Recognition device for a rack and rack for containing storage boxes inside a refrigerated storage unit

Abstract

The invention consists of a recognition device (1) for a rack (100) for containing storage boxes inside a cold storage unit (500), wherein the recognition device (1) comprises a main body (2) comprising an upper surface (22) and a lower surface (24); and at least one recognition element (3) protruding or recessed with respect to the upper surface (22).

Description

RECOGNITION DEVICE FOR A RACK AND RACK FOR CONTAINING STORAGE BOXES INSIDE A REFRIGERATED STORAGE UNITDESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of cryogenic banks .

[0002] In the cryogenic banks , biological samples are stored in liquid nitrogen, typically at - 180 ° C . Such biological samples can be useful for research, transplantation, or other therapeutic needs . Examples of biological samples are stem cells , eggs or umbilical cords .

[0003] Speci fically, cryogenic banks have cold storage units , such as dewars , which contain aliquots or bags with biological samples inside . Each dewar can contain many aliquots or organic bags . The aliquots are contained in boxes arranged on a shelving, called racks . Therefore , each dewar generally contains a plurality of racks .

[0004] While the operator knows the position of each sample within the dewar and in the racks , in order to withdraw the desired biological samples , he / she must be able to recogni ze the correct rack to extract it from the dewar, select the box and then recogni ze the aliquot containing the biological samples .

[0005] The dewar is generally formed by a substantially cylindrical , or square or rectangular, closed body, whichhas an opening in the upper portion, from which it is possible to remove the racks arranged side by side therein .

[0006] The liquid nitrogen contained in dewars is an asphyxiating, odorless and tasteless gas which can cause contact burns . For such a reason, the operators working in cryogenic banks must use personal protective equipment , i . e . , a visor and gloves to protect against cold burns .

[0007] Liquid nitrogen evaporates very quickly at room temperature , creating a smokescreen which prevents operators from seeing inside the storage unit when it is opened .

[0008] A problem which has been encountered is the recognition of the correct rack to be removed, which action is performed manually by the operators . In fact , once the operators have identi fied the correct rack, he / she is able to identi fy the box and the aliquot containing the biological sample sought . The di f ficulty precisely lies in identi fying the correct rack from the plurality of racks contained in the storage unit , due to the poor visibility in the presence o f nitrogen vapor .

[0009] Currently, to search for the desired rack, the operators must li ft each rack to extract it from the dewar and be able to recogni ze it . This practiceincreases both the risk that biological samples can deteriorate due to temperature changes , and a waste of time by operators in addition to a risk of exposure to nitrogen vapors .

[0010] Therefore , solutions have been devised which could solve this problem, such as the use of graphic signs or labels of di f ferent colors to be applied to the upper surface of the rack . Examples of recognition devices for cold storage facilities are known from documents EP 0 033 277 Al and CN 103 445 530 A. However, the nitrogen which becomes gaseous when the dewar is opened, does not allow seeing inside the dewar itsel f and therefore , in order to identi fy the rack sought , it is still necessary to extract the racks from the dewar .

[0011] It is the obj ect of the present invention to provide a recognition device and a rack which are capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art . In particular, it is the obj ect of the present invention to provide a recognition device and a rack which are recogni zable to the touch by an operator .

[0012] Such an obj ect is achieved by the recognition device claimed in claim 1 and by the rack claimed in claim 8 . The claims dependent thereon show preferred constructional variants implying further advantageous aspects .

[0013] The obj ect of the present invention is described in detail below, with the aid of the accompanying drawings , in which : figure 1 depicts a cold storage unit in an embodiment ; figure 2a shows a perspective depiction of a recognition device in a first embodiment , in accordance with the invention; figure 2b shows a perspective depiction of a recognition device in a second embodiment , in accordance with the invention; figure 3a is a front depiction of the recognition device in figure 2a ; figure 3b is a front depiction of the recognition device n figure 2b ; figure 4a shows a rack of the present invention in accordance with a first embodiment ; figure 4b shows a rack of the present invention in accordance with a second embodiment ; figure 5 is an enlargement of an upper portion of the rack in figure 4a ; figure 6 is a top view of four racks placed side by side .

