GB1228064A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,228,064. X-ray analysis apparatus. SIEMENS A.G. March 28, 1969. [April 1, 1968], No. 16562/69. Heading G1A. [Also in Divisions B1, B8]. A specimen changer for use in X-ray spectral analysis of a sequence of samples, comprises a turn-table K provided with spindles R 1 -R 4 at the ends of which are mounted specimen cup assemblies PB 1 -PB 3 , which carry specimens to be analysed, and PB, which is intermediate cups PB 1 and PB 3 and carries a reference specimen. The apparatus rotates in steps. If the turn-table has been rotated, for example into the position shown in Fig. 1, it then stops and a lifting cylinder H lifts main T upwards, carrying with it the assemblies PB and PB 1 -PB 3 . This brings one PB 2 , of the cups into contact with the underside of charging device B and a specimen is taken through the charging aperture into the specimen cup HV2. Also, another cup PB 1 is raised into engagement with the underside of the analysis apparatus S, where a vacuum-tight contact is ensured by sealing ring OR. An X-ray fluorescence analysis is carried out on the sample using a multi-channel X-ray spectrometer comprising an X-ray tube and, for example, throughflow counter tube detectors in a radial array. Meanwhile, at the third test specimen cup assembly PB 3 , a specimen is being discharged. This occurs by, during rotation of the turn-table, a bevel gear S 3 intergral with spindle R 3 being rotated by engagement with gear segment KS, causing the spindle to rotate about its own axis and invert the cup assembly. An aperture O is provided in main plate T, so that the cup assembly can tip freely. The specimen falls to a specimen collecting device BH which can move into one of two positions, one causing a faulty specimen to be discharged via chute 6 and the other causing it to be caught in funnel PA. In other positions away from the discharge area, the cup assemblies are held upright by leaf-spring arrangements.