Consumer Media Refill Station

Abstract

A media refill station is provided that connects to a portable cryogenic workstation. [Solution] The portable cryogenic workstation (110) includes a housing having an internal cavity configured to hold one or more samples, a lid for sealing the internal cavity such that the portable cryogenic workstation is configured to transport samples between a near-room temperature environment and a near-ultra-low temperature environment, at least one automation interface disposed on one or more of the housing and the lid and configured to engage with an automated handling device, and a processing data acquisition unit coupled to the housing and configured to acquire processing or transient data corresponding to at least one predetermined processing characteristic of the sample in synchronization with its presence within the portable cryogenic workstation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application is a regular application claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 929,306, filed on January 20, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical Field] Exemplary embodiments generally relate to sample transport containers, and more particularly to sample transport containers in a laboratory.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, samples such as biological samples or cryogenic samples are delivered or transported using bottles (e.g., transported within a laboratory, facility, or building, or transported between laboratories, facilities, or buildings). An example of a delivery container is a Dewar - type bottle. To insert or remove a sample from these conventional delivery containers, the top surface of the container is removed and the sample is inserted or removed from the container. However, the insertion and removal of the sample from the delivery container, for example, to a sample storage location, is performed in an open atmosphere.

[0004] Many cryogenic samples may require a cryogenic storage temperature to maintain their biological or cryogenic viability. For example, a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of water, such as about - 135°C, is known as a temperature that maximally halts biological degradation and maintains cell viability. Thus, many samples are stored near the temperature of liquid nitrogen. However, since samples are inserted into and removed from conventional sample storage systems (e.g., liquid nitrogen (LN2) Dewars and - 150°C freezers) at room temperature, the samples are exposed to temperatures more than about 200°C above their storage temperature. Generally, a large amount of dry ice (e.g., at a temperature of about - 78°C) is used to move samples across laboratories, but the samples are still exposed to room temperature during insertion and removal from the storage system.

[0005] Also, in a conventional storage system, samples being stored are subject to temperature fluctuations. For example, a conventional large freezer at -150°C causes temperature changes to most of the samples being stored when the lid is opened and closed. With a manual LN2 dewar, the stack of samples is taken out into a room temperature environment to add or remove a single sample.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] For example, it is advantageous to be able to insert and remove samples from a delivery container that enables cryogenic storage while being able to control moisture and gas entering the sample storage system and / or minimizing the heat load introduced into the sample storage system to a negligible level, and at the same time being able to easily access in a controlled environment without compromising due to the heat load. Also, it is advantageous to protect the samples in the delivery container from temperature fluctuations during the loading and unloading of samples into and from the sample storage system.

[0007] The foregoing aspects and other features of the disclosed embodiments are described in the following description in relation to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Figures 1A - 1I show sample delivery containers / carriers or portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' (generally referred to as portable cryogenic workstations herein) and parts thereof according to aspects of the disclosed embodiments. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, but it should be understood that the aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in various forms. Also, elements or materials of any suitable size, shape, or type can be used. Also, note that the blocks shown in the flowcharts described herein may be executed in any suitable order. Also note that one or more of the blocks shown in the flowcharts described herein may be omitted or considered arbitrary.

[0010] Portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be used to transport any suitable sample, such as biological and / or cryogenic samples, and may have any suitable shape and size to enable automated and / or manual transport of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' described herein. Referring to FIG. 9, as can be understood, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be self-standing workstations that enable cooling of the sample 150 during manual access by an operator to the sample 150 at any suitable location, such as a laboratory workbench. The portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be transported to sample storage systems 200, 200', 200'' for transferring samples to and from the portable cryogenic workstations described herein and / or for replenishing the refrigerant (which may be a phase change refrigerant or a coolant such as a cryogenic liquid) within the portable cryogenic workstations described herein. In another aspect, also referring to FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E and 9F, the portable cryogenic workstation enables biological or cryogenic samples to be delivered or transported within a laboratory, facility or building or between laboratories, facilities or buildings. For example, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be transported between two stations (station 200 is shown for illustrative purposes only in FIGS. 9A and 9B and is representative of other storage and / or refrigerant replenishment stations described herein) using one or more of two types (e.g., external and internal) of transport systems.For example, an external transport system transports portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' between two stations from outside the housings of the two stations (for example, in this case, the housing is, for example, the external housing of the sample storage system 200, 200’, 200'', the refrigerant replenishment station 163, the sorting device 950, and / or the sample selection device 991). The internal transport system transports portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' between two stations inside the housing that may include a plurality of holding stations for the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' and / or samples transported therein (for example, in this case, the housing is, for example, the housing of the sample storage system 200, 200’, 200'', the refrigerant replenishment station 163, the sorting device 950, and / or the sample selection device 991). Each of the two types of transport systems includes devices such as an automated operating device (for example, an overhead gantry 1499A, a shuttle 1499’, 200S, an automated guided vehicle 1499B, etc.).

