Patent · US Expired

Thermal cycler for PCR

US7133726B1 · kind B1 · utility

67Cited by
21References
29Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 8, 1998
Grant dateNov 7, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 8, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/1516
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An instrument for PCR comprising an assembly, a heated cover, and a computer. The assembly can include a sample block, Peltier devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. The sample block temperature can be changed by controlling the Peltier devices with the computer. A perimeter heater can be used to in prove thermal uniformity. A heated platen can push down onto tube caps to apply a minimum force for seating the tubes. The force can be applied about the periphery of the tube caps to prevent distortion of the caps. The platen can be heated to provide thermal isolation and prevent evaporation from the surface of the sample. The software can include diagnostics to compensate for variation in thermoelectric coolers such that all instruments can perform identically.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.