Low-mass sample block with rapid response to temperature change

Abstract

A sample block for use in the polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and other procedures that involve the performance of simultaneous reactions in multiple samples with temperature control by heating or cooling elements contacting the bottom surface of the block is improved by the inclusion of hollows in the block that are positioned to decrease the mass of the block in the immediate vicinity of the wells.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A combination sample plate and support block for use in performing a plurality of chemical reactions simultaneously at controlled temperatures, said combination comprising:
 a. the sample plate shaped to comprise an array of sample wells having undersides with contours defined by a floor and side walls of each well; and   b. the support block:
 i. bound by two parallel planar surfaces defined as a top surface and a bottom surface and having a length and width; 
 ii. comprising a series of support wells in said block that are arranged in a planar array and that are open at said top surface and that are complementary in contour to the array of sample wells such that when said sample plate rests on said support block with said sample wells inside said support wells, said undersides of said sample wells are in intimate surface contact with said support wells; and 
 iii. comprising a series of hollow mass reduction holes that is not fully complementary with the array of sample wells in the disposable sample plate. 
   
     
     
         11 . The combination of  claim 10 , wherein said array of sample wells and said array of support wells are rectangular arrays. 
     
     
         12 . The combination of  claim 10 , wherein the series of mass reduction holes lacks one mass reduction hole such that the series of mass reduction holes does not accept a well of the sample plate when said sample plate rests on said support block with said sample wells inside said mass reduction wells, thereby preventing alignment of all of the sample wells to the series of reduction holes. 
     
     
         13 . The combination of  claim 10 , wherein said block is composed of metal. 
     
     
         14 . The combination of  claim 10 , wherein said block is composed of a non-metallic material.