Patent Description:
Generally, holding structures can be designed with adjustable and movable components to hold a variety of objects with different dimensions and weights. A holding structure may include components that allow a holder to be adjusted in three dimensions, e.g., vertically, horizontally, and rotationally. For instance, a holding structure can include a standing column to be fixed to a reference point such as a table, ground, or an instrument body. The standing column may include stand legs that help position the standing column on a surface.

A holder clip can be attached to the standing column. The holder clip may include an adjustable opening to hold objects having different dimensions. Conventionally, a dimension of the opening is adjustable with a fastener. In addition, the fastener can determine a holding force that the holder clip exerts on the object inside the opening. For instance, an operator can twist the fastener of the holder clip to apply increasing force on the object or to release the object from the opening. In all of these arrangements, conventional holding structures require the operator to use two hands: one hand to secure the holder and another hand to twist the fastener to adjust the holding force on the object in the opening of the holder.

Document <CIT> discloses a portable scale including a spring member coupling a grip device to a weighing device, to allow the grip device to be moved relative to the weighing device against the spring member to weigh objects.

Document <CIT> discloses a device for hanging one or more cords, such as cables or ropes used to hang banners or electrical wires used to hang strings of decorative lights.

The description and drawings may also present additional non-claimed embodiments, exemplary embodiments, examples, aspects and implementations for the better understanding of the claimed embodiments defined in the appended claims.

The present disclosure is directed to a holding apparatus, system, holder, and method for holding an object, such as a measurement probe, in a fixed position relative to an instrument, such as a calibration instrument. In at least one embodiment, a holder is secured by a cross support to a vertical column. Vertical and horizontal positions of the holder can be adjusted by adjusting the cross support.

The holder includes a tube that can be secured to the cross support. A movable clip attached to a first end of the tube is configured to hold an object in a fixed position. The movable clip includes an aperture into which the object can be inserted and be held by the holder. A holding force that the movable clip exerts on the object in the aperture can be adjusted by moving a cap attached to the tube, e.g., at a second end of the tube.

In at least one embodiment, the cap is coupled to the movable clip by a spring inside the tube. The spring may be a helical coil that is coupled to the movable clip by a first retainer and is coupled to the cap by a second retainer. The first retainer allows axial movement of the movable clip along a longitudinal axis of the tube. The axial movement of the movable clip can be limited by one or more grooves on the movable clip and/or the tube. The holding force of the movable clip can be adjusted by changing the number of turns of the helical coil retained by the first and/or second retainer. A rotational movement of the cap and/or helical coil can move a tooth of the first and/or second retainer between adjacent turns of the helical coil to reduce or increase the number of turns of the helical coil retained by the first and/or second retainer, and consequently adjust the spring force that the spring exerts on the movable clip.

The aperture of the movable clip is shaped to allow different objects having different dimensions to be held within the aperture. The size of the aperture is variable to accommodate the dimension of the object to be held. With a single hand, an operator can grasp the tube and move the movable clip axially outward to open the aperture, allowing an object to be inserted inside the aperture. Moving the movable clip outward extends the spring inside the tube. Afterward, the operator can release the movable clip to hold the object inside the aperture by retraction of the spring, wherein the object is held between an outer end of the movable clip and an end of the tube. Thus, there is no need for the operator to use a separate hand to adjust the size of the aperture to hold objects of different dimensions. Moreover, the holding force that the movable clip exerts on the object is variable according to adjustment of the number of turns of the spring that is retained by either of the first and/or second retainers. The holding system can be used in various applications such as with measurement instruments, e.g., a calibrator having a calibration bath. The object held by the holder can be a measurement probe to be positioned in an environment and measure a characteristic of the environment. For instance, the characteristic may include temperature, pressure, humidity, vibration, density, or viscosity, or a combination thereof. The aperture may have an inner surface shaped to direct the measurement probe to a consistent position within the aperture when the measurement probe is inserted into and held within the aperture.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of an apparatus for holding a plurality of objects such as, for example, measurement probes. The apparatus includes a central holding device to which a plurality of holders, e.g., as described above, can be simultaneously coupled. Each holder may include, for example, a tube, a movable clip at an end of the tube, and a spring inside the tube. The movable clip has an aperture through which an object can be inserted and held within the aperture, while a spring force of the spring on the movable clip is adjustable to hold the object within the aperture of the movable clip.

Embodiments of a system for holding a plurality of objects, such as a plurality of measurement probes for calibration, may include a supporting structure having a vertical column attachable to another object such as a calibration instrument (e.g., calibration bath). A cross support is movable along the vertical column and securable to the vertical column. A horizontal column is securable to the vertical column by the cross support, and to a central holding device. The cross support provides vertical and horizontal positioning of the horizontal column relative to the calibration instrument. The central holding device includes one or more vertically-oriented apertures, while a periphery of the central holding device includes a plurality of horizontally-oriented coupling apertures. The horizontal column is coupled to the central holding device, e.g., to support the central holding device relative to the calibration instrument.

It is noted that various features are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Various embodiments of a holding apparatus, system, holder, and method disclosed herein enable an object, such as a measurement probe, to be held in a fixed position relative to another object, such as a calibration instrument. Advantageously, a user (or operator) of the holder is able to operate the holder using a single hand. In at least one embodiment of the holder, a movable clip at a first end of a tube is connected by a spring inside the tube to a cap at a second end of the tube. The operator can grasp the tube and push the movable clip axially outward along the tube to open an aperture in the movable clip, allowing an object to be inserted inside the aperture. The operator can then release the movable clip and a spring force of the spring pulls the movable clip back toward the first end of the tube. An object is held inside the aperture between the first end of the tube and an inner surface of the aperture at the outer end of the movable clip.

The amount of spring force exerted by the spring on the movable clip is adjustable, thereby allowing adjustment of the amount of holding force that the movable clip exerts on the object being held in the aperture. Increasing or decreasing the amount of holding force that the movable clip exerts on the object increases or decreases a frictional force exerted on the object by the movable clip and the first end of the tube. In various embodiments, the holding force can be dynamically adjusted for holding each object or be adjusted only at the beginning of a specific operation based on a characteristic of the objects to be held by the holder during the specific operation. Once the holding force is set, the same holding force will be exerted on each object of the same size that is placed into the aperture of the holder.

The spring may be a helical coil that couples the movable clip to the cap using first and second retainers that are coupled to the ends of the spring. The spring force exerted by the spring on of the movable clip is adjustable by changing a number of turns of the helical coil that are retained by the first and/or second retainer. The first and/or second retainer may have a tooth that extends between adjacent turns of the helical coil. Rotational movement of the cap and/or helical coil can move the tooth along the turns of the helical coil to increase or reduce the number of turns of the helical coil retained by the first and/or second retainer, which consequently adjusts the spring force that the spring exerts on the movable clip.

