Cryogenic storage device and method

Abstract

The cryogenic storage unit includes a cryogenic chamber having a cryogenic access port in an upper portion of the cryogenic chamber. The cryogenic chamber defines an interior volume substantially surrounding at least one rack. The cryogenic access port is configured to be selectively placed in fluid communication with the interior volume and the ambient space. A coolant induces a cryogenic temperature within a first temperature range within the interior volume. A carousel deck is positioned within the interior volume adjacent to the cryogenic access port. The carousel deck is positioned substantially above the at least one rack and suspends the at least one rack downwardly therefrom within the interior volume. At least one carousel bearing is positioned within the interior volume and engages the carousel deck rotational movement of the carousel deck relative to the cryogenic chamber. The carousel deck rotates substantially horizontally.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 439,250, filed January 16, 2023, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for cryogenic storage, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for facilitating the cryogenic storage and manipulation of multiple container units. [Background technology]

[0003] In medical settings, it is sometimes desirable to safely and cryogenically store substances (e.g., medicines or other therapeutic agents) at extremely low temperatures. Individual containers of substance may be provided for single-use dispensing from a cryogenic storage device, but access to one container should avoid undesirably warming other stored containers that are not intended for immediate use.

[0004] Additionally, providing users with periodic access to the cryogenic storage device can result in the ingestion of relatively moist air into the interior volume, which can cause undesirable ice buildup.

[0005] Finally, in some use environments, it may be desirable for a substance to be warmed in a controlled manner from cryogenic temperatures before being provided to a user. For example, for some stored substances, facilitating the transition from frozen to liquid form may be important in maintaining the useful value of substances that are rare, fragile, and / or may be expensive to replace if damaged during thawing.

[0006] A cryogenic storage apparatus and method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,566,834 (hereinafter, the "'834 Patent"), issued January 31, 2023, and entitled "Apparatus and Method for Cryostorage and Manipulation of a Plurality of Container Units," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 11,566,834 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, a cryogenic storage unit is described. A cryogenic chamber includes a cryogenic access port in an upper portion of the cryogenic chamber. The cryogenic chamber defines an interior volume substantially surrounding at least one rack. The cryogenic access port is configured to be selectively placed in fluid communication with the interior volume and an ambient space. A coolant induces a cryogenic temperature within a first temperature range in the interior volume. A carousel deck is located within the interior volume adjacent to the cryogenic access port. The carousel deck is located substantially above the at least one rack and suspends the at least one rack downwardly therefrom within the interior volume. At least one carousel bearing is located within the interior volume and engages the carousel deck for rotational movement of the carousel deck relative to the cryogenic chamber. The carousel deck rotates substantially horizontally.

[0009] In one aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, a cryogenic storage unit is described. A cryogenic chamber is configured to store at least one rack within a cryogenic interior volume defined by the cryogenic chamber. The cryogenic chamber includes a cryogenic access port in an upper portion of the cryogenic chamber. The cryogenic access port is configured to fluidly connect the interior volume to ambient space via a port opening extending through an upper cryogenic chamber surface. The cryogenic access port is defined, at least in part, by a port collar in fluid communication with the port opening and extending vertically upward beyond the upper portion of the cryogenic chamber. A cork selectively blocks the cryogenic access port to resist ingress of ambient air into the cryogenic chamber. The cork includes a lower cork body having a first cross-sectional footprint and configured for selective nesting engagement within the port collar. The cork includes an upper lid feature having a second cross-sectional footprint greater in at least one dimension than the first cross-sectional footprint. At least a portion of the port collar includes a cork seating feature configured for selective engagement with at least a portion of the upper lid feature to resist progression of fluid along the longitudinal flow path between the cork and the port collar.

[0010] In one aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, a cryogenic storage unit is described. A cryogenic chamber is configured to store at least one rack within a cryogenic interior volume defined by the cryogenic chamber. The cryogenic chamber includes a cryogenic access port in an upper portion of the cryogenic chamber. The cryogenic access port is configured to fluidly connect the interior volume to ambient space via a port opening extending through an upper cryogenic chamber surface. A cork selectively blocks the cryogenic access port to resist ingress of ambient air into the cryogenic chamber. A dry air supply device is at least partially external to the cryogenic interior volume. The dry air supply device includes a dry air supply line in fluid communication with at least a selected one of the cryogenic interior volume and the cryogenic access port. The dry air supply device selectively provides dry air and volumetrically prevents ingress of non-dry air within the selected one of the cryogenic interior volume and the cryogenic access port.

[0011] In one aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, a material thawing device is described. The material thawing device includes a stepper motor and an eccentric cam operatively coupled to the stepper motor and receiving orbital motion therefrom. A movable platform is selectively driven by the eccentric cam to perform orbital motion in a plane of motion relative to the stepper motor. The plane of motion is substantially parallel to the movable platform. At least one container station is supported by the movable platform for orbital motion parallel to the plane of motion. The at least one container station includes a heating element for selectively heating a container associated with the container station. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] For a better understanding, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of a cryogenic storage unit in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

[0014] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

[0015] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.

[0016] [Figure 4] 4 is a top perspective view of the components of the cryogenic storage unit of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0017] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the components of FIG.

[0018] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of area "6" in FIG.

[0019] [Figure 7] 7 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the cryogenic storage unit of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0020] [Figure 8] 8 is a top perspective view of the components of the cryogenic storage unit of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0021] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the components of FIG.

[0022] [Figure 10] 10 is a top perspective view of the components of the cryogenic storage unit of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0023] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of area "11" in FIG.

[0024] [Figure 12] 12 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the cryogenic storage unit of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0025] [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a detailed view of area "13" of FIG. 12 in the first configuration.

[0026] [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a detailed view of area "13" of FIG. 12 in the second configuration.

[0027] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a partial top perspective view of the cryogenic storage unit of FIG. 1 showing an alternative component configuration.

[0028] [Figure 15A] 15A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the components of the cryogenic storage unit of FIG. 1 in a first configuration.

[0029] [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B depicts the components of FIG. 15A in a second configuration.

[0030] [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is a schematic bottom view of the components of FIG. 15A.

[0031] [Figure 15D] FIG. 15D is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line "DD" of FIG. 15C.

[0032] [Figure 15E] FIG. 15E is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line "EE" of FIG. 15C.

[0033] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic partial view of a system associated with the cryogenic storage unit of FIG.

[0034] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flow chart that diagrammatically depicts an exemplary scheme of operation of the system of FIG.

[0035] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic top perspective view of components associated with the cryogenic storage unit of FIG.

[0036] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic rear perspective view of the components of FIG.

[0037] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a top view of the components of FIG.

[0038] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an exploded top perspective view of the components of FIG.

[0039] [Figure 22] 22 is a schematic exploded top perspective view of a subassembly of the components of FIG.

[0040] [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic top perspective view of the subassembly of FIG.

[0041] [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a schematic top perspective view of the subassembly of FIG. 18 in a first use configuration.

[0042] [Figure 25] 25 is a schematic side view of the subassembly of FIG. 18 in the first use configuration of FIG. 24. FIG.

[0043] [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic top perspective view of the subassembly of FIG. 18 in a second use configuration.

[0044] [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a flow chart that diagrammatically depicts an exemplary scheme of operation of the components of FIG.

[0045] [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic top perspective view of components associated with the cryogenic storage unit of FIG.

[0046] [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a bottom perspective view of the components of FIG.

[0047] [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a top view of the components of FIG.

[0048] [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a side perspective view of the components of FIG. 28 in a first use configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Description of Aspects of the Disclosure Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0050] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" can include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," as used herein, may specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0051] As used herein, the term "and / or" can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0052] As used herein, phrases such as "X to Y" and "about X to Y" may be interpreted to include X and Y.

[0053] As used herein, phrases such as "about X to Y" may mean "about X to about Y."

[0054] When an element is referred to as being "on," "attached to," "connected to," "coupled to," "in contact with," or the like, another element, it is understood that it may be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, or in contact with the other element, or that intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to, for example, as being "directly on," "directly attached to," "directly connected to," "directly coupled to," or "in direct contact with," another element, intervening elements are not present. Also, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a reference to a structure or feature being located "directly adjacent to" another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature, while a structure or feature that is located "adjacent to" another feature may not have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0055] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of X and Y" may be interpreted to include X, Y, or a combination of X and Y. For example, if an element is described as having at least one of X and Y, the element may, at a particular time, include X, Y, or a combination of X and Y, and the selection may vary from time to time. In contrast, the phrase "at least one of X" may be interpreted to include one or more than one X.

[0056] As used herein, the term "healthcare professional" may refer to any clinician involved in the medical treatment of a patient, including, but not limited to, physicians, pharmacists, medical students, nurse practitioners, nurses, and technicians.

[0057] The invention comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of the following features in any combination:

[0058] At least FIGS. 1-16 depict various aspects of a cryogenic storage unit 100, which comprises a cryogenic chamber 102 (e.g., a Dewar container) including a cryogenic access port 104 in an upper portion 206 of the cryogenic chamber 102. The "upper" and "lower" portions are vertically separated lengthwise in the orientation of FIGS. 2-3. It should be understood that spatially relative terms such as "below," "lower," "lower side," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms can encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures were inverted, elements described as being "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "over" the other elements or features.

[0059] Figure 1 diagrammatically depicts a plan view of cryogenic storage unit 100 taken from above, and Figure 2 diagrammatically depicts an elevation view of cryogenic storage unit 100 taken from the side. Cryogenic storage unit 100 may be of any desired type, such as, but not limited to, the cryogenic storage units and / or associated components disclosed in the '834 patent.

[0060] The term "cryogenic" or the prefix "cryogenic" is used herein to refer to temperatures below the range of conventional vapor compression refrigeration, e.g., below at least a portion of the range in which atmospheric gases (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, argon, xenon) are in a liquid state at normal pressure (-100°C to -190°C). For example, storage of certain biological materials below about -137°C may be desired in some use environments. For purposes of discussion, a "cryogenic" temperature is considered herein to be within a range below about -125°C, e.g., about -125°C to about -250°C, or about -130°C to about -145°C, or more specifically, below about -137°C or about 137°C. A "range" can have two boundaries (e.g., about -125°C to about -250°C) or a single explicit boundary (e.g., below about -125°C or below about -137°C). Cryogenic storage unit 100 can be used in any setting where it is desirable to store and selectively dispense materials at cryogenic temperatures, however, a pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical use environment is provided herein as an example.

