Abstract: Sensorised wheel hub unit and a method for detecting, in real time, forces and moments applied to an outer ring of the wheel hub unit in which piezoresistive ceramic plates are made of one piece with welded metal plates housed within respective recesses formed in an outer surface of the outer ring over respective races for rolling elements that there is a gap between the plates and a base wall of each recess; the temperature of the outer ring and the amplitude and frequency of first electrical signals (S1) associated with the sensors relating to the same race are analysed to determine a frequency value equal to the frequency of the first signal having the maximum amplitude and as many amplitude values (D1-Dn) as there are sensors associated with that race and each equal to the maximum amplitude of the first signal from each sensor, corrected according to temperature.

Abstract: A device for dosing a product in capsules (12) or similar, comprising at least one dosing disc (36) which has dosing openings (38), and at least two filling stations (41-45) with which groups of dosing opening (38) are associated, wherein each filling station (41-45) comprises at least one tamping pin (51-55); the tamping pin (51-55) can plunge to a specified depth (h1-h5) into the dosing opening (38) to compress the product (17), and said tamping pin has at least one pressing means (71) for producing a variable pressure (p1-p5) with which each tamping pin (51-55) elastically deflects into the dosing opening (38); and at least one adjusting means, in particular an adjusting drive (61-65), is provided in order to adjust the depth (h1 to h5) for each of the two tamping pins (51-55) independently of one another.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the rapid assessment of the service life of a hub bearing under multiaxial random road loading, comprising the following steps: acquiring a measured load spectrum of a wheel center of an automobile, and converting the wheel center load into an axial load and a radial load borne by a hub unit; performing load level division on the axial load and radial load borne by the hub unit, and performing joint distribution counting; according to the deformation coordination relationship between a roller and a raceway of the bearing, establishing a bearing contact model under a joint load, and according to the bearing contact model and the result of joint distribution counting, calculating the actual contact load of the bearing under different loads; and calculating the equivalent dynamic load and the life of the bearing through the actual contact load of the bearing to obtain the total equivalent damage of the bearing.

Abstract: A method for operating a converter and a support device for the converter. The converter is rotatably or tiltably mounted and rotatably coupled in a transmission via support pins in the support device. The transmission is supported permanently on a base via a torque support. In order to reduce costs for a corresponding support device and, simultaneously, so as to be able to better control the torque exerted by the converter on the transmission, the time-variable actual torque MIst exerted by the converter on the transmission is controlled to a predefined target torque Msoil.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly includes inner and outer hubs rotatably coupled by first and second ballsets of rollers. A plurality of sensors for sensing strain within the outer hub generated by the ballsets are disposed on exterior mounting surface sections. These surface sections are located at radial spacing distances within empirically derived radial boundaries to prevent interference from one ballset affecting the measurements taken by sensors monitoring the other ballset. To prevent excessive distortion of strain measurements taken through the outer hub, a certain amount of hub material is required to smooth signals generated by the first and second rollers passing proximal to each sensor, thus affecting the radial location of the mounting surfaces. Further, the sensor mounting surface sections are also located within empirically derived axial boundaries determined to enable each sensor to sense strain from one ballset while avoiding the detection of strain generated by the other ballset.

Abstract: Sensorised wheel hub unit and a method for detecting, in real time, forces and moments applied to an outer ring of the wheel hub unit in which piezoresistive ceramic plates are made of one piece with welded metal plates housed within respective recesses formed in an outer surface of the outer ring over respective races for rolling elements in such a way that there is a gap between the plates and a base wall of each recess; in which the temperature of the outer ring and the amplitude and frequency of first electrical signals (S1) associated with the sensors relating to the same race are analysed to determine a frequency value equal to the frequency of the first signal having the maximum amplitude and as many amplitude values (D1-Dn) as there are sensors associated with that race and each equal to the maximum amplitude of the first signal from each sensor, corrected according to the temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bearing monitoring method and system suitable for the monitoring of faults in rolling element bearings. The method and system utilize an acceleration sensor that is sensitive to both acceleration and housing strain and which has the effect of amplifying acceleration events that coincide with areas of the housing strain signal that correspond to bearing ball-pass events. The housing strain signal due to ball-pass events can be used to synchronise or otherwise modify the sampling of acceleration signals, or to determine bearing performance characteristics.

