Patent ID: 8531090
Filing Date: 2013-09-10
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A holder for a piezoelectric element having an exposed side and an reverse side, comprising: A. a body; B. a piezoelectric element support mounted on or forming a part of the body; C. a first electrode; D. a removable cap mounted on the body; E. a malleable seal; F. and electrical circuit means for connecting the first electrode and the piezoelectric element to an oscillating current source such that when connected to such an oscillating current source an applied oscillating current flows through an electrical circuit that includes the first electrode and the piezoelectric element, wherein the body, piezoelectric element support, first electrode, removable cap and malleable seal are adapted such that, when a piezoelectric element is mounted in the holder: 1. the piezoelectric element support holds the piezoelectric element and together with the piezoelectric element defines an enclosed region on a reverse side of the piezoelectric element; 2. the first electrode is in electrical contact with at least one point of one side of the piezoelectric element; 3. an exposed side of the piezoelectric element, opposite of the reverse side, is exposed through openings in the malleable seal and the removable cap; 4. the malleable seal (a) is located between the removable cap and the piezoelectric element, (b) holds the piezoelectric element or piezoelectric element support/piezoelectric element assembly in place within the holder and (c) forms a seal around the piezoelectric element or around the piezoelectric element support that prevents gasses from entering from the exposed side of the piezoelectric element into the enclosed region defined by the piezoelectric element support and the piezoelectric element; and 5. the electrical circuit means includes at least one point of contact spaced apart from the point of contact of the first electrode with the piezoelectric element.