[0061] The cryogenic chamber 102 further defines an interior volume 208 and substantially encloses at least one rack 210, as will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 28-31 . The at least one rack 210 is configured to selectively support at least one container unit for cryogenically stored materials. The container unit may include one or more vials, bottles, cartridges, boxes, ampoules, any other type of holder, and / or any combination of holders, and is configured to carry or contain materials, including, but not limited to, pharmaceuticals, drugs, therapeutic substances, cells, cell therapy-based therapies, gene therapy-based therapies, genetically engineered cell therapy-based therapies, or any other materials desirably stored at cryogenic temperatures, potentially with access control and monitoring. It is also contemplated that individual container units may be maintained within the cryogenic chamber 102 without a surrounding rack 210 or other support structure, and in such cases, the container unit itself should be considered a rack 210 for purposes of this description.

[0062] The cryogenic access port 104 is configured to selectively place the interior volume 208 of the cryogenic chamber 102 in fluid communication with the ambient space 112 (the space or volume surrounding the cryogenic chamber 102). The enclosure 114 may substantially enclose the cryogenic chamber 102 and selectively place the cryogenic access port 104 in fluid communication with the ambient space 112. For example, the claimed cryogenic chamber 102 may be installed in a mechanized dispenser-type enclosure such as that of the '834 patent, a manually accessed enclosure as known in the art, or employed in any other suitable environment of use.

[0063] A cork 116 may selectively block the cryogenic access port 104 to resist ingress of ambient air into the cryogenic chamber 102. The term "cork" is used herein in its normal usage within the cryogenic cooling arts to refer to a structure that fills, covers, closes, obstructs, or otherwise prevents fluid from flowing through or beyond the "corked" opening or aperture. The cork 116 may be partially, entirely, or not at all located within the plane of the obstructed structure. Cork 116 as referred to herein may be made from any desired material or combination of materials, which may be selected to have low thermal conductivity, and is not limited to the form of natural or artificial plant tissue obtained from (or based on) the cork tree.

[0064] The cryogenic access port 104, which is selectively blocked by the cork 116, is shown, at least in FIG. 2 , to include an opening 218 extending through an upper cryogenic chamber surface 220. As depicted in FIG. 2 , the opening 218 is non-coaxial with and laterally offset from the central vertical axis “A” of the cryogenic chamber 102. The central vertical axis “A” defines the “longitudinal” direction for purposes of this description. The “lateral” direction, as referred to herein, is substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis “A.” It is contemplated that the opening 218 may instead extend through a different surface of the cryogenic chamber 102 that is substantially aligned (at least partially or entirely) with the central vertical axis “A,” or may otherwise be configured as desired for a particular use environment. The absence of the opening 218 in FIG. 3 reflects that the cross-sectioning of that figure occurs orthogonally to the cut line defining FIG. 2 (see FIG. 1 for orientation).

[0065] The coolant may include, at least in part, an elongated heat exchanger 222 assembly suspended within the interior volume, a fluid coolant selectively directed within the interior volume 208, a fluid coolant located within the space between the housing 114 and the cryogenic chamber 102, or any other desired coolant, such as, but not limited to, open evaporative cooling (e.g., by providing liquid nitrogen or another evaporative coolant), and one or more of a closed-loop refrigeration system in which refrigerant is circulated within a sealed heat exchanger inside the cryogenic chamber and returned to an external heat rejection device. The external device may be, for example, a Stirling cycle cooling engine, a vapor compression refrigeration system, and / or any suitable heat pump means operating at the desired temperature. The coolant may electrically and / or fluidly act on any desired portion of the cryogenic chamber 102 (including the interior volume 208 and / or structures therein) to induce cryogenic temperatures as desired for the particular use environment. When the coolant includes an elongated heat exchanger 222, the heat exchanger may extend substantially coaxially with the central vertical axis of the cryochamber 102, as shown.

[0066] This heat exchanger 222 may be of any other desired active or passive configuration, including a "cold finger," umbrella, and / or partial disk-type or sealed heat pipe. As shown in FIG. 2 , the heat exchanger 222 extends downward into the interior volume 208 of the cryogenic chamber 102, promoting convective flow of air within the cryogenic chamber 102 and reducing thermal stratification within the cryogenic chamber 102 that may otherwise occur within a closed container of cold, still air. The convective flow may operate to bring air warmed by thermal leakage into the cryogenic chamber 102 (primarily through its outer walls and access ports) to the heat exchanger for re-cooling, without the need for any mechanical circulator devices (such as fans) that may be unreliable in such low-temperature environments. Those skilled in the art can readily provide any desired heat exchangers, cooling sources, or other cooling-related functions and components for the cryogenic storage unit 100 having any desired type, number, configuration, location, or other properties to achieve the desired results for a particular use environment.

[0067] One exemplary heat exchanger 222 is shown in Figures 4-5. Heat exchanger 222 is of the "cold finger" type (i.e., a conductive extension that reaches from the deep-cold surface of the cooling engine into cryogenic chamber 102) and may be used in conjunction with Stirling engine 424 and / or water jacket 426 to help transfer heat from cryogenic chamber 102 through at least one conductive fin 528 (multiple copper fins are shown in Figure 5 as an example) to Stirling engine 424. Fins 528 are held within heat exchanger sleeve 430. Such placement of fins 528 within heat exchanger sleeve 430 may be used, for example, to protect fins 528 and / or to achieve a desired thermal function by directing the warmest air within the cryochamber, which collects in its upper region, into heat exchanger 222 near its top portion and, as it cools and densifies, immediately flowing downward toward the lower portion of cryochamber 102 without mixing with the surrounding warmer air, thereby establishing continuous convective circulation within cryochamber 102 and bringing heat to the heat exchanger for removal. This arrangement may also reduce thermal stratification within the cryochamber. The heat exchanger 222 and Stirling engine 424 assembly is held in place within the heat exchanger dock (shown as 232 in FIG. 2 ) of cryogenic storage unit 100 by heat exchanger clamp 434.

[0068] The heat exchanger dock 232 is shown in its position on the cryogenic storage unit 100 without the heat exchanger 222 in the schematic detail view of Figure 6. The heat exchanger dock 232 includes a through pipe 636 having an inner and outer side separated longitudinally through pipe ends 638, 640 that are fluid-tight sealed to the cryogenic chamber 102 (upper cryogenic chamber surface 220 as shown) and the housing 114, respectively. The through pipe 636 thus provides a passage between the ambient space 112 and the interior volume 208 (for insertion of the heat exchanger 222) while separating both of those spaces from an interstitial space 642 defined between the housing 114 and the cryogenic chamber 102. As a result, the heat exchanger 222 can be inserted into and removed from the cryogenic chamber 102 without accessing the interstitial space 642 (which may be held at pressures including, but not limited to, low pressure, near vacuum conditions and may aid in insulating the cryogenic chamber 102). The circumferential wall of the through pipe 636 within the interstitial space 642 may include one or more through pipe serpentines 644 of any desired configuration. These through pipe serpentines 644 are shown in the figures as extending circumferentially around a central opening in the through pipe 636, but may be longitudinally oriented, spirally oriented, spiked / pointed / studded, and / or have any desired configuration for a particular use environment. When present, the through pipe serpentines 644 may serve to extend the conductive path length along the through pipe wall, which operates to reduce the conductive transfer of heat along the through pipe wall from the outside to the inside of the cryogenic storage unit 100.

[0069] 1-3 , a carousel deck 146 may be located within the interior volume 208 of the cryogenic chamber 102, optionally adjacent the cryogenic access port 104. The carousel deck 146 may be located substantially above the at least one rack 210 and suspend the at least one rack 210 downwardly therefrom into the interior volume 208. (It is also contemplated that the carousel deck 146 may be located toward a lower portion 248 of the cryogenic chamber 102 and support the at least one rack 210 from directly below; one skilled in the art can readily reconfigure the cryogenic storage unit 100 as described herein to have a “top-mounted” carousel deck 146 for particular bottom-mounted use environments.)

[0070] Turning to FIG. 7 , the carousel deck 146 is shown in detail within the cryogenic chamber 102. The carousel deck 146 may engage at least one carousel bearing 750 located within the interior volume 208. The at least one carousel bearing 750, when present, may substantially support the carousel deck 146 against an inner surface 752 of the cryogenic chamber 102 for rotational movement relative to the cryogenic chamber 102. The at least one carousel bearing 750 may be configured for slidable and / or rotational engagement with the carousel deck 146. The carousel deck 146 rotates substantially horizontally within the cryogenic chamber 102. The at least one carousel bearing 750 may be connected (directly or indirectly) to the inner surface 752 (i.e., inner wall) of the cryogenic chamber 102 adjacent to the upper portion 206 thereof. However, it is also contemplated that carousel bearings 750 may be supported from the lower portion 248 of the cryogenic chamber 102, suspended from the upper portion 206 of the cryogenic chamber 102, or otherwise provided in the cryogenic storage unit 100. Suitably configured carousel bearings may be carried by the carousel deck 146 for rolling and / or slidable engagement with rails or other features on the interior walls of the cryogenic chamber 102. Any desired number of carousel bearings 750 having any desired material, configuration, structure, location, or other physical characteristics may be provided in the cryogenic storage unit 100 and may be readily configured by one skilled in the art for a particular environment of use. Here, three carousel bearings 750 are shown spaced substantially equidistant from one another (as shown in FIG. 1) about the inner circumference of the cryogenic chamber 102 for reasons such as, but not limited to, rolling resistance control, self-leveling of the carousel deck 146, desired braking friction, ease of assembly / repair, and / or manufacturing cost control.

