Workstation and device for facilitating the transfer of biological samples stored at cryogenic conditions - Patents.com

Abstract

The system and method facilitate the transfer of sample containers (e.g., vials with caps) between a storage cassette and a carrier cassette. The storage cassette is designed to be stored in a cryogenic freezer, while the carrier cassette is designed to be temporarily stored in a portable carrier. The workstation includes a well and a removable bucket disposed within the well. The bucket is dimensioned to hold the storage cassette and the carrier cassette. One or more antenna arrays are located below the well to enable interrogation of wireless transponders carried by the sample containers. Improved storage cassettes and carrier cassettes are also described.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to workstations, devices and methods for transferring biological specimens (or specimens / samples) (e.g., eggs, sperm, embryos, other biological tissues), typically between a fixed or stationary cryogenic freezer (or freezer / freezer / refrigerator) (e.g., a cryogenic storage tank or liquid nitrogen bath) and a portable insulated carrier or cassette to facilitate identification of the stored biological specimens during handling and to establish chain of custody. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of Related Art Long-term storage of cells and tissues by cryopreservation has broad impacts in multiple fields, including tissue engineering, fertility (or infertility / fertility) and reproductive medicine, regenerative medicine, stem cells, blood banking, animal stock storage, clinical sample (or specimen) storage, transplantation medicine, and in vitro drug testing. This can include a process of vitrification, in which a biological specimen or sample (e.g., oocytes, embryos, biopsy material (or specimen)) contained in or on a storage device (e.g., cryopreservation straw, cryopreservation tube, stick or spatula) is rapidly cooled by placing the biological specimen and storage device in a substance such as liquid nitrogen. This results in a glass-like solidification or glassy state (e.g., molecular-level glass structure) of the biological specimen, which maintains the absence of intracellular and extracellular ice (e.g., reducing cell damage and / or death) and, upon thawing, improves post-thaw cell viability. To ensure viability, the vitrified biological specimen must then be continuously stored in a liquid nitrogen dewar or other vessel (or container) containing liquid nitrogen at a temperature of minus 190°C.

[0003] However, there are many concerns about how these biological samples will be stored, identified, managed, inventoried, retrieved, etc.

[0004] For example, each harvested embryo is loaded onto a rigid sample holder (e.g., an embryo straw, stick, or spatula). In the case of a tubular sample holder, the tube may be closed (e.g., plugged) at one end and open at the other end. The cryopreservation device (e.g., sample holder) containing or holding the embryos is cooled as quickly as possible, for example, by plunging the cryopreservation device together with the biological material into a liquid nitrogen bath in a cryogenic refrigerator at a temperature of approximately minus 190° C. to achieve vitrification. More specifically, multiple cryopreservation devices are placed in a goblet for placement in a liquid nitrogen storage tank or freezer. The goblet is attached to a liquid nitrogen storage tank such that the multiple cryopreservation devices are suspended in the liquid nitrogen. A label, written manually using an appropriate marker pen or printed using a custom printer, is attached to the straw and / or goblet. Such a label may include identification information corresponding to the individual from whom the embryo was harvested, and other appropriate information (e.g., cryopreservation device number, practitioner number, etc.).

[0005] Access to biological samples is required during normal operations. For example, a particular biological sample or samples may be required to perform a procedure (e.g., embryo transfer (or implantation)). Retrieval of the cryopreservation storage device and associated biological samples from the cryogenic refrigerator or cryogenic tank in which the biological samples are stored exposes the retrieved biological samples to non-cryogenic conditions (e.g., temperatures above minus 190° C.), endangering the biological samples depending on the duration of exposure. Due to the manner in which the biological samples are stored (e.g., cryopreservation storage devices arranged in cassettes, cassettes arranged in stacks), retrieval of one or more desired biological samples often requires retrieval of additional biological samples not needed at the time, endangering such. Additionally, transportation of the biological samples from the cryogenic refrigerator to the site of intended use (e.g., fertilization, implantation) exposes the biological samples to risk.

[0006] With respect to the storage and management of these biological specimens, facilities employ personnel who are required to maintain liquid nitrogen storage tanks (e.g., by refilling with liquid nitrogen as needed) and manage an inventory of stored biological specimens (e.g., by conducting periodic accounting). However, there is little record-keeping regarding the proper storage of these biological specimens. For example, subsequent identification or otherwise handling of vitrified biological specimens or samples may involve removal of the specimen from temperature-controlled storage and exposure of the specimen to ambient temperatures, thus potentially jeopardizing the viability of the sample. DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] overview It would therefore be desirable to provide new workstations, devices and methods for transferring biological specimens (e.g., eggs, sperm, embryos) between a cryogenic refrigerator or storage tank that holds a liquid nitrogen bath, which is typically a large, heavy piece of equipment and therefore stationary, and a portable, insulated carrier, and to facilitate identification of stored biological specimens or samples and to establish the chain of custody during handling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The workstation facilitates the transfer of sample containers (e.g., vials with caps) to and from the cryogenic refrigerator or dewar. Multiple sample containers may be carried by a storage cassette designed to be stored within the cryogenic refrigerator or dewar. Identification information is read from wireless transponders carried by the sample containers and optionally by the storage cassette. An inventory of sample containers, and also of specific sample holders, may be maintained as or along with evidence of the chain of custody. Automated storage and retrieval may be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] In the drawings, identical reference numbers indicate similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes and angles of various elements are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements have been appropriately enlarged and positioned at times to improve drawing readability. Furthermore, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, but have been selected solely for ease of recognition in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a left front isometric view of a cryogenic storage system including a cryogenic refrigerator or storage tank that holds a liquid nitrogen bath, a robotic transfer system operable to transfer biological samples (e.g., eggs, sperm, embryos) in and out of the cryogenic refrigerator or storage tank, and a workstation including an interface for handling and tracking the transfer of the biological samples in and out of the cryogenic refrigerator or storage tank and maintaining a chain of custody for the biological samples, according to at least one illustrated embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of a sample container, according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the sample container of FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of a sample container, according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view of a sample vessel, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a sample container, according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a storage cassette supporting several sample vessels shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the storage cassette shown in FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the storage cassette shown in FIG. 8 supporting one of the sample containers shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an isometric exploded view of the storage cassette shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the storage cassette and handle shown in FIG. 8 according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the handle shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of the handle shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a sample transporter (or carrier) according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a top front isometric view of a portion of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1 to better illustrate the workstation. FIG. 16 is a top view of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1, further illustrating the workstation. FIG. 17 is a partially exploded top front isometric view of a portion of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 10 to better illustrate portions of the workstation including the well, a pair of buckets receivable by the well, and a removable frame. FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a portion of the workstation shown in FIG. 17, including the well, bucket pair and antenna array. FIG. 19 is a top view of a shipping bucket according to one embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a well surrounding a transport bucket, enclosing a storage container and supporting a sample container such that the sample container is aligned with one antenna. FIG. 21 is a top front isometric view of a portion of a cryogenic storage system according to another embodiment, in which the front peripheral wall includes a pair of breakouts therein to accommodate the handles of the bucket when the bucket is placed in the well of the workstation. FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the workstation well. FIG. 23 is a top view of an enclosure for an array of antennas. FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a bucket positioned in a well using alignment structures, according to one embodiment. FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the bucket and alignment structure shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a bucket positioned in a well using alignment structures, according to one embodiment. FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the bucket and alignment structure shown in FIG. FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a bucket positioned in a well using alignment structures, according to one embodiment. FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the bucket and alignment structure shown in FIG. FIG. 30 is a top view of a workstation bucket supporting a storage cassette, according to one embodiment. FIG. 31 is a top view of a workstation bucket supporting a storage cassette, according to one embodiment. FIG. 32 is an isometric view of a bucket positioned in a well using alignment structures, according to one embodiment. FIG. 33 is a side view of a bucket positioned in a well using the alignment structure shown in FIG. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the alignment structure shown in FIG. FIG. 35 is an isometric view of a bucket positioned in a well using an alignment structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 36 is a side view of a bucket positioned in a well using the alignment structure shown in FIG. FIG. 37 is an isometric view of a registration tray according to one embodiment. FIG. 38 is an isometric view of a registration tray according to another embodiment. FIG. 39 is an exploded view of a registration tray according to one embodiment. FIG. 40 is an isometric view of the cryogenic storage system shown in FIG. 1 during one stage of assembly. FIG. 41 is an isometric view of the cryogenic storage system shown in FIG. 1 during another stage of assembly. FIG. 42 is an isometric view of the cryogenic storage system shown in FIG. 1 during another stage of assembly. FIG. 43 is an isometric view of the cryogenic storage system shown in FIG. 1 during another stage of assembly. FIG. 44 is an isometric view of the cryogenic storage system shown in FIG. 1 during another stage of assembly. FIG. 45 is an isometric view of the cryogenic storage system shown in FIG. 1 during another stage of assembly. FIG. 46 is an isometric view of the cryogenic storage system shown in FIG. 1 during another stage of assembly. FIG. 47 is a functional block diagram of a processor-based workstation of a cryogenic storage system according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 48 is a first portion of a flow chart illustrating a method of operation in a transport system for transporting a sample container holding a biological sample from a location in a storage cassette that can be stored in a cryogenic refrigerator to a location in a portable insulated carrier, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 49 is a second part of the flow chart shown in FIG. FIG. 50 is a first portion of a flow chart illustrating a method of operation in a transport system for transporting sample containers holding biological samples from a location in a portable insulated carrier to a location in a storage cassette where they can be stored in a cryogenic refrigerator, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 51 is a second portion of the flow chart shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The details of the disclosure are described below to provide an appreciation of various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, or materials. In other instances, well-known structures related to computer systems, actuator systems, and / or communication networks have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. In other instances, well-known computer vision methods and techniques for generating sensory data and volumetric representations of one or more objects, etc., have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0011] Unless reason requires otherwise in the specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and derivatives thereof are to be regarded as having an open-ended inclusive meaning, i.e., "including," but not limited to.

[0012] Throughout this specification, reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, all appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0013] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular includes the plural unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term "or" is generally used in its sense to include "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0014] The title and abstract are for convenience only and do not represent the scope of the invention or imply embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a cryogenic storage system 100 according to at least one illustrated embodiment.

[0016] Cryogenic storage system 100 can take a wide variety of forms, typically including a cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 capable of storing sample containers in a cryogenic environment, for example immersed in a liquid nitrogen bath at a temperature of about minus 190° C. or below. Cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 can typically be highly insulated and can include stainless steel inner and outer walls with a vacuum and / or other insulating material between them.

[0017] The cryogenic storage system 100 can include a workstation 104 for facilitating identification of stored biological samples and for verifying a chain of custody during handling of the stored biological samples. According to one implementation, the workstation can be located adjacent, e.g., immediately next to, the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102. The workstation 104 can include a raised floor 105, which can facilitate a shorter distance to the top of the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 for a user standing on the raised floor 105, as opposed to standing on a non-elevated floor (e.g., the floor on which the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 rests).

[0018] 2 and 3, the cryogenic storage system 100 can include sample containers 200, which are typically stored for long-term storage via a cryogenic freezer. Each of the sample containers 200 can include a vial (or phial) 204, a cap 206, one or more wireless (or radio frequency) transponders (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders) 208, and an elongated sample holder 209 (e.g., straw, rod, spatula). Additionally, the sample containers 200 can include one or more machine-readable symbols (or symbols) 210. The sample containers 200, according to one example, can store biological tissue samples, such as eggs, sperm, or embryos. Various implementations of sample containers are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 900,281, filed Sep. 13, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 880,786, filed July 31, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 879,160, filed July 26, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 741,986, filed October 5, 2018, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 741,998, filed October 5, 2018.