Furthermore, the aperture of the movable clip may advantageously be shaped to allow different objects having different dimensions to be held at a consistent position within the aperture. An inner surface of the aperture is shaped to direct an object, such as a measurement probe, to a consistent position within the aperture when the object is inserted into and held within the aperture. The holding system can be used in various applications such as with measurement instruments, e.g., a calibrator having a calibration bath, to hold a measurement probe that measures an environmental characteristic such as temperature.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a holding system configured to hold a measurement probe <NUM> in a fixed position. The holding system can be used in various applications, such as with a measurement instrument with a calibration bath <NUM>. The measurement probe <NUM> may be a measurement tool to be positioned in an environment and measure a characteristic of the environment (e.g., fluid in the calibration bath <NUM>). For instance, the characteristic may include temperature, pressure, humidity, vibration, density, or viscosity, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the holding system may be used to hold objects other than the measurement probe <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the holding system includes a holder <NUM>, a vertical column <NUM>, and a cross support <NUM> that couples the holder <NUM> to the vertical column <NUM>. The holder <NUM> is configured to hold a measurement probe <NUM> or other objects that are selectively inserted through an aperture <NUM> in the holder <NUM>. A dimension of the aperture <NUM> is automatically adjusted based on a dimension of the inserted object. A vertical position of the holder <NUM> along a y axis, and horizontal positions of the holder <NUM> along x and z axes, can be adjusted using the cross support <NUM>. The vertical column <NUM> may be fixed in a position relative to an instrument that is operated in connection with the measurement probe <NUM>. In some examples, the vertical column <NUM> is a pillar column having an end 160a that is attachable to an instrument or a stand. In this fashion, the end 160a may include an axially-extending pin to be inserted into the instrument or stand (as depicted in <FIG>). The stand can be mounted on or adjacent to a surface of the instrument, such as the calibration bath <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In addition or alternatively, the pin may be inserted to a clip that can be fastened to components of the instrument or stand. A material of the vertical column <NUM> can be low-conductive or an insulator with respect to electrical and/or thermal energy flows. In some examples, the material of the vertical column <NUM> can be stainless steel. In some examples, the material of the holder <NUM> can be same as the material of the vertical column <NUM>. Using a low-conductive material allows the holder <NUM> to hold a high temperature measurement probe <NUM> in a high temperature environment.

<FIG> is a perspective view that includes more detail of the holding system shown in <FIG>. As described above, the cross support <NUM> secures the holder <NUM> to the vertical column <NUM>. The cross support <NUM> is vertically movable along the vertical column <NUM> to adjust a vertical position of the holder <NUM> in the y axis. In addition, the cross support <NUM> is rotationally movable around the vertical column <NUM> to adjust a horizontal position of the holder <NUM> in a plane of x and z axes. The cross support <NUM> includes a first opening 162a, a second opening 162b, a first screw <NUM>, and a second screw <NUM>. The holder <NUM> can axially be inserted into the first opening 162a. A dimension of the first opening 162a is adjustable by the first screw <NUM>.

A length of the holder <NUM> can be designed based on the application of the holder <NUM>. For example, the length of the holder <NUM> can be longer if the holder <NUM> is designed to be used in a toxic or high-temperature environment. An effective length of the holder <NUM> can be defined as a horizontal distance between the vertical column <NUM> and the aperture <NUM>. The effective length of the holder <NUM> is adjustable by axial movement of the holder <NUM> inside the first opening 162a. In this fashion, rotation of the first screw <NUM> can open the first opening 162a for the axial movement of the holder <NUM>. When the effective length of the holder <NUM> is adjusted to a desired length, rotation of the first screw <NUM> can secure the holder <NUM> inside the first opening 162a.

In a similar fashion, the vertical column <NUM> can vertically move inside the second opening 162b. Rotation of the second screw can open the opening <NUM> for the vertical movement of the vertical column <NUM> inside the second opening 162b. When a vertical position of the cross support <NUM>, and consequently the holder <NUM>, relative to the vertical column <NUM> is adjusted to a desired position, rotation of the second screw <NUM> can secure the vertical column <NUM> inside the second opening 162b at the desired position. A material of the cross support <NUM> can be the same as or different than the material of the holder <NUM> and the material of the vertical column <NUM>. In some examples, maximum and minimum horizontal movement limits of the holder <NUM> inside the first opening 162a may be indicated by visible signs on the holder <NUM>. The maximum and minimum horizontal movement limits may be determined based on the strength of the first screw <NUM> and the design of the first opening 162a. In a similar fashion, maximum and minimum vertical movement limits of the vertical column <NUM> inside the second opening 162b may be indicated by visible signs on the vertical column <NUM>. The maximum and minimum vertical movement limits may be determined based on the strength of the second screw <NUM> and the design of the second opening 162b.

The second screw <NUM> and the second opening 162b provide a freedom for movement of the cross support <NUM> around and along the vertical column <NUM>. Rotation of the second screw <NUM> can release a force exerted by the second screw <NUM> on the vertical column <NUM>, after which the cross support <NUM> can rotate around and move up and down the vertical column <NUM>. Once the cross support <NUM> is positioned as desired, rotation of the second screw <NUM> can secure the cross support <NUM> to the vertical column <NUM> in the desired position. In a similar fashion, the first screw <NUM> and the first opening 162a provide a freedom for rotational and axial movement of the holder <NUM> inside the first opening 162a. Rotation of the first screw <NUM> can release a force exerted by the first screw <NUM> on the holder <NUM>, after which the holder <NUM> can rotate inside and move axially within the first opening 162a. Once the holder <NUM> is positioned as desired, rotation of the first screw <NUM> can secure the holder <NUM> in the desired position.

<FIG> depicts the holder <NUM> of the holding system illustrated and described in <FIG> and <FIG>. The holder <NUM> includes a tube <NUM>, a movable clip <NUM>, and a cap <NUM>. The tube <NUM> has an elongate shape with a first end 110a and a second end 110b. The movable clip <NUM> is attached at the first end 110a and the cap <NUM> is attached at the second end <NUM>. In various embodiments, a material of the tube <NUM> may be same as or different than the material of the vertical column <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. A material of the movable clip <NUM> may be same as or different than a material of the cap <NUM>. In some examples, the material of the movable clip <NUM> and the cap <NUM> are same as the material of the vertical column <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the tube <NUM> has a circular cross-sectional shape with an outer diameter 110c. The outer diameter 110c may be consistent along the tube <NUM>. The movable clip <NUM> includes a first portion 120a and a second portion 120b. The first portion 120a has an outer diameter 120c and the second portion 120b has an outer diameter 120d. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter 120c is greater than the diameter 120d. The diameter 120d is greater than the outer diameter 110c, such that the movable clip <NUM> is able to axially slide over an outer surface of the tube <NUM>. By configuring the diameter 120c to be greater than the diameter 120d, the aperture <NUM> has a larger surface area to be in contact with an object inserted into the aperture <NUM>. The greater contact surface increases the stability of the object when the object is held by the holder <NUM>.

The second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM> has a first groove 126a that guides the axial movement of the movable clip <NUM> along the tube <NUM> and defines the limits of axial movement of the movable clip <NUM>. A first pin <NUM> coupled to the tube <NUM> extends outwardly into the first groove 126a and travels within the first groove 126a when the movable clip <NUM> is extended and retracted along the tube <NUM>. A second pin <NUM> coupled to the movable clip <NUM> extends inwardly into a second groove 126b defined in the tube <NUM>. The second groove 126b is hidden under the second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM>, but is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and described in further detail below. In some embodiments, only a single pin (e.g., the first pin <NUM> or the second pin <NUM>) and a single groove (e.g., the first groove 126a or the second groove 126b) may be used to control the axial movement of the movable clip <NUM>.

The cap <NUM> may be broadly considered as a structure having any dimension or shape provided the cap <NUM> has an outer portion 130a with an outer diameter 130d (i.e., an outer width) that is greater than the inner diameter 110c of the tube <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is thus retained outside the tube <NUM>. The cap <NUM> has a smaller inner portion 130b (see <FIG>) that extends inside the second end 110b of the tube <NUM>. As will be understood from the description below, the outer portion 130a of the cap <NUM> can be moved (e.g., rotated) to adjust a spring force of a spring <NUM> inside the tube <NUM> that is exerted on the movable clip <NUM> and thus exerted by the movable clip <NUM> on an object inserted into the aperture <NUM>. In addition, the outer portion 130a allows an operator of the holder <NUM> to pull the cap outward from the second end 110b of the tube <NUM> to access the spring <NUM>. Using the cap <NUM> at the second end 110b of the tube <NUM> to adjust the spring force of the spring <NUM>, as described herein, is beneficial in that it allows the operator to adjust the holding force that the movable clip exerts on an object in the aperture <NUM> without requiring the operator to remove the movable clip <NUM> from the first end 110a of the tube <NUM>. For instance, if the holder <NUM> is being used to hold a probe in a high temperature calibration bath (e.g., the calibration bath <NUM> in <FIG>) or in a toxic environment, access to the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> which is closer to the probe and the dangerous environment may be precluded. With the holder <NUM> constructed as described herein, an operator can adjust the holding force of the movable clip <NUM> from the second end 110b of the tube <NUM> without needing to touch the probe or the first end 110a of the tube <NUM>. In various embodiments, the spring force (and thereby the holding force) of the holder <NUM> can be dynamically adjusted each time an object is placed into the holder, or the spring force may be adjusted only once at the beginning of a specific operation based on a characteristic of a group of objects to be held by the holder <NUM> during the course of the specific operation. In this fashion, once the spring force is adjusted (e.g., according to an average or a maximum weight, dimension, or material of the objects, for example), the holder <NUM> consistently exerts the same holding force on each of the objects to hold the objects inserted into the aperture <NUM>, until the spring force of the spring <NUM> is again adjusted.