[0071] The carousel deck 146 is shown in further detail in the top view of FIG. 8 (including the carousel bearing 750) and the partial bottom view of FIG. 9 (without the carousel bearing). In FIG. 8, the structure of the carousel deck 146, as will be further discussed below with reference to FIGS. 28-31, is shown to include a substantially planar carousel disk 854 that includes a plurality of rack openings 856 for insertion of at least one container rack 210 therethrough. Any desired number, location, size, shape, and type of rack openings 856, or any other structure or void, may be provided, as desired, to facilitate access to underlying material cryogenically stored within the cryogenic storage unit 100 through the carousel disk 854 (in the top-mounted system shown in the figures). Here, the rack openings 856 are substantially equally spaced in a rotationally symmetric manner on the carousel disc 854, which may be useful for balancing the carousel disc 854.

[0072] In the configuration of the carousel deck 146 shown in the figures, a carousel hub 858 is shown as being substantially coaxial with a vertical axis A, and a plurality of carousel fins 860 extend longitudinally between the outer cylindrical surface of the carousel hub 858 and the "spoke" areas of the carousel disc 854. The carousel fins 860, when present, may provide a "stiffening" or load transfer function and help to assist in maintaining the planar nature of the carousel disc 854 under load. A carousel perimeter 862 extends longitudinally upward from the upper surface of the carousel disc 854 and includes edge features 864, as described below, which may assist in rotating the carousel deck 146.

[0073] At least one of the lower and upper surfaces of the carousel deck 146 may include grooves 866 for rotational support of the carousel deck by at least a portion of the carousel bearings 750. Referring to FIG. 9, the lower surface 968 of the carousel disc 854 is shown to include grooves 866, which may be configured for interaction with the carousel bearings 750, as desired. FIG. 9 also illustrates the manner in which the individual rack openings 854 may be formed as single, integral cutouts, with the carousel hub 858 then separating them into individual "stations" for selectively receiving the racks 210.

[0074] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary carousel bearing 750, which may be used in conjunction with the cryogenic storage unit 100. At least one carousel bearing 750 may include a shaft frame 1070, which carries a rotatable wheel 1072 (rotatable about a shaft 1074 carried by the shaft frame 1070). The shaft frame 1070 may, in some exemplary implementations, be connected to the inner surface 752 of the cryogenic chamber 102, as described above. The rotatable wheel 1072 is in rolling contact with the carousel deck 146, and more specifically, in some use environments, is maintained in rolling contact with the rotational support groove 866 of the carousel deck 146. The carousel bearing 750 may be mounted to the inner surface 752 of the cryogenic chamber 102 in any suitable manner, such as via a bolted connection as shown in the figure (or another mounting point for a particular use environment). At least one roller 1075 having an axis substantially parallel to the carousel rotation axis may be provided on at least one bearing mount 750 adjacent the outer edge of the carousel deck 146, and optionally adjacent the engagement of the actuator revolver 782 with the carousel deck 146, to resist undesirable radial movement of the carousel 146 due to forces applied by the actuator revolver 782.

[0075] 10 , the shaft frame 1070 may hold the rotatable wheel 1072 in a C-slot 1076 of the shaft frame. As shown, the shaft frame 1070 may be mounted on the inner surface 752 of the cryogenic chamber 102, and the C-slot 1076 may open onto longitudinally separated surfaces 1078 and 1080 on the upper and lower sides of the shaft frame 1070, respectively. When the C-slot 1076 is provided and oriented as shown, any frost buildup on the rotatable wheel 1072 or other components of the carousel bearing 750 may more easily fall toward the lower portion 248 of the cryogenic chamber 102, thus resisting ice buildup on the carousel bearing 750 components.

[0076] While it is contemplated that the carousel bearings 750 may be of the “active” type, which in some use environments are powered for driving contact with the carousel deck 146, the depicted arrangement includes passive carousel bearings 750, which simply support the carousel deck 146 and facilitate its rotational movement. Whether an active or passive carousel bearing 750 is used, a drive unit may be located substantially within the interior volume (permanently or as needed) to induce rotational movement of the carousel deck 146. As will be described, the drive unit, when present, may comprise an active-type driven carousel bearing 750 wheel or other structure, which permanently resides within the cryogenic chamber 102. Another example of a suitable drive unit (which is temporarily located within the cryogenic chamber 102 as needed) is an actuator revolver 782, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7 . This actuator revolver 782, when present, may be similar to that shown and described in the '834 patent.

[0077] When present, the actuator revolver 782 is configured for selective insertion through the cryogenic access port 104 from the ambient space 112 to induce rotational motion of the carousel deck 146. For example, the actuator revolver 782 may drive an edge feature 864 of the carousel deck 146 to induce rotational motion thereof. As shown in the figure, the edge feature 864 may be a toothed periphery with which the corresponding toothed actuator revolver 782 may engage in a toothed gear type fashion. It is contemplated that frictional engagement, pegs / holes, or other edge features 864 may also be provided on the carousel deck 146 to facilitate its driving by the actuator revolver 782 or any other prime mover, as desired.

[0078] When the rotational position of the actuator revolver 782 is suitably monitored, the toothed perimeter-type edge feature 864 may be useful in signaling the rotational position of the carousel deck 146, and by extension, any racks 210 associated therewith. However, the carousel deck 146 may be rotated in any desired manner. The actuator revolver 782 may be useful in situations where it is desirable to avoid occupying space within the cryogenic chamber 102 and / or exposing relatively delicate motion-producing machinery to the cryogenic temperatures within the cryogenic chamber 102, except as appropriate for moving the carousel deck 146, as needed, during active retrieval of selected container units, as described below. The actuator revolver 782 interfaces with features on the carousel deck 146 and may, optionally with the aid of a shaft, gear train, or other structure, selectively rotate the carousel deck 146 within the cryogenic chamber 102 to aid in alignment and / or smooth movement.

[0079] Those skilled in the art can readily provide schemes for rotating or otherwise moving carousel deck 146 for particular use environments. Actuator revolver 782, acting through cryogenic access port 104 via selective insertion through actuator revolver 782 as shown and described herein, can help reduce or eliminate heat leakage from cryogenic chamber 102 that would otherwise be associated with a permanent internal actuator for certain use environments, and provides improved angular location accuracy through the use of a very large ring gear (toothed carousel periphery 862) rather than a central shaft as is known in the art.

[0080] 12-14 , the relationship of the cork 116 and the cryogenic access port 104 will be discussed in detail, particularly with respect to achieving a desired “seal” of the opening 218 to avoid undesired heat and / or fluid ingress from the ambient space 112 into the cryogenic chamber 102. As shown in at least FIG. 12 , the cryogenic access port 104 is configured to place the interior volume 208 in fluid communication with the ambient space 112 via the port opening 218 extending through the upper cryogenic chamber surface 220. The cryogenic access port 104 is defined, at least in part, by a port collar 1284, which is in fluid communication with the port opening 218 and extends vertically upwardly beyond the upper portion of the cryogenic chamber 102. The cork 116 selectively occludes the cryogenic access port 104 to resist ingress of ambient air into the cryogenic chamber 102.

[0081] The cork 116 has a first cross-sectional footprint and includes a lower cork body 1286 configured for selective telescopic engagement within the port collar 1284. The term “selective telescopic engagement” is used herein to refer to a situation in which one of the cork 116 and the port collar 1284 fits within the other of the cork 116 and the port collar 1284 in an interlocking or mated contour arrangement. There may be an interference or frictional engagement between these two structures, or the telescopic engagement may simply be a close conformation of contours, which at least partially allows for some separation between them. The cork 116 and at least a portion of the cryogenic access port 104 (e.g., the port collar 1284), for example, may both be substantially circular in lateral cross-section, or may have any other desired contour or shape.

[0082] The cork 116 includes an upper lid 1288 including an upper lid feature 1290 having a second cross-sectional footprint, the second cross-sectional footprint being larger in at least one dimension than the first cross-sectional footprint of the lower cork body 1286. As shown, the upper lid feature 1290 has a larger diameter than the lower cork body 1286, although one skilled in the art can readily provide a suitably configured upper lid feature 1294 for a particular use environment. An engagement handle 1292 may be provided on the upper lid 1288 or any other desired portion of the cork 116 to facilitate removal of the cork 116 from the port collar 1284. At least a portion of the port collar 1284 may include a cork seating feature 1294 configured for selective engagement with at least a portion of the upper lid feature 1290 to resist progression of fluid along the longitudinal flow path between the cork 116 and the port collar 1284. The top lid feature 1290, when present, may be configured for selective interference or friction fit with the cork seating feature 1294.

[0083] 13A-13B depict optional alternative configurations of the region designated as area "13" in FIG. 12. The arrangement of FIG. 13A is substantially similar to the existing situation in FIG. 12. That is, the upper lid feature 1290 includes a protruding perimeter 1396, and the cork seating feature 1294 includes an increased footprint seating edge 1398 on the upper portion of the port collar 1284. At least a portion of the protruding perimeter 1396 selectively rests on the seating edge 1398 as the cork 116 is nested within the port collar 1284 (e.g., see the right side of the cork 116 as shown in FIG. 12) to resist the progression of fluid between the cryogenic interior volume 28 and the ambient space 112. A resilient sealing element 13100 may be carried by at least selected one of the protruding perimeter 1396 and the seating edge 1398. When present, at least a portion of the sealing element 13100 may be sandwiched vertically between the protruding perimeter 1396 and the seating edge 1398 when the cork 116 is nested within the port collar 1284. Referring again to FIG. 13A , the cork seating feature 1294 may include a vertically extending seating wall 13102 that projects upwardly from the seating edge 1398. The seating wall 13102 laterally surrounds at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the protruding perimeter 1396.

[0084] When the seating wall 13102 is present, at least a selected one of the seating wall 13102 and the protruding periphery 1396 may include a resilient sealing element 13100 on a laterally facing surface thereof for sealing against the other of the seating wall 13102 and the protruding periphery 1396. As shown in FIG. 13A , the selected one of the seating wall 13102 and the protruding periphery 1396 may include a laterally extending groove 13104 for retaining at least a portion of the sealing element 13102 therein.