Abstract: In a vehicle suspension assembly a sensorized system applied to a wheel hub unit, in which radially outer cylindrical surface of an outer ring of the wheel hub unit configured for coupling to a suspension upright or knuckle has four circumferential flats formed to be angularly spaced from each other on the radially outer lateral cylindrical surface, each flat delimiting a plane surface which extends axially over a pair of annular tracks for rolling bodies of the outer ring; each flat carries integrally a sensor module including a pair of extensometers positioned parallel to each other and each at the position of a respective annular track, orientated in a circumferential direction so as to extend along a circumferential development of the annular track; an electrical circuit picks up a signal from each sensor module and sends it to a data socket carried by the suspension upright or knuckle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide robust capacitive grip sensors that may be used in a variety of applications, including single-handed and double-handed grips, such as but not limited to barbells. Apparatus as disclosed herein and efficiently measure the presence of a human grip without requiring deformation of a gripped surface area.

Abstract: A device for sensing a bicycle pedaling torque input includes: a housing; a bearing defining a rotational axis; a bearing support member that positions the bearing with respect to the housing, the bearing support member including one or more beams; an output member configured to be coupled to a chain ring, the output member being coupled to an inner race of the bearing to enable the output member to rotate with respect to the housing about the rotational axis; a spindle configured to be coupled to a bicycle pedal crank, the spindle functionally coupled to the output member to enable a rider pedaling force applied to the spindle to cause rotation of the output member; and one or more strain gauges, each of the one or more strain gauges being coupled a beam of the bearing support member.

Abstract: In a method for determining loading of a bearing supporting a rotor of an electrical machine, the rotational speed and angular acceleration of the rotor is determined, matrix elements of a matrix are assigned to respective ranges of the angular acceleration and to respective ranges of the rotational speed, when the electrical machine is operated in a respective range of the angular acceleration and the rotational speed corresponding to the respective matrix element for a predefined time unit, an elementary variable, for example a value of 1, is added to the respective matrix element, and the loading of the bearing is determined as a weighted sum of the matrix elements. Thus, the matrix forms a representation of the operating time of the bearing and of the service life over time in relation to the rotational speeds and angular accelerations. The loading can be shown on a display.

Abstract: A sensorized roller of a bearing, the sensorized roller having a sensor module located within an axially extending hollow cylindrical bore. The sensor module is equipped with one or more deformation sensors for detecting deformation of the roller bore due to a radial load acting on the roller. The sensor module comprises a rigid housing that is shaped to fit inside the roller bore and is mounted to the roller bore with a small radial clearance between an outer cylindrical surface of the housing an inner cylindrical surface of the bore. Each of the one or more deformation sensors is formed by a proximity sensor that is accommodated at the outer cylindrical surface of the housing. A sensing element of the proximity sensor faces the inner cylindrical surface of the roller bore and measures a radial gap therebetween; the radial gap being indicative of bore deformation.

Abstract: Wing including an upper surface predominantly concave upwards and a lower surface predominantly convex downwards, which wing is provided with one or more supports to be fixed to a vehicle, in which the lower surface of the wing is provided with one or more slits that connect with the outside one or more first ducts arranged in the wing, which are in turn connected to at least one second duct arranged in at least one support, wherein at least one valve connected to at least one actuator is arranged along the second duct or along a third duct connected to this second duct. A process for controlling the operation of the wing and a motor vehicle includes this wing.

Abstract: There are provided a rolling bearing fatigue state prediction device and a rolling bearing fatigue state prediction method capable of highly accurately predicting a fatigue state of a rolling bearing even when a direction of a load applied to a rolling bearing changes. A rolling bearing fatigue state prediction device includes a load measurement unit for determining a magnitude and a direction of a bearing load applied to a rolling bearing supporting a rotating body, a load applied region identification unit for identifying a region to which a load is applied in a circumferential region of the rolling bearing, and a fatigue state prediction unit for predicting a fatigue state of the rolling bearing based on the obtained magnitude of the load and the identified load applied region.

