Sample storage cassette for ultra-low or cryogenic temperatures

US9255936B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Hamilton Storage Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Frank Hunt · Shrewsbury, US
• Julian Warhurst · Portsmouth, US
• Bruce S. Zandi · Lexington, US
• Robert P. Cloutier · Spencerport, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 9, 2011
• Grant date: Feb 9, 2016
• Expiry date: Mar 19, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2035/0462
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A storage cassette including a plurality of generally vertical compartments for storing sample tube racks and/or SBS formatted plates is constructed to be flexible along its substantially vertical axis thereby facilitating reliable robotic placement and retrieval of the cassette from nesting tubes located within a horizontal freezer compartment. Insulated walls and solid shelves minimize heat transfer from storage racks or plates placed in the storage cassette when the cassette is removed from an ultra-low temperature or cryogenic freezer. The outer walls of the cassette includes mechanical indexing locations to ensure appropriate positioning when robotically removing storage racks or plates from the cassette.