[0085] 13B , as another option for the cork 116 and cryogenic-access port 104 interface, the protruding rim 1396 may include an overhanging wall 13106 extending vertically downward from its outer periphery. When present, the overhanging wall 13106 may laterally surround at least a portion of the outer periphery of the seating edge 1398. At least a selected one of the overhanging wall 13106 and the protruding rim 1396 may include a resilient sealing element 13100 on its laterally facing surface for sealing against the other of the overhanging wall 13106 and the protruding rim 1396. Alternatively, or in addition, a face seal may be used between the lid 1288 and the port collar 1284 to provide a suitable resilient seal therebetween when the cork 116 is in position within the port 218.

[0086] 14 is an exploded view depicting the cork 116 being removed from the port collar 1284 and showing the "step" type cork seating feature 1294 of FIG. One skilled in the art will readily be able to provide a cork 116 suitably configured to at least partially seal the cryogenic access port 104 as desired for a particular environment of use.

[0087] In addition to the sealing function, the cork 116, the cryogenic access port 104, and / or other features of the cryogenic storage unit 100 may include structures and features that operate to assist in maintaining a desired dry air atmosphere within the cryogenic chamber 102. Some such provisions will be described below with reference to Figures 15A-17.

[0088] As a preliminary note to this portion of the disclosure, it is instructive to consider the degree of dryness of “dry air” and what temperatures it contains, since known commercially available dryers cannot reach the level of dryness associated with many cryogenic storage temperatures of cryogenic storage unit 100 (approximately −150° C. in many use environments). Dryness is best described by the “dew point,” i.e., the temperature of humid air at which moisture begins to condense (also known as the saturation temperature, which corresponds to 100% relative humidity for that temperature). Commercial compressed air dryers typically achieve dew points of −40° F. (approximately −40° C.), although −100° F. is also possible. It should be considered how much of a reduction in moisture content this represents compared to 100% relative humidity at 20° C., which is about twice the typical conditioned indoor air quality (50% RH). This is easily compared by considering the partial pressure of water saturation, P, in atmospheric air (at 100 kPa = 1 bar) in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0089] It should be noted, therefore, that simply lowering the dew point to −40° C. removes over 99% of the ambient moisture content (approximately 98% when compared to 50% RH air instead of saturated 20° C. air). Because excessive icing can be problematic for on-site maintenance and operation of the cryogenic storage unit 100, it can be seen that reducing airborne humidity inside the interior volume 208 can be very useful in maintaining desired non-icing conditions within the cryogenic chamber 102. Those skilled in the art will be able to provide suitable schemes for supplying dry air to the interior volume 208 of the cryogenic storage unit 100 for a particular environment of use. Examples of such schemes are provided in FIGS. 15A-17.

[0090] 15A , an external dry air supply line 15108 may be set in fluid supply communication with a vent space 15110 located laterally between the cork 116 and the port collar 1284. In this manner, dry air may be “injected” into the cryogenic access port 104 at the interface between the cork 116 and the port collar 1284. FIGS. 15C-15E diagrammatically depict a bottom view of the seal element 13100, which is sandwiched between the cork seating feature 1294 and the upper lid feature 1290 and includes a central channel 15112 for dispensing dry air from the dry air supply line 15108 toward the vent space 15110. Cross sections (Figures 15D-15E) are also provided to show the central channel 15112 of the resilient sealing element 13100, which can be placed in fluid communication with the dry air supply line 15108 to direct fluid from the dry air supply line 15108 within the body of the sealing element 13100 for release through a manifold opening 15114 into the ventilation space 15110 located laterally between the cork 116 and the port collar 1284 (Figures 15A-15B also show the sealing element 13100 as including a sensor lead 15116 passing therethrough, such as for providing an electrical connection between a humidity and / or temperature sensor within the internal volume 208 and an externally located computing device (not shown)).

[0091] Another option for supplying dry air to the interior volume 208 is shown in Figure 15B. Simply, the lower cork body 1286 includes a dry air channel 15118 extending vertically therethrough. The dry air channel 15118 is configured to place an external dry air supply line 15108 in fluid communication with the cryogenic interior volume 208.

[0092] Whether dry air is supplied to the ventilated space 15110 and / or the internal volume 208 using the exemplary configurations of FIGS. 15A-15E and / or any other fluid supply structure and / or scheme, an active dry air supply device 16120, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 16, may be used to selectively provide dry air to the internal volume 208 via the dry air supply line 15108 or in any other suitable manner. In FIG. 16, the manifold-type seal element 13100 of FIGS. 15A and 15C-15E is shown by way of example for distributing dry air to the ventilated space 15110 for use with the previously described cryogenic storage unit 100. It is contemplated that the dry air supply device 16120 may be used with cork 116 having any desired configuration, such as, but not limited to, the optional configurations shown in FIGS. 12-14.

[0093] The dry air supply device 16120 includes a dry air supply line 15108 in fluid communication with at least a selected one of the cryogenic interior volume 208 and the cryogenic access port 104. The dry air supply device 16120 selectively provides dry air and volumetrically prevents intrusion of non-dry air into the selected one of the cryogenic interior volume 208 and the cryogenic access port 104. In accordance with the above discussion, the dry air may have a dew point of, for example, −40° C. or below −40° C.

[0094] The dry air supply device 16120 may include a pump 16122 for compressing ambient air and a dryer 16124 for receiving the compressed ambient air from the pump 16122 and removing moisture from the compressed ambient air to produce dry air for delivery to the dry air supply line 15108. A throttle 16126 may be in fluid communication with the dry air supply line 15108 for selectively varying the rate at which dry air flows through the throttle 16126 and into the cryogenic interior volume 208.

[0095] The controller 16128 may be in wired or wireless electrical communication with any other components of the dry air supply device 16120 to control the provision of dry air to the cryogenic storage unit 100 via the dry air supply line 15108. These connections are shown diagrammatically in Figure 16, and the operation of the controller 6128 may be implemented according to the flowchart of Figure 17, which will be discussed below.

[0096] In short, the throttle 16126 is configured to selectively vary the rate of dry air flowing through the dry air supply line 15108 in response to any desired input, such as, but not limited to, the physical condition of the air in the ambient space 112, the passage of a predetermined length of time, the physical condition or position of at least one component of the cryogenic storage unit 100, and / or sensed conditions within a selected one of the cryogenic interior volume 208 and the cryogenic access port 104. (As used herein, the term "rate" should be considered to encompass the pressure, volume, quantity, flow rate, or any other quality of dry air related to its supply through the dry air supply line 15108 and controllable by the throttle 16126.) For example, in some use environments, the throttle 16126 may direct a predetermined rate of dry air flowing through the dry air supply line in response to the sensed position (e.g., seated, absent, or partially removed) of the cork 116 relative to the port collar 1284.

[0097] For example, it may be desirable to provide an increased rate of dry air through the dry air supply line 15108 for a predetermined period of time when the cork 116 is being selectively removed from the cryogenic access port 104 and / or after the cork 116 has returned to a "closed position" sealing status in conjunction with the cryogenic access port 104. It is also contemplated that at least a portion of the dry air from the dry air supply device 16120 may be provided directly to the cryogenic access port 104, with or without the cork 116 (for any desired reason, such as, but not limited to, maintaining a "positive pressure" within at least a portion of the cryogenic chamber 102, thereby resisting the intrusion of relatively humid air from the ambient space 112 when the cork 116 is selectively removed from the cryogenic access port 104).

[0098] 16 , the dry air supply device 16120 may include a buffer tank 16130 fluidly sandwiched between the dryer 16124 and the throttle 16126. When present, the buffer tank 16130 may facilitate selective variability in the amount of dry air traveling through the dry air supply line 15108. The buffer tank 16130 may be of any desired configuration for a particular use environment and may be used to “store” dry air from the pump 16122, via the dryer 16124, optionally under pressure, for later release into the dry air supply line 15108.

[0099] The dry air supply device 16120 can be used to supply either low-flow dry air or high-flow dry air to the cryogenic chamber 102 of the cryogenic storage unit 100 for some example use environments, according to the logic summarized in the flowchart of FIG. 17 . At decision block a, the on / off status of the cryogenic storage unit 100 is determined. If the cryogenic storage unit 100 is off, nothing further is done. When the cryogenic storage unit 100 is on, control proceeds to decision block β, where the open / closed status of the cryogenic storage unit 100 is determined (e.g., the engagement status of the cork 116 with the cryogenic access port 104 can be checked to determine whether the cryogenic storage unit 100 is “closed,” i.e., whether the cork 116 is blocking the opening 218).

[0100] 17 flowchart proceeds to block γ, where low flow rate dry air is supplied through the dry air supply line 15108. If it is assumed that the cryogenic storage unit 100 is still on, control then returns to decision block β, looping around continued monitoring of the open / closed status of the cryogenic storage unit 100. Conversely, if the cryogenic storage unit 100 is not closed, control proceeds to block δ, where high flow rate dry air is supplied through the dry air supply line 15108. If it is assumed that the cryogenic storage unit 100 is still on, control then returns again to decision block β, looping around continued monitoring of the open / closed status of the cryogenic storage unit 100. In this context, a "low flow rate" is a flow rate that may be sufficient to keep the internal volume 208 pressure above local atmospheric pressure, may potentially be intermittent, and / or may be zero in some embodiments. "High flow rate" is used herein to indicate a flow rate sufficient to resist intrusion of ambient air from ambient space 112 through cryogenic access port 104 into cryogenic chamber 102 while cork 116 is removed or port 104 is open. When cork 116 blocks access port 104, the internal pressure within volume 208 may be maintained at approximately 5 to 20 Pascals (approximately 0.02 to 0.08 inches of water) above the local ambient pressure, as is typical in clean rooms where dust intrusion must be prevented (here, a situation similar to moisture exclusion conditions under low flow conditions). For example, a 10 Pascal overpressure acting on a cork 116 with an 8-inch seal diameter (approximately 22 cm) and an area of ​​approximately 0.038 square meters would produce a lifting force of approximately 0.38 Newtons. The cork 116 has a mass of approximately 1 kilogram and would therefore be subjected to a gravitational force of approximately 9.8 Newtons; the internal overpressure would not be sufficient to lift the cork 116 from the corresponding seal, and therefore the required flow rate would be approximately zero, subject to any leakage through the seal.

