Temperature control apparatus for use in investigating specimens

Claim 1

Apparatus for use in investigating specimens, comprising: a. a substantially horizontal turntable having a central rotational axis and being adapted to support in a circular array centered on the said rotational axis a plurality of specimen vessels, each such vessel being positionable to extend down below the underside of the turntable; b. means for stepwise advancing the turntable about the said rotational axis so that, during dwell periods of the turntable, specimens deposited during previous dwell periods in the vessels may be investigated; c. an enclosure disposed beneath the turntable having an internal surface symetrically positioned about the said rotational axis so as to define a space bounded laterally and at the bottom by the said enclosure and upwardly by the turntable; d. a baffle plate disposed within the enclosure so as to provide between this plate and the turntable a first space into which the vessels extend when supported by the turntable, and between said plate and the base of the said enclosure a second space, the outer edge of the baffle plate being separated by an air gap from the peripheral wall of said enclosure, said baffle plate being a central hole for air to circulate between said first and second spaces by way of the air gap and the said central hole; e. a rotary vane disposed in the said first space and mounted with its axis of rotation coincident with that of the turntable, the vane being formed with at least one cut-out portion as necessary to permit relative rotational movement between the turntable containing vessels and the vane, the shape of said vane conforming substantially the vertical cross-sectional shape of said first space so that upon rotation it sweeps out a volume substantially equal to that of the said first space: f. air temperature changing means disposed in said second space; and g. a control device for the air temperature changing means to maintain the temperature of the vessels substantially at a predetermined value.