In some examples, the spring force of the spring <NUM>, and thus holding force of the movable clip <NUM>, may be adjusted by an automatic control system instead of the operator. In such examples, the spring force can be detected by a sensor, e.g., a sensor positioned inside the tube <NUM> or inside the first groove 126a. The sensor may be a mechanical force sensor of any type, such as a load cell, a strain gauge, or a force sensing resistor. A signal from the sensor indicative of the spring force of the spring <NUM> can be transmitted to a controller. The controller may control a mechanical movement to be applied to the spring <NUM> or to the cap <NUM>. For instance, the mechanical movement can be applied by a stepper motor. The controller may generate a control signal based on the indicated spring force and send the control signal to the stepper motor. The controller may be programmed with an executable program to generate a minimum and/or a maximum amount of spring force based on a weight and dimensions of an object to be held by the holder <NUM>. The controller compares the indicated spring force with the minimum and/or maximum thresholds, and when the controller detects the spring force of the spring <NUM> is lower than a minimum threshold, the control signal can actuate a movement of the cap <NUM> by the stepper motor in a direction that increases the spring force. In a similar fashion, when the controller detects the spring force is higher than a threshold, the control signal can actuate a movement of the cap <NUM> by the stepper motor in a direction that decreases the spring force. This control system allows an automated, precise adjustment of the spring force, while an operator only need insert the object into the aperture <NUM> of the holder and possibly enter the weight and/or dimension of the object into the controller. Alternatively, the weight and/or dimension of the object may be automatically detected by one or more sensors coupled to the holder <NUM>, e.g., to detect the size of the aperture <NUM>, and thus the object, after the movable clip <NUM> is released and/or detect insufficient frictional force of the moveable clip <NUM> on the object to hold the object in the aperture <NUM>. The one or more sensors may automatically communicate detected weight and/or dimension data to the controller.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the holder <NUM> shown in <FIG>, illustrating the inside of the holder <NUM> in greater detail. In this figure, a cross-sectional cut is removed from the tube <NUM> and the movable clip <NUM> to schematically illustrate internal components of the holder <NUM>. Relative dimensions of the components shown in the <FIG> may be different for different embodiments of the disclosure. The internal components of the holder <NUM>, as shown, includes a first retainer <NUM>, a second retainer <NUM>, and a spring <NUM>. As described above, a portion of cap <NUM>, a portion of the first pin <NUM> and a portion of the second pin <NUM> are also inside the tube <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the second groove 126b in the tube <NUM> is visible while the first groove 126a in the movable clip <NUM> is not shown. As described above, the second pin <NUM> is coupled to the movable clip <NUM> and extends through the second groove 126b in the tube <NUM>. Inside the tube <NUM>, the second pin <NUM> passes through a first portion 112a of the first retainer <NUM>. Thus, the second pin <NUM> couples the first retainer <NUM> to the movable clip <NUM>. A second portion 112b of the first retainer <NUM> is coupled to a first end 140a of the spring <NUM>. The first retainer <NUM> translates a spring force of the spring <NUM> to the movable clip <NUM> by the second pin <NUM>. A maximum and minimum axial movement of the first retainer <NUM>, and thus the movable clip <NUM>, is defined by the length of the second groove 126b. In some examples, the holder <NUM> can be symmetrical across the x axis. In this fashion, the tube <NUM> includes a third groove 126c defined opposite to the second groove 126b. The second pin <NUM> may extend through the third groove 126c into the movable clip <NUM>, thus coupling the first retainer <NUM> to both an upper portion and a lower portion of the movable clip <NUM> in the y axis. Coupling the second pin <NUM> through the two grooves 126b, 126c, to the movable clip <NUM> can increase the stability of the axial movement of the movable clip <NUM> and the first retainer <NUM>.

As illustrated, the spring <NUM> may be a helical coil. The spring force applied by the spring <NUM> to the movable clip <NUM>, and thus the holding force applied by the movable clip to an object in the aperture <NUM>, may be adjusted by adjusting an effective length of the spring <NUM> (number of turns of the helical coil) connecting the movable clip <NUM> to the cap <NUM>. Changing the number of turns of the helical coil of the spring <NUM> that connect the movable clip <NUM> to the cap <NUM> increases or decreases the effective length of the spring <NUM>, and thus the spring force of the spring <NUM>. For instance, reducing the number of turns of the helical coil in a fixed length of the tube <NUM> results in an extension of the spring <NUM> that increases the axial spring force exerted by the spring <NUM>. In contrast, increasing the number of turns of the helical coil in the same fixed length of the tube <NUM> decreases the axial spring force exerted by the spring <NUM>. Adjusting the spring force of the spring <NUM> changes the holding force of the movable clip <NUM>, and thus the holder <NUM>, for holding different objects with different weights and dimensions. To hold a heavier object in a stable position, an increase holding force can be applied by the spring <NUM> to increase the friction on the object by the movable clip <NUM> and the first end of the tube 110a.

The first end 140a of the spring <NUM> is retained by the second portion 112b of the first retainer <NUM>. A second end 140b of the spring <NUM> is retained by a second end 114b of the second retainer <NUM>. The second retainer <NUM> includes a first end 114a that is coupled to the cap <NUM>. The first retainer <NUM> is positioned toward the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> and the second retainer is positioned toward the second end 110b of the tube <NUM>. In various embodiments, the second end 112b of the first retainer <NUM> includes a first tooth 112c that extends outward between adjacent turns of the helical coil at the first end 140a of the spring <NUM>. In a similar fashion, the second end 114b of the second retainer <NUM> includes a second tooth 114c that extends outward between adjacent turns of the helical coil at the second end 140b of the spring <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first retainer <NUM> can have a same structure and be constructed of a same material as the second retainer <NUM>. An effective length of the spring <NUM> can be defined as a fixed distance between the first tooth 112c of the first retainer <NUM> and the second tooth 114c of the second retainer <NUM>. Hence, the spring force of the spring <NUM> can be adjusted by changing the number of turns of the helical coil of the spring <NUM> in the effective length of the spring <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the number of turns in the effective length of the spring <NUM> can be changed by rotational movement of the cap <NUM>, which translates to rotational movement of the second retainer <NUM>. By rotating the second retainer <NUM>, the second tooth 114c can travel along adjacent turns of the helical coil of the spring <NUM>. Depending on the position of the second tooth 114c along the helical coil, more or fewer turns of the helical coil may be retained by the second tooth 114c of the second retainer <NUM>, thus changing the number of turns of the helical coil in the effective length of the spring <NUM>. For instance, a clockwise rotation of the second retainer <NUM> may cause the second tooth 114c to retain a greater number of turns toward the first end 114a, while reducing the number of turns between the first tooth 112c and the second tooth 114c. This condition extends the helical coil of the spring <NUM> to increase the spring force exerted by the spring <NUM>. In contrast, a counterclockwise rotation of the second retainer <NUM> may cause the second tooth 114c to release a number of turns of the helical coil toward the first retainer <NUM>, which increases the number of turns between the first tooth 112c and the second tooth 114c. This condition allows the helical coil of the spring <NUM> to retract and decrease the spring force exerted by the spring <NUM>. The rotational movement of the second retainer <NUM> can be applied by rotating the cap <NUM>. The first portion 114a of the second retainer <NUM> may be inserted into or otherwise coupled to a portion of the cap <NUM>. Thus, rotational movement of the cap <NUM> can be translated to the rotational movement of the second retainer <NUM>.

