Abstract: A cradle device for large pinion gears or blanks wherein a pinion may be supported and rotated for machining. The cradle device comprises one or more adjustable prismatic units each including a plurality of angular plates that are movable toward and/or away from one another along the width of the cradle device in order to raise and lower, and/or laterally shift, a pinion placed thereon so as to position the pinion for machining.

Abstract: A dual resolution translation stage includes a stage assembly operable to receive an optical element and a low resolution adjustment device mechanically coupled to the stage assembly. The dual resolution stage also includes an adjustable pivot block mechanically coupled to the stage assembly. The adjustable pivot block includes a pivot shaft. The dual resolution stage further includes a lever arm mechanically coupled to the adjustable pivot block. The lever arm is operable to pivot about the pivot shaft. The dual resolution stage additionally includes a high resolution adjustment device mechanically coupled to the lever arm and the stage assembly.

Abstract: A precision leveling vice includes a vice body having a fixed jaw and an end wall. A moving jaw moves toward or away from the fixed jaw to frictionally retain or release a member. The vice assembly is connected to a swivel plate. A fixture plate is positioned oppositely about the swivel plate with respect to the vice assembly. A pivot pin is positioned in a partial circular slot of each of the swivel plate and fixture plate permitting the swivel plate and vice assembly to move in a rocking motion with respect to the fixture plate by rotation about the pivot pin. First and second adjustment fasteners positioned in through apertures at swivel plate opposite ends threadably engage the fixture plate. Opposite axial rotation of the first and second adjustment fasteners causes a head of one of the adjustment fasteners to contact the swivel plate inducing the rocking motion.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor having first annular connection structure at a forward end portion of an air inlet housing of the compressor. The gas turbine engine may also include intake ducting having second annular connection structure adjacent a central passage of the intake ducting. The first annular connection structure and the second annular connection structure may form at least part of an interface between the air inlet housing and the intake ducting during operation of the gas turbine engine. The first and second annular connection structures may have shapes allowing the first annular connection structure to be moved through and beyond the second annular connection structure in a forward direction, the forward direction being opposite a direction of compressed air flow in the compressor during operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movable pole extension (4) for a magnetic clamping apparatus (1) for holding a ferromagnetic workpiece (P), comprising a fixed pole member (5) extending in a predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) and at least two pole members (6, 7) attached to said fixed pole member (5), said at least two pole members (6, 7) being movable relative to said fixed pole member (5). The movable pole extension is characterized in that it has holder means (8) operably coupled to said fixed pole member (5), wherein said holder means (8) are movable in said predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) between a first operating position (P1) and a second operating position (P2) and operate on said at least two movable pole members (6, 7) to hold them in coupled contact with said fixed pole member (5).

Abstract: A positioning system having a base, a manually movable end effector and a first joint interposed between the base and the end effector is disclosed. The first joint may comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion coupled together by magnetic attraction and configured to be intermittently separated by a pressurized gas cushion. The first joint may be configured to be changeable between a movable state and a fixed state. In the movable state, the proximal and distal portions are separated by the pressurized gas cushion and are movable relative to each other. In the fixed state, the proximal and distal portions contact each other and relative movement is thereby impeded. Methods of precisely positioning an end effector may include providing a device having a base, a first joint located distally from the base, and an end effector located distally from the first joint.

Abstract: A machine has a frame structure for moving a machine head in one or more spatial directions. The frame structure comprises an actuator and an air bearing for moving the head. The machine also comprises a compressed air feed connected to the air bearing for providing a compressed air flow. A restrictor defines the compressed air flow to the air bearing. The machine has a first operating state, in which a high compressed air flow is defined and in which the actuator can be actuated. The machine has a second operating state, in which a compressed air flow lower than the high compressed air flow is defined. In the second operating state, the actuator is secured against actuation from a closed-loop position controller, while the closed-loop position controller is maintained in operation.

Abstract: A power system includes a gas turbine engine, which may include a gear box. The gear box may include a pipe connection configured to receive a removable pipe. The power system may also include a moveable support configured to fasten to the pipe connection to at least partially support the gear box.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a measurement object, particularly a formed sheet metal component of a vehicle body, in a reference position, comprises at least one carrier which holds the measurement object and has a carrier head that can be placed against the measurement object. The carrier comprises a plurality of carrier heads which can optionally be moved, relative to the rest of the carrier, into contact positions and the carrier heads can be pivoted about an axis.

