Patent ID: 7100428
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A device for measuring isotherms and for determining the solid-state phase of a sample comprising: a humidity generator having an internal cavity; means for changing and controlling humidity and temperature within the internal cavity to establish a sequence of environments each potentially having a different humidity and a different temperature for each environment; a temperature sensor that extends within the internal cavity and is positioned near the sample so that the sensor measures the temperature surrounding the sample; first and second ports that extends into the internal cavity; a balance, having a balance mechanism with means for holding a sample, situated near the first port such that the balance mechanism extends within the internal cavity; a Raman probe situated near the second port such that the probe extends within the internal cavity and is positioned near the sample so that one or more Raman spectra from said sample may be acquired; means for determining the mass of a sample within the internal cavity via the balance mechanism for each environment; means for acquiring and analyzing one or more Raman spectra; means for determining a final mass for each environment where a calculated change in the mass of the sample effectively drops below a predetermined value; means for displaying humidity and temperature within the cavity, and the final mass in a visually discernible manner; and means for sequencing through the sequence of environments, whereby isotherms are measured and associated solid-state phases of the sample are determined.