Alternatively, the second retainer <NUM> can be fixed to the second end 140b of the spring <NUM>. Accordingly, rotational movement of the cap <NUM> and the second retainer <NUM> may rotate the helical coil of the spring <NUM> in the same direction. As the second pin <NUM> prevents rotational movement of the first retainer <NUM>, the helical coil of the spring <NUM> rotates over the second portion 112b of the first retainer <NUM>. Consequently, the first tooth 112c travels along the turns of the helical coil at the first end 140a of the spring <NUM> and increases or decreases the number of turns of the helical coil retained by the first tooth 112c. Thus, by rotating the cap <NUM> which rotates the spring <NUM>, a greater number of turns at the first end 140a of the spring <NUM> may be retained toward the first portion 112a of the first retainer <NUM> to reduce the number of turns in the effective length of the spring <NUM> and increase the spring force exerted by the spring <NUM>. A reverse rotation of the cap <NUM> and the spring <NUM> may reduce the number of turns at the first end 140a of the spring <NUM> retained by the first tooth 112c to increase the number of turns of the helical coil in the effective length of the spring <NUM> and consequently reduce the spring force exerted by the spring <NUM>.

In some examples, the second end 140b of the spring <NUM> can be directly coupled to the cap <NUM> without the second retainer <NUM>. In these circumstances, rotation of the cap <NUM> directly rotates the helical coil of the spring <NUM>. Alternatively, a tooth can be inwardly extended inside the tube <NUM> between the adjacent turns of the helical coil of the spring <NUM>. In such an alternative arrangement, the helical coil of the spring <NUM> can be rotated by the cap <NUM> while the inwardly extended tooth travels along the turns of the helical coil to adjust the number of turns of the helical coil in the effective length of the spring <NUM>.

In some examples, the second portion 114b of the second retainer <NUM> can surround the second end 140b of the spring <NUM> (instead of being inserted inside the second end 140b of the spring <NUM>). In such examples, the second retainer <NUM> may include a hollow tube having an inwardly extended tooth inside the hollow tube. The second end 140b of the spring <NUM> can be inserted into the hollow tube of the second retainer <NUM>, and the tooth of the hollow tube can travel between adjacent turns of the helical coil of the spring <NUM>. The number of turns of the spring <NUM> in the effective length of the spring <NUM> may be adjusted in a similar way as described above by rotating the second portion 114b of the second retainer <NUM>. In such examples, the structure and dimension of the first retainer <NUM> can be similar to or different than the second retainer <NUM>.

<FIG> shows more detail of the first retainer <NUM> at the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> and coupled to the second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM>. In <FIG>, the shape and dimension of the second groove 126b, the third groove 126c, the first retainer <NUM>, the first pin <NUM>, and the second pin <NUM> are more clearly illustrated. A half portion of the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> and the movable clip <NUM> in z axis is schematically removed, similar to <FIG>, to show the internal components of the holder <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM> has a circular cross section that can be concentric with the circular cross section of the tube <NUM> along the x axis. As illustrated, the second portion 120b has an inner diameter 120e that is less than the diameter 120d described above in <FIG>. The inner diameter 120e is slightly greater than the outer diameter 110c of the tube <NUM>. The difference between the diameter 120e and the outer diameter 110c allows free axial movements of the movable clip <NUM> over an outer surface of the tube <NUM> in the x axis. In some examples, the outer surface of the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> or an inner surface of the second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM> can include a coated material to reduce friction between the opposing, sliding surfaces. The coated material can be any type of antifriction coatings (AFCs), such as lubricating paints. Alternatively, different types of dry or wet lubricants may be used to reduce the friction between the surfaces and provide free axial movement of the movable clip <NUM> along the first end 110a of the tube <NUM>.

The first retainer <NUM> includes the first portion 112a having a width 112e and the second portion 112b having a width 112f in the z axis. As illustrated, the width 112e is greater than the width 112f and less than the outer diameter 110c of the tube <NUM>. The first portion 112a includes an aperture <NUM> that allows coupling of the first retainer <NUM> to the movable clip <NUM> via the second pin <NUM>. The second pin <NUM> is passed through the aperture <NUM> and coupled to the second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM>. In this fashion, the second pin <NUM> causes the movable clip <NUM> and the first retainer <NUM> move together when the movable clip <NUM> is extended or retracted. The smaller width 112f of the second portion 112b as compared with the width 112e allows the second portion 112b to be inserted into the first end 140a of the spring <NUM>. The width 112f is designed small enough to freely move inside the helical coil of the spring <NUM>. For this purpose, the width 112f is less than a diameter 140c of the helical coil of the spring <NUM>. The second portion 112b includes the first tooth 112c. In some examples, an opposite tooth 112d can also extend from the second portion 112b opposite to the first tooth 112c in the z axis. A width from an outer end of first tooth 112c to the outer end of the opposite tooth 112d is greater than the diameter 140c of the spring <NUM>. Accordingly, the first tooth 112c and the opposite tooth 112d are positioned between adjacent turns of the helical coil of the spring <NUM>. While embodiments of the first retainer <NUM> may utilize only one tooth 112c, using two teeth 112c and 112d allows the first retainer <NUM> to retain the spring <NUM> with greater stability than a retainer with one tooth. Furthermore, while embodiments of the first retainer <NUM> may utilize two teeth 112c and 112d that are aligned opposite to each other, in other embodiments, the position of the first tooth 112c can be misaligned in the x axis with the position of the opposite tooth 112d.

In some embodiments, the second portion 112b of the first retainer <NUM> may be movable relative to the spring <NUM> to adjust the spring force exerted by the spring <NUM>. By rotating the spring <NUM>, the first tooth 112c (and the opposite tooth 112d, when utilized) travel between the turns of the helical coil to decrease or increase the number of turns retained by the first retainer <NUM> and thereby increase or decrease the number of turns in the effective length of the spring <NUM>, which reduces or increases the spring force exerted by the spring <NUM>.

In some embodiments where the first portion 112a is fixed by the second pin <NUM> extending through the second groove 126b and the third groove 126c, the second portion 112b may be constructed so as to be movable with respect to the first portion 112a. For instance, the second portion 112b may be attached to the first portion 112a with a rotatable component that allows the second portion 112b to rotate while the first portion 112a is fixed.

The second pin <NUM> has a length 124a along the y axis. The length 124a is greater than the inner diameter 120e of the movable clip <NUM>. A first end of the second pin <NUM> can be fixed inside a hole on the second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM>. A second end of the second pin <NUM> also can be fixed in the second portion 120b with a second hole. The second pin <NUM> can axially move for a defined length along the tube <NUM> inside the second groove 126b. In some examples, the third groove 126c also exists in the tube <NUM> to allow the second end of pin <NUM> to be attached to the second hole and move with the movable clip <NUM>. The second groove 126b has a length 116b in the x axis. The length 116b limits the axial movement of the second pin <NUM> and consequently limits the axial movement of the movable clip <NUM>. Thus, the length 116b can be designed based on a required amount of movement of the movable clip <NUM>. In some examples, the length 116b can be adjustable. In such a fashion, a removable object can be placed inside the second groove 126b. An operator can adjust the length 116b by inserting or removing the removable object inside the second groove 126b. Consequently, the amount of axial movement of the movable clip can be adjusted. The third groove 126c can be designed with the same structure and dimensions as the second groove 126b to provide consistent movement of the second pin <NUM> along the x axis. In addition, the grooves have a width in the z axis that is greater than a diameter of the second pin <NUM>, to allow the second pin <NUM> to move within the grooves. The width of the grooves limits rotational movement of the movable clip <NUM> as well as the first retainer <NUM>.

