Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for moving a sample relative to a chamber.

An enclosure, or a chamber, may be used to provide and maintain a specific environment to an object that is to be investigated, treated, or otherwise processed. For example, it may be helpful to investigate some material properties in an accurately defined and controlled environment. In some examples, an object may be exposed to a relatively low temperature of below <NUM>. The enclosure or chamber may be referred to as an environmental chamber or, under specific conditions, a cryostat.

In order to prevent disturbances, it may be helpful to thermally insulate the inside of the chamber from the outside. For this purpose, it may be helpful to suppress an exchange of gaseous and/or liquid matter between the inside and the outside of the chamber. In particular, it may be helpful to reduce an access time when inserting a sample into the chamber, or removing a sample from the chamber. Further, it may be helpful to avoid and reduce a contact between objects that come from the outside of the chamber with the inside of the chamber.

Moreover, it may be helpful to reduce space that is occupied by a system for inserting and removing a sample into and from the chamber. The cost and time expenses for such a system may be further reduced if the use of a cryogen was not necessary. <CIT> describes a vacuum transportation apparatus having a load-lock chamber and a transfer chamber connected via an opening. A valve body having an O-ring is movably arranged between the chambers and maybe seated on said opening. The valve body is moved by an actuator via a shaft, wherein a bellows surrounds and seals up the shaft in the transfer chamber. The diameter of the bellows is larger than the diameter of the O-ring. <CIT> describes a device for replacing an electron microscope specimen. A specimen holder is moved from the atmosphere via a preliminary chamber onto a stage installed in a specimen chamber of a microscope. A valve partitions the preliminary chamber from the specimen chamber. A movable cylinder may be moved through the preliminary chamber into the specimen chamber. <CIT> describes a load-lock apparatus. The apparatus comprises a housing that includes a movable member and is configured to define a volume of a load-lock chamber. The apparatus further comprises a driving mechanism that is configured to drive the movable member after loading an object into the load-lock chamber and before unloading the object from the load-lock chamber. The volume of the load-lock chamber is changed in this manner.

Against this background, the subject matter disclosed herein improves a system and method for inserting a sample into a chamber. The problems known in the art may be solved by the subject matter of claims <NUM> and <NUM>. Specific embodiments or examples are given according to the dependent claims.

Disclosed herein is a sample insertion system. The system comprises a channel, a sealing element and a vacuum device. The channel has a port connectable to a chamber. The vacuum device may decrease a pressure in the channel. The sealing element is arranged in the channel and seals off a volume from the channel. The sealing element comprises a carrier member to carry a sample. The sealing element may be configured to move the carrier member towards the port in response to the pressure in the channel decreasing below a pressure in the volume sealed-off by the sealing element.

According to the sample insertion system, the pressure inside the channel may be decreased by operating the vacuum device. The pressure inside the volume sealed-off by the sealing element may remain unaffected or less affected by the operation of the vacuum device. As the vacuum device operates to decrease the pressure inside the channel, a pressure difference or a pressure gradient may be created between the volume sealed-off by the sealing element and the rest of the channel, resulting in a force directed from the volume sealed-off by the sealing element towards the rest of the channel. As a result, the volume sealed-off by the sealing element may extend, in particular along the channel towards the port. Accordingly, a sample attached to the carrier member of the sealing element may be moved towards the port in a pressure-dependent manner.

The sample insertion system as described herein may allow for a sample to be quickly moved towards the port of a channel, for example, to be inserted into a chamber. In comparison to systems having a rigid physical structure reaching inside of a chamber from the outside, the sample insertion system as described herein may contribute to reducing space requirement. Furthermore, since the pressure in the channel may be reduced using the vacuum device, a sample may be inserted into the chamber without using a coolant, a cryogen, or any other substance to regulate the temperature of the channel.

The channel may be provided as a conduit for transporting the sample inside. The channel may be sealable in a gas-tight manner. The channel may comprise or be part of an air lock. The channel may have an elongated shape with a circular cross-section, or a polygonal cross-section, or a combination thereof. The channel may linearly extend from the port. The cross-sectional area of the channel may be constant, or at least partially decrease or increase towards the port. In some examples, the channel may have a bending or curved portion. The channel may be coated, sheathed or otherwise treated on the outside to thermally insulate an interior volume of the channel from the outside. The channel may be coated, sheathed or otherwise treated on the inside to facilitate the mechanical movement of the sealing element inside the channel. The channel may comprise an access port apart from the port to be connected to a chamber to allow access to its interior volume, for example, to attach a sample to the sealing element or to detach it from the sealing element.

