Client: Bio-Rad

Project Objectives:
PCR cyclers require rapid precision cycling of a tray of test samples between two temperature extremes. Most commercial cyclers use thermoelectric devices to perform the heating and cooling. Leveraging off of the TEC technology in iCycler product, Applied Thermal was tasked to minimize heat sink size and cost and optimize sample-to-sample temperature uniformity without compromising cycling performance.

Achievements:
A fully 3D transient CFD model was created to simulate the TEC behavior in the system. Using this model, several key thermal components were designed including a

• gasketing system that eliminates condensation and improves temperature uniformity
• 30% smaller heat sink

Client: Novacept

Project Objectives:
Novacept was developing a system for treating excessive menstrual bleeding using pressurized hot saline injection into the uterus. Applied Thermal was tasked to determine the extent of penetration of the heated solution, with and without the presence of fibroids.

Achievements:
Using CFD simulation of the uterus and surrounding tissue, Applied Thermal demonstrated that the treatment was effective in an unobstructed uterus. In the presence of small fibroids, an optimal injection nozzle design was found, that maximized the penetration. However, with large fibroids, the saline could not flow beyond the fibroid, no matter how the nozzle was designed, leaving a portion of the uterus untreated.

• Caliper
• Cepheid
• Stratagene
• Stryker Endoscopy
• Alexza