Patent ID: 7842247

Claim:
A sample holder for holding a fluid container for performing optical analysis of a fluid sample contained within the fluid container, the holder comprising: a base having a backing member, said backing member having a first container abutting surface; a clamping member having a second container abutting surface, said clamping member being movable relative to the backing member between an open, retracted position, in which the clamping member no longer contacts the fluid container, and a closed, holding position, in which the first and second abutting surfaces press against the fluid container to lightly clamp the fluid container between the clamping member and the backing member whereby the fluid container is immobilized for optical analysis of the fluid sample in the fluid container, wherein the backing member and the clamping member each includes slots which are aligned to provide optical access to the fluid sample when held in the sample holder to enable collection of light at an angle oblique to light incident on the sample; a first heating/cooling element abutting an inwardly facing surface of the backing member, the first heating/cooling element being capable of transferring heat to or from the fluid sample in the fluid container; a first heat-conductive member connected to an inwardly facing surface of the first heating/cooling element for conducting heat to or from the fluid ample in the fluid container; a second heating/cooling element abutting an inwardly facing surface of the clamping member, the second heating/cooling element being capable of transferring heat to or from the fluid sample in the fluid container; and a second heat-conductive member abutting an inwardly facing surface of the second heating/cooling element for conducting heat to or from the fluid sample in the fluid container.