Abstract: A shelf for a household refrigeration appliance includes a shelf plate having a first plate element and a separate second plate element. The second plate element is disposed next to the first plate element in a use position in the widthwise direction of the shelf to form the shelf plate and the second plate element can be removed non-destructively to make the shelf plate smaller. A carrier frame only borders the edges of the shelf plate. The shelf has a center web oriented in the depthwise direction of the shelf. Both plate elements rest on the center web in their use position.

Abstract: A telescopically adjustable task tray for mobile elevated work platforms is disclosed. The task tray assembly may be used on most standard sized scissor and boom lift mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP's). It provides easy, fast (under one minute) installation, a convenient work surface, a contained space for placing tools and other items, an ideal surface for assembly, and primarily, an alternative to the old practice of working from the platform floor. The invention is not limited to use on mobile elevated work platforms. It could be used on industrial catwalks, mechanical chases, between two sawhorses, anywhere two horizontal bearing points are available within the telescopic range. The invention could also be modified yet still meet the original scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular shaking table with heavy load capacity and extensible test frequency and area, comprising a shaking table body; the shaking table body is arranged in a building foundation in which a long-stroke groove is formed, long-stroke servo actuators are horizontally and vertically hinged in the modular shaking table; and an integration foundation is fixedly arranged on the upper end face of the shaking table body; an excitation platform is arranged in a short-stroke groove that is formed in the integration foundation, short-stroke servo actuators are horizontally and vertically hinged in the modular shaking table. The present invention is aimed at providing a large-scale and heavy-load modular shaking table that can meet the test requirements of realizing long stroke and high-frequency loading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an embedded shaking table with heavy load capacity and extensible test frequency and area, comprising a shaking table body; the shaking table body is arranged in a building foundation in which a long-stroke groove is formed, a plurality of long-stroke servo actuators are horizontally and vertically hinged in the shaking table; a short-stroke groove being formed on the upper end of the shaking table body; an excitation platform being arranged in the short-stroke groove; a plurality of short-stroke servo actuators are horizontally and vertically hinged in the shaking table. The present invention is aimed at providing a large-scale and heavy-load embedded shaking table that can meet the test requirements of realizing long stroke and high-frequency loading.

Abstract: A drawer mechanism includes a housing, a drawer, and a connector. The housing has at least one open side. The drawer is incorporated in the housing and insertable into and drawable from the open side of the housing. The connector connects the housing and a rear side of the drawer in a drawing direction of the drawer. The connector includes a first pivoting member, a second pivoting member, and a biasing member. The biasing member is disposed at a contact portion between the first pivoting member and the second pivoting member and configured to bias the first pivoting member and the second pivoting member in directions in which the first pivoting member and the second pivoting member are closed.

Abstract: A versatile transport rack uses a rectangular shaped horizontal frame and one or more vertical frames that extend upwardly therefrom. Hinge pin receiver pairs are attached to the vertical frame and receive door pin pairs of a vehicle door. Either castors or axle-based wheel sets are removably attached to the horizontal frame in order to move the device about. Plates having appropriately placed templates are attached to the horizontal frame and/or the hinge pin receivers to hold various implements.

Abstract: A versatile transport rack uses a pair of end frames that are each pivotally attached to a connector frame on opposing sides thereof thereby forming an article support device. Each frame has casters removably attached thereto. One or more vertical frames and/or one or more relatively flat base plates are removably attached to an upper surface of the versatile transport rack. Hinge pin receiver pairs are attached to the vertical frame and receive door pin pairs of a vehicle door.

Abstract: An automatic tire replacement apparatus is disclosed that has a hydraulic fluid line connected to a hydraulic fluid reservoir via a reservoir at one end a hydraulic fluid retainer at the other end. At least one hydraulic piston is provided that has a hollow barrel with an inner volume and an outer volume, a piston, and a piston rod with a first end and a second end within the inner volume of the hydraulic piston. The apparatus also contains a power rod, with a spiral thread, partially within the hollow barrel outer volume. The hollow barrel is connected to the hydraulic fluid retainer via an inner piston actuator and an outer piston actuator. The power rod is connected to the piston rod. A power bolt that has a set of inward facing pins is engaged with at least the power rod spiral thread.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and associated apparatus for efficiently exciting and detecting fluorescence. In a disclosed preferred embodiment, excitation lamp modules with multiple solid-state light sources shone at different oblique angles, such that multiple-beams converge in a single plane, are combined with appropriate emission filters that block the excitation light wavelengths while passing the emission wavelengths. A multitude of such modules are combined on a slider that can be accurately positioned in front of an observation point, such as a microscope's objective lens, external to the microscope, via a novel magnetic detent system, allowing for the rapid switching between the analysis of different fluorophores.

