Abstract: Provided is a method for removing a liquid, in particular a supernatant, from a container with a sample, by creating an opening in a container with a sample consisting of solid constituents and a liquid, and subsequently centrifuging the container so as to cause the liquid to flow out of the container through the created opening. Also provided is a device for making a container suitable for use in the method.

Abstract: A multi-well microfiltration apparatus and method are provided and feature a manual touch-off system for transferring pendent drops hanging from discharge-conduits of a discharge-conduit array to respective receiving wells or receiving holes of a corresponding receiving array, with minimum or no cross-contamination between the discharge conduits, or the receiving wells or receiving holes. The manual touch-off is achieved by manually shifting a carriage that supports one of the arrays, into a position whereat pendent drops of fluid hanging from the distal ends of the discharge conduits contact the inner sidewalls of the corresponding receiving wells or receiving holes of the receiving array.

Abstract: A device for heating food includes a housing and a plurality of heated shelves or trays supported on the housing. Each tray includes a heater and a temperature sensor. The heater is operable to heat the tray and the temperature sensor is capable of sensing the temperature of the tray. A controller is coupled to each heater and each temperature sensor, and the controller is configured to operate the heater as a function of the tray temperature.

Abstract: Various present invention devices enable adherence to requirements for medical items. A medical item of the present invention includes a monitoring or data recording device to monitor and/or record medical solution conditions. The device may further include indicators to indicate compliance of the medical solution with prescribed requirements (e.g., manufacturer, medical standard or regulation, etc.). The medical item may alternatively include a barcode or transponder to uniquely identify the medical item to a thermal treatment system measuring and storing conditions in a central database. The present invention further includes various thermal treatment systems that monitor medical items for prescribed requirements and display the monitored parameters to medical personnel. In addition, the present invention may place time stamp information on medical items to enable determination by medical personnel of compliance with prescribed requirements.

Abstract: A slow cooker includes a cooking base having a heating element and an open end. The slow cooker has a first container sized to fit within the open end of the cooking base. The first container has an opening for receiving foodstuff. The volume of the first container is sized to accommodate a second container. The second container has an opening for receiving foodstuff. The opening of the second container is generally equal in size to the opening of the first container. The first container has a cooking position wherein the first container is inserted in the cooking base. The second container has a cooking position wherein the second container is inserted in the cooking base. The first container and second container have a storage position, wherein the second container is nested within the first container. The slow cooker also includes a lid that is sized to enclose the opening of either of the first and second containers during their respective cooking positions.

Abstract: A surgical warming system includes at least one and generally two or more compartments, whereby each compartment is separately heatable and controllable over its own range of temperatures. The compartments may be implemented as separate warmer units in stacked relation. Alternatively, the compartments may be constructed into a single cabinet structure. The heat within each compartment is provided by forcing air through a heating chamber and into the compartment whereby the forced air is recycled and mixed with make-up air. Each individually controllable compartment enables an operator to simultaneously maintain the individual compartments of the same warming system at different desired temperatures. In addition, the warming system further includes for each compartment a display and a tray or drawer with individual receptacles and corresponding monitoring assemblies in order to indicate the temperature and residence time of each item heated within that compartment.

Abstract: Modular sample processing apparatus kits that can provide a user with the flexibility to customize a disk-based assay in view of a variety of factors are disclosed. The sample processing apparatus kits of the present invention include one or more process modules that can be retained within openings in a frame. The frame and process modules of the sample processing apparatus kits are preferably adapted for use in sample processing systems that compress the apparatus. The process modules may contain different reagents to perform different tests on the same sample materials or a variety of sample materials. As a result, a single sample processing apparatus can be used to perform a variety of different tests and may include a quality control module capable of providing feedback to the user as to the accuracy of the processes run using the sample processing apparatus. Methods of using the sample processing apparatus that include deforming the process modules and frame are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for heating and sensing the temperature of a chemical reaction chamber without direct physical contact between a heating device and the reaction chamber, or between a temperature sensor and the reaction chamber. A plurality of chemical reaction chambers can simultaneously or sequentially be heated independently and monitored separately.

