Patent ID: 6355217
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: B01L,G01N

Abstract:
A holding device for a particulate material sample, the device comprising;a holding element and a carrier block for receiving the holding element, the holding element having a first end for inserting into the carrier block and a second mounting end for supporting a particulate sample, the carrier block having at least one gas channel therein, the gas channel having an outlet end, wherein, a flow of gas in the gas channel is directed to the second mounting end of the holding element and the outlet end is proximate to the second mounting end of the holding element when the holding element is inserted into the carrier block, and a gas flowing through the at least one gas channel towards the outlet end creates a local atmosphere of the gas in a region proximate to the outlet end of the channel, wherein, the second mounting end of the holding element is located in the region.