Abstract:
Various novel sampling heads and interface fittings are disclosed herein adapted for use with handheld RAMAN or other material evaluating devices or analyzers using radiation or electromagnetic energy to identify sampled materials. In particular, the interface fittings or members facilitate measurement of irregularly shaped or very small materials to be sampled.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The present nonprovisional patent application claims the benefit of and priority to, under 35 USC §119(e), U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/161,977, filed May 15, 2015, entitled “SAMPLING HEADS FOR HANDHELD RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY DEVICES,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD AND BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The invention is generally in the field of Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN) and more particularly to a sampling head for an apparatus and system designed for Raman spectroscopy measurements. 
         [0003]    For various applications, methods are needed for determining the material constitution of a sample. One of the known methods is Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN), which involves shining a monochromatic light source, such as a laser, on a sample material and detecting the resulting scattered light. Most of the scattered light is the same frequency as the source. However, a very small amount of the scattered light (ca. 10-5% of the incident light intensity) is shifted in energy from the laser frequency due to interactions between the incident electromagnetic waves and the vibrational energy levels of the molecules in the sample. Plotting the intensity of this “shifted” light versus frequency results in a Raman spectrum of the sample. 
         [0004]    The sample may in principle be solid, liquid or gaseous. In the case of a solid sample, the sample material or particle may of an irregular shape and/or difficult to hold while trying to focus the laser beam onto the sample&#39;s surface with a handheld or portable device. Efforts have been made to reduce the form factor of RAMAN devices into handheld devices, as evidenced by U.S. Pat. No. 7,505,128 to Zribi et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 8,699,020 to Zhou et al., however these devices still have not solved the problem of accurately identifying or evaluating samples of differing shapes and sizes. Therefore, there still exists a need for a handheld RAMAN device that addresses the aforementioned challenges. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Various example embodiments described herein provide sampling heads and interface fittings adapted for use with handheld RAMAN or other material evaluating devices or analyzers using radiation or electromagnetic energy to identify sampled materials. In particular, the interface fittings or members facilitate measurement of irregularly shaped or very small materials to be sampled. One of the purposes of the embodiments of the invention is to provide steady and convenient approaches to handle, hold and clamp different, small and odd or irregularly shaped samples for RAMAN and Raman spectroscopy measurements and applications. Further, the embodiments provide a manner of sealing the measurements from environmental light interference and to optimize the laser energy at the sample collection areas. Furthermore, the devices and teachings herein provide a quick way to calibrate Raman spectroscopy systems. 
         [0006]    The various embodiments described herein provide advantages to the user in: 1) the calibration standard provides a strong and broad spectrum signal at the low intensity collimated laser beam; 2) provide a permanent convenient manner to quickly obtain the system calibration; 3) the sampling members can hold a variety of different and irregularly shaped samples and seal the samples from environmental light; and 4) the sampling members provide a way to clean the lens tube without losing the pre-alignment. In short, the novel interface members provide the user with a steady and convenient way to hold samples, prevent light interference, a quick way to obtain system calibration and a convenient way to clean the lens tube that is not provided by prior art devices. 
         [0007]    In one example embodiment, there is provided a sampling head assembly for use on a handheld spectroscopy device that includes an electromagnetic radiation source, an electromagnetic radiation detection and a processing module located within a housing having a housing exit for electromagnetic radiation and for capture of an emitted electromagnetic radiation from a sample material. The sampling head assembly of the spectroscopy device includes a collection interface member having a central aperture for placement over the housing exit and a calibration clamp member disposed adjacent to the collection interface member, the clamp member with an aperture disposed collinear with the central aperture of the collection interface member. The sampling head assembly further includes a sampling tube member disposed through and collinear with the calibration clamp member with a proximal end of the tube member disposed over the central aperture of the collection interface member and a sampling tube cover member disposed over a distal end of a sampling tube member, thereby forming the sampling head assembly. In a related embodiment, the sampling head assembly further includes a calibration clamp holder for holding and axially moving the calibration clamp member and a cover stopper member interposed between the sampling tube and the sampling tube cover member. The sampling head assemblies described herein operate with a spectrographic measurement device selected from the group consisting of Raman, LIBS, fluorescence and x-ray radiation. 