[0019] 4, another embodiment of a sample container 300 is shown. The sample container 300 may include a vial 304, a cap 306, and one or more wireless transponders (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders) 308. The sample container 300 may include an elongated sample holder (e.g., straw, rod, spatula) (not shown) similar to the sample holder 209 described with reference to FIG. 3. Additionally, the sample container 300 may include one or more machine-readable symbols 310.

[0020] 5, an embodiment of a sample container 250 similar to sample containers 200 and 300 can include a thermal mass (or thermal mass / capacity) 252 and insulation 254 at least partially surrounding the thermal mass 252 to prevent or inhibit heat transfer. The thermal mass 252 can be disposed within an interior cavity 256 of a vial 258 of the sample container 250. The thermal mass 252 can have a greater thermal mass than the thermal mass associated with the sample cryopreservation storage device(s) 260 of the sample container 250 and any biological material 262(s) held by the sample cryopreservation storage device 260.

[0021] The thermal mass 252 can take the form of a piece of non-ferrous metal or metal-impregnated polymer, where the metal is in the form of discrete flakes, particles, or strands small enough to prevent or delay the formation of an electrical current therethrough. The insulation 254 can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, aerogels (e.g., microporous solids in which the dispersed phase is a gas, gels in which the liquid component has been replaced with a gas, such as silica-based, alumina-based, chromium-oxide-based (or chromia-based), tin-oxide-based, and carbon-based aerogels).

[0022] The thermal mass 252 can be spaced from one or more wireless transponders carried on the sample container, e.g., first wireless transponder 264a and second wireless transponder 264b, by at least a minimum specified distance (e.g., 3 mm) to prevent interference with wireless communications via wireless transponders 262a and 262b.

[0023] 6, an embodiment of a sample container 1100 similar to sample containers 200, 250, and 300 for holding a biological sample is shown. The sample container 1100 can include a vial 1104, a cap 1106, and a jacket 1107. As shown, the vial 1104 may be at least partially covered by an outer jacket 1107, also referred to as an outer sleeve or frame. The cap 1106 is sized and shaped to removably close an opening 1120 at a first end 1112a of the vial 1104. The vial 1104 includes a first end 1112a, a second end 1112b, and a sidewall 1114. The second end 1112b is opposite from the first end 1112a across the length of the vial 1104, and a sidewall 1114 extends between the first end 1112a and the second end 1112b to define the interior of the vial 1104 from its exterior.

[0024] The second end 1112b may be closed or sealable. The vial 1104 may take the form of a tube that may have a circular profile or cross-section, or may have other shapes (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal). The opening 1120 of the vial 1104 may be, for example, circular, although the opening 1120 could have other shapes. The second end 1112b of the vial 1104 may terminate in a hemispherical tip, or may be a truncated cone (or frustum) terminating in a flat surface 1122 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vial 1104.

[0025] The jacket 1107 can cover at least a portion of the exterior surface of the vial 1104, as shown. According to one embodiment, the jacket 1107 is shaped and sized to allow the vial 1104 to be received within a top opening of the jacket 1107. Both the vial 1104 and the jacket 1107 can have a circular cross-section, for example, such that the circumference of the exterior surface of the vial 1104 is approximately equal to the circumference of the interior surface of the jacket 1107. Such a configuration allows for a snug fit between the vial 1104 and the jacket 1107. In an implementation, the second end 1112b of the vial 1104, for example a frustoconical tip terminating in a flat surface 1122, can extend from a bottom opening of the jacket 1107.

[0026] In embodiments where the jacket 1107 remains associated with a particular vial throughout the lifecycle of the sample container 1100, the inner surface of the jacket 1107 may be attached to the outer surface of the vial via, for example, a friction fit, a heat fit, and / or an adhesive. In some implementations, the inner surface of the jacket 1107 may be removably attached to the outer surface of the vial 1104, allowing for removal and replacement of the jacket 1107, for example, when the jacket 1107 is associated with more than one vial 1104 (or vice versa). In such cases, there may be an elastic compression fit and / or a friction fit between the vial 1104 and the jacket 1107.

[0027] In implementations, the inner surface of the jacket 1107 and / or the outer surface of the vial 1104 may include deformable protrusions (not shown) that resiliently compress to form a compression fit between the vial 1104 and the outer jacket 1107. In implementations, the inner surface of the jacket 1107 and / or the outer surface of the vial 1104 may include opposing threads or ridges to secure the vial 1104 within the jacket 1107 (i.e., secure the jacket 1107 to the vial 1104). In implementations, the jacket 1107 may be manufactured separately from the vial 1104, for example, retrofitted to an existing vial 1104.

[0028] The outer jacket 1107 can have an opening 1151 through which the exterior surface of the vial 1104 is visible, thereby allowing viewing of the contents of the vial 1104 in implementations in which the vial 1104 is transparent or translucent. The opening 1151 can have a longer side that extends along the longitudinal axis of the jacket 1107 and a shorter side that extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the jacket 1107 and curves around the periphery of the vial 1104.

[0029] In some implementations, an arrangement (or array) of arms 1152 can extend from a bottom opening of the jacket 1107 longitudinally of the jacket 1107 to support a platform 1150, e.g., a solid disk-shaped platform, oriented in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the jacket 1107. For example, there can be four arms 1152 spaced 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the jacket 1107. The arms 1152 and platform 1150 can be positioned and sized such that the inner surface of the platform 1150 forms a bottom inner surface 1153 of the jacket 1107. The bottom inner surface 1153 of the jacket 1107 can contact or nearly contact the bottom of the vial 1104 when the vial is received within the outer jacket 1107. The platform 1150 can be attached to the end of the arm 1152 or can be integrally formed with the arm 1152, e.g., in a thermoplastic manufacturing process.

[0030] The sample container 1100 may include one or more wireless transponders, such as a first wireless transponder 1108a, a second wireless transponder 1108b, etc. (collectively 1108). The first wireless transponder 1108a, according to at least one implementation, may be carried by a platform 1150. The first wireless transponder 1108a may be fixed on an exterior surface of the platform 1150.

[0031] In implementations, at least a portion of the platform 1150 itself may take the form of, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) button cell, which is attached to the arm 1152 arrangement and functions as the first wireless transponder 1108a. In some cases, a portion of the platform, for example, a thin, disk-like plate, less thick than the platform 1150 described above, may be attached to the arm 1152 arrangement and an RFID button cell mounted thereon. In either of these configurations, i.e., where the transponder is fixed onto the platform or where at least a portion of the platform itself is an RFID button cell, the first wireless transponder 1108a is received or positioned within a recess formed in the bottom of the vial 1104 or is otherwise secured to the structure of the jacket 1107, as opposed to being secured directly to the vial 1104.

[0032] In some implementations, the first wireless transponder 1108a may be at least partially covered by a non-conductive label 1144a having machine-readable symbol(s) and / or human-readable information formed thereon such that a portion of the first wireless transponder 1108a is visible on the bottom of the sample container 1100. In implementations, the label 1144a may be affixed to an exterior surface of the platform 1150 without the wireless transponder present. The label 1144a may later be at least partially covered by an attachable wireless transponder circuit, such as a carrier having an adhesive backing or a circuit formed on an attachable carrier using an adhesive, such as an epoxy. The epoxy may encapsulate the first wireless transponder 1108a, or a combination of the platform 1150 and the epoxy may encapsulate the first wireless transponder 1108a and securely attach it to it to provide environmental protection. Alternatively, the first wireless transponder 1108a may be molded or encapsulated into a portion of the platform 1150 itself.

[0033] In some implementations, the second wireless transponder 1108b can be secured to a side of the jacket 1107. The second wireless transponder 1108b can be secured to the jacket 1107 via any of the teachings above with reference to the first wireless transponder 1108a.

[0034] 2-6, each feature of the sample vessels 200, 250, 300, 1100 described herein can be combined with any other feature of the sample vessels 200, 250, 300, 1100 described herein. For example, the sample vessel 300 can include a thermal mass 252, a jacket 1107, or both the thermal mass 252 and the jacket 1107.

[0035] 7, sample containers 300 (only one shown) may be arranged in a storage cassette 302 of the cryogenic storage system 100, for example, in a two-dimensional array (e.g., 7x7, 10x10, 8x12, 14x14). The storage cassette 302 may be designed to remain within the cryogenic freezer except for the short period when removal is required to retrieve the samples.

[0036] 7-10 , a storage cassette 302, according to at least one implementation, maintains cryogenic conditions for an array of sample containers 300, for example, 49 individual sample containers 300. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the storage cassette 302 can include a bulk container 312 having a top 314, a bottom 316, and at least one sidewall 318. The bottom 316 can have an inward facing surface (or inner facing surface) 320 and an outward facing surface (or outer facing surface) 322. The at least one sidewall 318 can have an inward facing surface 324 and an outward facing surface 326.

[0037] The bulk container 312 may include at least one first aperture (or hole) 327 formed in at least one sidewall 318. The bulk container 312 may further include a second aperture 329 in at least one sidewall 318, such as such that the first aperture 327 faces the second aperture 329 across a lateral dimension of the bulk container 312. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the bulk container 312 may further include a third aperture 331 in at least one sidewall 318, such as such that the third aperture 331 is adjacent to and formed by the same at least one sidewall 318 as the second aperture 329.

[0038] The inward facing surface 320 of the bottom 316 and the inward facing surface 324 of the at least one sidewall 318 may define an interior compartment (or internal section) 328 of the bulk container 312. The interior compartment 328 may have an interior compartment profile, and the bulk container 312 may have an opening 330 at its top defined by the top 314 as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The at least one sidewall 318 may be insulated.

[0039] The storage cassette 302 may further include a thermal shunt 332 having a substrate 334. According to one embodiment, the substrate 334 comprises a metal. As shown, the substrate 334 includes a first major surface 336 and a second major surface 338, the second major surface 338 opposing the first major surface 336 across the thickness of the substrate 334. The substrate 334 may have an array of a plurality of through holes 340 extending through the thickness of the substrate 334. Each of the through holes 340 in the substrate 334 may be shaped and sized to receive at least a portion of a respective vial 304 of the sample container 300.

[0040] As shown, the substrate 334 may be snugly (or closely) receivable within the interior compartment 328 of the bulk container 312. The thermal shunt 332 may have an outer profile that is asymmetrical to ensure that the thermal shunt 332 is accurately positioned within the interior compartment 328 of the bulk container 312. The thermal shunt 332 may be made of any of a variety of materials, and preferably has a relatively large thermal mass compared to the materials stored in the storage cassette 302. Suitable materials for the thermal shunt 332 may include, for example, a slab of non-ferrous metal, or a metal-impregnated polymer, where the metal is non-ferrous or in the form of flakes, particles, or strands that are small enough and discontinuous to prevent or delay the formation of an electrical current therethrough. In at least some implementations, the thermal shunt 332 takes the form of an aluminum plate, slab, or slug.

[0041] The storage cassette 302 may further include an insulating material 342 closely receivable in the interior compartment 328 of the bulk container 312, and the insulating material 342 may have an array of a plurality of through holes 344 extending therethrough. The insulating material 342 reduces heat transfer (via conduction, convection, or both) from the thermal shunt 332 to an environment external to the storage cassette 302.

[0042] According to one embodiment, each of the through holes 344 of the insulating material 342 can be shaped and sized to receive at least a portion of a respective vial 304 of the sample container 300. According to one embodiment, the insulating material 342 can include a first portion 346 and a second portion 348. As shown, the first portion 346 and the second portion 348 can be securable to one another using, for example, one or more fasteners 350.

[0043] The insulation material 342 and thermal shunt 332 may be stacked within the interior compartment 328 of the bulk container 312 such that each of the through holes 344 in the insulation material 342 is axially aligned with each of the through holes 340 in the thermal shunt 332. The through holes 340 and 344 may have matching shapes, or the through holes 340 may have a different shape than the through holes 344. The through holes 340, the through holes 344, or both the through holes 340 and 344 may be circular. The through holes 340, the through holes 344, or both the through holes 340 and 344 may be square with rounded corners.

