A simple drying box for autoradiography

Abstract

The device consists of a light-tight box made of brass, 10 x 45 x 10 cm. in measurements, with a close - fitting lid. In the middle of the shorter ends a round hole is made to admit the blowing end of a hair drier.

Inside, the box is divided by two centrally holed partitions into three compartments, of which the two lateral, shorter chambers are equipped with three baffle-plates acting as light-traps. The middle compartment has a groove on each of its longer sides to support a hinged inner lid. This is a shallow box which actually holds the autoradiographic plates, and has a double-wall corresponding to and fitting into the grooves, forming a light-tight barrier. Two coils of metal wire are hung longitudinally in the box - like lid; one end of the coils is fixed, while the other end is fastened to a slider. When this is moved out along grooves cut in the sides of the lid, it causes separation of the spirals so that the autoradiographic slides may be placed between them and clipped when the slider is released. When the lid is turned over on its hinge, the slides are hung inverted in the middle compartment of the box. By closing the outer lid the box is made light - tight and may be taken out of the dark room.

A hair drier is used to blow cool air through the box to dry the stripping films.

This simple outfit has been found to give good results and shorten the time required for work in the dark.