Patent ID: 6228634
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B01L,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
A device for subjecting a plurality of biological samples disposed on at least one substantially flat substrate to thermal cycling, comprising:a thermal sensing means placed on the surface of one substantially flat substrate and at least one substantially flat substrate lacking said thermal sensing means and comprising at least one biological sample;a means for holding the plurality of substantially flat substrates, wherein the means for holding comprises a ceramic sample plate, and wherein the substantially flat substrates are disposed on the surface of said holding means;a means for heating the lower surface of the means for holding, wherein the means for heating is positioned in close proximity to the means for holding, and wherein the means for heating comprises a plate which is parallel to the ceramic plate;a means for cooling the surface of the means for heating, wherein the means for cooling comprises a rotating means for dispersing air; anda means for controlling, wherein the controlling means is operatively connected to the means for thermal sensing, the means for heating and the means for cooling such that the temperature of the substrates can be rapidly and controllably increased and decreased by the control means in response to the temperature sensed by the means for sensing such that the biological sample can be subjected to rapid thermal cycling over a temperature range of at least 40.degree. C.