Sample block apparatus and method for maintaining a microcard on a sample block
First Claim
1. A biological analysis system, comprising:
- a sample block having an upper surface sized and shaped to support a rigid substrate;
a gasket surrounding a region of the upper surface of the sample block, the gasket being positioned between the sample block and the rigid substrate when the rigid substrate is supported over the region of the sample block;
a heater in thermal communication with the sample block;
a controller operatively connected to the heater, the controller programmed to control the heater to raise and lower a temperature of the sample block through at least two repetitive cycles according to a user defined profile;
one or more vacuum ports opening within the region of the upper surface of the sample block; and
a vacuum source in fluid communication with the one or more vacuum ports to draw gas out of a space above the region, thereby creating a vacuum that exerts a force sufficient to retain the substrate in position over the region of the sample block.
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Accused Products
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. Methods of maintaining a microcard on a sample block of a thermal cycling device are also provided.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A biological analysis system, comprising:
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a sample block having an upper surface sized and shaped to support a rigid substrate; a gasket surrounding a region of the upper surface of the sample block, the gasket being positioned between the sample block and the rigid substrate when the rigid substrate is supported over the region of the sample block; a heater in thermal communication with the sample block; a controller operatively connected to the heater, the controller programmed to control the heater to raise and lower a temperature of the sample block through at least two repetitive cycles according to a user defined profile; one or more vacuum ports opening within the region of the upper surface of the sample block; and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the one or more vacuum ports to draw gas out of a space above the region, thereby creating a vacuum that exerts a force sufficient to retain the substrate in position over the region of the sample block. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system, comprising:
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a rigid substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the rigid substrate being configured to contain at least one DNA sample, and having at least one opening permitting light to pass through; a sample block having an upper surface sized and shaped to support the substrate; a gasket surrounding a region of the upper surface of the sample block, wherein a portion of the first surface of the substrate is configured to overlay the gasket when the substrate is supported over the region of the sample block; a heater in thermal communication with the sample block; a controller operatively connected to the heater, the controller programmed to control the heater to raise and lower a temperature of the sample block through at least two repetitive cycles according to a user defined profile; one or more vacuum ports opening within the region of the upper surface of the sample block; and a vacuum source in fluid communication to create a vacuum within a volume defined between the region and the substrate when the substrate is supported over the region, the vacuum being sufficient to urge the substrate toward the sample block to retain the substrate in position over the region of the sample block while the temperature of the sample block is raised and lowered. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification