Device for moving the sample holder

Abstract

An apparatus for moving the first and second sample holders between respective first and second starting positions and respective first and second end positions includes a guide assembly configured to guide the first sample holder along a first path from the first starting position to the first end position and back along the first path from the first end position to the first starting position and configured to guide the second sample holder along a second path from the first starting position to the second end position and back along the second path from the second end position to the second starting position, The guide assembly is configured such that the first and second sample holders are spaced apart from each other as the first and second sample holders move along at least a portion of the length of their respective paths.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to devices for moving sample holders and analytical instruments incorporating the devices described herein. [Background technology]

[0002] Many analytical instruments require the transfer of samples of material from one location to another for analysis or processing of the samples. For example, samples may be loaded into a sample holder at a start location and removed to an analyzer or analyzed within the sample holder at an end or analysis location. The apparatus for moving the sample holder in this manner is sometimes called a transport assembly or sample delivery system.

[0003] An example of an analytical instrument that uses a device for moving a sample holder from one position to another is the Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ 9900 spectrometer, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) system that enables rapid analysis of metallic and non-metallic samples in various industries for process or quality control. Figure 1 shows a simplified diagram of the ARL 9900 spectrometer, which includes a shutter 170 that acts as an airlock between the external atmospheric pressure and the vacuum environment of the spectrometer. The spectrometer also includes a sample lift (sometimes called an "input lift") 180, a mechanism for transferring the sample holder from the sample changer into the primary chamber of the spectrometer. The spectrometer also includes a transport assembly 110 for moving the sample holder to an analysis lift (sometimes called an "X-ray lift") 190, where the sample holder is elevated for subsequent XRF analysis. An X-ray tube 167 for XRF is provided. A sample changer 195 is also provided. In this case, a rotary sample changer is shown, but other types of sample changers are possible (for example, a sample changer with an XY arm could be used instead).

[0004] Figure 2 shows the ARL9900 in more detail. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the ARL9900 comprises a sample transport system 110, an input lift 180, an X-ray lift 190, a vacuum boundary 161 representing an area that may be under vacuum (collectively defined by the spectrometer tank indicated by the right-hand branch of the arrow of reference numeral 161 and the front housing indicated by the left-hand branch of the arrow of reference numeral 161), a linear translation section 162 of the sample holder, a spectrometer tank 163, a sample exchanger 164, a molecular pump 165, a rotary pump 166, an X-ray tube 167 for XRF, a gas regulation system 172, an XRD tube 171 a, an XRD tube rotation mechanism 171 b, an XRD detector 173, an X-ray diffraction (XRD) detector rotation mechanism 168, an X-ray power supply 174, an X-ray tube cooling system 175, an XRD power supply 176, an electronics module 177, and optical elements 178. The operation of the ARL9900 spectrometer is described in further detail at https: / / dokumen.tips / documents / user-manual-xrf-9900.html (available at https: / / web.archive.org / web / 20210322223412 / https: / / dokumen.tips / documents / user-manual-xrf-9900.html), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0005] Four positions (labeled 1-4) are shown in Figure 2. The procedures performed by the ARL9900 are described below in Table 1, along with the associated positions of the four positions shown.

[0006] [Table 1]

[0007] The transport assembly of the ARL9900 is shown in more detail in isolation in FIG. 3. The transport assembly is an apparatus 110 comprising two longitudinal guide elements 120 and 121, which are horizontally spaced apart, straight, elongated rods extending longitudinally between a start position at one end of the rod and a finish position at the opposite end of the rod. A carriage 130 for holding a sample holder is attached to the two longitudinal guide elements 120 and 121. While the sample holder is not shown in FIG. 3, the carriage 130 has a circular opening for receiving and holding a sample holder (not shown). The carriage is configured to engage with and be guided by the longitudinal guide elements 120 and 121. The two longitudinal guide elements 120 and 121 function as a pair of tracks or rails such that, in use, the carriage 130 can slide or otherwise move along the longitudinal guide elements 120 and 121 between a start position for the carriage 130 and an end position for the carriage 130. For example, a motorized pulley system can be used to move the carriage 130 between the start and end positions along the longitudinal guide elements 120 and 121. The transport assembly 110 thus functions as a guide assembly (which may be considered to be all components that contribute to moving the sample holder along a path) configured to move the sample holder between the start and end positions.

[0008] It will be appreciated that this transfer assembly can provide good performance for XRF analysis while increasing its throughput, and can also improve the speed and efficiency of use of transfer assemblies in a variety of other analytical instruments. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] To achieve high throughput, it is known to use a rotary sample transport system to move multiple sample holders. However, a rotary system occupies a significant amount of space due to the area through which the components of such a system pass, and space is often at a premium in analytical instruments. Since the area of ​​a circle increases as the square of its radius, this effect is particularly pronounced when a rotary system is provided to move sample holders over long distances.

[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to address these and other problems with known devices for moving a sample holder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Against this background, according to a first aspect there is provided an apparatus for moving first and second sample holders between respective first and second start positions and respective first and second end positions, as defined in claim 1. In a further aspect there is provided an analytical instrument as defined in claim 24.

[0012] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for transferring sample holders for use in various instruments, including XRF spectrometers such as the ARL9900. The apparatus described herein provides a dual sample loading mechanism that allows two samples to be processed simultaneously and exchanged directly within the spectrometer chamber in a robust and compact configuration. The present disclosure improves sample exchange time and increases sample throughput while maintaining spectrometer functionality and using roughly the same space as known apparatus, such as apparatus 110 of FIG. 3.

[0013] One advantageous feature of the present disclosure is the provision of a dual sample loader that allows multiple sample holders to be moved simultaneously in two or more directions. This can be achieved by guiding two or more sample holders along separate paths that are laterally spaced apart from one another (for at least a portion of their path length) by a distance large enough to allow at least one sample holder to move from its end position and at least one other sample holder to its end position. This also means that one sample can be analyzed in the analysis position while another sample is prepared in the loading position. In this way, loading and unloading of sample holders can be performed in an overlapping or partially overlapping manner, thereby saving time and increasing throughput. In the context of the present disclosure, the longitudinal direction is the direction between the start and end positions of the sample holders, while the transverse direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0014] Moving the sample into the vacuum chamber and to the analysis position takes time, not only because the sample itself must be moved, but also because loading the sample must not disturb the vacuum in the main chamber used for analysis. Therefore, a smaller transition chamber for loading the sample is often provided, which is pumped down before opening into the main chamber. This provides the advantage that one sample can be analyzed while another sample is simultaneously loaded and prepared for analysis.