[0011] Referring to FIGS. 9F and 9J, as an example, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' described herein may be such that a transport shuttle 200S or any other suitable transport unit (such as a gantry 1499A, a shuttle 1499A' (similar to the transport shuttle 200S) and / or an automated guided vehicle 1499B, etc.) moves one or more of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' from one location, such as an input / output port 973, a waiting station 974 (including refrigerant replenishment in one aspect), a storage location 291, or any other suitable holding position of the portable cryogenic workstation (cryogenic storage unit or vault 291) within the sample storage system 200'', to an area within the storage system adjacent to one or more cryogenic storage units or vaults 291 of the sample storage system 200'' within the sample storage system 200'' (e.g., the transport shuttle 200S may transport a portable cryogenic workstation from one area of the sample storage system 200'' to another area of the sample storage system 200'' to collect or place a sample). In one aspect, referring to FIGS. 9E and 9F, the sample storage system 200'' may be such that the transport shuttle 200S and / or the area 954 in which the transport shuttle 200S operates can be maintained at a temperature higher than the temperature of one or more cryogenic storage units 291, and the sample can be rapidly transferred between the one or more cryogenic storage units 291 and the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' while maintaining the temperature of the sample without the need to cool the area of the transport shuttle 200S, similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 8,252,232, issued on August 28, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 334,619, filed on December 22, 2011, with publication number 2012 / 0163945, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0012] In one aspect, the transport shuttle may be substantially similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 8,252,232, issued on August 28, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 334,619, filed on December 22, 2011, with a publication number of 2012 / 0163945. For example, referring to FIGS. 9I and 9K, the shuttle 200S includes a frame 1980 and one or more tracks 1981A, 1981B, and the frame 1980 moves in the direction of arrow 1988 along the tracks 1981A, 1981B. A conveyor unit 1983 is attached to the frame 1980 to move along the frame in the direction of arrow 1987. The conveyor unit 1983 includes an effector 1982 configured to engage the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' to pick up and place the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' at a predetermined holding position as described herein. In one aspect, the effector 1982 is configured to engage the kinematic features of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' to positively position the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' at a predetermined holding position, such as a predetermined position of the conveyor unit 1983. A workpiece holder conveyor 1983X is located on the conveyor unit 1983 to transfer a workpiece holder, such as a tray STR, to and from the cryogenic storage position or storage unit 291. A gantry picker GPKR having an effector 1984 (movable in the directions of arrows 1988, 1989) is disposed on the conveyor unit 1983 to transfer a sample between the workpiece holder and the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' held on the conveyor unit 1983. As can be understood, the gantry picker GPKR, the effector 1982, and the workpiece holder conveyor 1983X are movable in the direction of arrow 1987 integrally with the conveyor unit 1983.In one aspect, due to the multiple degrees of freedom of the shuttle 200S, the waiting station 974 can hold the cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' that can be carried in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional array, and the cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' that can be carried are adjacent to each other and / or located above and below each other.

[0013] As can be understood, the cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' that can be carried may enable the transfer of samples in a room temperature environment, a cryogenic environment (e.g., -80°C), an ultra-low temperature environment (e.g., -150°C or lower), or any other suitable environment having any suitable temperature. Referring also to FIGS. 9C and 9D, the cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' that can be carried may also use any suitable automated transfer device (such as the transfer robot arm 933) to transfer the sample 150 between two or more cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' and / or one or more cryogenic storage units 291. The cryogenic buffer region 934 (which may be, for example, another cryogenic workstation that can be carried, a cryogenic plate, a dewar of refrigerant, a refrigerated compartment, etc.) may be provided to enable any other operations that may be performed during the replacement of the cap on the sample container without warming the sample 150 and the removal and placement operations of the sample 150.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 9G, an exemplary facility may include an overhead conveyance unit or a shuttle system (such as gantry / shuttles 1499A, 1499A'), an automated guided vehicle 1499B, and an automated operation station (such as an automated sample storage system 200, 200', a refrigerant replenishment station 163, a sorting device 950, a sample selection device 991, etc., which transfers samples from one workstation described herein to another workstation by an automated part such as a robotic arm 933), and a manual operation station 951 (such as a workbench in a laboratory) which may include a sample operation station 1700 as described below. One or more conveyors 961, 962 for transporting portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' are shown between them. In one aspect, the sample selection device 991 may be substantially the same as that described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 229,077, filed on March 28, 2014, entitled "SAMPLE SELECTOR", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In one aspect, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be transported to a predetermined automated or manual operation station (FIG. 9H, block 980). The transportation of the portable cryogenic workstations may be through an automated article handling system 1499A (such as an overhead conveyance unit), 1499B (such as an automated guided vehicle), 961 (conveyor), 962 (conveyor), shuttle 1499A', or may be manual. As can be understood, the automated article handling system may be configured to transfer or transfer portable cryogenic workstations relative to each other. For example, the overhead conveyance unit 1499A, shuttle 1499A' and conveyors 961, 962 may be configured such that one or more of the overhead conveyance unit 1499A and shuttle 1499A' take out a portable cryogenic workstation from the conveyors 961, 962 and place a portable cryogenic workstation on the conveyors 961, 962.In another aspect, the overhead conveyor 1499A, the shuttle 1499A', and the automated guided vehicle 1499B may be configured such that one or more of the overhead conveyor 1499A and the shuttle 1499A' remove a portable cryogenic workstation from the automated guided vehicle 1499B and place the portable cryogenic workstation onto the automated guided vehicle 1499B. In yet another aspect, the automated guided vehicle 1499B and the conveyors 961, 962 may be configured such that the automated guided vehicle removes a portable cryogenic workstation from the conveyors 961, 962 and places the portable cryogenic workstation onto the conveyors 961, 962. In yet another aspect, the overhead conveyor 1499A and the shuttle 1499A' are configured such that a portable cryogenic workstation is transferred between the overhead conveyor 1499A and the shuttle 1499A'. As can be understood, the input / output ports 973 of the sample storage systems 200, 201', 200'' (and the input / output ports of other cryogenic workstation holding positions such as the replenishment station) are configured to enable the transfer of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' between the transport system described herein and the sample storage systems 200, 201', 200'' (and other cryogenic workstation holding positions). For example, referring to FIGS. 9K and 9J, the shuttle 1499A' (similar to the shuttle 200S) places the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' on any suitable support 974S of the input / output port 974, such as by moving the conveyor unit in one or more of the directions 1987, 1988, 1989. The support 974S is configured to convey the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' within each storage system such that the shuttle 200S removes the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' from the support 974S (e.g., at the queue 974), so that samples can be transferred between the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' and the cryogenic storage or reservoir 291.