Abstract: A rolling element bearing may potentially experience uneven loads across the length of its rolling elements due to either one or more of design errors, manufacturing errors or installation errors or any combination of these errors. The invention enables a physical measurement to be carried out on these potentially uneven loads on the rolling elements of a rolling element bearing by a technique that makes use of two or more load or strain sensors for measurement of roller load induced strain signals along a length of a rolling element in a rolling element bearing with rollers, such as cylindrical rollers for bearing arrangements.

Abstract: A system and method for determining surface contact fatigue life may use a finite element method to determine when components, such as a power transmission component, may fail in operation. The method may generate a finite element model based on the material parameters related to a power transmission component, generate a surface pressure time history for a loading event based on one or more loading parameters, determine, based on the surface pressure time history for a loading event, a finite element solution that describes stress in the grain structure, calculate damage in the finite element solution using a damage model, and determine whether a damage threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention includes a sensor mounted in a through-hole formed in the center of a roller of a roller bearing device, a recording device that records detection signals from the sensors, and an installation jig for installing the recording device in the roller. The installation jig passes through the through-hole, and has a first engagement portion that engages with one axial end portion of the roller from an outer side in an axial direction, and a second engagement portion that engages with the other axial end portion of the roller from the outer side in the axial direction.

Abstract: An occupant detection method includes detecting a load applied to a seat for a vehicle, detecting that an occupant is seated at the seat, holding a local maximum of the load which is detected when the occupant becomes seated, setting a standard value of the load in a state in which the occupant is seated at the seat, and estimating a body height of the occupant on the basis of a comparison between the local maximum of the load and the standard value of the load, wherein when the body height of the occupant is estimated, the larger a difference between the local maximum of the load and the standard value of the load is, the higher body height of the occupant is estimated.

Abstract: The described technology provides a force sensor apparatus. An elastic pad may be disposed between two force sensors with a force applicator extending at least partially into the elastic pad. When a force is applied to a force applicator, the force applicator transmits the force to one or both of the force sensors via the elastic pad. In an implementation, the force sensors may be resistive sensors. Since resistive sensors may experience thermal drift due to changes in environmental temperature conditions, the differential resistance between the two resistive sensors allows a temperature-independent measurement of the applied force.

Abstract: Collecting data includes generating a sensor signal from each of a plurality of sensors located on a sensing roll, wherein each signal is generated when each sensor enters a region of a nip between the sensing roll and mating roll during each rotation of the sensing roll; wherein a web of material travels through the nip and a continuous band contacts a region of the web of material upstream from or at the nip. A periodically occurring starting reference is generated associated with each rotation of the continuous band and the signal generated by each sensor is received so that the one of the plurality of sensors which generated this signal is determined and one of a plurality of tracking segments associated with the continuous band is identified. The signal is stored to associate the respective sensor signal with the identified one tracking segment.

Abstract: A connecting rod for an aeronautical actuator system, having one shaft transmitting forces applied in tension and/or compression along a longitudinal axis of the rod. When the connecting rod is in service, an elastically deformable element connected to the shaft is configured to react to the forces applied to the shaft, and displays elastic deformation when effected by these forces. The deformable element has a peripheral part rigidly connected to a member of the rod in which the shaft is slidably mounted. Measurement means associated with the deformable element determine the forces. The measurement means is partially housed in the deformable element. The deformable element includes a central part elongated along the longitudinal axis, which is rigidly connected to the shaft and in which the measurement means are at least partially housed. An intermediate part runs transversally to the central part and connects the central part and the peripheral part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating characteristics of components of a mechanically attached connection are disclosed. Characteristics that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, the position of a conduit gripping device on a conduit, an amount of axial compression or stroke of the conduit gripping device, and an amount of clamping force applied to the conduit gripping device as the conduit gripping device is axially compressed or stroked.

Abstract: A device for detecting the likelihood of the presence of at least one human finger on a surface, and a method of using the device in the user interface of a machine, device or system. The device comprises at least one element having piezoelectric characteristics, located under a surface, the element arranged in the device in such a manner that a force when exerted on the surface, such as when the surface is pressed by finger, is transferred to mechanical stress of the element, the element then producing a voltage output in response to the mechanical stress. Also included are means for measuring the voltage output in a predefined time period and means for determining the degree of stability of the measured voltage output, and configured to indicate whether or not the degree of stability shows that the measured voltage output is likely to be a human finger or not.