[0044] The bulk container 312 may include a number of set-offs (or berms) 352 that extend upwardly from the inward-facing surface 320 of the bottom 316 into the interior compartment 328. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the set-offs 352 may be positioned to support the thermal shunt 332 such that the thermal shunt 332 is spaced from the inward-facing surface 320 of the bottom 316 of the bulk container 312.

[0045] The storage cassette 302 may include a thickness of the bottom 316, thermal shunt 322, insulating material 342, set-off 352, or any combination thereof such that a portion of the sample container 300, such as the wireless transponder 308, is within a defined distance 17 of the outward facing surface 322 of the bottom 316. According to one embodiment, the sample container 300 may be directly supported by (i.e., in direct contact with) the inward facing surface 320 such that the defined distance 17 is equal to the thickness of the bottom 316 of the bulk container 312 plus the thickness of the bottom of the sample container 300.

[0046] The storage cassette 302 can include a thickness of the thermal shunt 322, a set-off 352, or both, such that the sample 317 in the sample container 300 is surrounded by the thermal shunt 332 and the thermal shunt is paced (or spaced) upward and away from the wireless transponder 308.

[0047] The bulk container 312 may include at least one aperture 353 that allows for the entry and exit of cryogenic fluid into the interior compartment 328 of the bulk container 312. As shown, the at least one aperture 353 may be formed in the bottom 316 of the bulk container 312. A set-off 352 may be positioned to position the thermal shunt 332 above and away from the bottom 316, thereby providing improved flow of the cryogenic fluid through the at least one aperture 353.

[0048] 11, the cryogenic storage system 100 can include a sample transporter 380. The sample transporter 380 is similar to the storage cassette 302, as described with reference to Figures 7-10, and as a result, any description of the storage cassette 302 is applicable to the sample transporter 380, except for the differences noted below.

[0049] Rather than carrying multiple sample containers stored in the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 as a storage cassette 302, the sample transporter 380 can hold one or more of the sample containers as they are transported to or from the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102, for example, after collection or before transplantation. As shown, the sample transporter 380 can include a cover 382 for sealing (or hermetically sealing) the opening 330. At least one side wall 318 can be devoid of any apertures, e.g., first, second and third apertures 327, 329 and 331, and the bottom 316 can be devoid of any apertures, e.g., at least one aperture 353, such that when the cover 382 seals the opening 330, the internal compartment 328 is completely sealed from the outside environment. Thus, the internal compartment 328 of the sample transporter 380 can be filled with a volume of cryogenic fluid and then sealed to maintain an acceptable temperature for any sample containers contained therein. The sample transporter 380 may include a double layer wall to ensure thermal stability of the internal compartment 328 when sealed from the external environment. The cover 382 may be permanently, e.g., pivotally attached, to the bulk container 312. The cover 382 may include a transparent portion 384 that provides visibility into the internal compartment 328 when the cover 382 is closed and seals the opening 330.

[0050] The sample transporter 380 may further include a thermal shunt that transfers cool air from the bottom of the inner compartment 328 to the top of the inner compartment 328 to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the inner compartment 328.

[0051] 7-16, the storage cassette 302 can include a handle 354 that is removably coupleable to the bulk container 312, for example, via the first aperture 327. As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the handle 354 can be used to manipulate the storage cassette 302. According to one embodiment, the handle 354 includes a head portion 355 that engages the storage cassette 302. As shown, the head portion 355 includes a flange 357 that is insertable through the aperture 327 to releasably couple the handle 354 to the storage cassette 302. The handle 354 includes a grip 359 sized to be held in the hand of an operator to facilitate manipulation of the storage cassette 302 via movement of the handle 354.

[0052] The head portion 355 and the grip 359 can include separate parts that are releasably coupleable to one another. The grip 359 can include a removable sheath 361 having a surface that improves friction between the operator's hand and the handle 354, such as a textured surface.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the sample transporter 380 can include a handle 356 permanently, eg, pivotally, coupled to the bulk container 312 .

[0054] The storage cassettes 302 may be stored in a vertical stack, also referred to as a vertical stack or rack, within the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102. The stacks or racks of storage cassettes 302 may be arranged in a ring within the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 about a central axis of the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102. The cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 may include a turntable or conveyor therein upon which the stacks or racks of storage cassettes 302 are carried. This allows each stack or rack of storage cassettes 302 to be aligned with the opening 116 of the cryogenic freezer for placement or removal.

[0055] The cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 can include an opening 116 and a door or cover 118 for selectively opening and closing the opening 116 to respectively provide access to and prevent access to the interior of the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 from its exterior, and further seal, e.g., hermetically seal, the interior from the exterior to maintain the cryogenic temperature within the interior of the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102.

[0056] A stack or rack of storage cassettes 302 may be selectively placed within the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 for cryogenic storage and removed from within the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 for use via the openings 116. In some implementations, the storage cassettes 302 are manually removed from the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 as needed and manually placed within the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 for cryogenic storage of samples in the sample containers 300.

[0057] In other implementations, the cryogenic storage system 100 includes a picker or elevator 120 for automatically retrieving selected ones of the stacks or racks of storage cassettes 302 from the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 when needed, and automatically placing the storage cassettes 302 with the sample containers 300 in the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 for storing the samples in the sample containers 300 at cryogenic temperatures. The storage and retrieval mechanism (e.g., turntable, picker, or elevator) of the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 can automatically replicate human movements, and thus is referred to as a robot or robotic system. Whether moved manually or automatically, it is usually important to minimize exposure of the samples to temperatures above about minus 190° C. (e.g., ambient room temperature or about 23° C.).

[0058] 15-19, the workstation 104 can include a platform 122 that facilitates the transfer of sample containers, e.g., sample container 300, to and from the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102. For example, the platform 122 can facilitate the transfer of one or more sample containers 300 from a container having a sealed internal compartment, such as sample transporter 380, to a storage cassette, e.g., a storage cassette having an open internal compartment, such as storage cassette 302, or vice versa. According to one embodiment, the workstation 104, including the platform 122, can interface with a conventional commercially available cryogenic automated storage system (e.g., the Bistore III Cryo -190°C system sold by Brooks Life Sciences).

[0059] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the platform 122 may include a front portion 124, a rear portion 126, a work surface 128, and at least one well (or recess) 130. The at least one well 130 may be recessed into the work surface 128, as shown. The at least one well 130 includes a bottom 132 and at least one sidewall 134 extending upwardly from the bottom 132. The workstation 104 may include at least one first bucket (or container) 136 removably receivable by the at least one well 130 of the platform 122. The first bucket 136 may include a bottom portion 138, a top portion (or apex) 140, at least one sidewall 142 extending from the bottom portion 138 to the top portion 140, and an opening 144 in the top portion 140. The opening 144 may be dimensioned to at least partially receive therein at least one of a cassette or carrier that holds an array of sample vessels, e.g., sample vessels 300, therein, e.g., a storage cassette 302 and / or a sample transporter 380.

[0060] The first bucket 136 may include a handle 145 coupled to the at least one sidewall 142. The handle 145 may be pivotally coupled such that the handle 145 pivots between the deployed position and the undeployed position. The first bucket 136 may include at least one stop 147 that limits rotation of the handle 145 in the deployed position. The first bucket 136 may include at least one stop 149 that limits rotation of the handle 145 in the undeployed position. Alternatively, the handle 145 may be monolithically fixed to the first bucket 136, for example.

[0061] According to one embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the workstation 104 can include a first bucket 136 and a second bucket 146 that are simultaneously removably receivable by at least one well 130 of the platform 122. The first bucket 136 and the second bucket 146 can be identical and can be capable of receiving both a storage cassette 302 and a sample transporter 380 (one of each). Alternatively, the first bucket 136 and the second bucket 146 can have different configurations, such that the first bucket 136 includes features corresponding to the storage cassette 302 and the second bucket 146 includes features corresponding to the sample transporter 380. As shown in FIG. 19, the first bucket 136 can be sized to simultaneously receive multiple storage cassettes, such as one of the storage cassettes 302 and one of the sample transporters 380.

[0062] The workstation 104 may include at least one antenna array 150 disposed beneath the bottom 132 of the at least one well 130. According to one embodiment, the bottom 132 of the at least one well 130 includes an enclosure 154 that receives a printed circuit board 152 carrying the at least one array of antennas 150. Alternatively, the at least one array of antennas 150 may be mounted beneath the at least one well 130 such that the at least one array of antennas 150 is accessible from the surrounding environment and the bottom 132 of the well 130 is devoid of the enclosure 154. Alternatively, the enclosure 154 may be mountable to the bottom 132 of the at least one well 130 rather than being part of the bottom 132 of the at least one well 130.

[0063] The workstation may include a reader, which includes at least one antenna array 150, such that the reader can perform radio interrogation of wireless transponders, for example passive radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders used to tag each of the sample containers 300 (shown in FIG. 4 ). The reader can individually identify the sample containers 300 via the unique identifiers stored by the wireless transponders 308 and determine the location of each of the sample containers 300 within the array of sample containers 300.

[0064] The reader can include at least one antenna board disposed beneath a surface of the workstation 104, such as the bottom 132 of the well 130. The at least one antenna board can include at least one printed circuit board carrying a two-dimensional array of spiral antennas, for example, up to a nine by nine (9x9) array of spiral antennas (not shown).

[0065] As shown, the at least one array 150 of antennas can include a first two-dimensional array 156 of antennas 150 and a second two-dimensional array 158 of antennas 150. The antenna board can include a first printed circuit board carrying the first two-dimensional array 156 and a second printed circuit board carrying the second two-dimensional array 158. Due to the layout of the first and second arrays 156, 158 of antennas, as well as mechanical alignment features of the components of the workstation 104 (discussed in detail below), each of the spiral antennas in the first and second two-dimensional arrays 156, 158 are positioned to align with a respective location where a respective sample container 300 may be placed when the workstation 104 is used as described below. The reader can include at least one radio that causes transmission of an interrogation signal via the antenna 150 and decodes a unique identifier from a response signal returned by the wireless transponder 308 in response to the interrogation signal.

[0066] 20, when a storage cassette 302 or carrier supporting the sample container 300 is positioned in the first bucket 136, and the first bucket 136 is positioned in the at least one well 130, the at least one antenna array 150 (only one shown) may be positioned to be within a prescribed vertical distance 160 of a distal end of the sample container 300, e.g., a wireless transponder 308 (only one shown). The workstation 104 may include a thickness of the bottom 316 of the bulk container 312, the thermal shunt 332, any support features (such as set-offs 352), the insulating material 342, or any combination thereof, to longitudinally position the sample container 300 such that the bottom of the sample container 300, e.g., the wireless transponder 308, is within the prescribed vertical distance 160 of a respective one of the antennas 150. According to one embodiment, the prescribed vertical distance 160 is less than 20 mm.

[0067] 15-17, the work surface 128 can include a planar portion 162 and a perimeter wall 164 extending upwardly from the planar portion 162 around at least a portion of a perimeter 166 of the work surface 128. A portion of the perimeter wall 164, such as the rear 126 of the platform 122, can include a sloped surface 168 that slopes downwardly from the rear 126 of the platform 122 toward the front 124 of the platform 122. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the work surface 128 can provide a path from the opening 116 to the at least one well 130. For example, a storage cassette 302 can exit the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 through the opening 116, then slide down the sloped surface 168, travel across the planar portion 162 to the at least one well 130, and then be at least partially disposed within the at least one well 130.

[0068] The work surface 128 can include a first opening 170. The first opening 170 can serve as an entrance to the at least one well 130. The work surface 128 can include a stationary planar portion 172 and a frame 174. The frame 174 can be selectively removable from the stationary planar portion 172 to expose the interior of the at least one well 130. The frame 174 can include one or more openings 176, e.g., a first opening 176a and a second opening 176b, each of which provides access through the work surface 128 into the at least one well 130.