The chamber refers to an enclosure to provide a controlled environment in terms of temperature and/or pressure. Further, the composition of the content inside the chamber may be controllable. In some examples, the chamber refers to a cryostat for maintaining a temperature below <NUM> at a vacuum pressure below <NUM>-<NUM> N/m<NUM>.

The channel is operatively connectable to the chamber via the port. The port may have a cross-section having a shape and/or size corresponding to an opening of the chamber. The channel may further comprise a mechanism to be fixed to the chamber. The port may allow the channel to be connected to a chamber in a gas-tight and pressure-tight manner. For this purpose, the channel may comprise an additional sealing structure, for example an O-ring made of a synthetic, rubber or silicone material.

The vacuum device is operable to reduce the pressure inside the channel by removing or extracting fluid from the channel. In the present disclosure, a fluid may refer to a gas, a liquid, or a mixture thereof. For this purpose, the vacuum device may be fluidly connected or connectable to the chamber. The vacuum device may comprise a vacuum pump or any other device for reducing the pressure.

The expression sealing off refers to separating a partial volume of the channel from the rest of the channel in a gas-tight manner. The sealing element may be gas-impermeable in order to maintain the pressure inside the sealed-off volume independent from the operation of the vacuum device. In some examples, the sealing element comprises a sealing structure, for example an O-ring, to seal against an inner surface of the channel.

The carrier member may be gas-impermeable to maintain the pressure inside the volume sealed-off by the sealing element. The carrier member may be made of a rigid material, or comprise a rigid portion. The carrier member may comprise a portion to which a sample is to be attached. The carrier member may generally have a flat shape, a bent portion, and/or a curvature. The carrier member may have a cross-section with a shape matching with the cross-section of the channel. The carrier member may be, for example, made of metal, such as steel, steel alloy, titanium, aluminum, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, high performance plastic, such as PEEK, etc..

According to an example, the sealing element is movable towards the port in response to the pressure in the channel decreasing below the pressure in the volume sealed-off by the sealing element. In this example, the sealing element may separate a portion of the channel in a gas-tight manner from the rest of the channel that is connected to the vacuum device. Further, the channel and the sealing element may be arranged such that, when the vacuum device decreases the pressure inside the channel, the portion that is separated from the rest of the channel may extend such as to move the sealing element towards the port. Accordingly, the portion of the channel that is separated from the rest of the channel may correspond to the volume sealed-off by the sealing element.

According to an example, the sealing element is extendable towards the port in response to the pressure in the channel decreasing below the pressure in the volume sealed-off by the sealing element. In this example, the sealing element may enclose a portion of the channel in a gas-tight manner, thereby sealing off this portion from the rest of the channel. The channel and the sealing element may be arranged such that, when the pressure inside the channel decreases, the volume sealed-off by the sealing element may extend such as to extend the sealing element accordingly, and to thereby move the carrier member towards the port. Accordingly, the portion of the channel that is enclosed by the sealing member may correspond to the volume sealed-off by the sealing element.

The sealing element is configured to seal off the volume in a gas-tight manner. In particular, the carrier member may be made of or coated with a gas-impermeable material. The gas-tight sealing by the sealing element may allow for a pressure difference between the volume sealed-off by the sealing element and the channel to be maintained.

The sealing element further comprises a sleeve member connected to the carrier member. The carrier member and the sleeve member in combination seal the volume sealed-off by the sealing element in a gas-tight manner. The carrier member and/or the sleeve member may be shaped and/or sized according to an interior of the channel. For example, the channel may have a cylindrical inner shape. The carrier member may be provided as a gas-impermeable plate-like structure arranged perpendicular to the cylinder axis of the channel, or parallel to the port of the channel. The sleeve member may be provided as an extendable structure arranged along the cylinder axis of the channel. The carrier member and the sleeve member may be connected to each other in a gas-tight manner. The sealing element may further comprise an additional structure, such as an O-ring, to additionally support the gas-tight sealing against the inside of the channel.