[0015] Samples may be manipulated in any suitable manner (such as placement in a storage unit, analysis, transfer to another portable cryogenic workstation, etc.) by removing one or more samples from a portable cryogenic workstation in the manner described herein (Figure 9H, block 981). In one aspect, any suitable automation unit may remove the sample tray 150T from the portable cryogenic workstation in the manner described herein to provide the sample to the storage unit or the operator OPER. In one aspect, the operator may remove samples from the tray 150T and place samples on the tray 150T, but in another aspect, any suitable automation unit may remove samples from the tray 150T and place samples on the tray 150T, as described herein. Samples may be returned to the portable cryogenic workstation (Figure 9H, block 982), and the workstation may be transported to another operating station or another part of the same operating system through one or more of the transport systems 1499A, 1499B, 961, 962, 933, 933A or manually. When the portable cryogenic workstation is transported to another part of the same operating system 963, any suitable automation unit 933A, such as a robotic arm or other transport unit inside a suitable station, conveyor, gantry, etc., may be at least partially disposed within the operating system 963 to transport the portable cryogenic workstation.

[0016] Referring again to FIGS. 1A - 1I, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be configured to maintain a sample 150 (e.g., located within a sample container or on a slide) near liquid nitrogen (LN2) temperature (e.g., about - 150°C or below), for example, while providing easy manual access to the sample by removing the lid of the portable cryogenic workstation, the sample (and the interior 110C of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''') may be maintained at about - 150°C or below as described below. In some embodiments, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' maintain the sample at a temperature of about - 196°C to about - 30°C, about - 196°C to about - 120°C, about - 196°C to approximately the glass transition temperature of water, or about - 196°C to about - 150°C.

[0017] As can be understood, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be configured to mitigate the effects of moisture and / or ice, including condensate, that is built up within, on, or around the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. For example, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be constructed of any suitable material that allows the portable cryogenic workstation to be heated or warmed in order to completely dry the interior cavity or exterior of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. In one aspect, the heating element may be provided inside the housing and / or lid walls of the portable cryogenic workstation such that the heating element can be connected to a power source in any suitable manner to heat or warm the portable cryogenic workstation. In some examples, a dry gas is used to purge moisture in and / or around the environment of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. For example, if the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' are in, for example, an automated storage system, a refrigerant refill station, or other partially or fully enclosed area, a dry gas can be used to purge moisture in and / or around the environment of the portable cryogenic workstation. In some embodiments, a portion of the refrigerant (e.g., a cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen) contained in the portable cryogenic workstation evaporates to provide a dry purge gas (e.g., dry nitrogen gas). If the evaporation of the refrigerant from the portable cryogenic workstation is insufficient to achieve the desired dew point within and / or around the workstation, additional dry gas may be provided, for example, by using a heater and / or cryogenic liquid to promote the evaporation of the cryogenic liquid to form a dry purge gas.

[0018] Portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' may tend to draw in moisture (typically forming ice), especially when the workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' are filled with refrigerant. Therefore, in some embodiments, refrigerant (e.g., cryogenic liquid) is added to one workstation, and one or more workstations are at least partially or fully within a housing, as described in more detail below. Within the housing, a dry purge gas as described above may be used to achieve a desired dew point within the housing and thereby prevent drawing unwanted moisture into the workstations.

[0019] Portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be connected to, or configured to be connected to, an automated cryogenic storage system as described below. Portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' are illustrated herein as top-loading portable cryogenic workstations having a generally rectangular or square or cylindrical cavity, but in another aspect, portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be configured as top-, side- or bottom-loading portable cryogenic workstations having any suitable shape, and it is noted that the storage system may include suitable side-loading and / or bottom-loading interfaces that are substantially similar to those described herein. In one aspect, the portable cryogenic workstation may have a configuration of a Dewar-type flask 100'' (see also FIGS. 1I, 1Q and 1R) that includes features described herein such that the flask 100'' mates with the automated storage system in a manner substantially similar to that described herein. In another aspect where the Dewar-type flask includes a threaded cap (not shown) for closing the flask, the load port door described herein may be configured to include a rotatable gripper for turning the cap off the flask, but the flask may be mated with the load port and the sample may be removed from the flask in a manner substantially similar to that described herein. In another aspect, as seen in FIGS. 1Q and 1R, portable cryogenic workstation 100''' may have a generally cylindrical housing 110CH (e.g., forming a Dewar vessel). Portable cryogenic workstation 100''' may include features described herein with respect to workstation 100 such that portable cryogenic workstation 100''' mates with the automated storage system in a manner substantially similar to that described above with respect to workstation 100, and the lid 113 of the Dewar vessel includes kinematic mounting features 113A and a latch key engagement portion or other suitable connection features for connecting to the sample storage system and / or refrigerant filling / replenishment station described herein.Thus, the portable cryogenic workstation 100''' includes definitive placement features on one or more of the housing 110CH and the lid 113 to provide a definitive placement and automated opening / closing of the portable cryogenic workstation 100'''. As can be appreciated, by maintaining the interior 110C at an appropriate temperature, such as below -150°C, and also maintaining the ability to connect the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' to an automated storage system, the automated storage system and samples can be protected from temperature fluctuations and water / frost ingress. In one aspect, as seen in FIGS. 1S and 1T, the portable cryogenic workstation (workstation 100 is shown for illustrative purposes only) may be configured to hold one or more sample trays (tray 150T is shown for illustrative purposes only). For example, the portable cryogenic workstation may hold a single tray 150T, or an N×N array of trays 150T (for illustrative purposes only, a 1×4 array of trays is shown in FIG. 1S while a 2×2 array of trays is shown in FIG. 1T). The trays 150T are shown as being arranged in a single plane (e.g., adjacent to each other), but in another aspect the trays may be located in different planes (e.g., vertically) in addition to or instead of being adjacent to each other.

[0020] Portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' provide protection for samples 150 being loaded into and removed from a storage section, and may also provide the ability to manually manipulate samples on the workbench surface while maintaining the samples at or near cryogenic temperatures with the operator in a normal laboratory environment. In one aspect, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' provide manual (or automated) access to the sample 150, any tray or rack 150T in which the sample 150 is held, and / or one or more trays 150T, 150T’, 150T'' / any suitable holder TH in which the sample 150 is held. In one aspect, the tray or rack 150T may be any suitable well plate for holding samples. In one aspect, the tray or rack 150T’ may, as described herein, be referred to as a refrigerant or consumable media accumulator using a refillable or replaceable refrigerant / coolant (also referred to herein as a consumable media) and may be composed of a thermally conductive material configured to maintain the sample at a predetermined temperature when disposed in substantial contact with a cooling source (such as the absorption pad 170, refrigerant unit 170’ etc. described below). In one aspect, also referring to FIG. 1N, the tray 150T’ may include a cryogenic battery CB operating through the thermally conductive material rather than the air temperature around the sample. The cryogenic battery CB (shown on the side of the sample 150 for illustrative purposes) may act as a cryogenic heat sink to dissipate heat to the consumable media source and cool the sample 150. As can be appreciated, the sample holding area may be disposed within the cryogenic battery CB as shown in FIG. 1B. In another aspect, the tray or rack 150T'' may include an interface 150TI between the tray or rack 150TP and a refrigerant or consumable media configured to provide a uniform temperature distribution to the sample 150 in the tray or rack 150TP connected to the interface 150TI.In one aspect, referring also to FIG. 1O, the trays 150, 150', 150'' (tray 150T' is shown in FIG. 1O for illustrative purposes) may be separated from the consumable media source by a thin insulating layer (such as the inner shell 1005 of the housing 110 as described below, see for example FIG. 10A). The trays 150, 150', 150'' may abut against the thin insulating layer to enable heat transfer from the sample 150 to the consumable media source in order to cool the sample 150. In yet another aspect, as seen in FIG. 1P, the trays 150, 150', 150'' may be a substantially solid insert in which the sample 150 is disposed, or may include it. FIG. 1P shows, for example, tray 150T' as having a substantially solid configuration in which the tray is inserted into portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' (workstation 100 is shown for illustrative purposes). In one aspect, the holder TH' may be a box having a housing THH with a cavity for holding the sample 150 within the cavity and a lid THL for closing the cavity. In one aspect, the tray TH may be configured to hold the holder TH'. The cavity of the holder TH' may include any suitable consumable media accumulator, such as a refrigerant unit 170', configured to maintain the cavity and the sample 150 therein at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period. The sample 150 within the housing THH may be held in any suitable tray or rack 150'. In one aspect, the tray or rack 150' may be substantially similar to trays or racks 150T, 150T', 150T''.Manual (or automated) access may be provided for the addition and removal of trays 150T, 150T’, 150T'' and / or holders TH to and from portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''', and / or for the addition and removal of individual samples 150 to and from portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100'''. This manual access can be provided by a lid 113 that can be easily removed by hand. In one aspect, the housing 110 may include a hinge 113H, and the lid 113 pivots about the hinge 113H between a closed position (shown in Figure 1K) and an open position (shown in Figure 1J), and the lid seals the cavity 110C when in the closed position and the lid 113 latches substantially against the side of the housing 110 when in the open position. In some embodiments, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' include features that are mechanically or electronically controlled to maintain the safety of the lid 113. For example, the lid of the workstation may be protected by a mechanical lock and key. In another aspect, the lid of the workstation is released only when it receives an electronic key code that is input into the workstation by the user via an interface and / or transmitted (e.g., wirelessly) to the workstation. In some embodiments, unauthorized opening of the workstation lid causes the generation of an alarm, the transmission of a notification, and / or the occurrence of a data logging event.

[0021] Portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be sized, shaped, and of any suitable weight such that an operator can easily lift and transport the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. For example, in one aspect, a portable cryogenic workstation (including the sample and cryogenic refrigerant / consumable media) may weigh 10 pounds or less. In another aspect, the portable cryogenic workstation may have any suitable weight. Housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH may include any suitable operating features 111, 190, or any other suitable features that enable a human or automated gripper to hold and transport the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. In one aspect, a foldable handle 190 can provide for manual (one-handed) transport of the portable cryogenic workstation 100. The foldable handle 190 may rotate approximately 90° between a deployed position and a folded position (such that, as a result, the handle locks against the side of the portable cryogenic workstation), similar to that on a beverage cooler. In another aspect, a plurality of handles 111 located on both sides of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' can provide for manual (two-handed) transport of the portable cryogenic workstation 100. In either case, the handles 190, 111 can be arranged such that an operator can hold the workstation with one hand and remove the lid 113 of the workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' with the other hand. Also, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may have any suitable height H to accommodate sample containers or slides of any suitable height.

[0022] According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may provide a substantially constant cryogenic environment for samples that move from the workbench top surface in the laboratory to the storage unit and back to the workbench top surface in the laboratory. Further, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may assist in temperature logging, tracking of samples through the laboratory, tracking of samples during transport outside the laboratory, protection of samples by restricting physical access to the samples, and linking of pre-storage operations and history (e.g., operation time, operation temperature, nature of operation, etc.) to storage and / or post-storage operations and history for sample processing compliance over the life of the sample.