Abstract: A food and food-plate warming device includes a base plate that has a planar top surface and has an outwardly beveled edge provided with laterally stepped ridges concentrically spaced from the top surface center. A cover plate is positioned on the base plate and has an outer lip that is nested on one of the stepped ridges. Handles are conjoined to the outer lip for receiving at least four contiguous metacarpals therethrough. A mechanism is included for heating the base plate top surface such that the food and food-plate interfitted between the base plate and the cover plate can be heated. The heating mechanism includes a heating element intercalated between the top and bottom surfaces of the first base plate. An automatic shut off switch is coupled to the heating element for interrupting power to the heating element when an interior temperature of the device reaches a maximum threshold temperature.

Abstract: A method for toasting bread and simultaneously cooking or warming another food with a single device, comprising the steps of: inserting at least one piece of bread into a vertically oriented bread slot of a combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing water into a heater pan of a steamer compartment on the combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing another food into the steamer compartment; and activating at least one heating element associated with the bread slot and the steamer compartment

Abstract: A combination bread toaster and steamer device includes a pair of vertically oriented bread slots extending into a housing from a top of the housing; means for elevating and lowering bread in the bread slots; a steamer compartment, disposed on the housing, including a heater pan configured to receive water; and at least one heating element associated with the bread slots and the steamer compartment.

Abstract: A temperature regulator regulates a temperature of a microchemical chip that has chemical reaction sections. The temperature regulator includes a temperature measuring unit and a thermoelectric element corresponding to each chemical reaction section. The temperature regulator further includes a heat conductor, a heat exchanging unit, and a temperature controlling unit that controls electric current to be applied to the thermoelectric element based on a temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit.

Abstract: A combination bread toaster and steamer device and method includes inserting at least one piece of bread into a bread slot of a combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing water into a heater pan of a steamer compartment on the combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing another food into the steamer compartment; activating at least one bread heating element disposed adjacent the bread slot and a steamer heating element disposed adjacent the steamer compartment; and activation of the steamer heating element reducing wattage to the bread heating element that would be used by the bread heating element when operating alone.

Abstract: A showcase including an electric heater in a rack. The rack can be inexpensively constituted to be light in weight, and processing of an electric heater leader line can be facilitated. The showcase includes the electric heater in the rack for displaying commercial goods. The rack includes a metal main body and edge members made of resins. The edge members are mounted to front and rear parts of the main body. An insertion hole for mounting a partition member to partition the rack is formed in the edge member. An insertion hole for mounting a guard to prevent falling of the commercial goods is formed in the edge member mounted to a front edge of the main body.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for heating and sensing the temperature of a chemical reaction chamber without direct physical contact between a heating device and the reaction chamber, or between a temperature sensor and the reaction chamber. A plurality of chemical reaction chambers can simultaneously or sequentially be heated independently and monitored separately.

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 disclosed for warming tortillas and other foods. The device operates with a standard electric alternating current ranging from 110 to 120 volts in the US and 220v–240v in other countries. This appliance is to be used in homes or in businesses for the purpose of warming either corn or flour tortillas in quantities ranging from one up to six at a time. The electric current provides energy to heater elements located within the unit and thus provide the heat necessary to warm the tortillas placed on a plurality of circular loading trays. The loading trays are specially designed to lock-in-place in the open and closed positions and are designed to work with a vertical pivot tube which allows the loading trays a pivot-swivel action for efficiency in the loading and unloading of tortillas.

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: A thermocycler has, as heating devices, a plurality of heating blocks each with a respective coupling face, for heating at least one stationary specimen that during one temperature cycle has a plurality of temperature levels. The plurality of heating blocks is pivotably disposed, and the pivot axis is oriented perpendicularly to the coupling faces. The thermocycler is especially well suited for performing the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: A heater module is described that includes a heat distribution plate including a bottom portion having first and second sides and a plurality of projections extending away from one of the sides. A heat source is provided for heating the heat distribution plate, and, optionally, a heating tray can be used to receive the heat source and heat distribution plate. The heater module is adapted to engage a sample purification tray having a plurality of purification and/or discharge columns which can extend through openings in the heater module and direct a sample into a sample receiving tray. Methods of heating samples using the heater module are also described.

Abstract: A counter-top cooker includes a base, a cooking chamber having a top end and a bottom end supported on the base, and a power head attached to the top end of the cooking chamber. The power head includes a heating element and a fan for directing airflow over the heating element and into the cooking chamber. The cooker also includes another heating element provided in the cooking chamber proximate the bottom end of the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A heater module is described that includes a heat distribution plate including a bottom portion having first and second sides and a plurality of projections extending away from one of the sides. A heat source is provided for heating the heat distribution plate, and, optionally, a heating tray can be used to receive the heat source and heat distribution plate. The heater module is adapted to engage a sample purification tray having a plurality of purification and/or discharge columns which can extend through openings in the heater module and direct a sample into a sample receiving tray. Methods of heating samples using the heater module are also described.

