US4888463A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal microscope stage
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1987-09-08
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Granted: 1989-12-19
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Expires: 2007-09-08
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for maintaining thermal control of the temperature of a microscope stage is provided. A thin copper plate is arranged with a non-inductive serpentine heating element pattern controlled by a proportional power controller. A thermistor temperature sensing device is arranged to sense the temperature near the specimen container and to provide the sensed data to the controller. Proportional power control is accomplished by varying the ratio of "ON" and "OFF" power cycles as the desired temperature is approached.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas F. Middlebrook
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 22:21
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01L; B01L7/00; G; G02; G02B; G02B21/00; G02B21/24; G02B21/30; H; H05; H05B; H05B2203/00; H05B2203/002; H05B2203/003
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A heating device adapted to be placed onto the stage of a microscope and provide heat to a specimen within a container thereon comprising: a planar member exhibiting an aperture therein and having a pattern of electrical heating means distributed across one surface thereof and comprising a pattern extending proximate said aperture; temperature sensing means affixed to said planar member; electrical power controlling means electrically connected to said heating means and said temperature sensing means to provide accurate temperature control of a sensed temperature; and a thermally conductive ring member arranged to circumscribe said aperture for holding the container therein, wherein said ring member exhibits anti-friction means on an upper inside edge thereof to facilitate insertion of the specimen container.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A heating device adapted to be placed onto the stage of a microscope and provide heat to a specimen within a container thereon comprising: a planar member exhibiting an aperture therein and having a pattern of electrical heating means distributed across one surface thereof and comprising a pattern extending proximate said aperture; temperature sensing means affixed to said planar member; electrical power controlling means electrically connected to said heating means and said temperature sensing means to provide accurate temperature control of a sensed temperature; and a thermally conductive ring member arranged to circumscribe said aperture for holding the container therein, wherein said ring member exhibits anti-friction means on an upper inside edge thereof to facilitate insertion of the specimen container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
138 words
A heating device adapted to be placed onto the stage of a microscope and provide heat to a specimen within a container thereon comprising: a planar member exhibiting an aperture therein and having a pattern of electrical heating means distributed across one surface thereof and comprising a pattern extending proximate said aperture; means for sensing temperature proximate the container electrical power controlling means electrically connected to said heating means and said temperature sensing means to provide accurate temperature control of a sensed temperature; and a thermally conductive ring member arranged to circumscribe said aperture for holding the container therein, wherein said ring member exhibits a cut away pocket therein for maintaining an air pocket between a portion of said ring and the specimen container, and wherein said temperature sensing means is mounted to extend into said air pocket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
138 words
A heating device adapted to be placed onto the stage of a microscope and provide heat to a specimen within a container thereon comprising: a planar member exhibiting an aperture therein and having a pattern of electrical heating means distributed across one surface thereof and comprising a pattern extending proximate said aperture; means for sensing temperature proximate the container electrical power controlling means electrically connected to said heating means and said temperature sensing means to provide accurate temperature control of a sensed temperature; and a thermally conductive ring member arranged to circumscribe said aperture for holding the container therein, wherein said ring member exhibits a cut away pocket therein for maintaining an air pocket between a portion of said ring and the specimen container, and wherein said temperature sensing means is mounted to extend into said air pocket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The heating device of claim 2 further comprising photo detection means for reducing power to the heating device during absence of a specimen container.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
GB880922A
Cited
US3177344A
Cited
DE1283558B
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-12-18 | 1993-06-19 | 1993-12-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-12-18 | 1997-06-19 | 1997-12-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-12-18 | 2001-06-19 | 2001-12-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |