Sample holding and positioning mechanism and method for optical analysis
US5227856A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/065
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sample holding apparatus (20) and method for use with an optical analyzing assembly (10) for irradiating a sample (33) with light energy. The sample holder apparatus (20) comprises a sample container (30) having a downwardly facing container opening (44), and a partition (32) movably positioned over the opening (44). A container support (24) is positioned adjacent the partition (32) and includes a surface (26) having an analyzing window (28) for transmitting the light energy therethrough. The container (30) is movably mounted to a transport mechanism (36) which permits the partition (32) to slidably retract from a closed position, across the opening (44), to an open position as the container (30) is urged onto the support surface (26). Consequently, the sample (33) contained in the container (30) is exposed and drawn into direct contact with the analyzing window (28). The wall members (38) of the container (30) retain the particulates of the sample (33) in substantially a same position during the relative movement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.