Abstract: A well construction includes a spool (12) that is insertable into a vertical well casing (14). The spool (12) has a skirt (28) that seats against a collar (26) of the well casing (14). The skirt (28) and collar (26) are of a pre-selected angle and material so as to create a sliding and non-sticking engagement between the surfaces of the skirt (28) and the collar (26). A support web (50) extends substantially perpendicular to the surface of the skirt (28) at the location of the skirt (28). A pipe is suspended from a sleeve portion (44) of the spool and a ring portion (53) is formed at the junction of the support web (50) and the sleeve (44). The sliding and non-sticking engagement between the skirt (28) and the collar (28), coupled with the geometry of the spool (12), creates a load distribution in the support web (50) of substantially compressive forces between the surfaces of the skirt (28) and the collar (28), thus minimizing the incidence of breakage in the spool (12).

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer for use in precision remote movement of an object in an ultra-high vacuum environment is disclosed which includes an elongated central shaft with proximal end and distal end, a distal stop fixed to the distal end of the shaft with connection means for connecting the distal stop to the object to be moved, a plurality of piezoelectric disks entrained on the shaft, a plurality of electrically conductive plates entrained on the shaft and arranged interspersed alternately with the piezoelectric disks, each plate including an annular portion entrained on the shaft and an arm extending radially outward from the annular portion. The plates are arranged into two groups with each alternate plate being in the alternate group, so that all of the plates of each group have their arms extending radially in parallel.

Abstract: A scanning monochromator is disclosed which is capable of operation over a wide bandwidth in an ultra-high vacuum. The monochromator includes a pair of carousel assemblies carrying the optical elements which may be independently positioned translationally along the optical axis of the instrument and also rotationally, which each positioning control operable from outside of the instrument. A carousel on each of the carousel assemblies carries several optical elements and is rotatable to change which optical element is used, also from outside of the instrument.

Abstract: A manipulator (10) for adjusting the curvature of a bendable refocusing mirror (72) which is positioned inside of a high-vacuum optical apparatus is disclosed which is particularly adapted so that manipulation of the curvature of the mirror (72) can be accomplished on the outside of the apparatus through adjustment of a manually operable micrometer (46). A single feedthrough shaft (54) extends into the vacuum of the apparatus and is operable by the micrometer (46) so as to raise and lower one end each of a pair of drawbridge members (62, 64), each of which is attached to one end of the mirror (72) so that equal bending moments are applied at opposite ends of the mirror (72) so as to adjust the curvature thereof in a preselectable and uniform fashion.

Abstract: An extended range grazing incidence monochromator is disclosed which utilizes Rowland circle geometry to select a frequency of radiation from a broad spectrum of radiation, with the entrance slit and the gratings of the monochromator being positionable by remote electrical control, such as that provided by a digital computer, while the exit slit of the apparatus remains fixed. The monochromator has an extended range because it includes two different gratings, each of which has an optical characteristic adapted for use in a Rowland circle of a different size, and the apparatus is capable of switching between two gratings without breaking the ultra-high vacuum contained in the interior of the monochromator. The positioning of the entrance slit and the appropriate grating is accomplished both rotationally and linearly through the use of stepping motors which can be precisely remotely controlled for maximum accuracy and control.

Abstract: A improved high pressure seal for sealing between a pair of vacuum system elements (10, 12) is disclosed which includes a channel (42) to allow fluid to be vented from the space between a sealing member (30) and a seal on the low pressure side of one of the elements (10, 12) to prevent the trapping of gasses inside of the seal which can contribute to outgassing at a later time. The venting channel (42) is formed either in the deformable sealing member (30) itself, or in one of the two vacuum system elements (10, 12) in its face adjoining the sealing member (30).

Abstract: A pitless well adapter apparatus providing an easily assembled coupling through a well casing between a well drop pipe and a water delivery pipe. The coupling members include an adapter body member connected to the drop pipe, and an adapter outlet member connected to the delivery pipe and firmly mounted to the well casing through an opening therein. A U-shaped skirt is formed around a side opening in the adapter body and has a beveled groove formed around the inner periphery thereof. A U-shaped beveled flange is formed on the intake end of the adapter outlet member and is shaped and sized to closely mate with the groove in the skirt on the adapter body.

Abstract: A cap assembly for capping the upper ends of well casings of various diameters and associated electrical conduit and providing electrical cable passage therethrough from the conduit into the casing. The cap assembly has an electrical conduit adapter and a cap member with a main dome portion defining a casing chamber of generally circular cross-section and a dome extension portion defining an adapter chamber. The main dome and dome extension portions of the cap member have a stepped series of annular downwardly facing bearing lands of progressively smaller diameter formed therein about the periphery of the chambers for selective seating on the upper end of various sized well casings. The bearing lands have substantially straight sections converging away from the casing chamber. The adapter has an outer taper complimentary to the convergence of the straight sections of the bearing lands for selective seating of the bearing land sections on the adapter.