An apparatus for and a method of sample mounting

Abstract

An apparatus and related aspects for preparing a sample with a mounting medium of a photopolymer resin are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a mounting cup configured for receiving the sample, a dosing station and a curing station. The dosing station comprises a dosing head configured to provide the photopolymer resin to the mounting cup and a distance measurement sensor configured to measure a height of the photopolymer resin within the mounting cup. Based on the measured height, the mounting cup is configured to move from the dosing station towards the curing station. The curing station is positioned subsequent to the dosing station and comprises an ultraviolet light source and configured to cure the photopolymer resin within the mounting cup.

Description

[0001] AN APPARATUS FOR AND A METHOD OF SAMPLE MOUNTING

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The herein disclosed technology relates to sample mounting. In particular, but not exclusively, the disclosed technology relates to an apparatus and a method for preparing a sample with a mounting medium of a photopolymer resin.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Sample mounting is a process used in various scientific fields to prepare a sample for analysis or observation under different types of equipment, such as microscopes. The goal of sample mounting is to secure the sample in a stable and appropriate position to allow for optimal examination, imaging, or measurement.

[0006] Sample mounting methods include hot mounting and cold mounting. Both methods involve embedding the sample in a medium to facilitate handling, polishing, and analysis, but they differ in the way the embedding material is applied and cured. Hot mounting is generally referred for sample mounting methods by using a hot mounting machine which heats up the granulate and applies pressure to make the mount. Cold mounting is generally referred for sample mounting methods when using a chemical reaction to make the mount. These methods involve encasing a sample within a solid medium to provide support and protection, allowing for better handling, examination, and protection of the edge of the mounted sample.

[0007] In cold mounting, the sample is placed in a mold and then surrounded by liquid embedding medium. Common embedding media include paraffin wax, resins (e.g., epoxy, acrylic), or other polymers. The embedding medium is then solidified, usually by cooling for paraffin or polymerization for resins, creating a solid block with the sample inside.

[0008] Cold mounting is a crucial technique in sample preparation, allowing for the detailed and precise analysis of a wide range of materials. However, it is cumbersome to ensure accurate and reliable results and avoid potential drawbacks. Cold mounting has notable disadvantages, particularly regarding its time-consuming nature and the difficulties associated with embedding multiple samples of varying shapes and sizes. The process involves multiple steps, each of which requires careful execution and significant time investment. This extended preparation period can delay analysis and results. Additionally, embedding multiple samples simultaneously poses challenges, as each sample may have different shapes and sizes, necessitating individualized attention within the embedding medium.

[0009] Variability in sample geometry can lead to inconsistent embedding quality, making it difficult to produce uniform, high-quality sections for analysis. This complexity and time investment in the embedding process can be a significant drawback, especially in high-throughput environments or when dealing with a diverse range of sample types.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0011] The herein disclosed technology seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art to address various problems relating to ensuring an efficient apparatus and a method for preparing a sample with a mounting medium.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the herein disclosed technology to provide an apparatus and a method that alleviate all or at least some of the drawbacks of presently known products and methods.

[0013] Further, it is an object of the herein disclosed technology to provide an apparatus and a method that provide means for preparing a sample with a photopolymer mounting with improved safety and throughput.

[0014] Various aspects and embodiments of the herein disclosed technology are defined below and in the accompanying independent and dependent claims.

[0015] A first aspect of the disclosed technology comprises a mounting apparatus configured for encapsulating a sample with a mounting medium of a photopolymer resin. The mounting apparatus comprises: a mounting cup configured for receiving the sample; a dosing station comprising o a dosing head configured to provide the photopolymer resin to the mounting cup, o a distance measurement sensor configured to measure a height of the photopolymer resin within the mounting cup, wherein based on the measured height, the mounting cup is configured to move from the dosing station towards a curing station; a curing station positioned subsequent to the dosing station, the curing station comprising an ultraviolet light source and configured to cure the photopolymer resin within the mounting cup.