[0069] As shown, the first bucket 136 and the second bucket 146 can be placed in the at least one well 130 via passage through the at least one opening 170 with the frame 174 removed from the fixed planar portion 172. With the first bucket 136 and the second bucket 146 in place in the at least one well 130, the frame 174 can be positioned adjacent the fixed planar portion 172 such that at least a portion of the first opening 170 is blocked, thereby preventing removal of the first bucket 136 and the second bucket 146 from the at least one well 130. A first container, e.g., a storage cassette 302, can then be placed in the first bucket 136 via passage through the first opening 176a, and a second container, e.g., a sample transporter 380, can be placed in the second bucket 146 via passage through the second opening 176b.

[0070] 21, the work surface 128 may include a first opening 170 and a second opening 171. The first opening 170 and the second opening 171 may be formed in a fixed planar portion 172 of the work surface 128, and the work surface 128 may lack a frame 174 (shown in FIG. 17). The second opening 171 in the work surface 128 may be separate from the first opening 170 in the work surface 128, as shown. The first opening 170 may be sized to closely receive the periphery of the first bucket 136, and the second opening 171 may be sized to closely receive the periphery of the second bucket 146. The first bucket 136, the second bucket 146, or both, may include a spout 178, and the first opening 170, the second opening 171, or both, may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the spout 178.

[0071] As shown, first bucket 136 may be positioned within a first one of at least one well 130 via passage through first opening 170, and second bucket 146 may be positioned within a second one of at least one well 130 via passage through second opening 171. First bucket 136 may be seated in first opening 170 such that a top 180 of first bucket 136 is flush with (or at the same height as) work surface 128, and second bucket 146 may be seated in second opening 171 such that a top 182 of second bucket 146 is flush with work surface 128.

[0072] The peripheral wall 164 can have a first opening 184, a second opening 186, or both, each disposed at the front 124 of the platform 122. Each of the first opening 184 and the second opening 186 may be sized to accommodate a handle 145 of a respective one of the first bucket 136 and the second bucket 146 when the respective one of the first bucket 136 and the second bucket 146 is received in a respective one of the at least one well 130 with the respective handle 145 pivoted to a non-deployed position.

[0073] With the first bucket 136 and the second bucket 146 in position within each of the at least one well 130, a first container, e.g., a storage cassette 302, can be placed within the first bucket 136 via a passage through the first opening 170, and a second container, e.g., a sample transporter 380, can be placed within the second bucket 146 via a passage through the second opening 171.

[0074] 22-34, the workstation 104 may include one or more alignment structures that facilitate positioning of the sample containers 300 relative to one or more antenna arrays 150 so that the wireless transponders 308 of each of the sample containers 300 are readable by a respective one of the antennas 150.

[0075] 22 and 23, the outer (or top) surface 188 of the enclosure 154 and the outer (or bottom) facing surface 192 of the bottom 132 of the at least one well 130 may include corresponding alignment structures. The alignment structures may be sized and shaped to prevent relative movement between the at least one well 130 and the first bucket 136 along at least one of up to six degrees of freedom. For example, the bottom 132 and the outwardly facing surface 188 may include a protrusion 194 and a recess 196, such as a T-shaped protrusion and recess.

[0076] 24-29, at least one well 130 can include an alignment structure corresponding to an alignment structure of the first bucket 136, the second bucket 146, or both. As shown, the bottom 132 of the well 130 can include a protrusion 460, for example in the form of a raised bump (or ridge), and the bottom 138 of the first bucket 136 can include a corresponding recess 462 that receives the protrusion 460, thereby aligning the at least one well 130 with the first bucket 136. If the at least one well 130 is already aligned with the at least one array of antennas 150, the recess 462 that receives the protrusion 460 aligns the first bucket 136 with the at least one array of antennas 150. The protrusions 460 and recesses 462 can be positioned such that the protrusions 460 and recesses 462 align the storage cassette 302 with respect to the first bucket 136, thereby aligning the storage cassette 302 (and any sample containers therein) with the at least one antenna array 150.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the alignment structure can include a single protrusion 460 and a single corresponding recess 462. The protrusion 460 and recess 462 can form an "island" surrounded by a planar portion of the bottom 138 of the first bucket 136. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the protrusion 460 and recess 462 can form a "peninsula" extending inwardly from an edge of the bottom 138, with the remaining sides of the protrusion 460 and recess 462 surrounded by the planar portion of the bottom 138 of the first bucket 136. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the alignment structure can include multiple protrusions 460 and multiple corresponding recesses 462. The protrusions 460 and recesses 462 can form multiple "islands", for example, such that the multiple protrusions and recesses form a T-shape.

[0078] 18-19 and 30-31, the first bucket 136, the second bucket 146, or both, can include alignment features that correspond to alignment features of the storage cassette 302, the sample transporter 380, or both. As shown, the at least one sidewall 142 can be tapered and extend upwardly from the bottom 138 such that the intersection of the at least one sidewall 142 and the bottom 138 forms a shape that corresponds to the shape of the perimeter of the storage cassette 302, the sample transporter 380, or both.

[0079] 18 and 19 , the alignment structure of the first bucket 136, the second bucket 146, or both, may include a protrusion 198 extending upwardly from the bottom 138. The protrusion 198 cooperates with the intersection of at least one sidewall 142 and the bottom 138 to form a shape that corresponds to the shape of the perimeter of the storage cassette 302, the sample transporter 380, or both. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the storage cassette 302 and the sample transporter 380 may lack a recess corresponding to the protrusion 198.

[0080] 30 and 31 , the alignment structure of the first bucket 136, the second bucket 146, or both, may lack the protrusion 198 (shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 ) extending upwardly from the bottom 138. Instead, the first bucket 136 may be shaped to prevent movement of the storage cassette 302 in a direction lacking an abutment at the bottom 138. For example, the first bucket may include a tapered portion 199 that prevents movement of the storage cassette 302 in a direction lacking an abutment at the bottom 138.

[0081] 32-34, at least one well 130 can include a rail 220 as part of an alignment structure. The rail 220 can be positioned within the at least one well 130 as shown. The rail 220 can include at least one notch (or recess) 222 that corresponds to a portion of the handle 145 of the first bucket 136. When the portion of the handle 145 is received within the notch 222, the first bucket 136 and any storage cassettes contained therein can be aligned with the array of antennas 150 aligned in, for example, a first direction L, a second direction A (perpendicular to the first direction L), and a third direction T (perpendicular to both the first direction L and the second direction A).

[0082] When a portion of the handle 145 is received within the notch 222, the first bucket 136 can be positioned relative to the at least one well 130 such that the bottom 138 of the first bucket 136 contacts the bottom 132 of the at least one well 130 and there is no contact between the at least one sidewall 142 of the first bucket 136 and the at least one sidewall 134 of the at least one well 130. Alternatively, a portion of the handle 145 may be received within the notch 222 such that there is no contact between the bottom 138 of the first bucket 136 and the bottom 132 of the at least one well 130 and there is no contact between the at least one sidewall 142 of the first bucket 136 and the at least one sidewall 134 of the at least one well 130.

[0083] 32 and 33, at least one sidewall 134 of at least one well 130 can include an alignment structure, such as a notch 224 that corresponds in shape to a portion of at least one sidewall 142, such as a spout 226. When the spout 226 is received within the notch 224, the first bucket 136, and any storage cassettes contained therein, can be aligned with the array of antennas 150, for example, aligned in a first direction L, a second direction A, and a third direction T.

[0084] When the spout 226 is received within the notch 224, the first bucket 136 can be positioned relative to the at least one well 130 such that the bottom 138 of the first bucket 136 contacts the bottom 132 of the at least one well 130 and there is no additional contact, other than the spout 226 and the notch 224, between the at least one sidewall 142 of the first bucket 136 and the at least one sidewall 134 of the at least one well 130. When the spout 226 is received within the notch 224, the first bucket 136 can be positioned relative to the at least one well 130 such that the bottom 138 of the first bucket 136 contacts the bottom 132 of the at least one well 130 and a portion of the at least one sidewall 142 of the first bucket 136, e.g., a portion opposite the spout 226 with respect to the first direction L, contacts a portion of the at least one sidewall 134 of the at least one well 130, e.g., a portion opposite the notch 224 with respect to the first direction L. The at least one sidewall 142 and another portion of the at least one sidewall 134 may be separated by a gap 228 .

[0085] The alignment structure may include any combination of the alignment structures described above. For example, at least one well 130 may include a notch 224 and a protrusion 460, such as a T-shaped "peninsula" protrusion, and the first bucket 136 may include a spout 226 and a recess 462, such as a T-shaped "peninsula" recess.

[0086] 37-39, the cryogenic storage system 100 can include a registration (or registration) tray 700 that registers the wireless transponders 208, 308. During the registration process, one or more of the wireless transponders 208, 308 (and the respective sample holders 200, 300, 400 to which the wireless transponders 208, 308 are attached) can be associated with a patient and their biological sample. The registration tray 700 includes a housing 702 and a printed circuit board assembly 704.

[0087] The housing 702 forms a registration recess 706 that is dimensioned to receive one of the sample containers 200, 300, 400. The housing 702 encloses a printed circuit board assembly 704 such that the printed circuit board assembly 704 is positioned to identify the wireless transponder 208, 308 of the sample container 200, 300, 400 disposed within the registration recess 706.

[0088] The housing 702 may define one or more storage recesses 708 that each hold one of the sample containers 200, 300, 400 after the sample holders 200, 300, 400 have been registered. The storage recesses 708 are positioned relative to the printed circuit board assembly 704 so as not to interfere with the registration of the sample containers 200, 300, 400 disposed within the registration recesses 706. This allows one or more of the sample containers 200, 300, 400 to remain organized during registration and association with a patient.

[0089] The registration tray 700 may include indicators 710 that visually display information related to the registration process. For example, the indicators 710 may include a light ring disposed, for example, around the registration recess 706. The light ring may have multiple states that represent different stages of the registration process. The light ring may display a first color when a sample container is placed in the registration recess 706 but the sample container has not yet been registered and associated with a patient. The light ring may display a second color when a sample container is placed in the registration recess 706 and the sample container is registered and associated with a patient.

[0090] The registration tray 700 may include one or more depressions (or recesses) 712 formed in the housing 702 for holding portions of the sample containers prior to assembly of the sample containers, registration, or both. The registration tray 700 may be communicatively coupled, for example via USB, to a processor that assists in the registration process.

[0091] A method of installing the cryogenic storage system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 40 to 46. As shown in Figure 40, the method of installing the cryogenic storage system 100 can include placing a base frame (or base frame) 800 adjacent to the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102. The base frame 800 can include one or more legs (or feet) 802 that are adjustable to level the base frame 800. The base frame 800 can be secured to the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 using connectors such as bolts, screws, rivets, or other means such as welding.

[0092] For example, the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 can include a first bracket 805a attached to an exterior surface of the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102. The workstation 104, e.g., base frame 800, can include a second bracket 805b. The cryogenic storage system 100 can include a connection pin 807 receivable by the first bracket 805a and the second bracket 805b to releasably secure the workstation 104 to the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102. According to one embodiment, the first bracket 805a, the second bracket 805b and the connection pin 807 are positioned such that when received within the first bracket 805a and the second bracket 805b, the connection pin 807 is insertable and removable from the first bracket 805a and the second bracket 805b at any stage (or step) during the method of installing the cryogenic storage system 100.

[0093] The cryogenic storage system 100 may include multiple sets of the first bracket 805a, the second bracket 805b, and the connecting pins 807. According to one embodiment, the cryogenic storage system 100 may include two each of the first bracket 805a, the second bracket 805b, and the connecting pins 807. According to one embodiment, the cryogenic storage system 100 may include four each of the first bracket 805a, the second bracket 805b, and the connecting pins 807.

[0094] Thus, the base frame 800 can be coupled to the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 and then the remainder of the workstation 104 can be assembled as described below. Additionally, the workstation 104 may be assembled while away from the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 and then the assembled workstation 104 may be secured to the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102, for example, via the first bracket 805a, the second bracket 805b and the connecting pin 807. Furthermore, the fully assembled workstation 104 may be removed from one cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102 and secured to another cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 41, the method can include coupling a console frame 804 to a base frame 800. The console frame 804 can include a well 130. As shown in Fig. 42, the method can include securing a platform 122 to the console frame 804 such that the first opening 176a and the second opening 176b each provide access through the work surface 128 into the at least one well 130. The display 128 can be secured to the platform 122.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 43, a base platform 806 can be coupled to the frame 800 such that an operator standing on the base platform 806 can access the platform 122. The base platform 806 can include one or more legs 808 that are adjustable to level the base platform 806. As shown in FIG. 44, the base platform 806 can include a floor 810 that supports an operator accessing the platform 122. One or more guide rails 812 can be secured to the base platform 806 to prevent the operator from falling off the base platform 806. As shown in FIG. 45, a step 814 can be coupled to the base platform 806. As shown in FIG. 46, a side skirt 816 can be coupled to the base platform 806 and surround the legs 808.

[0097] 1-40, the at least one array of antennas 150 may be operable to read information from one or more wireless transponders physically associated with each sample container 300, storage cassette 302, and / or sample transporter 380. As described in detail herein, the at least one array of antennas 150 may include a two-dimensional array of antennas and one or more transmitters, receivers, transceivers (collectively radios) that are operable to cause the antennas 150 to emit interrogation signals and receive reply signals in response to the interrogation signals.

[0098] The workstation 104 may include one or more dedicated user interface components (or components) (e.g., a touchscreen display, a speaker, a microphone) or may use the user interface components of the cryogenic storage system 100, such as the touchscreen display 128.

[0099] Portions of the cryogenic storage system 100 may be of conventional design. For example, the cryogenic storage tanks or freezers and / or pickers or elevators may take the form of commercially available automated storage systems (e.g., the Bistore III Cryo -190° C. system sold by Brooks Life Sciences).

[0100] FIG 47 illustrates a processor-based transfer system 122 of or interfaced with the cryogenic storage system 100 of FIG 1. The processor-based transfer system 122 facilitates the transfer of sample containers 300, whether automated or manual, between a storage cassette 302 and a sample transporter 380. The storage cassette 302 can be designed for long-term storage in a cryogenic freezer (e.g., tank or dewar), which are typically large and heavy fixtures. The sample transporter 380 can be designed for temporary storage in a portable format.

[0101] Examples of suitable storage cassettes 302, sample transporters 380 capable of temporarily maintaining cryogenic materials at cryogenic temperatures, and wells as sample containers 200 for use therewith are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 900,281, filed September 13, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 880,786, filed July 31, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 879,160, filed July 26, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 741,986, filed October 5, 2018, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 741,998, filed October 5, 2018.

[0102] The processor-based transfer system 122 includes one or more readers 400a-400e (five shown, collectively 400), a control subsystem 402, and a user interface system 404. The processor-based transfer system 122 optionally includes one or more robots, such as one or more collaborative robots (or assistive robots / co-robots) 405 (only one shown), that interface with the picker or elevator 120 ( FIG. 1 ) of the cryogenic storage system 100.

[0103] The reader 400 may take any of a variety of forms. For example, the processor-based transfer system 122 includes one or more readers 400a-400d that wirelessly read information stored in wireless transponders 208, 308 physically associated with the sample containers 300 and / or storage cassettes 302 and / or sample transporters 380. Such readers 400a-400d each include one or more transmitters, receivers or transceivers, collectively or individually referred to herein as radios. Such readers 400 each include one or more antennas 401a-401d (only one antenna for each is shown to avoid cluttering the drawings) communicatively coupled to the respective radios and operable to emit wireless signals (e.g., interrogation signals) and / or receive wireless signals (e.g., response signals) returned from the wireless transponders 208, 308. The wireless signals are typically within the radio frequency or microwave frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0104] Also, for example, one or more readers 400 (i.e., a machine-readable symbol (or symbol) reader or scanner) can optically read information stored or encoded in one or more machine-readable symbols 210, 310 (e.g., one-dimensional or bar code symbols, two-dimensional or area code symbols) carried by, printed on, or engraved on the sample containers 200, 300, storage cassettes 302, and sample transporters 380.

[0105] Readers 400a-400e may each include one or more processors, such as one or more microcontrollers, one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more graphic processing units (GPUs), one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Each of readers 400a-400e may include one or more non-transitory storage media, such as one or more non-volatile storage media and / or one or more volatile storage media, such as one or more read-only memories (ROMs), one or more random access memories (RAMs), one or more flash memories, one or more magnetic disk drives, one or more optical disk drives, one or more solid-state drives, one or more cache memories, and / or one or more registers of one or more processors.

[0106] In some implementations, the processor-based transfer system 122 includes a mapping or box reader 400a and associated antenna(s) 401a, a single sample container reader 400b and associated antenna(s) 401b, a cassette identification reader 400c and associated antenna(s) 401c, a bulk reader 400d and associated antenna(s) 401d. The mapping or box reader 400a can include a two-dimensional array of antennas 401a, allowing scanning of the two-dimensional array of locations that can be used to interrogate or audit the contents of the storage cassette 302 and / or the sample transporter 830.

[0107] The antenna array 150 may, for example, be formed or carried on one side of a printed circuit board 152, while in the case of a printed circuit board, various electrical or electronic components (e.g., inductors, resistors, capacitors) may be carried on the other side, thereby providing a substantially flat plane facing the sample vessels during use and minimizing the distance therebetween (e.g., 2 mm or less). The signal sample vessel reader 400b may be fixed, or more preferably handheld, and is operable to read information from the wireless transponders 208, 308 of the individual sample vessels 200, 300, for example, when the sample vessels 200, 300 are removed from one of the storage cassettes 202, 302.

[0108] The antenna 401c of the cassette identification reader 400c is arranged, for example, to read a cassette identifier from a wireless transponder 208, 308 physically associated with (e.g., attached or fixed on) a carrier or storage cassette 202, 302 when the storage cassette 202, 302 is disposed in one or more stations. The bulk reader 400d may, for example, be handheld and is operable to read information from the respective wireless transponders 208, 308 of all sample containers 200, 300 held by one of the storage cassettes 202, 302, respectively.

[0109] The control subsystem 402 may include one or more processors 406, such as one or more microcontrollers, one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more graphic processing units (GPUs), one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The control subsystem 402 may include one or more non-transitory storage media, such as one or more non-volatile storage media and / or one or more volatile storage media, such as one or more read only memories (ROM) 410, one or more random access memories (RAM) 412, one or more FLASH® memories, one or more magnetic disks 414 and associated drives 416, one or more optical disk drives 418 and associated drives 420, one or more solid state drives 422, one or more cache memories, and / or a system memory 408 including one or more of one or more registers of one or more processors 406. The control subsystem 402 may include one or more communication channels 424 (e.g., a bus) communicatively coupling the processor(s) to the storage media. The control subsystem 402 may include one or more communication ports, such as one or more wired communication ports 426, wireless communication ports 428 (e.g., Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth radios and associated antennas 430; infrared transceivers), that provide communication between the control subsystem 402 and external devices (e.g., a dedicated control system of a conventional cryogenic freezer system with or without a picker or elevator 120).

[0110] The processor(s) 406 of the control subsystem 402 are operable to execute logic, for example, to execute one or more algorithms stored as process executable instructions by one or more non-transitory storage media. Suitable algorithms are described herein. The process executable instructions may include, for example, a basic input / output operating system (BIOS) 432, for example, stored in ROM 410. The process executable instructions may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 434, for example, stored in RAM 412 during execution. The process executable instructions may include, for example, one or more application programs 436, for example, providing logic for collecting user information, mapping transfers between storage cassettes and carrier cassettes, verifying that sample containers are in the correct location within the carrier cassette or storage cassette, and establishing evidence of chain of custody therefor, where the application program(s) are stored in RAM 412 during operation.

[0111] The process executable instructions can include one or more other programs or modules 438, for example, for providing communication with external devices and / or controlling the operation of the collaborative robot(s) 405, which can be stored, for example, in RAM 412 during execution. One or more data structures 440 can store information, for example, information identifying a particular user, identifying a particular clinician, identifying a particular patient, identifying a particular procedure, identifying a particular sample container, associating a particular sample container with a particular patient, mapping the sample container to a respective storage cassette and / or carrier cassette. The data structures 440 can take a variety of forms including databases, data sets, records and fields, tables, linked lists, trees, binary trees, etc. The data structures 440 can be stored, for example, in RAM 412 during execution.

[0112] The processor(s) 406 of the control subsystem 402 are communicatively coupled and operative (e.g., wired, optical, wireless, or radio) to receive information from the readers 400a-400e and, optionally, control the operation of one or more of the readers 400a-400e. The processor(s) 406 of the control subsystem 402 are also operative to receive user input from one or more user interface devices of the user interface system 404 and provide user output to such devices to enable a human user to interact with the processor-based transport system 122.

[0113] The user interface system 404 may include, for example, one or more display screens, one or more touch-sensitive display screens 442, one or more speakers 444, one or more microphones 446, one or more keyboards 448, one or more pointer devices 450 (e.g., computer mouse, trackpad, trackball), one or more haptic interfaces. The user interface(s) 406 are communicatively coupled (e.g., wired, optical, wireless, or radio) to the processor(s) via one or more peripheral interfaces 452a, 452b to provide user input to the processor(s) 406 and receive output from the processor(s) 406 to be presented to the user. In particular, the processor(s) 406 may execute processor-executable instructions that cause the device to present a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface), for example, via the touchscreen display 442. Various user interface elements are illustrated and described herein.

[0114] In at least some embodiments, the cryogenic storage system 100 may be designed to work with existing laboratory equipment, for example, using existing sample containers (e.g., FluidX® 24-Format tubes, FluidX® 48-Format tubes, FluidX® 96-Format tubes, available from Brooks Life Sciences) or plates or racks (e.g., 5 ¼ inch by 5 ¼ inch plates or wells, Vision Plate® 96-well plates, Vision Plate® 24-well plates, 10x10 Cryo Rack racks, 14x14 Cryo Rack racks, available from Brooks Life Sciences). Designing the cryogenic storage system 100 to work with existing laboratory equipment imposes many constraints on construction as well as operation. For example, the two-dimensional array of antennas must be designed to successfully interrogate the RFID transponder array in the various available formats. This can impose limitations on the size (eg, coil size) of the antenna used to interrogate and receive the response signal from the RFID transponder.

[0115] Smaller antennas typically reduce range, which may require higher transmit power to compensate for the loss of range. This may be especially true when the antenna of the wireless transponder is exposed to extremely low temperatures, for example, when the wireless transponder is immersed in a liquid nitrogen bath while the antenna of the reader is at room temperature. Also, the relatively close spacing defined by conventional equipment formats increases the amount of crosstalk during interrogation, where an interrogation signal from one antenna excites and elicits response signals from two or more wireless transponders. Crosstalk may also increase with increasing transmit power, for example, when antenna sizes must be small to accommodate the spacing defined by conventional spatial formats. Users of existing wireless transponders and readers (e.g., RFID interrogators or RFID readers) may also need to make certain adjustments in their construction and / or operation. For example, RFID readers typically employ automatic gain control.

[0116] The cryogenic storage system 100 comprises a plurality of antennas spatially arranged in a two-dimensional array of antennas having a set of dimensions or orders (e.g., 2x2, 3x3, 5x5, 4x6, 7x7, 9x9, 8x12). One or more radios are communicatively coupled to drive the antennas to emit interrogation signals to interrogate wireless transponders and to receive response signals from any wireless transponders within range of one or more of the antennas. For example, there may be a single radio multiplexed to the various antennas. Alternatively, there may be one radio per antenna. Alternatively, the antennas may be grouped into sets, e.g., four sets, with one radio per set, multiplexed to the antennas of each set.