Abstract: A fixture in the form of a shelf that can be mounted to a support bar secured to the inner face of a refrigerator door. The shelf is telescopic and has at least two parts, a base and a platform, both being slidable upon each other and slidable along the support bar. The base and the platform have mounting means on the support bar and route-limited fitting and sliding means therebetween. The fixture allows for an increase or reduction in space of the telescoping shelf for better arranged storage of beverage cans or the like, in order to ensure versatility and safety to the arrangement of cited products.

Abstract: A damping device for damping the opening movement of a moveable furniture part comprises a base unit and a movement unit that is moveable in relation to the base unit. The base unit comprises a furniture body of a piece of furniture and a first damping mechanism having a first clamping mechanism. The movement unit comprises the furniture part and a second damping mechanism that dampens an end position when the moveable furniture part approaches the open position. The second damping mechanism has a second clamping mechanism. The first and second clamping mechanisms can be detachably and dynamically clamped to one another for damping the movement of the moveable furniture part when the moveable furniture part approaches the open position.

Abstract: One first drive unit that advances or recedes in the X-direction and that exerts a drive force in the X-direction to a movable table is arranged to exert a drive force to a center position in the Y-direction of one end part in the X-direction of the movable table. Two second drive units that advance or recede in the Y-direction that is perpendicular to the X-direction, and that exert the drive forces in the Y-direction to the movable table are arranged to be point-symmetric with respect to the center of the movable table as the center of symmetry. Plural plane guide bearings are arranged at positions such that the total sum of the moment forces of the respective plane guide bearings is zero on the center axis line in the X-direction of the movable table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alignment inspecting system for liquid crystal substrate, comprises an alignment mechanism located on corners of the substrate, and the alignment mechanism including a horizontal alignment device for exerting pressure to edges of the substrate, wherein a flattening device for applying longitudinal pressure to the substrate is further included. The present invention can be concluded with the following advantages: this alignment inspecting system for liquid crystal substrate can be used to correct the bending of the substrate during alignment process, so as to reduce the bending and deformation of the substrate which in turn creates poor contact between the probe and the substrate. As a result, incorrect reading can be avoided.

Abstract: A table system includes a semi truck that has a sleeping cabin. A table has a first half that is slidably coupled to a second half. Thus, the table has an adjustable width thereby facilitating the table to extend along an entire width of the sleeping cabin. A plurality of locks is provided and each of the locks is rotatably coupled to the table such that each of the locks retains the table at a selected width.

Abstract: A cargo management system is provided comprising a shuttle drive unit. The shuttle drive unit comprises a sheave, a pulley proximate the sheave comprising a groove of the pulley aligned with a groove of the sheave, and a motor configured to rotate the sheave. The cargo management system further comprises a belt coupled to the sheave and a cargo shuttle coupled to the belt.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a crisper system having one or more moveable and removable drawers. The drawers include rollers extending downwardly and outwardly from the drawers to provide maximum storage volume. The rollers are configured to work with channels formed in a support system, which may be integrally formed with a bottom floor of a compartment of the refrigerator. Therefore, the rollers and channels of the support system provide easy access and removability of the drawers of the crisper system.

Abstract: A sliding rack assembly includes an rack, a pair of retention members supporting the rack, and a pair of rear wall retainers. Each retention member includes a slide assembly and a retention plate fixed to the slide assembly. Each retention plate includes a front end for being toward an opening of the cavity and a rear end for being disposed toward a rear wall of the cavity. The rear end of the retention plate includes a holding feature. The rear wall retainers are for being fixed to the rear wall of the cavity. Each rear wall retainer includes a plurality of vertically spaced retention features. Each retention feature is for connecting with a holding feature of a retention member to prevent the retention members from tipping inwardly and separating from the rear wall retainers.