[0023] According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a portable cryogenic workstation may include a frame forming housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. The housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH may be insulated and may include a cavity or interior 110C into which a cartridge 120 (see FIG. 1H, for example, holding a stack of samples 150 within a sample tray 150T in spaced shelves or holding areas 121) can be inserted. In another aspect, the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH may include a single holding area 121 configured to hold a single sample tray 150T. In yet another aspect, the tray 150T may be disposed in any suitable removable holder TH configured to enable automated transfer of the tray 150T to and from the cavity 110C. The cavity may be sized and shaped to allow access by an operator, such as with a gloved hand, to samples located within the cavity. The housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH may include a sealing surface 110S1 disposed around the periphery of the cavity 110C. The sealing surface 110S1 may connect or engage with a corresponding sealing surface (see 201S in FIG. 2A, for example) of an automated storage system (described below) to create or provide a seal between the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH and an opening or load port 207 of the automated storage system, for example, to minimize ingress of moisture and transfer of heat load into the storage system.

[0024] The cavity 110C may be sealed by lids 113, 113'. The housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH and / or the lids 113, 113' may be insulated in any suitable manner (e.g., using a vacuum insulation material configured as a vacuum insulation panel, or any other suitable insulation configuration) to maintain one or more samples 150 disposed within the cavity at a predetermined temperature, such as a predetermined period of about 2 hours (or any period longer or shorter than about 2 hours), for example, at a predetermined temperature of -150°C or less, during the conveyance of one or more samples 150. In one aspect, the insulation material may be sandwiched between an inner metal layer (e.g., disposed along portions of the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH forming the cavity 110C and the lids 113, 113') and an outer plastic layer forming the outer surface of the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH and the lids 113, 113'. In another aspect, the insulation of the portable cryogenic work station may be provided in any suitable manner.

[0025] The lid may have any suitable shape and size, for example, such as to substantially seal the cavity 110C. The interface between the lids 113, 113' and the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH may be configured to allow easy removal of the lid from the housing through uniaxial movement of the lid relative to the housing. In one aspect, the lid may be removed by uniaxial movement only. The interface between the lids 113, 113' and the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH may be a tapered interface that substantially enables purging of the cavity 110C (described below) while maintaining a controlled environment within the cavity 110C. For example, the lids 113, 113' may have tapered side surfaces 113S that connect with corresponding tapered surfaces 110S2 disposed around the periphery of the cavity 110C (for example, to form the interface IF4 described below). As can be understood, the two surfaces 113S, 110S2 may form a seal to substantially seal the interior of the cavity 110C from the external environment of the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. In another aspect, the surfaces 113S, 110S2 may have any suitable shape and / or configuration to substantially seal the interior of the cavity 110C from the external environment of the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. Also, as can be understood, the lids 113, 113' and / or the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH may be provided with any suitable vents or other openings, channels, and / or passages to allow any gas generated from, for example, the boil-off of a cryogenic refrigerant / consumable medium (such as LN2, etc.) to escape from the cavity. In another aspect, the surfaces 113S, 110S2 may allow gas generated from the cryogenic refrigerant to vent past the lids 113, 113'.Note that the lids 113, 113' may be held or connected to the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH in any suitable manner, such as by a releasable passive or actuatable mechanical and / or magnetic connection brought about by a uniaxial movement (e.g., in the direction of arrow 198) of the lids 113, 113' to fit the lids 113, 113' into the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. In another aspect, in order to lock the lid onto the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH, the foldable handle 190 may have any suitable mechanical, magnetic, and / or electrical locking feature / actuator such that when the foldable handle 190 is in the deployed position, the locking feature engages the corresponding locking feature of the lids 113, 113'. Also, the lids 113, 113' may include any suitable handle or gripping feature 114 that enables the operator and / or automatic removal of the lid. In one aspect, the lid and the handle may be configured such that the operator can remove the lid without wearing gloves. The lid may include alignment features and placement features for connecting the lid to an automated lid removal element / feature of an automated storage system. For example, the lids 113, 113' may include any suitable number of placement / alignment features 113A (e.g., pins, recesses, magnets, etc.) that engage the corresponding alignment features 220A of the load port door 220 to align the lids 113, 113' with the load port door 220 (see FIG. 2C). Also, the lid may include any suitable placement / alignment features 113AP (see FIGS. 1G and 1L) that engage the corresponding alignment features of the automated storage system to temporarily place or store the lid within the automated storage system during the transfer of samples to and from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. In another aspect, the lids 113, 113' may be removed from the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH before connecting the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH to the automated storage system.In yet another aspect, the lids 113, 113' may be removed from the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH after the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH are connected to the automated storage system and before the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH are sealed to the automated storage system (in a manner similar to that described below).

[0026] As described above, the cartridge 120 or the holder TH may be disposed within the cavity 110C. The cartridge 120 or the holder TH may include one or more spaced-apart shelves or holding regions 121 configured to hold the sample 150 in any suitable spatial arrangement, for example. In one aspect, the sample 150 may be held within the tray 150T, and each of the shelves 121 is configured to securely hold one or more trays 150T in any suitable manner. As shown in FIG. 1H, each of the shelves 121 may hold one tray 150T, but in another aspect, each shelf may hold one or more trays in an adjacent and / or front-to-back arrangement. The cartridge 120 (and / or the holder TH described above) may include any suitable guiding features that connect with corresponding guiding features within the cavities of the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. The guiding features 122 may be, for example, corresponding protrusions and recesses, guiding rails and slots, pins and recesses, or any other suitable arrangement features. The guiding features 122 may be configured such that the cartridge 120 can be disposed within the cavity in a predetermined orientation with respect to the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. When the lids 113, 113' are removed from the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH, the cartridge 120 (and / or the holder TH) may be connected to the lids 113, 113' in any suitable manner so that the cartridge 120 is removed together with the lids 113, 113' for automatic or manual operation of the sample, or may be formed as an integral member with the lids 113, 113'. In another aspect, the cartridge 120 may be removable from the lids 113, 113' by any suitable features (e.g., a latch key having a key and a keyhole, a slidable pin, a magnetic latch, etc.) on the outside of the lids 113, 113' such that the cartridge 120 can be attached to the lids 113, 113' for automatic operation or removed from the lids 113, 113' for manual operation of the sample 150.In yet another aspect, the cartridge 120 (and / or the holder TH) may include gripping features that enable an automated gripping portion of the sample storage system to remove the cartridge or holder from the cavity 110C.