[0101] During removal of the cork 116, a high flow rate similar to or exceeding the volumetric removal rate of the cork may be used to replace the removed cork volume with dry air, without allowing the ingress of moist ambient air drawn out by the suction that would otherwise result from the removal of the cork 116. A high flow rate for an 8-inch (0.22 m) diameter and length cork 116 extracted over (for example) a 2-second period would require a displacement volumetric flow rate of approximately at least 0.004 cubic meters / second (approximately 9 cubic feet / minute). Both low and high flow rates may be provided by one or more of: increasing the pressure or power of the pump 16122, releasing a restriction in the dry air supply line 15108 (such as, but not limited to, opening the throttle 16126), releasing additional stored dry air from the buffer tank 16130, or any other desired flow control action or scheme.

[0102] 18-27 diagrammatically depict a material thawing device 18132 that can be used in conjunction with a container unit that is selectively stored within the cryogenic storage unit 100. For convenience, the devices of FIGS. 18-27 are described as being used to "thaw" material, but it is contemplated that one skilled in the art could readily provide a device for use in any desired application (wherein the material is subjected to the addition or extraction of heat, a phase change (e.g., from solid to liquid or vice versa), a positive or negative temperature change, application of flat planar motion, or any other desired material handling and / or processing task) in accordance with the principles taught herein. One skilled in the art would readily be able to correlate and adjust the terminology used in the following description to the intended application, even if it does not include "thawing" itself.

[0103] The material defrosting device 18132 includes a stepper motor 18134 and at least one eccentric cam 18136 operatively coupled to the stepper motor 18134 and receiving rotational motion therefrom. A movable platform 18138 is selectively driven by the eccentric cam 18136 to perform orbital motion in a plane of motion MP relative to the stepper motor 18134. The plane of motion MP is substantially parallel to the movable platform 18138 (the plane of motion MP is shown diagrammatically, for example, in FIG. 18 ) such that the movable platform 18138 oscillates or shifts in a flat, substantially horizontal manner without significant motion outside the plane of motion MP (thus, the container units may be substantially swirled or mixed without substantially precessing out of the plane of motion MP). At least one container station 18140 is supported by the movable platform for orbital motion parallel to the plane of motion. At least one container station 18140 includes a heating element 18142 for selectively heating a container 19144 associated with the container station 18140 (shown in Figures 19-20 and 24-26).

[0104] A thaw controller (shown diagrammatically at 18146) is configured to control at least one of the heating element 18142 and the stepper motor 18134 in accordance with respective predetermined heating and / or motion cycles (known as “swiveler” or “swing” cycles). For example, when controlling a motion or swing cycle, the thaw controller 18146 controls the stepper motor 18134 to induce a “swing”-type orbital motion of the movable platform 18138 in the plane of motion MP relative to a platform home position. When the stepper motor 18134 is controlled in a suitable manner, the platform home position can be used as a relatively fixed “origin” for operation of the material thaw device 18132 such that the container station 18140 can be controlled in space relative to a known and repeatable “home” position. This can be useful in automated cryogenic storage units 100 and use environments such as, for example, but not limited to, those shown and described in the '834 patent.

[0105] A base plate 18148 may be held stationary relative to the movable platform 18138. The base plate 18148, when present, may define a station for maintaining the eccentric cam 18136 in position relative thereto. The plane of motion MP of the movable platform 18138 extends substantially parallel to the base plate 18148. The base plate 18148 may be used, for example, to constrain the motion of one or more eccentric cams 18136 and to provide a relatively stable platform for mounting other structure of the material thawing device 18132.

[0106] The eccentric cam 18136′ as labeled in the figure may be a first eccentric cam of a plurality of eccentric cams 18136 that are maintained in position relative to the base plate 18148. The first eccentric cam 18136′ (differentiated by a “prime” marking on the element number) is driven directly by the stepper motor 18134 as a “driver” cam, as shown in the figure, and at least one other eccentric cam 18136 of the plurality of eccentric cams 18136 is driven indirectly via movement of the movable platform 18138 relative to the base plate 18148 as a “follower” cam.

[0107] However, it is contemplated that one skilled in the art would readily be able to provide a suitable movement arrangement whether or not a stepper motor 18134 and / or optional cam is provided for the desired "swivel" orbital movement of the moveable platform 18138 in the plane of motion MP. For example, a belt drive, a laterally oriented crank, a magnetic slider, or any other desired mechanism may be provided to induce the described planar orbital movement of the moveable platform 18138, as desired.

[0108] 21 , the stepper motor 18134 may apply rotational motion to at least the directly driven one of the eccentric cams 18136′ via a motor shaft 21150 that extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of motion MP of the moveable platform 18138. However, it is contemplated that the stepper motor 18134′ may instead apply rotational motion to at least the directly driven one of the eccentric cams 18136′ via a motor shaft 21150′ that extends substantially parallel to the plane of motion MP of the moveable platform 18138 and transmits the rotational motion to the eccentric cam 18136′ via a direction-changing linkage 21152 (e.g., a universal joint, a gear train, a belt drive, or other suitable mechanism). This direction-changing situation is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 21 and may be useful, for example, when space beneath the base plate 18148 is constrained, or for any other desired reason.

[0109] 19 , line 19156 (which may be an electric line) may be provided to one or more of the container stations 18140 and used to supply electrical power to one or more of the container stations 18140 to activate the heating elements 18142 as commanded by the thaw controller 18146. It is contemplated that line 19156 may instead be used to deliver a heating fluid to each container station 18140 when liquid-based heating is desired, and / or to deliver a coolant for cooling applications of the material thaw device 18132. For example, one or more container stations 18140 may be configured to provide heating and / or cooling properties using electrical and / or fluid-based heating / cooling elements in certain use environments (e.g., when it is desired that the containers 19144 be somewhat thawed or warmed from cryogenic temperatures but maintained at a temperature below ambient temperature, etc.). The line 19156, when present, may include flexible portions or other provisions to facilitate the orbital movement of the movable platform 18138 without placing undesirable stress on the connection or any structure to which the line 19156 is connected.

[0110] 19, although the base plate 18148 and / or moveable platform 18138 are shown without supports, it is contemplated that one or more pylons (shown diagrammatically at 19158) or other support structures may be provided to support the weight of the base plate 18148 and the structure carried thereby (including the stepper motor 18134 and eccentric cam) without interfering with the described orbital motion in the plane of motion MP of the moveable platform 18138. Likewise, it is contemplated that the base plate 18148 or any other structure of the material defrosting device 18132 may be supported by or within a housing of any suitable configuration, which may be readily provided by one of ordinary skill in the art for the desired environment of use.

[0111] 22-26, there is shown in detail the container station 18140. While the depicted container station 18140 is configured to selectively hold two containers 19144 and 19144′, it is contemplated that one skilled in the art could readily provide the container station 18140 configured to hold any desired number of containers 19144, in any desired manner, and to provide any desired temperature change facilitator for the containers 19144.

[0112] The container station 18140 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending grasper shell portions 22160 biased toward one another. Collectively, the grasper shell portions 22160 surround the container 19144 and exert a compressive force toward a longitudinally extending central station axis CSA, resisting movement of the container 19144 from the container warming position defined by the container station 18140. (While each of the container stations 18140 shown in the figures is configured to hold two containers 19144 side by side, the description herein presumes that each "half" of these tandem structures may be considered a single container station 18140. It is also contemplated that container stations may be provided by those skilled in the art to hold any desired number of containers 19144 at once, in any relative spatial arrangement.) As shown in at least Figures 24-26, the grasped portion of each container 19144 is substantially cylindrical, and each grasper shell portion 22160 has a semi-cylindrical outer shape.

[0113] Each glass shell portion 22160 includes an outer glass skin 22162 and an inner container contact layer 22164. At least a portion of the heating element 18142 is laterally sandwiched between the outer glass skin 22162 and the inner container contact layer 22164. The inner layer 22164 may be made, at least in part, from a highly conductive material, such as aluminum, to provide uniform temperature and distribution of heat received from the element 18142 to the container-contacting surface of the inner layer 22164. The outer skin 22162 may be made, at least in part, from a substantially rigid, low-conductivity thermal insulator to serve to maintain contact between the inner layer 22164 and the heating element 18142 while minimizing heat loss to the surrounding environment. In some use environments, the heating element 18142 may be a dry heating element, such as at least the resistive heating element shown in FIG. 22 .

[0114] For example, through the use of a biasing spring 22170 shown in FIG. 22, multiple grasper shell portions 22166 may be biased toward one another at their mid-longitudinal portions, such that the uppermost end of one grasper shell portion 22170 splays outward from the other shell portions under pressure from the downward insertion of a container 19144 toward the container warming position. This splaying is demonstrated by the gap 24172 shown in FIG. 25, which opens slightly between the upper peripheries 22166 of the two side halves of the container station 18140. Preferably, one half (one grasper shell portion 22160) is fixed to the movable platform, and the other half is connected to the first half by a spring 22170, allowing separation between the halves to receive the container 19144 while maintaining contact pressure with the container 19144. A pin 22184 may be provided on the fixed half that protrudes toward the movable half and engages a mating cavity 22186 in the movable half with clearance sufficient to allow relative angular movement between the halves during insertion and removal of the container 19144, but to prevent significant lifting of the movable half due to its frictional contact with the container during extraction. The uppermost end of the grasper shell portion 22170 then returns toward the central station axis CSA when the container 19144 reaches the container warming position. In response to the force of the biasing spring 22170, this gap 24172 closes with an audible and / or tactile “snap” sensation, which may assist the user in gaining knowledge of the proper seating of the container 19144 in the container warming position. It is contemplated that the upper periphery 22166 or any other portion of the container station 18140 may be dimensioned by one skilled in the art to receive user interaction with a particular configuration of containers 19144, as desired.

[0115] Once each container 19144 associated with a particular container station 18140 reaches a container warming position, a container warming cycle is initiated which may involve one or more of the following: application of heat (and / or cooling), application of a pivoting type motion, passage of time, achievement of a predetermined temperature, and / or any other factor to provide the container 19144 with the desired treatment via the material following device 18132. A flowchart outlines the control and operation of the material thawing device 18132 in one exemplary use application shown in FIG. 27. One skilled in the art can readily provide suitable logic and control for operation of the material thawing device 18132 in a particular use environment.

