Thermal Cycler For PCR

Abstract

An assembly for cycling vials of reaction mixtures through a series of temperature excursions is provided. The assembly can include a sample block for receiving the vials, a plurality of thermoelectric devices, a heat sink, and a clamping mechanism positioned to clamp the thermoelectric devices between the sample block and heatsink. The assembly can also include a thermal connector having a first end and a second end, the first end in close contact with the sample block and the second end in close contact with the heatsink to provide a thermal path between the sample block and the heatsink, the thermal connector being positioned to reduce thermal gradients across the sample block. The assembly can further include means for connecting the assembly to a computing apparatus for controlling the temperature excursions of the assembly.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus for performing a polymerase chain reaction, said apparatus comprising:
 an assembly for cycling a plurality of vials through a series of temperature excursions;   a cover for applying a seating force to said vials and for applying a temperature to an upper portion of said vials; and   a computing apparatus for controlling said temperature excursions of said assembly and said temperature of said cover;   said assembly including:   a sample block for receiving said vials;   a plurality of thermoelectric devices controlled by said computing apparatus;   a heat sink;   a clamping mechanism positioned so as to clamp said thermoelectric devices between said sample block and heatsink; and   a thermal connector having a first end and a second end, said first end in close contact with said sample block and said second end in close contact with said heatsink so as to provide a thermal path between said sample block and said heatsink, said thermal connector being positioned to reduce thermal gradients across said sample block.   
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19  wherein said sample block comprises:
 a plurality of sample wells for receiving sample vials, each well having a top and bottom; 
 an upper support plate connecting the tops of said sample wells; and 
 a bottom plate connecting the bottoms of said sample wells. 
 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein said upper support plate and said sample wells are electroformed as a single piece. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein said sample block is comprised of silver. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising an associated memory device capable of storing data related to said assembly. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 19  wherein said cover comprises:
 a platen, vertically and horizontally displaceable in relationship to said vials, said platen including: 
 a skirt extending downward around the perimeter of said platen, said skirt having dimensions corresponding to the perimeter of a standard microtiter tray, said skirt constructed to engage said perimeter of said tray during vertical displacement of said platen, applying a seating force on said vials for maintaining a snug fit between walls of said sample vials and said assembly for receiving said sample vials; 
 means for forcibly lowering said platen to maintain said seating force; and 
 heating means positioned in close contact with said platen to maintain said platen at a constant temperature. 
 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the thermal connector is a pin. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the pin is a steel pin or polymer pin. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein said pin is positioned at the center of the sample block. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the cover is configured for applying a constant temperature to an upper portion of said vials. 
     
     
         29 . An assembly for cycling vials of reaction mixtures through a series of temperature excursions, comprising:
 a sample block for receiving vials of reaction mixtures;   a plurality of thermoelectric devices;   a heat sink;   a clamping mechanism positioned so as to clamp said thermoelectric devices between said sample block and said heatsink;   a thermal connector having a first end and a second end, said first end in close contact with said sample block and said second end in close contact with said heatsink so as to provide a thermal path between said sample block and said heatsink, said thermal connector being positioned to reduce thermal gradients across said sample block; and   means for connecting the assembly to a computing apparatus for controlling said temperature excursions of said assembly.   
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the thermal connector is a pin. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the pin is a steel pin or polymer pin. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein said pin is positioned at the center of the sample block.