Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an axial load between first and second planes with an axial dimension therebetween includes first, second, and third members. The first member has a planar face on one end engaging the first plane and has a spherical face on the other end. The second member has a spiraling face on one end and has a spherical face on another end. The spherical face engaging the spherical face of the first member so that the first and second spherical faces maintain substantial contact for transferring the axial load between the first and second planes whether the planes are parallel or non-parallel. The third member has a spiraling face on one end and has a planar face on another end. The planar face engages the second plane. The spiraling face engages the spiraling face of the second member. The axial dimension of the second and third members can be adjusted when at least one is rotated.

Abstract: A support has first and second members positioning between a machine and a foundation to support an axial load therebetween. Each member has one face bearing an axial force and has a spherical face on the other end. The two spherical face mate with one another to oppose the axial forces between the machine and the foundation. A shim holder positions between the support and the foundation and affixes to the foundation to hold one or more shims. One of the members can have two components with intermediate faces mating one another. The faces have spiraling surfaces so that the two components can be rotated relative to one another to change the axial dimension of the member.