[0116] 28-31 depict various views of a cartridge or rack 210 that can be used in conjunction with the previously described cryogenic storage unit 100 and carousel deck 146. The rack 210 shown in these figures includes a solid bottom plate 28174 and an apertured top plate 28176 that extends substantially parallel to the bottom plate 28174. A plurality of column rods 28178 extend longitudinally between the bottom plate 28174 and the top plate 28176 to provide column strength to the rack 210 and define holding locations for the containers 19114. Identification information 28180, such as, but not limited to, user-perceptible markings and / or RFID labels, may be provided on any desired surface of the rack 210 to aid in identifying the rack itself and / or its contents.

[0117] At least one shock absorber 28182 may be provided on one or more column rods 28178, particularly as associated with one or more containers 19144 carried by the rack 210, to assist in stabilization, shock absorption, positioning, delivery, or any other desired task. The bottom plate 28174 and the top plate 28176 may have any desired footprint, such as, but not limited to, the substantially congruent shapes shown in the figures. The bottom plate 28174 may be slightly, overall, smaller than the top plate 28176. The bottom plate 28174 may be configured for insertion through a rack opening 856 in the carousel deck 146 of the cryogenic storage unit 100, such as that shown in FIG. 1. In such a use environment, the top plate 28176 may be configured larger than the rack opening 856 and therefore may not be able to fit therethrough. Thus, the top plate 28176, as shown diagrammatically at least in FIG. 2, is configured to "hook" onto the carousel disc 854 and facilitate suspension of the column rods 28178, the bottom plate 28174, and any containers 19144 carried by the rack 210 into the interior volume 208. The size, shape, location, and other characteristics of the openings on the top plate 28176, the bottom plate 28174 and top plate 28176 themselves, and any other components of the rack 210 may be selected to facilitate placement of one or more containers 19144 at predetermined locations, optionally in a reproducible manner. As a result, the rack 210 shown in FIGS. 28-31 may be useful in facilitating automated retrieval of containers 19144 within a cryogenic storage unit 100 similar to that taught by the '834 patent.

[0118] The structures, components, and component functions shown and described herein may be used with cryogenic storage units having any suitable type of access scheme (i.e., not necessarily the carousel-type interface described), as desired. For example, aspects of the structures and / or functions described herein may be readily provided by one skilled in the art in cryogenic storage units having manual or automated access to racks of containers (removable from the cryogenic chamber), simply reachable automated or manual access procedures, any other procedures for moving material into and / or out of the cryogenic chamber, or any combination thereof.

[0119] In summary, those skilled in the art will appreciate that exemplary aspect 1 includes a cryogenic storage unit, the cryogenic storage unit comprising:

[0120] a cryogenic chamber configured to store at least one rack within a cryogenic interior volume defined by the cryogenic chamber, the cryogenic chamber including a cryogenic access port in an upper portion of the cryogenic chamber, the cryogenic access port configured to place the interior volume in fluid communication with ambient space through a port opening extending through an upper cryogenic chamber surface, the cryogenic access port being defined at least in part by a port collar in fluid communication with the port opening and extending vertically upward beyond the upper portion of the cryogenic chamber;

[0121] 1. A cork for selectively blocking a cryogenic access port to resist ingress of ambient air into a cryogenic chamber, the cork including a lower cork body having a first cross-sectional footprint and configured for selective telescopic engagement within a port collar, the cork including an upper lid feature having a second cross-sectional footprint greater in at least one dimension than the first cross-sectional footprint.

[0122] and wherein at least a portion of the port collar includes a cork seating feature, the cork seating feature configured for selective engagement with at least a portion of the upper lid feature to resist progression of fluid along the longitudinal flow path between the cork and the port collar.

[0123] Exemplary Aspect 2. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 1, wherein the upper lid feature is configured for selective interference fit with the cork seating feature.

[0124] Exemplary Aspect 3. A cryogenic storage unit as described in Exemplary Aspect 1, wherein the upper lid feature includes a protruding periphery and the cork seating feature includes a seating edge of increased footprint on the upper portion of the port collar, and the protruding periphery selectively rests on the seating edge as the cork is nested within the port collar to resist the progression of fluid between the cryogenic interior volume and the ambient space.

[0125] Exemplary Aspect 4. A cryogenic storage unit as described in Exemplary Aspect 3, including a resilient sealing element carried by a selected one of the protruding periphery and the seating periphery, wherein at least a portion of the sealing element is vertically sandwiched between the protruding periphery and the seating periphery when the cork is nested within the port collar.

[0126] Exemplary Aspect 5. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 3, wherein the cork seating feature includes a vertically extending seating wall that protrudes upward from the seating periphery, the seating wall laterally surrounding at least a portion of the outer periphery of the protruding periphery.

[0127] Exemplary Aspect 6. A cryogenic storage unit as described in Exemplary Aspect 5, wherein at least one selected of the seating wall and the protruding periphery includes a resilient sealing element on its laterally facing surface for sealing against the other of the seating wall and the protruding periphery.

[0128] Exemplary Aspect 7. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 6, wherein a selected one of the seating wall and the protruding periphery includes a laterally extending groove for retaining at least a portion of the sealing element therein.

[0129] Exemplary Aspect 8. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 3, wherein the protruding periphery includes an overhanging wall extending vertically downward from its outer periphery, the overhanging wall laterally surrounding at least a portion of the outer periphery of the seating edge.

[0130] Exemplary Aspect 9. A cryogenic storage unit as described in Exemplary Aspect 8, wherein at least one selected of the protruding wall and the protruding periphery includes a resilient sealing element on its laterally facing surface for sealing against the other of the protruding wall and the protruding periphery.

[0131] Exemplary Aspect 10. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 1, wherein both the cork and the cryogenic access port are substantially circular in lateral cross section.

[0132] Exemplary Aspect 11. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 1, including an external dry air supply line in lateral fluid supply communication with the ventilation space between the cork and the port collar.

[0133] Exemplary Aspect 12. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 11, wherein a resilient sealing element is sandwiched between the cork seating feature and the upper lid feature, and the resilient sealing element includes a plurality of manifold openings configured to direct fluid from the dry air supply line to the ventilation space.

[0134] Exemplary Aspect 13. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 1, wherein the lower cork body includes a dry air channel extending vertically therethrough, the dry air channel configured to install an external dry air supply line in fluid communication with the cryogenic interior volume.

[0135] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary aspect 14 includes a cryogenic storage unit, the cryogenic storage unit comprising:

[0136] a cryogenic chamber configured to store at least one rack within a cryogenic interior volume defined by the cryogenic chamber, the cryogenic chamber including a cryogenic access port in an upper portion of the cryogenic chamber, the cryogenic access port configured to place the interior volume in fluid communication with an ambient space via a port opening extending through an upper cryogenic chamber surface;

[0137] a cork for selectively blocking the cryogenic access port to resist ingress of ambient air into the cryogenic chamber;

[0138] a dry air supply device at least partially external to the cryogenic interior volume, the dry air supply device including a dry air supply line in fluid communication with at least a selected one of the cryogenic interior volume and the cryogenic access port;

[0139] It will be appreciated that the dry air supply device selectively provides dry air and volumetrically prevents intrusion of non-dry air within a selected one of the cryogenic interior volume and the cryogenic access port.

[0140] Exemplary Aspect 15. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 14, wherein the dry air has a dew point of -40°C or below -40°C.

[0141] Exemplary Aspect 16. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 14, wherein the dry air supply device includes a pump for compressing ambient air, a dryer for receiving the compressed ambient air from the pump, removing moisture, and producing dry air for flow to the dry air supply line, and a throttle in fluid communication with the dry air supply line, the throttle for selectively varying a rate at which the dry air flows therethrough into the cryogenic interior volume.

[0142] Exemplary Aspect 17. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 16, wherein the throttle varies the rate at which dry air flows through the dry air supply line in response to sensed conditions within a selected one of the cryogenic interior volume and the cryogenic access port.

[0143] Exemplary Aspect 18. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 16, wherein the throttle provides a predetermined rate of dry air flowing through the dry air supply line in response to a sensed position of the cork relative to the port collar.

[0144] Exemplary Aspect 19. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 16, wherein the dry air supply device includes a buffer tank fluidly sandwiched between the dryer and the throttle, the buffer tank facilitating selective variability in the amount of dry air traveling through the dry air supply line.

[0145] Exemplary Aspect 20. The cryogenic access port is defined at least in part by a port collar, the port collar being in fluid communication with the port opening and extending longitudinally upwardly beyond an upper portion of the cryogenic chamber;

[0146] the cork includes a lower cork body having a first cross-sectional footprint and configured for selective telescopic engagement within the port collar; the cork includes an upper lid feature having a second cross-sectional footprint that is greater than the first cross-sectional footprint in at least one dimension;

[0147] 15. The cryogenic storage unit of example aspect 14, wherein at least a portion of the port collar includes a cork seating feature, the cork seating feature configured for selective engagement with at least a portion of the upper lid feature to resist progression of fluid along the longitudinal flow path between the cork and the port collar.

[0148] Exemplary Aspect 21. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 20, wherein the external dry air supply line is in lateral fluid supply communication with the ventilation space between the cork and the port collar.

[0149] Exemplary Aspect 22. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 21, wherein a resilient sealing element is sandwiched between the cork seating feature and the upper lid feature, and the resilient sealing element includes a plurality of manifold openings configured to direct fluid from the dry air supply line to the ventilation space.

[0150] Exemplary Aspect 23. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 20, wherein the lower cork body includes a dry air channel extending vertically therethrough, the dry air channel configured to install an external dry air supply line in fluid communication with the cryogenic interior volume.

[0151] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exemplary aspect 24 includes a material defrosting device, which comprises:

[0152] A stepper motor;

[0153] an eccentric cam operatively coupled to the stepper motor and receiving orbital motion therefrom;

[0154] a movable platform selectively driven by an eccentric cam for orbital motion in a plane of motion relative to the stepper motor, the plane of motion being substantially parallel to the movable platform;

[0155] at least one container station supported by the movable platform for orbital movement parallel to the plane of motion, the at least one container station including a heating element for selectively heating a container associated with the container station; You will understand that it is equipped with

[0156] Exemplary Aspect 25. The material defrosting device of Exemplary Aspect 24, including a defrosting controller configured to control at least one of the heating element and the stepper motor according to respective predetermined heating cycles and motion cycles.

