US 12,239,991 B2
Thermal unit and device for thermal cycling biological samples, and method for thermal cycling biological samples using such device
Daniel Ahr, Neuenbuerg (DE); Sara Zimmermann, Schoemberg (DE); Andreas Klittich, Pforzheim (DE); Andre Wurster, Hoefen (DE); and Michael Fautz, Stutensee (DE)
Assigned to Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, CA (US)
Filed by Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, CA (US)
Filed on Jan. 29, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/161,945.
Claims priority of application No. 20154489 (EP), filed on Jan. 30, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0237087 A1, Aug. 5, 2021
Int. Cl. B01L 7/00 (2006.01)
CPC B01L 7/52 (2013.01) [B01L 2200/147 (2013.01); B01L 2300/0829 (2013.01); B01L 2300/1822 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A thermal unit for simultaneous thermal cycling of a plurality of samples, comprising at least one thermal block and a cooling structure, the thermal block comprising at least one thermoelectric energy converter and a heat transfer plate attached to the thermoelectric energy converter for dissipation of thermal energy away from the thermoelectric energy converter, and the cooling structure comprising a heat sink, a guide plate connected to the heat sink, and a duct cover plate connected to the guide plate, at least one air fan mounted to the guide plate, and an exhaust air duct formed from a channel between the guide plate and the duct cover plate, wherein
the heat sink is connected to the heat transfer plate on a first side of the heat sink and is exposed to the air fan on a second side of the heat sink, opposite the first side, with the air fan providing a stream of intake air towards the second side of the heat sink, and
the exhaust air duct guides a stream of exhaust air away from the second side of the heat sink, with the stream of intake air and the stream of exhaust air being structurally separated from each other.