Method and apparatus for temperature control of multiple samples

Apparatus for controlling the individual temperatures of a plurality of samples which are in close enough proximity for a change in the temperature of one sample to affect the temperature of another sample, wherein the apparatus independently controls the temperature at a desired set point for each sample, the apparatus comprising:

• a) a sample plate having a plurality of sample containers for containing individual samples;
• b) each such sample container having:
• 1) base,
• 2) a spreader plate of heat conducting material located beneath and in thermal contact with the base of the container, and
• 3) a collar of heat conducting material surrounding the base of the container and in thermal contact therewith,
• c) a separate first heating means in thermal contact with each sample container for separately heating each sample;
• d) additional heating means for heating at least one of the spreader plate and the collar of each sample container independently of the associated first heating means,
• e) a cooling means for continuously cooling all the samples, said cooling means comprising:
• 1) a cooling block adapted to be maintained at a temperature substantially lower than that of the set point of any of the samples, and
• 2) means providing a path for the flow of heat from each of the samples to the cooling block,
• 3) said means including a thermal resistance associated with each sample container and located between the sample container and the cooling block,
• f) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of each sample;
• and
• g) regulating means for regulating each of the heating means according to the sensed temperature of each respective sample and the temperature of the set point for each sample.