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Analog heater control for medical instrument

  • US 5,832,921 A
  • Filed: 11/07/1995
  • Issued: 11/10/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/31/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An instrument for determining a characteristic of a biological fluid or a control, the instrument comprising means for receiving a sample of the biological fluid or control, the characteristic of which is to be determined, in such a way that the characteristic is exhibited by the sample, means for monitoring the sample as the characteristic is exhibited, means for converting a result of the monitoring of the sample into the characteristic, a heater for heating the sample and for maintaining the temperature of the sample at about a first temperature and a control for controlling the heater, the heater comprising a heater element, means for supporting the heater element in heat conducting relationship to the sample when the instrument is in use, means for monitoring a temperature of the support means, means for mounting the means for monitoring the temperature of the support means adjacent the support means, the heater control comprising a first temperature setpoint control for controlling the heater to maintain the temperature of the sample at about the first temperature and a second temperature setpoint control for overriding the first temperature setpoint control to heat the sample toward a second temperature, means for coupling the monitoring means to the heater control, and means for coupling the heater element to the heater control.

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