公开(公告)号：US20250130248A1

公开(公告)日：2025-04-24

申请号：US18920388

申请日：2024-10-18

Applicant: Cepheid

Inventor： Gowtham Subramaniam ,  Douglas B. Dority ,  Matthew Piccini ,  Jing Zhang

IPC: G01N35/00 ,  G01K13/12

Abstract: Thermal control devices utilizing a thermal switch to facilitate cooling of a biological sample, particularly a biological sample tested with a semiconductor diagnostic detection chip. Such thermal switches can include a mass of thermally conductive material, such as copper or aluminum, that selectively contacts the diagnostic chip or sample tube by use of an air cylinder or a servo-driven moveable support. Alternatively, the thermal switch can utilize a thermally conductive material that selectively contacts the diagnostic chip or sample tube by use of an inflatable bladder. Alternatively, the thermal switch can utilize a voice coil and a heat sink to selectively contact the diagnostic chip. The thermal control device can further include thermal overshoot feature, such as an air blower or placement of a heat sink in close proximity to the chip or tube. Associated methods of assembly and use of thermal control devices are also provided herein.