Sample encapsulation system and method

US9645058B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. · US

Inventors

• Lawrence L. Freson · Lake Bluff, US
• Kurt G. Adair · Highland Park, US
• Charles E. Shewey · Mundelein, US
• Douglas A. Ceckowski · Gurnee, US
• Sean O'Flaherty · Lake Bluff, US
• Anatoly Gosis · Palatine, US
• Yury Shkolnikov · Glenview, US
• Michael F. Hart · Mundelein, US
• Daniel P. Schmidt · Bannockburn, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 16, 2013
• Grant date: May 9, 2017
• Expiry date: Jan 22, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2001/364
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A sample encapsulation system includes a base, a chamber having an inlet and a chamber housing in which the chamber is housed. The chamber is fixedly mounted at least in part within the housing and the housing is movably mounted to the base. The system includes a cap, a first ram operably mounted to the cap for engaging the chamber inlet and a second ram positioned in the chamber opposite the inlet. The second ram is movable toward and away from the first ram. The chamber and housing are movable toward the cap for engaging the first ram with the chamber inlet during an encapsulation cycle and away from the cap, disengaging the first ram from the chamber inlet following an encapsulation cycle. The system includes heating and cooling assemblies and a temperature sensor located remotely from the chamber interior to automatically isolate cooling water to the system.