Patent ID: 8710435
Filing Date: 2014-04-29
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A sample chamber system including a sample chamber having an access opening adapted to have an open position to allow insertion of a sample into said sample chamber and to have a closed position in which said sample chamber is closed in a sealing manner, said system comprising: a first valve being configured to switch between open and closed states in direct dependence on change in position of the access opening such that said first valve is in the open state and a volume of said sample chamber is in gas flow communication with a source of a carrier gas when (1) the access opening is in transition between the closed position and the open position to cause outflow from the volume through the access opening, when (2) the access opening is in transition between the open position and the closed position to cause outflow from the volume through the access opening, and when (3) the access opening is in the closed position to provide the carrier gas over a sample in the sample chamber, and said first valve is in the closed state and the volume of the sample chamber is not in gas flow-communication with said source of a carrier gas when (1) the access opening is in the open position to permit placement of a sample in the sample chamber; and a second valve being configured to switch between open and closed states in direct dependence on change in position of the access opening, such that said second valve is in the open state and said volume of said sample chamber is in gas flow communication with a spectral analysis location when (1) the access opening is in the closed position to provide gas flow from the sample chamber to the spectral analysis location, and said second valve is in the closed state and said volume is not in gas flow-communication with said spectral analysis location when (1) the access opening is in the open position, (2) the access opening is in transition between the closed position and the open position to prevent contamination of the spectral analysis location, and (3) the access opening is in transition between the open position and the closed position to prevent contamination of the spectral analysis location.