Cryogenic grinding systems, apparatus, and methods of their use

Abstract

A cryogenic grinding system, method, and apparatus for processing a sample includes a cryogen source, a containment vessel for containing the sample and the cryogen, a blade for grinding the sample, and a controller that controls at least one of an amount of cryogen introduced into the containment vessel, a grinding duration of at least one blade, or a grinding rate of at least one blade based on at least one of a user input via a grinding system input, a mass of the sample placed in the containment vessel, or a temperature within the containment vessel.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 337,661, filed May 3, 2022, entitled "Cryogenic Grinding Systems, Apparatus, and Methods of Use Thereof," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to cryogenic grinding or comminuting equipment, and more particularly to cryogenic grinding systems. [Background technology]

[0003] Cryogenic grinding or milling is often used to reduce samples to a particle size suitable for analysis. Cryogenic grinding or milling often involves cooling or removing heat from the sample, allowing the sample to be ground into a smaller particle size for further analysis. However, in the past, the systems and methods used for cryogenic grinding or milling often required multiple tedious steps by a technician. Furthermore, past systems and methods often required trial and error to achieve proper sample processing, which resulted in waste of energy and materials (e.g., cryogens) as well as waste of the sample that needed to be processed. The present disclosure overcomes these shortcomings by providing a reliable and efficient method of processing samples via cryogenic grinding. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of all aspects or to delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0005] In some embodiments, the system described herein is a cryogenic grinding system for processing a sample, the system including a cryogen source, a containment vessel for containing the sample and the cryogen, a blade for grinding the sample, and a controller configured to control at least one of an amount of cryogen introduced into the containment vessel, a grinding duration of at least one blade, or a grinding rate of at least one blade based on at least one of a user input via a grinding system input, a mass of the sample placed in the containment vessel, or a temperature within the containment vessel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the apparatus described herein relates to a cryogenic grinding apparatus for processing a sample, the apparatus including a cryogen supply valve, an opening configured to receive a container for receiving a sample, a blade actuator, and a controller configured to control at least one of an amount of cryogen introduced into the container received in the opening, a rotation duration of the blade actuator, and a speed of the blade actuator based on at least one of a user input via a grinding system input, a detected mass of the sample in the container placed in the opening, or a temperature in the container placed in the opening.

[0007] In some embodiments, the apparatus described herein relates to a cryogenic grinding apparatus for processing a sample in a storage vessel, the apparatus including an opening configured to receive the storage vessel and an engagement system, wherein when the storage vessel is placed within the opening, the engagement system is configured to engage with at least one of a drive coupler having a blade drive coupler of the storage vessel, a cryogen supply having a cryogen supply port of the storage vessel, or an exhaust duct having an exhaust port of the storage vessel.

[0008] These and other aspects of the present invention will be more fully understood upon consideration of the following detailed description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]Figure 1(A) is a perspective view of an exemplary cryogenic milling system having a sample-containing container disposed therein, and Figure 1(B) is a close-up partial cutaway view of the sample-containing container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary cryogenic milling system of FIG. 1(A) with the sample-receiving vessel removed and external to the main body. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of an example sample containing container 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the sample holding container of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the sample containing vessel of FIGS. 3A and 3B with the top section removed. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a front top perspective view of the top section of the sample containing vessel of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a front bottom perspective view of the top section of the sample holding vessel of FIG. 4b. [Diagram 5] Figure 5(A) is a left cross-sectional view of a cryogenic grinding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5(B) is a close-up view of the blade drive coupler and drive coupler in a separated state. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) is a left cross-sectional view of a cryogenic grinding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6(B) is a close-up view of the blade drive coupler and drive coupler in an engaged state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a right side cross-sectional view of a cryogenic grinding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a left sectional view of a cryogenic grinding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear partial cutaway view of a cryogenic grinding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a diagram of a control embodiment of a cryogenic grinding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary representation of various components of an exemplary control device usable in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates an example computer system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates examples of various system components according to aspects of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0011] (I. Terminology) Throughout this disclosure, the terms substantially or approximately may be used as modifiers of geometric relationships between elements or of the shape of an element or component. The terms substantially or approximately are not limited to specific variations and may cover any variation that is understood by those skilled in the art to be an acceptable variation, and some examples are provided below. In one example, the terms substantially or approximately may include variations of less than 10% of the dimensions of an object or component. In another example, the terms substantially or approximately may include variations of less than 5% of an object or component. When the terms substantially or approximately are used to define an angular relationship between one element and another element, one non-limiting example of the terms substantially or approximately may include variations of 5 degrees or less. These examples are not intended to be limiting and may be increased or decreased based on an understanding of acceptable limits to those skilled in the relevant art.

[0012] For purposes of this disclosure, directional terms are generally expressed relative to a standard frame of reference when the systems and devices described herein are placed in their orientation in use. Further, for purposes of providing background to this disclosure, a broad overview of discovered deficiencies of various systems, exemplary implementations of the disclosure, and advantages provided by the disclosure are described below. Further details of exemplary implementations of the disclosure are described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0013] Terms such as a, an, and the are not intended to refer to only a single item, but include a general class for which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terms a, an, and the may be used interchangeably with the term at least. The phrases at least one and including at least one following a list refer to any one of the items in the list and combinations of two or more items in the list. All numerical ranges include their endpoints and non-integral values ​​between the endpoints unless otherwise stated.

[0014] The terms first, second, third, and fourth, among other values, may be used in this disclosure. It will be understood that, unless otherwise noted, these terms are used only in their relative sense. In particular, certain components in some embodiments may be interchangeable and / or present in identical multiples (e.g., pairs). For these components, the designations first, second, third, and / or fourth may be applied to the components merely for convenience in describing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] The term controller or processor as used herein may refer to a device that processes signals to perform general calculation and computational functions. Signals processed by a processor may include digital signals, data signals, computer instructions, processor instructions, messages, bits, bitstreams, or other computing that may be received, transmitted, and / or detected. Processors may include, for example, microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions described herein.