[0117] In some examples, the radio is a transmitter, some radio is a receiver, and in still other examples, the radio is a transceiver. A processor-based control system is communicatively coupled to the radio(s). The processor-based control system determines whether at least one of the wireless transponders is located at an expected location of one of the storage or transfer cassettes based on a response signal received in response to a given query. In response to determining that at least one of the wireless transponders is not located at an expected location of one of the storage or transfer cassettes, the processor-based control system causes a signal to be provided indicative of the occurrence of an unexpected condition. To cause a signal to be provided indicative of the occurrence of an unexpected condition, the processor-based control system may cause a visual prompt to be presented and / or a signal to be provided to the robot that causes the robot to perform a movement.

[0118] For each response signal received in response to a given interrogation, the processor-based control system may determine which response signal was returned from one of the wireless transponders closest to the antenna that emitted the respective interrogation signal to which the wireless transponder is responding. For example, for each response signal received in response to a given interrogation, the processor-based control system or at least one of the at least one radio may normalize a respective received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value indicative of the received signal strength of the response signal to account for any automatic gain adjustments introduced by the at least one radio.

[0119] For example, for each query, the processor-based control system may determine which of the respective normalized RSSI values ​​of the response signals received in response to a given query has the largest absolute value. To determine which of the respective normalized RSSI values ​​of the response signals received in response to a given query has the largest absolute value for each query, the processor-based control system may compare the respective normalized RSSI values ​​of the received response signals with each other.

[0120] To determine which response signal was returned from one of the wireless transponders closest to the antenna that emitted the respective interrogation signal to which the wireless transponder is responding, the processor-based control system may further compare, for each of the responding wireless transponders, their respective read rates, which represent the total number of times the respective wireless transponder is read per unit time. To determine which response signal was returned from one of the wireless transponders closest to the antenna that emitted the respective interrogation signal to which the wireless transponder is responding, the processor-based control system may further or alternatively compare, for each of the responding wireless transponders, their respective response times, which represent the amount of time it takes the respective wireless transponder to initially respond to an interrogation.

[0121] Before the processor-based control system determines whether at least one of the wireless transponders is located in an expected location of one of the storage or transfer cassettes, the processor-based control system may further cause a prompt to be presented indicating the location of one of the storage or transfer cassettes from which the sample container will be transferred and the location of the other of the storage or transfer cassettes to which the sample container will be transferred when transferring one of the sample containers together with its associated wireless transponder, the expected location being the location of the other of the storage or transfer cassettes to which the sample container will be transferred.

[0122] The processor-based control system may further determine whether there is a sample container marked by a respective one of the wireless transponders in an unexpected location within one of the storage or transfer cassettes based on the response signals received in response to the one or more queries, and may provide a signal indicative of the occurrence of an unexpected condition in response to a determination that there is at least one sample container marked by a respective one of the wireless transponders in an unexpected location within one of the storage or transfer cassettes.

[0123] The processor-based control system may further determine whether there is a sample vessel marked by a respective one of the wireless transponders missing from one of the storage or transfer cassettes based on the response signals received in response to the one or more interrogations, and may provide a signal indicative of the occurrence of an unexpected condition in response to a determination that there is at least one sample vessel marked missing from one of the storage or transfer cassettes. To provide a signal indicative of the occurrence of an unexpected condition, the processor-based control system may provide for the presentation of a signal indicative of the occurrence of an unexpected condition and indicative of at least one of an incorrect (or wrong) location and an accurate (or correct) location of the sample vessel in at least one of the storage or transfer cassettes.

[0124] Moreover, speed is usually important for commercial operation. To increase speed, antennas can be grouped into sets (or pairs), which operate in parallel with each other. For example, a two-dimensional array antenna of 96 antennas arranged in an 8×12 array can be grouped into four sets, labeled A, B, C, and D, corresponding to the four quadrants of the two-dimensional array (e.g., sets A, B, C, and D arranged clockwise starting with A in the upper left quadrant). A position within each quadrant can be represented by a pair of integers representing a row and a column. In operation, the first antenna 1,1 of the first set A, the first antenna 1,1 of the second set B, the first antenna 1,1 of the third set C, and the first antenna 1,1 of the fourth set D can be operated to simultaneously transmit their respective interrogation signals (e.g., carrier waves) during a first interrogation cycle.

[0125] The other antennas of the first set A, the second set B, the third set C, and the fourth set D can be monitored for response signals as part of the first interrogation cycle. The second antenna 1,2 of the first set A, the second antenna 1,2 of the second set B, the second antenna 1,2 of the third set C, and the second antenna 1,2 of the fourth set D can then be operated to simultaneously transmit respective interrogation signals (e.g., carrier waves) during the second interrogation cycle. The other antennas of the first set A, the second set B, the third set C, and the fourth set D can be monitored for response signals as part of the second interrogation cycle.

[0126] Subsequent interrogation cycles cycle through the remaining antennas in the set, operating one of the antennas from each set to transmit interrogations (or interrogations) simultaneously with each other. In some implementations, the operation may result in a fixed distance being present between the transmit antennas of any two sets. For example, during any given interrogation cycle, a transmit antenna in one set may be in the same relative position within its own set as the relative position of the other transmit antenna in the other set. This is similar to the operation described above where the row / column pairs of transmit antennas in each set are matched to each other during each interrogation cycle.

[0127] Alternatively, the operation may result in there being a maximum achievable distance between antennas transmitting simultaneously during any given interrogation cycle. For example, the first antenna 1,1 of the first set A, the sixth antenna 1,6 of the second set B, the nineteenth antenna 4,1 of the third set C, and the twenty-fourth antenna 4,6 of the fourth set D may be operated to transmit their respective interrogation signals (e.g., carrier waves) simultaneously during a first interrogation cycle. Thus, during the first interrogation cycle, antennas at four opposite corners of the two-dimensional array transmit interrogation signals simultaneously. During subsequent interrogation cycles, the antennas in each set A, B, C, D may step through (or step by step) in a sequence that matches each other, for example, transmitting interrogation signals from successive antennas along one row and then successive antennas along the next row.

[0128] Although four sets have been described, any number of sets of antennas may be employed. Although two patterns of antenna activation have been described, other patterns may be employed. Also, although generally described as using all antennas except the antenna that most recently (or most recently) transmitted an interrogation signal to monitor for a response signal, other approaches may be employed. For example, all antennas may be monitored, including the antenna that most recently transmitted an interrogation signal. In such implementations, a delay is typically employed to sufficiently damp resonances in the transmitting antenna to allow detection of the response signal. Alternatively, only selected ones or more of the antennas may be used to monitor for the response signal. For example, in some implementations, only the antenna that most recently transmitted an interrogation signal is monitored for receipt of the response signal, usually after a delay time.

[0129] 48 and 49 show a method of operation 500 for transferring sample containers 200, 300 from a storage cassette 302, which may be stored in a cryogenic freezer 102, to a sample transporter 380, such as a portable insulated cryogenic carrier, according to at least one illustrated implementation. The method 500 may be performed when the storage cassette 302 and the sample transporter 380 are each located within at least one well 130 of a workstation.

[0130] The method 500 begins at 502. For example, the method may begin in response to powering up the processor-based transport system 122 or a component thereof, in response to detection of a storage cassette 302 and / or a sample transporter 380 in a reader, receiving user input, or in response to a call from a calling routine or program.

[0131] At 503, the processor-based transport system 122 receives, verifies, and stores the user identification information. The user identification information can take a variety of forms, such as a user identifier, a password or passphrase, and / or biometric data (e.g., a digital fingerprint, a digital iris scan, facial features).

[0132] At 504, the processor-based transfer system 122 receives identifying information. The identifying information can be received, for example, as a user input via a user interface or as an electronic transfer of information from another system, for example, from a clinical treatment management processor-based system. The identifying information can include, for example, a patient name, a unique patient identifier, patient data of birth, a treatment type or unique treatment identifier, a sample container identifier, and / or a sample identifier.

[0133] At 506, the processor-based transport system 122 determines which of the storage cassettes 302 holding one or more sample containers 200, 250, 300, 1100 to retrieve. For example, one or more of the sample containers 200, 250, 300, 1100 may hold biological samples or tissues to be used in a given treatment of a given patient. The processor-based transport system may, for example, query a data structure using the identifying information.

[0134] At 508, the processor-based transport system 122 determines one or more locations of the identified sample containers 200, 250, 300, 1100 within the storage cassette 302. The processor-based transport system may, for example, query a data structure using the identification information.

[0135] At 510, the processor-based transfer system 122 determines the location(s) of the sample transporter 380 to hold the sample container(s) 200, 250, 300, 1100 to be transferred from the storage cassette 302. The processor-based transfer system can, for example, query a data structure using the identifying information.

[0136] At 512, the processor-based transfer system 122 causes the presentation of a query to verify the condition of the carrier environment. The query can be presented visually or audibly via a user interface. The query can include a request for the user to verify that the sample transporter 380 is ready, that there is enough fluid (e.g., liquid nitrogen) in the sample transporter 380, and that the fluid is sufficiently cold (e.g., below about 190° C.).

[0137] At 514, the processor-based transfer system 122 receives information indicative of the condition(s) of the environment of the sample transporter 380. The information can be received, for example, via a user interface.

[0138] Optionally, at 516, the processor-based transfer system 122 verifies that one or more conditions meet one or more thresholds. For example, a user may input a fluid level and / or a fluid temperature, which may be compared to a threshold level and / or threshold temperature.

[0139] At 518, the processor-based transfer system 122 transmits one or more commands to transfer the sample containers 200, 250, 300, 1100 from the selected locations of the storage cassette 302 to the selected location(s) of the sample transporter 380. In the case of manual transfer, the commands can be presented to the user as prompts via a user interface. In the case of automated transfer, the commands can be in the form of a motion plan for execution by a robot or other mechanical delivery.

[0140] At 520, the processor-based transfer system 122 receives confirmation of the transfer. The confirmation can be received from a user via a user interface. Alternatively, the confirmation indicating that the sequence of operations has been completed may come from a processor-based system, such as a robot.

[0141] At 522, the processor-based transfer system 122 interrogates the sample transporter 380. For example, a reader can sequentially interrogate each location in the sample transporter 380 to determine which locations have wireless transponder tagged sample vessels, as well as the identity (or identity) of each sample vessel at each location having a sample vessel. Such may be implemented using a two-dimensional array of antennas positioned to align with respective locations of the sample transporter 380, for example, via an RFID reader or interrogator.

[0142] At 524, the processor-based transfer system 122 determines whether the transferred sample container(s) is / are correctly located in the location(s) within the sample transporter 380. The processor-based transfer system 122 may query the data structure to determine, for each location of the sample transporter 380 that is supposed to have a sample container, the identity of the sample container supposed to be at that location. The processor-based transfer system 122 compares the actual mapping determined via interrogation to the intended mapping to verify that each sample container is in the correct location, identify sample vessels that are in an incorrect location, and identify missing sample vessels and / or sample vessels that should not be in the sample transporter 380, as described below.

[0143] If it is determined at 524 that the transferred sample container(s) are not in the correct location(s) within the sample transporter 380, the processor-based transfer system 122 attempts to determine what specific error occurred. For example, at 526, the processor-based transfer system 122 determines whether the transferred sample container(s) are present within the sample transporter 380. If it is determined at 526 that the transferred sample container(s) are not present within the sample transporter 380, then at 528, the processor-based transfer system 122 causes the user interface to present a prompt identifying a specific location within the storage cassette 302 and sample transporter 380 for transferring the sample container(s) from the storage cassette 302 to the sample transporter 380, and control returns to 520 to await receipt of confirmation that the transfer is complete.

