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: 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: Disclosed is a rolling piston rotary compressor for use with primary refrigerants that is miniaturized for portable and mobile applications for which size and weight are often crucial. The miniature rotary compressor comprises a compressor mechanism, a brushless DC motor and a casing. The compressor mechanism comprises, a cylinder, a shaft having an eccentric part, one or more bearings to support the shaft, a roller, a vane, an oil sump, openings for communicating with lubricant oil and refrigerant, and inlet and discharge ports. The compressor mechanism and the motor are housed in a hermetically sealed or semi-hermetically sealed casing. The configuration and design of the present invention allow the realization of an ultralight miniature compressor. The miniature rotary compressor provides a higher power density and comparable efficiency as compared to state-of-the-art refrigerant-based rotary compressors. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the miniature rotary compressor.

Abstract: A workpiece chuck includes a thermal plate assembly which includes both heating and cooling capability. The heating element can be a resistive heater in a coiled configuration disposed in a plane. The cooling can be performed via a cooling fluid circulated through cooling tubes which are also disposed in a coiled configuration in a plane. The plane of the heating element and the cooling tubes can be the same plane, and that plane can be a center plane of the thermal plate assembly. By locating the heating and cooling in the same plane, uniform heating and cooling are achieved. Also, by locating the heating element and cooling tubes in the center of the thermal plate, distortions such as doming and dishing in the thermal plate are eliminated such that the wafer can be held extremely flat on the chuck. The heating element and cooling tubes are coiled in an interleaved fashion to provide uniform heating and cooling while allowing them to simultaneously occupy the same plane.

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.