[0014] With reference to the aforesaid drawings , the recognition device has been identi fied, as a whole , byreference numeral 1. Specifically, the recognition device 1 is for a rack 100, i.e., a racking or a shelving, for containing storage boxes inside a cold storage unit 500.

[0015] The term "recognition device" means, for example, an identification label or a tag provided with data which allows recognizing or classifying an object or contents.

[0016] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the rack 100 comprises a plurality of recognition devices 1.

[0017] The cold storage unit 500 comprises a plurality of racks 100. Preferably, the racks 100 are arranged side by side on a rotating platform, preferably capable of rotating 360° about the axis of the storage unit 500. An example of such a storage unit 500 is a dewar.

[0018] In particular, the storage unit 500 comprises an internally hollow unit body 510 defining a unit housing 520 containing a plurality of racks 100. Preferably, liquid nitrogen is present inside the unit housing 520 at -180°C.

[0019] Moreover, the cold storage unit can be, for example, a liquid nitrogen ultra-freezer intended to store samples in liquid and gaseous phase, or a -80°C ultra-freezer.

[0020] Each rack 100 in turn is suitable for housing a plurality of storage boxes 200, each comprising aliquots or bags of biological samples.

[0021] A rack 100 comprises a substantially box-like rackbody 110 defining a housing 120 . In particular, the rack body 110 comprises an upper wall 122 . Moreover, the rack body comprises a lower wall 124 , a rear wall 126 , and two opposite side walls 128 extending from said rear wall 126 . Such walls 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 thus define the housing 120 . Preferably, the rear wall 126 and the side walls 128 are to be understood as a continuous portion or as a plurality of portions spaced apart from one another .

[0022] The rack 100 further comprises a plurality of shelves 130 housed in said housing 120 suitable for supporting at least one storage box 200 . In particular, each shel f 130 supports a storage box 200 .

[0023] In a preferred embodiment , each shel f 130 is slidable with respect to the rack body 110 , in particular it translates with respect to the side wal ls 128 .

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment , the rack 100 comprises handles 140 for withdrawing the rack 100 from the storage unit 500 and for transporting it . Preferably, the handles 140 are fastened to the upper wall 122 of the rack body 110 .

[0025] According to the invention, the recognition device 1 comprises a main body 2 comprising an upper surface 22 and a lower surface 24 .

[0026] In accordance with a preferred embodiment , the main body 2 is plate-shaped . In particular , it is a sheet .

[0027] Preferably, the main body 2 has a thickness of at least 3 millimeters , preferably comprised between 3 and 15 millimeters , even more preferably equal to 5 millimeters .

[0028] Moreover, the recognition device 1 comprises at least one recognition element 3 which is protruding or recessed with respect to the upper surface 22 .

[0029] In a first embodiment , the recognition device 1 comprises a single recognition element 3 having a recognition shape , i . e . , suitable for being identi fied .

[0030] In a second embodiment , the recognition device 1 comprises a plurality of recognition elements 3 , each having a recognition shape .

[0031] In particular, the recognition element 3 is tactilely recogni zable by an operator, preferably wearing a protection glove from cold burns . Therefore , the recognition element 3 is a tactile recognition element .

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper surface 22 lies on a first plane P . The recognition element 3 comprises an end surface 30 lying on a second plane T which is of fset from the first plane P . In particular, the end surface 30 is the surface delimiting the recognition element 3 with respect to the main body 2 .

[0033] In other words , i f the recognition element 3 isprotruding with respect to the upper surface 22 , the second plane T is higher than the first plane P . In this case , the recognition element 3 proj ects with respect to the upper surface 22 .

