Manipulating device for high vacuum chamber

Abstract

A motion transmitting mechanism, for use as a sample manipulating device or wobble stick, is provided for transmitting manual movements through the wall of a vacuum vessel. The mechanism includes a central mounting flange for securing the mechanism in vacuum sealing arrangement with the vacuum vessel through a suitable orifice formed in the wall thereof. A spherical ball joint is moveably journalled within the mounting flange to enable the mechanism to be moved angularly relative to an axis perpendicular to the vacuum vessel wall throughout a predetermined range of limited angular displacement. A coaxial shaft assembly comprises an outer tube and a central shaft, the assembly being axially slideable through a central opening of the ball joint means to provide axial movements within the vacuum vessel throughout a predetermined range of limited axial displacement. A rotation imparting structure is connected to the coaxial shaft assembly for imparting unrestricted rotational movement to the central shaft relative to the outer tube. Extensible vacuum sealing baffles extend from the flange on the vacuum side of the mechanism and are connected to the rotation mechanism. The sealing baffles are provided for vacuum sealing of the interior of the coaxial shaft assembly. Axial displacement of the central shaft relative to the outer tube provides control for pincers which may be installed at the inner end of the mechanism.