Patent ID: 6320190
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An air shield for a component of a particle detection system including:a tubular body, open at both ends, divided into first and second compartments by an intermediate wall having a hole therethrough, the end of the body adjacent the first compartment being engageable with (or mountable on) the component; andan air diffuser unit in the first compartment, connectable to a source of pressurised air; so arranged that:a column of substantially stable air flows from the first compartment through the hole in the intermediate wall, and through the second compartment and is expelled from the other end of the body to protect the component from the particles,wherein the placement of the air diffuser unit, and the volume of air transmitted by the air diffuser unit, generates a stable column of air which passes through the hole in the intermediate wall and the second compartment to be expelled from the tubular body so as to prevent the ingress of any smoke or dust particles into the shield, and thereby preclude contact between the particles and a beam window on the component.