carries electromagnets which when energized levitate the slave unit within the tunnel, controls being provided to maintain the slave unit at a desired position relative to the drive unit. The roof of the tunnel is formed from a magnetically transparent material, such as glass. The slave unit is thereby physically isolated from the drive unit. As a result the drive unit is shielded from any hostile environment within the tunnel and resulting, for example, from the transport of radioactive or toxic materials by the slave units. This simplifies repair and maintenance operations on the drive unit.