Abstract: A table includes a vertical support column and a base. The base includes a first floor engaging portion disposed on a first side of a vertical axis and a second floor engaging portion disposed on an opposite second side of the vertical axis. The first and second floor engaging portions are weighted such that the base has a center of gravity spaced from the vertical axis on the second side of the vertical axis. A worksurface member is supported by the vertical support column and is vertically spaced from the base. The worksurface member is rotatable relative to the base. In one aspect, the worksurface member has an overall length greater than the overall length of the base. In another aspect, a stop limits rotation of the worksurface member.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a controller for remotely controlling an implantable device that is used to adjust a gastric band, and the controller transmits a telemetric signal to the implantable device. The apparatus further comprises a table that provides support for the controller. A rail is oriented in a first direction with respect to the table, and a tray is slidably coupled to the rail. The tray receives the controller, and the rail moves the tray and the controller in the first direction with respect to the table. The apparatus further comprises a roller coupled to the rail. The roller aids in moving the rail, the tray, and the controller in a second direction with respect to the table. The apparatus further comprises an attachment mechanism for securing the controller to the tray. The apparatus locates the controller in a desired location with respect to a patient.

Abstract: A cradle drive mechanism is provided. The cradle drive mechanism includes a drive motor, an intermediate frame and a screw and nut transmission device driven by the drive motor so as to drive linear reciprocating motion of the intermediate frame. The cradle drive mechanism also includes a rotating, shaft having a first driving wheel and a gear, a transmission belt, and a rack meshed with the gear so that, during linear reciprocating motion of the intermediate frame, the rack forces the gear to rotate and drive rotation of the first driving wheel, wherein rotation of the first driving wheel drives rotation of the transmission belt. The cradle drive mechanism also includes a cradle connector fixed on the transmission belt and configured to connect a cradle and to drive linear reciprocating motion of the cradle.

Abstract: A tray table system to be mounted onto a seat, particularly in an aircraft, and to an associated aircraft, and a system that includes a retractable tray table having utility-surface dimensions that vary between a storage retracted position and an extended use position. The tray table system includes a tray table including an upper utility surface, and a translation mechanism capable of modifying by translation dimensions of the upper utility surface during movement of the tray table between at least a first general storage position and a second general use position.

Abstract: Described are tray table assemblies having a table body, a support arm comprising a first end rotatably coupled to the table body, a linkage comprising a first end rotatably coupled to the table body, and a receptacle, wherein a second end of the support arm and a second end of the linkage are rotatably coupled to the receptacle. The table body may be configured to rotate within a substantially horizontal plane relative to the support arm, and the support arm and the linkage may be configured to rotate within a substantially horizontal plane relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: A telescoping electronics mounting platform having a pair of cooperating frame members. An interlocking mechanism is coupled between the frame members and includes: relatively slidable male and female members coupled to the different frame members, a reaction surface formed relative to the second frame member, an actuator coupled to the male member and having a drive surface that is positioned adjacent to the reaction surface of the second frame member wherein the male member is responsive to a motion of the drive surface of the actuator relative to the reaction surface for moving relative to the female member, and an expandable locking mechanism coupled to between the male and female members, wherein the expandable locking mechanism is responsive to the motion of the actuator relative to the reaction surface for expanding within the female member.

Abstract: Variable planform shelving systems include a variable support platform and a support surface assembly that is supported by the variable support platform. The variable support platform includes frames that can be repositioned relative to each other to vary the planform of the variable support platform. The support surface assembly provides a support surface for supported items. The support surface assembly is flexible and/or comprised of a plurality of linked panels so that the support surface provided varies in response to variation in the planform of the variable support platform.

Abstract: A table system for vacuum application has a base plate and a moving table guided by aerostatic bearing units. The bearing units (10) are connected to supply lines and suction lines for supplying and extracting the gas required for the operation of the bearing units and are provided in each instance with a sealing system having at least one stage and comprising suction channel and sealing gap for sealing relative to the vacuum. The table system is characterized in that the aerostatic bearing units (10) are constructed at least partially as swivel joints, and a push rod (4) which is actuated by a drive (5) for guiding the moving table laterally is connected to the rotating part (21) of each swivel joint, and in that the push rods (4) are hollow and constitute a component part of the suction lines for extracting the operating gas.

