The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 07, 2006
Filed:
May. 08, 1998
John G. Atwood, West Redding, CT (US);
Adrian Fawcett, Pleasanton, CA (US);
Keith S. Ferrara, Stratford, CT (US);
Paul M. Hetherington, Goldens Bridge, NY (US);
Richard W. Noreiks, Stratford, CT (US);
Douglas E. Olsen, New Fairfield, CT (US);
John R. Widomski, Shelton, CT (US);
Charles M. Wittmer, Trumbull, CT (US);
John G. Atwood, West Redding, CT (US);
Adrian Fawcett, Pleasanton, CA (US);
Keith S. Ferrara, Stratford, CT (US);
Paul M. Hetherington, Goldens Bridge, NY (US);
Richard W. Noreiks, Stratford, CT (US);
Douglas E. Olsen, New Fairfield, CT (US);
John R. Widomski, Shelton, CT (US);
Charles M. Wittmer, Trumbull, CT (US);
Applera Corporation, Foster City, CA (US);
Abstract
An instrument for PCR comprising an assembly, a heated cover, and a computer. The assembly can include a sample block, Peltier devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. The sample block temperature can be changed by controlling the Peltier devices with the computer. A perimeter heater can be used to in prove thermal uniformity. A heated platen can push down onto tube caps to apply a minimum force for seating the tubes. The force can be applied about the periphery of the tube caps to prevent distortion of the caps. The platen can be heated to provide thermal isolation and prevent evaporation from the surface of the sample. The software can include diagnostics to compensate for variation in thermoelectric coolers such that all instruments can perform identically.