The channel has an elongated shape along an axis traversing the port. The sleeve member is extendable and retractable along the axis, and the carrier member is movable along the axis. The sleeve member may be provided as at least one of a gaiter, a bellows, a boot, a flexible tube, a telescopic tube, or a combination thereof to allow the volume sealed-off by the sealing element to extend in response to the pressure in the channel decreasing. The sleeve member may be fixed to an end of the channel that is opposite to the port of the channel. In examples where the channel has a cylindrical shape, the sleeve member may be extendable and retractable along the cylinder axis. The carrier member may be provided at an end face of the sealing element facing the port of the channel. The carrier member may be physically coupled to the sleeve member so as to move in response to the sleeve member extending and retracting along the cylinder axis of the channel.

According to an example, the sample insertion system further comprises a retracting device configured to retract the sealing element in a direction opposite to a force caused by a pressure difference between the volume sealed-off by the sealing element and the channel. The sealing element may be coupled to the retracting device. Accordingly, the retracting device may be used to move or stop the sealing element in a controlled manner. In particular, the retracting device may be operated to prevent the sealing element from being uncontrollably accelerated towards the port and reaching an undesirably high velocity.

The pressure inside the channel may be reduced, for example, to a ultrahigh vacuum level of <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> N/m<NUM>, while the pressure in the volume sealed-off by the sealing element remains at the atmospheric level, for example about <NUM><NUM> N/m<NUM>. A resulting pressure difference between the volume sealed-off by the sealing element and the channel may accelerate the sealing element to reach a very high velocity towards the port of the channel. The retracting device may exert a constant force in a direction opposite to the direction towards the port to prevent the sealing element from extending too rapidly.

Accordingly, the retracting device may be operable to generate and apply a retracting force on the sealing element to at least partially compensate the force caused by the pressure difference between the volume sealed-off by the sealing element and the channel. The retracting device may be located at a position that is proximate to an end of the channel remote from its port. For example, the retracting device may comprise a winch to pull a cable, a rope, a cord, a line or the like, that is connected to the sealing element at one end and to the winch at the other end. The retracting device may further comprise an electromotor, or any other actuator, to drive the winch.

According to an example, the sample insertion system further comprises a housing to enclose the channel in a gas-tight manner. The housing may comprise an access port to the channel. In particular, the housing may allow the sample insertion system to be installable to a chamber as a unit. In some examples, the housing may allow the sample insertion system to be portable. The housing may further enclose a retracting device as described above, and any further structural and/or functional features of the sample insertion system.

The access port of the housing may provide access to the inside of the channel, for example, to position a sample inside the channel or to remove a sample from the channel. For this purpose, the channel may comprise an access port, as mentioned above. The access port of the housing and/or the access port of the channel may allow for a gas-tight sealing from the outside.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system comprises a chamber, a channel, a sealing element, and a vacuum device. The chamber provides an environment in which a temperature and/or a pressure is controlled. The channel is connected to the chamber. The vacuum device may decrease a pressure in the channel. The sealing element is arranged in the channel and seals off a volume from the channel. The sealing element comprises a carrier member to carry a sample. The sealing element is configured to move the carrier member towards and/or into the chamber in response to the pressure in the channel decreasing below a pressure in the volume sealed-off by the sealing element.

Accordingly, a system is disclosed in which a sample insertion system, or any embodiments thereof, as disclosed above is connected to a chamber. The sealing element may move the carrier member, and thus the sample if attached to the carrier member, beyond the port of the channel so as to insert it into the chamber. The features of the system, unless otherwise indicated, may correspond to those of the sample insertion system described above.

According to an example, the chamber may be a cryostat providing a temperature below <NUM>, or below <NUM>, or below <NUM>, or below <NUM>. Besides, the chamber may be any other environmental chamber providing and maintaining a temperature, pressure, or composition-controlled environment. In an example, the chamber may be a material processing chamber, such as a furnace, an incubator, a cleanroom, a desiccator, an autoclave, or the like.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method of inserting a sample into a chamber is provided. The method comprises the method steps of connecting a channel to a chamber; sealing off a volume from the channel using a sealing element; coupling a sample to the sealing element; and decreasing a pressure in the channel. The sealing element may be configured to move the sample towards the chamber in response to the pressure in the channel decreasing below a pressure in the volume sealed-off by the sealing element.