Abstract: A hunting tray is presented that is configured to be removably attached to a tree. The hunting tray includes a body portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces, the top surface of the body portion dimensioned and configured to receive at least one item and a folding arm assembly detachably connectable to the body portion, the folding arm assembly configured to include at least one attachment member at a distal end thereof for facilitating removable attachment of the hunting tray to the tree. The at least one attachment member is a tapered screw. The folding arm assembly includes a first arm segment, a second arm segment, and a third arm segment, such that the first and second arm segments are pivotally connected to each other and the second and third arm segments are pivotally connected to each other.

Abstract: A table apparatus for a vehicle seat comprising a table, having at least one table leaf, and a table support mechanism, wherein the table support mechanism enables translational movement of the table between a substantially horizontal stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: An article of furniture includes a support and a plurality of members, each of the members extending along the bottom face of the support. Each of a plurality of attachment devices attaches a respective one of a plurality of legs to one of the members such that each of the members is attached to at least one of the legs. The attachment devices include multiple bodies and multiple fasteners. Each of the attachment devices are able to be adjusted as needed to account for slight manufacturing discrepancies that may occur due to manufacturing tolerance ranges so that the legs attached to the members via the attachment devices are positionable where desired in accordance with a predetermined design.

Abstract: An assembling method that is high in assembly accuracy and easily performed at the actual installation site is provided. In this method, the sub base plates on the sub mounting tables are aligned with respect to a main base plate on a main mounting table at a temporary installation site, and the state thereof is maintained. Then, the main mounting table and the sub mounting tables are separated from each other to be transferred to the actual installation site, and the positioning state is restored at the actual installation site. Since a positional alignment can be performed at the temporary installation site, the work required at the actual installation site can be reduced. Furthermore, since a fine adjustment can be performed at the actual installation site, the accuracy in the positional alignment can be improved.

Abstract: A system for optimising storage in an enclosed transport trailer (6), having transverse bearing beams (2) for supportin a load such as loaded pallets (12, 13) at a mid height of the trailer such that two storage levels are available. The beams have a wheel (10) at each end that runs in a horizontal track (11) attached to each side wall of the trailer, the track enclosing the wheels to prevent them from disengaging from the track. Adjacent beams can be attached togethe at variable spacings using a spacer bar (15) to suit a particular pallet or load size. The track has a junction adjacent th open end (20) of the trailer that leads up to another track (18) immediately below the roof line where the beams can b moved to an out of the way storage position (19) when not required.

Abstract: A free ball bearing includes: a main body that has a ball retainer where a ball-retaining recess having an inner surface of a semi-circular recessed surface is formed; a plurality of retainer balls that is disposed on the semi-circular recessed surface of the main body and a main ball that has a diameter larger than the retainer balls and is rotatably supported through the retainer balls; a cover portion that surrounds the ball retainer of the main body while ensuring a predetermined internal space; a retained ball-pressing ring that has a ring-shaped pressing member that is inserted in between the semi-circular recessed surface of the main body and the main ball and presses the retainer balls, and is disposed to be movable in the internal space in the depth direction of the ball-retaining recess, between a pressing position where the retainer balls are pressed and a releasing position where the retainer balls are released; and a releasing mechanism that moves the retained ball-pressing ring from the pressing

Abstract: A width adjustable worktable includes a worktable body, an extension member movable relative to the body, a first guide rod connected to the extension member and a control set rotatably mounted in the extension member. The control set is operable to move the first guide rod between a locking position, where the first guide rod is prevented from moving relative to the worktable body, and an adjustable unlocking position, where the first guide rod is unlocked and movable relative to the worktable body for allowing the user to move the extension member carried by the first guide rod to adjust the width of the worktable.

Abstract: A horizontal planar movable surface forms a stage used as a work holder for optics, scientific instruments, microscopes and the like. The stage has a fixed lower plate with parallel grooves for bearings and a central groove for a ferromagnetic strip. A movable upper plate has corresponding parallel grooves to receive the bearings and powerful magnets over the ferromagnetic strip to pull the upper plate towards the lower plate without surface contact. A magnetic shield is interposed between the magnets and the work support surface of the upper plate to block most magnetic flux from work tools carried by the stage.