Abstract: Sample processing systems and methods of using those systems for processing sample materials located in devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems also include connection apparatus that allow for rapid and easy removal and/or replacement of base plates.

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for biological samples. The thermal cycling device may include a sample block, an annular plate, and a plurality of spring devices interposed between the sample block and the annular plate. The sample block has a plurality of openings for receiving sample wells of a sample well tray. The annular plate may be positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the sample block and may be configured to abut a bottom surface of the sample well tray when the sample well tray is positioned thereon. The plurality of spring device may be interposed between the sample block and the annular plate to urge the annular plate and sample well tray away from the sample block.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for heating and sensing the temperature of a chemical reaction chamber without direct physical contact between a heating device and the reaction chamber, or between a temperature sensor and the reaction chamber. A plurality of chemical reaction chambers can simultaneously or sequentially be heated independently and monitored separately.

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: A temperature control system provides for the optimal management of patient temperature during a surgical procedure, such as those which require the patient to on bypass. The system employs a plurality of controllers as well as a plurality of temperature control means in order to provide optimal temperature control. In one configuration of the invention, controllers for each of the heat exchange devices may be interconnected using a data link. The connection may provide for a master/slave relationship wherein temperature sensors included in each system are employable as temperature feedback for initiating temperature changes. This device may be configured such that it operates in conjunction with another device or provides stand alone temperature control.

Abstract: An oven for transferring heat to food in trays and a method for using the oven. The oven includes a cabinet with partitions dividing the interior into a plurality of separate, thermally isolated holding compartments each adapted for removably receiving a tray of food. Heat sources above the tray emit radiant heat to warm the food in the trays. A control mechanism controls the duration of the total hold time for the food having a duration of heated holding time during which a respective heat source is activated. The oven. also includes a forced air mechanism under the control of the control mechanism for delivering forced air into the compartments. The heat sources are activated and deactivated during successive duty cycles to thereby to maintain the food in a respective compartment at a selected holding temperature for a duration of heated holding time.

Abstract: A multi-well plate is disclosed for holding chemical compounds for heating in a microwave oven. The plate is a substantially planar member having wells arranged in an array of rows and columns in its upper surface. The plate has heat reservoirs in the form of fluid filled channels or elongated solid bodies positioned lengthwise along the side portions of the plate to reduce temperature gradients among the wells across the length and width of the plate. The heat reservoirs prevent or mitigate heat loss from the wells near the side portions of the plate and ensure that the compounds in all of the wells have a uniform temperature.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charging a so-called heating washer (heating cushion) (10) with heat energy to be liberated at a chosen point of time through activating the heating washer (10) when the same e.g. has been placed on stiff/tender musculature. According to the invention, the heating washer is steamed, either one or more at a time, in a steam chamber positioned above a water chamber in a steam cooking apparatus (30), wherein the water chamber is separated from the overlying steam chamber by means of a horizontally directed partition plate (34), fluid communication being maintained between the chambers. The charging of the heating washer (10) by means of steam prevents that the heating washers are damaged in the way that may happen when boiled in water.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching door parts of an automobile door equipped with a door glass and a quarter glass. The method includes the steps of: (i) attaching a lower-bar of a division bar inside a door panel, where the division bar includes the lower-bar and an upper-bar separated from and positioned above the lower-bar for installation between the door glass and the quarter glass; (ii) attaching a glass seal of unified parts to a periphery of the quarter glass to form a quarter part, where the unified parts are formed by integrally molding the upper-bar made of resin, a glass seal and a glass run for sealing the door glass; (iii) attaching a center pillar side of the glass run to a door frame; (iv) attaching the door glass to the door panel with support of the lower-bar; (v) connecting a bottom end of the upper-bar to a top end of the lower-bar; and (vi) attaching the quarter part and a remaining portion of the glass run to corresponding portions.