The first pin <NUM> is fixed to the first end 110a of the tube <NUM>. A length 122a of the first pin <NUM> is greater than the inner diameter 120e of the movable clip <NUM>. In some examples, the dimension and structure of the first pin <NUM> can be same as the second pin <NUM>. The lengths 122a and 124a can be same as or slightly different than the outer diameter 120d of the movable clip <NUM> to be smoothly tangential to the outer surface of the second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM>. The first pin <NUM> may be arranged perpendicular to the second pin <NUM>. The first pin <NUM> may extend out of the first end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> through a hole in one side of the tube <NUM> or two holes in opposite sides of the tube <NUM>. The second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM> includes the second groove 126b that is not shown in <FIG> but will be shown and described in <FIG>.

<FIG> is an outer view of the second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM> described in <FIG>. The first groove 126a is visible from the outer view, while the second groove 126b is hidden under the second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM>. The first groove 126a has a length 116a. The length 116a can define the limits of axial movement of the movable clip <NUM>. In some examples, the length 116a of the first groove 126a can be same as the length 116b of the second groove 126b. Alternatively, the length 116a can be different than the length 116b. The groove having a smaller length may limit the axial movement of the movable clip <NUM>. In addition, the first groove 126a can be arranged to limit an axial movement of the movable clip <NUM> in a first direction, while the second groove 126b limits an axial movement in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In various embodiments, the holder <NUM> may utilize only one of the grooves 126a, 126b. In such embodiments, the holder <NUM> may only include the first pin <NUM> coupled to the tube <NUM> and the first groove 126a, or the second pin <NUM> coupled to the movable clip <NUM> and the second groove 126b. The second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM> may further include another groove opposite to the first groove 126a that is hidden in <FIG>. The opposite groove may have the same structure and dimensions as the first groove 126a, and the first pin <NUM> may travel within both the groove 126a and the groove in the opposite side of the movable clip <NUM>. A total length 120bL of the second portion 120b of the movable clip <NUM> can be equal to or greater than a summation of the length 116a of the first groove 126a and the length 116b of the second groove 126b.

The width of the first groove 126a is greater than the diameter of the first pin <NUM>, allowing the first pin <NUM> to travel within the first groove 126a. The width of the first groove 126a can be same as the width of the second groove 126b. The width of the first groove 126a in the y axis limits rotational movement of the movable clip <NUM>. Using two pins 126a and 126b may enhance the performance and stability of the movable clip <NUM>. In addition, the reliability of the holder <NUM> with two pins 126a and 126b and the corresponding grooves may be enhanced as compared to a holder with only one pin. In such embodiments, one of the pins can act as a backup for another. When one of the pins becomes loose in its corresponding groove, the other pin and groove may still provide sufficient stability and maintain the performance of the holder <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the length 116a of the first groove 126a can be adjustable. Adjusting the length 116a can adjust the amount of axial movement of the movable clip <NUM>. A removable object may be inserted into the first groove 126a to limit the movement of the first pin <NUM> inside the first groove 126a. For instance, the removable object can include an outer portion accessible to an operator and an inwardly extended portion that is coupled into the first groove 126a. The operator can move the object along the first groove 126a to change an effective length of the first groove 126a. In some embodiments, the operator can insert the removable object to adjust the length in some conditions and remove the object when the length 116a is sufficient and there is no need for adjustment.

<FIG> shows more detail of the second retainer <NUM> at the second end 110b of the tube <NUM> and coupled to the cap <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the shape and dimension of the second retainer <NUM> and the cap <NUM> are clearly illustrated. A portion of the second end 110b of the tube <NUM> in the z axis is schematically removed, similar to <FIG>, to show the internal components of the holder <NUM>.

The second retainer <NUM> includes the first portion 114a having a width 114e and the second portion 114b having a width 114f in the z axis. As illustrated, the width 114e is greater than the width 114f and less than the outer diameter 110c of the tube <NUM>. In some examples, the structure and dimensions of the second retainer <NUM> can be the same as the first retainer <NUM> as described in <FIG>. The smaller width 114f of the second portion 114b compared with the width 114e of the first portions 114a allows the second portion 114b to be inserted into the second end 140b of the spring <NUM>. The width 114f is designed small enough to freely move inside the helical coil of the spring <NUM>. For this purpose, the width 114f is less than the diameter 140c of the helical coil of the spring <NUM>. The second portion 114b includes the second tooth 114c. In some examples, an opposite tooth 114d may also extend from the second portion 114b, opposite to the second tooth 114c in the z axis. A width from an outer end of the second tooth 114c to and outer end of the opposite tooth 114d is greater than the diameter 140c of the spring <NUM>. Accordingly, the second tooth 114c and the opposite tooth 114d are positioned between adjacent turns of the helical coil of the spring <NUM>. While embodiments of the second retainer <NUM> may utilize only one tooth 114c, using two teeth 114c and 114d allows the second retainer <NUM> to retain the spring <NUM> with greater stability than a retainer with one tooth. Furthermore, while embodiments of the second retainer <NUM> may utilize two teeth 114c and 114d that are aligned opposite to each other, the position of the second tooth 114c can be misaligned in the x axis with the position of the opposite tooth 114d.

In some embodiments, the second portion 114b of second retainer <NUM> may be movable relative to the spring <NUM> to adjust the spring force exerted by the spring <NUM>. By rotating the second retainer <NUM>, the second tooth 114c (and the opposite tooth 114d, when utilized) travel between the turns of the helical coil to decrease or increase the number of turns retained by the second retainer <NUM> and thereby increase or decrease the number of turns in the effective length of the spring <NUM>, which reduces or increases the spring force exerted by the spring <NUM>. The movement of the second retainer <NUM> can be provided by movement of the cap <NUM> by an outside motive source. For instance, a rotational force on the cap <NUM> may be applied manually by an operator or automatically by an external control system as described above in regard to <FIG>.

The cap <NUM> includes the outer portion 130a and an inner portion 130b. In embodiments in which the tube <NUM> has a circular cross-sectional shape, the outer portion 130a and the inner portion 130b may have a similar circular cross-sectional shape. The outer portion 130a has the diameter 130d and a length 130aL. The inner portion 130b has a diameter 130e and a length 130bL. The diameter 130d is greater or equal to the outer diameter 110c of the tube <NUM>. The diameter 130e is less than the diameter 110c of the tube <NUM>. The greater diameter 130d of the outer portion 130a allows the cap <NUM> be retained outside of the tube <NUM> at the second end 110b of the tube <NUM>. In addition, length 130aL of the outer portion 130a provides an enough surface to ease grasping and twisting of the cap <NUM> by an operator. In some cases, the operator may pull the cap <NUM> away from the tube <NUM> by applying an outward force in the x axis on the outer portion 130a. By pulling the cap <NUM> away from the tube, the operator can check or maintain the spring <NUM> and the second retainer <NUM> as well as manually rotate the second retainer <NUM> or the spring <NUM> to change the number of turns of the helical coil of the spring <NUM> in the effective length of the spring <NUM>, as earlier discussed. The smaller diameter 130e allows the inner portion 130b of the cap <NUM> be inserted into the tube <NUM> and freely rotate to translate any external rotational forces on the cap <NUM> to the second retainer <NUM>.

The inner portion 130b includes an opening 130c along the y axis and a gap <NUM> in a x-z plane. The first portion 114a of the second retainer <NUM> can be inserted into the gap <NUM> to be attached to the cap <NUM>. The coupling of the first portion 114a to the cap <NUM> via the gap <NUM> allows the second retainer <NUM> to move in the same direction with the same force as movement of the cap <NUM>. In some embodiments, a pin may be passed through the opening 130c into an aperture on the first portion 114a of the second retainer <NUM> to secure the second retainer <NUM> to the cap <NUM>. While such pin and aperture are not shown in <FIG>, the pin and aperture arrangement of the second retainer <NUM> can be similar to the arrangement of the second pin <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> of the first retainer <NUM>.