[0016] The term memory as used herein may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM). Volatile memory may include, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), Synchronous RAM (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), and Direct RAM Bus RAM (DRRAM).

[0017] The term operative connection, or signal communication, as used herein, may include a coupling through which signals, physical communications, and / or logical communications may be sent and / or received and through which entities may exchange information or provide and receive electrical current. An operative connection may include a physical interface, a data interface, and / or an electrical interface. The term operative connection may also include a physical connection (either direct or indirect) between one or more mechanically operable components or devices.

[0018] By way of background, an overview of the aspects of the present disclosure and advantages it provides is provided. This overview, and the detailed description that follows, are presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the present disclosure to the form described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings, including combinations of the above-described aspects. Some of such modifications have been discussed, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects have been selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and various aspects as suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of the present disclosure is, of course, not limited to the examples or aspects described herein, but may be adopted by those skilled in the art in any number of applications and equivalent devices. Rather, it is intended that the scope be defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0019] (II. Overview) As described in further detail below, aspects of the disclosure relate to improved cryogenic grinding systems, apparatus, and methods. The cryogenic grinding system includes a body and a sample-containing vessel having one or more blades therein. After a sample is placed in the sample-containing vessel and the vessel is placed in the body, a cryogen is supplied to the vessel to remove heat from the sample. The blades in the vessel are rotated, which results in the sample being reduced to a size suitable for further analysis. Detailed examples of the disclosed systems, apparatus, and methods are provided below.

[0020] (III. Detailed Examples) 1-2 are perspective views of an exemplary cryogenic milling system 50 having a body 100 configured to removably receive a sample-containing container 200. Fig. 1(B) illustrates an example of a cryogenic milling system having a sample-containing container 200 disposed within an opening 101 of the body 100. Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a cryogenic milling system 50 having a sample-containing container 200 removed from the opening 101 of the body 100.

[0021] Figure 1(B) is a partial view of the sample containment vessel 200, with a portion of the outer wall (e.g., wall 202) removed to show an example of the blade configuration 204 inside the vessel 200. Note that two blades are shown in Figure 1(B), but the containment vessel 200 may alternatively have a single blade (e.g., as described below with respect to Figure 4B). In another example, the vessel may alternatively have more than two blades (e.g., three blades, four blades, five blades) in another exemplary configuration. The containment vessel 200 may be receivable within the body 100 via a series of tracks 112a and 112b configured to slidably receive the rails 210a and 210b of the sample containment vessel 200, for example. When the sample containment vessel 200 is slid into the body 100 as shown in Figure 1(A), the engagement lever 110 is rotated (e.g., in the direction F shown in Figure 1(A)), resulting in the containment vessel 200 being engaged with the opening 101 of the body 100 or being held within the opening 101 in a retainable manner. In one example, rotating the engagement lever 110 in the direction F may result in one or more pressing members (described in further detail below) pressing upward in the F direction (see Figure 1(A)), and the pressing members pressing upward, thus pressing the rails 210a and 210b against the respective tops of the tracks 112a and 112b of the body 100 to apply a clamping force to the sample containment vessel 200.

[0022] As described in more detail below, when a user slides the sample containing container 200 into the opening 101 of the main body 100 and the engagement lever 110 is rotated in a direction F, various connections (e.g., a cryogen source connection, an exhaust connection, and / or a temperature sensor or sensor electrical contacts) and / or a blade drive source connection are engaged such that the sample contained within the sample containing container 200 may be further processed by the cryogenic grinding system 50. The main body 100 may further include a display interface 102, which may be, for example, a display and a touch screen for controlling the cryogenic grinding system 50. In one example, the display interface 102 may be, for example, a display and a touch screen having a graphical user interface (GUI) including, for example, displayed buttons or other GUI interface elements that allow a user to control the cryogenic grinding system 50. The main body 100 may further include a stop button 108 that, when pressed, immediately stops the cryogenic grinding system. In one example, the stop button 108 may be an emergency stop button for stopping the system in the event of, for example, a malfunction or if the user operates the system incorrectly. The body 100 further includes a series of legs 106a-106c. In one example, any one or more of the legs 106a-106c may be a mass cell or any other type of mass sensor for determining the weight of the sample in the sample-containing container 200 and / or the weight of the cryogen provided to or contained within the sample-containing container 200. In the example shown in FIG. 1(A), the front leg 106a is shown as a mass cell. The mass cell may provide an output or resistance indicative of the weight or mass of any one or combination of the sample in the sample-containing container 200 and / or the weight of the cryogen provided to or contained within the sample-containing container 200.

[0023] As an alternative to the display interface described above and / or the automated and / or semi-automated controls described, the cryogenic grinding system 50 may instead be manually or analog controlled. For example, any one or combination of the amount of cryogen introduced into the vessel, the grinding duration of the at least one blade, or the grinding speed of the at least one blade may be controlled via any one or combination of switches, levers, or dials. Additionally, the system may provide feedback via any one or combination of indicator lights, LCD screen(s), and / or audible indicators.

[0024] 1(A) and 1(B), the sample containing container 200 may include, for example, a handle 208 and may have an outer wall 202. The sample containing container 200 may further include an inner wall (e.g., inner wall 252 of FIG. 4A ) and may comprise, for example, an insulating material, a gas, a fluid, or may be evacuated such that a vacuum exists between the outer wall 202 and the inner wall 252 to isolate a sample and / or cryogen provided in the sample containing container 200 from the surrounding environment.

[0025] 2, the sample containing container 200 may include a blade drive facility 216, which may be configured to be received by the blade drive opening 116 of the body 100 when the sample containing container 200 is slid into the opening 101 by a user. Additional details of the blade drive facility 216 are described in further detail below.

[0026] The sample-containing container 200 may further include a sample-dispensing opening having a handle 214. FIGS. 3A and 3B show views of a sample-containing container 200 that may be similar to the sample-containing container 200 shown in FIGS. 1-2. The handle 214 may be connected to a dispensing door 217, which may be pivotally connected to a lid 240 of the sample-containing container 200. As described above, the dispensing door 217 may be pivotally connected to the dispensing door 217 to allow a user to pivot the dispensing door 217 generally in a direction R (FIG. 3B) so that a sample may be dispensed into the sample-containing container 200. Once a sample has been dispensed into the sample-containing container 200, the dispensing door 217 may be closed. Placement of the sample-containing container 200 into the opening 101 of the body 100 and rotation of the engagement lever 110 may result in a downward or sealing force being applied to the dispensing door 217 and / or the handle 214. As mentioned above and described in more detail below, one or more clamp members may provide an upward force (e.g., in the direction P shown in FIG. 1(A)) on the tracks 112a and 112b. The above-mentioned upward force may cause the feed door 217 and / or handle 214 to be pressed against a corresponding surface in the blade drive opening 116, thus forcing the feed door 217 downward to seal, minimize, and / or prevent escape of gas, liquid, or sample disposed in the sample-containing container 200 during processing. Either or both of the feed door 217 and the feed opening of the sample-containing container 200 may have a gasket(s) or seal to further improve the sealing interface between the feed door 217 and the corresponding opening. The gasket(s) or seal may include any suitable sealing interface known in the art.

[0027] 3A and 3B show an example of a sample-containing vessel 200 removed from the body 1000. FIG. 4A and 4B show an example of a sample-containing vessel 200 having a top section 200a separated from a bottom section 200b. As shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, the sample-containing vessel 200 may further include a blade drive support portion 222 and a blade drive coupler 220 as part of the blade drive arrangement 216. As best shown in the cross-sectional views of FIG. 5(A) and FIG. 6(A), the blade drive support portion 222 may include, for example, one or more bearings or bushings for rotatably supporting the blade shaft 206. The blade drive coupler 220 may be connected or otherwise configured to provide a rotational force to the blade shaft 206, for example. The blade drive coupler 220 may include, for example, a series of engagement teeth as shown in FIG. 5(B), which may be configured to engage and rotate simultaneously with the drive coupler 120 of the body 100. As best shown in Figures 5(B) and 6(B), the blade drive coupler 220 and the drive coupler 120 may be configured to engagably couple when the engagement lever 110 is pulled by a user in direction F (Figure 1(A)), which causes the blade drive coupler 220 to move in direction P (Figure 5(B)). Figure 5(B) shows an example of the blade drive coupler 220 and the drive coupler 120 in a disengaged position (e.g., allowing for the installation or removal of a sample holding container 200 within the body 100). Figure 6(B) shows an example of the blade drive coupler 220 and the drive coupler 120 in an engaged position (e.g., transferring rotational force provided by a motor to the blade drive coupler 220). An example motor is shown in Figure 8 as reference numeral 172.

[0028] 3A and 3B show an example of an exhaust port 234 and a cryogen supply port 232. The cryogen supply port 232 may be configured to be placed in fluid communication with a cryogen supply of the body 100 (e.g., the cryogen supply 132 of FIG. 5(A), FIG. 6(A), and FIG. 7). As shown in the example of FIG. 3A and 3B, the cryogen supply port 232 may have a recess, for example, including an opening. The recess may improve the sealing surface area between the cryogen supply port 232 and the cryogen supply of the body 100, for example. Either or both of the cryogen supply port 232 and the cryogen supply 132 of FIG. 5(A), FIG. 6(A), and FIG. 7 may have a gasket(s) or seal to further improve the sealing interface between the cryogen supply port 232 and the cryogen supply 132. The gasket(s) or seal may include any suitable sealing interface known in the art. The cryogen supply port 232 and the cryogen supply 132 may be configured to be spaced apart from one another when the sample containing container 200 is initially slid into the body 100. When the sample containing container 200 is slid sufficiently into the body 100 and the engagement lever 110 is pulled in direction F, the cryogen supply port 232 and the cryogen supply 132 may be moved (e.g., in direction P) into engagement, providing a seal or partial seal and allowing fluid communication between the cryogen supply port 232 and the cryogen supply 132.

[0029] The exhaust port 234 of the sample-containing container 200 may be configured to be placed in fluid communication with an exhaust duct of the body 100 (e.g., exhaust duct 134 of FIG. 8). As shown in the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the exhaust port 234 may have a recess that includes an opening, for example. The recess may improve the sealing surface area between the exhaust port 234 and the exhaust duct interface of the body 100, for example. Either or both of the exhaust port 234 and the exhaust duct interface may have a gasket(s) or seal to further improve the sealing interface between the exhaust port 234 and the exhaust duct 134. The gasket(s) or seal may include any suitable sealing interface known in the art. The exhaust port 234 and the exhaust duct 134 may be configured to be spaced apart from each other when the sample-containing container 200 is initially slid into the body 100. When the sample container 200 is slid fully into the main body 100 and the engagement lever 110 is pulled in direction F, the exhaust port 234 and the exhaust duct 134 may be moved (e.g., in direction P) into engagement, providing a seal or partial seal and allowing fluid communication between the exhaust port 234 and the exhaust duct 134.