Abstract: A surgical warming system includes at least one and generally two or more compartments, whereby each compartment is separately heatable and controllable over its own range of temperatures. The compartments may be implemented as separate warmer units in stacked relation. Alternatively, the compartments may be constructed into a single cabinet structure. The heat within each compartment is provided by forcing air through a heating chamber and into the compartment whereby the forced air is recycled and mixed with make-up air. Each individually controllable compartment enables an operator to simultaneously maintain the individual compartments of the same warming system at different desired temperatures. In addition, the warming system further includes for each compartment a display and a tray or drawer with individual receptacles and corresponding monitoring assemblies in order to indicate the temperature and residence time of each item heated within that compartment.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for biological samples. The thermal cycling device may include a sample block, an annular plate, and a plurality of spring devices interposed between the sample block and the annular plate. The sample block has a plurality of openings for receiving sample wells of a sample well tray. The annular plate may be positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the sample block and may be configured to abut a bottom surface of the sample well tray when the sample well tray is positioned thereon. The plurality of spring device may be interposed between the sample block and the annular plate to urge the annular plate and sample well tray away from the sample block.

Abstract: The use of incubation means for the controlled heating of biological materials, said means comprising an electrically conducting polymer connectable to a power supply, said polymer being either contiguous or integral with an incubation vessel, or adapted to be in thermal contact with an incubation vessel. Incubation apparatus including such means and a method for culturing biological materials using them are also described and claimed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for warming infant feedings includes a housing having a lower chamber, a middle chamber, and an upper chamber, a plurality of apertures associated with a first partition separating the lower chamber from the middle chamber, and a plurality of portals associated with a second partition separating the upper chamber from the middle chamber. Each portal is positioned above a respective aperture and adapted to position an infant feeding over the respective aperture. A false feeding is coupled to an underside of the second partition and disposed above a respective aperture and a surface heat sensor probe is coupled to the false feeding. The surface heat sensor probe is operable to detect a temperature of the false feeding, and a heating unit is coupled to the heat sensor probe. The heating unit includes a fan operable to continuously circulate air through the lower chamber and into the middle chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for diagnostic, experimental and other laboratory procedures and methods associated therewith. In particular, the invention provides a sample container for a fluid sample comprising a support, a receptacle which, together with the support, defines a sample space, and heater means affixed to said support in thermal contact with, but electrically insulated from, the sample space. The containers are particularyl suitable for use in PCR procedures.

Abstract: In comparison with the treatment using only a single vessel, this invention can more efficiently and more completely facilitate the temperature of liquid to be kept at a predetermined temperature by transferring liquid from a liquid storage vessel to a vessel maintained at a predetermined temperature. In comparison with the case using only a single vessel, in which control of raising and lowering the temperature needs be executed by a heating means or transferring a container accompanied by liquid to a heating position, the reaction can more efficiently be executed by this aspect of the invention, and the amplification can be executed more easily and in a shorter time. And as the mechanism for transferring the container needs not be mounted, the structure of the equipment can be simplified. Furthermore, all the process including the control of temperature, can be executed with one continuous operation by this aspect of the invention.

Abstract: An intravenous solution bag includes a temperature sensing device in the form of a temperature sensing strip. The strip includes a temperature scale and corresponding temperature sensitive substances that change color or illuminate the scale indicators to visually indicate solution temperature. The strip may be formed integral with the bag, may be attached to the bag exterior surface, may be laminated to the bag exterior surface or may be encased with the bag within a solution bag liner. Further, the temperature sensing strip may be affixed to bottles containing intravenous or other solutions, where the strip is attached to the bottle exterior surface or to a label affixed to the bottle to measure and indicate temperature of fluid contained therein as described above. Moreover, the temperature sensing strip may be employed by a receptacle or delivery tube of an infusion apparatus to measure and indicate solution temperature prior to or during infusion.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for a titration plate enables selected sample wells to be individually subjected to heating and cooling cycles independent of the temperature of adjacent sample wells. Each sample well is fitted with its own mechanism for independently heating and cooling the sample therein while a heat sensing mechanism provides feedback to the controller. The device is especially well adapted for enabling elected samples in a single titration plate to be simultaneously subjected to different PCR programs.

Abstract: Some of the blind holes (6) between indentations (4) of a heating surface (3) contain lifting elements (7) which, after opening of a cover, release a microtitre plate (13) from the heating surface (3) and raise said microtitre plate about 2 to 3 mm, so that it can be removed without application of force. Each lifting element (7) consists of a coil spring (8) and a contact pin (9) made of, for example, PEEK which is inserted into said coil spring and presses with a round flat abutting surface (12) against the lower surface of the microtitre plate (13). The spring constant of the lifting element (7) is about 6 N/mm.

