Method and apparatus for transfer of samples in a controlled environment
US7644637B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for the transfer of samples from an analytical instrument has a sealable transfer capsule and a means for connecting the transfer capsule to a vacuum instrument, such as a FIB, through an interface connected to the instrument. The capsule has a door that can be opened to insert a sample holder, such as a TEM sample holder, into the instrument, and then closed when the sample holder holding an excised sample is retracted back into the transfer capsule. The instrument interface contains means for sealing the instrument before the transfer capsule holding a sample is disconnected, and for purging the transfer capsule with an inert gas. The sample may thus be transported in the sealed transfer capsule without exposure to the ambient atmosphere. The sample may be transported to and connected to a glove box also purged with an inert gas for examination or further operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.