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.

Abstract: A multiple gel destaining apparatus is disclosd, in which the gels are laid out horizontally in a series of trays arranged in a stack. Each tray accommodates either one slab gel or one layer of tube gels. The trays are of interchangeable construction, and designed with appropriately placed openings for fluid passage so that destaining fluid flows through the tray stack in a serpentine path, sweeping one tray then sweeping the next in the opposite direction. The tray stack is submerged in a tank with continuous circulation of destaining fluid, arranged to draw the fluid downward through the stack, outward through a filter at the bottom of the tank, and upward along the sides of the tank to the top of the stack.

Abstract: A multiple gel destainiing apparatus is disclosed, in which the gels are laid out horizontally in a series of trays arranged in a stack. Ech tray accomodates either one slab gel or one layer of tube gels. The trays are of interchangeable construction, and designed with appropriately placed openings for fluid passage so that destaining fluid flows through the tray stack in a serpentine path, sweeping one tray then sweeping the next in the opposited direction. The tray stack is submerged in a tank with continuous circulation of destaining fluid, arranged to draw the fluid downward through the stack, outward through a filter at the bottom of the tank, and upward along the sides of the tank to the top of the stack.

Abstract: An electrophoresis cell assembly is disclosed which accommodates one or more vertically oriented gels of either slab or tube geometry held in a lateral enclosure attachable to a U-shaped frame to form a liquid-tight upper buffer chamber surrounding the upper end of the gel. Mated features on the gel enclosure and the frame permit one to slide the enclosure up against the frame into pivotal contact therewith, and to then lock the enclosure into position against the frame, sealing the buffer chamber thus formed around the upper end of the gel, all done in one simple movement. The design overcomes problems in both sealing and assembly, and provides a reliably sealed construction which may be combined with other pieces of equipment normally used in electrophoretic separations to provide a complete cell. The entire construction can be assembled and disassembled with unusual ease.

Abstract: A novel device for clamping together a sandwich-type gel slab plate assembly includes an elongate housing having a recess on one side and two movable bars placed parallel to each other inside the recess. Due to a series of angled parallel surface segments on the lateral edges of the bars and one side wall of the recess, a vertical force against one bar translates into a lateral force against the other, urging the latter toward the other side wall of the recess, clamping the plates in between with even force along the entire length.