Slip cover for heated platen assembly

Abstract

A heated platen assembly for use in a biological testing device is disclosed having a heated platen defining a plurality of optical openings configured to permit radiation to pass through the heated platen, a light transmissive slip cover configured to cover at least one of the plurality of optical openings, and means for retaining the slip cover over the at least one of the plurality of optical openings.

1 . A heated platen assembly for use in a biological testing device, comprising:
 a heated platen defining a plurality of optical openings, the optical openings configured to permit radiation to pass through the heated platen, the heated platen having a first side configured to face away from a plurality of sample wells and a second side configured to face toward the plurality of sample wells;   a light transmissive slip cover configured to cover at least one of the plurality of optical openings on the first side of the heated platen; and   a fastening apparatus configured to retain the slip cover over the at least one of the plurality of optical openings.   
   
   
       2 . The heated platen assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening apparatus comprises a recessed portion defined by the heated platen and configured to hold the slip cover in place over at least one of the plurality of optical openings. 
   
   
       3 . The heated platen of  claim 2 , wherein the fastening apparatus further comprises a frame member configured to hold the slip cover within the recessed portion. 
   
   
       4 . The heated platen assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening apparatus comprises a frame member configured to hold the slip cover in place over at least one of the plurality of optical openings. 
   
   
       5 . The heated platen assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the frame member defines a recessed portion configured to surround and retain the slip cover in place over the at least one of the plurality of optical openings. 
   
   
       6 . The heated platen assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the frame member defines a recessed portion configured to surround and retain the slip cover in place over the at least one of the plurality of optical openings. 
   
   
       7 . The heated platen assembly of  claim 5 , further comprising a seal member positioned between a surface of the slip cover facing the plurality of optical openings and an area of the surface of the heated platen surrounding the plurality of optical openings. 
   
   
       8 . The heated platen assembly of  claim 6 , further comprising a seal member positioned between a surface of the slip cover facing the plurality of optical openings and an area of the surface of the heated platen surrounding the plurality of optical openings. 
   
   
       9 . The heated platen assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the fastening apparatus further comprises a seal member configured to provide a press fit between the slip cover and the heated platen.