Thermal cycler for PCR
US7537377B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/1516
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover and an internal computer. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices and heat sink, clamped together. The sample block temperature is changed exclusively by the thermoelectric devices controlled by the computer. The control software includes calibration diagnostics which permit variation in the performance of thermoelectric coolers from instrument to instrument to be compensated for such that all instruments perform identically. The block heat sink assembly can be changed to another of the same or different design. The assembly carries the necessary information required to characterize its own performance in an on-board memory device, allowing the assembly to be interchangeable among instruments while retaining its precision operating characteristics. The instrument monitors the thermoelectric devices and warns of changes in resistance that may result in failure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.