THERMOGRAVIMETRICAL ANALYZER AUTOSAMPLER SEALED SAMPLE PAN

摘要

The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods foropening an autosampler sealed sample pan prior to TGA testing. The sealedsample pan comprises a pan, cover, and bail. A notch is formed in the sealsamplepan cover. The cover can be opened by applying a concentrated force to theinside of the notch with a punch element integrated into the autosampler. Thiscauses the center disk portion of the cover to be partially sheared and thesealedsample pan to be opened. It also prevents the punch element from touching thesample. A force sensor is used to determine if the cover has been opened. Ifthecover has been opened, then the sample pan is loaded to the TGA balance. Ifthecover has not been opened, the autosampler will not load the pan and willautomatically move to the next sealed sample pan.