[0016] The mounting apparatus may further comprise a carousel comprising a plurality of cavities each of which is configured to receive a mounting cup. The mounting cup is configured to receive the sample through an opening. The apparatus comprises a dosing station and a curing station. The dosing station is configured to provide the photopolymer resin to the mounting cup having the sample. A distance measurement sensor is configured to measure a height of the photopolymer resin within the mounting cup. When the height of the photopolymer resin reaches to a predefined height value, the dosing stops i.e. provision of the photopolymer resin stops, and the apparatus is configured such that the mounting cup moves to the curing station. The curing station comprises an ultraviolet (UV) light source, such as UV light-emitting diode (LED). The curing station is configured to cure the photopolymer resin within the mounting cup.

[0017] The herein disclosed apparatus allows enhancing efficiency and consistency in embedding multiple samples. Higher throughput may be achieved by means of an apparatus allowing processing of multiple samples with automated protocols. Moreover, the herein disclosed apparatus can accommodate various shapes and sizes while reducing manual labour and the potential for human error.

[0018] A second aspect of the disclosed technology comprises a method of preparing a sample with a photopolymer resin mounting. The method comprises: arranging the sample within a mounting cup, arranging the mounting cup within a cavity, such as the cavity of a carousel, followed, in a sequential order, by the steps of: at a dosing station, filling the mounting cup with the photopolymer resin to a predefined height level, moving the mounting cup to a curing station, curing the photopolymer resin by providing ultraviolet lighting.

[0019] With this aspect of the disclosed technology, similar advantages and preferred features are present as in the previously discussed aspect.

[0020] These and other features and advantages of the disclosed technology will in the following be further clarified with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] As used herein, the mounting cup is an open-top container used to hold liquids. The open-top of the container may be referred as an opening of the mounting cup,

[0023] The mounting apparatus may comprise a drive unit configured for rotating the carousel.

[0024] The dosing station may comprise a pump unit configured for pumping the photopolymer resin into the mounting cup. The pump unit may comprise one or more pumps.

[0025] The dosing station comprises a vacuum unit. The vacuum unit may comprise a vacuum head configured to engage with the carousel such that the mounting cup is enclosed to provide a vacuum chamber at a vacuuming state.

[0026] The curing station may comprise a heat sink and a temperature sensor.

[0027] The mounting apparatus may comprise a cover plate around the carousel and configured to cover an upper side of the carousel, the upper side having an opening of the cavity, and wherein the cover plate is rotatably movable relative to the cavity. Each of the mounting cups and the cavity may comprise a transparent bottom surface facing to each other, and wherein the ultraviolet light source is positioned below the transparent bottom surfaces.

[0028] The ultraviolet light source may be positioned above an open-top surface of the mounting cup.

[0029] The mounting apparatus may comprise a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the mounting cup and the apparatus is configured such that a cover plate covering an open-top of the mounting cup is configured to uncover the mounting cup based on the measured temperature.

[0030] Moving on, the presently disclose method may comprise vacuuming the cavity accommodating the mounting cup and the sample prior to the step of filling the mounting cup with the photopolymer resin.

[0031] The method may comprise measuring a height of the photopolymer resin within the mounting cup.

[0032] The method may comprise measuring one or more of the following values: a dimension of the mounting cup, a height of the sample within the mounting cup, a temperature of the photopolymer resin, and a temperature of the mounting cup.

[0033] The step of curing may comprise providing the ultraviolet lighting for a predefined time period and / or a light intensity curve based on the measured value and / or type of the photopolymer.

[0034] The method may comprise, based on a measured temperature of the mounting cup, moving a cover plate provided around the carousel so as to uncover the cavity and / or removing the sample with the photopolymer resin mounting.

[0035] The method may comprise preparing the sample by a mounting apparatus of the presently disclosed technology.

[0036] The disclosed aspects and preferred embodiments may be suitably combined with each other in any manner apparent to anyone of ordinary skill in the art, such that one or more features or embodiments disclosed in relation to one aspect may also be considered to be disclosed in relation to another aspect or embodiment of another aspect.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0038] The above aspects, features and advantages of the disclosed technology, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a mounting apparatus in accordance with some embodiments.

[0040] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a carousel in accordance with some embodiments.

[0041] Fig. 3-4 are schematic illustrations of a mounting apparatus in accordance with some embodiments.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a dosing head in accordance with some embodiments.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a dosing station in accordance with some embodiments.

