Abstract There is disclosed an apparatus for controlling the temperature of discrete sample containers in analytical instrumentation. A conveyor containing discrete samples to be analyzed is located in a subcompartment within a larger enclosure. A fan is mounted in a first opening in the subcompartment to move air from the large enclosure into the subcompartment. A second opening in which a thermal energy transfer element is mounted allows the passage of the air over the thermal energy transfer element back into the larger enclosure. A temperature sensor contacts a sample container being measured to provide a control signal which is applied to a proportionally controlled power supply connected to the thermal energy transfer element.
The discrete sample analyzer defined in claim 1 wherein the fluid is air.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
16 words
The discrete sample analyzer defined in claim 1 wherein the fluid mover is a motor-driven fan.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The discrete sample analyzer defined in claim 2 wherein the temperature sensor means is a thermistor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The discrete sample analyzer defined in claim 1 wherein the thermal energy transfer means is a heating element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The discrete sample analyzer defined in claim 1 wherein the thermal energy transfer means is a cooling element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The discrete sample analyzer defined in claim 1 wherein the thermal energy transfer means is a heat pump.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
The discrete sample analyzer defined in claim 1 further comprising a second uncontrolled thermal energy transfer means mounted in said enclosure means for changing the ambient temperature of said enclosure means to permit a wide range of temperature control points of the sample container.