Multichamber storage apparatus and related method

Abstract

A storage apparatus comprises a housing for defining a cryogenic storage unit and a plurality of low-temperature chambers disposed one next to the other, the housing including partitions for separating the chambers from one another. Temperature controls for controlling temperature independently in each of the chambers is operatively connected to each of the chambers. Each one of the chambers has access to at least one other chamber contiguous with the one chamber. Supports are provided for holding a plurality of specimens within each chamber. A conveyor or transfer mechanism is provided for transfering selected specimens between contiguous chambers, independently of other specimens in the housing. In addition, access is provided to the housing to enable deposition and removal of given specimens from the housing. A plurality of individually operable freezing/thawing units are also connected to the cryogenic unit for controlling the freezing and thawing of specimens or groups of specimens at different freezing and thawing rates. The durations of temporary specimen storage in the low-temperature chmabers and the rates of temperature change in the freezing/thawing chambers are controlled by a computer in accordance with pre-established freezing and heating protocols.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.