[0144] Alternatively, the processor-based transfer system 122 provides instructions to the robot to perform the transfer of the sample container(s) 200, 250, 300, 1100. If, at 526, it is determined that the transferred sample container(s) is / are present in the sample transporter 380, then, at 530, the processor-based system 122 causes the user interface to present a notification or prompt to move the sample container(s) to the correct location(s) in the sample transporter 380, including an identification of the location from which the sample container is to be moved (the source location) and the location to which the sample container is to be moved (the destination location). Control then returns to 520 to await receipt of confirmation that the transfer is complete.

[0145] If it is determined at 524 that the transferred sample container(s) are in the correct location(s) within the sample transporter 380, then optionally at 532 the processor-based transfer system 122 determines whether there is an incorrect sample container(s) within the sample transporter 380. If it is determined at 532 that there is an incorrect sample container(s) within the sample transporter 380, then at 534 the processor-based transfer system 122 causes the user interface to present a notification that there is an incorrect sample container(s) within the sample transporter 380, identifying the incorrect location(s). Control then returns to 520 to await receipt of confirmation that the transfer is complete. If it is determined at 532 that there is not an incorrect sample container(s) within the sample transporter 380, then control proceeds to 536.

[0146] At 536, the processor-based transport system 122 updates a data structure to reflect the transport. The data structure may take the form of, for example, a database, a table, a tree structure, or a linked list.

[0147] At 538, the processor-based transport system 122 stores the evidence of the chain of custody, preferably in a tamper-proof or tamper-evident form. The evidence of the chain of title may be stored, for example, in a blockchain format.

[0148] The method 500 then ends at 540, for example, until it is called again.

[0149] 50 and 51 show a method 600 of operation for transferring sample containers 200, 250, 300, 1100 from a sample transporter 380, e.g., a portable insulated cryogenic carrier, to a storage cassette 302 for storage in a cryogenic freezer 102, according to at least one illustrated embodiment. The method 500 may be performed when the storage cassette 302 and the sample transporter 380 are each located within at least one well 130 of a workstation.

[0150] The method 600 begins at 602. For example, the method may begin in response to powering up the processor-based transport system 122 or a component thereof, in response to detection of the storage cassette 302 and / or sample transporter 380 in a reader, receiving user input, or in response to a call from a calling routine or program.

[0151] At 603, the processor-based transport system 122 receives, verifies, and stores the user identification information. The user identification information can take a variety of forms, such as a user identifier, a password or passphrase, and / or biometric data (e.g., a digital fingerprint, a digital iris scan, facial features).

[0152] At 604, the processor-based transfer system 122 receives identifying information. The identifying information can be received, for example, as a user input via a user interface or as an electronic transfer of information from another system, for example, from a clinical treatment management processor-based system. The identifying information can include, for example, a patient name, a unique patient identifier, patient data of birth, a treatment type or unique treatment identifier, a sample container identifier, and / or a sample identifier.

[0153] At 606, the processor-based transfer system 122 determines which sample transporter 380 holds one or more sample containers 200, 250, 300, 1100 to be stored in the cryogenic storage tank or freezer 102. For example, the one or more sample containers may hold biological samples or tissues collected from a given procedure of a given patient. The processor-based transfer system 122 may, for example, query a data structure using the identifying information.

[0154] At 608, the processor-based transfer system 122 determines one or more locations of the identified sample containers within the sample transporter 380. The processor-based transfer system 122 can, for example, query a data structure using the identification information.

[0155] At 610, the processor-based transfer system 122 determines the location(s) of a storage cassette to hold the sample container(s) to be transferred from the sample transporter 380. The processor-based transfer system 122 can, for example, query a data structure using the identifying information.

[0156] At 612, the processor-based transfer system 122 sends one or more commands to transfer the sample container from the selected location on the sample transporter 380 to the selected location(s) on the storage cassette 302. In the case of manual transfer, the command can be presented to the user as a prompt via a user interface. In the case of automated transfer, the command can be in the form of a motion plan for execution by a robot or other mechanical transport.

[0157] At 614, the processor-based transfer system 122 receives confirmation of the transfer. The confirmation can be received from a user via a user interface. Alternatively, the confirmation indicating that the sequence of operations is completed may come from a processor-based system, such as a robot.

[0158] Optionally, at 616, the processor-based transfer system 122 interrogates the storage cassette 302. For example, a reader may sequentially interrogate each location in the storage cassette 302 to determine which locations have wireless transponder tagged sample vessels, as well as the identity of each sample vessel at each location having a sample vessel. Such may be implemented, for example, using a two-dimensional array of antennas positioned to align with respective locations of the storage cassette 302 via an RFID reader or interrogator.

[0159] Optionally, at 618, the processor-based transfer system 122 determines whether the transferred sample vessel(s) is / are correctly located in the location(s) in the storage cassette 302. The processor-based transfer system 122 may query the data structure to determine, for each location in the storage cassette 302 that is supposed to have a sample vessel, the identity of the sample vessel supposed to be in that location. The processor-based transfer system 122 compares the actual mapping determined via interrogation to the intended mapping to verify that each sample vessel is in the correct location, identify sample vessels that are in an incorrect location, and identify missing sample vessels and / or sample vessels that should not be in the storage cassette 302, as described below.

[0160] If it is determined in 618 that the transferred sample container(s) are not in the correct location(s) in the storage cassette 302, then in 620 the processor-based transfer system 122 determines whether the transferred sample container(s) are present in the storage cassette 302. If it is determined in 620 that the transferred sample container(s) are not present in the storage cassette 302, then in 622 the processor-based transfer system 122 causes the user interface to present a prompt identifying the sample transporter 380 and a particular location in the storage cassette 302 for transferring the sample container from the sample transporter 380 to the storage cassette 302. Alternatively, the processor-based transfer system 122 provides instructions to the robot to perform the transfer of the sample container(s). Control then returns to 614 to await receipt of confirmation that the transfer is complete. If, at 620, it is determined that the transferred sample container(s) are present in the storage cassette 302, then, at 624, the processor-based system 122 causes the user interface to present a notification or prompt for moving the sample container(s) to the storage cassette(s) 302, including an identification of the location from which the sample container is to be moved (the source location) and the location from which the sample container is to be moved (the destination location). Control then returns to 614 to await receipt of confirmation that the transfer is complete.

[0161] If it is determined in 618 that the transferred sample container(s) are in the correct location(s) in the storage cassette 302, then optionally in 626 the processor-based transfer system 122 determines whether there is an incorrect sample container(s) in the storage cassette 302. If it is determined in 620 that there is an incorrect sample container(s) in the storage cassette 302, then in 628 the processor-based transfer system 122 causes the user interface to present a notification that there is an incorrect sample container(s) in the storage cassette 302 identifying the incorrect location(s) in the storage cassette 302. Control then returns to 614 to await receipt of confirmation that the transfer is complete. If it is determined in 620 that there is not an incorrect sample container(s) in the storage cassette 302, then control proceeds to 630.

[0162] At 630, the processor-based transport system 122 updates a data structure to reflect the transport. The data structure may take the form of, for example, a database, a table, a tree structure, or a linked list.

[0163] At 632, the processor-based transfer system 122 stores the evidence of the chain of custody, preferably in a tamper-proof or tamper-evident form. The evidence of the chain of title may be stored, for example, in a block chain format.

[0164] The method 600 then ends, for example at 634, until it is called again.

[0165] The various implementations and embodiments described above can be combined to provide further implementations and embodiments. All of the U.S. patent applications listed in this data sheet, including but not limited to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 900,281, filed September 13, 2019, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 880,786, filed July 31, 2019, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 879,160, filed July 26, 2019, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 741,986, filed October 5, 2018, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 741,998, filed October 5, 2018, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 927,566, filed October 29, 2019, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 082,789, filed September 24, 2020, are each incorporated herein by reference. These and other variations can be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description.