Abstract: An embodiment of a multiple axis positioner comprises a main headstock that has a main hollow bore. A main indexing table is attached to the main headstock. The main indexing table has a through-hole near the its center. The through-hole aligns or is substantially coaxial with the main hollow bore of the main headstock. The embodiment of the multiple axis positioner further includes at least three minor headstocks mounted to the main indexing table. The at least three minor headstocks have minor hollow bores.

Abstract: A machine tool with a workpiece mounting block is provided that permit a plurality of workpieces to be mounted and machined without giving rise to interference between the workpiece or a table and a main spindle. Work mounting section (27) in a shape of square pyramid with four sides serving as workpiece mounting surfaces is fixed to table (17). Main spindle (19) with tool (23) mounted thereon can be moved relative to table (17) in three mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z-directions, and table (17) can be moved in rotation feed in A and C-directions. Positions of rotation angle of A-axis and C-axis when the workpiece mounting surface is perpendicular to the axis of main spindle (19) are stored in advance in storage mechanisms. When workpieces (33) mounted on the workpiece mounting surfaces are to be machined, a workpiece coordinate system is set based on the stored positions of the rotation angle and NC machining is carried out.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for securing a workpiece is provided. The clamping apparatus includes a fixing base and a first and a second clamping device mounted on opposing sides of the fixing base. The first clamping device includes stacked clamping sheets, each of which is moveable and comprises an inclined clamping edge for contacting the workpiece. A support assembly supports the plurality of stacked clamping sheets; and an operating member is slidable relative to the support assembly and contacting the plurality of staked clamping sheets. The operation member is capable of moving at least one of the plurality of stacked clamping sheets relative to another one when the operation member slides relative to the support assembly, and moving at least one of the inclined clamping edge toward or away from the second clamping device to accommodate workpieces of varying sizes.

Abstract: A point-welding clamp structure for side by side tightly clamping and locating different plate-shaped metal pieces in their true relative positions so as to facilitate the point-welding operation. The point-welding clamp structure includes a body section and a base section for clamping the different metal pieces. A second adjustment section is disposed on the body section and a third adjustment section is disposed on the base section. By means of operating the second and third adjustment sections, the metal pieces with different thickness can be securely clamped and located by the point-welding clamp structure.

Abstract: A lateral motion inhibitor assembly, a drill press incorporating the inhibitor and a method of using the same. The inhibitor assembly includes a clamping assembly which fixedly engages a vertical support column of the drill press, a connector assembly which fixedly engages a horizontally-oriented drill press table; and a plate assembly which extends between and is pivotally secured to both the clamping and connector assemblies. The plate assembly includes a first plate and second plate that are pivotally secured together. The inhibitor assembly restrains the table and drill against lateral movement relative to each other when the table's vertical position on the support column is changed. The inhibitor assembly ensures that both an initial drill hole and a subsequent drill hole are drilled in substantially the same location on a workpiece supported on the table.

Abstract: A work inspector and carrier includes a carrier unit (40, 50, 60) for carrying a workpiece from a carry-in area to a carry-out area, and an inspection unit (70) for performing a predetermined inspection on the workpiece. The carrier unit is formed so as to move the inspection unit (70) together with the workpiece in order to carry the workpiece from the carry-in area to the carry-out area while performing the inspection by the inspection unit. When carrying the workpiece from the carry-in area to the carry-out area, the inspection unit performs the predetermined inspection on the workpiece while being moved together with the workpiece. Thus, the overall time required for inspection and transportation can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a workpiece holding device (101, 201) comprising a substantially spherical ball (107, 207) with means for releasably retaining a workpiece (901), a socket (102, 202) with a first ball-receiving surface (105, 205) and means for mounting said socket (102, 202) on a worktable (905), and means for releasably clamping said ball (107, 207) against said first ball-receiving surface (105, 205). The first ball-receiving surface (105, 205) is shaped on a ball-receiving element (104, 204) mounted moveable, within said socket (102, 202), along at least one axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to its clamping force. The invention also relates to a workpiece holding system comprising three workpiece holding devices (101, 201, 301), as well as to a method for using this workpiece holding system.