The method steps as indicated above are in an exemplary order and can be rearranged in a different order. For example, the method step of connecting the channel to a chamber may be performed after the sample has been coupled to the sealing element. Sealing off a volume from the channel may be performed after the channel has been connected to the chamber.

In particular, the method as disclosed herein may be applied using or operating at least part of the sample insertion system, the system, or any embodiments thereof that are described above. The features of the method may correspond to the structural and/or functional features of the sample insertion system or the system as described above. For example, the pressure inside the channel may be decreased using a vacuum device as described above.

According to the disclosure, the pressure inside the volume sealed-off by the sealing element may remain unaffected or less affected by the decrease in pressure inside the channel. As a result, a pressure difference is created between the volume sealed-off by the sealing element and the rest of the channel. The pressure difference results in the volume sealed-off by the sealing element extending towards the channel, in particular towards its port. Accordingly, if attached to the sealing element, a sample may be moved towards the port of the channel in a pressure-dependent manner.

According to an example, the method further comprises a method step of mechanically retracting the sealing element opposite to a force caused by a pressure difference between the volume sealed-off by the sealing element and the channel. For example, the retracting of the sealing element may be performed using the retracting device as described above.

According to an example, the method further comprises moving the sample away from and/or out of the chamber by increasing a force exerted for mechanically retracting the sealing element. According to this example, the sample insertion system or the system as described above may be operated also for removing a sample from inside a chamber.

According to an example of the method, the sealing element is extendable, and the volume sealed-off by the sealing element extends in response to the pressure in the channel decreasing. The sealing element may correspond to the sealing element or any of its examples as described above.

According to an example, the method further comprises adjusting the pressure in the channel to a pressure in the chamber. For example, the pressure in the chamber may be adjusted to an ultrahigh vacuum level of <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> N/m<NUM>. The pressure inside the channel may be decreased, at least approximately, to this level in order to prevent a large pressure gradient between the channel and the chamber.

In the following, examples of the present disclosure are discussed in detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a sample insertion system <NUM> according to an example (not shown). The sample insertion system <NUM> comprises a channel <NUM> having a port <NUM> connectable to a chamber. The sample insertion system <NUM> further comprises a sealing element <NUM> and a vacuum device <NUM>.

The channel <NUM> may have an elongated shape with a circular or polygonal cross-section. The channel may have a rotational symmetry along a cylinder axis. Although the channel <NUM> is depicted in <FIG> having a linear shape, the channel <NUM> may further comprise a bending portion, a curved portion, a junction, or a combination thereof. Also, a cross-section of the channel <NUM> may be constant or alter from a closed front face (the upper boundary of the channel <NUM> in <FIG>) towards the port <NUM>. For example, the channel <NUM> may taper or increase towards the port <NUM>. In some examples, the channel <NUM> may have sections having different cross-sections in terms of shape and/or size.

The port <NUM> of the channel <NUM> may be an opening to be connected to an enclosure. As discussed above, the enclosure may be, or comprise, a chamber, such as a cryostat. The port <NUM> may have a circular cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, or a combination thereof. The port <NUM> may comprise a structural and/or functional feature to be fixed to an enclosure. For example, the port <NUM> may comprise a flange having fixing holes to be screwed to an enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the port <NUM> may comprise a different mechanism to be fixed to an enclosure, for example a bayonet joint, a threaded portion, a friction-lock, etc. The port <NUM> may be further provided with a sealing means to be connected to an enclosure in a gas-tight manner.

The sealing element <NUM> is arranged in the channel <NUM>. The sealing element <NUM> may be movably disposed in the channel <NUM>. For example, the sealing element <NUM> may be movable along a cylinder axis of the channel <NUM>, as indicated by an arrow M in the drawings. The sealing element <NUM> is configured to seal off a volume V from the channel <NUM>. The volume V being sealed off from the channel <NUM> by the sealing element <NUM> may refer to the volume V of the channel <NUM> being separated from the rest of the channel <NUM> in a gas-tight manner so that a gas exchange and/or a pressure compensation between the channel and the sealed-off volume V is suppressed or precluded. The sealing element <NUM> may be gas impermeable so as to separate the volume V of a channel <NUM> in a gas-tight manner, thereby sealing it off from the channel <NUM>. For this purpose, the sealing element <NUM> may at least partially enclose the volume V. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element <NUM> may seal against an internal side of the channel <NUM> to separate the volume V from the channel <NUM>.