Abstract: A shelf for overlying a shower barrier uses a pair of shelves that are connected by a connector shelf allowing the device to telescope. Each of the pair of shelves abut a side wall and overlie a curtain rod or the top of a shower door. Each shelf has a flat upper surface and a decorative downwardly depending front surface for enhancing the aesthetics of the shower enclosure and concealing the rod or top of the door. Various devices can be used to hold the shelves against the walls including telescoping rods attached to the connector shelf and the other two shelves with a set screw holding the rods in place. A compression spring can also push on the outer shelves; or screws can pass through either screw bosses on the two other shelves and into the respective walls or a bracket can, be attached to the outer shelves and the walls.

Abstract: A table having adjustment means is provided, wherein the work surface may be raised or lowered, widened or narrowed, tilted at a desired angle, or so that the shape may be altered. The adjustable table utilizes a series of slots, holes and bolts, allowing the components of the table to slide in various directions, providing multi-dimensional adjustment capabilities by simply loosening the attachment means (preferably bolts and nuts), sliding the components to their desired position, and then tightening the attachment means to fix the components in that position.

Abstract: A shelf includes a first shelf section and a second shelf section that slidingly fits with the first shelf section such that the first shelf section and second shelf section are configured to form a shelf surface having a usable shelf surface area that is variable.

Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular computer workstation system, comprising a frame structure having two frame structure sides with curved bottoms. Each side has a handle, a higher back vertical side, and a lower front vertical side. The curved bottoms allow the frame structure to rock, and to be non-rigid. The frame structure has: a front horizontal support having an upper surface and a perpendicular front flange, and a back horizontal support. When modular document support and other support elements are placed on the frame structure, the document surface is at an angle with respect to the horizontal surface on which the frame structure typically will rest. The present invention further comprises a plurality of document support elements, and other elements and devices a computer workstation user may wish to situate.

Abstract: A computer workstation includes a worksurface moveable a first distance between first and second worksurface positions and a monitor support coupled to the worksurface. At least one of the worksurface and the monitor support is automatically moveable in response to a movement of the other of the worksurface and the monitor support. The monitor support is moveable a second distance between first and second monitor positions as the worksurface is moved the first distance between the first and second worksurface positions, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. A method of adjusting the position of a monitor support on a computer workstation is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable, articulable platform, changeable to and from a “U” shape to an “H” shape, is attachable to the distal end of an articulable support arm of a transport vehicle. The platform is arranged to adjustably surround an elevated chimney on at least three sides thereof. The platform comprises: a lower anchor plate centrally disposed within an elongated lower support frame; a rear anchor plate connected perpendicularly to the lower anchor plate, the rear anchor plate centrally and connectively disposed within an elongated rear wall frame, comprising bridging portions of the platform. A right sidewall frame and a left sidewall frame is connected to respective end portions of the elongated rear wall frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a specimen holder (10) for retaining specimens (9) for microscopic examination, which holder comprises two bars (3a, 3b) displaceable in opposite directions that are equipped on their mutually facing sides (7) with at least one respective recess (4a), in order to retain a specimen (9) by at least partial contact of those recesses against an outer edge of the specimen (9). It is proposed that the sides (7) of both bars (3, 3a, 3b) facing away from one another also be equipped with at least one respective recess (4b), so as thereby to increase the number of possibilities for specimen retention when both sides (7) of the bar (3a, 3b) are used by transposing the bars or by inserting them after a 180-degree rotation. It is further proposed to retain the bars (3a, 3b) magnetically on the specimen holder (10) so that the bars can easily be disassembled and reinserted following rotation.

Abstract: An electric oven includes a wire rack having a closed frame, a plurality of longitudinal beams each having a plurality of bent portions, a first end thereof connected to the frame and a second end thereof spaced apart from the closed frame, and a plurality of lateral beams intersecting the longitudinal beam and having first and second ends connected to the frame. The electric oven further includes a cavity defining a cooking chamber and receiving the wire rack. Further, the longitudinal beams are bent in a plurality of directions and the second ends of the longitudinal beams are bent towards the first end of the longitudinal beams such that a direction where heat is transmitted from the first end of the longitudinal beam is opposite to a direction where the heat is transferred to the second end of the longitudinal beam.

