Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for preparing samples. These samples will be used for making disks and solutions for subsequent analysis by chemical or physical means. The machine contains an assembly of several gas burners with a crucible above each of them for heating and melting the sample-flux mixture. Efficient mixing in the melt is obtained by providing a crucible with a new shape in combination with a periodic tilting or rotation of the crucible. Solutions are prepared by pouring the hot molten glass mixture into beakers containing an acid and by agitating the acid and the glass particles. Glass disks are prepared by placing moulds above the crucibles during heating and by turning the crucibles and the moulds upside down so that the hot molten glass mixture flows into the moulds for subsequent solidification into solid glass disks of high quality, ready for analysis without further processing. Various shapes of crucibles are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fusion and casting machine for the preparation of glass buttons for analysis.The machine contains an assembly of several heaters which moves with a precession motion imparting agitation to the content of the molten materials. When the materials are fused, agitation stops, flame goes out, moulds which were intially above the crucibles move under the crucibles, and the crucibles turn over and transfer their content into the moulds where solidification takes place. Perfect glass buttons are produced: these are stable, homogeneous, flat, smooth, bubble-free and need no further processing before the anaylsis.