Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover, and an internal computer, is provided. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. A control algorithm manipulates the current supplied to thermoelectric coolers such that the dynamic thermal performance of a block can be controlled so that pre-defined thermal profiles of sample temperature can be executed. The sample temperature is calculated instead of measured using a design specific model and equations. 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.

Abstract: A device is provided that comprises one or more fluid retainment regions each having at least one wall, and one or more loops in heat-transfer communication with the at least one wall. Each of the loops can comprise an electrical conductor that surrounds the same or a different fluid retainment region. A device is provided that comprises one or more fluid retainment regions each having particulates disposed therein. A system is provided that includes a platen adapted to hold a device including fluid retainment regions and one or more electrical conductors in heat-transfer communication with the fluid retainment regions. Methods of heating a sample are also provided.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for thermally cycling samples of biological material contained in a microcard having a top and bottom surface. The thermal cycling device can include a sample block having an upper surface configured for engaging the bottom surface of a microcard, a vacuum device, and a temperature control system operatively connected with the sample block. The upper surface of the sample block may include a plurality of channels, the channels defining spaces between the sample block and the bottom surface of a microcard that may be positioned thereon. The vacuum device may be in fluid communication with the sample block for drawing gas out of the spaces defined by the channels in the sample block. The vacuum device may be configured for substantially maintaining a vacuum between the sample block and microcard so that a retention force is imparted on the microcard to urge the microcard toward the sample block.

Abstract: A device is provided that comprises one or more fluid retainment regions each having at least one wall, and one or more loops in heat-transfer communication with the at least one wall. Each of the loops can comprise an electrical conductor that surrounds the same or a different fluid retainment region. A device is provided that comprises one or more fluid retainment regions each having particulates disposed therein. A system is provided that includes a platen adapted to hold a device including fluid retainment regions and one or more electrical conductors in heat-transfer communication with the fluid retainment regions. Methods of heating a sample are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a microplate, wherein the apparatus comprises a microplate having a first surface and an opposing second surface. A plurality of wells is formed in the first surface of the microplate, wherein each of the plurality of wells is sized to receive an assay therein. A sealing cover is disposed over the microplate adjacent the plurality of wells and is compliant to accommodate variations between the sealing cover and the microplate and/or distribute loads evenly therebetween.

Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover, and an internal computer, is provided. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. A control algorithm manipulates the current supplied to thermoelectric coolers such that the dynamic thermal performance of a block can be controlled so that pre-defined thermal profiles of sample temperature can be executed. The sample temperature is calculated instead of measured using a design specific model and equations. 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.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.

Abstract: An instrument 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 sample block is of low thermal mass and is constructed of silver. The Peltier devices are designed to provide fast temperature excursions over a wide range. The heat sink has a perimeter trench to minimize edge losses and is adjacent to a continuously variable fan. A perimeter heater is used to improve the thermal uniformity across the sample block to approximately ±0.2° C. A heated platen pushes down onto the tube caps to apply a minimum acceptable force for seating the tubes into the block, ensuring good thermal contact with the block. The force is applied about the periphery of the tube caps to prevent distortion of the caps during thermal cycling.

Abstract: An instrument 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 sample block is of low thermal mass and is constructed of silver. The Peltier devices are designed to provide fast temperature excursions over a wide range. The heat sink has a perimeter trench to minimize edge losses and is adjacent to a continuously variable fan. A perimeter heater is used to improve the thermal uniformity across the sample block to approximately ±0.2° C. A heated platen pushes down onto the tube caps to apply a minimum acceptable force for seating the tubes into the block, ensuring good thermal contact with the block. The force is applied about the periphery of the tube caps to prevent distortion of the caps during thermal cycling.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.