Abstract: A device for facilitating use of a bathroom fixture according to various exemplary embodiments can include at least a first planar body and a second planar body having a pair of opposed legs extending from each planar body defining a first opening and a second opening for receiving and conforming to a configuration of a base of a bathroom fixture. An interlocking element may be interposed between at least the first planar body and the second planar body for interlocking and stacking at least the first and second planar bodies to form a raised platform adjustable to a predetermined height based upon a user's height for facilitating use of the bathroom fixture according to the user's height. A skid-resistance bottom surface may be provided on either the first planar body or the second planar body for securing the raised platform to an underlying surface to prevent movement.

Abstract: An adjustable, articulable platform, changeable to and from a “U” shape to an “H” shape, is attachable to the distal end of an articulable support arm of a transport vehicle. The platform is arranged to adjustably surround an elevated chimney on at least three sides thereof. The platform comprises: a lower anchor plate centrally disposed within an elongated lower support frame; a rear anchor plate connected perpendicularly to the lower anchor plate, the rear anchor plate centrally and connectively disposed within an elongated rear wall frame, comprising bridging portions of the platform. A right sidewall frame and a left sidewall frame is connected to respective end portions of the elongated rear wall frame.

Abstract: A multilayer tray system especially for a hospital bed having side rails includes a first rectangular structure having hooks along each lateral edge for being supported on the top edge of the side rails, the first rectangular structure has cavities formed in the upper surface for disposition of such items as a tissue box, drinking glass or miscellaneous items. A second rectangular tray is selectively connected to the first rectangular support. The second tray has a planar upper surface for providing a writing surface thereon. The tray is aligned relative to the rectangular structure and slidably maintained on the rectangular structure by means of a pair of parallel brackets extending from the lower surface of the tray.

Abstract: An XY stage for controlling a position of a slider part on a lattice platen in two-dimensional directions has a plurality of the slider parts whose positions are controlled independently. The plurality of the slider parts each has: a position controlling part for controlling a position of the slider part in an X axis direction and a Y axis direction; and a yawing correcting part for correcting a yawing of the slider part around a Z axis.

Abstract: A portable workstation, in one embodiment, includes a base unit and a table. The base unit includes one or more vertical support members and a platform extending horizontally from the vertical support member. Support legs telescopically extend laterally to support the workstation in an upright position. The platform forms the top of the base unit in an upright position. The table is configured to extend from the base unit and includes a support leg. The table transitions between an extended position and a storage position. When the support legs are in the extended position, the table and support legs provide support to the base unit of the workstation, forming an integrated tripod system. Thus, the base unit may be compact and easily transported in a storage position; however, the platform and the table when extended may provide an ample work surface at a traditional working height.

Abstract: An adjustable, articulable platform, changeable to and from a “U” shape to an “H” shape, is attachable to the distal end of an articulable support arm of a transport vehicle. The platform is arranged to adjustably surround an elevated chimney on at least three sides thereof. The platform comprises: a lower anchor plate centrally disposed within an elongated lower support frame; a rear anchor plate connected perpendicularly to the lower anchor plate, the rear anchor plate centrally and connectively disposed within an elongated rear wall frame, comprising bridging portions of the platform. A right sidewall frame and a left sidewall frame is connected to respective end portions of the elongated rear wall frame.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus which moves a object comprises a first structure having a holding member which holds the object, a second structure having a magnet which constitutes a linear motor, the linear motor drives the first and second structure, and a flow passage formed between the holding member and the magnet.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a population of particles is set forth. The apparatus includes an emitter adapted to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation, such as from a laser, and a particle chamber disposed in a path of the electromagnetic radiation beam. The apparatus also includes a sensor to detect electromagnetic radiation scattered by or otherwise received from the particle chamber. A sensor alignment unit supports the sensor along a detection axis and allows adjustment of the position of the sensor along orthogonal axes lying in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the detection axis. In one embodiment, the sensor alignment unit includes a first support platform and a first adjustment mechanism disposed to adjust the position of the first support platform along a first orthogonal axis. The sensor alignment unit also includes a second support platform that supports the sensor.