[0027] Also, the cavity may include a cryogenic refrigerant space where a refrigerant (e.g., a consumable medium) is held within the cavity 110C to cool the interior of the cavity and the sample therein. The cryogenic refrigerant space may be disposed within the cavity 110C at an appropriate position with respect to the sample 150. In one aspect, the cryogenic refrigerant space 170S may be located below the sample, but in another aspect it may be located at any appropriate location. In one aspect, a consumable medium accumulator such as an absorption pad or member 170 (FIGS. 1D and 1E) may be disposed within the cryogenic refrigerant space. The absorption pad 170 may be configured to hold or absorb LN2 (or any other appropriate cryogenic refrigerant / consumable medium) to prevent LN2 from sloshing around within the cavity and to form a cooling unit of "dry liquid nitrogen". In some examples, a consumable medium accumulator such as the absorption pad 170 may attract moisture, for example, when the lid of the workstation is removed or before the consumable medium accumulator is disposed within the cavity. Such moisture may adhere to the outer and / or inner surfaces (e.g., within pores) of the consumable medium accumulator. The moisture attracted to the consumable medium accumulator may then freeze when the refrigerant is subsequently filled and expand as ice forms. Therefore, in some embodiments, the consumable medium accumulator is formed of an elastic material that can deform without breaking when the ice forms and melts on and / or within the consumable medium accumulator. In some aspects, the consumable medium accumulator is an absorption pad made of a porous elastic polymer material such as an elastic polymer foam. In another aspect, the cryogenic refrigerant space and / or the consumable medium accumulator may include any appropriate baffle and / or retaining member to prevent the refrigerant (e.g., LN2) from sloshing around within the cavity. In yet another aspect, the cryogenic refrigerant space and / or the consumable medium accumulator may be a substantially sealed chamber with a vent such that gas generated from the boil-off of the refrigerant (e.g., LN2) can escape into the cavity 110C.The sealed chamber may be formed of any suitable material that allows heat transfer between the sealed chamber and the cavity 110C to cool the interior of the cavity and the sample therein. In yet another aspect, the cryogenic refrigerant space may form a consumable media accumulator. As can be understood, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' may be configured to allow manual or automatic replenishment of the refrigerant (e.g., LN2). For example, the cryogenic refrigerant space and the pad 170 may be disposed within the cavity such that an operator or an automatic refill station (of the automated storage system or refrigerant refill station described herein) can inject or transfer refrigerant to the pad 170 (see channel 1010 of FIG. 10B described in more detail below). In one aspect, the cryogenic refrigerant space 170S may be separated from the internal cavity 110C by a separation wall or basket 1015 (FIG. 10A). The separation wall 1015 may have holes or other openings in the wall that allow the refrigerant to pass between the internal cavity 110C and the cryogenic refrigerant space 170S such that the refrigerant can be replenished by injecting the refrigerant into the internal cavity so that the refrigerant enters the absorption member 170 through the holes. In another aspect, a sealable connection or port 170P (FIG. 1E) that allows connection of any suitable refrigerant source to the portable cryogenic workstation may be provided at any suitable location (e.g., on the housings 110, 110’, 110'', 110CH and / or the lids 113, 113’) of the workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' to replenish the refrigerant with the lids 113, 113’ remaining on the housings 110, 110’, 110'', 110CH as described in more detail below.As can be understood, the sealable connection 170P may be located on the side, top, or bottom of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''', and may enable automatic replenishment of the refrigerant, for example, when the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' are docked or connected to a sample storage system or any other suitable refrigerant filling / replenishment station 163 (which may be substantially similar to the automated sample storage systems 200, 200' described herein). In another aspect, the sealable connection 170P enables the portable cryogenic workstation to function as a freezer with a controlled speed (e.g., controlled by supplying nitrogen gas or atomized LN2 at a predetermined temperature into the cavity 110C, where, for example, a temperature sensor 169 may be integral with the portable cryogenic workstation in one aspect or located on the station 163 and / or the automated sample storage systems 200, 200' to provide temperature feedback to a control device 164, and the control device 164 is configured to control the speed of the nitrogen gas entering the cavity 110C based on a signal from the temperature sensor 169) and / or a defrosting device (e.g., supplying high and low temperature cycles of dry nitrogen into the cavity 110C). In another aspect, the control device 164 (integral with the portable cryogenic workstation) may communicate with any suitable central control device (described below), and the central control device is connected to the station 163 and / or the automated sample storage systems 200, 200' to control the speed of the refrigerant entering the cavity 110C. In yet another aspect, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' can function as passive speed control freezers without feedback from sensors or additional gas supply.In this aspect, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may cool the sample in a repeatable manner depending on the heat capacity of the sample, for example, including a container for the sample and a tray on which the sample is positioned such that different passive cooling rate profiles can be obtained, for example, by different trays. In yet another aspect, the sealable connection or port 170P may be configured to allow injection of refrigerant into the cryogenic refrigerant space.