[0030] 4A and 4B show an example of a sample containing vessel 200 having a top section 200a separated from a bottom section 200b. The top section 200a may include, for example, a feed door 217 and a handle 214 optionally hinged thereto via a hinge 219. The top section 200a may further include a blade drive coupler 220 having a blade shaft 206 rotatably mounted to the top section 200a via one or more bearings and / or bushings, and a blade drive support portion 222. The blade drive support portion 222 may further include a seal, gasket, or O-ring configured to prevent leakage of fluid from the sample containing vessel 200 through an interface between the top section 200a and the rotatable blade shaft 206. In one example, the seal, gasket, or O-ring may be made of Teflon. TM(polytetrafluoroethylene). As shown in FIG. 4B, the blade shaft 206 may have one or more blades 204a connected thereto, for example. Note that while only a single blade is shown in FIG. 4B, any number of blades may be present as permitted by the spatial constraints of the sample-containing container 200. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 1(B), the blade shaft 206 may instead have two blades mounted thereon. The blade or blades may be formed of a rigid material, such as steel or stainless steel, and may be hardened or otherwise treated to increase the strength or rigidity of the blade, particularly at the contacting leading edge 204c of the blade 204b. In one example, the leading edge 204c of the blade may be sharpened and / or may include a series of ridges or other patterned or randomized surface irregularities that may further improve the efficiency where the blade can debulk a sample. In some examples, the blades may be replaceably connected to the blade shaft 206, allowing a user to replace or otherwise repair the blade. In one example, the blade 204b may be threaded onto the shaft 206 or may be held to the shaft via a bolt threaded into the bottom of the blade shaft 206.

[0031] Top section 200a is configured to rest on bottom section 200b. Bottom section 200b may include an outer wall 202 and an inner wall 252, a handle 208, and a sealing channel or interface 233. In one embodiment, the sealing channel or interface may be configured to receive a seal, such as a gasket or an O-ring. In one example, top section 200a and bottom section 200b may be made of Teflon, e.g., in either or both of top section 200a and / or bottom section 200b. TM The top section 200a may have a top section seal 236, which may be made of Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) seals, gaskets, or O-rings. For example, the top section 200a may have a top section seal 236, which may be made of Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) seals, gaskets, or O-rings. TM(polytetrafluoroethylene) seals, gaskets or O-rings. The examples described include one or more Teflon™ gaskets, although it is noted that the gasket(s) or seals may include any suitable sealing interface known in the art.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4C, the top section 200a may have a series of studs or protrusions 244 (FIG. 4C) configured to be received by corresponding receiving openings 235 in the bottom section 200b, for example, to align the top section 200a with the bottom section 200b. Placement of the sample containing container 200 within the opening 101 in the body 100 and rotation of the engagement lever 110 may result in a downward or sealing force being applied to the top section 200a and / or the bottom section 200b. As described above and in more detail below, one or more clamping members may provide an upward force (e.g., in the direction P shown in FIG. 1(A)) on the tracks 112a and 112b. The aforementioned upward force may result in the top section 200a being pressed against the bottom section 200b, thus pressing the top section 200a downward to seal, minimize and / or prevent the escape of gas, liquid or sample disposed within the sample-containing vessel 200 during processing. When the engagement 110 is rotated to the released position, the top section 200a may be separated from the bottom section 200b, for example, to remove the sample and / or to clean or reprocess and / or refurbish the sample-containing vessel 200.

[0033] It is further noted that although the stud or protrusion 244 is shown in FIG. 4C as being located on the top section 200a, the stud or protrusion 244 may instead be on the bottom section 200b and the receiving opening may alternatively be on the top section 200a. Additionally, other methods of aligning the top section 200a with the bottom section 200b may be implemented. For example, the top section 200a may have a cylindrically shaped protrusion configured to fit within an opening in the bottom section 200b, for example.

[0034] In another example, the bottom section 200b may further include a series of threaded fastener receiving openings (e.g., reference numeral 234 in FIG. 4A) in the flange 242. It is noted that although only three fastener receiving openings 235 are referenced in FIG. 4A for a total of twelve, any number of threaded fastener receiving openings may be implemented. The threaded fastener receiving openings may be configured and positioned on the flange 242 to align with corresponding through holes in the top section 200a. For example, the top section 200a may include a series of through holes positioned to align with the threaded fastener receiving openings in the bottom section 200b. To seal and secure the top section 200a to the bottom section 200b, a series of fasteners, such as bolts, may be passed through the series of through holes in the top section 200a and threaded into the fastener receiving openings in the bottom section 200b and appropriately tightened. The top section 200a may be separated from the bottom section 200b by reversing the process described above. The top section 200a may be separated from the bottom section 200b, for example, to add sample to the sample-containing vessel 200, to remove sample, and / or to clean or reprocess and / or refurbish the sample-containing vessel 200.

