Thawing methods and apparatus
US11441979B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2015 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2300/1827
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides a method of thawing a sample comprised in a container, the method comprising the steps of: a) calculating an agitation program as a function of either or both of the sample volume and the type of the container, and the ice fraction in the sample, and optionally the thermal conductivity of the sample container; b) agitating said sample according to the program to agitate at least one region of the sample; and c) changing the agitation program applied to at least one region of the sample in response to changes in the sample volume and/or sample ice fraction. The invention further provides a method of reducing shearing to cells during a method of agitation, and methods for thawing a sample wherein a sample container is differentially heated. An apparatus for use in the methods is also provided, as is an apparatus for thawing and/or cooling a sample which comprises a resilient vessel wall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.