It is understood that both the sealed-off volume V and a remaining portion C of the channel <NUM> alters as the sealing element <NUM> moves inside the channel <NUM>. As an example, the sealed-off volume V increases as the sealing element <NUM> moves towards the port <NUM>, while the remaining portion C of the channel <NUM> decreases. Similarly, the sealed-off volume V decreases as the sealing element <NUM> moves away from the port <NUM>, while the remaining portion C of the channel <NUM> increases.

The sealing element <NUM> may comprise a carrier member (not shown in <FIG>) to carry a sample. The carrier member may be a rigid portion or a structural feature of the sealing element <NUM> to which a sample may be attached and/or fixed. The carrier member may be provided with a fixing mechanism to secure a sample. The sample as used herein may refer to an object to be investigated and/or a container containing it.

The vacuum device <NUM> may decrease the pressure in the channel <NUM>, in particular in the remaining portion C of the channel <NUM> that is not sealed-off by the sealing element <NUM>. The vacuum device <NUM> may comprise a vacuum pump to intake fluid, in particular gas molecules, from the channel <NUM>. The vacuum device <NUM> may be capable of decreasing a pressure inside the channel <NUM> to a high vacuum level of <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> N/m<NUM>, or to an ultrahigh vacuum level of <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>, or to an even higher vacuum level.

The sealing element <NUM> may be movable towards the port <NUM> in response to the pressure in the channel <NUM> decreasing below a pressure in the volume V sealed-off by the sealing element <NUM>. For example, the sealing element <NUM> may be configured to seal-off the volume V from the channel <NUM> in a gas-tight manner so as to maintain a pressure difference between the volume V and the remaining portion C of the channel <NUM>. In some examples, the pressure inside the volume V remains at an atmospheric level of about <NUM><NUM> N/m<NUM> while the vacuum device <NUM> decreases the pressure inside the remaining portion C of the channel <NUM>. The sealing element may move and/or extend towards the port <NUM> when the pressure inside the remaining portion C of the channel <NUM> decreases below the pressure inside the volume V. A pressure difference between the sealed-off volume V and the remaining portion C of the channel <NUM> results in a force F being exerted on the sealing element <NUM> towards the port. The sealing element <NUM> is configured, e.g. shaped and arranged with respect to the channel <NUM>, so as to increase the sealed-off volume V in response to said pressure difference and the resulting force F. The carrier member of the sealing element <NUM> may be arranged such as to move towards the port <NUM> in response to the sealing element <NUM> moving and/or extending towards the port <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show schematic cross-sectional views of another example of a sample insertion system <NUM>. Unless otherwise indicated, structural and functional features of the sample insertion system <NUM> correspond to, or are similar to, or are identical with, those of the sample insertion system <NUM> as described above with reference to <FIG>. Features of the sample insertion system <NUM> that correspond to those of the sample insertion system <NUM> are indicated with the same reference signs.

The sealing element <NUM> of the sample insertion system <NUM> comprises a carrier member <NUM> to carry a sample. The carrier member <NUM> may be a rigid portion or a structural feature of the sealing element <NUM> to which a sample may be attached and/or fixed. For example, the carrier member <NUM> is a gas-impermeable metal plate having a cross-section that corresponds to the cross-section of the channel <NUM> in terms of shape and/or size. The carrier member <NUM> may be made of steel, an alloy, titanium, aluminum, or the like. Further, the carrier member <NUM> may be provided with a fixing mechanism (not shown) to secure a sample. For example, the carrier member <NUM> may have a threaded portion, a bayonet joint, a grooved portion or a complementary protrusion, or a latch, or a combination thereof, to engage with the sample.