Abstract: A positioning machine includes a base, a support portion mounted on the base for supporting a workpiece and a first positioning mechanism received in the recessed portion. The base defines a recessed portion. Two sidewalls of the recessed portion respectively define a pair of first tracks. The first positioning mechanism includes a first motor, a first coupler, a first positioning block, a first screw rod, and a first nut movably mounted over the first screw rod and fixed to a low surface of the support portion. The first coupler is forced by the first motor to drive the first screw rod to rotate to drive the first nut to move along the first screw rod, causing the support portion to be moved along the first tracks, and the workpiece to be moved in a predetermined position relative to the base.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a clamp system for use in screen printing, including first and second jaw members, screws, an extension member, and a registration pin. The jaw members are aligned and have respective facing flat surfaces and openings. The screws threadedly connect to respective openings and set the distance between jaw members for clamping a frame. The extension member remains flush to the flat surface of the first jaw member and has a housing extending orthogonal to alignment of the jaw members. The registration pin engages a hole on the housing and extends parallel to jaw members and orthogonal to the housing. The blunt end of the pin abuts a platen. All platens maintain the same position relative to the frame, when abutting the blunt end. The registration of platens to the frame allows for multiple consistent ink application onto a substrate.

Abstract: An adjustable fixation clamp having first and second clamp assemblies positioned about a shaft. The clamp assemblies may each have a pair of vise plates. Each pair of vise plates may define at least two receiving portions and insertion portions intersecting the receiving portions. The receiving portions of one clamp assembly may receive at least two fixation components such as screws, pins or wires. The receiving portions of the other clamp assembly may receive at least one connector such as a rod, bar and/or ring. A biasing structure may be positioned between the first and second clamp assemblies and may allow for the fixation components to be snapped into the receiving portions through the insertion portions. Two or more adjustable fixation clamps may be used to form an external fixation system. At least two screws, pins or wires may be inserted into bone and one of the clamp assemblies may be attached thereto. A guide may be used for insertion of screws, pins or wires into bone.

Abstract: An opener and a buffer table for a test handler are disclosed. The opener includes an opening plate, a plurality of pin blocks forming pairs, and at least one or more interval retaining apparatus for retaining an interval between the pin blocks forming a pair. Each of the pin blocks is movably coupled to the opening plate, and includes opening pins for releasing a holding state of a holding apparatus that holds semiconductor devices in a carrier board. Although semiconductor devices to be tested are altered in size and a carrier board loading with the semiconductor devices is thus replaced, the opener does not need to be replaced, thereby reducing the replacement cost and the waste of resources.

Abstract: A machine tool (11) according to the present invention includes a table (49) having a pallet mount on which a pallet for a workpiece to be mounted thereon is mounted, a pallet station (17) provided on the side of the machine tool and having a pallet rest for a pallet to be placed thereon, and a pallet carrying device (19) arranged between the table (49) and a column (23). The pallet is carried between the table (49) and the pallet station (17).

Abstract: An equine CT table for positioning a horse during a CT (“computed tomography”) scan. The table is positioned above the patient couch and communicates with the conventional CT system for examination of a horse without requiring mechanical or electrical attachments between the CT system and table. The table includes a frame carrying a tracking system, a linear movement system and a carousel upon which the horse is positioned. Prior to examination, positioning of the horse on the table may be manually adjusted linearly and/or radially in any direction to properly align the horse. Infinitely positionable cantilever members are provided to support horse's appendages. The tracking system identifies movement of the CT couch and mimics the movement with the linear movement system to enter and retract the horse from the gantry at predetermined positioning.

Abstract: A positioning-jig 1 used to mount a face plate 15 on the female-die 21, and the positioning-jig 1 comprises a female-part 2 which has a concave part and is attached into the positioning-holes 24 at the male-die 22 detachably, a male-part 6 which comprises an axial part inserted detachably into the concave part of the female-part and a dish-shaped head part connected to the axial part, and further provides a positioning method comprising the following steps; set the positioning-jigs 1 on each positioning-holes 24 and set the marking-members 12 on each positioning-jigs 1; and test run the stamping machine to attaches the male-die 22 and the female-die 21, and adhered the marking-members 12 on the female-die 21; and adhered the face plate 15 on the female-die 21 for the marking-members 12 inside each through-holes.