         [0008]    In a related embodiment, the sampling head assembly further includes a concave member having an open end and an aperture opposite the open end, the concave member disposed adjacent to the sampling tube cover member with a portion of the sampling tube cover member protruding through the concave member aperture, wherein the concave member is adapted to reduce light interference during a spectrographic measurement. In various embodiments, the concave member has a concave structure with a shape selected from the group consisting of a concave plunger or bowl, a square box, a rectangular box and an elliptical bowl In this example embodiment, the sampling head assembly further includes a pellet holder assembly disposed over the sampling tube cover member, the pellet holder assembly including a pellet holder with a proximal end disposed on the tube cover member and a pellet holder cover disposed on a distal end of the pellet holder, wherein the pellet holder assembly reduces ambient light interference during a spectrographic measurement. 
         [0009]    In yet another embodiment, the sampling head assembly further includes a clamping-type interface assembly disposed in contact with a distal end of the sampling tube cover member, the clamping-type interface assembly including an interface plug portion coupled to a first end of an elongate interposing member, the elongate interposing member coupled at a second end to a thumbscrew pad assembly, wherein the clamping-type interface assembly is adapted to clamp or grasp an irregularly shaped sampled material against the housing exit, thereby reducing light interference during a spectrographic measurement. In yet another example embodiment, there is provided a handheld Raman spectroscopy apparatus for performing spectrographic measurements on a sample material, the Raman handheld spectroscopy apparatus having a housing that includes an exit for electromagnetic radiation and for capture of an emitted electromagnetic radiation from the sample material. The Raman handheld apparatus includes a laser module for emitting electromagnetic radiation on the sample material, a spectrometer module for receiving and detecting electromagnetic radiation received from the sample material, and a processing module communicatively coupled to the laser module and the spectrometer module disposed within the housing, the processing module configured to control the energization of the laser module and processing of spectrographic measurements received from the spectrometer module. The handheld device further includes a housing-to-sample material interaction assembly disposed about the housing exit wherein a distal end of the interaction assembly is configured to receive interchangeable sampling heads that reduce light interference during a Raman measurement of sampled materials having different shapes and sizes. The interaction or sampling head assembly including a collection interface member having a central aperture for placement over the housing exit, a calibration clamp member disposed adjacent to the collection interface member with the clamp member having an aperture disposed therein that is collinear with the central aperture of the collection interface member. The head assembly further including a sampling tube member disposed through and collinear with the calibration clamp member with a proximal distal end of the tube member disposed over the central aperture of the collection interface member and a sampling tube cover member disposed over a distal end of a sampling tube member, a distal end of the tube cover member configured to receive the interchangeable sampling heads. 
         [0010]    The novel features of the various embodiments the invention itself, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate perspective views of three ( 3 ) embodiments of sampling interface members or heads with a mounting sleeve configured for use in connection with a handheld RAMAN device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate perspective views of a first sampling interface member on a handheld device housing and a view of a portion of the first sampling member without the mounting sleeve according to an example embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate perspective views of a second sampling interface member on a handheld device housing and a view of a portion of the second sampling member without the mounting sleeve, respectively, according to an example embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3C-3D  illustrate a perspective view of a modified second sampling interface member on a handheld device housing and an exploded view of the modified second sampling member, respectively, according to an example embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate perspective views of a third sampling interface member on a handheld device and a view of a portion of the third sampling member without the mounting sleeve, respectively, according to an example embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 4C-4D  illustrate perspective views of a modified third sampling interface member on a handheld device and an exploded view of a portion of the modified third sampling member, respectively, according to an example embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic view of a handheld spectroscopy measurement system with an interchangeable sampling head and a side view of a clamping-type sampling head, respectively, according to an example embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    Following are more detailed descriptions of various related concepts related to, and embodiments of, methods and apparatus according to the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the subject matter is not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes. 
         [0019]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1C  and  FIG. 2A , there is illustrated views of three (3) example embodiments of sampling interface members (or collection interface members)  300 ,  400  and  500  with a mounting sleeve  200  configured for use in connection with a handheld RAMAN device according to an embodiment of the invention. In this example embodiment, mounting sleeve  200  is adapted to be secured at a proximal end  202  to an exit of a collection interface member  100  of a handheld RAMAN device  102  (partially shown in  FIG. 2A ) along with a calibration standard tab  210 . At a distal end  204  of sleeve  200  is located a tube cover  220  adapted to hold one of the sampling interface member components described herein. In  FIGS. 2A-2B  there are illustrated perspective views of first sampling interface member  300  on handheld RAMAN device  102  and a concave portion or a concave plunger member (or tube cover)  310  and a tube cover or stopper  312  of the first sampling member, without the mounting sleeve, respectively, according to an example embodiment of the invention. In this example embodiment, the concave plunger member  310  helps to prevent ambient light interference by enveloping the sample material or at least the location on the sampled material surface that is being tested. 