Abstract: For minimizing the height of the load-measuring attachment for a lift-truck, the cover is made of thin sheet metal. The side-walls of the channel-section of the cover are folded into double thickness, to stabilize the side-walls of the cover.

Abstract: A food machine, in particular a machine for processing and producing sausage, with a step, and a corresponding method, wherein the food machine includes a safety device for detecting whether a person is standing on the step when the step is in a projecting step-on position.

Abstract: A wheel reaction force detecting apparatus includes a mount fixed to a suspension device, a hub to which a wheel is fixed, a sensing unit including a cylinder disposed inside the hub and substantially coaxial with an axle of the wheel, and a component force detector to detect a component force on the wheel. The hub is rotatably supported around the axle with respect to the mount. The cylinder has a first end fixed to the mount and a second end connected to the hub with a hub bearing disposed therebetween. The component force detector is disposed on the cylinder in the sensing unit. The hub bearing includes an inner race fit on a sensitive unit and an outer race fit on the hub. A position of the outer race is adjustable in an axial direction of the axle with respect to the inner race.

Abstract: A hollow manufactured body has at least one wall of non-ferromagnetic material with an outer surface and an inner surface facing a cavity of the body. Two mutually magnetically attracted sliders are positioned on the inner and outer surfaces. The outer slider is moved manually across the outer surface to a predetermined point where the wall thickness is to be detected; the inner slider on the inner surface follows the movements of the outer slider due to the effect of the magnetic attraction. A transducer on the outer slider is used to measure the force required to move a magnet away from the outer surface of the wall. The value of the thickness of the wall at the predetermined point is then derived from the measured force.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microscale pressure sensor that exhibits high sensitivity in a small form factor. The sensor is a bridged device in which a photonic crystal waveguide, surrounded by a photonic crystal slab, is suspended over a dielectric substrate. Under applied pressure, the photonic crystal waveguide is deflected toward the substrate, causing a decrease in optical transmission across the waveguide due to the coupling of the evanescent field of the guided mode to the dielectric substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the waveguide is coupled to a photonic crystal microcavity, which increases evanescent coupling.

Abstract: A system for determining parameters of porous media or material, which in an embodiment is biological tissue, includes an actuator and a displacement monitor. The actuator is adapted to apply a displacement to tissue at a particular frequency selected from a range of frequencies, and the force monitor adapted to monitor a mechanical response of tissue. The system also has a processor coupled to drive the actuator and to read the mechanical response, the processor coupled to execute from memory a poroelastic model of mechanical properties of the material, and a convergence procedure for determining parameters for the poroelastic model such that the model predicts mechanical response of the tissue to within limits.

Abstract: The invention consists of a measurement device for measuring the force applied by a contact member on the surface of a sample, comprising a vacuum or controlled atmosphere chamber in which there are housed the sample and the contact member, mechanical means for transmitting the force exerted by the contact member in the form of the displacement of one or several flexible members and one or several sensors suitable for measuring said displacement. The device comprises motor-driven linear micropositioners incorporated inside the vacuum or controlled atmosphere chamber for positioning sensor(s). As a result of the system, it is not necessary to break the vacuum to calibrate the sensors, saving time and facilitating the measurement.

Abstract: A technique for actively damping internal vibrations in a scanning probe microscope is disclosed. The excitation of various mechanical movements, including resonances, in the mechanical assembly of an SPM can adversely effect its performance, especially for high speed applications. An actuator is used to compensate for the movements. The actuator may operate in only the z direction, or may operate in other directions. The actuator(s) may be located at positions of antinodes.

Abstract: An electrically powered caliper is provided which includes a scale member, a slider, a displacement sensor, a force sensing arrangement and a signal processing portion. The signal processing portion is configured to receive a force signal and indicate a respective force corresponding to the respective position of the slider. Force data is acquired comprising a plurality of respective forces corresponding to respective positions of the slider. The signal processing portion defines an acceptable measurement force range defined by at least a minimum force threshold that is determined such that it exceeds a compensation force corresponding to at least one force component included in the force signal that is independent of user variations of the measurement force. It may analyze acquired force data to identify pre-contact data, and set the minimum force threshold for a current measurement procedure based on that pre-contact data.