[0044] Fig. 7-8 are schematic illustrations of a curing station in accordance with some embodiments.

[0045] Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a mounting apparatus in accordance with some embodiments.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The herein disclosed technology will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some example embodiments of the disclosed technology are shown. The disclosed technology may, however, be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the disclosed example embodiments. The disclosed example embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosed technology to the skilled person. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.

[0048] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may refer to more than one unit in some contexts, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" do not exclude other elements or steps. It should be emphasized that the term “comprises / comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components. It does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. The term “and / or” is to be interpreted as meaning “both” as well and each as an alternative. Similarly, “at least one of A and B” is to be interpreted as only A, only B, or both A and B.

[0049] It will also be understood that, although the term first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or features, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first cavity could be termed a second cavity, and, similarly, a second cavity could be termed a first cavity, without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The first cavity and the second cavity are both cavities, but they are not the same cavity.

[0050] Turning now to the drawings, and to Fig. 1 in particular, there is schematically illustrated a mounting apparatus 1 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0051] The mounting apparatus 1 comprises a mounting cup 15 and a carousel 10 configured for receiving a plurality of mounting cups 15.

[0052] The mounting cup 15 has a bottom 17 and a substantially circular / cylindrical sidewall with an upper edge or rim, the substantially circular / cylindrical sidewall extending upward from the bottom. The apparatus 1 may comprise a plurality of mounting cups 15, 15', 15" having a height in the range of 25-35 mm and diameter in the range of 15-40 mm. The mounting cup 15 is adapted for cooperation with the cavities 11 of the carousel 10.

[0053] Details of the carousel 10 are better explained with reference to Fig. 2. The carousel 10 comprises a circular plate 18 and six cavities 11 each for receiving a mounting cup 15 and distributed on the circular plate 18 around a centre of the circular plate 18. Each cavity 11 comprises a base surface 12 adapted for receiving the bottom 17 of the mounting cup 15. Each cavity 11 further comprises a substantially circular / cylindrical sidewall extending upward from the base surface 12.

[0054] Each of the mounting cups 15 is adapted for the receiving of a sample (not shown) and placed in the cavity 11. The mounting cup 15 may comprise indentations and / or projections and / or marks configured for guiding the mounting cup 15 such that the mounting cup 15 centres the bottom base surface 12 of the cavity 11.

[0055] The apparatus 1 further comprises a drive unit 16 for rotatably moving the carousel 10. The drive unit 16 comprises a magnet provided below the carousel 10 and a motor (19 in Fig. 3) rotating the magnetic plate. Specifically, the carousel 10 may further comprise a stem portion (not shown) formed at, and extending from, the center of the circular plate 18 in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the circular plate 18 towards the magnetic plate. The magnetic plate may engage with the stem of the carousel 10 and the motor drives the carousel 10 rotationally.

[0056] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic illustrations of a mounting apparatus 1 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 1 further comprises a dosing station 20 and a curing station 30. The dosing station 20 is configured to provide the photopolymer resin to the mounting cup. The curing station 30 is configured to cure the photopolymer resin.

[0057] The dosing station 20 and the curing station 30 are positioned next to one another such that while a first mounting cup 15" is positioned for being provided with the photopolymer resin at the dosing station 20, a second mounting cup 15' neighbouring the first mounting cup 15" comprising the photopolymer resin may be positioned at the curing station 30.

[0058] Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a dosing head 21 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0059] The dosing station 20 comprises a dosing head 21 which provides photopolymer resin to the mounting cup. The dosing head 21 has a cylindrical body comprising a bottom cavity 24 such that the mounting cup 15 may be enclosed within a cavity formed by the cavities 11, 24 of the dosing head 21 and the carousel 10.

[0060] The dosing head 21 further comprises a channel opening to the bottom cavity 24 of the dosing head. The dosing station 20 further comprises a pump (26 in Fig. 3) configured for pumping the photopolymer resin into the mounting cup 15. A UV- protective pump hose 23 runs through the channel of the dosing head 21. The pump hose 23 is connected to a photopolymer resin source (40 and 50 in Fig. 9) at one end and opens to the bottom cavity 24 of the dosing head 21 at the other end. The apparatus 1 further comprises hoses and connecting parts between the photopolymer resin source 40, 50 and the dosing head 21.