[0028] As can be appreciated, referring back to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the refrigerant in the cavity 110C may provide a "pre-cooled" environment in which the sample is disposed, for example, to enter a sample storage system, to be able to control moisture and gas, and / or to minimize the heat load introduced into the sample storage system while maintaining the sample at a predetermined temperature. Also note that by venting the evaporated refrigerant (e.g., evaporated LN2) into the cavity 110C, the environment in the cavity 110C is replenished with a substantially constant low-temperature dry gas. The low-temperature dry gas has a high density and forms a "pool" in which the sample sinks, which allows operation of the sample by a lid away from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' as the low-temperature dry gas accumulates around the sample. The environment in the cavity may be agitated and disturbed by manipulation of the sample, but the "pool" is stable (as seen in FIG. 1B, for example, the temperatures of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' are naturally stratified as indicated by the stratification line STR), and the sample is replenished while being maintained in a low-temperature dry atmosphere (e.g., the portion of the portable cryogenic workstation where the sample is located remains at a temperature below -150°C).

[0029] In one aspect, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may include any suitable identification display and / or any suitable sensor for monitoring samples within the portable cryogenic workstation. For example, at a position proximate to the sample, any suitable temperature sensor 169 (FIG. 1C) may be disposed within the cavity 110C. The temperature sensor 169 can provide an estimated value of the temperature of the sample 150 by sensing the temperature within the cavity. In another aspect, the temperature sensor 169 may be in substantial direct contact with one or more sample containers (e.g., holding the sample 150) within the cavity 110C to provide a substantially direct temperature reading of each of one or more samples and / or an average temperature of the sample(s) with which the sensor is in substantial direct contact. In one aspect, the sensor 169 (and / or other sensors described herein) is configured to wirelessly (or without contact) transmit temperature data (or any other suitable data described herein and generally referred to as transient or processed data) to any suitable receiving device, such as a display unit / user interface 169D disposed on the outer surface of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''', for monitoring processed data in the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. The display unit 169D may include a processed data acquisition unit configured to acquire transient or processed data corresponding to predetermined processing characteristics of at least one sample in synchronization with the presence of the sample within the portable cryogenic workstation. The processed data acquisition unit DCU may be configured to acquire data regarding the state of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' (e.g., temperature, presence of lid, handle position, level of consumable medium), and / or data regarding date and time. In another aspect, the processed data acquisition unit DCU may be configured to acquire data regarding samples (or other items) within the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''.For example, in one aspect, a portable cryogenic workstation may be used for organ transplantation (e.g., organ transportation), blood sample transportation, syringe transportation, and / or as a delivery container for any other suitable biological or other sample that requires cryogenic transportation. Each item (sample 150, organ, blood sample, syringe, etc.) within the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' may be identified in any suitable manner (e.g., barcode or other identifier described herein). The identification of the items (and, for example, their positions within the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' when the items are located within the tray 150T or other holding device) may be transferred to the data acquisition unit DCU to enable tracking of the items during transportation and / or analysis of the items.

[0030] In one aspect, the processing data acquisition unit DCU may communicate with any suitable data transmission unit 164T configured to send the processing data received from various sensors and other transient data (described herein) to a user interface remotely located from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''', to any suitable automated operating device at a remote location from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''', and / or to an automated operating device to which the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' are connected or within which they are connected. The transient or processing data can be in or remotely from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' for review / analysis of the data in real time (e.g., to define a processing history) and / or as historical data (e.g., where the data is transmitted every about 250 milliseconds or any other suitable time interval). The display unit / user interface 169D may include, or be communicatively connected to, a processor 164P and a memory unit 169M configured to enable processing and analysis of data received from the transmission device 164T, the control device 164, the temperature sensor 169 (or any suitable sensor such as an accelerometer, a position and / or location sensor (e.g., a spatial orientation or GPS sensor), a weight sensor, a refrigerant level sensor, a pressure sensor, a sensor for detecting and / or measuring the gas release of the refrigerant), etc., as described below, and / or an identification display unit 168 (e.g., an RFID tag, a barcode, etc.).In one aspect, the processing data acquisition unit and the transmission unit 164T may be configured to receive information from a user interface remotely located from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''', any suitable automated operating device at a remote location from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''', and / or an automated operating device to which the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' are connected or in which they are connected. For example, the identification of a sample (e.g., barcode or other identifier) introduced into the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''', and / or the date and time of introduction of the sample may be communicated to or stored in the memory 169M.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 19, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may communicate wirelessly with machines (such as the automated sample storage systems 200, 200' and the refrigerant filling / supplementing station 163) in which the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' are disposed. For example, the portable cryogenic workstation may provide any suitable transient data, such as the temperature of the sample 150, the temperature within the cavity 110C, the level of the consumable medium within the portable cryogenic workstation, the lid pressure, the handle position, the date, the time, etc., the processed data or the status data to, for example, the control device 1900 of the machine. The portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may also be configured to wirelessly receive information from the machine, such as the identification of the sample 150T, the date and time when the sample was made or placed in the portable cryogenic workstation. In another aspect, the portable cryogenic workstation may include a data transfer port DTP (FIG. 1C) such as a USB port, a serial port, an Ethernet port, or other connection that enables data transfer to and from the portable cryogenic workstation. In one aspect, the user may connect a remotely located computer to the portable cryogenic workstation through the data transfer port DTP to convey the data described herein. In another aspect, the machine into which the portable cryogenic workstation is inserted may communicate with the portable cryogenic workstation through the data transfer port DTP. For example, when the portable cryogenic workstation is inserted into the machine, a connector corresponding to the data transfer port DTP may engage the data transfer port to wire the communication connection between the machine and the portable cryogenic workstation.