The sealing element <NUM> of the sample insertion system <NUM> additionally comprises a sleeve member <NUM>. The sleeve member <NUM> is located at an end of the channel <NUM> opposite to the port <NUM>. The sleeve member <NUM> may comprise a flexible portion to extend towards the port <NUM> of the channel <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the sleeve member <NUM> may comprise a portion that is extendable and retractable. For example, the sleeve member <NUM> comprises a portion that is telescopic, foldable, or being able to be rolled up and out. In some examples, the sleeve member <NUM> may be a gaiter, a bellows, a boot, a flexible tube, a telescopic tube, or a combination thereof. <FIG> and <FIG>, in which the sleeve member <NUM> is depicted as a bellows, show the sleeve member <NUM> in a retracted state and an extended state, respectively. The sleeve member <NUM> may be configured to extend beyond the port <NUM>, i.e. to reach to the outside of the channel <NUM> through the port <NUM>.

The sealing element <NUM> encloses the volume V through the carrier member <NUM> and the sleeve member <NUM>. The sealing element <NUM>, and thus the sleeve member <NUM>, may be open or openable to the outside of the channel <NUM> so that the pressure inside the sealed-off volume V remains at an ambient pressure of, for example, about <NUM><NUM> N/m<NUM>.

Accordingly, the sleeve member <NUM> is configured to extend when the pressure in the remaining portion C of the channel <NUM> decreases. Assuming that the channel <NUM> has a cylindrical shape, the sleeve member <NUM> is arranged to extend and retract along the cylinder axis of the channel <NUM>. The carrier member <NUM> and the sleeve member <NUM> are physically joined to each other in a gas-tight manner. Accordingly, the carrier member <NUM> is moved towards the port <NUM> by the sleeve member <NUM> extending in response to the pressure the remaining portion C of the channel <NUM> decreasing. As a result, a lateral surface of the sleeve element <NUM> extends, causing the volume V that is sealed-off from the channel <NUM> by the sealing element <NUM> to increase.

The sample insertion system <NUM> further comprises a retracting device <NUM>. The retracting device <NUM> is coupled to the sealing element <NUM>. In some examples, the retracting device <NUM> is physically connected to the carrier member <NUM> via a connecting means <NUM> fixed to both the retracting device <NUM> and the carrier member <NUM>. For example, the connecting means comprises a rope, a wire, a cord, a chain, a cable, or the like to connect between the sealing element <NUM> and the retracting device <NUM>. The retracting device <NUM> may be configured to apply, adjust and/or maintain a tension of the connecting means <NUM>. For example, the retracting device <NUM> is configured to let out and pull in the connecting means <NUM>. In some examples, the retracting device <NUM> is a winch to wind up and wind out the connecting means <NUM> driven by an electromotor <NUM>.

The retracting device <NUM> may exert a retracting force R having a component opposite to the force F that is caused by a pressure difference between the volumes C and V. Accordingly, the retracting device <NUM> may allow for controlling the velocity of the carrier member <NUM> towards the port <NUM> and/or in the same axial direction beyond the port <NUM>. Further, the retracting device <NUM> may be used for pulling back the carrier member <NUM> towards the retracting device <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show schematic cross-sectional views of an example of a system <NUM> comprising the sample insertion system <NUM> as described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The system <NUM> further comprises a chamber <NUM>, to which the sample insertion system <NUM> is connected. In particular, the port <NUM> of the channel <NUM> is arranged so as to communicatively connect to an opening of the chamber <NUM>. The port <NUM> may comprise a connecting means in the above described manner to provide a gas-tight and/or vacuum-tight coupling with the chamber <NUM>.

The sample insertion system <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> further comprises a housing <NUM> enclosing the channel <NUM> in a gas-tight manner. In some examples, the sample insertion system <NUM> may be provided as an entity enclosed by the housing <NUM>. Although not explicitly shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may comprise an access port allowing an access to the inside of the channel <NUM>, for example, for inserting and removing a sample S. In this example, the access port of the housing <NUM> seals the inside of the housing <NUM> from the outside in a gas-tight and/or vacuum-tight manner.

An interior space <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> is enclosed by a wall <NUM>. The wall <NUM> may seal the interior space <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> from the outside in a gas-tight, vacuum-tight, heat-impermeable, radiation-impermeable and/or electrically insulating manner. The chamber <NUM> may be operated to provide and maintain a controlled environment in terms of temperature and/or pressure. Further, the composition of the fluid inside the chamber <NUM> may be controllable.

