Abstract: A sample analysis cup, sample cup assembly, and method is provided including a cell body with an open top end including an outer top wall and an inner top wall, each extending axially and positioned in concentric relationship; a bottom wall extending from the outer top wall to the inner top wall, the bottom wall and the inner and outer top walls defining an internal reservoir therebetween; a transverse wall extending a selected distance from the inner top wall, the transverse wall partially closing the open top end; an open bottom end including an outer bottom wall and an inner bottom wall, each extending axially and positioned in concentric relationship, the outer and inner bottom walls defining an internal channel therebetween; and a hollow chamber defined between the open top end and the open bottom end.

Abstract: An accessory, method, and system is provided for protecting the lower chamber of X-ray spectroscopic instrumentation during analysis, the instrumentation including an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a dividing plate, the lower chamber including an X-ray detector and an excitation source, the accessory including: a frame with a centrally-located aperture extending from one side of the frame to an opposite side of the frame; an adhesive layer disposed on each side of the frame; a thin film of polymeric material disposed on one side of the frame; and a removably attached release sheet on the adhesive layer disposed on the opposite side of the frame, where the accessory is disposed on a surface of the dividing plate to protect the lower chamber of the instrumentation from damage.

Abstract: A sample cup for retaining a sample material to be subjected to an x-ray spectrochemical analysis. The sample cup comprises a cell body of a cylindrical configuration having an open top end and an open bottom end and defining a hollow between the two open ends, the open top end having an outer wall and an inner wall encircling the open top end. The outer wall and the inner wall extend axially and are positioned in concentric relationship with one another and form an internal reservoir space therebetween.

Abstract: A sample receptacle for retaining a sample that is to be subjected to spectrochemical analysis. The sample receptacle includes a tubular body having at least one open end and a tapered exterior wall. A sheet of thin film material having peripheral edges is disposed across the open end of the tubular body. A generally annular collar, having an interior wall tapered at an angle supplemental to the taper of the interior wall, is disposed around the tubular body. As the annular collar is placed around the tubular body, the tapered exterior wall of the tubular body creates an interference fit with the tapered interior wall of the annular collar. The tapered surfaces of the tubular body and the annular collar engage the sheet of thin film material and pull the sheet of thin film material taut over the open end of the tubular body. The annular collar is sized to engage the entire length of the exterior wall of the tubular body.

Abstract: A sample cup for holding a speciman to be analyzed by x-ray spectroscopy, comprises an enclosure having at least one wall and two open ends. The sample cup also includes sample support means removably attached to each of the two open ends and sample loading means located on the at least one wall for filling the sample cup with the speciman to be analyzed.

Abstract: A sample receptacle for retaining a sample that is to be subjected to spectrochemical analysis. The sample receptacle includes a tubular body having at least one open end and a tapered exterior wall. A sheet of thin film material having peripheral edges is disposed across the open end of the tubular body. A generally annular collar, having an interior wall tapered at an angle supplemental to the taper of the interior wall, is disposed around the tubular body. As the annular collar is placed around the tubular body, the tapered exterior wall of the tubular body creates an interference fit with the tapered interior wall of the annular collar. The tapered surfaces of the tubular body and the annular collar engage the sheet of thin film material and pull the sheet of thin film material taut over the open end of the tubular body. The annular collar is sized to engage the entire length of the exterior wall of the tubular body.

Abstract: A briquette press apparatus for compacting powdered materials having a programmable control monitoring the forces of the press. During compression, the programmable control measures the compression force being asserted against the powdered material and regulates the press so that the compression force equals a programmed reference value. During decompression, the programmable control monitors the pressure release rate of the press and regulates the press so that the measured pressure release rate matches a programmed reference rate.

Abstract: A sample cup for use in spectroscopy consists of a cap member having an extending peripheral flange about a closed top surface, with a downwardly extending cylindrical bottom section, the peripheral flange of the cap member has a through aperture located on the inner edge of the flange and extending towards the periphery, a cell body is of a tubular configuration with an opened top and bottom with the opened top surrounded by a flange having an aperture on an inner surface for communicating with the internal hollow of the cell body. The cap member is adapted to coact with the opened top of the cell body and is rotatably supported thereon, whereby in a first mode the through aperture communicates with the cell aperture to create a vent passageway and in a second rotatable position, the apertures do not align to create a closed cell mode.

Abstract: A sample cup for use in holding a sample for spectrochemical analysis consists of a main cell member which is cup-shaped and has a closed top surface. Located on the top surface is a venting means which includes a beam-like section of a given thickness extending along the top surface near the center. The beam is surrounded by a thinner area integrally fabricated with the top surface. Extending upwardly from the surface of the beam is a post which when pushed downwardly crosses the cantilever beam to rupture the thin area thus creating a venting path for pressure equalization. The cantilever beam automatically returns due to spring action to its original position thus preventing excessive material from escaping from the hollow confines of the sample cup.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sample cup for retaining a specimen to be subjected to spectrochemical analysis. The sample cup comprises a cell section which is a cup-shaped member having a closed bottom and an opened top, the opened top being defined by a cell neck having a tapered outer wall. The tapered outer wall of the cell neck is adapted to receive an annular collar having an integrally molded thin plastic film for covering the opened top, thereby sealing the specimen prior to the spectrochemical analysis.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sample cup for use in holding a sample for spectrochemical analysis. The sample cup consists of a cell member which is cup shaped and has a closed bottom and an opened top. The top surface of the closed bottom has a recessed section which extends towards the bottom surface at a given taper with the diameter being larger near the bottom surface of the closed bottom. This forms an area on the closed bottom which is relatively thin.Located on the bottom surface of the closed bottom is an upstanding plunger which is positioned within the thin area. The plunger has grooves directed from top to bottom on the side walls and when depressed ruptures the closed bottom of the cell to create a vent necessary to equalize pressure. The sample cup is adapted to have its top opening covered by a thin plastic film which is secured in position by a collar and snap on ring assembly.

Abstract: A sample vial for use in comminuting and blending material samples for spectrochemical analysis has a vial body section of a cylindrical configuration with a closed recessed bottom end having an inner concave semi-spherical surface. The body section has an opened top end with an inner flange surrounding the same. A cover member is also of a cylindrical configuration and has a closed recessed top end with the inner surface of the cover member of a concave semi-spherical shape. The cover member has an inner peripheral flange for insertion into an opened top end of the vial body section to form a friction fit closure which acts as a seal to prevent particle material from leaking out of the vial. The composite internal hollow of the vial provides a smooth uniform surface to allow a pestle to traverse the same when the vial is vibrated.

Abstract: A briquette press apparatus for compacting powdered materials having a programmable control monitoring the forces of the press. During compression, the programmable control measures the compression force being asserted against the powdered material and regulates the press so that the compression force equals a programmed reference value. During decompression, the programmable control monitors the pressure release rate of the press and regulates the press so that the measured pressure release rate matches a programmed reference rate.