Shock absorbing container to protect cryopreserved biological material
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11542085-B2
Publication Date
2023-01-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
A shock absorbing container to protect cryogenically frozen biological material includes an outer case, which includes a first outer panel and a second outer panel, the first outer panel and the second outer panel movable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, the first outer panel and the second outer panel defining a storage space in the closed position, the first outer panel having a first side facing the storage space, the second outer panel having a first side facing the storage space, wherein moving the first outer panel and the second outer panel into the open position creates or enlarges an opening to access the storage space. A first foam panel is on the first side of the first outer panel, and a second foam panel on the first side of the second outer panel.
Core Innovation
A shock absorbing container protects cryogenically frozen biological material by using an outer case with a first outer panel and a second outer panel that move relative to each other between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the first outer panel and the second outer panel define a storage space, and moving the panels into the open position creates or enlarges an opening to access the storage space.
Shock absorption is implemented using a first foam panel and a second foam panel located on the first sides of the first outer panel and the second outer panel, respectively. The foam panels include reticulated foam, and the reticulated foam, at ambient temperature, can receive a bag of biological fluid, adapt to the bag of biological fluid shape accordingly, and then be cryogenically frozen to become rigid.
Additional structural arrangements include a pouch at least partially enclosing a foam panel and fastened to an outer panel, with the foam panel positioned between the pouch and the first outer panel. Other embodiments further specify that the pouch includes a hydrophilic material or that a third foam panel connects the first panel to the second panel.
Claims Coverage
The partial claims include three independent claim sets. The inventive features focus on movable outer panels defining a storage space, reticulated-foam shock absorption that adapts at ambient temperature and becomes rigid after cryogenic freezing, and optional pouch and foam-connection configurations.
Movable outer panels defining storage space with access opening
An outer case including a first outer panel and a second outer panel movable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, wherein the first outer panel and the second outer panel define a storage space in the closed position, and moving the panels into the open position creates or enlarges an opening to access the storage space.
Reticulated-foam panels that receive a bag and become rigid after cryogenic freezing
A first foam panel on the first side of the first outer panel and a second foam panel on the first side of the second outer panel, each including reticulated foam, where the reticulated foam at ambient temperature can receive a bag of biological fluid, adapt to its shape accordingly, and then be cryogenically frozen to become rigid.
Closable opening and opposing peripheral reticulated-foam dampeners
An outer case defining an internal volume and having a closable opening to insert to or remove from the internal volume the bag of biological fluid, with a length, a width, and a thickness where the length and the width greater than the thickness, and the closable opening configured to open a greater amount than the thickness; a first foam dampener on a first peripheral side of the internal volume and a second foam dampener on a second peripheral side of the internal volume, each including reticulated foam, where the reticulated foam at ambient temperature can receive the bag of biological fluid, adapt to its shape accordingly, and then be cryogenically frozen to become rigid.
Pouch fastened to an outer panel enclosing a foam panel
A pouch at least partially enclosing the first foam panel, the pouch being fastened to the first outer panel, and the first foam panel being between the pouch and the first outer panel.
Pouch including hydrophilic material
A pouch at least partially enclosing the first foam panel, where the pouch includes a hydrophilic material.
Third foam panel connecting first and second panels
A third foam panel connecting the first panel to the second panel.
Across the independent claims, the container is characterized by movable outer panels that open for access to a storage space, reticulated foam that receives a bag of biological fluid at ambient temperature and then becomes rigid after cryogenic freezing for shock absorption, and optional structural refinements using a pouch, including hydrophilic material, and a third foam panel connecting the first and second foam panels.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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