Abstract: Individual temperature control in multiple reactions performed simultaneously in a spatial array such as a multi-well plate is achieved by thermoelectric modules with individual control, with each module supplying heat to or drawing heat from a single region within the array, the region containing either a single reaction vessel or a group of reaction vessels.

Abstract: Individual temperature control in multiple reactions performed simultaneously in a spatial array such as a multi-well plate is achieved by thermoelectric modules with individual control, with each module supplying heat to or drawing heat from a single region within the array, the region containing either a single reaction vessel or a group of reaction vessels.

Abstract: Individual temperature control in multiple reactions performed simultaneously in a spatial array such as a multi-well plate is achieved by thermoelectric modules with individual control, with each module supplying heat to or drawing heat from a single region within the array, the region containing either a single reaction vessel or a group of reaction vessels.

Abstract: Individual temperature control in multiple reactions performed simultaneously in a spatial array such as a multi-well plate is achieved by thermoelectric modules with individual control, with each module supplying heat to or drawing heat from a single region within the array, the region containing either a single reaction vessel or a group of reaction vessels.

Abstract: Individual temperature control in multiple reactions performed simultaneously in a spatial array such as a multi-well plate is achieved by thermoelectric modules with individual control, with each module supplying heat to or drawing heat from a single region within the array, the region containing either a single reaction vessel or a group of reaction vessels.

Abstract: Individual temperature control in multiple reactions performed simultaneously in a spatial array such as a multi-well plate is achieved by thermoelectric modules with individual control, with each module supplying heat to or drawing heat from a single region within the array, the region containing either a single reaction vessel or a group of reaction vessels.

Abstract: Individual temperature control in multiple reactions performed simultaneously in a spatial array such as a multi-well plate is achieved by thermoelectric modules with individual control, with each module supplying heat to or drawing heat from a single region within the array, the region containing either a single reaction vessel or a group of reaction vessels.

Abstract: A joystick is constructed to include a handle that is capable of both pivotal movement and axial movement, the pivotal movement serving the conventional function of a joystick and the axial movement serving to engage and disengage the joystick to the electronic components that translate the joystick position to the position of a moving part in an electronically controlled apparatus. Thus, in its normal fully extended position, the joystick is activated and functioning whereas the activation can be suspended and the joystick repositioned by simply pushing on the joystick handle along the axis of the joystick. This activating and deactivating capability is achieved with no external buttons on the joystick shaft.

Abstract: Temperature control in a rectangular array of reaction vessels such as a thermal cycler such as is used for PCR procedures is achieved by use of a temperature block that is in contact with a combination of Peltier effect thermoelectric modules and wire heating elements embedded along the edges of the block. The elements can be energized in such a manner as to achieve a constant temperature throughout the array or a temperature gradient. Further control over the temperature and prevention of condensation in the individual reaction vessels is achieved by the use of a glass (or other transparent material) plate positioned above the vessels, with an electrically conductive coating on the upper surface of the glass plate to provide resistance heating.