Analytical instrument thermoelectric temperature regulator
AssigneeBeckman Instruments, Inc.
InventorsDonald E. Stephens, Robert J. Ehret
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A temperature control system used to precisely and accurately control the temperature of a fluid stream in an analytical system designed for investigation of the chemical constituents of the fluid stream. One example of use is in chromatography such as for the chromatographic column in an amino acid analyzer system. The temperature control system utilizes a set of thermoelectric modules to transfer heat between a thermoconductive block which holds the chromatographic column and an air exchange heat sink which obtains heat from or disposes heat into ambient air as required. The control system regulates the temperature at a very rapid rate in order to minimize the recycle time of the instrument.
Claims9
A temperature regulator assembly for use in an analytical device comprising:
- (a) an elongated column;
- (b) thermally conductive support means for supporting said column;
- (c) at least one heat sink;
- (d) a plurality of thermoelectric devices connected to said support means and to said heat sink for conducting heat therebetween and thereby heating or cooling said column;
- (e) a plurality of temperature sensing elements connected in temperature sensing relationship to respective parts of said column;
- and
- (f) control means responsive to said sensing elements for controlling said plurality of thermoelectric devices to maintain a uniform temperature along said column, said control means acts in conjunction with individual control circuits connected to respective temperature sensing elements and respective thermoelectric devices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.