Patent ID: 8001853
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A conditioning chamber device for metallurgical samples, constructed and arranged to be operatively connected to an instrument having an examination chamber operable in an ultra high vacuum condition at a selected pressure below 10 −7 Torr and having a sealable inlet, the conditioning chamber comprising (i) at least one vacuum pump means constructed and arranged to reduce the conditioning chamber to a selected ultra high vacuum condition at a pressure below 10 (ii) a sample retaining means; (iii) at least one fracturing means constructed and arranged to prepare on a sample a surface suitable for metallurgical analysis; (iv) a drying means constructed and arranged for slow drying of the sample in the selected ultra high vacuum condition; (v) a sealable outlet comprising connecting means selectively operatively connected to the inlet of the examination chamber; and (vi) a transporting means to transport the sample after surface preparation through a connecting means directly into the inlet of the examination chamber without leaving the selected ultra high vacuum condition.