Abstract: A sample cell insertion and removal apparatus for an analysis instrument, including a horizontally sliding frame; a sample cell carriage movably mounted to the sliding frame, the sample cell carriage including an area to hold a sample cell; wherein upon sliding into and out of the instrument, the sample cell carriage is moved horizontally and vertically into and out of an analysis position. This instrument may include a radiation shielded enclosure into and out of which the apparatus slides, and an x-ray analysis engine which transmits x-rays upwards towards the sample cell which projects from a bottom of the apparatus. The disclosed sample cell is especially suited for an x-ray analysis engine having a focal spot requiring alignment with the sample in the sample cell.

Abstract: A sample cell for an analysis instrument, having an outer body forming a sample reservoir therein; a directional fill valve disposed in an upper end of the outer body and forming an upper end of the sample reservoir, the fill valve for accepting a sample during filling, and preventing sample leakage while providing venting after filling; and a film covering a lower end of the outer body, and forming a bottom end of the sample reservoir, the film for presenting the sample to an analysis focal spot of the analysis instrument. The disclosed sample cell is especially suited for an x-ray analysis engine having a focal spot requiring alignment with the sample in the sample cell. At least one x-ray optic may be disposed in an excitation and/or detection path, requiring alignment to the focal spot, in e.g., a WDXRF or EDXRF system.

Abstract: A sample cell for an analysis instrument, having an outer body forming a sample reservoir therein; a directional fill valve disposed in an upper end of the outer body and forming an upper end of the sample reservoir, the fill valve for accepting a sample during filling, and preventing sample leakage while providing venting after filling; and a film covering a lower end of the outer body, and forming a bottom end of the sample reservoir, the film for presenting the sample to an analysis focal spot of the analysis instrument. The disclosed sample cell is especially suited for an x-ray analysis engine having a focal spot requiring alignment with the sample in the sample cell. At least one x-ray optic may be disposed in an excitation and/or detection path, requiring alignment to the focal spot, in e.g., a WDXRF or EDXRF system.

Abstract: A sample cell insertion and removal apparatus for an analysis instrument, including a horizontally sliding frame; a sample cell carriage movably mounted to the sliding frame, the sample cell carriage including an area to hold a sample cell; wherein upon sliding into and out of the instrument, the sample cell carriage is moved horizontally and vertically into and out of an analysis position. This instrument may include a radiation shielded enclosure into and out of which the apparatus slides, and an x-ray analysis engine which transmits x-rays upwards towards the sample cell which projects from a bottom of the apparatus. The disclosed sample cell is especially suited for an x-ray analysis engine having a focal spot requiring alignment with the sample in the sample cell.

Abstract: Computer-based industrial control systems and methods employing object oriented hardware elements. An object oriented hardware element may comprise a processor core coupled one side to a universal real-world interface circuit, and on the other side to an open bus interface. In a preferred embodiment, the open bus interface provides downloading software programming objects to the microprocessor core. A computer-based control system in accordance with the present invention may comprise a personal computer or central processing unit coupled to a communications network, at least one zone interface module coupled to the communications network and to an open bus, at least one zone device module coupled to the open bus and, if required, one or more zone processor modules coupled to the open bus. Software object may be downloaded from the personal computer or central processing unit to the various modules to achieve modular, exception-based, distributively intelligent (MEDI) I/O control within the system.