# US 9,521,735 B2 · Portable X-ray analyzer having vibration, thermal and/or moisture isolation from exterior environment

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- Number: US 9,521,735 B2
- Document ID: US9521735B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/381,042
- Filed: 2013-02-27
- Published: 2015-02-05
- Granted: 2016-12-13
- Earliest claimed: 2012-02-29
- Assignees: X-Ray Optical Systems, Inc.
- Applicants: X-Ray Optical Systems, Inc.
- Inventors: Daniel Dunham; Rory D. Delaney
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9521735B2

## CPC

- H05G 1/025: {Means for cooling the X-ray tube or the generator}
- G01N 23/223: by irradiating the sample with X-rays or gamma-rays and by measuring X-ray fluorescence
- H05G 1/06: X-ray tube and at least part of the power supply apparatus being mounted within the same housing
- G01N 2223/076: X-ray fluorescence
- H05G: X-RAY TECHNIQUE (investigating or analysing materials by the use of X-rays G01N23/00; apparatus for X-ray photography G03B42/02; X-ray tubes H01J35/00; TV systems having X-ray input H04N5/321)
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)

## Abstract

A handheld x-ray analyzer, having an outer shell forming an inner cavity, the outer shell having at least one aperture; an x-ray engine positioned within the cavity; and a generally planar heat sink rigidly and thermally attached to the x-ray engine, and positioned in the aperture of the outer shell thereby substantially filling the aperture while providing thermal conduction between the engine and surrounding air. An outer face of the heat sink may be substantially conformal with the outer shell along one or both sides of the analyzer, and form a substantial portion of one or both sides of the analyzer. Longitudinal fins may be placed on an outer face of the heat sink to aid in thermal conduction from the engine to the surrounding air. Thermal handling, shock/vibration isolation, and moisture barriers are provided.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A handheld x-ray analyzer, comprising:
an outer shell forming an inner cavity, the outer shell having at least one aperture;
an x-ray engine positioned within the cavity;
a generally planar heat sink rigidly and thermally attached to at least one heat generating component of the x-ray engine, and positioned in the aperture of the outer shell thereby substantially filling the aperture while providing thermal conduction between the engine and surrounding air.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The analyzer of claim 1, wherein an outer face of the heat sink is substantially conformal with the outer shell along one or both sides of the analyzer.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The analyzer of claim 2, wherein the outer face of the heat sink forms a substantial portion of one or both sides of the analyzer.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The analyzer of claim 1, further comprising longitudinal fins on an outer face of the heat sink to aid in thermal conduction from the engine to the surrounding air.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The analyzer of claim 1, comprising a flexible material placed between an outer perimeter of the heat sink and an edge of the aperture of the outer shell, thereby providing mechanical isolation between the heat sink and the outer shell.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The analyzer of claim 1, wherein the engine is mounted within the cavity using a flexible connection between the engine and an inner surface of the outer shell, thereby providing mechanical isolation therebetween.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The analyzer of claim 6, wherein the x-ray engine comprises at least one x-ray optic, an x-ray source, and a power supply for the x-ray source, which are generally mechanically and thermally isolated from the outer shell, thereby maintaining alignment between each other and a focal area of the analyzer.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The analyzer of claim 7, wherein the at least one x-ray optic comprises a curved monochromating optic or a polycapillary optic.

### Claim 9 (depends on 7)

The analyzer of claim 7, wherein the x-ray engine comprises an EDXRF or MWDXRF x-ray excitation engine.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The analyzer of claim 1, further comprising:
a flexible barrier material placed between an outer perimeter of the heat sink and an edge of the aperture of outer shell; and
wherein the engine is mounted within the cavity using a flexible barrier material entirely around the engine and an inner surface of the outer shell;
thereby providing moisture isolation between the between at least portions of the engine and the surrounding environment of the analyzer.