Abstract: The present teachings disclose various embodiments of a thermal block assembly having low thermal non-uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly. Accordingly, various embodiments of thermal block assemblies having such low thermal non-uniformity provide for desired performance of bioanalysis instrumentation utilizing such thermal block assemblies.

Abstract: A method for performing polymerase chain reactions (PCR) for improving thermal non-uniformity is provided. The method includes measuring a first temperature, by a first sensor, of a first sample block sector of a sample block and measuring a second temperature, by a second sensor, of a second sample block sector of the sample block that is adjacent to the first sample block sector. The method further includes calculating, by a thermoelectric controller, a difference in temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature and adjusting, by the thermoelectric controller, the first temperature of the first sample block sector based on the difference in temperature by using one or more thermoelectric coolers. The one or more thermoelectric coolers is configured to heat or cool the first sample block sector by adjusting power output from the thermoelectric controller.

Abstract: The present teachings disclose various embodiments of a thermal block assembly having low thermal non-uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly. Accordingly, various embodiments of thermal block assemblies having such low thermal non-uniformity provide for desired performance of bioanalysis instrumentation utilizing such thermal block assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to methods of production of graphite from biomass, char or tar. The invention also provides novel apparatus and catalysts for the production of graphite from carbon-containing materials. In particular embodiments, the invention relates to the production of graphite by hydrothermal treatment of biomass to produce tar or hydrochar and graphitisation to produce graphite.

Abstract: A method for performing polymerase chain reactions (PCR) for improving thermal non-uniformity is provided. The method includes measuring a first temperature, by a first sensor, of a first sample block sector of a sample block and measuring a second temperature, by a second sensor, of a second sample block sector of the sample block that is adjacent to the first sample block sector. The method further includes calculating, by a thermoelectric controller, a difference in temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature and adjusting, by the thermoelectric controller, the first temperature of the first sample block sector based on the difference in temperature by using one or more thermoelectric coolers. The one or more thermoelectric coolers is configured to heat or cool the first sample block sector by adjusting power output from the thermoelectric controller.

Abstract: A method for performing polymerase chain reactions (PCR) for improving thermal non-uniformity is provided. The method includes measuring a first temperature, by a first sensor, of a first sample block sector of a sample block and measuring a second temperature, by a second sensor, of a second sample block sector of the sample block that is adjacent to the first sample block sector. The method further includes calculating, by a thermoelectric controller, a difference in temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature and adjusting, by the thermoelectric controller, the first temperature of the first sample block sector based on the difference in temperature by using one or more thermoelectric coolers. The one or more thermoelectric coolers is configured to heat or cool the first sample block sector by adjusting power output from the thermoelectric controller.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (1) and methods for processing biomass to produce charcoal, bio-oil(s) activated carbon, recarburizer carbon, or nut coke by means of microwave energy. The apparatus has a rotatable tube (5) for receiving biomass (108), an electromagnetic generator (7). One method provides applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass (108) and an absorbing material (109). An alternative method provides allowing an indirect, black body radiation field to develop, and exposing the biomass (108) to the black body radiation field and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides allowing plasma to form and exposing the biomass to the plasma and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides introducing the biomass to a second container (205), introducing the second container to a first reaction container (5), applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass and an absorbing material (109), allowing a plasma to form in the first container, which heats the biomass in the second container.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (1) and methods for processing biomass to produce charcoal, bio-oil(s) activated carbon, recarburiser carbon, or nut coke by means of microwave energy. The apparatus has a rotatable tube (5) for receiving biomass (108), an electromagnetic generator (7). One method provides applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass (108) and an absorbing material (109). An alternative method provides allowing an indirect, black body radiation field to develop, and exposing the biomass (108) to the black body radiation field and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides allowing plasma to form and exposing the biomass to the plasma and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides introducing the biomass to a second container (205), introducing the second container to a first reaction container (5), applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass and an absorbing material (109), allowing a plasma to form in the first container, which heats the biomass in the second container.

Abstract: A method for performing polymerase chain reactions (PCR) for improving thermal non-uniformity is provided. The method includes measuring a first temperature, by a first sensor, of a first sample block sector of a sample block and measuring a second temperature, by a second sensor, of a second sample block sector of the sample block that is adjacent to the first sample block sector. The method further includes calculating, by a thermoelectric controller, a difference in temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature and adjusting, by the thermoelectric controller, the first temperature of the first sample block sector based on the difference in temperature by using one or more thermoelectric coolers. The one or more thermoelectric coolers is configured to heat or cool the first sample block sector by adjusting power output from the thermoelectric controller.

Abstract: The present teachings disclose various embodiments of a thermal block assembly having low thermal non-uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly. Accordingly, various embodiments of thermal block assemblies having such low thermal non-uniformity provide for desired performance of bioanalysis instrumentation utilizing such thermal block assemblies.