[0015] The present disclosure provides several advantageous embodiments that provide these and other benefits. In some embodiments, the sample holders are moved back and forth along parallel paths that are spaced apart from each other throughout their length. In other embodiments, the sample holders are guided along curved paths that move away from each other to provide space for the sample holders to move in opposite directions without hitting each other. To this end, various guide assemblies are disclosed, which may include longitudinal guide elements and lateral (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction between a start position and an end position) guide elements. Furthermore, some embodiments use a surface of a material (e.g., a plate) that defines a curved path in its surface (e.g., having channels such as grooves that provide recesses in the surface or openings that penetrate the entire thickness of the surface), where the curved path is configured to receive guide pins in a sample holder carriage or cassette to smoothly guide the sample holder along a complex path. In some embodiments, the surface that defines the curved path can be supplemented with additional guide elements, such as guide rods, and a two-part carriage can be used to enable complex movement of the sample holder. Such an arrangement may be suitable for moving the sample holder without risk of tilting it, and may be particularly useful for liquid or powder samples.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, a linear (non-rotating) transfer assembly can be used to process two samples simultaneously, with the two samples being exchanged within the sample chamber. This improves sample exchange time and increases sample throughput compared to existing linear sample exchangers with only a single sample load. Furthermore, it requires less space than a rotary sample exchanger. In this embodiment, the transfer assembly includes two sample carriages instead of the one in existing designs. Both carriages start and end at exactly the same location and pass each other in the middle. Each carriage includes two main sections: a first section that moves longitudinally using linear guides, and a second section that holds the sample holder and moves laterally (typically vertically). This lateral movement allows the samples to move past each other. The vertical movement of the second section is achieved using guide pins that move in a predetermined path that includes a vertical displacement as the first section moves horizontally on linear guides. This solution also allows the necessary manipulation without the risk of tilting the sample. The advantages of this embodiment therefore include space savings, allowing sample exchange in very limited spaces, preferably under vacuum, minimizing modifications to existing systems, allowing them to maintain all their functionality, and enabling a reliable and robust kinematic assembly by leveraging proven (linear) guidance.

[0017] It will be understood that the apparatus described herein may be provided without a sample holder, as the sample holder may be disposable or replaceable. Thus, the apparatus for moving the sample holder described herein may be provided as a stand-alone apparatus.

[0018] Thus, the present disclosure provides several advantages, including saving space, allowing sample exchange in very limited spaces, optionally under vacuum, allowing the devices disclosed herein to be retrofitted into existing systems to increase throughput, and providing reliable and robust motion through the guidance assemblies described herein. These and other advantages will become apparent from the description below.

[0019] The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic representation of a known transfer assembly in situ in an ARL9900; [Figure 2] 1 illustrates schematically the operation of a known transfer assembly of an ARL9900; [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a known transfer assembly of an ARL9900 separated; [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for moving first and second sample holders according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for moving first and second sample holders according to a second embodiment; [Figure 6] 10 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for moving first and second sample holders according to a third embodiment; [Figure 7] 10 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for moving first and second sample holders according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 8] 10 shows a schematic rear view of the device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 shows a schematic enlarged view of the carriage of the device of the fourth embodiment; [Figure 10] 10 shows a schematic exploded view of a carriage according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 11] 10 shows a schematic representation of the path traveled by the first and second sample holders of the fourth embodiment; [Figure 12] 10A and 10B show schematic diagrams of the apparatus of the fourth embodiment in situ within an ARL9900. [Figure 13] 10 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for moving first and second sample holders according to a fifth embodiment; [Figure 14] 5 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for moving first and second sample holders according to a sixth embodiment; [Figure 16] 13 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for moving first and second sample holders according to a seventh embodiment; [Figure 17] 12 shows a schematic rear view of the device of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] 12 shows a schematic rear view of the device of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 shows a schematic exploded view of a carriage of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 shows a schematic diagram of the seventh embodiment of the device in ARL9900. [Figure 21] 10 shows a schematic diagram of the seventh embodiment of the device in ARL9900. [Figure 22] 10 shows a schematic diagram of the seventh embodiment of the device in ARL9900. [Figure 23] 10 shows a schematic diagram of the seventh embodiment of the device in ARL9900. [Figure 24] 10 shows a schematic diagram of the seventh embodiment of the device in ARL9900. [Figure 25] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a sample holder for use in the embodiments described herein. [Figure 26] 10A and 10B show schematic diagrams comparing the space requirements of a linear transport assembly and a rotary assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] As previously described, Figures 1-3 show the transport assembly of the ARL9900 XRF spectrometer. Figure 4 shows an apparatus 410 for moving first and second sample holders according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The first embodiment apparatus 410 can be used in the ARL9900 in a manner similar to that described above.

[0022] Similar to the known transfer assembly 110 of the ARL9900, the apparatus 410 comprises a first pair of longitudinal guide elements 421 a and 422 a, which are horizontally parallel, spaced-apart, straight, elongated rods extending longitudinally between a starting position at one end of the rod and an ending position at the opposite end of the rod. A first carriage 430 a for removably holding a first sample holder 440 a engages with the first pair of longitudinal guide elements 421 a and 422 a. The first pair of longitudinal guide elements 421 a and 422 a function as a pair of tracks or rails so that, in use, the first carriage 430 a can travel between a starting position at one end of the first pair of guide elements 421 a and 422 a and an ending position at the opposite end of the guide elements 421 a and 422 a. Thus, the apparatus 410 functions as a guide assembly configured to move the first sample holder 440a between a start position and an end position along a first path.

[0023] In addition to the first pair of longitudinal guide elements 421 a and 422 a, a similar second pair of longitudinal guide elements 421 b and 422 b is provided directly below the first pair 421 a and 422 a (in normal use). The second pair of longitudinal guide elements 421 b and 422 b allows the second carriage 430 b and associated second sample holder 440 b to undergo translational movement in a direction parallel to but spaced apart from the movement of the first sample holder 440 a. The first sample holder 440 a moves along a first path through space, which is a straight line at a distance from the first pair of longitudinal guide elements 421 a and 422 a. This distance is determined by the geometry of the first carriage 430a, which mechanically couples the first sample holder 440a to the first pair of longitudinal guide elements 421a and 422a. Similarly, the second sample holder 440b moves along a second path through space, which is also a straight line offset from the second pair of longitudinal guide elements 421b and 422b by a distance determined by the geometry of the second carriage 430b. This causes the first and second sample holders 440a and 440b to move along two paths that are vertically spaced apart from each other. The starting position of the first sample holder 440a is spaced apart from the starting position of the second sample holder 440b, and similarly for the ending positions of the sample holders 440a and 440b.

[0024] This configuration can improve throughput compared to the transfer assembly 110 of FIGS. 1-3. For example, while the first sample holder 440a is being used for analysis at one end of the guide elements 421a and 422a, the second sample holder 440b can be at the other end of the guide elements 421b and 422b and simultaneously reloaded there. Thus, when the first sample holder 440a has been used for analysis, it can be withdrawn, and the second sample holder 440b can be moved to the end of the guide elements 421b and 422b and immediately used for analysis. This can improve throughput. Furthermore, because this is a linear translational configuration rather than a rotary (e.g., carousel-type sample holder) configuration, space requirements do not increase significantly, which helps facilitate the integration of the device 410 into existing equipment with tight space requirements.

[0025] To operate the carriages 430a and 430b and the sample holders 440a and 440b, the apparatus may include a controller (not shown) configured to operate motors (not shown) to move the carriages 430a and 430b and the sample holders 440a and 440b along their respective paths. For example, mechanical end stops (similar to those used in the ARL9900) may be used to define the start and end positions of the carriages 430a and 430b and the sample holders 440a and 440b. For example, a dual sample loading controller (DSLC) may detect the positions of the carriages 430a and 430b and the sample holders 440a and 440b according to feedback from the stepper motors. Although only one common stepper motor can be used to move both carriages 430a and 430b, two stepper motors are preferably provided, one for each carriage 430a and 430b. Additional sensors may be included to sense the position of carriages 430a and 430b, and feedback from the additional sensors may be used to control their positions. Furthermore, timing circuitry may be used to ensure that carriages 430a and 430b move at the appropriate times to prevent both sample holders 440a and 440b from being at the same end of their respective pairs of guide elements at any one time. Thus, it will be appreciated that a variety of mechanisms may be implemented to control the movement of sample holders 440a and 440b.