[0157] Exemplary Aspect 26. The material defrosting device of Exemplary Aspect 25, wherein the defrosting controller controls a stepper motor to induce orbital motion of the movable platform within a plane of motion relative to a platform home position.

[0158] Exemplary Aspect 27. A material defrosting device as described in Exemplary Aspect 24, including a base plate held stationary relative to the movable platform, the base plate defining a station for maintaining the eccentric cam in position relative thereto, and the plane of motion of the movable platform extending substantially parallel to the base plate.

[0159] Exemplary Aspect 28. A material defrosting device as described in Exemplary Aspect 26, wherein the eccentric cam is a first eccentric cam of a plurality of eccentric cams maintained in position relative to the base plate, the first eccentric cam being driven directly by a stepper motor and at least one other eccentric cam of the plurality of eccentric cams being driven indirectly via movement of the movable platform relative to the base plate.

[0160] Exemplary Aspect 29. The material defrosting device of Exemplary Aspect 24, wherein the stepper motor applies rotational motion to the eccentric cam via a motor shaft extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of motion of the movable platform.

[0161] Exemplary Aspect 30. A material defrosting device as described in Exemplary Aspect 24, wherein the stepper motor applies rotational motion to the eccentric cam via a motor shaft extending substantially parallel to the plane of motion of the movable platform and transmits the rotational motion to the eccentric cam via a direction-changing linkage.

[0162] Exemplary Aspect 31. The material thawing device of Exemplary Aspect 24, wherein the container station includes a plurality of longitudinally extending grasper shell portions biased toward one another, the grasper shell portions collectively surrounding the container and applying a compressive force toward a longitudinally extending central station axis and resisting movement of the container from a container warming position defined by the container station.

[0163] Exemplary Aspect 32. The material thawing device of Exemplary Aspect 31, wherein the grasped portion of the container is substantially cylindrical and each grasper shell portion has a semi-cylindrical outer shape.

[0164] Exemplary Aspect 33. The material thawing device of Exemplary Aspect 31, wherein each glass shell portion includes an outer glass skin, an inner container contact layer, and at least a portion of a heating element sandwiched laterally between the outer glass skin and the inner container contact layer.

[0165] Exemplary Aspect 34. A material thawing device as described in Exemplary Aspect 33, wherein the container station includes an upper periphery affixed to a selected one of the grasper halves, the upper periphery allowing only a predetermined amount of lateral movement relative thereto by the other of the grasper halves.

[0166] Exemplary Aspect 35. The material thawing device of Exemplary Aspect 31, wherein the grasper shell portions are biased toward one another at their intermediate longitudinal portions, such that the uppermost end of one grasper shell portion spreads outward from the central station axis under pressure from downward insertion of the container toward the container warming position, and when the container reaches the container warming position, the uppermost ends of the grasper shell portions return toward one another.

[0167] Exemplary Aspect 36. The material thawing device of Exemplary Aspect 24, wherein the heating element is a dry heating element.

[0168] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that exemplary aspects 37 include a cryogenic storage unit, which includes:

[0169] a cryogenic chamber including a cryogenic access port in an upper portion of the cryogenic chamber, the cryogenic chamber defining an interior volume substantially surrounding at least one rack, the cryogenic access port configured to be selectively placed in fluid communication with the interior volume with an ambient space;

[0170] a coolant that induces a cryogenic temperature within a first temperature range in the interior volume;

[0171] a carousel deck located within the interior volume adjacent the cryogenic access port, the carousel deck positioned substantially above the at least one rack and suspending the at least one rack downwardly therefrom into the interior volume;

[0172] at least one carousel bearing located within the interior volume and engaging a carousel deck rotational movement of the carousel deck relative to the cryogenic chamber, the carousel deck rotating substantially horizontally; and You will understand that it is equipped with

[0173] Exemplary Aspect 38. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, wherein the cryogenic access port includes an opening extending through the upper cryogenic chamber surface, the opening being positioned non-coaxially with the central vertical axis of the cryogenic chamber.

[0174] Exemplary Aspect 39. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, wherein the cryogenic access port is positioned substantially coaxially with a central vertical axis of the cryogenic chamber.

[0175] Exemplary Aspect 40. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, wherein the coolant comprises an elongated heat exchanger suspended within the interior volume.

[0176] Exemplary Aspect 41. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 40, wherein the elongated heat exchanger extends substantially coaxially with a central vertical axis of the cryogenic chamber.

[0177] Exemplary Aspect 42. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, wherein the coolant comprises a fluid coolant selectively directed into the interior volume.

[0178] Exemplary Aspect 43. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, including a housing that substantially encloses the cryogenic chamber and selectively positions the cryogenic access port in fluid communication with the ambient space.

[0179] Exemplary Aspect 44. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, wherein the at least one rack is configured to selectively support at least one container unit for the material to be cryogenically stored.

[0180] Exemplary Aspect 45. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, including an actuator revolver for selective insertion through the cryogenic access port from ambient space to induce rotational movement of the carousel deck.

[0181] Exemplary Aspect 46. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, wherein the actuator revolver drives an edge feature of the carousel deck to induce rotational movement thereof.

[0182] Exemplary Aspect 47. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 46, wherein the edge feature is a toothed perimeter.

[0183] Exemplary Aspect 48. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, including a drive unit located substantially within the interior volume for inducing rotational movement of the carousel deck.

[0184] Exemplary Aspect 49. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, wherein at least one carousel bearing is connected to an inner surface of the cryogenic chamber adjacent an upper portion thereof.

[0185] Exemplary Aspect 50. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, wherein at least one carousel bearing includes an axle frame carrying a rotatable wheel, the axle frame connected to an inner surface of the cryogenic chamber, and the rotatable wheel is in rolling contact with the carousel deck.

[0186] Exemplary Aspect 51. The cryogenic storage unit of exemplary aspect 50, wherein the shaft frame holds the rotatable wheel within its C-slot, and the C-slot opens on upper and lower longitudinally separated surfaces of the shaft frame.

[0187] Exemplary Aspect 52. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 50, wherein at least one of the lower and upper surfaces of the carousel deck includes a groove for rotational support of the carousel deck by a rotatable wheel.

[0188] Exemplary Aspect 53. The cryogenic storage unit of Exemplary Aspect 37, including a cork that selectively blocks the cryogenic access port to resist ingress of ambient air into the cryogenic chamber.

[0189] While aspects of the present disclosure have been shown and described with particular reference to the above exemplary aspects, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional aspects may be contemplated. For example, the specific method described above for using the device is merely illustrative, and one skilled in the art can readily determine any number of tools, sequences of steps, and / or other means and options for placing in place the above-described device or its components substantially similar to those shown and described herein. In an attempt to maintain clarity in the figures, some of the overlapping components shown have not been specifically numbered; however, one skilled in the art will recognize the element numbers to be associated with unnumbered components based on the numbered components, and no distinction between similar components is intended or implied solely by the presence or absence of element numbers in the figures. Any of the described structures and components may be integrally formed as a single, integral or monolithic piece, or may be comprised of separate subcomponents, any of which may involve any suitable raw or custom components and / or any suitable material or combination of materials. Any of the described structures and components may be disposable or reusable, as desired for a particular use environment. Any component may be provided with user-perceptible markings to indicate the component's material, configuration, at least one dimension, or the like, potentially assisting a user in selecting a component from an array of similar components for a particular use environment. A "predetermined" status may be determined at any time before the structure being operated actually reaches that status, and "predetermination" may occur as late as just before the structure achieves a predetermined status. The term "substantially" is used herein to indicate a quality that is nearly (but not necessarily entirely) that which is defined, and a "substantial" quality acknowledges the potential for some relatively minor inclusion of items that do not qualify as the quality. While certain components described herein are shown as having specific geometric shapes, all structures of the present disclosure may have any suitable shape, size, configuration, relative relationship, cross-sectional area, or any other physical characteristic, depending on the desirability for a particular application.Although any structure or feature described with reference to one aspect or configuration may be provided alone or in combination with other structures or features in any other aspect or configuration, it would be impractical to describe each of the aspects and configurations discussed herein as having all of the options discussed with respect to all of the other aspects and configurations. Any device or method incorporating any of these features should be understood to fall under the scope of the present disclosure as determined based on the following claims and any equivalents thereof.

[0190] Other aspects, objects, and advantages can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A cryogenic storage unit comprising: a cryogenic chamber including a cryogenic access port in an upper portion of the cryogenic chamber, the cryogenic chamber defining an interior volume substantially surrounding at least one rack, the cryogenic access port configured to be selectively placed in fluid communication with the interior volume and an ambient space; a coolant that induces a cryogenic temperature within the interior volume within a first temperature range; a carousel deck located within the interior volume adjacent the cryogenic access port, the carousel deck positioned substantially above the at least one rack and suspending the at least one rack downwardly therefrom into the interior volume; at least one carousel bearing located within the interior volume and engaging the carousel deck rotational movement of the carousel deck relative to the cryogenic chamber, the carousel deck rotating substantially horizontally; 1. A cryogenic storage unit comprising:

2. 10. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 1, wherein the cryogenic access port includes an opening extending through an upper cryogenic chamber surface, the opening being positioned non-coaxially with a central vertical axis of the cryogenic chamber.

3. 10. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 1, wherein the cryogenic access port is positioned substantially coaxially with a central vertical axis of the cryogenic chamber.

4. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 1 , wherein the coolant comprises an elongated heat exchanger suspended within the interior volume.

5. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 4 , wherein the elongated heat exchanger extends substantially coaxially with a central vertical axis of the cryogenic chamber.

6. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 1 , wherein the coolant comprises a fluid coolant selectively directed into the interior volume.

7. 10. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 1, including a housing that substantially encloses the cryogenic chamber and selectively places the cryogenic access port in fluid communication with the ambient space.

8. 10. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one rack is configured to selectively support at least one container unit for cryogenically stored material.