[0035] 7-9 show additional views of the body 100 of the exemplary cryogenic grinding system 50. FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of the example body 100 with the sample-containing container 200 removed. As described above, pulling the engagement lever 110 (FIGS. 1(A) and 2) in the direction F shown in FIG. 1(A) causes the container 200 to be engaged with or receivably retained within the opening 101 of the body 100. In one example, rotating the engagement lever may cause the engagement system to be actuated. For example, rotating the engagement lever 110 in the direction F may cause one or more pressing members to press upward in the direction P (see FIG. 1(A) and FIG. 7), which may press the rails 210a and 210b against the tops of the respective tracks 112a and 112b of the body 100 to apply a clamping force to the sample-containing container 200. The pushing member may comprise, for example, one or more cams 152 rotatably mounted on body 100. One or more cams 152 may have a cam profile with an increasing radius. The cam profile may be in contact with one or more slidably mounted force transfer members (e.g., force transfer member 182 shown in FIG. 2). Note that although only a single force transfer member 182 is labeled in FIG. 2, a similar or identical force transfer member (hidden from view) may be present within opening 101 on the opposite side of body 100. An increase in the cam profile radius may, for example, cause one or more slidably mounted force transition member(s) 182 to translate upward in direction P, thus causing the pushing member to push upward, pressing rails 210a and 210b (FIG. 2) against the tops of respective tracks 112a and 112b of body 100 to apply a clamping force to sample containing container 200, sealing top section 200a to bottom section 200b and / or sealing feed door 217 with flange 242. The steps described above may be reversed to release sample containing container 200 from body 100.For example, rotating the engagement lever 110 opposite direction F may cause one or more cams 152 to rotate in direction R such that a reduced radius portion of the cam contacts the force transfer member(s) 182, thus causing the force transfer member(s) 182 to retract in direction D, reducing or eliminating the upward force applied to the rails 210a and 210b. The retraction may cause the sample containing container 200 to move downward in direction D relative to the body 100, which may cause the blade drive coupler 220 to disengage from the drive coupler 120, the exhaust port 234 to be decoupled from the exhaust duct 134, and / or the cryogen supply port 232 to be decoupled from the cryogen supply 132. Once the blade drive coupler 120 is disengaged from the drive coupler 220, the exhaust port 234 is decoupled from the exhaust duct 134, and the cryogen supply port 232 is decoupled from the cryogen supply 132, the sample holder 200 may be slid out of the body 100, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] In addition to the features described above, the sample containing container 200 may include one or more thermistor or temperature sensor ports 299a (FIG. 5(A)) or 299b (FIG. 6(A)). In one example, the one or more thermistor or temperature sensor ports 299a and / or 299b may be configured to slidably receive one or more temperature sensors or thermistors. In the example shown in FIG. 6(A), two or more ports may be formed in the side of the sample-containing vessel 200 such that when the rails 210a and 210b of the sample-containing vessel 200 are slid into the body 100 via the tracks 112a and 112b and the engagement lever 110 is rotated as described above, one or more thermistors (e.g., thermistor 199) of the body 100 contact a surface of an inner wall (e.g., inner wall 252) of the sample-containing vessel 200 to form a thermal path between the inner wall 252 and thermistor 199, allowing the control system (described in more detail below) to determine the temperature within the sample-containing vessel 200. In one embodiment that can be used with or instead of the configuration described above, the sample-containing vessel 200 may have a thermistor opening 299b. The thermistor opening operates similarly to the configuration described above, but instead, the thermal contact between the thermistor and the inner wall of the sample-containing vessel 200 may occur at the bottom of the sample-containing vessel 200 instead.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, a thermistor or other temperature sensor or sensors may be part of the sample-containing vessel 200 (e.g., mounted on any interior wall of the sample-containing vessel 200), which may be used in place of or in combination with either or both of the configurations described above. The thermistor 199 mentioned above and shown in FIG. 6(A) may instead be an electrical contact portion that provides electrical contact between the body 100 and the thermistor or temperature sensor(s) of the sample-containing vessel 200.

[0038] As discussed above, the drive coupler 120 may be configured to rotate in at least one of two directions and may be configured to impart a rotational force to the blade(s) in the sample containing container 200 after being coupled to the blade drive coupler 220. The drive coupler 120 may be rotatably supported within the body 100 via a blade drive shaft 121. The blade drive shaft 121 may be rotatably supported via a bushing, a bearing, or a combination thereof. As best shown in FIG. 8, the drive shaft 121 may be mechanically or otherwise operably connected to a motor 172 of the body 100. Some examples of a mechanical or operable connection between the motor 172 and the blade drive shaft 121 may include a belt or chain drive, a gear train, or in an alternative configuration, the motor may be directly coupled to the blade drive shaft 121.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 8, the exhaust duct 134 may be in fluid communication with a blower or aerator 150. The aerator 150 may be configured to draw gas from the exhaust duct 134 and into an outlet opening 189. The outlet opening 189 may be configured to remain open to the surrounding atmosphere or may be configured to have an additional duct or tube connected thereto to exhaust fluids (e.g., gases) generated during processing of the samples contained within the sample-containing containers 200. The blower or aerator 150 may be any suitable electrically powered blower or fan known in the art. As described in more detail below, the blower or aerator may be powered or otherwise operated by a controller.

[0040] As best shown in FIG. 9, the cryogen supply 132 of the body 100 may be fluidly connected to a cryogen input 133. The cryogen input 133 may include an electronically or hydraulically controlled valve 135 for controlling the supply of cryogen to the cryogen supply port 232 of the sample container 200 via the cryogen supply 132. As described in more detail below, the electronically or hydraulically controlled valve 135 may be controlled or otherwise powered by a controller. The cryogen supply may be isolated, for example (e.g., via an isolation 136). The isolation 136 may prevent the accumulation of condensation due to the cryogen supply having a temperature lower than the dew point of the surrounding environment. Note that although only partial isolation is shown in FIG. 9 to prevent obstruction of visibility, the entire cryogen conduit / pipe may be isolated. The cryogen input 133 may be configured to be connected to a cryogen source, such as, for example, a liquid nitrogen source. The cryogen input 133 may be, for example, a standard connector (eg, a National Pipe Taper Thread "NPT" type 3 / 8 connector).

[0041] 10 illustrates an example of a controller or control structure that can be used in the present disclosure. By way of example, the controller may include, for example, a liquid source control component, a motor control component, and a blade control component. The controller may be in signal communication with, for example, any one or combination of mass sensor(s) 910, temperature sensor(s) 912, blower 950, motor 914, and / or valve 916. In one example, the mass sensor(s) 910 may be similar to mass sensor or mass cell 106a (FIGS. 1(A), 2, 5(A), 6(A), 7, 8, and 9), the temperature sensor(s) 912 may be similar to thermistor 199 (FIG. 6(A)), the blower 950 may be similar to blower or aerator 150 (FIGS. 5(A), 6(A), 7, 8, and 9), the motor 914 may be similar to motor 172 (FIG. 8), and the valve 916 may be similar to electronically or hydraulically controlled valve 135 (FIG. 9).

[0042] In one example operation of the controller, it is determined that once a sample is placed in the sample-containing container 200, the sample-containing container 200 is placed in the body 100. A user may indicate that the sample is to be processed via the display interface 102. For example, the display interface 102 may have a graphical user interface (GUI) with, for example, an icon or other visual indicator, and the controller may determine that the user has touched or pressed the icon or other visual indicator, signifying that the user wishes to process the sample. It is noted that throughout this disclosure, the GUI is referred to as both providing indicators to the user and allowing the user to control or input the device, although in another embodiment the user may provide instructions via a switch knob. Additionally, instead of a screen, lights or other indicators may be used to indicate the status of the device to the user.

