Cab-Fast® Right-Angle Sample Handlers
The Cab-Fast® sample handling system provides a simple yet versatile means of
loading samples for transportation to manipulators, parking carousels, deposition
stations and other locations inside ultrahigh vacuum systems. They allow the
transfer of samples between linear drive instruments positioned at right angles. Samples are first
secured to platens using sample mounting strips. The loaded platen is placed inside a
load-lock sample staging chamber through the chambers quick-access door. Inside, the
platen is secured and attached to the platen fork previously installed to the tip of a
magnetic transporter. Once the staging chamber is evacuated to the desired vacuum
level and the gate valve is opened the sample
is ready for transfer.

Cab-Fast® and Auto-Dock® Sample Handling
Auto-Dock™ Inline Sample Handlers
The MDC’s Auto-Dock™ sample handling system is a patented group of modular
sample handling components ideally suited for the transfer of samples between
chambers and typically used in tandem with MDC magnetic transporters.
In contrast with the Cab-Fast® system, Auto-Dock™ allows the transfer of samples between linear drive
instruments positioned inline with each other. The Auto-Dock™ system is
comprised of three basic components, a sample-holder plate, a vacuum-dock and a transport-dock. Samples
are shuttled back and forth between a vacuum process chamber and a load-lock’s
sample staging chamber attached to it by fastening samples to the sample-holder plate.
The sample-holder plate is manually secured to a transport-dock fixed to the tip of an
MDC magnetic transporter inside the load-lock’s sample staging chamber. The sample is then
transported to the process chamber where the vacuum-dock component is
strategically positioned and ready to receive the sampleholder plate.

Mini-Scaffold™ Mounting System
Mini-Scaffold™ Mounting System
Mini-Scaffold™ mounting system is a versatile in-vacuum erector set comprised of
interchangeable building block components that can be assembled in a variety of
combinations. This unique in-vacuum system was designed to take advantage of existing
vacuum ports for the temporary or permanent installation of sample support structures
inside high and ultrahigh vacuum environments. They are ideally suited for
situations where permanent mounts are not included or to expand the capabilities of
existing vacuum chambers. The in-vacuum structure’s foundation is the Mini-Scaffold™
patented port clamp. The port clamp is fastened to the inside diameter of an available
1-1/2" or 2-1/2" chamber port creating the base from which an apparatus or structure
will rise. In addition to port clamps an assortment of components are available to
complement the Mini-Scaffold™ system, some of these include extension rods, universal ball
joints, rod clamps, sample mounting plates, specimen holders, rotary and
linear bearing mounts, mirror and lens mounts, gear boxes, etc.
Rotary-Linear Accessories
Rotary-linear accessories are an assortment of in-vacuum hardware components used to
complement and expand the capabilities of MDC rotary and linear motion and
manipulation instruments. Various drive shaft attachments are offered
including universal joints, bellows couplings, extension couplings, rotary and linear bearings and bearing
mounts, ground shaft stock, set-screw collars and vented cap screws.
Caution
Anodized aluminum finishes will begin to discolor when baked in excess of 150°C. This is
only a cosmetic condition which does not impact performance or reliability.
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