Automated cryogenic storage system

A cryogenic storage system comprising:

• a freezer configured to store a plurality of sample racks in a cryogenic environment, the freezer including a door enabling access to the cryogenic environment through a port at the top portion of the freezer;
• a rack carrier including a top plate positioned inside of the freezer for receiving the plurality of sample storage racks via a plurality of openings;
• and
• a retrieval system including:
• a drive system mounted to the top portion of the freezer, the drive system being configured to rotate the sample racks to align a selected one of the sample racks with the port;
• a sleeve configured to house the selected one of the sample racks above the port, the sleeve including a sleeve port for accessing a selected sample box from the selected one of the sample racks;
• and
• a rack puller, the rack puller being configured to engage the selected one of the sample racks and elevate the selected one of the sample racks through the port and into the sleeve;
• the sleeve and the rack puller being mounted to a top surface of the freezer.