[0043] Once it is determined that the container is placed in the body 100 and the engagement lever 110 is rotated to the locked position, the controller may provide a current or signal to the valve 916 to supply cryogen to the sample containing container 200. In one example, the user may input any one or combination of weight, volume, or type of sample present in the sample containing container 200, and the controller determines the volume of cryogen to be supplied to the sample containing container 200 based on any one or combination of weight, volume, or type of sample input by the user. In another example, the controller may determine the weight of the sample placed in the sample containing container 200 based on the output from the mass sensor(s) 910, and may automatically supply an appropriate amount of cryogen and / or suggest an appropriate amount of cryogen to the container via the display interface 102. The GUI may then be controlled to request confirmation from the user and / or an override option may be provided to allow the user to add or subtract a volume of cryogen from the suggested amount. In yet another example, the system may automatically supply a set volume of cryogen when the user indicates that the sample is to be processed. In any one or combination of the foregoing examples, the initial volume of cryogen may be between 70 and 300 milliliters (ml). In yet another example, the initial volume of cryogen may be between 100 and 150 ml. In one preferred embodiment, the initial volume of cryogen may be between 140 and 150 ml. In yet another preferred embodiment, the initial volume of cryogen may be between 185 and 210 ml. In one example, the controller may set the initial volume of cryogen provided to the sample containing container 200 via the valve 916 to approximately 200 ml. In one example, the controller may use an output from the mass sensor(s) to determine when to open / close the valve 916 when the appropriate volume of cryogen has been added to the sample containing container 200.

[0044] In one exemplary operation of the controller usable in the above-described embodiment, when an appropriate amount of cryogen, or more preferably said cryogen, has been added to the sample-containing container 200, the controller may operate the motor 914 to rotate the blade(s) (e.g., blade 204(b) of FIG. 4B and / or blade 204a of FIG. 1(B)). In one preferred example, the blade may be controlled to rotate in a first direction and then in a second opposite direction in a "pulsed" motion as the cryogen is added to the sample-containing container 200. Alternating the direction of the blade as described above may result in more uniform treatment of the sample with the cryogen and may reduce sample sticking to the blade. Once the desired amount of cryogen has been added, the controller may pause the rotation of the blade to allow the cryogen to remove heat from the sample and reduce the temperature of the sample to the desired temperature. The controller may determine whether the temperature of the sample has been reduced to the desired temperature by monitoring the output of the temperature sensor(s) 912. Once the controller determines that the temperature of the sample has decreased to the desired temperature, the motor may be powered again to grind or otherwise reduce the particle size of the sample in the sample containing container 200. In one example, the GUI displayed on the display interface 102 may indicate the temperature of the sample in the sample containing container 200. In one embodiment, the GUI may include an indicator or section that allows the user to either override the desired temperature of the sample and / or set the desired temperature before the motor is again controlled to rotate the blades to cause further grinding or particle size reduction of the sample.

[0045] In one example, the temperature of the sample in the sample-containing container 200 may be continuously monitored. In the example described above, upper and lower temperature limits may be set, and the controller may supply additional cryogen if the temperature of the sample in the sample-containing container 200 does not rise above or fall below the threshold temperature. In one example, the cryogen may be liquid nitrogen, which has a boiling point of approximately -198 degrees Celsius, and the threshold temperature may be any value between -50 and -198 degrees Celsius. In another example, the threshold temperature may be any value between -100 and -170 degrees Celsius. In one preferred example, the threshold temperature may be -140 degrees Celsius. Thus, in the example described above, if the controller determines that the temperature of the sample in the sample-containing container 200 exceeds -140 degrees Celsius, the valve 916 is controlled to supply additional liquid nitrogen to the sample-containing container 200 until it is determined that the temperature has decreased to at least 140 degrees Celsius. It is noted that while the example described above provides advantages, any temperature or range of temperatures (particularly within the ranges described above) may serve as the threshold temperature.

[0046] In any of the examples described above, the controller may further control the blower(s) 950. The blower may be controlled to remove gas that accumulates within the sample-containing container 200, for example, as the cryogen boils. In some examples, the controller may turn on the blower whenever cryogen is present within the sample-containing container 200. In another example, the controller may turn on the blower when it is determined that the temperature within the sample-containing container 200 has fallen below a certain temperature. For example, if a desired or optimal temperature range for the sample is set or provided, the blower may be turned on when the temperature of the sample within the sample-containing container 200 approaches or falls below the desired temperature range.

[0047] In another example, the motor speed, and therefore the blade speed, may be controlled based on any one or combination of the above-mentioned determinations. For example, the blade speed may be controlled to be slower when the detected temperature is above a threshold temperature and then controlled to increase as the temperature drops below the threshold temperature. In another example, the blade speed may be controlled to be slower for a first period of time after a user indicates that the sample in the sample-containing container 200 should be processed and then controlled to increase to a higher speed for a second period of time after the first period of time.

[0048] It is noted that the operations described above are provided by way of example, and although some specific examples have been given, those skilled in the art will appreciate that further possibilities for automation, semi-automation, or manual control of the disclosed cryogenic grinding apparatus systems and devices will fall within the scope of this disclosure after comprehending the disclosure provided herein.

[0049] In some implementations, as part of or incorporating various functions and methods described herein, one or more microcontrollers may be implemented (e.g., in any one or combination of the controller 902, the liquid source controller 904, the motor controller 906, and / or the blower controller 908) to perform various operations in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Various components of such a controller 1100 are shown in representative block diagram form in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, the controller 1100 includes a CPU 1102, a clock 1104, a RAM 1108, a ROM 1110, a timer 1112, a BUS controller 1114, an interface 1116, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 1118 interconnected via the BUS 1106.

[0050] The CPU 1102 may be implemented as one or more single-core or multi-core processors and receives signals from an interrupt controller 1120 and a clock 1104. The clock 1104 may set the operating frequency of all microcontrollers 1100 and may include one or more crystal oscillators having a predetermined frequency. Alternatively, the clock 1104 may receive an external clock signal. The interrupt controller 1120 may also send an interrupt signal to the CPU to suspend CPU operation. The interrupt controller 1120 may send an interrupt signal to the CPU when an event requires immediate CPU attention.

