The TPA-l Cell was designed primarily for Texture Profile Analysis testing. Two flat plates (4.4 inches by 4.3 inches) are used to compress the sample twice to a percentage of its original size. The plates must be parallel, ridged and, upon the full extension of the ram, very close together without touching. In order to have as small a mass as possible attached to the bottom of the transducer, the adjustment mechanism is located on the base of the cell. The top portion consists of a mounting block, the load cell, and the top compression plate. The bottom portion of the cell mounts into the cell holding area. It consists of the bottom compression plates, four adjustment mechanisms, and the mounting clamp to secure the assembly to the cell holding area. This arrangement allows the operator to attach the top portion to the ram, extend the ram to its full length, and then adjust the bottom compression plate up to, but not touching, the top plate. The adjustments are made via four thumbwheel screw-type adjustors located on the four corners of the cell bottom. Then the position is locked into place by tightening the four thumb nuts located below the adjustment screws.