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US 5,313,047 AGranted
Analytical sample preparation system
AssigneeLeco Corporation
InventorsLarry S. O'Brien, Gordon C. Ford, Peter M. Willis, Ronald A. Klemm
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An interchangeable module for supporting a receptacle into which a molten sample, prepared by a fluxer, can be poured for analysis. One module can support a resistively heated casting dish into which a molten sample can be poured and cooled to form a solid sample for instrumental analysis. This module includes an insulator having a depression for receipt of a casting dish. A heating coil is positioned below the recession. A cooling gas conduit extends through the insulator support. The insulator is supported on a frame. The frame is supported on a back plate.
Claims12
An electrical resistance heater module for heating a casting dish in a fluxer comprising:
- a frame member;
- an insulating member on said frame member, said insulating member having an upper surface configured for supporting a casting dish;
- a resistive heating element in said insulating member positioned to supply heat to a casting dish supported on said upper surface of said insulating member;
- an electrical conductor supported by and electrically insulated from said frame member for supplying electrical energy to said resistive heating element;
- and
- a heater module conduit supported by said frame member, said heater conduit including an outwardly extending end connectable to a fluxer conduit which is coupled to a source of cool air external to the fluxer such that the fluxer conduit and said heater conduit supply cooling air to a casting dish on said upper surface of said insulating member to cool the contents of a casting dish when heating is completed, said heater conduit extending through an aperture in said insulating member below the position occupied by a casting dish.
3 more elements
An electrical resistance hater module for heating a casting dish in a fluxer comprising:
- a frame member;
- an insulating member on said frame member, said insulating member having an upper surface configured for supporting a casting dish;
- a resistive heating element in said insulating member positioned to supply heat to a casting dish supported on said upper surface of said insulating member;
- an electrical conductor supported by and electrically insulated from said frame member for supplying electrical energy to said resistive heating element;
- and
- a conduit supported by said frame member for supplying cooling air to a casting dish on said upper surface of said insulating member, said conduit extending through an aperture in said insulating member below the position occupied by a casting dish;
- wherein said frame member comprises:
- a horizontal upper shelf member and a horizontal lower shelf member joined together by a pair of spaced vertical end members to form an open box configuration;
- a sheet of electrical insulating material attached to and covering one side of said box and extending below the bottom member of said box for supporting said box in a raised position;
- and
- at least one air conduit attached to said lower member and extending downwardly therefrom for supporting said box in a raised position.
8 more elements
An interchangeable heating module for a fluxer, comprising:
- a frame;
- an insulating member for supporting a receptacle into which a molten sample can be poured for analysis,
- said insulating member carried on said frame;
- a resistive heating element supported by said insulating member;
- a conduit extending through said insulating member;
- a mechanical connector extending through said frame and coupled to said conduit, said connector removably connecting said module at a predetermined location in a fluxer such that a receptacle supported on said insulating member is positioned for receipt of a molten sample, said connector including a hollow passage which is coupled to said conduit and to a hollow passage in a fluxer associated with a supply of cooling air external to a fluxer when said module is connected to a fluxer, whereby a molten sample in a crucible can be cooled by an external air source after heating by said heating element is completed;
- and
- an electrical connector connectable to a source of electric current supplying said resistive heating element when said module is connected in a fluxer.
5 more elements
A fluxer comprising:
- a housing defining a fluxer enclosure;
- a passage through said housing coupled to an air source external to said fluxer enclosure;
- and
- an electric resistance heater module positioned within said fluxer housing, and including:
- a frame;
- an insulating member carried on said frame for supporting a receptacle within said fluxer enclosure;
- a resistive heating element supported on said insulating member;
- a conduit extending through said insulating member to a position just below a receptacle;
- a connector removably connecting said conduit and said passage, whereby said connector position said module in said fluxer enclosure, and said conduit, said connector and said passage provide an air supply conduit from said external air source through said insulating member for cooling a receptacle after it is heated by said heating elements.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.