[0061] The dosing station 20 further comprises a distance measurement sensor. The distance measurement sensor is an ultrasonic sensor 22 mounted on the dosing head 21. The ultrasonic sensor 22 is configured to measure a height of the photopolymer resin within the mounting cup 15. The ultrasonic sensor 22 may further be configured to measure a height of the sample and / or dimensions of the mounting cup 15.

[0062] In some embodiments, the dosing station 20 comprises a vacuum unit. The vacuum unit comprises a vacuum head. The vacuum unit may be integrated with the dosing head 21. As shown in Fig. 6, the dosing head 21 and the vacuum head may be the same. The vacuum head is configured to engage with the carousel such that the mounting cup 15 is enclosed to provide a vacuum chamber at a vacuuming state. Alternatively, the vacuum head may be configured to engage with the mounting cup 15 for enclosing the mounting cup. At the vacuuming state, the bottom surface of the dosing head 21 abuts the circular plate 18 of the carousel. Accordingly, the vacuum is provided within the cavity formed by the bottom cavity 24 of the dosing head 21 and the cavity 11 of the carousel 10 where the mounting cup 15 is held therein. The herein disclosed technology may therefore comprise vacuuming prior to the step of filling the mounting cup 15 with the photopolymer resin. The vacuum unit comprises further components such as fittings, valves and a vacuum pump and / or a vacuum ejector 25.

[0063] The vacuum may be applied for a predefined length of time, e.g., the vacuum ejector may run for a predefined length of time. Thus, the method may comprise lowering the dosing head, applying vacuum and filling the mounting cup with the photopolymer resin. The filling may take place under vacuum. For example, filling may take place under vacuum up to at least 5 mm height of the photopolymer resin. When the height of the photopolymer resin is above 5 mm, the vacuum may be released. An advantage of vacuuming may be removing the air and any other contents from a porous sample. The measurement of the height may be followed by the release of the vacuum, before and / or while filling the mounting cup with the photopolymer resin.

[0064] Generally, the apparatus 1 may be configured to provide the photopolymer resin to a predefined height within the mounting cup 15. Thus, preparing the sample with the photopolymer resin mounting comprises measuring the height of the photopolymer resin. Preparing the mounted sample may further comprise measuring a dimension of the mounting cup 15 and / or a height of the sample within the mounting cup 15. Generally, the photopolymer resin is pumped until the photopolymer resin covers the sample. When the measured height of the photopolymer resin reaches the predefined height, the carousel 10 and thereby the mounting cup 15 is configured to move from the dosing station 20 towards the curing station 30. For example, when the photopolymer resin height is at least 1 mm higher than the sample height, the carousel may rotate and move the mounting cup 15 to the curing station 30.

[0065] Figures 7 and 8 are a schematic illustration of a curing station 30 in accordance with some embodiments. After filling the mounting cup 15 with the photopolymer resin to a predefined height level at the dosing station, the mounting cup 15 moves towards the curing station 30. The curing station comprises a cover plate 33 positioned below the carousel and comprises a plurality of UV light sources 32. Both the mounting cup 15 and the cavity of the carousel comprises transparent bottom surfaces 12, 17. The plurality of UV light sources 32 are positioned below the transparent bottom / base surfaces 12, 17 thereby allowing curing of the photopolymer resin.

[0066] In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 7, the curing station 30 further comprises UV light sources 32 positioned above the mounting cup 15. The UV light sources may be provided homogenously from various directions from below and above the mounting cup 15 such that photopolymerization is optimized.

[0067] Generally, the time and the intensity required for curing the photopolymer may be predefined. For example, a time period and / or a light intensity required for curing may be defined based on a type of a resin and / or based on one or more of the measured values of a dimension of the mounting cup, a height of the sample within the mounting cup, a temperature of the photopolymer resin, and a temperature of the mounting cup.

[0068] The curing station 30 further comprises a heat sink 31 and a temperature sensor (not shown). Because the temperature increases during curing process, the heat sink 31 may decrease in the temperature. The temperature sensor may be configured to measure a temperature of the mounting cup 15 and / or the photopolymer mounting medium.