[0051] The RAM 1108 may include one or more static random access memories (SRAMs), dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), synchronous dynamic random access memories (SDRAMs), double data rate random access memories (DDR SDRAMs), or other suitable volatile memories. The read only memory (ROM) 1110 may include one or more programmable read only memories (PROMs), erasable programmable read only memories (EPROMs), electronically erasable programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), flash memories, or other types of non-volatile memories.

[0052] A timer 1112 may record and / or calculate the amount of time between events occurring within the controller 1100, count the number of events, and generate the baud rate for communication transfers. A BUS controller 1114 may prioritize BUS usage within the controller 1100. An ADC 1118 may enable the controller 1100 to send pulses to signal other devices.

[0053] The interface 1116 may comprise input / output devices that allow the controller 1100 to exchange information with other devices. In some implementations, the interface 1116 may include one or more of a parallel port, a serial port, or other computer interface.

[0054] Additionally, aspects of the disclosure may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof, and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In one aspect of the disclosure, functionality is directed to one or more computer systems capable of performing the functions described herein. An example of such a computer system 2000 is shown in FIG.

[0055] Computer system 2000 may include one or more processors, such as processor 2004. Processor 2004 may be connected to a communications infrastructure 2006 (e.g., a communications bus, crossover bar, or network). Various software aspects are described in terms of this exemplary computer system. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement aspects of the disclosure using other computer systems and / or architectures.

[0056] The computer system 2000 may include a display interface 2002 that transfers graphics, text, and other data from a communications infrastructure 2006 (or from a frame buffer, not shown) for display on a display unit 2030, which may be similar to the display interface 102. The computer system 2000 also includes a main memory 2008, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 2010. The secondary memory 2010 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 2012 and / or a removable storage drive 2014, which may represent a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, or the like. The removable storage drive 2014 reads from and / or writes to a removable storage unit 2018, in a well-known manner. The removable storage unit 2018 represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, USB flash drive, etc., which is read by and written to the removable storage drive 2014. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit 2018 includes a computer usable storage medium having computer software and / or data stored thereon.

[0057] Alternative aspects of the disclosure may include secondary memory 2010, and other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 2000. Such devices may include, for example, removable storage units 2022 and interfaces 2020. Such examples may include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces (such as those found in video game devices), removable memory chips (such as erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or programmable read only memory (PROM)) and associated sockets, and other removable storage units 2022 and interfaces 2020 that allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage units 2022 to the computer system 2000.

[0058] The computer system 2000 may also include a communications interface 2024. The communications interface 2024 allows software and data to be transferred between the computer system 2000 and external devices. Examples of the communications interface 2024 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, and the like. The software and data transferred through the communications interface 2024 is in the form of signals 2028, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by the communications interface 2024. These signals 2028 are provided to the communications interface 2024 via a communications path (e.g., channel) 2026. This path 2026 carries the signals 2028 and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, an RF link, and / or other communications channels. In this document, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium" are used to refer generally to media such as the removable storage drive 2018, a hard disk installed in the hard disk drive 2012, and a signal 2028. These computer program products provide software to the computer system 2000. Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to such computer program products.

[0059] Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in main memory 2008 and / or secondary memory 2010. Computer programs may also be received via communications interface 2024. Such computer programs, when executed, enable computer system 2000 to perform functions in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, as discussed herein. In particular, computer programs, when executed, enable processor 2004 to perform functions in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Such computer programs thus represent controllers of computer system 2000.

[0060] In aspects of the disclosure where the method is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computer system 2000 using the removable storage drive 2014, the hard drive 2012, or the communications interface 2020. The control logic (software), when executed by the processor 2004, causes the processor 2004 to perform the functions described herein. In another aspect of the disclosure, the system is implemented primarily in hardware, for example using hardware components such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementing a hardware state machine to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s).

[0061] 12 is a block diagram of various exemplary communication system components usable in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The communication system 2100 includes one or more accessors 2160, 2162 (which may, for example, comprise any of the systems and functions described above) and one or more terminals 2142, 2166. In one aspect, data for use in accordance with aspects of the disclosure is, for example, entered and / or accessed by the accessors 2160, 2162 via terminals 2142, 2166, such as a personal computer (PC), a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, a microcomputer, a telephone device, or a wireless device such as a personal digital assistant ("PDA") or a handheld wireless device, coupled via a network 2144, such as the Internet or an intranet, and couplers 2145, 2146, 2164 to a server 2143, such as a PC, a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, a microcomputer, or other device having a processor and a repository for data and / or a connection to a repository for data. The couplers 2145, 2146, 2164 may include, for example, wired, wireless, or fiber optic links. In another example variation, methods and systems according to aspects of the disclosure operate in a stand-alone environment, such as a single terminal.

[0062] This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the invention, including preferred embodiments, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the aspects, including making and using any device or system, and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of these aspects is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents to each such aspect, can be mixed and matched by those of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques consistent with the principles of this application.

[0063] IV. EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATION The following includes example implementations of the aspects described herein.

[0064] Item 1. A cryogenic grinding system for processing a sample, the system comprising: a cryogen source; a containment vessel for containing the sample and the cryogen; a blade for grinding the sample; and a controller configured to control at least one of an amount of cryogen introduced into the containment vessel, a grinding duration of at least one of the blades, or a grinding speed of at least one of the blades based on at least one of a user input via a grinding system input, a mass of the sample placed in the containment vessel, or a temperature within the containment vessel.

[0065] Item 2. The system of item 1, wherein the cryogen source is liquid nitrogen.

[0066] Item 3. The system of items 1 and / or 2, wherein the controller controls the amount of cryogen based on a signal indicative of the mass of the sample placed in the containment vessel.

[0067] Item 4. Any of the above systems, wherein the signal is the output of a mass cell.

