Simultaneous differential thermal analysis system

摘要

A balance for a simultaneous differential thermal analysis instrument that combines gravimetric measurements with measurements that require propagation of electrical signals from the sample holder to an apparatus for recording the electrical signals. In one embodiment of the present invention, conductive cross-flexure pivots are used in a parallel guided balance to mechanically and electrically couple the components of the balance mechanism to the apparatus that records the electrical signals.

主权项

1. A balance, comprising:
a fixed vertical member pivotally adjoined to an upper horizontal member which is pivotally adjoined to a movable vertical member, which is pivotally adjoined to a lower horizontal member, which in turn is pivotally adjoined to the fixed vertical member, wherein the movable vertical member is constrained to move such that it remains parallel to the fixed vertical member and wherein the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member have matching coefficients of thermal expansion and matching lengths; plates of a high thermal conductivity material surrounding the movable vertical member, the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member; an electrically conductive path formed on one of the upper and lower horizontal members; an electrically conductive path formed on the movable vertical member; a first conductive flexure electrically connecting the electrically conductive path on the one horizontal member to the electrically conductive path on the movable vertical member, wherein the first conductive flexure pivotally connects the one horizontal member to the movable vertical member; a second conductive flexure pivotally connecting the one horizontal member to the fixed vertical member, and electrically connecting the electrically conductive path on the one horizontal member to conductive traces or wires affixed to the fixed vertical member; wherein the entire balance is housed within an enclosure that is maintained at a constant uniform temperature.