초록 ▼

Independent control of multiple samples which are in close proximity. All the samples in a sample container designed for rapid heat transfer and can be independently regulated to a set point using a temperature feedback control with the temperature monitored by a temperature sensitive element. This

Independent control of multiple samples which are in close proximity. All the samples in a sample container designed for rapid heat transfer and can be independently regulated to a set point using a temperature feedback control with the temperature monitored by a temperature sensitive element. This is implemented by heating each sample independently and at the same time a cooling device produces a substantial and continuous heat flow from the sample in order to permit an adequate rate of cooling when required. The rate of heat flow through the cooling device is partly determined by a thermal resistance which is included to control the pattern and maximum rate of heat flow to designed levels. By keeping the thermal mass of the temperature controlled components to a minimum it is also possible to change the temperature of the samples very rapidly.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [5.] Apparatus for controlling the individual temperatures of a plurality of samples which are in close enough proximity for a change in the temperature of one sample to affect the temperature of another sample, wherein the apparatus independently controls the temperature at a desired s

[ We claim:] [5.] Apparatus for controlling the individual temperatures of a plurality of samples which are in close enough proximity for a change in the temperature of one sample to affect the temperature of another sample, wherein the apparatus independently controls the temperature at a desired set point for each sample, the apparatus comprising:a) a sample plate having a plurality of sample containers for containing individual samples;b) each such sample container having:1) base,2) a spreader plate of heat conducting material located beneath and in thermal contact with the base of the container, and3) a collar of heat conducting material surrounding the base of the container and in thermal contact therewith,c) a separate first heating means in thermal contact with each sample container for separately heating each sample;d) additional heating means for heating at least one of the spreader plate and the collar of each sample container independently of the associated first heating means,e) a cooling means for continuously cooling all the samples, said cooling means comprising:1) a cooling block adapted to be maintained at a temperature substantially lower than that of the set point of any of the samples, and2) means providing a path for the flow of heat from each of the samples to the cooling block,3) said means including a thermal resistance associated with each sample container and located between the sample container and the cooling block,f) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of each sample; andg) regulating means for regulating each of the heating means according to the sensed temperature of each respective sample and the temperature of the set point for each sample.