[0026] It will be appreciated that many variations on the first embodiment are possible. For example, by providing additional guide elements similar to those described above, any number of carriages and sample holders, such as three, four, or more, can be provided. Furthermore, while each carriage 430a and 430b is attached to two guide elements 421a, 422a, 421b, and 422b, more or fewer guide elements can be used. Furthermore, the guide elements 421a, 422a, 421b, and 422b can be curved or have any shape. For example, if instrument space constraints prevent the use of straight guide elements, the guide elements 421a, 422a, 421b, and 422b can be modified to be curved. Furthermore, while cylindrical sample holders 440a and 440b are shown, any other shape can be used. If a sample holder having a different shape is used, the carriage can have a complementary shape to hold the sample holder.

[0027] In general terms, an apparatus is provided for moving first and second sample holders (e.g., sample holders 440a and 440b) between respective first and second starting positions (e.g., one end of guide elements 421a, 422a, 421b and 422b) and respective first and second ending positions (e.g., the other end of guide elements 421a, 422a, 421b and 422b). The apparatus includes a guide assembly (in this case having guide elements 421a, 422a, 421b, and 422b and carriages 440a and 440b) configured to guide a first sample holder along a first path from a first start position to a first end position and back along the first path from the first end position to the first start position, and to guide a second sample holder along a second path from the first start position to a second end position and back along the second path from the second end position to the second start position. The guide assembly is configured to space the first and second sample holders apart as they move along at least a portion of the length of their respective paths. Thus, a dual sample loading apparatus is provided that is more compact than a comparable rotary dual sample loading apparatus and offers improved throughput compared to the apparatus of FIG. 3. It will be appreciated that the sample holder may be disposable and / or replaceable and therefore the device may be provided as a stand-alone device without the sample holder.

[0028] The sample holder paths may be parallel at or near the first and second starting positions and / or at or near the first and second ending positions. By ensuring that the sample holders leave the starting positions and / or reach the ending positions on parallel trajectories, loading and / or unloading of the sample holders may be more easily accomplished. For example, if the sample holders are loaded and / or unloaded at different orientations (e.g., because the sample holders are facing different directions at the starting and / or ending positions), it may be difficult to align the sample holders with the lift and / or vacuum chamber. Thus, this parallel arrangement reduces some of the difficulty of aligning a lift or the like with multiple sample holders. The first and / or second starting positions may be sample loading positions, and / or the first and / or second ending positions may be sample analysis positions or sample unloading (e.g., placement) positions.

[0029] The guide assembly may be configured such that the multiple paths are spaced apart in a direction substantially perpendicular to the paths. For example, the paths may be spaced apart in a vertical direction (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 ) that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal paths of the first and second sample holders. Spacing the paths apart in this manner provides space for the sample holders to move along their respective paths without collision, facilitating increased throughput with the dual loading and / or unloading mechanism. The guide assemblies of the present disclosure may be configured such that the paths are spaced apart over some or all of their lengths.

[0030] The guidance assemblies described herein may include one or more longitudinal guide elements configured to guide the sample holders longitudinally (e.g., extending between their start and end positions) along their respective paths. For example, straight longitudinal rods (such as elements 421a, 422a, 421b, and 422b) may be provided, and thus two longitudinal guide elements (or one or more longitudinal guide elements) such as rods may be provided per carriage. The longitudinal guides enable the carriages and sample holders to be moved between their start and end positions. In some instances, the use of horizontal guides can help ensure that the sample holders are held in a substantially flat orientation (e.g., horizontal), thereby preventing samples stored therein from being disturbed or spilled as the sample holders move along their paths. Preferably, the one or more longitudinal guide elements include longitudinal guide rods. Such longitudinal guide rods may be straight or curved.

[0031] 5, an apparatus 510 for moving first and second sample holders 540a and 540b between respective first and second start and end positions is shown according to a second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the sample holders 540a and 540b of the second embodiment start and end their movement at the same position, which helps align the sample holders 540a and 540b with the lift and vacuum pump. Additionally, the second embodiment is more compact than the first embodiment.

[0032] Apparatus 510 includes surfaces 529 (shown as being substantially flat and planar, but need not be flat or planar) that define longitudinal guide elements 520a and 520b that guide carriages 530a and 530b along their paths. Guide elements 520a and 520b also act to provide lateral guidance and separation for carriages 530a and 530b (i.e., in directions in the plane of surface 529 that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the carriage's path). In this case, guide elements 520a and 520b are elongated channels in surface 529 that extend through surface 529, rather than elongated rods as previously described. Accordingly, carriages 530a and 530b have protrusions or mechanical couplings (e.g., guide pins, ridges, lips, or flanges) that enable carriages 530a and 530b to be securely held within guide elements 520a and 520b so that sample holders 540a and 540b follow the paths defined by guide elements 520a and 520b. In use, surface 529 is positioned substantially horizontally, with surface plane 529 parallel to the ground, and guide elements 520a and 520b spaced apart from one another in a horizontal plane. As with the first embodiment, apparatus 510 includes first and second carriages 530a and 530b that move respective first and second sample holders 540a and 540b along first and second paths between their start and end positions.

[0033] The first carriage 530a is seated within the guide element 520a and extends from there toward the center of the guide elements 520a and 520b to hold the first sample holder 540a in position between the guide elements 520a and 520b. Similarly, the second carriage 530b is seated within the guide element 520b and extends from there toward the center of the guide elements 520a and 520b to hold the second sample holder 540b between the guide elements 520a and 520b. One guide element is provided per carriage, although multiple such guide elements can be provided. The surfaces 529 defining the guide elements 520a and 520b and the carriages 530a and 530b together function as a guide assembly for the first and second sample holders 540a and 540b. The guide assembly is configured to guide the first sample holder 540a from its start position to its end position along a first path and return along the first path, and is configured to guide the second sample holder 540b from its start position to its end position along a second path and return along the second path.

[0034] In this embodiment, the paths of the first and second sample holders 540a and 540b separate at their centers. The paths taken by the first and second sample holders 540a and 540b are essentially parallel and coincide at their start and end positions, but are separated in the middle to provide space for the first and second sample holders 540a and 540b to move past each other. In particular, the paths taken by the first and second sample holders 540a and 540b are separated toward the center. This makes it easier to use a single sample loading or unloading mechanism for both sample holders 540a and 540b. Because the sample holders 540a and 540b have identical start and end positions, no significant readjustment of the sample loading or unloading mechanism is required each time the sample holders 540a and 540b are moved to their start or end positions. Furthermore, the second embodiment has lower space requirements than the first embodiment, but similarly high throughput.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many variations on the second embodiment. The specific shape of guide elements 520a and 520b may be curved or arbitrarily shaped, and one or both of the paths defined by guide elements 520a and 520b may be straight. While a flat surface 529 is shown, surface 529 need not be flat and may be a solid material having substantial depth. Furthermore, while cylindrical sample holders 540a and 540b and corresponding carriages 530a and 530b are shown, any other shape may be used. In this case, guide elements 520a and 520b are elongated channels extending entirely through surface 529, although guide elements 520a and 520b may instead be grooves in surface 529 that do not extend entirely through surface 529 (e.g., providing a recess in surface 529).

[0036] The second embodiment is particularly well suited to having additional guide elements 520a and 520b, carriages 530a and 530b, and sample holders 540a and 540b, because the sample holders do not need to overcome gravity. If additional sample holders and carriages are provided, the third carriage (and optionally any other number of carriages) may be moved out of the path of the first and second sample holders and temporarily stored (e.g., between the loading position and the analysis position) so as not to interfere with the first and second sample holders.

