Reorientation device for an object manipulator

In combination with a manipulating device of the type having means for holding an object, means for moving said object in a first direction, means for moving said objection a second direction which is transverse to said first direction wherein movement in said second direction is independent of movement in said first direction, means for rotating the object held by the holding means, and mechanical means selectively interposed in the path of the rotating means for stopping the rotating means after a rotation through a first angle of rotation, the improvement comprising:

• second mechanical means for stopping the rotating means at a second angle of rotation, wherein said second angle of rotation is less than the first angle of rotation, said second stopping means being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in one position the second stopping means is interposed in the path of the rotating means to stop the rotating means;
• means for controlling the position of the second stopping means, whereby the object may be selectably rotated through either the first angle of rotation of the second angle of rotation;
• and
• means for sensing the position of the rotating means for indicating the angle of rotation completed.