Automatic sample holder dispenser for X fluorescence spectometer.

摘要

1,098,040. X-ray spectrometer apparatus. SOCIETE NATIONALE DES PETROLES D'AQUITAINE. Aug. 16, 1965 [Sept. 28, 1964]. No. 34972/65. Heading H5R. Apparatus for dispensing, positioning and removing specimen holders is used with an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and includes a support member 6 provided with a rotatable transfer finger 12 which delivers specimen holders 9 from the specimen holder magazine 14, to an aperture 16 in the support 6, where the specimen may be subjected to irradiation by X-rays, and then removes the holders at a recess 17. The finger is rotated by means of a spindle 11 passing through an aperture in the support 6 and has a recess 13 to accommodate a sample holder. When in position over the aperture 16, the holder is supported by at least three rollers 18a &c. mounted on horizontal spindles, and is maintained in this position by downwardly-bearing rollers 23a, 23b, provided with spring pressure means 24-28. The sample holder 9 can be rotated about its own axis in this position, by means of a motor-driven roller 20c which frictionally bears on the edge, other rollers 20a, 20b mounted on the finger 12 cooperating in keeping the holder 9 in position. After irradiation of the sample (fluorescent rays 31 emitted pass through a shaped recess 30 in the support 6, before passing to the spectrometer diffraction crystal). The holder is moved on, to drop through recess 17 into a recovery magazine, and the finger continues its movement to collect a fresh specimen holder 9a. The device may be adapted for use in a vacuum chamber. Control of the movement of the finger (including a rest period while the specimen is analysed) can be by means of end-oftravel contacts of the spectrogoniometer or a pulse delivered by a counter or automatic clock pulse.