Thermal cycler with protection from atmospheric moisture

Abstract

Localized temperature control in a thermal cycler is achieved by thermoelectric modules that are protected from exposure to atmospheric moisture by a pair of loop-shaped gaskets that seal off an enclosure formed by the sample block, the heat sink, and a support frame to which the components are secured. The heat sink is a block with a plurality of fins and is secured to the thermoelectric modules by one or more clamping bars that fit between the fins and are arranged to eliminate interference with the fin geometry and with the functional surface area of the fins. Electric leads are embedded in a molded retainer element, each lead being in the shape of a “U” with two exposed legs joined by a bar at one end, one of the leads extending into the region sealed from the atmosphere and the other extending outside the region.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention resides in the field of laboratory apparatus for performing procedures that require simultaneous temperature control in a multitude of samples in a multi-receptacle sample block. In particular, this invention addresses concerns arising with the use of thermoelectric modules for temperature modulation and control. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of many examples of chemical processes that require precise temperature control of reaction mixtures with rapid temperature changes between different stages of the procedure. PCR is a process for amplifying DNA, i.e., producing multiple copies of a DNA sequence from a single copy. PCR is typically performed in instruments that provide reagent transfer, temperature control, and optical detection in a multitude of reaction vessels such as wells, tubes, or capillaries. The process includes a sequence of stag...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, the thermoelectric modules in a thermal cycler are placed inside an enclosure that is formed by the sample block, the heat sink and a support frame, and that is sealed against the intrusion of atmospheric moisture by gaskets, one of which is compressed between the sample block and the support frame and the other between the heat sink and the support frame. The gaskets allow for rapid assembly of the components and do not require manual positioning or alignment. Sealing can be achieved by simply placing the sample block, modules, and heat sink in the frame and securing these parts together.

[0010] A still further innovation present by this invention is a novel configuration of an electric lead in a molded part that serves as a partition dividing a region sealed against atmospheric exposure from a neighboring region. The electric lead has two legs joined at one end by a cross-bar to form a “U” shape. The cross-bar is embedded in the molded part and both legs are exposed and available for electrical connections, one leg extending into the sealed region and the other leg extending into the neighboring region. The “U” shape facilitates the molding of the part around the lead, and the part with the lead thus embedded is useful in any electronic device or instrument that contains electronic components that require an environment in which they are protected from exposure to atmospheric moisture. One such instrument is a thermal cycler, where one leg of the lead is electrically connected to the thermoelectric module inside the enclosure and the other leg is electrically connected to external electrical components such as a power supply, a controller, or any such component that feeds or regulates current to the module.

Problems solved by technology

While the modules are highly effective and versatile, their efficiency can be compromised by a variety of factors in the construction of the cycler.

The temperature changes can cause condensation on the module surfaces, for example, and the clamping apparatus that assures that the components are in full thermal contact can interfere with the heat sink fins.

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