Abstract: The invention relates to a sample processing system for a plasma spectrometer for analysing viscous samples, and samples insoluble at room temperature. The system comprises a tray with tubes containing the sample, a heating block comprising a thermoregulation switch and means for collecting the sample from tubes. Said means are connected to a transfer tube transferring the solution that is pumped down by a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump is controlled by a controller box and comprises a first pump tubing of internal diameter &phgr; and a second pump tubing of internal diameter &phgr;′. A sample introduction system is fed by the peristaltic pump and contains a nebulizer and a spray chamber placed in a thermoregulated box. According to the invention, said sample processing system is thermoregulated, temperatures are variable and can be selected according to the nature of the sample to analyse.

Abstract: An electronic circuit housing primarily applicable to undersea transmission-line repeater equipment includes a pressure-resistant tubular steel shell provided with water-tight end walls and containing a cylindrical assembly of frames having the shape of cylindrical sectors. Each frame is attached at one end to a radial flange of the internal shell wall and at the other end to an expandable collar provided with sliding wedges and locked by expansion in the internal shell wall. The fastening system facilitates mounting and accurate centering of the frames within the tubular shell, thereby guaranteeing a constant thickness and therefore uniform thermal conductivity of the interface between frame and tubular shell.