<FIG> shows more detail of the first portion 120a of the movable clip <NUM>. A portion of the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> and the movable clip <NUM> in z axis is schematically removed, similar to <FIG>, to show the internal shape and dimensions of the movable clip <NUM>. The first portion 120a includes the aperture <NUM> extended along the y axis. The aperture <NUM> includes a first opening 128a and a second opening 128b along the x axis. The first opening 128a and the second opening 128b can be concentric with the first end 110a of the tube <NUM>. The first opening 128a and the second opening 128b have a diameter 128d that is slightly greater than the outer diameter 110c of the tube <NUM>. The openings 128a and 128b allow the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> to axially move inside the aperture <NUM> in the x axis.

The aperture <NUM> has a diameter 128c in the x axis. In some embodiments, the size of the aperture <NUM> may be symmetric in the z axis and x axis. In some embodiments, the aperture <NUM> may be diamond shape with four corners in an x-z plane cross-section. In some embodiments, all four corners may have the same shape and same dimension. In some embodiments, each corner of the aperture <NUM> may have a concave shape. The concave shape of the corners allows an object with different dimensions to be held at a consistent position within the aperture <NUM>. Alternatively, some or all of corners may be convex to provide directed holding force to relatively smaller objects inserted into the aperture <NUM>.

In a retracted position of the movable clip <NUM>, the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> moves inside the opening 128a toward the outer end of the moveable clip to close the aperture <NUM>. An operator can move the movable clip <NUM> axially outward from the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> to an extended position, which opens the aperture 128as shown in <FIG>. This causes the spring <NUM> to extend with the movable clip <NUM> and thus exert greater spring force on the movable clip <NUM>. With the movable clip <NUM> in the extended position, an object can be inserted into the aperture <NUM>. After inserting the object into the aperture <NUM>, the operator can release the movable clip <NUM>, whereupon the spring <NUM> biases the movable clip toward the retracted position. This causes the first end 110a of the tube to slide through the second opening <NUM> in the x axis until the first end 11a contacts the object, thereby capturing the object between the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> and an inner surface of the aperture <NUM> at the outer end of the movable clip <NUM>. A frictional force exerted on the object by the outer end of the movable clip <NUM> and the first end 110a holds the object within the aperture <NUM>.

Thus, by releasing the movable clip <NUM>, the spring <NUM> is retracted to a maximum possible position that is determined by a maximum dimension of the object in the aperture <NUM>. The maximum dimension of the object in the aperture <NUM> can be equal or less than the diameter 128c of the aperture <NUM>. Accordingly, a first surface of the object is positioned tangential to the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> while a second surface of the object is positioned tangential to an inner surface of the aperture <NUM> at the opening 128a.

In some examples, a cross-sectional surface of the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> can be concave to increase a contact surface with the object being held inside the aperture <NUM>. Alternatively, the cross-sectional surface of the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> can be convex to increase an applied force to a center part of the object in the aperture <NUM>, improving the ability of the holder <NUM> to hold relatively smaller objects. In embodiments where the aperture <NUM> has a diamond shape, different objects with different dimensions are centered inside the aperture <NUM> in the x and z axes. Accordingly, the dimension of the aperture <NUM> is effective adjusted based on the dimension of the object being held in the aperture <NUM>. An operator opens the aperture <NUM> by extending the movable clip <NUM>, inserts the object into the aperture <NUM>, and releases the movable clip <NUM> to hold the object in the aperture <NUM>. The holding force that the movable clip <NUM> exerts on the object can be adjusted by the adjusting the spring force on the movable clip <NUM>, as described above.

In some embodiments, the aperture in the holder may have a different shape and structure than the aperture <NUM> described above and shown in the accompanying figures. For instance, the aperture <NUM> may have a flat end in a side 128a of the aperture or in a side 128b of the aperture. In some examples, the aperture <NUM> may have an opening in a first side, e.g., in the y axis, while an opposite side of the aperture <NUM> is closed. In this fashion, an object can be inserted through the opening into the aperture <NUM> to be held by the holder <NUM>. It is not necessary that the object pass axially through a closed-sided aperture <NUM>. Having an opening on one side of the aperture and an opposite side that is closed may be beneficial when using the holder <NUM> in a limited space environment. The closed side prevents the object from passing through the aperture <NUM> and fall out, which could damage the object or an instrument in use. In some examples, the aperture <NUM> may have an open side in the z axis. In this fashion, an object can be inserted into the aperture <NUM> from the open side in the z axis instead of the y axis. Again, having an open side in this manner may be beneficial when using the holder <NUM> in environments in which access in the direction of the y axis is limited. In addition, the holder <NUM> may be rotated inside the opening 162a of the cross support <NUM> as described in <FIG>. Hence, the aperture <NUM> can face in any desired direction based on the application. For instance, the aperture <NUM> can adjustably hold an object vertically in the y axis or horizontally in the z axis. Moreover, by rotation of the holder <NUM> in the cross support <NUM>, the aperture <NUM> is able to hold an object at any desired angle in a y-z plane.

A method <NUM> for holding an object by a holder according to the present disclosure is illustrated, by way of example, in a flow chart shown in <FIG>. A first step <NUM> of the method <NUM> includes moving a movable clip <NUM> of the holder <NUM> relative to a tube <NUM> of the holder <NUM> from a retracted position toward an extended position. As described earlier herein, the movable clip <NUM> has an aperture <NUM> configured to hold the object when the object is inserted into the aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> is closed by the tube <NUM> when the movable clip <NUM> is in the retracted position, and the aperture <NUM> is open when the movable clip <NUM> is in the extended position.

A second step <NUM> of the method <NUM> includes inserting an object in the aperture when the aperture is open. A third step of the method <NUM> includes releasing the movable clip <NUM> to hold the object in the aperture <NUM>. As described above, a spring <NUM> inside the tube <NUM> biases the movable clip <NUM> toward the retracted position. The spring <NUM> has a first end 140a coupled to the movable clip <NUM> at a first end 110a of the tube <NUM>, and a second end 140b coupled to a cap <NUM> at a second end 110b of the tube <NUM>. Releasing the movable clip <NUM> causes the movable clip <NUM> to hold the object in the aperture <NUM> between the first end 110a of the tube <NUM> and an inner surface of the aperture <NUM>.

In additional aspects, methods of the present disclosure may include features wherein rotating the cap adjusts a spring force that the spring inside the tube exerts on the movable clip; wherein rotating the cap causes at least one tooth of a retainer coupled to the cap to travel between adjacent turns of a helical coil forming the spring, the at least one tooth causing an increased or decreased number of turns of the helical coil to be retained by the retainer; wherein rotating the spring causes at least one tooth of a retainer coupled to the movable clip to travel between adjacent turns of a helical coil forming the spring, the at least one tooth causing an increased or decreased number of turns of the helical coil to be retained by the retainer; limiting an axial movement distance of the movable clip between the retracted position and the extended position by a length of a groove defined in the tube; and moving the movable clip relative to the tube causing a pin coupled to the movable clip to travel within the groove defined in the tube.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a holding system <NUM> configured to hold a plurality of objects, such as measurement probes <NUM>, in a fixed position. The holding system <NUM> can be used in various applications such as with a probe to be held in a calibration bath <NUM>. The plurality of measurement probes <NUM> may be measurement tools to be positioned in an environment and measure a characteristic of the environment (e.g., fluid temperature in the calibration bath <NUM>). For instance, the characteristic may include temperature, pressure, humidity, vibration, density, or viscosity, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the holding system <NUM> may be used to hold objects other than a measurement probes <NUM>. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of measurement probes <NUM> may correspond to the measurement probe <NUM> described in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the plurality of measurement probes <NUM> may include a main probe <NUM> that is held at a center of the other probes of the plurality of measurement probes <NUM>. The main probe <NUM> may be a standard that provides a calibrated reference for other probes being calibrated. For instance, the main probe <NUM> may measure the temperature of the calibration bath <NUM>. In this manner, the temperature as measured by the main probe <NUM> can be used as a reference for calibrating other temperature measurement probes <NUM> that are held in the same calibration bath <NUM> with the main probe <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the holding system <NUM> includes a plurality of holders <NUM>. Each of the plurality of holders <NUM> may correspond to the holder <NUM> described in <FIG>. A length of the each of the plurality of holders <NUM> may be less than the length of the holder <NUM> described in <FIG> to reduce an area which is occupied by the holding system <NUM>. In various embodiments, the holding system <NUM> includes a vertical column <NUM>, and a cross support <NUM> that couples a horizontal column <NUM> to the vertical column <NUM>. The vertical column <NUM> and the cross support <NUM> may correspond to the vertical column <NUM> and the cross support <NUM> described in <FIG>.

