# US 5,703,681 A · Carrier and its use in the preparation of samples for spectroscopy

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 5,703,681 A
- Document ID: US5703681A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/753,022
- Filed: 1996-11-19
- Granted: 1997-12-30
- Earliest claimed: 1995-11-20
- Assignees: The Perkin-Elmer Corporation
- Inventors: Robert A. Hoult
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5703681A

## CPC

- G01N 1/04: in the solid state, e.g. by cutting
- G01N 1/286: {involving mechanical work, e.g. chopping, disintegrating, compacting, homogenising (microtomes G01N1/06; pulverising in general B02C; mixing in general B01F)}
- G01N 21/3563: for analysing solids; Preparation of samples therefor
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)

## Abstract

A carrier for use in preparing samples for spectroscopic analysis comprises a layer of abrasive material, e.g. sandpaper, created with a highly reflective material e.g. aluminium. The novel carrier reduces the effect of unwanted spectral components generated by the grit particle of the abrasive.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of forming a sample of solid material for purposes of spectroscopic analysis, comprising the steps of:
providing a carrier including a layer of an abrasive material, said layer being coated with a relatively thin coating of a highly reflective material; and
abrading the solid material with the carrier to deposit a quantity of the solid material on the thin coating on the carrier.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of subjecting the carrier, including the solid material, to spectroscopic analysis.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A method according to claim 1, wherein the abrasive material is sandpaper.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

A method according to claim 1, wherein the coating is a highly reflective metal.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

A method according to claim 4, wherein the metal is aluminum.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

A method according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the reflective coating is in the range of 100 to 200 angstroms.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of forming the coating on the abrasive material by evaporative coating.

### Claim 8 (depends on 2)

A method according to claim 2, wherein the abrasive material is sandpaper.

### Claim 9 (depends on 2)

A method according to claim 2, wherein the coating is a highly reflective metal.