Abstract: A system includes a platform having an upper surface and defining a recess having a floor, the recess configured to seat a dish, and a movable securing frame that is movably connected with the platform, the frame including a lift support having an upper surface that is movable along a path from a first location that is beneath the floor of the recess, through the recess, to a second location that is coplanar with the upper surface of the platform. A motor configured to cause oscillation of the platform and the movable securing frame can be used. A method of using the system can include placing a dish above a recess defined by an upper surface of a platform, and lowering the frame with respect to the platform, thereby seating the dish within the recess.

Abstract: A system includes a platform having an upper surface and defining a recess having a floor, the recess configured to seat a dish, and a movable securing frame that is movably connected with the platform, the frame including a lift support having an upper surface that is movable along a path from a first location that is beneath the floor of the recess, through the recess, to a second location that is coplanar with the upper surface of the platform. A motor configured to cause oscillation of the platform and the movable securing frame can be used. A method of using the system can include placing a dish above a recess defined by an upper surface of a platform, and lowering the frame with respect to the platform, thereby seating the dish within the recess.

Abstract: A grinding mill for pulverizing material includes a platform having an upper surface and defining a recess having a floor, the recess configured to seat a dish in which the material is disposed, and a movable securing frame that is movably connected with the platform, the frame including a lift support having an upper surface that is movable along a path from a first location that is beneath the floor of the recess, through the recess, to a second location that is coplanar with the upper surface of the platform. A motor configured to cause oscillation of the platform and the movable securing frame can be used. A method of using the grinding mill can include placing a dish above a recess defined by an upper surface of a platform, and lowering the frame with respect to the platform, thereby seating the dish within the recess.

Abstract: A grinding mill for pulverizing material includes a platform having an upper surface and defining a recess having a floor, the recess configured to seat a dish in which the material is disposed, and a movable securing frame that is movably connected with the platform, the frame including a lift support having an upper surface that is movable along a path from a first location that is beneath the floor of the recess, through the recess, to a second location that is coplanar with the upper surface of the platform. A motor configured to cause oscillation of the platform and the movable securing frame can be used. A method of using the grinding mill can include placing a dish above a recess defined by an upper surface of a platform, and lowering the frame with respect to the platform, thereby seating the dish within the recess.

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: A fluxer includes a single, wide furnace enclosure that is sufficiently large and prewired to accommodate multiple fusion positions. The furnace includes at least one movable insulated partition that defines the actual insulated volume of the furnace.

Abstract: A fluxer includes a single, wide furnace enclosure that is sufficiently large and prewired to accommodate multiple fusion positions. The furnace includes at least one movable insulated partition that defines the actual insulated volume of the furnace.