This device is used to record the orientation of geologic samples as they are taken in the field. Later these samples are sometimes set up in the lab with their relative orientations the same as they were in the field. This device is used in making that setup.
This new orienter is based on an earlier design, made at UW Madison, as shown in the photos. Before any work was done, the device was designed in 3D using Inventor by Autodesk. This allowed us to work out the details, make a couple of adjustments, and make sure that everything would fit together well. The original model worked pretty well but showed some opportunity for improvement in the locking of the axis. Their are two locks, one to lock the vertical sliding of the connecting block and one to lock the rotation of the horizontal axis. The detailed cutaway view shows how the locks work.
A complete drawing set and a CAD model are available, if you’re interested. Please contact the shop for more information. The orienter was designed for and is owned by Sarah Titus of the Carleton Geology department. Contact Sarah (stitus@carleton.edu) if you’d like to know more about how the device is used.
geology_orienter_5
This is a cutaway view showing the locking mechanism on the horizontal axis of the Geology Orienter. The brass knob pushes on the grey-colored plug to lock the rotation of the blue sleeve. Notice how the screw and locking plug interlock so that the knob can both push and pull the plug. The colors do not indicate materials. Most of the parts are brass.