[0166] In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific implementations and embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but rather to include all possible implementations and embodiments, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by this disclosure. The following is an invention described at the beginning of the present application. <Claim 1> 1. A system for handling cryogenically frozen samples, comprising: a platform having a front, a rear, a working surface, and at least one well, the at least one well being recessed in the working surface and having a bottom and at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom of the at least one well; at least one first bucket removably receivable by the at least one well of the platform, the first bucket having a bottom, a top, at least one sidewall extending from the bottom of the first bucket to the top of the first bucket, and an opening at the top of the first bucket sized to at least partially receive therein at least one cassette or carrier that holds an array of sample vessels therein; at least one array of antennas disposed beneath the bottom of the at least one well and spaced apart such that they are within a defined vertical distance of a distal end of the sample vessel when the cassette or carrier holding the sample vessel is disposed within the first bucket; A workstation equipped with A system comprising: <Claim 2> The system of claim 1 , wherein the work surface comprises a planar portion. <Claim 3> The system of claim 2 , wherein the work surface includes a perimeter wall extending upwardly from the planar portion around at least a portion of a perimeter of the work surface. <Claim 4> 3. The system of claim 2, wherein a portion of the perimeter wall at the rear of the platform has a slope that slopes downwardly from the rear of the platform toward the front of the platform. <Claim 5> 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the work surface defines a first opening and a second opening therethrough, the second opening in the work surface being separate from the first opening in the work surface, the first opening in the work surface being sized to removably receive the first bucket therein, and the second opening in the work surface being sized to removably receive the second bucket therein. <Claim 6> 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first bucket seats in the first opening with a top of the first bucket flush with the work surface when the first bucket is received into the first well through the first opening in the work surface, the second opening in the work surface is sized to removably receive a second bucket therein, and the second bucket seats in the second opening with a top of the second bucket flush with the work surface when the second bucket is received into the first well through the second opening in the work surface. <Claim 7> 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the work surface includes a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the planar portion around at least a portion of a perimeter of the work surface, the peripheral wall having a first opening and a second opening each located at a front portion of the platform, each of the first opening and the second opening in the peripheral wall sized to accommodate a handle of each of the first bucket and the second bucket with the respective handle pivoted to a non-deployed position when the first bucket and the second bucket are received in the first well via the first opening and the second opening in the work surface. <Claim 8> The system of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the work surface includes a fixed planar portion and a frame, the frame being selectively removable from the fixed planar portion to expose an interior of the at least one well. <Claim 9> The system of claim 8 , wherein the first opening in the work surface and the second opening in the work surface are each formed in the frame. <Claim 10> 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first opening in the work surface is sized to closely receive an outer periphery of the first bucket and the second opening in the work surface is sized to closely receive an outer periphery of the second bucket. <Claim 11> The system of claim 1 , wherein the first bucket has a spout. <Claim 12> The system of claim 11 , wherein the first bucket has a handle pivotally coupled to the at least one side wall for pivoting between a deployed position and a non-deployed position. <Claim 13> The system of claim 12 , wherein the first bucket has at least one stop that limits rotation of the handle in the deployed position. <Claim 14> The cassette or carrier is further provided, The cassette or carrier is sized to hold a two-dimensional array of sample vessels. The system of claim 1. <Claim 15> The cassette or carrier is a first bulk container having a top, a bottom, and at least one sidewall, the bottom having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface, the at least one sidewall having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface, the inward facing surface of the bottom and the inward facing surface of the at least one sidewall delineating an interior compartment of the first bulk container having an interior compartment profile, the first bulk container having an opening at its top; a first thermal shunt comprising a substrate comprising a metal and having a first major surface and a second major surface, the second major surface opposing the first major surface across a thickness of the substrate, the substrate having an array of a plurality of through holes extending through the thickness of the substrate, each of the through holes in the substrate shaped and sized to receive at least a portion of a respective vial of a first number of vials therethrough, the substrate being fitfully receivable within the interior compartment of the first bulk container; a first spacer that is fitably received within the interior compartment of the first bulk container, the first spacer having an array of a plurality of through holes extending therethrough, each of the through holes of the first spacer shaped and sized to receive at least a portion of a respective vial of the first number of vials therethrough; Equipped with When the first spacer and the first thermal shunt are stacked within the interior compartment of the first bulk container, each of the through holes of the first spacer is axially aligned with a respective one of the through holes of the first thermal shunt. 15. The system of claim 14. <Claim 16> The system of claim 15, wherein the first bulk container has several set-offs extending upward from the bottom inside the first bulk container, and the first thermal shunt is supported by the set-offs to space the first thermal shunt from the bottom of the first bulk container. <Claim 17> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the substrate of the thermal shunt is a heat sink in the form of a block of a non-ferrous metal. <Claim 18> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the substrate of the thermal shunt is a heat sink in the form of a block of aluminum. <Claim 19> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the substrate of the thermal shunt is a heat sink in the form of a block of a non-ferrous metal impregnated polymer. <Claim 20> The system of claim 15 , wherein the through holes in the spacer and the thermal shunt are each circular. <Claim 21> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the through holes in the spacer and the thermal shunt are square with rounded corners. <Claim 22> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first bulk container is part of the cassette, the first bulk container including at least a first aperture on a first side and at least a second aperture on a second side, the second side facing the first side across a lateral dimension of the first bulk container. <Claim 23> the first bulk container being part of the cassette, The system of claim 15, further comprising a handle removably coupleable to the first bulk container. <Claim 24> the first bulk container being part of the carrier, the carrier comprising: 16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a cover connectable to the first bulk container to seal the opening at the top of the first bulk container, the spacer and the thermal shunt being stacked within the internal compartment of the first bulk container. <Claim 25> the first bulk container being part of the carrier, 16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a handle pivotally coupled to the first bulk container. <Claim 26> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one sidewall of the first bulk container is an insulated sidewall. <Claim 27> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the thickness of the base of the first bulk container, the thermal shunt, any support mechanism, and the spacer longitudinally positions the vial to space the bottom of the vial within a defined distance from an outer surface of the base. <Claim 28> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the thickness of the base of the first bulk container, the thermal shunt, any support mechanism, and the spacer longitudinally positions the vial to space the bottom of the vial within a distance of less than 20 mm, or more preferably less than 15 mm, from the outer surface of the base. <Claim 29> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the thickness of the bottom of the first bulk container, the thermal shunt, any support mechanism, and the spacer longitudinally positions the vial to space the bottom of the vial within the defined vertical distance from the antenna array. <Claim 30> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the thickness of the bottom of the first bulk container, the thermal shunt, any support mechanism, and the spacer longitudinally positions the vial to space the bottom of the vial within a distance of less than 20 mm, or more preferably less than 15 mm, from the antenna array. <Claim 31> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the at least one well, the first bucket, and the cassette or carrier longitudinally positions the sample container to space a bottom of the sample container within the defined vertical distance from the antenna array. <Claim 32> 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the at least one well, the first bucket, and the cassette or carrier positions the sample container such that a bottom of the sample container is longitudinally spaced within the defined vertical distance of less than 20 mm, or more preferably less than 15 mm, from the antenna array. <Claim 33> a cryogenic storage dewar having an interior and an opening through which sample containers are transferred into and out of the interior of the cryogenic storage dewar, a portion of the platform being positioned immediately adjacent to the cryogenic storage dewar; The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or 10 to 32, further comprising: <Claim 34> 34. The system of claim 33, further comprising an elevator positioned and operable to place a cassette within the dewar and to remove a cassette from within the dewar, the elevator including at least one port, and a rear of the platform positioned immediately adjacent the at least one port of the elevator with no open gap therebetween. <Claim 35> 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the at least one well of the platform is spaced from the at least one port of the elevator along a first axis, the first axis extending perpendicularly from the at least one port and transversely thereto along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. <Claim 36> 34. The system of claim 33, wherein the workstation and the cryogenic storage dewar include corresponding fasteners that releasably secure the workstation and the cryogenic storage dewar. <Claim 37> 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the corresponding fasteners include a first bracket on the workstation, a second bracket on the cryogenic storage dewar, and a connecting pin receivable within both the first bracket and the second bracket to releasably secure the workstation and the cryogenic storage dewar.

Claims

1. 1. A system for handling cryogenically frozen samples, comprising: a platform having a front portion, a rear portion, a working surface, and at least one well, the at least one well being recessed in the working surface and having a bottom and at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom of the at least one well; at least one first bucket having a bottom, a top, at least one sidewall extending from the bottom of the first bucket to the top of the first bucket, and an opening at the top of the first bucket, the first bucket being removably receiveable by the at least one well, the at least one sidewall of the well being spaced from the at least one sidewall of the first bucket by a gap, the opening at the top of the first bucket being sized to at least partially receive therein at least one cassette or carrier holding an array of sample vessels therein; at least one array of antennas disposed beneath the bottom of the at least one well and spaced apart to be within a defined vertical distance of a distal end of the sample vessel when the cassette or carrier holding the sample vessel is disposed within the first bucket; A workstation equipped with A system comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the work surface comprises a planar portion.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the work surface includes a perimeter wall extending upwardly from the planar portion around at least a portion of a perimeter of the work surface.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein a portion of the perimeter wall at the rear of the platform has a slope that slopes downwardly from the rear of the platform toward the front of the platform.

5. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the work surface defines a first opening and a second opening therethrough, the second opening in the work surface being separate from the first opening in the work surface, the first opening in the work surface being sized to removably receive the first bucket therein, and the second opening in the work surface being sized to removably receive the second bucket therein.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first bucket seats in the first opening with a top of the first bucket flush with the work surface when the first bucket is received into the at least one well through the first opening in the work surface, the second opening in the work surface is sized to removably receive a second bucket therein, and the second bucket seats in the second opening with a top of the second bucket flush with the work surface when the second bucket is received into the at least one well through the second opening in the work surface.

7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the work surface includes a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the planar portion around at least a portion of a perimeter of the work surface, the peripheral wall having a first opening and a second opening each located at a front portion of the platform, each of the first opening and the second opening in the peripheral wall sized to accommodate a handle of each of the first bucket and the second bucket with the respective handle pivoted to a non-deployed position when the first bucket and the second bucket are received in the at least one well via the first opening and the second opening in the work surface.

8. The system of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the work surface comprises a fixed planar portion and a frame, the frame being selectively removable from the fixed planar portion to expose an interior of the at least one well.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the first opening in the work surface and the second opening in the work surface are each formed in the frame.

10. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first opening in the work surface is sized to closely receive an outer periphery of the first bucket and the second opening in the work surface is sized to closely receive an outer periphery of the second bucket.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first bucket has a spout.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the first bucket has a handle pivotally coupled to the at least one side wall for pivoting between a deployed position and a non-deployed position.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the first bucket has at least one stop that limits rotation of the handle in the deployed position.

14. The cassette or carrier is further provided, The cassette or carrier is sized to hold a two-dimensional array of sample vessels. The system of claim 1 .

15. The cassette or carrier is a first bulk container having a top, a bottom, and at least one sidewall, the bottom having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface, the at least one sidewall having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface, the inward facing surface of the bottom and the inward facing surface of the at least one sidewall delineating an interior compartment of the first bulk container having an interior compartment profile, the first bulk container having an opening at its top; a first thermal shunt comprising a substrate comprising a metal and having a first major surface and a second major surface, the second major surface opposing the first major surface across a thickness of the substrate, the substrate having an array of a plurality of through holes extending through the thickness of the substrate, each of the through holes in the substrate shaped and sized to receive at least a portion of a respective vial of a first number of vials therethrough, the substrate being fitfully receivable within the interior compartment of the first bulk container; a first spacer that is fitably received within the interior compartment of the first bulk container, the first spacer having an array of a plurality of through holes extending therethrough, each of the through holes of the first spacer shaped and sized to receive at least a portion of a respective vial of the first number of vials therethrough; Equipped with When the first spacer and the first thermal shunt are stacked within the interior compartment of the first bulk container, each of the through holes of the first spacer is axially aligned with a respective one of the through holes of the first thermal shunt. The system of claim 14.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first bulk container has a number of set-offs extending upward from the bottom inside the first bulk container, and the first thermal shunt is supported by the set-offs to space the first thermal shunt from the bottom of the first bulk container.

17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the substrate of the thermal shunt is a heat sink in the form of a block of a non-ferrous metal.

18. The system of claim 15 , wherein the substrate of the thermal shunt is a heat sink in the form of a block of aluminum.

19. The system of claim 15 , wherein the substrate of the thermal shunt is a heat sink in the form of a block of a non-ferrous metal impregnated polymer.

20. The system of claim 15 , wherein the through holes in the spacer and the thermal shunt are each circular.

21. The system of claim 15 , wherein the through holes in the spacer and the thermal shunt are square with rounded corners.

22. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first bulk container is part of the cassette, the first bulk container including at least a first aperture on a first side and at least a second aperture on a second side, the second side facing the first side across a lateral dimension of the first bulk container.

23. the first bulk container being part of the cassette, The system of claim 15, further comprising a handle removably coupleable to the first bulk container.

24. the first bulk container being part of the carrier, the carrier comprising: The system of claim 15, further comprising a cover connectable to the first bulk container to seal the opening at the top of the first bulk container, the spacer and the thermal shunt being stacked within the internal compartment of the first bulk container.

25. the first bulk container being part of the carrier, 16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a handle pivotally coupled to the first bulk container.

26. The system of claim 15 , wherein the at least one sidewall of the first bulk container is an insulated sidewall.

27. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the thickness of the bottom of the first bulk container, the thermal shunt, any support mechanism, and the spacer longitudinally positions the vial to space the bottom of the vial within a defined distance from an outer surface of the bottom.

28. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the thickness of the base of the first bulk container, the thermal shunt, any support mechanism, and the spacer longitudinally positions the vial to space the bottom of the vial within a distance of less than 20 mm from the outer surface of the base.

29. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the thickness of the bottom of the first bulk container, the thermal shunt, any support mechanism, and the spacer longitudinally positions the vial to space the bottom of the vial within the defined vertical distance from the antenna array.

30. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the thickness of the bottom of the first bulk container, the thermal shunt, any support mechanism, and the spacer longitudinally positions the vial to space the bottom of the vial within a distance of less than 20 mm from the antenna array.

31. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the at least one well, the first bucket, and the cassette or carrier longitudinally positions the sample container to space a bottom of the sample container within the defined vertical distance from the antenna array.

32. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein any combination of the at least one well, the first bucket, and the cassette or carrier positions the sample container to longitudinally space a bottom of the sample container within the defined vertical distance of less than 20 mm from the antenna array.

33. a cryogenic storage dewar having an interior and an opening through which sample containers are transferred into and out of the interior of the cryogenic storage dewar, a portion of the platform being positioned immediately adjacent to the cryogenic storage dewar; The system of any one of claims 1 to 7 or 10 to 32, further comprising:

34. 34. The system of claim 33, further comprising an elevator positioned and operable to place a cassette within the dewar and remove a cassette from within the dewar, the elevator including at least one port, and a rear of the platform being positioned immediately adjacent the at least one port of the elevator with no open gap therebetween.

35. 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the at least one well of the platform is spaced from the at least one port of the elevator along a first axis, the first axis extending perpendicularly from the at least one port and transversely thereto along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

36. 34. The system of claim 33, wherein the workstation and the cryogenic storage dewar include corresponding fasteners that releasably secure the workstation and the cryogenic storage dewar.

37. 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the corresponding fasteners include a first bracket on the workstation, a second bracket on the cryogenic storage dewar, and a connecting pin receivable within both the first bracket and the second bracket to releasably secure the workstation and the cryogenic storage dewar.

38. The system described in claim 1, wherein the bottom of the well is spaced from the bottom of the first bucket by a second gap.

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