Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a sample of a mixture of compounds selected from the group consisting of polynucleotides, proteins and fragments thereof attached to magnetized moieties which generate a magnetic field contained on a substrate comprising:a) a support for mounting the substrate,b) a magnetic field detector mounted adjacent the substrate, the magnetic field detector generating an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field from the substrate,c) scanning means for moving the magnetic field detector relative to the substrate, andd) an amplifier operatively connected to the magnetic field detector to amplify a signal generated thereby.

Abstract: A heating element having a pair of terminals for being coupled to a source of electric current. The heating element includes a path arranged in a field having outer path elements and inner path elements. The outer path elements are in the form of at least one row of a repeated alternating wave of a first predetermined amplitude and pitch. The row substantially surrounding the perimeter of the field and the inner path elements is primarily in the form of a repeated alternating wave of a second predetermined amplitude and pitch. The second amplitude is substantially greater than that of the first amplitude and the second pitch is less than the first pitch. A sample heating device includes a base, four side walls extending from the base and a sample holding plate for holding sample vials. The sample holding plate, the base, and the side walls define a chamber. The sample vials are positioned within the chamber.