Abstract: A heating element includes a filament that conducts electricity. In some embodiments, the filament is encapsulated in a silicon nitride cover. The heating element provides a heating zone located relatively closer to the tip of the heating element and relatively further from a connection where electrical leads connect to the filament.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of inorganic sample disks for analysis, the sample, in powdered form, is mixed with a powdered reagent flux which has been pre-melted. In an inert gas atmosphere, the mixture is placed in a graphite crucible and heated to a temperature slightly above 1000° C. After the flux dissolves the sample, a homogenous mix is produced. This mix is then poured into a graphite mold, the bottom of which contains a molten pool of an inert metal, such as gold, which acts as a smooth receiving surface. Upon cooling, the material in the mold solidifies, resulting in a glassy disk that can be analyzed. Cooling can be accelerated by making use of a cooling fluid that has a substantially higher thermal capacity than air.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of inorganic sample disks for analysis, the sample, in powdered form, is mixed with a powdered reagent flux which has been pre-melted. In an inert gas atmosphere, the mixture is placed in a graphite crucible and heated to a temperature slightly above 1000° C. After the flux dissolves the sample, a homogenous mix is produced. This mix is then poured into a graphite mold, the bottom of which contains a molten pool of an inert metal, such as gold, which acts as a smooth receiving surface. Upon cooling, the material in the mold solidifies, resulting in a glassy disk that can be analyzed. Cooling can be accelerated by making use of a cooling fluid that has a substantially higher thermal capacity than air.

Abstract: A heating apparatus is disclosed, that may include a ceramic rod having at least one circumferential groove extending substantially circumferentially about a perimeter of the rod; and a coil located about the perimeter of the rod and having turns of the coil embedded with the grooves of the rod.