[0037] Thus, returning to the general terms used earlier, an apparatus for moving first and second sample holders is provided, in which the start position for each of the sample holders is the same and / or the end position for each of the sample holders is the same. Thus, the paths of the sample holders may coincide at the start and / or end positions. This configuration provides an apparatus for moving sample holders that can be retrofitted into existing equipment that has loading and / or unloading mechanisms designed for a single carriage transport assembly. The apparatus described herein can be easily installed into such equipment because the loading and / or unloading positions are the same, meaning that the original loading and / or unloading mechanisms can continue to be used. Furthermore, having a single start and / or end position can make it easier to provide a sealed vacuum chamber.

[0038] The guide assemblies described herein may be configured such that the separation between the paths varies along their lengths. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the paths may initially coincide and then separate toward their centers to provide space for sample holders to move past each other without colliding. For example, the guide assemblies may be configured such that the first and second paths are spaced apart along at least a portion of their lengths to allow sample holders to simultaneously move in opposite directions along their respective paths (e.g., to provide space for the sample holders to move past each other). Accordingly, guide assemblies of the present disclosure may be configured such that the paths are spaced apart along only a portion of their lengths. The distance between the paths may be greater at or near the center of the paths than at one end of the paths, or may be greater at or near the center of the paths than at both ends of the paths. To this end, the guide assemblies may be configured such that at least one, and preferably each, of the paths includes a curved portion and / or a substantially straight portion. One or more of the paths may include two or more straight portions, with the curved portions providing space between them for the sample holders to move past each other. Alternatively, one or more of the paths may comprise multiple straight sections each joined by an angled section.

[0039] To provide the curved paths described herein, curved channels (e.g., guide elements 520a and / or 520b) in a surface (e.g., surface 529) may be provided. Such curved channels may function as longitudinal guide elements, as they move sample holders generally longitudinally between their start and end positions. Furthermore, such curved channels may simultaneously function as lateral guide elements, as they move sample holders laterally (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction extending between their start and end positions). Accordingly, some embodiments of the present disclosure include one or more lateral guide elements (e.g., guide elements 520a, 520b) configured to laterally guide sample holders and / or vary the separation between paths as the sample holders move along their respective paths. Such lateral guidance allows sample holders to pass each other without bumping, facilitating increased throughput over conventional linear transport assemblies.

[0040] Although two curved paths are shown in the second embodiment, it will be appreciated that similar advantages can be achieved by using only one curved path and leaving the other path substantially straight. To accomplish this, one of the sample holders 540a and 540b can be provided with a straight channel in surface 529, while the other of the same holders 540a and 540b can follow the curved path with a curved channel in surface 529.

[0041] 6, an apparatus 610 for moving first and second sample holders 640a and 640b between respective first and second starting and ending positions is shown according to a third embodiment, which also provides sample holders 640a and 640b that start and end at the same position, thereby saving space.

[0042] The third embodiment also includes a surface 629, which may be substantially flat or planar, that defines guide elements 620a and 620b that guide first carriage 630a and second carriage 630b along a path between a start position and an end position at each end of guide elements 210a and 210b. Surface 629 is similar to surface 529 of FIG. 5, but is oriented vertically rather than horizontally during normal use. Additionally, sample holders 640a and 640b of the third embodiment are substantially similar to the sample holders of the first and second embodiments.

[0043] The carriages 630a and 630b of the third embodiment differ from the carriages 530a and 530b of the second embodiment in that they extend in a direction perpendicular to the surface 629. In use, the axes of the generally cylindrical sample holders 640a and 640b are perpendicular and parallel to the surface 629, whereas in the second embodiment, the axes of the generally cylindrical sample holders 540a and 540b are perpendicular and perpendicular to the surface 529. The third embodiment apparatus 610 is particularly suitable for use in instruments where vertical space constraints are less severe than horizontal space constraints. This is in contrast to the second embodiment, which is more suitable for use in instruments where vertical space constraints are dominant.

[0044] In the general terms used above, guide elements 620a and 620b may simultaneously function as longitudinal and lateral guide elements to move sample holders 640a and 640b longitudinally between start and end positions while varying the separation between the paths of sample holders 640a and 640b along the length of those paths. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, this provides space for the sample holders to pass each other while sample holders 640a and 640b simultaneously move in opposite directions along their respective paths.

[0045] Many variations on the third embodiment are possible. For example, other numbers of guide elements 620a and 620b, carriages 630a and 630b, and sample holders 640a and 640b can be provided. Furthermore, the detailed path defined by guide elements 620a and 620b can be curved or of any shape, and one or both of the paths defined by guide elements 620a and 620b can be straight. Although a flat surface 629 is shown, surface 629 can be of any shape. Furthermore, additional such surfaces can be provided facing surface 629 to provide additional guidance and improve stability for carriages 630a and 630b. Furthermore, other shapes can be used for sample holders 640a and 640b and carriages 630a and 630b. Although guide elements 620a and 620b are channels that extend entirely through surface 629, guide elements 620a and 620b may alternatively be grooves in surface 629 that do not extend entirely through surface 629.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 7, a fourth embodiment of an apparatus 710 for moving first and second sample holders 740a and 740b is shown. The fourth embodiment is similar in some respects to a combination of the first and third embodiments described above. The fourth embodiment provides a more robust guidance system than the previous embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which have curved paths that require precision machining to replicate. The fourth embodiment provides a surface 729 similar to surfaces 529 and 629 of the second and third embodiments, but provides additional guidance to reduce or prevent sample holder tilt for smooth guidance of the sample holder. As in the second and third embodiments, sample holders 740a and 740b begin and end at the same location, allowing the apparatus 710 to be adapted to existing systems with minimal modification required.

[0047] The apparatus 710 shown in FIG. 7 includes a guide assembly including a flat surface 729, also substantially similar to the flat surface 629 of the third embodiment. The flat surface 729 defines guide elements 720a and 720b, which function to guide a first carriage 730a and a second carriage 730b along a path between a start position and an end position at each end of the guide element, thus providing longitudinal guidance. The guide assembly further includes a first pair of longitudinal guide elements 721a and 722a, which in this case are horizontally spaced apart, straight, elongated rods extending longitudinally between a start position at one end of the rod and an end position at the opposite end of the rod. The first pair of longitudinal guide elements 721a and 722a are similar to the rods 421a and 422a of the first embodiment. A second pair of longitudinal guide elements 721b and 722b are also provided, which are also horizontally spaced apart, straight, elongated rods for guiding a second carriage 730b.

[0048] The combination of guide element 720a on surface 729 with the first pair of longitudinal guide elements 721a and 722a improves the stability of sample holder 740a compared to the third embodiment while retaining a similar advantage in terms of space reduction when compared to the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 8 shows the rear side of the apparatus of Figure 7, with sample holders 740a and 740b omitted for clarity. To allow sample holders 740a and 740b to follow a predetermined path through space using the configuration of Figure 7, carriages 730a and 730b of Figure 7 are provided as two-part components. Carriages 730a and 730b include fixed portions 731a and 731b configured to be guided longitudinally by a pair of longitudinal guide elements 721a and 722a and a pair of longitudinal guide elements 721b and 722b. The pair of longitudinal guide elements 721 a and 722 a and the pair of longitudinal guide elements 721 b and 722 b pass through the fixed portions 731 a and 731 b, and the fixed portions 731 a and 731 b can slide along the longitudinal guide elements 721 a and 722 a and the longitudinal guide elements 721 b and 722 b. The fixed portions 731 a and 731 b of carriages 440 a and 440 b follow a substantially linear path defined by the pair of longitudinal guide elements 721 a and 722 a and the pair of longitudinal guide elements 721 b and 722 b, which is similar to the path of carriages 730 a and 730 b in FIG.

[0050] To ensure that sample holders 740a and 740b move along the predetermined trajectory defined by guide elements 720a and 720b on flat surface 729, carriages 730a and 730b further comprise laterally guided portions (hereinafter "laterally guided portions") 732a and 732b configured to hold the sample holders. The laterally guided portions 732a and 732b move (vertically during normal use) away from fixed portions 731a and 731b as carriages 730a and 730b move between their start and end points. This is achieved using lateral guide elements 723a, 724a, 723b, and 724b that mechanically couple fixed portions 731a and 731b and laterally guided portions 732a and 732b to one another, so that they move longitudinally together, respectively. The lateral guide elements 723a, 724a, 723b, and 724b are rods that ensure that the laterally guided portions 732a and 732b are free to move away from the fixed portions 731a and 731b a sufficient distance to allow the sample holders 740a and 740b to pass each other as they reach the center of their respective paths. The lateral guide elements 723a, 724a, 723b, and 724b are rigidly connected to the laterally guided portions 732a and 732b and pass through openings in the fixed portions 731a and 731b. This ensures that the laterally guided portions 732a and 732b are free to slide along the paths defined by the guide elements 720a and 720b to change the lateral separation between the sample holders 740a and 740b.

[0051] Figure 8 shows laterally guided portions 732a and 732b at points of maximum separation, with carriages 730a and 730b centered on their respective paths to provide space for sample holders (not shown in Figure 8) to simultaneously move in opposite directions along their respective paths. Thus, in this embodiment, similar to the previous embodiment, one of the sample holders is in a start position (loading position) and the other sample holder is in an end position (analysis position), and the sample holders can simultaneously move in opposite directions along their respective paths to change positions. Figure 9 shows upper carriage 730a in an unextended state, in which fixed portion 731a and laterally guided portion 732a are in contact. The lateral guide elements 723a, 724a, 723b, and 724b restrain and stabilize the laterally guided portions 732a and 732b of the carriages 730a and 730b as they move away from the fixed portions 731a and 731b (e.g., reducing the likelihood of the sample holders 740a and 740b tipping). The major individual components of the carriages 730a and 730b are shown in exploded view in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, the guide elements 723a and 724a have a diameter of approximately 8 mm, and the opening for receiving the sample holder 740a in the laterally guided portion 732a has a diameter of approximately 82 mm. Of course, other dimensions can be employed depending on the size of the sample to be transferred and the size of the sample holder required.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 10 , fixed portion 731a may include two linear ball bearings 736a and 737a for engaging longitudinal guide element 722a. Longitudinal guide element 722a passes through linear ball bearings 736a and 737a. The opposite side of fixed portion 731a includes bearing 738a, which rests on the other longitudinal guide element 721a in use, as best shown in FIG. 9 . Although not shown in FIG. 10 , the other fixed portion 731b may include similar ball bearings for engaging longitudinal guide elements 721b and 722b. It will be understood that other methods of securing fixed portions 731a and 731b to the guide elements may be used.

[0053] As in the third embodiment, the laterally guided portions 732a and 732b include protrusions 735a and 735b (e.g., guide pins) configured to engage guide elements 720a and 720b defined in the flat surface 729. These protrusions 735a and 735b are seated within the guide elements 720a and 720b so as to cause the laterally guided portions 732a and 732b, and thus the sample holders 740a and 740b, to follow a curved path, while the fixed portions 731a and 731b follow a substantially straight, linear path.

[0054] As previously mentioned, for purposes of this disclosure, a guide assembly may be considered to be the components of the apparatus that cooperate to move the sample holder along its path. Thus, in the context of the fourth embodiment, the guide assembly may be considered to comprise a flat surface 729 and its guide elements 720a and 720b, a first pair of longitudinal guide elements 721a and 722a, a second pair of longitudinal guide elements 721b and 722b, lateral guide elements 723a, 724a, 723b and 724b, and carriages 730a and 730b (including their fixed portions 731a and 731b and laterally guided portions 732a and 732b).

[0055] In the general terms used above, the devices described herein may have one or more lateral guide elements, and the guide assemblies described herein may include at least one carriage (and optionally two or more carriages) configured to move at least one sample holder along its respective path. As shown in FIGS. 7-10, one or more carriages (e.g., each carriage) may include one or more lateral guide elements. For example, in FIG. 9, two lateral guide elements 723a, 724a are part of carriage 730a, and the same applies to the other carriage 730b. Thus, the sample holder can be held substantially flat (e.g., horizontal) while being smoothly guided laterally, improving guidance and stability.

[0056] 11 shows the paths 705a and 705b traveled by the first and second sample holders 740a and 740b of the fourth embodiment. It can be seen that the paths begin and end coincidentally, but are spaced apart at their centers to provide space for the sample holders 740a and 740b to pass each other without colliding. Because the paths 705a and 705b begin and end in the same location, the fourth embodiment can be easily implemented in existing equipment, such as the ARL9900.

[0057] To effect movement of the carriages 730a and 730b and the sample holders 740a and 740b, the apparatus includes motors 750a and 750b (which may be stepper motors) for moving the carriages 730a and 730b and the sample holders 740a and 740b along their respective paths. In FIG. 8 , a first motor 750a is shown connected to the first carriage 730a by a first string or cable 755a. The first string or cable 755a connects the first motor 750a to the first carriage 730a by a first plurality of pulleys 751a, 752a, 753a, and 754a. The first motor 750a may be mechanically coupled to one of the pulleys 753a to control the movement of the string or cable 755a. A similar cable and pulley configuration may be provided for the second motor 750b, but is not shown in FIG. 8 for simplicity. As mentioned above, mechanical end stops (similar to those used in the ARL9900) may be used to define start and end positions for carriages 730a and 730b and sample holders 740a and 740b, or homing positions that may be slightly different from the start and end positions. For example, a dual specimen loading controller (DSLC) may detect the positions of carriages 730a and 730b and sample holders 740a and 740b according to feedback from stepper motors. In this embodiment, two motors 750a and 750b (one for each carriage 730a and 730b) are provided, although one common motor could be used to move both carriages 730a and 730b simultaneously.

[0058] A fourth embodiment of the apparatus 710 is shown in ARL9900 in Figure 12. Here, the fourth embodiment of the apparatus 710 is shown in the same apparatus as shown in Figure 1, which includes the shutter 170, sample lift 180, and analysis lift 190. Thus, in general terms, an analytical instrument may be provided that includes any of the apparatuses described herein and an analyzer, where the apparatus is configured to move a sample holder to the analyzer for analysis of the sample in the sample holder. The analytical instrument may be configured to receive the sample holder within a vacuum chamber of the analytical instrument and / or to position the sample holder within a vacuum chamber of the analytical instrument.

[0059] The analyzer described herein may include at least one of a spectrometer, a diffractometer, and a microscope configured to analyze a sample using photons, electrons, and / or ions. For example, the analyzer may comprise any one or more of an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer, an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), an electron microscope, an optical spark emission (OES) spectrometer, a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) spectrometer, an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrometer, an Auger electron spectroscopy spectrometer, or an electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) spectrometer. Various other analytical instruments can benefit from the devices described herein. For example, the embodiments described herein may be advantageous in any system that requires analysis under vacuum and where the analysis time is not particularly long compared to the sample processing time. Using the fourth embodiment, sample exchange time can be reduced compared to the examples shown in FIGS. 1-3.

