Patent ID: 6074868
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: B01L,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
A device for subjecting a plurality of biological samples disposed on at least one flat substrate to thermal cycling, comprising:a thermal sensing means placed on the surface of one flat substrate and at least one flat substrate lacking said thermal sensing means and comprising at least one biological sample, wherein the flat substrate is formed of glass;a means for holding the plurality of flat substrates, wherein the means for holding comprises a ceramic sample plate having a thickness of 0.01-0.3 inches, and wherein the 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;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 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 thermal cycling over a temperature range of at least 40.degree. C.