Definitions

• a further embodiment of this invention is a sealed vessel for testing a plurality of samples that includes (a) a fluid distribution system to simultaneously expose the samples to a reactive fluid, and (b) an analyzer in the sealed vessel that is isolated from the fluid distribution system.
• a further embodiment of this invention is an apparatus for testing a plurality of samples that includes (a) a first chamber in which each samples is simultaneously exposed to a non-reactive fluid, (b) a second chamber, isolated from the first chamber, in which each samples is simultaneously exposed to a reactive fluid, and (c) an analyzer.
• sample holders may be employed.
• an example of one type of suitable sample holder receives thin film samples mounted on either light absorbing, light transmitting or light reflecting substrates.
• the substrate may be planar or may contain a well to hold the sample.
• An example of a second type of optical sample holder receives samples mounted on a substrate, with an attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) crystal in contact with each sample, and has a clamping assembly that clamps the ATR crystal to the sample so that optical contact is maintained.
• ATR attenuated total internal reflection
• Other kinds of sample holders may be used when other kinds of analytical measurements are made .
• the fluid distribution system 40 may contain one or more electrically activated valves capable of controlling the passage of a fluid such as a gas or liquid, such as Swage1ok model SS-4BG-3C gas valve, and associated tubing.
• the temperature control system may contain a commercially available temperature controller, such as a model CN3390 from Omega Corp. Stratford, CT , heating bands such as Type A heating bands manufactured by Watlow, Inc., and associated RTD temperature sensors, such as model DRW713237, and type J thermocouples, available from Technical Industrial Products.
• the pressure control system 80 may contain commercially available components such as a compressed gas supply, one or more electrically controlled pressure regulators, and electrically activated gas valves, such as Swagelok model SS- 4BG-3C.
• a reaction chamber exists when a port in both the outer and inner bodies are lined up with a sample holding position, and the ports have access to the a fluid distribution manifold. That sample holding position is, however, isolated from all other sample holding positions and from the analytical port by the annulus of the outer body and the annulus of the inner body.
• the invention thus provides a method in which the chamber in which the samples are exposed to or reacted with the fluid is isolated from the chamber in which the samples are subjected to analysis.
• Figures 19 through 26 depict, in block diagram form, software for controlling the system 10.
• Figure 19 is a block diagram showing a main control routine for controlling the computer controller.
• Figure 20 is a block diagram showing a routine for controlling a spectrometer when the analytical method employed is an optical measurement system.
• Figure 21 shows a routine for recording parameters and settings.
• Figure 22 shows a routine for configuring elements of the system.
• Figure 23 depicts a routine for controlling valves and displaying set-points.
• Figure 24 shows a routine for recording parameters and experimental data.
• Figure 25 depicts a routine for displaying spectral data when the analytical method employed is an optical measurement system.
• Figure 26 shows a routine for controlling the positioning system.
• the analysis may be optical analysis, such as passing light waves through a sample, or reflecting light waves from a surface of a sample.
• Two or more optical methods may be used if desired, each method using light having a different wavelength in the range, for example, of from about 190 nanometers to about 900 nanometers or in the range from about 2,500 nanometers to about 25,000 nanometers. All optical methods may be performed simultaneously, and the analysis may be conducted during a simultaneous reaction of all samples.
• Other useful methods of analysis include sonic, ultrasonic, electrostatic, magnetic, radio frequency or x-ray analysis.

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• Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)
• Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)

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• 2003
  • 2003-09-03 CA CA002505616A patent/CA2505616A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-09-03 EP EP03749318A patent/EP1537424A1/de not_active Withdrawn

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