         [0020]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3B , there are illustrated perspective views of a second sampling interface member  400  on handheld RAMAN device  102  which includes a concave portion or plunger member  410  and a pellet holder or plug interface  412 , respectively, without the mounting sleeve, according to an example embodiment of the invention. In this example embodiment, pellet holder or interface  412  (with corrugated side surface  414 ) helps to secure sample spectrographic measurements or readings from pellet-sized samples. In this example, pellet holder  412  structurally comprises an upper disc member  416  and a lower disc member  418  with an interposing cylinder  420 . 
         [0021]      FIGS. 3C-3D  illustrate a perspective view of a modified second sampling interface member (or sampling head assembly)  400 A for placement on a handheld spectrographic measurement device housing and an exploded view of the modified second sampling member, respectively. In particular, interface member  400 A includes a concave portion or plunger member  410 A and a pellet holder or interface  412 A, respectively, according to an example embodiment of the invention. In this example embodiment, pellet holder or interface  412 A helps to acquire sample spectrographic measurements or readings from secured pellet-sized samples. In this example, pellet holder  412 A structurally comprises an upper disc member  416 A and a lower disc member  418 A with an interposing cylinder  420 A. In this example embodiment, sampling head assembly  400 A includes a subassembly  402 A comprising a collection interface member  102  having a central aperture  103  for placement over the handheld device housing exit. Next, a calibration holder or tab  104  is located adjacent interface member  102  and then a calibration clamp member  106  is disposed adjacent to holder  104  and collection interface member  102 . Clamp member  106  includes an aperture  107  that is disposed collinear with central aperture  103  of the collection interface member. A sampling tube member  108  is disposed through and collinear with calibration clamp member  106  with a proximal end of tube member  108  disposed over central aperture  103  of collection interface member  102 . A cover stopper member  110  is then located at one end of sampling tube  108  and is held in place by a series of set screws  112 . A sampling tube cover member  120  is then disposed over a distal end of sampling tube member  108  and adjacent cover stopper  110 , thereby forming subassembly  402 A of sampling head assembly  400 A. 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4B , there are illustrated perspective views of a third sampling interface member  500  on a handheld RAMAN device  100  and a portion or assembly  510  of the third sampling member, without the mounting sleeve, according to an example embodiment of the invention. In this example embodiment, sampling head assembly  510  includes an interface plug  512 , which is in contact with the distal end of the mounting sleeve  200 , a plastic sheet interface  514 , which is attached to plug  512 , and a thumbscrew  516  and pad  516 A, all of which help secure the irregularly shaped or odd shaped sample piece or sample particle between thumbscrew pad  516 A and interface plug  512  to improve measurement accuracy. 
         [0023]      FIGS. 4C-4D  illustrate perspective views of a modified third sampling interface member  500 A (with subassembly  502 A) on a handheld device  100  and an exploded view of a portion of the third sampling member, respectively, according to an example embodiment of the invention. In this example embodiment, sampling head assembly  510 A includes an interface plug  512 A, a plastic (or other sturdy materials) sheet interface  514 A, and a thumbscrew  516 B and pad  516 C, all of which help secure the irregularly shaped or odd shaped sample piece or sample particle between thumbscrew pad  516 B and interface plug  512 A to improve measurement accuracy. In this example embodiment, sampling head assembly  500 A includes a subassembly  502 A comprising a collection interface member  102  having a central aperture  103  for placement over a handheld spectrographic measurement device housing exit. Next, a calibration holder or tab  104  is located adjacent interface member  102  and then a calibration clamp member  106  is disposed adjacent to holder  104  and collection interface member  102 . Clamp member  106  includes an aperture  107  that is disposed collinear with central aperture  103  of collection interface member  102 . A sampling tube member  108  is disposed through and collinear with calibration clamp member  106  with a proximal end of sampling tube member  108  disposed over central aperture  103  of collection interface member  102 . A cover stopper member  110  is then located at one or distal end of sampling tube  108  and is held in place by a series of set screws  112 . A sampling tube cover member  120  is then disposed over a distal end of sampling tube member  108  and adjacent cover stopper  110 , thereby forming subassembly  502 A of sampling head assembly  500 A. 