9. 10. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 1, including an actuator revolver for selective insertion through said cryogenic access port from ambient space to induce rotational movement of said carousel deck.

10. 10. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 9, wherein the actuator revolver drives an edge feature of the carousel deck to induce rotational movement thereof.

11. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 10 , wherein the edge feature is a toothed perimeter.

12. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 1 including a drive unit located substantially within the interior volume for inducing rotational movement of the carousel deck.

13. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one carousel bearing is connected to an interior surface of the cryogenic chamber adjacent an upper portion thereof.

14. 2. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one carousel bearing includes an axle frame carrying a rotatable wheel, the axle frame connected to an inner surface of the cryogenic chamber, the rotatable wheel being in rolling contact with the carousel deck.

15. 15. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 14, wherein the shaft frame holds the rotatable wheels in C-slots thereof, the C-slots opening on upper and lower longitudinally separated surfaces of the shaft frame.

16. 15. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 14, wherein at least one of the lower and upper surfaces of the carousel deck includes a groove for rotational support of the carousel deck by the rotatable wheel.

17. 10. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 1, including a cork selectively blocking the cryogenic access port to resist ingress of ambient air into the cryogenic chamber.

18. 1. A cryogenic storage unit comprising: a cryogenic chamber configured to store at least one rack within a cryogenic interior volume defined by the cryogenic chamber, the cryogenic chamber including a cryogenic access port in an upper portion of the cryogenic chamber, the cryogenic access port configured to place the interior volume in fluid communication with ambient space through a port opening extending through an upper cryogenic chamber surface, the cryogenic access port being defined at least in part by a port collar in fluid communication with the port opening and extending vertically upward beyond the upper portion of the cryogenic chamber; a cork for selectively blocking the cryogenic access port to resist ingress of ambient air into the cryogenic chamber, the cork including a lower cork body having a first cross-sectional footprint and configured for selective telescopic engagement within the port collar, the cork including an upper lid feature having a second cross-sectional footprint greater in at least one dimension than the first cross-sectional footprint; wherein at least a portion of the port collar includes a cork seating feature configured for selective engagement with at least a portion of the upper lid feature to resist progression of fluid along a longitudinal flow path between the cork and the port collar.

19. 20. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 18, wherein the upper lid feature is configured for a selective interference fit with the cork seating feature.

20. 20. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 18, wherein the upper lid feature includes a protruding periphery and the cork seating feature includes a seating edge of increased footprint on an upper portion of the port collar, the protruding periphery selectively resting on the seating edge as the cork is nested within the port collar to resist progression of fluid between the cryogenic interior volume and the ambient space.

21. 21. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 20, including a resilient sealing element carried by a selected one of the protruding rim and the seating edge, at least a portion of the sealing element being sandwiched vertically between the protruding rim and the seating edge when the cork is nested within the port collar.

22. 21. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 20, wherein the cork seating feature includes a vertically extending seating wall projecting upwardly from the seating rim, the seating wall laterally surrounding at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the protruding rim.

23. 23. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 22, wherein at least a selected one of the seating wall and the protruding periphery includes a resilient sealing element on a laterally facing surface thereof for sealing against the other of the seating wall and the protruding periphery.

24. 24. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 23, wherein the selected one of the seating wall and the protruding periphery includes a laterally extending groove for retaining at least a portion of the sealing element therein.

25. 21. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 20, wherein the protruding perimeter includes an overhanging wall extending vertically downward from an outer periphery thereof, the overhanging wall laterally surrounding at least a portion of the outer periphery of the seating edge.

26. 26. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 25, wherein at least a selected one of the overhanging wall and the protruding periphery includes a resilient sealing element on a laterally facing surface thereof for sealing against the other of the overhanging wall and the protruding periphery.

27. 20. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 18, wherein the cork and the cryogenic access port are both substantially circular in lateral cross section.

28. 20. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 18 including an external dry air supply line in lateral fluid supply communication with the ventilation space between the cork and the port collar.

29. 30. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 28, wherein a resilient sealing element is sandwiched between the cork seating feature and the top lid feature, the resilient sealing element including a plurality of manifold openings configured to direct fluid from the dry air supply line to the ventilation space.

30. 20. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 18, wherein the lower cork body includes a dry air channel extending vertically therethrough, the dry air channel configured to install an external dry air supply line in fluid communication with the cryogenic interior volume.

31. 1. A cryogenic storage unit comprising: a cryogenic chamber configured to store at least one rack within a cryogenic interior volume defined by the cryogenic chamber, the cryogenic chamber including a cryogenic access port in an upper portion of the cryogenic chamber, the cryogenic access port configured to place the interior volume in fluid communication with an ambient space via a port opening extending through an upper cryogenic chamber surface; a cork for selectively blocking the cryogenic access port to resist ingress of ambient air into the cryogenic chamber; a dry air supply device at least partially external to the cryogenic interior volume, the dry air supply device including a dry air supply line in fluid communication with at least a selected one of the cryogenic interior volume and the cryogenic access port; wherein the dry air supply device selectively provides dry air and volumetrically prevents intrusion of non-dry air within the selected one of the cryogenic interior volume and the cryogenic access port.

32. 32. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 31, wherein the dry air has a dew point of -40°C or below -40°C.

33. 32. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 31 , wherein the dry air supply device includes a pump for compressing ambient air; a dryer for receiving the compressed ambient air from the pump, removing moisture, and producing dry air for flow to the dry air supply line; and a throttle in fluid communication with the dry air supply line, the throttle for selectively varying a rate of dry air flowing therethrough to the cryogenic interior volume.

34. 34. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 33, wherein the throttle varies the rate of dry air flowing through the dry air supply line in response to sensed conditions within the selected one of the cryogenic interior volume and the cryogenic access port.

35. 34. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 33, wherein the throttle provides a predetermined rate of dry air flowing through the dry air supply line in response to a sensed position of the cork relative to the port collar.

36. 34. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 33, wherein the dry air supply device includes a buffer tank fluidly sandwiched between the dryer and the throttle, the buffer tank facilitating selective variability in the amount of dry air traveling through the dry air supply line.

37. the cryogenic access port is defined at least in part by a port collar, the port collar being in fluid communication with the port opening and extending longitudinally upwardly beyond the upper portion of the cryogenic chamber; the cork includes a lower cork body having a first cross-sectional footprint and configured for selective telescopic engagement within the port collar; the cork includes an upper lid feature having a second cross-sectional footprint that is greater in at least one dimension than the first cross-sectional footprint; at least a portion of the port collar includes a cork seating feature configured for selective engagement with at least a portion of the top lid feature to resist progression of fluid along a longitudinal flow path between the cork and the port collar; 32. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 31.

38. 38. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 37, wherein the external dry air supply line is in lateral fluid supply communication with the ventilation space between the cork and the port collar.

39. 39. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 38, wherein a resilient sealing element is sandwiched between the cork seating feature and the upper lid feature, the resilient sealing element including a plurality of manifold openings configured to direct fluid from the dry air supply line to the ventilation space.

40. 38. The cryogenic storage unit of claim 37, wherein the lower cork body includes a dry air channel extending vertically therethrough, the dry air channel configured to place an external dry air supply line in fluid communication with the cryogenic interior volume.

41. 1. A material thawing device comprising: A stepper motor; an eccentric cam operatively coupled to said stepper motor and receiving orbital motion therefrom; a movable platform selectively driven by the eccentric cam for orbital motion in a plane of motion relative to the stepper motor, the plane of motion being substantially parallel to the movable platform; at least one container station supported by said movable platform for orbital movement parallel to said plane of motion, said at least one container station including a heating element for selectively heating containers associated with said container station; A material thawing device comprising:

42. 42. The material thawing device of claim 41, comprising a thaw controller configured to control at least one of the heating element and the stepper motor according to respective predetermined heating and motion cycles.

43. 43. The material thawing device of claim 42, wherein the thaw controller controls the stepper motor to induce orbital motion of the movable platform within the plane of motion relative to a platform home position.

44. 42. The material thawing device of claim 41, including a base plate held stationary relative to the movable platform, the base plate defining a station for maintaining the eccentric cam in position relative thereto, the plane of motion of the movable platform extending substantially parallel to the base plate.

45. 44. The material thawing device of claim 43, wherein the eccentric cam is a first eccentric cam of a plurality of eccentric cams maintained in position relative to the base plate, the first eccentric cam being driven directly by the stepper motor and at least one other eccentric cam of the plurality of eccentric cams being driven indirectly via movement of the movable platform relative to the base plate.

46. 42. The material thawing device of claim 41, wherein the stepper motor applies rotational motion to the eccentric cam via a motor shaft that extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of motion of the movable platform.

47. 42. The material thawing device of claim 41, wherein the stepper motor applies rotational motion to the eccentric cam via a motor shaft extending substantially parallel to the plane of motion of the movable platform and transmits rotational motion to the eccentric cam via a direction change linkage.

48. 42. The material thawing device of claim 41, wherein the container station includes a plurality of longitudinally extending grasper shell portions biased toward one another, the grasper shell portions collectively surrounding the container and applying a compressive force toward a longitudinally extending central station axis to resist movement of the container from a container warming position defined by the container station.

49. 49. The ingredient thawing device of claim 48, wherein the graspable portion of the container is substantially cylindrical, and each grasper shell portion has a semi-cylindrical outer shape.

50. 49. The material thawing device of claim 48, wherein each glass shell portion includes an outer glass skin, an inner container contact layer, and at least a portion of the heating element sandwiched laterally between the outer glass skin and the inner container contact layer.

51. 51. The material thawing device of claim 50, wherein the container station includes an upper periphery attached to a selected one of the grasper halves, the upper periphery allowing only a predetermined amount of lateral movement relative thereto by the other of the grasper halves.

52. 49. The material thawing device of claim 48, wherein the grasper shell portions are biased toward one another at their intermediate longitudinal portions, such that the uppermost end of one grasper shell portion spreads outward from the central station axis under pressure from downward insertion of the container toward the container warming position, and the uppermost ends of the grasper shell portions return toward one another when the container reaches the container warming position.

53. 42. The material thawing device of claim 41, wherein the heating element is a dry heating element.

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