Abstract: A non-contact measurement signal transmission system for a wheeler device includes a detection device, a magnetic coupling device, and a pressure sensing device. The detection device is disposed on a body of the wheeler device, and is used for generating an alternating current (AC) signal. The magnetic coupling device includes a first primary side and a first secondary side. The magnetic coupling device receives the AC signal at the first secondary side and emits a magnetic coupling signal from the first primary side. The pressure sensing device disposed on a rotator receives the magnetic coupling signal, and includes a forced portion and a base. The pressure sensing device responds a feedback signal according to a relative displacement between the forced portion and the base after receiving a press of a user. The detection device outputs a forced signal according to the feedback signal.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device and a clipping apparatus using the same are provided. The pressure sensing device includes a pressure sensing layer and a bump structure. The bump structure is disposed at one side of the pressure sensing layer. A parallel cross-sectional plane of the bump structure gradually becomes small along a direction. The parallel cross-sectional plane is substantially parallel to the pressure sensing layer.

Abstract: A force sensor incorporated into a touch device, measuring deflection in a device stack, including compressible elements disposed between the device stack and the frame element. When the device stack is deformed, applied force is measured using the compressible elements, using capacitive sensing or strain measurements. The force sensitive sensor provides an applied force image for the touch device's surface. The applied force location [X, Y] can be determined from measures of cover glass tilt, force at particular points, and capacitive sensing of touch location.

Abstract: A pressure detection device includes a supporting member, a pressure sensor, a force transmission member, and a limiting member. The supporting member includes a receiving portion and a mounting portion protruding from an end of the receiving portion. The pressure sensor is fixedly received in the receiving portion of the supporting member. The force transmission member includes a main body received in the mounting portion, a transmission portion and an assembly portion protruding from opposite ends of the main body, the transmission portion fixedly extending through the pressure sensor. The limiting member extends through the assembly portion and is fixedly connected to the mounting portion of the supporting member, thereby preventing the force transmission member from rotating. The assembly portion of the force transmission member protrudes from the supporting member, and abuts against an end of the supporting member.

Abstract: A cell culture device for culturing cells and measuring mechanical forces exerted by one or more cells. The device includes a cell culture chamber having a bottom plate and a main frame with side walls to enclose a volume. The main frame has side walls fabricated as one piece. The cell culture chamber is open on a side opposite the bottom plate. The device further has a force sensor array on top of the bottom plate within the cell culture chamber. The force sensor array has an array of flexible microcolumns configured to provide a site of adhesion for one or more cells, each microcolumn being configured to be deflected from an original position to a deflected position in response to a mechanical force exerted by the one or more cells.

Abstract: A measurement device for measurement of forces in structural components, having a measurement sensor, which is embodied such that it is connected with the structural component in a force-fit and/or form-fit manner, and generates measurement signals as a function of force transfers in the structural component, the measurement device having a measurement casing upon the measurement sensor. Processing of received measurement signals can occur, and the measurement casing has connecting means, for placing in position and releasable attachment of the measurement casing on the structural component, and the contacting means of the measurement casing can establish contact with the measurement sensor for the reception of the measurement signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the end-of-charging condition of a lithium-ion accumulator with a negative electrode formed with at least one alloy, according to which a surface pressure with a determined force from the external portion of the accumulator (A) against an element (2, 2?, 3) is detected, the surface pressure being generated by the thickness increase due to ion insertion at the negative electrode and thereby defining the end-of-charging condition.

Abstract: A motor operated valve diagnostic data acquisition system including: a motor operated valve assembly; a transmitter, the transmitter being permanently connected in a housing of a motor operated valve assembly; a receiver, the transmitter transmitting signals to the receiver via motor operated valve cables, the cables being existing motor operated valve cables; and electronic circuitry connected to the receiver, the electronic circuitry processing the signals received by the receiver.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive keyboard includes multiple pressure sensors associated with the keys of the keyboard. In response to pressure applied to one or more keys of the keyboard, a determination is made as to whether the pressure applied is a key strike (a user selection of a key). Various different factors can be used in determining whether the pressure applied is a key strike, such as the amount of the pressure applied, a rate at which the pressure is applied, a number of keys to which pressure is applied, when the pressure is applied relative to previous key strikes, and so forth.

