Cryogenic systems
Inventors
Assignees
Broadoak Fund Iii • Broadoak Fund Iii LLC • Biolife Solutions Inc
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Publication Number
US-10307761-B2
Publication Date
2019-06-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Cryogenic devices are provided in which solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used to maintain a temperature zone in which samples can be manipulated under conditions in which the sample is maintained at a temperature below −50 C.
Core Innovation
The cryogenic processing system includes an insulated container with sides and a floor forming a rectangular open-top interior chamber having a sample-holding portion. A perforated retainer positioned between the interior chamber and an interior side wall defines a retention space that holds dry ice pieces and exhausts CO2 gas directly into the chamber. A collar couples to the open top and extends partially or completely over at least one dry ice retention space.
The system permits access to the sample-holding portion while maintaining the interior chamber at an equilibrium condition below ambient temperature. Convection and CO2 outflow support cooling and reduce moisture accumulation within the interior chamber. Optional features include open and covered containers, alternative retainer cross-sections, temperature monitoring components, an alarm system, a touch-screen interface, and robotic or manual sample manipulation.
Claims Coverage
The supplied relevant claims identify one independent claim directed to a system for cryogenic processing comprising four inventive features.
Rectangular interior chamber with a sample-holding portion
A container has one or more sides and a floor forming a rectangular interior chamber with an open top, with part of the chamber floor forming a sample-holding portion.
Collar coupled to the open top
A collar is arranged to couple with the open top of the container and extends partially or completely over at least one dry ice retention space.
Perforated retainer forming a dry ice retention space
A perforated retainer positioned between the interior chamber and an interior side wall forms at least one dry ice retention space capable of holding dry ice pieces and exhausting CO2 gas directly into the interior chamber.
Access while maintaining an equilibrium condition below ambient temperature
The system is configured to allow access to the sample-holding portion of the chamber floor while maintaining the interior chamber at an equilibrium condition at a temperature below ambient temperature.
The independent claim combines a rectangular open-top chamber and accessible sample-holding portion with a collar and a perforated dry ice retainer exhausting CO2 into the chamber while maintaining equilibrium below ambient temperature.
Stated Advantages
The system allows access to the sample-holding portion while maintaining the interior chamber at an equilibrium condition below ambient temperature.
Convection and CO2 outflow support cooling and reduce moisture accumulation.
Documented Applications
The system is used for sample manipulation and handling under cryogenic conditions in its low-temperature zone.
The document describes sample handling, packaging, and transport applications.
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