Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing scalable thermal cyclers and isolating thermoelectric devices

A method for controlling a thermoelectric device in a thermal cycler system, the method comprising:

• providing a thermal cycler system, the thermal cycler system, comprising:
• a sample block comprising a sample block perimeter, a block first surface, and a second block surface, wherein the block first surface is configured for receiving a sample support device;
• a drip pan positioned along and outside the sample block perimeter;
• a thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the block second surface;
• a thermal sensor positioned to monitor temperature of the sample block;
• a thermal control unit positioned outside the sample block perimeter and electrically connected to the thermoelectric device by way of an electrical cable;
• a heat sink comprising:
• a heat sink perimeter;
• a heat sink surface in thermal communication with the thermoelectric device;
• and
• a cavity recessed in the heat sink surface at a location lateral to and outside the sample block perimeter;
• and
• a sealing member positioned adjacent to the cavity between the cavity and the heat sink perimeter, the sealing member being configured to isolate the thermoelectric device from ambient moisture conditions,
• wherein the cavity and the sealing member are positioned to route the electrical cable from the thermal control unit to the thermoelectric device;
• and
• controlling the temperature of the sample block by controlling the thermoelectric device.