Abstract: A machine has a frame structure for moving a machine head in one or more spatial directions. The frame structure comprises an actuator and an air bearing for moving the head. The machine also comprises a compressed air feed connected to the air bearing for providing a compressed air flow. A restrictor defines the compressed air flow to the air bearing. The machine has a first operating state, in which a high compressed air flow is defined and in which the actuator can be actuated. The machine has a second operating state, in which a compressed air flow lower than the high compressed air flow is defined. In the second operating state, the actuator is secured against actuation from a closed-loop position controller, while the closed-loop position controller is maintained in operation.

Abstract: A workpiece support apparatus is provided with a plurality of support members. The support members support a workpiece. Each support member moves along a moving path to a machining position while the support member is held at a first holding position for supporting the workpiece or a second holding position which is spaced apart from the first holding position. At least one support member is displaced from the first holding position to the second holding position or from the second holding position to the first holding position along a machining trajectory, before the support member arrives at the machining position whenever each support member is moved to the machining position.

Abstract: An improved adjustable work stop device for use in positioning work pieces which for machining purposes are clamped in a vice or other clamping means. The work stop comprises a laterally adjustable base, a flipper mount with flip arm movable in a vertical direction and lockable into desire position thereto, a flip arm with a positioner which is pivotably secured and rotates away from the work piece without scrubbing the work piece surface whereby clearance for machining, work or the like is accomplished on the butted side of the work piece.

Abstract: An omni-direction rotatable dual-cup suction device includes two suction cups, which are respectively combined with and in communication with two evacuation structures, so that the two evacuation structures can evacuate air from the suction cups to induce vacuum suction forces. The two suction cups are respectively provided with a mounting seat and an attaching seat for securely coupling the two evacuation structures. The mounting seat includes a pillar fixed thereto. A collar receives a ball end of a bar therein and is attached to the pillar. The ball-ended bar is coupled to a threaded rod, which extends through an internally-threaded locking knob and received into the attaching seat to be secured by a nut. With such an arrangement, one of the suction cups can be attached to a planar fixture surface, while the other suction cup can be used to hold an article and is orientation adjustable in any direction.

Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a base, a platform, a support fixed on the base, a rotatable member, and a positioning member. The rotatable member is fixed to the platform and is rotatably connected to the support. The positioning member is fixed to the platform. The positioning member is operable to cooperate with the support to lock the platform in a desired position.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting components on a vessel having a boss with an adapter and a method of attaching. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an adjustable frame including a support positioned between a first end and a second end, a fixed clamping device attached to the first end of the frame and including a lower plate and pivotally attached upper plate such that at least one of the lower and upper plates has a shaped jaw formed therein to hold a first adapter. The assembly further includes a rotatable clamping device made up of a lower clamping plate along with a lower plate rotatably attached to the lower clamping plate, and an upper plate pivotally attached to the lower plate. At least one of the lower and upper plates have a jaw formed therein to hold a second adapter.

Abstract: A pivoting ball mount provides four essentially equal and (generally) evenly spaced constraints on the ball, creating a ball and socket joint in which the “socket” is composed of four small constraining pads of equal size and equally spaced around the surface of the ball or sphere. If a sphere is constrained by four equidistant points, each point will exert the same amount of force on the sphere. If additional pressure is applied to one point, the pressure exerted by the other points will rise to match this increased pressure. The effect of constraining a smooth ball by four equidistant points is to create the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the force required to rotate the ball at a particular rate is about the same in any direction. The ball is constrained by four equidistant points such that the relative movement between the ball and housing is smooth and predictable in any direction.

