초록 ▼

Apparatus for controlling reaction temperatures in a chemical analyzer comprises a thermoelectric element operating in response to a temperature sensor, and control means capable of predicting a setpoint deviation for a future time period, and, when an overshoot is predicted, reducing a control sign

Apparatus for controlling reaction temperatures in a chemical analyzer comprises a thermoelectric element operating in response to a temperature sensor, and control means capable of predicting a setpoint deviation for a future time period, and, when an overshoot is predicted, reducing a control signal for the element by an amount proportional to a current setpoint deviation. The apparatus includes at least one reaction cell and a buffer unit for thermally stabilizing a fluid that is fed, on demand, into the reaction cell, the cell and the buffer unit having separate thermoelectric elements and sensors. A microcomputer control system generates independent control signals for the elements.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for controlling a reaction temperature in a chemical analyzer, the method comprising the steps of: (a) coupling a thermoelectric element to the reaction in the chemical analyzer; (b) sensing a temperature proximate to the element in the chemical analyzer; (c) powering the thermoelectric ele

A method for controlling a reaction temperature in a chemical analyzer, the method comprising the steps of: (a) coupling a thermoelectric element to the reaction in the chemical analyzer; (b) sensing a temperature proximate to the element in the chemical analyzer; (c) powering the thermoelectric element for heating and cooling the reaction in response to a value of a control signal generated by control means; and (d) generating the control signal by the steps of: (i) determining a deviation of the sensed temperature from a desired temperature; (ii) selecting from the control means a first control signal value for reducing the deviation; (iii) determining a change in the sensed temperature for a first predetermined time interval; (iv) determining a predicted change in the sensed temperature for a second predetermined time interval based on the change determined in the first predetermined time interval; (v) comparing the deviation with the predicted change; and (vi) depending on the result of the comparison, modifying the first control signal value by an amount proportional to the deviation.