[0069] Moving on, the apparatus 1 further comprises a housing 60, best seen in Fig. 9, provided around the carousel and configured to cover at least an upper face of the carousel. The housing 60 is rotatably movable relative to the carousel.

[0070] Advantageously, the housing 60 may be configured to cover the cavities, and thereby also the mounting cups 15, after passing the curing station 30, i.e., after curing of the photopolymer resin. Moreover, the housing 60 is configured such that the mounting cup 15 having the sample with the photopolymer resin mounting may be uncovered based on the measured temperature of the mounting cup and / or photopolymer resin mounting. For example, when the measured temperature of the mounting cup 15 is below a predefined temperature value, the housing 60 rotates and uncovers the cavity holding the mounting cup 15. Then, the sample with the photopolymer resin mounting may be removed from the mounting cup 15. Accordingly, the presently disclosed technology allows that the mounting cup and / or the mounted sample may be handled safely.

[0071] The apparatus 1 may further comprise a screen 70. The screen 70 may be a userinterface comprising one or more input and / or output devices. A user of the apparatus 1 may predefine one or more of the predefined values via the user- interface.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mounting apparatus configured for encapsulating a sample with a mounting medium of a photopolymer resin, the mounting apparatus comprising: a mounting cup configured for receiving the sample; a dosing station comprising o a dosing head configured to provide the photopolymer resin to the mounting cup, o a distance measurement sensor configured to measure a height of the photopolymer resin within the mounting cup, wherein based on the measured height, the mounting cup is configured to move from the dosing station towards a curing station; a curing station positioned subsequent to the dosing station, the curing station comprising an ultraviolet light source and configured to cure the photopolymer resin within the mounting cup.

2. The mounting apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a carousel comprising a plurality of cavities configured for receiving the mounting cup within each one of the pluralities of cavities.

3. The mounting apparatus according to claim 2, comprising a drive unit configured for rotating the carousel such that the mounting cup moves from the dosing station to the curing station.

4. The mounting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dosing station comprises a pump unit configured for pumping the photopolymer resin into the mounting cup.

5. The mounting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dosing station comprises a vacuum unit.

6. The mounting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the vacuum unit comprises a vacuum head configured to engage with a carousel having the mounting cup such that the mounting cup is enclosed to provide a vacuum chamber at a vacuuming state.

7. The mounting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the curing station comprises a heat sink and a temperature sensor.

8. The mounting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cover plate around the carousel and configured to cover an upper side of the carousel, the upper side having an opening of the cavity, and wherein the cover plate is rotatably movable relative to the cavity.

9. The mounting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the mounting cups and the cavity comprise a transparent bottom surface facing to each other, and wherein the ultraviolet light source is positioned below the transparent bottom surfaces.

10. The mounting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ultraviolet light source is positioned above an open-top surface of the mounting cup.

11. The mounting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the mounting cup and the apparatus is configured such that a cover plate covering an opentop of the mounting cup is configured to uncover the mounting cup based on the measured temperature.

12. A method of preparing a sample with a photopolymer resin mounting, the method comprising: arranging the sample within a mounting cup,arranging the mounting cup within a cavity, such as the cavity of a carousel, followed, in a sequential order, by the steps of: at a dosing station, filling the mounting cup with the photopolymer resin to a predefined height level, moving the mounting cup to a curing station, curing the photopolymer resin by providing ultraviolet lighting.

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising vacuuming of the cavity accommodating the mounting cup and the sample prior to the step of filling the mounting cup with the photopolymer resin.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12-13, comprising measuring a height of the photopolymer resin within the mounting cup.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, comprising measuring one or more of the following values: a dimension of the mounting cup, a height of the sample within the mounting cup, a temperature of the photopolymer resin, and a temperature of the mounting cup.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of curing comprises providing the ultraviolet lighting for a predefined time period and / or a light intensity curve based on the measured value and / or type of the photopolymer.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12-16, wherein the cavity is the cavity of a carousel, comprising, based on a measured temperature of the mounting cup, moving a cover plate provided around the carousel so as to uncover the cavity and / or removing the sample with the photopolymer resin mounting.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12-17, comprising preparing the sample by a mounting apparatus according to any one of claims 1-11.

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