Hardware for automation of computer tomography sample changing

An X-ray tomography sample changing hardware comprising:

• an X-ray scanner proximate a scanner support;
• a sample manipulator in operative communication with the X-ray scanner;
• the sample manipulator including a receiver mounted on a turntable secured to a sled mounted on a table;
• a support bracket configured to attach to the scanner support;
• a mounting arm attached to the support bracket, the mounting arm having a beam, at least one slot formed in the beam, the at least one slot including a mouth configured to receive a sample stage, wherein at least two slots are arrayed along the beam of the mounting arm in a spaced apart fashion configured to allow for space between the sample stages supported on the mounting arm;
• the sample stage including a body having an axis with an upper portion and a lower portion axially opposite the upper portion;
• the lower portion configured to mate with the receiver on the sample manipulator;
• and
• multiple chambers formed in the body and aligned axially between the upper portion and the lower portion, each of the multiple chambers including a mounting feature configured to support a part within each of the multiple chambers.

A process for supporting a part in an X-ray tomography sample changing hardware comprising:

• attaching a support bracket an X-ray tomography scanner support;
• attaching a mounting arm to the support bracket, the mounting arm having a beam, at least one slot formed in the beam, the at least one slot including a mouth configured to receive a sample stage, wherein at least two slots are arrayed along the beam of the mounting arm in a spaced apart fashion configured to allow for space between the sample stages supported on the mounting arm;
• the sample stage including a body having an axis with an upper portion and a lower portion axially opposite the upper portion;
• mating the lower portion with a receiver on a sample manipulator for an X-ray tomography machine;
• forming multiple chambers in the body;
• and
• aligning the multiple chambers axially between the upper portion and the lower portion.