[0034] Conversely, i f the recognition element 3 is recessed with respect to the upper surface 22 , the second plane T is lower than the first plane P . Thus , in this case , the recognition element 3 is obtained in the main body 2 .

[0035] When working, the operator must wear personal protective equipment , i . e . , a visor and gloves to protect against cold burns since in cryogenic banks the liquid nitrogen contained in the dewar is asphyxiating and can cause contact burns . Moreover, liquid nitrogen evaporates at room temperature , creating a smokescreen which prevents the operator from seeing inside the storage unit when it is opened . Therefore , by virtue of the solution of the present invention, the operator, even without being able to see inside the storage unit , will be able to pass his / her gloved hand on the recognition device 1 and easily detect the recognition element 3 , protruding or recessed with respect to the upper surface 22 . By means of touch alone , the operator will thus be able to perceive the recognition shape of the recognition element3 and thus identi fy the rack 100 to which the recognition device 1 is connected . This allows the desired rack to beidenti fied very quickly, reducing the temperature changes which could damage the biological samples contained in the cryogenic bank .

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment , the end surface 30 protrudes or is recessed with respect to the upper surface 22 by a dimension equal to at least 5 millimeters , preferably between 5 millimeters and 100 millimeters , preferably 10 millimeters .

[0037] In accordance with a preferred embodiment , the proj ection of the end surface 30 on the upper surface 22 is inscribed in a circumference with radius equal to at least 5 millimeters , preferably between 5 millimeters and 100 millimeters , preferably equal to 20 mi llimeters .

[0038] In accordance with a preferred embodiment , the recognition device 1 is made in one piece . Preferably, the recognition device 1 is made of polymer material , resistant to temperature changes , or of metal material .

[0039] An example of a polymer material is tough resin, preferably used for the production of the recognition device 1 produced by 3D printing .

[0040] In accordance with a first embodiment , the recognition device 1 is made in one piece with the rack body 110 , and the upper wall 122 forms the main body 2 .

[0041] In other words , the recognition element 3 is protruding or recessed with respect to an outer surface122a of the upper wall 122 .

[0042] In a second embodiment , the recognition device 1 is mechanically engaged with the rack body 110 . Preferably, the main body 2 engages and is mechanically fastened to the upper wall 122 of the rack 100 , preferably to the outer surface 122a . In particular, the lower surface 22 of the main body 2 engages the upper wall 122 of the rack 100 , preferably the outer surface 122a . In other words , the recognition device 1 is resting on the upper wall 122 of the rack body 110 .

[0043] In accordance with a preferred embodiment , the rack 100 comprises fastening means 115 for fastening the recognition device 1 to the rack body 110 , preferably to the upper wall 122 .

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment , the main body 2 comprises fastening holes 25 . Preferably, the fastening means 115 comprise fastening hooks 150 suitable for passing through the fastening holes 25 for the mutual engagement between the main body 2 and the rack body 110 .

[0045] According to another embodiment , the main body 2 is fastened to the rack body 110 , preferably to the upper wall 122 , by gluing .

[0046] Preferably, in order to allow distinguishing the racks 100 contained in the storage unit 500 , each recognition element 3 has a di f ferent shape for each rack100. In other words, each rack 100 is associated with a shape of the recognition element 3.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, a section of the recognition element 3 with respect to the second plane T, or to a parallel plane, has a recognition shape, for example a circle, or a polygon, or an algebraic symbol, such as a "plus", an "x", a "minus".

[0048] In a further, highly simplified but equally effective embodiment, the recognition device 1 consists of the recognition element 3 alone, mechanically fastenable, for example by interlocking, or screwable or snap fastenable or magnetically fastenable to the rack body 110, preferably to the upper wall 122, more preferably to the outer surface 122a.

[0049] In particular, the recognition element 3 has a thickness equal to at least 5 millimeters, preferably between 5 millimeters and 100 millimeters, preferably 10 millimeters .

