Patent ID: 6178227
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: G01N,G21K,H05G

Abstract:
In a portable fluorescent x-ray analyzer having an x-ray generating system and an x-ray detecting system disposed in a housing for conducting x-ray analysis using a fluorescent x-ray method, safety means for preventing the emission of x-rays comprising: a first switch disposed proximate a measurement window of the housing of the portable fluorescent x-ray analyzer for detecting contact with an object to be analyzed and outputting a first signal when such contact is detected, a second switch disposed proximate a hand grip used for carrying the housing for detecting when the hand grip is engaged by a user's hand and outputting a second signal when the hand grip is so engaged, and an electric circuit for permitting the emission of an x-ray from the housing by the x-ray generating system only when the first signal is being output and the second signal is not being output.