Tube picking mechanisms with an ultra-low temperature or cryogenic picking compartment

US9163869B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Hamilton Storage Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Julian Warhurst · Portsmouth, US
• Bruce S. Zandi · Lexington, US
• Alexander T. Carbone · Norton, US
• Frank Hunt · Shrewsbury, US
• Robert P. Cloutier · Spencerport, US
• James O'Toole · Vancouver, US
• Elizabeth Alexander · Westwood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 29, 2011
• Grant date: Oct 20, 2015
• Expiry date: Jul 28, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F25D25/04
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A tube picking mechanism is designed for use in an automated, ultra-low temperature (e.g. −80° C. or −135° C.) or cryogenic (e.g., about −140° C. to −196° C.) storage and retrieval system that stores biological or chemical samples. The samples are contained in storage tubes held in SBS footprint storage racks that are normally stored within an ultra-low temperature or cryogenic freezer compartment. The tube picking mechanism includes a tube picking chamber that is maintained at about −80° C., about −135° C. or at cryogenic temperatures in cryogenic applications. Active electrical and mechanical components are maintained in a compartment above and separate from the refrigerated, ultra-low temperature or cryogenic compartment. Thermal stratification inhibits heat transfer into the lower, ultra-low temperature or cryogenic compartment in which tube picking occurs from the upper compartment in which active electrical and mechanical components are located, and also inhibits heat transfer into the lower, ultra-low temperature or cryogenic compartment via an access door for tube storage racks.