In some examples, the chamber <NUM> refers to a cryostat for maintaining a temperature below <NUM> at a vacuum pressure below <NUM>-<NUM> N/m<NUM>. In specific examples, the chamber <NUM> may be a cryostat providing a temperature below <NUM>, or below <NUM>, or below <NUM>. In further examples, the chamber <NUM> may be a material processing chamber, such as a furnace, an incubator, a cleanroom, or the like. The chamber <NUM> may further comprise a platform <NUM> on which the sample S is to be placed. A pressure inside the interior space <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> may be at a vacuum level of <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> N/m<NUM>.

To insert the sample S into the chamber <NUM>, the sample S is coupled to the carrier member <NUM>, for example via an access port of the housing <NUM> (not shown). The pressure in the channel <NUM> is decreased, for example to the same level as inside the interior space <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>, using the vacuum device <NUM>. As a result, the volume V sealed-off by the sealing element <NUM> extends towards and beyond the port <NUM> into the interior space <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a state of the system <NUM> in which the sealing element <NUM> is extending inside the channel <NUM>, towards the port <NUM>. <FIG> shows another state of the system <NUM> in which the sealing element <NUM> has extended such that the sample S is in contact with the platform <NUM>. In the latter state of the system <NUM>, the sample S may be moved or otherwise manipulated so as to be detached from the carrier member <NUM> and at the same time to be fixed to the platform <NUM>.

In some examples, the retracting device <NUM> may be used to stop the sealing element <NUM> in a retracted state and prevent the sealing element <NUM> from extending until the pressure inside the channel <NUM> is decreased to a desired level. Then, the retracting device <NUM> may allow the sealing element <NUM> to extend by reducing the retracting force R. A reduced level of the retracting force R may be maintained in order to prevent the sealing element <NUM> from extending too rapidly. The operation of the retracting device <NUM> may be timed such as to stop the extension of the sealing element <NUM> exactly when the sample S reaches the platform <NUM>.

Accordingly, the sealing element <NUM> and more specifically the carrier member <NUM> enters the interior space <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. As a result, the sample S attached to the carrier member <NUM> is inserted into the chamber <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may extend into and inside the interior space <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> until the carrier member <NUM> or the sample S reaches the platform <NUM>. The sample S may be provided with a structure to be fixed to the platform <NUM> without the need for mechanically manipulating the sealing element <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show schematic perspective views of an example of a sample insertion system <NUM>. Structural and functional features of the sample insertion system <NUM> may correspond to, or are similar to, or are identical with, those of the sample insertion system <NUM> or <NUM> as described above with reference to <FIG>. Features of the sample insertion system <NUM> that correspond to those of the sample insertion system <NUM> or <NUM> are designated with the same reference signs. <FIG> depicts some parts of the sample insertion system <NUM> being disassembled from the housing <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the sample insertion system <NUM> in an assembled state, i.e. with the sealing element <NUM> being fully inserted into the chamber <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> of the sample insertion device <NUM> has a block shape with structural features for assembly and installation. The housing <NUM> comprises an access port <NUM> for providing access to channel <NUM>. The access port <NUM> may be closable by a door <NUM>, which is configured to seal the access port <NUM> in a gas-tight manner.

The housing <NUM> further comprises an upper port <NUM>, which is an opening formed in an upper surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, for inserting the sealing element <NUM>, which comprises the carrier member <NUM> and the sleeve member <NUM> as described above. The sealing element <NUM> may further comprise a flange <NUM> to arrest against the upper surface <NUM> when being inserted. The flange <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may have corresponding fixing holes to be fixed together, for example, by means of screws or bolts.

The housing <NUM> further comprises a first lower port <NUM>, which is an opening formed in a lateral surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, to be connected to a vacuum device. For example, the first lower port <NUM> may be configured to be connected to the vacuum device <NUM> as described above with reference to <FIG>. The lateral surface <NUM> may further have fixing holes to be connected with a tube, a vacuum flange, a sealing, or the like by means of, for example, screws or bolts.

