Claims
- 1. A method of fluxing an oxide sample, comprising the steps:
- placing the sample in a crucible having a central axis and a bottom,
- heating the crucible and thus the oxide sample,
- and applying to the crucible a motion whereby the central axis moves to describe a substantially conical surface having an apex located substantially on the central axis and spaced from the bottom of the crucible by a distance substantially equal to or less than the crucible height,
- and restraining the crucible against rotation about its own axis.
- 2. The method claimed in claim 1, in which the crucible is heated by heating means stationary with respect to a frame, the crucible motion being a combination of a first rocking movement in a first substantially vertical plane and a second rocking movement in a second substantially vertical plane perpendicular to the first vertical plane, the movements having the same frequency but being phased so as to result in said motion.
- 3. The method claimed in claim 2, in which each movement is brought about through the action of a separate eccentric crank acting on one end of a separate connecting link.
- 4. The method claimed in claim 2, including the further steps of arresting said motion of the crucible, then pouring the contents thereof into a casting dish which is stationary with respect to the frame and is heated by the heating means.
- 5. The method claimed in claim 2, including the further steps of arresting said motion of the crucible, then pouring the contents thereof into a beaker containing an aqueous acid solution.
Parent Case Info
This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 601,687, filed on Apr. 18, 1984, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,563,146.
US Referenced Citations (3)
Divisions (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
601687 |
Apr 1984 |
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