[0060] Many modifications can be made to the fourth embodiment. For example, other numbers of carriages 730a and 730b and sample holders 740a and 740b can be provided by providing additional guide elements similar to those shown. Furthermore, the detailed path defined by guide elements 720a, 721a, 722a, 720b, 721b, and 722b can be any shape, and one or both of paths 705a and 705b can be linear. While one flat surface 729 is shown, surface 729 can be any shape and need not be flat. Furthermore, additional such surfaces can be provided opposite surface 729 to provide additional guidance for carriages 730a and 730b. Other shapes of sample holders 740a, 740b and carriages 730a, 730b can also be used. Although guide elements 720a and 720b are provided by channels that extend entirely through surface 729, guide elements 720a and 720b may alternatively be grooves in surface 729 that do not extend entirely through surface 729.

[0061] In the embodiment of Figures 7 to 11, the lateral guide elements 723a, 724a, 723b, and 724b are rigidly connected to the laterally guided portions 732a and 732b and pass through openings in the fixed portions 731a and 731b. In an alternative embodiment, the lateral guide elements may be rigidly connected to the fixed portions and pass through openings in the laterally guided portions. In such cases, the lateral guide elements protrude through the openings at the ends of their paths, which may cause problems due to the protruding portions requiring additional space. In particular, the lateral guide elements may interfere with the loading and analysis positions and cause collisions. Therefore, the configuration of Figures 7 to 11 (in which the lateral guide elements 723a, 724a, 723b, and 724b are rigidly connected to the laterally guided portions) is preferred.

[0062] As described above, a smooth, curved path for the sample holders is obtained by the above-described guide mechanism. Generally speaking, at least one (optionally several or all) of the carriages preferably includes a protrusion configured to engage a complementary channel of the guide assembly, which is configured to cause the at least one carriage to move at least one of the sample holders along its respective path. The complementary channel may function as a lateral and / or longitudinal guide element. For example, the protrusion may be a mechanical coupling, such as a guide pin, ridge, lip, flange, or notch, configured to fit within the elongated channel and guide the carriage and sample holder along a predetermined, optionally curved path. This improves control over the path of the carriage and sample holder. The complementary channel may include curved and / or substantially straight portions to provide the desired path. The complementary channel may include an elongated channel on the surface of the guide assembly configured to engage with the at least one protrusion. The channels may be holes in the surface (i.e., openings that extend entirely through the surface), or may simply be depressions in the surface (e.g., grooves) that do not extend entirely through the surface. Furthermore, multiple such surfaces may be provided. For example, in the fourth embodiment, a further identical surface 729 may be provided on the opposite side of device 710 to provide additional guidance for carriages 730a and 730b. Similarly, in the embodiment of Figure 6, an additional identical surface 629 may be provided.

[0063] At least one of the carriages may include a longitudinally guided fixed portion that moves substantially linearly between the start and end points, and a laterally guided portion for holding the sample holder, which moves away from the fixed portion as the carriage moves between the start and end points. The combination of various types of guides (e.g., various types of longitudinal and lateral guides) described herein allows for precise control over the alignment of the sample holder at the start and end positions and also allows for separation as the sample holder moves along the path. Furthermore, sample holder stability is provided. The guide assembly may be configured to hold the first and second sample holders substantially flat as they move along their respective paths. For example, liquids can be transferred in open-top sample holders with reduced risk of spillage.

[0064] 13 and 14, a fifth embodiment of apparatus 1310 is shown with (FIG. 14) and without (FIG. 13) carriages 1330a and 1330b. The apparatus 1310 includes a main housing 1395 that can be used to provide a vacuum region. While FIG. 13 shows the device with a partially open housing, the housing 1395 can be expanded to encompass the entire sample holder passageway, thereby allowing the entire passageway to be evacuated. The apparatus 1310 includes a first pair of longitudinal guide elements 1320a and 1321a, which are vertically spaced apart, straight, elongated rods that extend longitudinally between a starting position at one end of the rod outside the housing 1395 and a finishing position at the opposite end of the rod within the housing 1395. The apparatus 1310 further comprises a second pair of guide elements 1320b and 1321b that curve away from the first pair of guide elements 1320a and 1321a outside the housing 1395. The second pair of guide elements 1320b and 1321b are again elongated rods that are vertically spaced apart from one another and extend between a starting position at one end of the rod outside the housing 1395 and an ending position at the opposite end of the rod within the housing 1395. The sample holder in this embodiment can be made to start and end at the same position.

[0065] 14, the first carriage 1330a is mechanically coupled to the first pair of guide elements 1320a and 1321a, allowing the first carriage 1330a to travel back and forth along the first pair of guide elements 1320a and 1321a. The first carriage 1330a extends horizontally from the guide elements 1320a and 1321a (which are spaced apart from one another) toward the second pair of guide elements 1320b and 1321b. Similarly, the second carriage 1330b is mechanically coupled to the second pair of guide elements 1320b and 1321b, allowing the second carriage 1330b to travel back and forth along the second pair of guide elements 1320b and 1321b. Thus, in this embodiment, the guide assembly may be considered to comprise a first pair of guide elements 1320a and 1321a and a second pair of guide elements 1320b and 1321b, and carriages 1330a and 1330b.

[0066] The curvature of the second pair of guide elements 1320b and 1321b outside the chamber allows the first and second carriages 1330a and 1330b to be spaced apart from one another so that sample holders (not shown) can pass each other without colliding when held within the carriages 1330a and 1330b. For example, the second carriage 1330b can be pulled out of the housing 1395 and moved along the curved portions of the guide elements 1320b and 1321b, allowing the first carriage 1330a to move freely along its respective guide elements 1320a and 1321a without interfering with the second carriage 1330b. Thus, the spaced apart nature of the first pair of guide elements 1320a and 1321a and the second pair of guide elements 1320b and 1321b can improve throughput.

[0067] Therefore, this embodiment also follows the principle that for dual sample loading, space between the paths of the sample holder is required at least at one location (preferably under vacuum) where the samples are exchanged. It will be understood that the three-dimensional movement in this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment. A sensor may be provided to stop the sample holder in the loading position, which may increase the complexity at the front of the housing 1395 due to various spatial requirements.

[0068] Again, many variations on this embodiment will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, in this embodiment, the sample exchange area could be moved from being in front of the front housing to being behind the x-ray tube. Furthermore, more than two carriages 1330a and 1330b could be provided, and / or both carriages 1330a and 1330b could follow curved paths. Furthermore, the sample holder and corresponding opening in the carriage need not be cylindrical, but could be any shape.

[0069] Referring now to Figure 15, there is shown an apparatus 1510 according to a sixth embodiment. This embodiment includes guide elements 1520 and 1521 that are substantially similar to those of Figure 3. However, the carriage 1530 of the sixth embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that it is configured to hold two sample holders 1540a and 1540b instead of one sample holder.