         [0024]      FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic view of a handheld spectroscopy measurement system  600  with an interchangeable sampling head  610  and a side view of a clamping-type sampling head  620 , respectively, according to an example embodiment of the invention. In particular, system  600  includes a housing  630  that houses a single board computer or microprocessor  640  that is communicatively coupled to a main printed circuit board (PCB)  642 . PCB  642  is communicatively coupled to a laser module  644  which is an electromagnetic radiation source that emits energy through interface module  646  and through a housing exit (not shown) through either sampling heads  610  or  620 . Radiation received from the sample material and through interface  646  is directed to spectrometer module  648 , the data of which is routed back to PCB  642  and to controller  640  for processing. Controller  640  also controls the triggering of laser module  644  and the capture of the radiation by spectrograph  648 . In this example embodiment, laser module  644  is a wavelength stable laser source, such as but not limited to Nd:YAG, which projects a laser beam through the housing exit and the interaction assembly and onto the sample material. 
         [0025]    In one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided for interfacing a handheld Raman spectroscopy apparatus with a sample material, the apparatus including an electromagnetic radiation source and an electromagnetic radiation detection and processing module. The apparatus also includes a housing configured to have an exit for the electromagnetic radiation and for capture of an emitted electromagnetic radiation from the sample material and includes a housing-to-sample material interaction assembly or section disposed about the housing exit. In one example embodiment, the housing-to-sample interaction section is disposed at a distal end of a mounting sleeve having a tube cover assembly thereon adapted to reduce light interference during measurement. In a related example embodiment, the interaction assembly includes a mounting sleeve having a calibration tab formed at a proximal end and a sampling interface assembly located at a proximal end of the mounting sleeve, the sampling interface assembly including a cover assembly and a radiation probe member disposed at least partially therein. In this example embodiment, the cover assembly includes a concave portion at a proximal end and an open distal end, the cover assembly further having a substantially flat surface at the proximal end and sidewalls protruding up therefrom toward the open distal end. In a related example embodiment, the cover assembly includes a tube cover assembly and the radiation probe member includes a tube cover stopper disposed in the concave portion of the tube cover assembly, the tube cover stopper including an elongate aperture therethrough for exposing the electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source and wherein the tube cover stopper is concentrically disposed within the concave portion of the tube cover assembly and protrudes up therefrom. In various example embodiments, the cover assembly has a concave structure with a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, bowl, a square box, a rectangular box and an elliptical bowl. 
         [0026]    In a related embodiment, the housing-to-sample interaction assembly or section is disposed at a distal end of a mounting sleeve having a pellet interface member thereon adapted to sharpen the focus of the measurement cylinder member. In this example embodiment, the radiation probe member includes a substantially cylindrical pellet member located within a concave portion of the cover assembly adapted to sharpen the focus of the measurement cylinder member, the cylindrical pellet member partially protruding up beyond the open distal end of the cover assembly and including a substantially flat upper sampling surface, wherein the cylindrical pellet member is comprised of an upper sampling disc and a lower engaging disc which engages the concave portion of the cover assembly and an elongate portion interposed between the upper and lower discs. 
         [0027]    In another related embodiment, the housing-to-sample interaction section is disposed at a distal end of a mounting sleeve having a clamping style interface assembly, the clamping style interface assembly including an interface plug, a plastic sheet interface member and a thumbscrew and a thumbscrew interface pad member thereon adapted to grasp or clamp irregularly shaped sampled material. 
         [0028]    The various embodiments described herein are not necessarily limited to RAMAN devices as they are applicable to LIBS and XRF devices as well. 
         [0029]    The following patents that relate to such RAMAN devices are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety and constitute part of the disclosure herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,548,310; 7,505,128; and 8,699,020. 
         [0030]    Having thus described several illustrative embodiments, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. While some examples presented herein involve specific combinations of functions or structural elements, it should be understood that those functions and elements may be combined in other ways according to the present invention to accomplish the same or different objectives. In particular, acts, elements, and features discussed in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from similar or other roles in other embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing description and attached drawings are by way of example only, and are not intended to be limiting.