Freeze-drying tray assembly

Abstract

Assemblies, systems, and methods for preventing contamination and alteration of a biological material during and after freeze-drying processes are disclosed. Tray assemblies configured to hold the biological material in a container during a freeze-drying process include a tray and complementary lid. The lid can include compressible leg members configured to transition from an extended configuration to a compressed configuration in response to a downward force applied against the lid when the lid is positioned above the tray. A gap exists between an upper edge of the tray and an underside of the lid when the leg members are extended. With the legs extended and the tray assembly open, the tray assembly is freeze-dried. After freeze-drying is complete, the legs can be compressed and the lid sealed against the tray, enclosing the biological material within the assembly, and protecting it from contamination and ambient air exposure within and outside the chamber.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.