[0070] In this case, a single horizontal guide mechanism including guide elements 1520 and 1521 is provided along with the double carriage 1530. Additional space may be provided before the loading position and after the analysis position so that both sample holders 1540a and 1540b can be positioned below the loading / analysis position of the instrument. Because the analysis lift can be used to lift samples below the X-ray tube and should not block the carriage, a clamping mechanism (not shown) may be provided to hold the sample in place and allow the analysis lift to descend and provide a free path to the carriage 1530. In other words, because there is only one carriage 1530 in this embodiment, if one of the sample holders is lifted by the analysis lift and held there during analysis, the lift will pass through the carriage 1530, thus preventing the carriage 1530 from returning to the loading position (i.e., the other end of the path) to load the next sample. Thus, when the sample holder is lifted for analysis, the sample holder can then be clamped under the X-ray tube so that the analysis lift can retract and allow the carriage 1530 to return to the loading position, thus achieving good throughput.

[0071] In this embodiment, the guide assembly may be considered to comprise guide elements 1520 and 1521 and a double carriage 1530. In this case, sample holders 1540a and 1540b travel paths through space that are the same for a significant portion (e.g., at least half) of their length, but the configuration of the guide assembly is such that the first and second sample holders 1540a and 1540b are always spaced apart as they move along their respective paths. Note that the paths do not overlap at any of their two ends. Again, an increase in throughput is achieved compared to the apparatus 110 of FIG. 3.

[0072] As previously mentioned, the guide elements 1520 and 1521 and the sample holders 1540a and 1540b can have any shape. Furthermore, more than two sample holders can be provided on a single carriage 1530.

[0073] 16, 17, and 18, an apparatus 1610 for moving first and second sample holders 1640a and 1640b according to a seventh embodiment is shown. The apparatus 1610 is similar to the apparatus 710 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 7. In particular, FIG. 16 shows the apparatus 1610 from a perspective similar to that of FIG. 7, and FIG. 17 shows the apparatus 1610 from a perspective similar to that of FIG. 8. Because of the similarities between the apparatus 1610 and the apparatus 710, a detailed description of all components of the apparatus 1610 of the seventh embodiment will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0074] The device 1610 includes a guide assembly similar to that of the fourth embodiment, including a flat surface 1629 that defines guide elements 1620a and 1620b. These guide elements 1620a and 1620b function to guide, and thus longitudinally guide, a first carriage 1630a and a second carriage 1630b along a path between a start position and an end position at each end of the guide elements 1620a and 1620b. Pairs of longitudinal guide elements 1621a and 1622a and longitudinal guide element pairs 1621b and 1622b are also provided, which function in the same way as the corresponding elements 729, 720a, and 720b of the fourth embodiment guide carriages 730a and 730b of the fourth embodiment.

[0075] Similar to the fourth embodiment, carriages 1630a and 1630b comprise separate parts: fixed parts 1631a and 1631b and laterally guided parts 1632a and 1632b. These carriages 1630a and 1630b are configured to hold sample holders 1640a and 1640b. Movement of carriages 1630a and 1630b is provided by motors 1650a and 1650b and pulleys 1651a, 1652a, 1653a, and 1654a. Again, one or more motors may be used, and each carriage may have an associated motor and pulley arrangement. As shown in FIG. 19, fixed part 1631a may comprise two linear ball bearings 1636a and 1637a for engaging longitudinal guide element 1622a. The opposite side of the fixed portion 1631a comprises a bearing 1638a which, in use, rests on top of the other longitudinal guide element 1621a. The other fixed portion 1631b may comprise a similar ball bearing. It will be appreciated that other methods of fixing the fixed portions 1631a and 1631b to the guide elements may be used.

[0076] The seventh embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in the manner in which the carriages 1630a and 1630b are guided. In the fourth embodiment, the protrusions 735a and 735b are shown as guide pins. In the fourth embodiment, bearings are hidden inside the laterally guided portions 732a and 732b of the carriages 730a and 730b. In contrast, in the seventh embodiment, the protrusions 1635a and 1635b are pins (e.g., pins through the centers of roller bearings) surrounded by bearings, which move in grooves in the guide elements 1620a and 1620b. This is clearly shown in FIG. 16. In generalized terms used above, at least (and optionally both) carriages may include protrusions configured to engage complementary channels in the guide assembly, and such one protrusion (or protrusions) may include a guide pin and / or bearings (e.g., bearings surrounding the guide pin). The use of bearings can result in smoother movement and reduced mechanical wear.

[0077] A further difference between the seventh embodiment and the fourth embodiment is that the seventh embodiment has increased widths of the guide elements 1620a and 1620b on the flat surface 1629. Having bearings 1635a and 1635b engaging the relatively wider guide elements 1620a and 1620b can provide increased stability.

[0078] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the guide elements 1620a and 1620b are defined by grooves in the planar surface 1629 that do not pass completely through the planar surface 1629. This may increase the rigidity of the surface 1629 and improve the reliability of the guide assembly. Thus, in the generalized terminology used previously, the complementary channels in the guide assembly may comprise elongated grooves in the surface of the guide assembly.

[0079] Referring now to FIG. 19, an exploded view of the carriage 1630a of FIGS. 16-18 is shown. The other carriage 1630b is not shown but operates in a similar manner. FIG. 19 is similar to the exploded view shown in FIG. 10. The carriage 1630a includes a fixed portion 1631a and a laterally guided portion 1632a. The fixed portion 1631a includes a protrusion 1635a for engaging with the guide element 1620a. In the seventh embodiment, three lateral guide elements 1623a, 1624a, and 1625a are provided instead of the two lateral guide elements 723a and 724a of the fourth embodiment. The lateral guide elements 1623a, 1624a, and 1625a are lateral guide rods. The additional lateral guide element 1625a modifies the shape of the carriage 1630a (and carriage 1630b). This configuration with three lateral guide elements leads to increased stability.

[0080] Figure 20 shows the seventh embodiment apparatus 1610 in situ in the same system as Figure 1. As previously described, the system includes a shutter 170, a sample lift 180, an analysis lift 190, and a sample exchanger 195. It can be seen that due to its compact form, the apparatus 1610 can be fitted into existing systems, increasing the throughput of the system without requiring significant modifications to accommodate the apparatus 1610.

[0081] Figures 21-24 illustrate how the device 1610 can create an effective vacuum in existing systems, such as those of Figures 1, 12, and 20. Figure 21 shows the unsealed state, Figures 22 and 23 show the sealed state, and Figure 24 shows a cross-sectional view. In the existing design of the ARL9900, the system sample holder is used as part of a transition chamber. When the sample holder is approaching the loading position, there must be clearance above and below, as shown in Figure 21. When a new sample is introduced, the transition chamber is first closed, as shown in Figure 22. To do this, the lift 180 rises and presses the sample holder into abutment, creating a vacuum. As shown in Figure 23, when the sample is to be removed after the vacuum is broken, the lid of the shutter 170 is moved away, and the rod 181 moves upward, pushing the sample out of its sample holder and allowing it to be replaced. The seventh embodiment of the apparatus 1610 is well suited for use in this system because the sample holders in both carriages 1630a and 1630b have starting positions that are essentially in the same location, meaning that the vacuum forming procedure will work for sample holders carried by either carriage. The second through sixth embodiments can also be used with similar vacuum forming systems, as they can each be configured so that multiple sample holders have the same starting position.

[0082] 25 shows a sample holder 2540 for use in any of the devices described herein. The sample holder 2540 is a generally cylindrical container having a base and upstanding sidewalls for containing a sample. The outer surface of the sample holder 2540 includes protrusions or ridges 2541 for retaining the sample holder 2540 within the opening of the carriage. Of course, other shapes can be used, provided the carriage is adapted accordingly.