Abstract: A clamping device has several clamping element receptacles each with a clamping element held by the clamping element receptacle. The clamping element receptacles have an inclination running obliquely to a clamping direction of the clamping device and by means of which the clamping element is guided. The clamping element has a clamping jaw support and the clamping jaw is connectable to the clamping jaw support. The clamping jaw engages in an undercut provided on the clamping jaw support and is additionally fixed by means of a positive fixing means to the clamping jaw support when it is connected to the clamping jaw support.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for holding a flat object. The apparatus includes a post, a supporting mechanism movably connected to the post, a clamping mechanism pivotally connected to the post, and a linking element for linking the supporting mechanism and the clamping mechanism together. Thus, the flat object is clamped by the clamping mechanism clamps when the flat object is supported on the supporting mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an article, a carrier including the apparatus, and a method involving the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a base having a channel and a pivot post, an engagement member for selectively engaging the article, a rotatable actuation member having a pivot feature corresponding to the pivot post, and a positioning member secured to the base. The engagement member is slidably positionable in the channel of the base, the positioning member establishes travel limits for the rotatable actuation member, and the positioning member urges the engagement member toward the article. Rotation of the rotatable actuation member slides the engagement member along the channel of the base, thereby securing the article by the force provided by the positioning member.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to fixtures and methods for assembling automotive instrument panels. Some embodiments include a means for locating an instrument panel in a lateral direction and in a selected rotational direction. Some embodiments also include a means for locking the panel in specific desired rotational position. Furthermore, some embodiments may accommodate a wide variety of panel designs having variable lengths.

Abstract: For machining a workpiece the workpiece is fixed in a first gripping device of a machining device in order to make at least one element. Next the workpiece is transferred to the second gripping device of the machining device, where the workpiece is fixed by means of the element in the second gripping device of the machining device, while the first gripping device remains connected to the machining device. The element comprises a dovetail-shaped mounting element.

Abstract: An automatic stop gauge used in woodworking to facilitate the cutting of multiple workpieces to the same length, or working of the pieces at equal positions along each, quickly and accurately has a plurality of stops, moveably mounted on a beam-like fence, which is in turn aligned with and connected to the existing top fence of a cutting or drilling tool when present “Pin” type stops deploy in succession by means of gravity from holes drilled in the beam at incremental spacings of one or more inter-hole distances. An operator presses a work piece against the beam which retracts one or more of the pins from its stop-defining position projecting from the beam, and with lateral movement of the work piece toward the working member of the tool, as guided by the beam, pins redeploy one at a time, to each provide a new stop position for the workpiece.

Abstract: A target holding device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of target plates, each target plate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first surface has a plurality of holes. A shaft may be used to facilitate the alignment and joinder of the target plates such that the first surface of one target plate contacts a second surface of an adjacent target plate. The target holding device may optionally include end plates arranged to sandwich the target plates therebetween and/or separator plates alternately arranged with the target plates. The target holding device may be used to produce brachytherapy and/or radiography targets (e.g., seeds, wafers) in a reactor core such that the targets have relatively uniform activity.

Abstract: A table which supports work pieces includes a base with a first part and a second part hinged together so that the second part may be swung up and away from the standing surface for storage and be swung down to engage the standing surface. A support column is secured to the base and coupled to a brace member which is foldable between a first state when the second part is in contact with the standing surface and a second state when the second part is not in contact with the standing surface. The table includes a work platform that is coupled to the central support column and rotatable between a horizontal orientation parallel to the standing surface and a non-horizontal orientation. The work platform is configured to have work stations which receive and mount work pieces so that the work pieces are secured to the work platform in both the horizontal and non-horizontal orientations.

Abstract: A disc holding apparatus including a plurality of movable holding claws, which have a holding section abutting to the outer circumference of a wafer having a notch and are arranged in the circumference direction of the wafer. The wafer is held by having each holding section on the inner edge side of each movable holding claw abut to the outer circumference of the wafer, thereby, at the time of detecting the notch by a sensor including a light source and a light receiving section, even when one of the holding sections abuts to the outer circumference of the wafer at a part where the notch exists, light from the light source is permitted to enter the light receiving section through the notch without being blocked by the holding section. Even when the wafer is held at the part where the notch exists, the wafer is not required to be correctly held again and throughput is improved with a shortened process time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture and method for mounting a head window to a frame for use in a submarine periscope system. The fixture supports the head window during the potting of the head window to the frame. A spring-loaded clamping plate is mountable to a baseplate for relative movement therebetween. The clamping assembly has an oval recessed portion. A plurality of spaced apart feet are formed within the oval. The feet support and are bonded to the head window. Shim stock are placed between the feet to define a critical gap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding a plurality of arrow shafts in alignment for applying a heat-shrinkable sleeve thereto. The apparatus includes a support and an arrow holding assembly for holding more than one arrow shaft relative to the support. An adjuster ring is moveable along the support to hold the sleeves in the desired positions on the shafts. The apparatus and method of this invention allows for consistent positioning of shrinkable sleeves around multiple arrow shafts and simultaneous shrinking of sleeves onto the multiple arrow shafts.