Abstract: The invention includes a heating apparatus for biological samples. The heating apparatus of the present invention includes a cover, a sample block having a plurality of openings in a top portion thereof for receiving a sample well tray having a plurality of sample wells, and an urging mechanism. The urging mechanism is positionable between the sample block and the sample well tray to urge the sample well tray away from the sample block when the cover is moved from a closed position toward an open position. The cover imparts a downward force on the top of the sample well tray to press the sample wells into the openings of the sample block when the heated cover is moved toward a closed position. The urging mechanism imparts an upward force on the sample well tray. The downward force imparted by the heated cover is sufficient to retain the sample well tray against the sample block when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A device is provided that comprises one or more fluid retainment regions each having at least one wall, and one or more loops in heat-transfer communication with the at least one wall. Each of the loops can comprise an electrical conductor that surrounds the same or a different fluid retainment region. A device is provided that comprises one or more fluid retainment regions each having particulates disposed therein. A system is provided that includes a platen adapted to hold a device including fluid retainment regions and one or more electrical conductors in heat-transfer communication with the fluid retainment regions. Methods of heating a sample are also provided.

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.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for thermal cycling using a source of cooling gas.

Abstract: An automated seal applicator for applying a sealing cover to a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells for receiving an assay. The automated seal applicator can comprise a housing and a removable sealing cover cassette containing a sealing cover roll. The sealing cover roll can comprise an elongated carrier liner and a plurality of individual sealing covers releasably carried on the elongated carrier liner. The sealing cover cassette can be selectively engagable with the housing. A sealing cover drive system can engage the sealing cover roll and maintain a predetermined alignment of each of the plurality of individual sealing covers relative to the microplate.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously determining a genetic expression profile for an individual member of a species relative to an entire standard genome for the species. The method can comprise distributing a liquid sample into an array of reaction chambers of a substrate. The array can comprise a primer set and a probe for each polynucleotide target along the entire standard genome. The liquid sample can comprise substantially all genetic material of the member. Each of the reaction chambers can comprise the primer set and the probe for at least one of the polynucleotide targets and a polymerase. The method can further comprise amplifying the liquid sample in the array, detecting a signal emitted by at least one of the probes, and identifying the genetic expression profile in response to the signal.

Abstract: An automated seal applicator for applying a sealing cover to a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells for receiving an assay. The automated seal applicator can comprise a housing and a sealing cover cartridge containing a sealing cover releasably carried on a carrier liner. The sealing cover can be at least partially contained within the sealing cover cartridge. A sealing cover drive system can engage the sealing cover and/or the carrier liner and maintain a predetermined alignment of the sealing cover relative to the microplate.

Abstract: A vacuum assist apparatus can comprise a microplate. The microplate can comprise a first surface and an opposing second surface. A plurality of wells can be formed in the first surface of the microplate. Each of the plurality of wells can be sized to receive an assay therein. A support base can comprise a fluid passage. The microplate can be positioned adjacent and in contact with the support base. A pressure device, in fluid communication with the fluid passage, can exert a vacuum within the fluid passage to actively retain the microplate in the contact with the support base.

Abstract: An seal applicator for applying a sealing cover to a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells for receiving an assay. The seal applicator can comprise a housing containing a sealing cover roll. The sealing cover roll can comprise an elongated carrier liner and a plurality of individual sealing covers releasably carried on the elongated carrier liner. The seal applicator can further comprise a plane assembly supporting the elongated carrier liner and a drive roller assembly engaging the elongated carrier liner. The drive roller assembly can selectively drive the carrier liner.

Abstract: In a high-density sequence detection system, an apparatus for transporting a microplate. A control system provides a thermocycler control signal to regulate a desired thermal output of a thermocycler block. A frame has a first side, a second side, and an opening that extends through the first side and the second side. A window is positioned in the opening and a circumferential seal is positioned around a periphery of the opening at the second side. The seal has a peripheral lip that seals against the microplate. A clamp is adapted to engage and displace the frame from an unclamped position to a clamped position, wherein in the unclamped position, the microplate is displaced away from the thermocycler block and in the clamped position, the clamp urges the microplate against the thermocycler block. In some embodiments the peripheral lip is positioned radially inward of the periphery of the opening.