Ultra-low temperature storage system

Abstract

A system 10 for storing and processing a plurality of biological or chemical samples at ultra-low temperatures is provided. The system 10 comprises a plurality of ultra-low temperature storage locations 30; an enclosed pathway 35 adjacent the storage locations 30; and a manipulator module 60 disposed within the pathway 35 for conveying vessels 33 along the pathway 35 between the storage locations 30 in the system 10. Each of the storage locations being accessed through an insulated access panel 36 on the side of the storage location 30, the panel 36 being configured to close the storage location 30 from the pathway 35.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for storing and processing a plurality of biological or chemical samples at ultra-low temperatures, the system comprising:
 a plurality of ultra-low temperature storage locations;   an enclosed pathway adjacent the storage locations;   a manipulator module disposed within the pathway for conveying vessels along the pathway between the storage locations in the system; and characterized by   each of the storage locations being accessed through an insulated access panel on the side of the storage location, the panel being configured to close the storage location from the pathway.   
     
     
       2. The system according to claim  1  20, wherein the temperature of the pathway is maintained between ultra-low temperatures and the external environment. 
     
     
       3. The system according to claim  1  20, wherein the storage locations are maintained at approximately −80° C. 
     
     
       4. The system according to claim  1  20, wherein the temperature of the pathway is approximately −20° C. 
     
     
       5. The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one module for housing the storage locations. 
     
     
       6. An enclosure for storing and processing a plurality of biological or chemical samples at ultra-low temperatures, the enclosure comprising:
 walls to close the enclosure;   a plurality of modules defined by walls wherein each module comprises a plurality of compartments and is maintained, in use, at about −80° C.;   a pathway maintained, in use, at about −20° C. and situated adjacent the modules;   wherein walls of the enclosure are separated from the walls of the modules.   
     
     
       7. The enclosure according to  claim 6 , further comprising a manipulator module disposed within the pathway for conveying vessels along the pathway between the storage locations in the system. 
     
     
       8. The enclosure according to  claim 6 , wherein the compartments filled, in use, by drawers with integral access panels. 
     
     
       9. The enclosure to  claim 6 , wherein the compartments are filled, in use, by trays closed by separate access panels. 
     
     
       10. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the access panel is pivotable, removable or slidable to enable the manipulator module to access the storage locations horizontally. 
     
     
       11. The system according to claim  5  20 further comprising at least one module for housing the storage module, wherein the modules are maintained at a maximum dewpoint of −40° C. 
     
     
       12. The system according to claim  1  20, wherein the manipulator module has an insulated surround in which samples can be maintained at ultra-low temperatures. 
     
     
       13. The system according to claim  1  20, further comprising a picker mounted with the manipulator module. 
     
     
       14. The system according to claim  1  20, wherein pathway includes an area in which the manipulator module can be “parked”. 
     
     
       15. The enclosure according to  claim 9 , wherein the access panel is pivotable, removable or slidable to enable the manipulator module to access the storage locations horizontally. 
     
     
       16. The enclosure according to claim  9  20, wherein the modules are maintained at a maximum dewpoint of −40° C. 
     
     
       17. The enclosure according to  claim 6 , wherein the manipulator module has an insulated surround in which samples can be maintained at ultra-low temperatures. 
     
     
       18. The enclosure according to  claim 6 , further comprising a picker mounted with the manipulator module. 
     
     
       19. The enclosure according to  claim 6 , wherein pathway includes an area in which the manipulator module can be “parked”. 
     
     
       20. A system for storing and processing a plurality of biological or chemical samples in vessels at ultra-low temperatures, the system comprising:
 an enclosure having thermally insulating walls, and within the enclosure:
 at least one thermally insulated storage module having at least one of a tray and a drawer providing in use a plurality of ultra-low temperature storage locations for said vessels; 
 an enclosed pathway, in use at a temperature above said ultra-low temperature below ambient, and disposed adjacent an upright side of said storage module and said storage locations; 
 a manipulator module disposed within the pathway for conveying vessels along the pathway between the storage locations in the system, wherein said manipulator module includes a transfer portion, in which transfer portion at least one of a tray and a drawer is located for carrying samples in said vessels from said storage locations; 
 a thermally insulating access panel on the upright side of the storage module, the panel being configured to close and insulate each storage location from the pathway, and wherein the access panel is pivotable, removable or slidable to enable the manipulator module to access the storage location horizontally; and 
   a cooler and control system for refrigerating the storage locations and enclosed pathway.   
     
     
       21. The system according to claim 20, including a plurality of modules housing the storage locations defined by walls; wherein the walls of the enclosure are separated from the walls of the modules.