An end of the horizontal column <NUM> is coupled to a central holding device <NUM>. The horizontal column <NUM> is fixed to the cross support <NUM> and keeps the central holding device <NUM> in a fixed position. In alternative embodiments, the holding system <NUM> may not include one or more of the vertical column <NUM>, the cross support <NUM>, or the horizontal column <NUM>. In at least one alternative embodiment, a holder <NUM> may be used instead of the horizontal column <NUM> to couple the central holding device <NUM> to the vertical column <NUM>. In some examples, the plurality of holders <NUM> may be coupled to the central holding device <NUM> without the vertical column <NUM>. In this condition, the main probe <NUM> may fix the central holding device <NUM> in a vertical position. Thus, the plurality of holders <NUM> can be coupled to the central holding device <NUM> at the same vertical position.

In various embodiments, the central holding device <NUM> includes a periphery to which the plurality of holders <NUM> are couplable (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>). The central holding device <NUM> also includes one or more vertically-oriented apertures (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG> and other figures herein). In some embodiments, the periphery of the central holding device <NUM> includes a plurality of horizontally-oriented coupling apertures (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to couple respective holders of the plurality of holders <NUM> to the central holding device <NUM>. In various embodiments, the movable clip (corresponding to the movable clip <NUM> in <FIG>) of each holder of the plurality of holders <NUM> may include a fastener (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>) to be coupled into one of the plurality of horizontally-oriented coupling apertures. In various embodiments, the fastener may include any of a variety of fastener structures, such as a screw. In various embodiments, the central holding device <NUM> or the holder <NUM> may include a key (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>) that helps fix the respective holder <NUM> (and in particular, the aperture <NUM> of the holder) in a desired position relative to another object, such as the calibration bath <NUM>. Further discussion of a key is provided with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The embodiment of <FIG> shows an example of a pentagon-shaped central holding device <NUM> capable of simultaneously holding four holders <NUM> and a horizontal column <NUM>. In embodiments where the horizontal column <NUM> is replaced by another holder <NUM>, the central holding device <NUM> is capable of simultaneously holding five holders. However, embodiments of the central holding device <NUM> are not limited to a pentagon-shaped device. In other embodiments, the central holding device <NUM> may have different polygon shapes such as a triangle, quadrilateral, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, etc. For a polygon-shaped central holding device, each peripheral side of the polygon shape may include one or more horizontally-oriented coupling apertures configured to couple one or more respective holders. The polygon shape may be enlarged as needed, so each peripheral side of the polygon can include more than one horizontally-oriented coupling aperture configured to couple more than one holder.

The embodiment of <FIG>, as well as other embodiments described herein, thus illustrate a system for holding measurement probes within a calibration bath. In such implementation, the system includes a calibration bath <NUM>, a supporting structure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and a central holding device <NUM>. The supporting structure includes a vertical column <NUM> attached to the calibration bath <NUM>, a cross support <NUM> that is movable along the vertical column and securable to the vertical column, and a horizontal column <NUM> that is securable to the vertical column by the cross support. The cross support <NUM> provides vertical and horizontal positioning of the horizontal column <NUM> relative to the calibration bath <NUM>. As described herein, the central holding device <NUM> is coupled to the horizontal column <NUM> and includes one or more vertically-oriented apertures <NUM> (<FIG>) and has a periphery that includes a plurality of horizontally-oriented coupling apertures <NUM>.

In some alternative embodiments, the central holding device may have a curved shape, such as a circular or elliptical shape. In such alternative embodiments, the number of horizontally-oriented coupling apertures on the periphery of the central holding device is limited only by horizontal dimensions of the circle or ellipse, and the horizontal dimensions of the holders to be coupled to the horizontally-oriented coupling apertures. For instance, by increasing the diameter of the circle, the central holding device <NUM> is capable of having more horizontally-oriented coupling apertures. In some embodiments, the central holding device <NUM> may include an adjustable structure. In this condition, for example, a dimension of the central holding device <NUM> may be adjusted mechanically or electrically with an electrical motor. For instance, an operator may adjust the dimension of the central holding device <NUM> before installation in the holding system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the dimension of the central holding device <NUM> may be adjusted dynamically when the central holding device is installed or used in the holding system <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an embodiment of the central holding device <NUM> described in <FIG>. In this embodiment, a pentagon-shaped central holding device <NUM> corresponds to the central holding device <NUM> described in <FIG>. The pentagon-shaped central holding device <NUM> includes a plurality of horizontally-oriented coupling apertures <NUM>. In this embodiment, each side on the periphery of the pentagon-shaped central holding device <NUM> includes one horizontally-oriented coupling aperture <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the number of horizontally-oriented coupling apertures in each side may be more than one based on the dimension of the pentagon-shaped central holding device <NUM> and the size of the holders to be fastened to the coupling apertures <NUM>. As shown, each horizontally-oriented coupling aperture <NUM> is configured to couple one holder to the central holding device <NUM>. In some embodiments, each horizontally-oriented coupling aperture may be threaded to receive a corresponding threaded fastener extending from the outer end of the movable clip of the respective holder. In addition, as shown in <FIG>, each side on the periphery of the central holding device may include a key <NUM> (e.g., a pin or other fastening structure) that fits into a corresponding aperture <NUM> to fix the position of the respective holder in a desired position.

The pentagon-shaped holding device <NUM> also includes plurality of vertically-oriented apertures. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the plurality of vertically-oriented apertures includes two apertures <NUM>, <NUM>. However, the number of vertically-oriented apertures may be different for various embodiments. In some embodiments, the vertically-oriented aperture <NUM> is a central aperture that is configured to support a central probe such as the main probe <NUM> described in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the central aperture <NUM> or another vertically-oriented aperture may couple the central holding device <NUM> to an object such a vertical column for connection to an adjacent support apparatus, instead of a central probe, to support the central holding device <NUM> at a fixed position relative to an external instrument, such as a calibrator. In some embodiments, the central aperture may include an O-ring gasket to retain the central probe or the vertical column in a fixed position. Alternatively, the central aperture may include threading and pin to retain the central probe or vertical column.

In various embodiments, the plurality of vertically-oriented apertures includes one or more apertures <NUM> to a side of the central aperture. The one or more apertures <NUM> provide for fastening the central holding device <NUM> to one or more other central holding devices or to an adjacent support apparatus. For instance, another central holding device may be attached to the central holding device <NUM> by way of the fastening aperture <NUM>, e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>. In this embodiment, a screw may pass through one aperture <NUM> of a central holding device into an aligned aperture <NUM> of another central holding device.

