Automated vault module
AssigneeBrooks Automation, Inc.
InventorsEtienne Croquette, Matteo Salvetti, Rhett Affleck
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A cryogenic storage system provides automated storage and retrieval of samples in a cryogenic environment, as well as automated transfer of individual samples between cryogenic environments. Stored samples are maintained under a cryogenic temperature threshold, while also enabling access to the samples. The samples are organized and tracked by scanning a barcode of each sample. Embodiments may also comprise multiple storage vaults and provide for transfer of individual samples between the storage vaults, as well as between a storage vault and a removable cryogenic storage device.
Claims19
A cryogenic storage system comprising:
- at least one vault configured to store a plurality of samples in at least a first cryogenic environment;
- and
- a sample handling module including a robotic arm configured to transfer automatically an individual sample of the plurality of samples, independent of a remainder of the plurality of samples, between the first cryogenic environment and a second cryogenic environment
- wherein, during the transfer between the first cryogenic environment and the second cryogenic environment, the sample handling module is further configured to 1) move the individual sample through a non-cryogenic environment, and 2) maintain the individual sample below a glass transition temperature of the individual sample during the transfer through the non-cryogenic environment.
A method of cryogenic storage comprising:
- storing a plurality of samples in at least one vault encompassing at least a first cryogenic environment;
- operating a robotic arm to automatically transfer an individual sample of the plurality of samples, independent of a remainder of the plurality of samples, between the first cryogenic environment and a second cryogenic environment;
- maintaining the individual sample below a glass transition temperature of the individual sample during the transfer;
- and
- moving the individual sample through a non-cryogenic environment during the transfer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.