Abstract: A food machine, in particular a machine for processing and producing sausage, with a step, and a corresponding method, wherein the food machine includes a safety device for detecting whether a person is standing on the step when the step is in a projecting step-on position.

Abstract: A pressure sensing sheet includes at least first, second, and third layers wherein the first and third layers each have conductive paths defined therein that are separated by nonconductive spacers. The orientation of the conductive paths of the first layer are transverse to the orientation of the conductive paths of the third layer. The second layer is made of material that has an electrical characteristic that changes with applied pressure, such as, but not limited to, piezoresistive or piezoelectric material. The first and/or third layers are made from multi-material sheets wherein a first type of material will repel conductive particles when subjected to an autocatalytic coating process, while the second type of material will bond with the conductive particles during the autocatalytic coating process. The use of different materials in the first and/or third layers facilitates the manufacturing of the conductive paths and nonconductive spacers.

Abstract: A device for detecting the likelihood of the presence of at least one human finger on a surface, and a method of using the device in the user interface of a machine, device or system. The device comprises at least one element having piezoelectric characteristics, located under a surface, the element arranged in the device in such a manner that a force when exerted on the surface, such as when the surface is pressed by finger, is transferred to mechanical stress of the element, the element then producing a voltage output in response to the mechanical stress. Also included are means for measuring the voltage output in a predefined time period and means for determining the degree of stability of the measured voltage output, and configured to indicate whether or not the degree of stability shows that the measured voltage output is likely to be a human finger or not.

Abstract: An impact detection system has two chambers disposed adjacent to one another. The two chambers have opposing tapered shapes, so that an impact anywhere along them will create a different pressure wave or pulse in each chamber. A pressure sensor module incorporating two pressure sensors is disposed at one end of the dual-channel unit, and comparison of the signals from the sensors can be used to discriminate both the location and severity of a pedestrian impact.

Abstract: A mounting system for samples and instruments for use with a measuring device such as a surface forces apparatus has a housing and a sample mount assembly positioned within the housing. The sample mount assembly has a pivot arm having a first edge and a flexing section. A spring has a first end coupled to the pivot arm. A first sample holder is coupled to the second end of the spring. A second sample holder is positioned in proximity to the first sample holder.

Abstract: The invention consists of a measurement device for measuring the force applied by a contact member on the surface of a sample, comprising a vacuum or controlled atmosphere chamber in which there are housed the sample and the contact member, mechanical means for transmitting the force exerted by the contact member in the form of the displacement of one or several flexible members and one or several sensors suitable for measuring said displacement. The device comprises motor-driven linear micropositioners incorporated inside the vacuum or controlled atmosphere chamber for positioning sensor(s). As a result of the system, it is not necessary to break the vacuum to calibrate the sensors, saving time and facilitating the measurement.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for measuring a running direction of a substrate web (6). The method for measuring a running direction of a substrate web consists of the substrate web (6) being guided around a measuring roller (12), at least one bearing force of the measuring roller (12) being measured, and the running direction of the substrate web (6) being determined based on the measured bearing force. The device (10) for measuring the miming direction of a substrate web (6) comprises a measuring roller (12), with the substrate web (6) being guided around said measuring roller (12). Furthermore, the device (10) comprises at least one sensor (18a, 18b, 18c) for measuring a bearing force of the measuring roller (12) and comprises an evaluation circuit, said evaluation circuit being connected to the at least one sensor (18a, 18b, 18c) and being suitable for determining an alignment of the substrate web (6) based on the bearing force measured by the sensor (18a, 18b, 18c).

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port that is configured to receive a module to place the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing with a chamber configured to receive the module and an interface engaged with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional retaining structure and interface structure may be included.

Abstract: The mechanical characterization system includes three main parts: A sub-millinewton resolution capacitive force sensor, at least one micromanipulator with position measurement capabilities, and a microscope. The sensitive axis of the force sensor is adjustably connected via adaptor pieces to the micromanipulator at any angular orientation relative to the sample holder.