Patent US4076982A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4076982A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic sample-changer for mass spectrometers
Assignee: Finnigan MAT GmbH
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Filing: 1976-10-06
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Granted: 1978-02-28
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Expires: 1996-10-06
Abstract
Abstract The sample crucibles inserted in a slide rod are introduced, through a high vaccum lock, into the ion source of a mass spectrometer. The slide rod, together with its drive, is mounted on a lock carriage which runs parallel to the direction of travel of the slide rod. The lock carriage has a separate drive and carries, on the end face which points towards the mass spectrometer, a stuffing box for the vacuum-tight passage of the slide rod. On the rear wall of the high vacuum lock is mounted an O-ring seal, which, with the lock carriage moved in, seals the remaining space between the rear wall of the lock and the end face of the lock carriage, in the region of the slide rod. The sample crucibles can be taken out selectively from the sample magazine, which can slide at right angles to the slide rod, by means of the holder mounted at the end of the slide rod.
Inventors
- 👤 Hans-Peter Ritter
- 👤 Rainer Strewinsky
- 👤 Hans-Dieter Bulwien
- 👤 Engelbert Koch
- 👤 Hermann Bartholl
- 👤 Walter Hupp
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:02
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J49/00; H01J49/02; H01J49/04; H01J49/0409; H01J49/0413; H01J49/0468; H01J49/049; H01J49/0495
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer having a vapourising device and a lock region, the changer comprising: a slide rod movable into and out of the vapourising device, a crucible holder mounted on one end of the slide rod and adapted to hold a crucible for the sample to be vapourised for insertion by the slide rod into the mass spectrometer; high vacuum lock means including a lock carriage in which the slide rod is mounted and which is capable of independent parallel movement relative to the slide rod, a stuffing box disposed on the end face of the lock carriage directed towards the mass spectrometer for effecting the vacuum tight passage of the slide rod and means for sealing the space between the end face of the lock carriage, the stuffing box and the lock region of the mass spectrometer when the lock carriage has moved into contact with that lock region, and a sample magazine adapted to move relative to the slide rod to allow sample crucibles to be taken selectively from the magazine by the crucible holder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer having a vapourising device and a lock region, the changer comprising: a slide rod movable into and out of the vapourising device, a crucible holder mounted on one end of the slide rod and adapted to hold a crucible for the sample to be vapourised for insertion by the slide rod into the mass spectrometer; high vacuum lock means including a lock carriage in which the slide rod is mounted and which is capable of independent parallel movement relative to the slide rod, a stuffing box disposed on the end face of the lock carriage directed towards the mass spectrometer for effecting the vacuum tight passage of the slide rod and means for sealing the space between the end face of the lock carriage, the stuffing box and the lock region of the mass spectrometer when the lock carriage has moved into contact with that lock region, and a sample magazine adapted to move relative to the slide rod to allow sample crucibles to be taken selectively from the magazine by the crucible holder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
158 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer according to claim 1, wherein the lock region comprises a rear wall and further comprising a drive for the slide rod which is mounted on the lock carriage which runs parallel to the slide rod, and a separate drive for the lock carriage, an O-ring seal which is mounted on the rear wall of the high vacuum lock region and, with the lock carriage moved in, act as the means for sealing the space remaining between the lock rear wall and the end face of the lock carriage in the region of the slide rod, and wherein the sample magazine can slide at right angles with respect to the slide rod, is fitted between the end face of the lock carriage and the rear wall, and includes means from which the sample crucibles can be taken selectively by means of the holder attached to the end of the slide rod.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer, according to claim 2, in which the slide rod and the lock carraige have common guide rods for guiding the parallel movment of the slide rod and lock carriage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer, according to claim 3, in which the sample magazine is provided with a fork for removing the crucibles from the sample holder and the crucibles have an annular groove adapted to be engaged by an aperture of the fork.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer, according to claim 3, in which the drive for the sample magazine and/or for the slide rod comprises a stepping motor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer, according to claim 2, in which the sample magazine is provided with a fork for removing the crucibles from the sample holder and the crucibles have an annular groove adapted to be engaged by an aperture of the fork.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer, according to claim 6, in which the drive for the sample magazine and/or for the slide rod comprises a stepping motor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer, according to 2, in which the sample magazine is enclosed by a covering hood and is under a protective gas.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer, according to 2, in which the sample magazine is enclosed by a covering hood and is under a protective gas.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer, according to claim 8, in which the drive for the sample magazine and/or for the slide rod comprises a stepping motor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
An automatic sample changer for a mass spectrometer, according to claim 2, in which the drive for the sample magazine and/or for the slide rod comprises a stepping motor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3117223A
Cited
US3590243A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-02-27 | 1981-08-29 | 1982-02-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-02-27 | 1985-08-29 | 1986-02-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-02-27 | 1989-08-29 | 1990-02-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |