Systems, devices, and methods for automated sample thawing
Inventors
Schryver, Brian • Shannon, David
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12615697-B2
Publication Date
2026-04-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to thawing a cryogenically frozen sample. A method of thawing a sample includes receiving a temperature data feed from one or more temperature sensors reporting an exterior surface temperature of a vessel, calculating a thaw end time based on the temperature data feed, and outputting a signal to interrupt thawing of the sample at the calculated thaw end time, the sample at the thaw end time having solid phase remaining. A method of thawing a cryogenic sample includes heating a sample container with a heater, determining a thaw start time for the cryogenic sample; determining an estimated thaw end time of the cryogenic sample based on the determined thaw start time of the cryogenic sample, the cryogenic sample at the estimated thaw end time having solid phase remaining; and stopping the heating of the sample container after the estimated thaw end time.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods for thawing a cryogenic sample in a vessel by estimating a thaw end time and interrupting or stopping heating while solid phase remains in the aqueous solution. In one approach, temperature data from sensors reporting the exterior surface temperature of the vessel below the top level of the sample informs the calculation of a thaw end time, whereupon a micro-controller signal interrupts thawing. In another approach, heating of a sample container stops after an estimated thaw end time determined based on a thaw start time.
Described implementations include temperature-equilibration blocks and heated split blocks equipped with temperature sensors and thermally conductive pliable material. Thawing-device assemblies and temperature profiles support temperature-informed thaw-end estimation across tested fill volumes. The disclosed tests assess thaw profiles, phase-change timing, and the reduction of post-thaw warming by interrupting thermal contact.
Claims Coverage
The claim coverage includes two inventive features directed to controlling sample thawing such that solid phase remains in the aqueous solution at the thaw end time.
Temperature-based thaw interruption
Receiving temperature data from one or more sensors reporting the exterior surface temperature of a vessel below the sample's top level, calculating a thaw end time from that data, and outputting a micro-controller signal to interrupt thawing while solid phase remains in the aqueous solution.
Estimated thaw end time based on thaw start time
Heating a sample container, determining a thaw start time, determining an estimated thaw end time based on the thaw start time while solid phase remains in the aqueous solution, and stopping heating after the estimated thaw end time.
Together, the independent claims cover temperature-data-based calculation of a thaw end time and start-time-based estimation of an end time, with thawing interrupted or heating stopped while solid phase remains in the aqueous solution.
Stated Advantages
Reported tests show repeatable thaw profiles after temperature equilibration.
Reported thaw profiles using a warming block are comparable to those using a water bath.
Similar thaw profiles are reported across the tested fill volumes.
Opening the block to interrupt thermal contact reduces post-thaw warming.
Documented Applications
Thawing cryogenic samples in vessels or sample containers while solid phase remains in the aqueous solution.
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