Abstract: A portable food container with incorporated heaters including a container portion. The container portion includes a first cover member hingeably coupled with the back wall for covering the open upper end. The container portion includes a second cover member hingeably coupled with the back wall for covering the first cover member and the open upper end. The second cover member contains a thermos bottle therein. A pair of heating elements are disposed within the closed lower end of the container portion. Three insulated receptacles are removably positioned within the container portion including two hot food receptacles and one cold food receptacle. The hot food receptacles are each in contact with one of the heating elements. A control panel allows independent control of a duration and activation time of day for heating by each of the heating elements.

Abstract: A laboratory microplate incubator (10) including a housing (12) having a specially-sized, enclosed incubation chamber (24) therein and a temperature control assembly (14) that uniformly maintains the temperature within the incubator in a desired range. The temperature control assembly includes a heater (34) positioned within the housing for heating the chamber, a temperature sensor (38) and a controller (36). Multiple incubation chambers can be electrically controlled by the temperature control assembly in a master incubator. Multiple incubation chambers can be stacked to conserve laboratory space. An externally fillable water reservoir is provided inside the chamber.

Abstract: A microtiter plate system includes an integral heater. In an embodiment, the integral heater includes a heater plate. In another embodiment, the integral heater includes resistive heater wires positioned beneath and/or between the wells of a microtiter plate. In an embodiment, the microtiter plate system includes optically clear well bottoms that permit sensing and measurement of samples through the optically clear well bottoms. In an implementation, an optically clear heater is positioned beneath the optically clear well bottoms. In an alternative implementation, resistive heater wires are positioned between the wells. In an embodiment, the microtiter plate system includes a microtiter plate lid with an integral heater, which can be implemented using a heater plate, resistive wires, and the like.

Abstract: When the reaction process is commences, the roller 12 is rotated at a specified number of revolutions so as to supply new sheet 11 between the heating plate 13 and the sheet retainer 15. Then, the fixing device 24 is lowered toward the heat cycler 24, the sheet 11 contacts the opening of the reaction container 23 arranged on the reaction container support block 22, and then the heating plate 13 pushes down the sheet 11 to let the sheet closely contact the opening of the reaction container 23. After the reaction of the reaction solution in the reaction container 23 is complete, the sheet retainer 15 retains the sheet 11, and then is lifted together with the fixing device 24 to separate the sheet 11 from the opening of the reaction container 23. Then, the roller 12 is rotated by a specified number of revolutions so that the used sheet 11 is taken up onto the roller 12 and new sheet 11 is supplied.

Abstract: An ampoule incubator and light analyzer is provided which includes a housing having at least one receptacle for an ampoule, an incubation system, a light analysis system, and a master control system. According to the invention, the incubation system includes, for each receptacle, a heating element which heats the ampoule and a temperature sensor which senses the temperature of the ampoule. Each receptacle is preferably insulated to prevent unintended heating of neighboring receptacles of the apparatus. The incubation system is adapted to quickly heat the receptacle, and consequently the ampoule provided therein, up to the desired temperature. The incubation system is calibrated by soaking the circuits of the control system in a controlled temperature environment maintained at the desired operation temperature for analysis of the ampoules.

Abstract: A microtiter plate system includes an integral heater. In an embodiment, the integral heater includes a heater plate. In another embodiment, the integral heater includes resistive heater wires positioned beneath and/or between the wells of a microtiter plate. In an embodiment, the microtiter plate system includes optically clear well bottoms that permit sensing and measurement of samples through the optically clear well bottoms. In an implementation, an optically clear heater is positioned beneath the optically clear well bottoms. In an alternative implementation, resistive heater wires are positioned between the wells. In an embodiment, the microtiter plate system includes a microtiter plate lid with an integral heater, which can be implemented using a heater plate, resistive wires, and the like.

Abstract: Some of the blind holes (6) between indentations (4) of a heating surface (3) contain lifting elements (7) which, after opening of a cover, release a microtitre plate (13) from the heating surface (3) and raise said microtitre plate about 2 to 3 mm, so that it can be removed without application of force. Each lifting element (7) consists of a coil spring (8) and a contact pin (9) made of, for example, PEEK which is inserted into said coil spring and presses with a round flat abutting surface (12) against the lower surface of the microtitre plate (13). The spring constant of the lifting element (7) is about 6 N/mm.