[0050] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the projection of the end surface 30 on the upper surface 122 of the rack body 110 is inscribed in a circumference of radius equal to at least 5 millimeters, preferably between 5 millimeters and 100 millimeters, preferably equal to 20 millimeters.

[0051] Innovatively, the recognition device of the presentinvention fully ful fills the intended purpose , overcoming the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art . Similarly, the rack of the present invention also fully ful fills the intended purpose .

[0052] Advantageously, since the recognition element is protruding or recessed, therefore three-dimensional , with respect to the main body, the operators are able to recogni ze the recognition element and associate it with the rack sought among the di f ferent racks contained in the cold storage unit .

[0053] Advantageously, even while wearing protective gloves , the operator is able to identi fy the desired rack by means of the recognition device . The rack withdrawal operations are therefore sped up and the operator ' s exposure time to nitrogen is reduced .

[0054] Advantageously, the dimensions of the recognition device are such as to allow the storage unit to be closed and the racks to be rotated . In fact , the recognition device does not compromise the overall dimensions of the racks with respect to the storage unit .

[0055] Advantageously, the recognition device is made of a polymer or metal material capable of withstanding - 180 ° .

[0056] Advantageously, the recognition devices fastenable to the rack body by fastening means can be installed in existing racks without the need to make substantialchanges . Moreover, the recognition device can be trans ferred from one rack to another rack, being interchangeable indeed .

[0057] In order to meet speci fic needs , those skilled in the art may make variations or substitutions of elements with functionally equivalent ones to the embodiments of the recognition device and rack . Such variations are also contained within the scope of protection as def ined by the following claims . Moreover, each variation described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented irrespective of the other variations described .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A recognition device (1) for a rack (100) for containing storage boxes inside a cold storage unit (500) , wherein the recognition device (1) comprises:- a main body (2) comprising an upper surface (22) and a lower surface (24) ; at least one recognition element (3) protruding or recessed with respect to said upper surface (22) .

2. Recognition device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface (22) lies on a first plane (P) and the recognition element (3) comprises an end surface (30) lying on a second plane (T) offset from the first plane (P) •3. Recognition device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the end surface (30) protrudes or is recessed with respect to the upper surface (22) by a dimension of at least 5 millimeters.

4. Recognition device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection of the end surface (30) on the upper surface (22) is inscribed in a circumference of radius equal to at least 5 millimeters.

5. Recognition device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, being made in one piece and being made of polymer material or metal material.

6. Recognition device (1) according to any one of thepreceding claims, wherein the main body (2) is substantially plate-like.

7. Recognition device (1) for a rack (100) for containing storage boxes inside a cold storage unit (500) , consisting of a recognition element (3) being mechanically fastenable, for example by interlocking, or screwable or snap fastenable or magnetically fastenable to a rack body (110) of the rack (100) .

8. A rack (100) for containing storage boxes inside a cold storage unit (500) , comprising: i) a substantially box-like rack body (110) defining a housing (120) ; ii) a plurality of shelves (130) housed in said housing (120) suitable for supporting at least one storage box (200) ; iii) at least one recognition device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Rack (100) according to claim 8, wherein the rack body (110) comprises an upper wall (122) and the recognition device (1) is realized in one piece with the rack body (110) , and wherein said upper wall (122) forms the main body ( 2 ) .

10. Rack (100) according to claim 8, wherein the recognition device (1) is mechanically engaged with the rack body (110) .

11. Rack (100) according to claim 10, comprising fastening means (115) for fastening the recognition device (1) to the rack body (110) .

12. Rack (100) according to claim 11, wherein the main body (2) comprises fastening holes (25) and wherein the fastening means (115) comprise fastening hooks (150) suitable for passing through the fastening holes (25) for the mutual engagement between the main body (2) and the rack body (110) .

13. A cold storage unit (500) comprising a plurality of racks (100) according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the shape of the recognition element (3) is different for each rack (100) .

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