[0083] Referring now to FIG. 26 , a comparison of the spatial requirements of a rotary transport assembly 2660a versus a linear or translational transport assembly 2660b (such as any described herein) is shown. A rotary loading mechanism occupies more space than the apparatus described herein because the samples follow a long, circular path. In contrast, guiding the sample holders back and forth along independent paths that deviate from each other for at least a portion of their length allows for preventing sample holder collisions without occupying as much space as a rotary mechanism. It will thus be appreciated that the configurations described herein provide guidance assemblies configured to cause sample holders to undergo curved or linear translational (but not rotational) motion along their respective paths. The area of ​​a circle increases as the square of its radius. Therefore, the space savings resulting from the use of the linear transport assembly described herein are particularly noticeable when sample holders are moved between widely separated positions.

[0084] It will be appreciated that many modifications may be made to the above-described devices, systems, and methods while retaining the advantages described above. For example, while particular components have been described, alternative components may be provided that provide the same or similar functionality.

[0085] The above embodiment relates to an apparatus in which only two holders are shown for ease of explanation, it will be appreciated that any number of sample holders can be provided using the principles described above.

[0086] Furthermore, the above embodiments omit detailed descriptions of components within the analytical instrument, and it will be appreciated that various combinations of lifts, monochromators, goniometers, etc. may be combined with the above-described devices.

[0087] Although cylindrical sample holders are generally referenced above, sample holders of other shapes can be moved using the devices described herein. The sample holders and carriages described herein are interchangeable and can take a variety of forms.

[0088] Additionally, while the above-described apparatus does not depict a vacuum chamber in detail for ease of explanation, it will be appreciated that the described embodiments are particularly suited to systems where samples must be processed under vacuum conditions and / or where multiple samples are analyzed. For example, electron microscopy instruments may also utilize the apparatus described herein.

[0089] The sample holders described herein can be attached to guide elements via various means. For example, in some embodiments described herein, such as those shown in Figures 7-12 and 16-20, the guide elements pass through the carriage. However, in such cases, multiple wheels (e.g., a clamping wheel assembly similar to a roller-coaster wheel assembly comprising at least one, two, or three of an underfriction wheel or upstop wheel, a tractor wheel or running wheel, and a side friction wheel) can alternatively be used to attach the carriage to the respective guide element. Similarly, where wheel configurations are shown, the guide elements can instead pass through openings in the carriage.

[0090] Each feature disclosed in this specification, unless stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0091] As used herein, including in the claims, unless the context indicates otherwise, singular forms of terms herein are to be construed as including the plural, and vice versa where the context allows. For example, unless the context indicates otherwise, singular references herein, including in the claims, such as "a" or "an" (such as of a sample holder or a carriage) mean "one or more" (e.g., one or more sample holders, or one or more carriages). Throughout the description and claims of this disclosure, the words "comprise," "including," "having," and "contain," as well as variations of words such as "comprising" and "comprises," or the like, mean that the described features include additional features that follow and are not intended to (and do not) exclude the presence of other components.

[0092] The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (such as "for instance," "such as," "for example," and similar language) provided herein is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless specifically claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any element not claimed as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0093] Any steps described herein may be performed in any order, or simultaneously, unless otherwise stated or otherwise required by context. Furthermore, if a step is described as being performed after another step, this does not exclude intervening steps from being performed.

[0094] All aspects and / or features disclosed herein may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, preferred features of the present disclosure are applicable to all aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure and may be used in any combination. Similarly, features described in non-essential combinations may be used separately (rather than in combination).

[0095] Methods of manufacturing and / or operating any of the devices disclosed herein are also provided, which may include providing each of the disclosed features and / or configuring or using each feature for its stated function.

Claims

1. An analytical instrument comprising an analyzer and a device for moving a first sample holder and a second sample holder between respective first and second start positions and respective first and second end positions, the apparatus is configured to move the first and second sample holders to the analyzer for analysis of samples in the first and second sample holders, the apparatus comprising at least one vacuum chamber and a guide assembly; The guide assembly includes: guiding the first sample holder along a first path from the first start position to the first end position and guiding it back along the first path from the first end position to the first start position; Guiding the second sample holder along a second path from the second start position to the second end position and guiding it back along the second path from the second end position to the second start position. It is configured as follows: the guide assembly is configured to cause the first and second sample holders to move apart as they move along at least a portion of the length of their respective paths; the guide assembly comprises a first carriage configured to move the first sample holder along the path and a second carriage configured to move the second sample holder along the path; Each of the first and second carriages comprises: a fixed portion that is guided longitudinally and moves substantially linearly between a start point and an end point; laterally guided portions for holding the first and second sample holders, which move vertically away from the fixed portion when the first and second carriages move between the start point and the end point; Equipped with The analytical instrument, wherein the first starting position, the second starting position, the first ending position, and the second ending position are within the at least one vacuum chamber.

2. 2. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein the first and second paths are parallel to one another at or near the first and second starting positions and / or at or near the first and second ending positions.

3. 2. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein the starting position for each of the sample holders is the same and / or the ending position for each of the sample holders is the same.

4. the first start position and / or the second start position is a sample loading position; and / or 2. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein the first end position and / or the second end position is a sample analysis position or a sample removal position.

5. 10. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly is configured such that the first and second paths are spaced apart from one another in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second paths.

6. The analytical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the guide assembly is configured such that the separation between the first and second paths varies along the length of the first and second paths.

7. 10. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly is configured such that the first and second paths are spaced apart from one another over only a portion of the length of the first and second paths or over all of their lengths.

8. 10. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly is configured such that the first path and the second path are spaced apart from one another along at least a portion of their lengths to allow the sample holder to move simultaneously in opposite directions along each path.

9. 10. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly is configured such that the distance between the first and second paths is greater at or near a center of the first and second paths than at one end of the first and second paths or at both ends of the first and second paths.

10. The guide assembly may be configured such that at least one of the first and second paths is: curved portions, and / or Substantially straight sections The analytical instrument of claim 1 , configured to include:

11. The analytical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the guide assembly comprises one or more longitudinal guide elements configured to guide the sample holders longitudinally along their respective paths.

12. 10. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly comprises one or more lateral guide elements configured to laterally guide the sample holder as it moves along its respective path and / or to vary the separation between the first and second paths.

13. the one or more longitudinal guide elements comprise longitudinal guide rods; and / or The analytical instrument of claim 11 , wherein the one or more lateral guide elements comprise lateral guide rods.

14. The analytical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the one or more carriages each comprise one or more lateral guide elements.

15. 10. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein at least one of the carriages comprises a protrusion configured to engage a complementary channel of the guide assembly, the complementary channel configured to cause the at least one carriage to move at least one of the sample holders along its respective path.

16. An analytical instrument as described in claim 15, wherein the complementary channels function as lateral guide elements and / or longitudinal guide elements.

17. 16. The analytical instrument of claim 15, wherein the complementary channel comprises at least one of an elongated channel through a surface of the guide assembly and / or an elongated groove in a surface of the guide assembly configured to engage the at least one protrusion.

18. The complementary channels are: curved portions, and / or Substantially straight section The analytical instrument of claim 15 , comprising:

19. 10. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly comprises a first guide configured to guide the first sample holder along the first path and a second guide configured to guide the second sample holder along the second path.

20. 10. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly is configured to hold the first and second sample holders substantially flat as they move along their sample holder paths.

21. 10. The analytical instrument of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly is configured to impart curvilinear or linear translational movement to the sample holder along a respective path of the sample holder.

22. The analytical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the analyzer comprises at least one of a spectrometer, a diffractometer, and a microscope configured to analyze a sample using photons, electrons, and / or ions.

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