<FIG> is an example of a multi-level central holding device <NUM> including two central holding devices <NUM> and <NUM> coupled together by a screw <NUM>. In this embodiment, the pentagon-shaped holding device <NUM> is coupled to another pentagon-shaped holding device <NUM>, while the central apertures <NUM> of the two central holding devices <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned. Thus, a main probe or a vertical column may be coupled to and pass through the central apertures <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the central holding device <NUM> has a rotational offset <NUM> relative to the central holding device <NUM>. The rotational offset <NUM> allows the central holding device <NUM> to hold a plurality of holders at positions between the plurality of holders that may be held by the central holding device <NUM> (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>). In this condition, the space is maximized for holding as many holders as possible. For example, the pentagon-shaped holding device <NUM> may be configured to hold one holder on each side of its periphery (thus holding a total of five holders) and the pentagon-shaped holding device <NUM> may hold similarly hold one holder on each side of its periphery (holding a total of five holders). The multi-level holding device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is thus capable of holding up to a total of ten holders.

The multi-level holding device <NUM> may be configured to hold any number of holding devices, different than the number of holding devices described with regard to <FIG>. Moreover, each of the central holding devices <NUM>, <NUM> may have a shape different than a pentagon shape, e.g., as described with respect to <FIG>. In various embodiments, the shape of the central holding device at each level may be different than the shape used at other level(s). For example, one of the central holding devices, e.g., <NUM>, may be pentagon shaped while the other central holding device, e.g., <NUM>, is circular shaped.

In addition, the multi-level holding device <NUM> may include more than two central holding devices attached together, and the multiple holding devices may have the same shape or different shape from each other. In addition, the dimensions of the central holding devices may be enlarged to allow each side of each holding device, e.g., the central holding devices <NUM>, <NUM>, to hold more than one holder (an example of which is described in <FIG>). In addition, in cases where the holding devices are polygon shaped, corners of the polygon shape may include apertures to retain holders at the corners in addition to the sides.

In some embodiments, different types of fastening devices may be used to couple the central holding devices together, in place of a screw <NUM>. Such fastening devices may include a key, a clip, or a welding structure, for example. In some embodiments, each of the central holding devices <NUM>, <NUM> of the multi-level holding device <NUM> may include more than one aperture to attach different central holding devices together, by way of a screw <NUM> or other type of fastening device.

<FIG> depicts a holding system <NUM> configured similar to the holding system <NUM> described in <FIG>. The main difference between the holding system <NUM> and the holding system <NUM> is the use of a multi-level central holding device <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) instead of a single level central holding device (as shown in <FIG>). In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, a plurality of measurement probes <NUM> includes more measurement probes than the plurality of measurement probes <NUM> in <FIG>, due to using the multi-level central holding device <NUM>. The main probe <NUM> is passed through the central aperture <NUM> and eight measurement probes are supported by the central holding device <NUM>, for example to be held within an external instrument such as the calibration bath <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, in addition to the vertical column <NUM>, the cross support <NUM>, and the horizontal column <NUM> that is coupled to one level of the multi-level central holding device <NUM>, another vertical column <NUM>, cross support <NUM>, and a holder <NUM> is coupled to another level of the multi-level holding device <NUM>, adding further stability to the holding system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the holder <NUM> may be replaced by a horizontal column, such as the horizontal column <NUM>, to increase the stability of the holding system <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the horizontal column <NUM> may be replaced with a holder, and the total number of measurement probes <NUM> supported by the holding system <NUM> can increase to ten measurement probes. In yet other embodiments, the shape and size of the multi-level holding device <NUM> may be different, as described with respect to <FIG>, so that the holding system <NUM> can hold more than ten measurement probes.

<FIG> depicts details of fastening a plurality of holders <NUM> to a hexagon-shaped central holding device <NUM>. Each of the plurality of holders <NUM> may correspond to a holder <NUM> as described in <FIG>. A main difference between the holder <NUM> and each of the plurality of holders <NUM> is a fastening structure <NUM> that extends from an end of each of the plurality of holders <NUM>. The fastening structure <NUM> allows each of the plurality of holders <NUM> to attach the hexagon-shaped central holding device <NUM>. In various embodiments, the hexagon-shaped central holding device <NUM> may be shaped different than a hexagon, such as a pentagon-shaped central holding device <NUM> as shown in <FIG> or other possible shapes as described with respect to <FIG>.

The fastening structure <NUM> may include a post or a screw extending outward from the end of each of the plurality of holders <NUM>, to fit into a corresponding horizontally-oriented coupling aperture on the periphery of the hexagon-shaped central holding device <NUM>. In various embodiments, the central holding device <NUM> may include a key <NUM> (e.g., a post) extending outward that fits into a corresponding aperture <NUM> on the end of each of the plurality of holders <NUM>. This key <NUM> retains the respective holder in a particular orientation relative to the central holding device <NUM>. Consequently, each of the plurality of holders <NUM> is capable of holding an object in a correct position when an object is inserted and held within the movable clip of the respective holder. Alternatively, the key <NUM> may be a part of the holder <NUM> and extend outward from the end of each of the holders <NUM> into a corresponding aperture on the periphery of the central holding device <NUM>. Either way, the key <NUM> retains the respective holder of each of the plurality of holders <NUM> in a particular orientation relative to the central holding device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a suitable key structure may include magnets such as permanent magnets, temporary magnets, and electromagnets. For instance, an electrical circuit may be coupled to an electromagnet of the key structure. In this condition, by turning on the electrical circuit, an electrical current activates the electromagnet which attracts a corresponding metal structure or an opposite magnet to retain the respective holder <NUM> in a particular orientation relative to the central holding device <NUM>. The electrical circuit may include any electrical components to generate a constant electrical current and supply into a coil to activate the electromagnet when the circuit is switched on.

<FIG> is an embodiment of a hexagon-shaped central holding device <NUM> with substantially the same structure as the hexagon-shaped holding device <NUM> but having a different dimension. In this embodiment, the dimension of the hexagon-shaped central holding device <NUM> is enlarged as compared with the hexagon-shaped central holding device <NUM> in <FIG>. Each side of the central holding device <NUM> is capable of holding two holders <NUM>. Hence, the total number of holders that can be attached to the central holding device <NUM> is increased from six holders (as described in <FIG>) to twelve holders. In this embodiment, each of the holders <NUM> corresponds to the holders <NUM> described in <FIG>. In various embodiments, the dimension of the central holding device <NUM> may be enlarged to hold more than two movable clips <NUM> on each side. In addition, depending on the size and shape of the central holding device <NUM>, one or more holders <NUM> may be coupled to corners of the hexagon-shaped central holding device <NUM>. The central holding device <NUM> may thus be capable of holding more than twelve holders <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the dimension of the central holding device <NUM> may be adjustable. In some embodiments, the dimension of the central holding device <NUM> may be adjusted automatically, e.g., with an electrical motor, such as stepper motor, that operates a mechanical expander that increases or decreases the dimension of the central holding device. In this condition, a controller may control the stepper motor to precisely change the dimension of the central holding device <NUM>, and consequently increase or decrease the capacity of the central holding device <NUM> for holding different numbers of the holders.

Claim 1:
A holder (<NUM>) for holding an object, comprising:
a tube (<NUM>) having a first end and a second end that is opposite to the first end;
a movable clip (<NUM>) at the first end of the tube, wherein the movable clip has an aperture through which the object can be inserted and held within the aperture;
a cap (<NUM>) at the second end of the tube;
a spring (<NUM>) inside the tube;
a first retainer (<NUM>) inside the tube, wherein the first retainer couples the movable clip to the spring; and
a second retainer (<NUM>) inside the tube, wherein the second retainer couples the cap to the spring,
wherein the cap is movable to adjust a spring force of the spring for holding the object within the aperture;
wherein the second retainer (<NUM>) has a first end coupled to the cap (<NUM>) and a second end that engages the spring (<NUM>); and,
wherein:
the spring (<NUM>) includes a helical coil;
characterized in that the second end of the second retainer (<NUM>) has at least one tooth (114c) that extends between adjacent turns of the helical coil; and
the at least one tooth (114c) is configured to travel along the helical coil (<NUM>) when the cap is rotated, causing an increased or decreased number of turns of the helical coil (<NUM>) to be retained by the second retainer (<NUM>).