Abstract: A support stand system for supporting parts of automobiles for repair work or painting purposes featuring a main base and one or more additional components including a fender stand for supporting fenders, a bumper stand for supporting bumpers, a paint tray, a door stand for supporting doors and hoods, and a sawhorse. The components are interchangeable. Securing devices such as clamp brackets can be used with any of the components.

Abstract: A power train handler having a first inverted T-shaped stand and a second inverted T-shaped stand the height of each of which is preferably independently adjustable. A T-shaped support is slidably attached to the upper end of each inverted T-shaped stand. Either an inverted U-shaped tip plate is rotationally balanced on a T-shaped support or a slotted bar having rotationally mounted arms is attached to the T-shaped support. Preferably, wheels are attached to the bottom of the inverted T-shaped stands; and, preferably, the inverted T-shaped stands are releasably, slidably, and lockably connected to each other.

Abstract: A device (1) for a user to secure a workpiece (2) that is positioned on a substrate (3) during the processing of the workpiece (2) with a hand-held power tool. A stepping element (4) has a stepping surface (10) via which the user applies a holding force, and that also has a placement surface (11) for placing the device (1) onto the workpiece (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal processing of a workpiece with a thermal processing tool that is adjustable perpendicularly to the workpiece surface has a drive for adjusting the work distance. The drive is in operative communication with the processing tool or part of it, and is configured as a voice coil actuator, comprising a magnet producing a magnetic field, and a coil in the magnetic field. The magnet and coil are movable relative to each other along a movement axis in response to an electric current. To provide a drive for a thermal processing machine that affords a compact structural form and high machine dynamics, the magnet has a cavity, which has arranged therein the processing tool, or a part thereof, which is mechanically connected to the voice coil actuator.

Abstract: A positioning device for chip removing tools includes a tool holder receiver aligned with a positioning mechanism such as an engagement or index groove. A tool holder is aligned with the tool holder receiver at an angular position. A tool is aligned with the tool holder at another angular position.

Abstract: Plastic parts are held by a holding device in a position for transfer to a receiver. Each part has a wall with a pierceable wall region that is accessible from one side, and the holding device is provided with a needle. With the part in the transfer position, the pierceable wall region is pressed against the needle, so that the needle penetrates the pierceable wall region and the wall is secured to the needle. The holding device may be a magazine type with multiple sockets for holding corresponding parts on needles.

Abstract: An adjustable alignment apparatus for a gage that fits to a vehicle body includes a base having first, second, and third abutment faces and an adjusting plate having first, second, and third walls respectively spaced from the first, second, and third abutment faces. An adjusting bolt acts between the base and the adjusting plate to move the walls of the adjusting plate respectively toward and away from the walls of the base. A first mounting bracket engages with the vehicle body and is attached to one of the base and the adjusting plate. A second mounting bracket engages with the gage and is attached to the other of the base and the adjusting plate. A plurality of shims can be removeably installed and uninstalled between the abutment faces of the base and the walls of the adjusting plate to adjust the position of the gage relative the vehicle body.

Abstract: A cryostat includes a rotatable mounting arranged to rotate about a first rotational axis, the mounting extending substantially in a first plane, a sample plate arranged in use to support a sample, located on the rotatable mounting, and a heat sink located adjacent the side of the mounting distant from the sample plate. A thermal conductor extends between the sample plate and the heat sink. The conductor extends through an aperture in the rotatable mounting. A rotatable sample holder for a cryostat includes a sample plate having a first side arranged in use to support a sample, a drive gear arranged to rotate about a first rotational axis, and a driven gear arranged to rotate about a second rotational axis, engaged with the drive gear and coupled to the sample plate such that rotation of the drive gear causes the driven gear and sample holder to rotate. The first rotational axis does not intersect the second rotational axis.