US 12,220,706 B2
Apparatus and methods for thermal cycling of sample
William S. Wang, Austin, TX (US); Steve Krueger, Austin, TX (US); Douglas Whitman, Austin, TX (US); Blaine Oldham, Austin, TX (US); and Tabitha Vanderstoep, Austin, TX (US)
Assigned to LUMINEX CORPORATION, Austin, TX (US)
Filed by LUMINEX CORPORATION, Austin, TX (US)
Filed on Sep. 14, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/931,973.
Application 17/931,973 is a continuation of application No. 16/860,140, filed on Apr. 28, 2020, abandoned.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/841,390, filed on May 1, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2023/0041131 A1, Feb. 9, 2023
Int. Cl. B01L 7/00 (2006.01); B01L 99/00 (2010.01); C12Q 1/686 (2018.01)
CPC B01L 7/52 (2013.01) [B01L 2300/1805 (2013.01); B01L 2300/1844 (2013.01); B01L 2300/1894 (2013.01); C12Q 1/686 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for thermal cycling, the apparatus comprising:
a first thermal mass;
a second thermal mass;
a retaining member;
a sample module;
at least one actuator;
and a
controller, wherein:
the controller is configured to control the at least one actuator;
the actuator is configured to move the first thermal mass and the second thermal mass from a first position to a second position;
the first thermal mass and the second thermal mass are in contact with the sample module in the first position;
the first thermal mass and the second thermal mass are not in contact with the sample module in the second position;
the retaining member is configured to retain the sample module in a fixed position as the as the actuator moves the first thermal mass and the second thermal mass from the first position to the second position; and
the sample module comprises:
a core layer;
a first film bonded to the core layer;
a second film bonded to the core layer;
an inlet;
a channel in fluid communication with the inlet;
a plurality of sample chambers in fluid communication with the channel; and
a plurality of air spring chambers containing air.