-6- 
Figure 3 shows the transport system which is air supported on the glass 
surface of the table top. Air is supplied to the transport system continu 
ously by a small compressor not shown in the figure and the transport is 
energized by the operator grasping the handle with the left hand, thereby 
closing a small exhaust orifice and diverting the air to the six support 
pads shown in the figure. The air raises the pads about 20 microns above 
the surface of the glass and allows the whole assembly to transport freely 
in response to the slightest pressure on the handle. Upon releasing the 
handle the transport immediately drops onto the surface of the glass and 
remains fixed for continued observation. 
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Figure 3,- ARES - upper console. 
The glass table top is also air supported with respect to the frame of 
the machine by means of a rubber membrane cemented to the top surface of the 
console (Fig. 4). The space between the membrane and the supporting surface 
is inflated, and the glass plate which rests on top of the membrane is thereto 
uniformly supported over its entire area. A simple pneumatic servo maintains 
the plate at a constant height and imparts tip-tilt stability thereto. Air 
support for the table top was chosen in order to permit relatively inexpensive 
plate glass to serve as a reference plane for the motion of the transport 
system and to maintain the stereograms accurately positioned within the 50- 
micron depth of field of the optical system.