The housing <NUM> further comprises a second lower port <NUM>, which is an opening formed in another lateral surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The second lower port <NUM> may be used, for example, to install a valve to control a cross section of a conduit between the channel <NUM> and a vacuum device connected to the first lower port <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> further comprises the port <NUM> having a flange portion with fixing holes. The flange portion may be connectable to a port of a chamber, for example the chamber <NUM> as described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The flange and fixing holes may be used for a gas-tight connection to another flange, a sealing means, or the like of the chamber using, for example, screws or bolts.

<FIG> shows a flow diagram of an example of a method <NUM> of inserting a sample S into a chamber <NUM>. In particular, any of the method steps of the method <NUM> may be applicable to, or performed using, any of the sample insertion devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, and, if applicable, the chamber <NUM> as described above.

According to the method <NUM>, at <NUM>, a channel is connected to an enclosure, for example a chamber. For example, the channel may have a port which is connected to a port of the enclosure. The enclosure may be an environmental chamber, in particular a cryostat, or any other chamber for providing and maintaining a desired temperature and/or pressure in its inside.

At <NUM>, a volume is sealed off from the channel using a sealing element. The sealing element may correspond to the sealing element <NUM> as described above. Sealing off may refer to separating a partial volume of the channel from a remaining portion of the channel in a gas-tight manner. The sealing element may seal off said volume by suppressing a gas exchange between the sealed-off volume and the remaining portion of the channel. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element may seal off said volume by at least partially enclosing the same.

At <NUM>, a sample is coupled to the sealing element. The sample may refer to an object to be investigated, processed, treated, or the like, as described above. The sample may further include a container containing such an object.

At <NUM>, a pressure is decreased in the channel. The pressure may be decreased using a vacuum device as described above. In the method, the sealing element may move the sample coupled to the carrier member towards the chamber in response to the pressure in the channel decreasing below a pressure in the volume sealed-off by the sealing element. According to the method <NUM>, the pressure inside the sealed-off volume remains less affected by the decrease of pressure inside the channel. Accordingly, a pressure difference between the sealed-off volume and the remaining portion of the channel is generated, which causes a force being exerted on the sealing element. The sealing element may be arranged in the channel so as to move towards the port of the channel when exposed to said force.

Furthermore, the sealing element may be mechanically retracted in a direction opposite to the force caused by said pressure difference between the sealed-off volume and the remaining portion of the channel. The sealing element may be retracted using the retracting device as described above.

Furthermore, the sample may be moved away from and/or out of a chamber by increasing a force exerted for mechanically retracting the sealing element. Accordingly, the sample insertion system or the system as described above may be operated also for removing a sample from inside a chamber.

Furthermore, the pressure in the channel may be adjusted to a vacuum level between <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> N/m<NUM>. In particular, the pressure inside the channel may be decreased, at least approximately, to this level in order to prevent a large pressure gradient between the channel and the chamber.

The systems and method as disclosed herein contribute to suppressing an exchange of gaseous and/or liquid matter between the inside and the outside of a chamber. In particular, the disclosed subject matter contributes to reducing an access time when inserting a sample into a chamber, or removing a sample from the chamber. Further, the disclosed subject matter allows for avoiding or reducing a contact between objects that come from the outside of a chamber with the inside of the chamber.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>), comprising
- a chamber (<NUM>) in which a temperature and/or a pressure is controlled, the chamber (<NUM>) having a platform (<NUM>) on which a sample (S) is to be placed; and
- a sample insertion system (<NUM>) for placing the sample (S) onto the platform (<NUM>) comprising:
a channel (<NUM>) having a port (<NUM>) connectable to the chamber (<NUM>);
a sealing element (<NUM>) arranged in the channel (<NUM>), the sealing element (<NUM>) sealing off a volume (V) from the channel (<NUM>); and
a vacuum device (<NUM>) to decrease a pressure in the channel (<NUM>),
wherein the sealing element (<NUM>) comprises a carrier member (<NUM>) to carry the sample (S) and a sleeve member (<NUM>) connected to the carrier member (<NUM>),
wherein the carrier member (<NUM>) and the sleeve member (<NUM>) in combination seal the volume (V) sealed-off by the sealing element (<NUM>) in a gas-tight manner, and
characterised in that
the channel (<NUM>) has a shape along an axis traversing the port (<NUM>), wherein the sleeve member (<NUM>) is extendable and retractable along the axis, and wherein the carrier member (<NUM>) is movable along the axis.