Patent ID: 6231228
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A device for determining the melting point of a sample material, comprising:first and second infrared-transparent and transmissive plates, each having first and second ends, sides and a central portion defined between said first and second ends, said first plate disposed adjacent to said second plate with said sample material sandwiched therebetween forming a wafer having a first and second side;means to support said first and second plates and sample material;means to apply pressure to said sample material;heating means to heat said sample material to its melting point, said heating means disposed on said first side of said wafer;a non-contact infrared thermometer aligned with said heating means for measuring the indicated temperature of said sample material while it is being heated, said infrared thermometer disposed on said second side of said wafer;said sample material melting when its melting point is reached, said melting causing said sample material to flow out from between said first and second plates and causing said infrared thermometer to sense the higher indicated temperature of said aligned heating means through said first and second plates; andmeans to record said indicated temperatures over time sensed by said infrared thermometer.