Abstract: The present invention relates generally to measuring devices, namely calipers. The invention is a measuring device for measuring the height or depth of a conductive element comprising a stabilizing body comprising a beam; at least one leg extending from said beam; a contact affixed to at least one leg, an electrical energy source connected in series with said contact; an indicator connected in series with said electrical energy source and said contact; a caliper comprising a measuring scale; a probe, said probe connected in series with said contact, said electrical energy source, said indicator; and means for affixing the caliper to the beam.

Abstract: An automated workpiece handling system rapidly moves a workpiece into a controlled atmosphere chamber, like a vacuum chamber, to a work station, like an electron beam, and withdraws the piece after the work has been completed. While at the work station, the handling system manipulates the piece linearly and in rotation, as desired, according to a set program. The workpiece is loaded and unloaded at the same location outside the chamber, at atmosphere. A split piston having a headstock and tailstock holds the workpiece. The piston seals the vacuum chamber during loading transfer in and out, and during the work cycle. During transfer into the vacuum chamber, pressure around the workpiece is reduced. A pneumatic counterbalance system reduces the loading on the piston drive system caused by the pressure differential between the vacuum chamber and atmosphere.

Abstract: An automated workpiece handling system rapidly moves a workpiece into a controlled atmosphere chamber, like a vacuum chamber, to a work station, like an electron beam, and withdraws the piece after the work has been completed. While at the work station, the handling system manipulates the piece linearly and in rotation, as desired, according to a set program. The workpiece is loaded and unloaded at the same location outside the chamber, at atmosphere. A split piston having a headstock and tailstock holds the workpiece. The piston seals the vacuum chamber during loading transfer in and out, and during the work cycle. During transfer into the vacuum chamber, pressure around the workpiece is reduced. A pneumatic counterbalance system reduces the loading on the piston drive system caused by the pressure differential between the vacuum chamber and atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus suitable for use in continuous transfer of workpieces through a region of reduced pressure in which some operation is to be performed on each workpiece in turn, being particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for electron beam welding. The apparatus comprises a sealed chamber, to constitute the region of reduced pressure, and a passageway extending therethrough, with means defining a series of compartments for containing individual workpieces, the compartments being movable in succession along the passageway and through an operating station in the sealed chamber where the interior of each compartment in turn is exposed to the interior of the sealed chamber for the performance of an operation on a workpiece carried in the compartment.