Cryogenic storage and freezing beaker

Abstract

The present invention is directed to providing a cryogenic storage device and system that can be regulated at a constant temperature for cryopreservation of biological materials. A cryogenic storage system for cryopreservation of biological materials is provided that may include a storage beaker having at least one storage chamber formed therein, a cooling source, and a cold finger that may be configured to thermally couple the storage beaker to the cooling source.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cryogenic storage system for cryopreservation of biological materials, comprising:
 a storage beaker having at least one storage chamber formed therein,   a cooling source, and   a cold finger configured to thermally couple the storage beaker to the cooling source.   
     
     
         2 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , wherein the storage beaker comprising an opening configured for receipt of the cold finger. 
     
     
         3 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , wherein the storage beaker comprises a double-walled pod having a vacuum area disposed within the double-walled pod. 
     
     
         4 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 3 , wherein the storage beaker further comprises an opening configured for receipt of the cold finger. 
     
     
         5 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 4 , wherein the at least one storage chamber is positioned between the opening configured for receipt of the cold finger and the vacuum area disposed within the double-walled pod. 
     
     
         6 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cooling source is a mechanical cooler configured to maintain the temperature of the cold finger to between 14 to 55 Kelvin. 
     
     
         7 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cooling source is liquid nitrogen configured to reduce the temperature of the cold finger to between 14 to 77 Kelvin. 
     
     
         8 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 6 , wherein the mechanical cooler is configured to maintain the temperature of the cold finger at a constant temperature between 14 to 55 Kelvin. 
     
     
         9 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one storage chamber is configured for retention of at least one vitrification stick. 
     
     
         10 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , wherein the storage beaker comprises at least a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber, and wherein the storage beaker is labeled with an indicia, and the first storage chamber is labeled with a first marking and the second storage chamber is labeled with a second marking. 
     
     
         11 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , wherein the storage beaker comprises at least one electronic tracking component. 
     
     
         12 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , wherein the storage beaker further comprises a reservoir for holding of a cooling agent. 
     
     
         13 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 12 , wherein the reservoir is connected to the at least one storage chamber through a threaded hole. 
     
     
         14 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 12 , wherein the cooling agent is liquid nitrogen. 
     
     
         15 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cryogenic storage system is portable. 
     
     
         16 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second cold finger thermally coupled to the cooling source, and a freezing beaker thermally coupled to the second cold finger, wherein the freezing beaker is positioned substantially adjacent to the storage beaker so as to form a cryogenic work station. 
     
     
         17 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 16 , wherein the freezing beaker comprises a vitrification plate thermally coupled to the second cold finger. 
     
     
         18 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second cold finger thermally coupled to the cooling source, and a second storage beaker thermally coupled to the cooling source by the second cold finger, wherein the first storage beaker and the second storage beaker are disposed within a storage tray. 
     
     
         19 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , wherein the storage beaker further comprises an insulating lid. 
     
     
         20 . The cryogenic storage system according to  claim 1 , wherein the storage beaker is at least partially enclosed within a housing.