[0068] Item 5. The system of any of the preceding items, wherein the signal is based on a user input via the grinding system input.

[0069] Item 6. The system of any of the preceding items, wherein the cryogen source is a valve configured to be placed in fluid communication with a cryogen tank.

[0070] Item 7. Any of the systems described above, wherein the cryogen source is a cryogen tank.

[0071] Item 8. Any of the systems described above, wherein the container is slidably removable from the main body of the system.

[0072] Item 9. The system of any of the preceding items, wherein the housing is removable from the main body of the system, and the system further comprises an engagement lever, wherein user engagement of the lever results in operative coupling of a motor to the blade.

[0073] Item 10. The system of any of the preceding items, wherein the amount of the cryogen introduced into the container is controlled via a valve.

[0074] Item 11. The system of any of the preceding items, wherein the amount of the cryogen introduced into the containment vessel is increased or decreased based on the temperature within the containment vessel.

[0075] Item 12. The system of any of the preceding items, wherein the amount of cryogen introduced into the container is increased or decreased based on user input via the grinding system input.

[0076] Item 13. Any of the systems described above, wherein the amount of the cryogen introduced into the container is controlled based on the mass of the sample.

[0077] Item 14. Any of the systems described above, wherein the mass of the sample is determined via a mass cell.

[0078] Item 15. A cryogenic grinding apparatus for processing a sample, the apparatus comprising: a cryogen supply valve; an opening configured to receive a container for receiving the sample; a blade actuator; and a controller configured to control at least one of an amount of cryogen introduced into the container received in the opening, a rotation duration of the blade actuator, and a speed of the blade actuator based on at least one of a user input via a grinding system input, a detected mass of the sample in the container placed in the opening, or a temperature in the container placed in the opening.

[0079] Item 16. The apparatus of item 15, wherein liquid nitrogen is supplied to the cryogen supply valve.

[0080] Item 17. The apparatus of items 15 and / or 16, wherein the control device controls the amount of cryogen supplied to the storage vessel disposed in the opening based on a signal indicative of the mass of the sample in the storage vessel.

[0081] Item 18. Any of the above-mentioned devices, wherein the signal is the output of a mass cell.

[0082] Item 19. Any of the preceding items, wherein the signal is based on user input via the grinding system input.

[0083] Item 20. The apparatus of any of the preceding items, wherein a containment vessel is slidably insertable or removable from the cryogenic grinding apparatus.

[0084] Item 21. A cryogenic grinding apparatus for processing a sample in a storage vessel, the apparatus comprising: an opening configured to receive the storage vessel; and an engagement system configured to engage at least one of a drive coupler having a blade drive coupler of the storage vessel, a cryogen supply having a cryogen supply port of the storage vessel, or an exhaust duct having an exhaust port of the storage vessel when the storage vessel is placed within the opening.

[0085] Item 22. The apparatus of item 21, wherein the engagement system is configured to move the reservoir from an engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration.

[0086] Item 23. The cryogenic grinding device of items 21 and / or 22, wherein the engagement system is configured to clamp closed the sample receiving opening of the storage vessel.

Claims

1. 1. A cryogenic grinding system for processing a sample, said system comprising: A source of cryogen; a container for containing the sample and the cryogen; A blade for grinding the sample; a controller configured to control at least one of an amount of cryogen introduced into the containment vessel, a grinding duration of at least one of the blades, or a grinding speed of at least one of the blades based on at least one of a user input via a grinding system input, a mass of the sample placed in the containment vessel, or a temperature within the containment vessel; and A system comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cryogen source is liquid nitrogen.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller controls the amount of the cryogen based on a signal indicative of the mass of the sample placed in the containment vessel.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the signal is the output of a mass cell.

5. The system of claim 3 , wherein the signal is based on a user input via the grinding system input.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cryogen source is a valve configured to be placed in fluid communication with a cryogen tank.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cryogen source is a cryogen tank.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the housing is slidably removable from a body of the system.

9. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein a housing is removable from a body of the system, the system further comprising an engagement lever, wherein user engagement of the lever results in operative coupling of a motor to the blade.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the amount of the cryogen introduced into the container is controlled via a valve.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the amount of the cryogen introduced into the containment vessel is increased or decreased based on the temperature within the containment vessel.

12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the amount of the cryogen introduced into the container is increased or decreased based on user input via the grinding system input.

13. The system of claim 10 , wherein the amount of the cryogen introduced into the container is controlled based on a mass of the sample.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the mass of the sample is determined via a mass cell.

15. 1. A cryogenic grinding apparatus for processing a sample, said apparatus comprising: A cryogen supply valve; an opening configured to receive a container for containing the sample; A blade drive device; a controller configured to control at least one of an amount of cryogen introduced into a container received in the opening, a duration of rotation of the blade actuator, and a speed of the blade actuator based on at least one of a user input via a grinding system input, a detected mass of the sample in a container placed in the opening, or a temperature in the container placed in the opening; and An apparatus comprising:

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein liquid nitrogen is supplied to the cryogen supply valve.

17. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the controller controls the amount of cryogen provided to the reservoir disposed at the opening based on a signal indicative of the mass of sample in the reservoir.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the signal is the output of a mass cell.

19. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the signal is based on a user input via the grinding system input.

20. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein a containment vessel is slidably insertable or removable from the cryogenic grinding apparatus.

21. 1. A cryogenic grinding apparatus for processing a sample in a containment vessel, said apparatus comprising: an opening configured to receive the container; an engagement system configured to engage at least one of a drive coupler having a blade drive coupler of the storage vessel, a cryogen supply having a cryogen supply port of the storage vessel, or an exhaust duct having an exhaust port of the storage vessel when the storage vessel is disposed within the opening; An apparatus comprising:

22. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the engagement system is configured to move the reservoir from an engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration.

23. 22. The cryogenic grinding apparatus of claim 21, wherein the engagement system is configured to clamp closed a sample receiving opening of the containment vessel.

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