[0032] In one aspect, referring to FIG. 20, data may be transferred to a remotely located computer RPCU or other device (through a wireless or wired connection such as a data transfer port DTP, or both) that enables, for example, a physician / doctor to obtain the position and / or state of sample 150, an organ, a syringe, etc. (which may include data described herein with respect to a portable cryogenic workstation). As an example, a blood sample may be provided within a portable cryogenic workstation 100, 100', 100'', 100''' for analysis and may be sent to a laboratory. A physician or other authorized person may access data stored in the memory 169M of the portable cryogenic workstation 100, 100', 100'', 100''' to obtain any appropriate information regarding the history, state, and / or location of the provided sample through communication with a remotely located computer and a processing data acquisition unit DCU. For example, in one aspect, the portable cryogenic workstation 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be provided with a clock and global positioning (or other location tracking function) so that a physician can obtain the physical location of sample 150T. In another aspect, when each sample is removed from the portable cryogenic workstation 100, 100', 100'', 100''' and analyzed, the processing data acquisition unit DCU may be updated (e.g., regarding which sample was removed, analyzed, and returned to the workstation) so that, for example, a physician can remotely determine which sample 150T is being analyzed. Also, an indicator of the handle position may be provided to indicate unauthorized interference with the sample to the physician, along with the location of the sample. The update of the data may occur through any appropriate long-range or short-range wireless communication or wired communication, such as RFID, Bluetooth, ZigBee, inductive or infrared wireless communication, ultra-wideband communication, cellular, satellite, Ethernet, USB, etc.In one aspect, remote access to the data of a portable cryogenic workstation may be provided through the Internet, the World Wide Web, or other suitable user interfaces accessible from remotely located computers or other devices.

[0033] For example, as described herein, the sensor 169 may communicate with a fluid source (which may be under the control of the control device 164) coupled to the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' so as to be able to introduce a fluid (e.g., gas, vapor, liquid, etc.) into the cavity to adjust the temperature within the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' based on a signal from the temperature sensor 169. In another example, the fluid may be introduced into the cavity to adjust the temperature within the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' based on signals from sensors such as an outside air temperature (e.g., laboratory inspection temperature) sensor, a weight sensor, a fluid level sensor, a gas pressure sensor, and / or a sensor for detecting and / or measuring the presence or absence of gas emissions from the workstation (e.g., from evaporating refrigerant). Wireless or contactless communication may be performed inductively or through any suitable communication protocol such as RFID, Bluetooth, ZigBee, inductive or infrared wireless communication, ultra-wideband communication, cellular, etc.

[0034] As described above, the identification display unit 168 may be provided. The identification display unit may take the form of any suitable barcode, RFID tag, reprogrammable memory device, or other display unit / device that identifies the sample 150 and / or the rack 150T within the cavity to the operator, the control device 164, and / or the automated operation device. In another aspect, the identification display unit 168 may be a reprogrammable memory device configured to store information regarding the sample 150 and / or the rack 150T within the cavity 110C and to display or communicate the stored information to the operator and / or an automated operation device such as a sample storage system. As can be understood, the reprogrammable memory device may be configured such that when a sample is added to or removed from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''', the sample storage system and / or the operator can reprogram the memory device in any suitable manner.

[0035] In one aspect, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may include any other suitable sensors connected to the memory 169M for sensing and / or logging any other suitable data, such as information regarding whether the lid is on or off (see sensor 169L in FIG. 1C), the position of the handle (see sensor 169H in FIG. 1E), information regarding the type of sample container (e.g., vial type, slide, etc.), the sample descriptor, and / or the height or type of the tray holder TH (or the type of the cartridge 120).

[0036] Processing tracking data collected by a sensor regarding sample 150 and / or portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' (e.g., temperature, time, status of portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''', position of the sample, identification of the sample, etc.) may be temporarily stored in memory 169M in a reprogrammable manner such that the stored processing tracking data is associated with the identifier of the sample (e.g., through identification of the sample by an RFID tag, another display unit or a control device using appropriate user input). In one aspect, the processing tracking data is accessible to the user via display 169D (which may be a touchable display or may have any other suitable user input device such as keyboard 169DP, see Fig. 1J) for the user to interface with control device 164, processor 164P and memory 169M so as to analyze the processing tracking data from the portable cryogenic workstation. In another aspect, other communication devices such as a computer remotely connected to the portable cryogenic workstation through a wired connection such as a universal serial bus, FireWire, Ethernet, etc., or a wireless computer link 169ML with memory 169M, and any suitable communication protocol such as those described herein may be used to analyze the processing tracking data. In yet another aspect, the processing tracking data may be accessible to an automated device such as the sample storage system described herein for automated analysis of the processing tracking data. As can be appreciated, this information may be transferred in any suitable manner to any suitable laboratory software or other processing management and / or inventory software and / or database.

[0037] As can be understood, the process tracking data can be obtained by the sensor and stored in the memory 169M for any appropriate period in any appropriate manner. For example, in one aspect, the process tracking data, such as the data described above, may be a "running" data log in which the process tracking data is collected substantially continuously and stored in the memory 169M for any appropriate period to provide a process history regarding the sample 150. The data log may be periodically reset in any appropriate manner at any appropriate time, such as when a sample is removed from a portable cryogenic workstation and a different sample is inserted into the portable cryogenic workstation. In another aspect, a trigger event causes, for example, the control device 164 to begin recording the process tracking data to create a historical data log. For example, when the temperature sensor 169 senses a temperature higher than a predetermined threshold value and / or the lid sensor 169L senses that the lid has been removed (or in response to any other appropriate trigger event), a signal may be sent to the control device 164 to begin recording the process tracking data from various sensors. As can be understood, the control device 164 is appropriately configured for power management such that one or more of the memory 169M, the processor 164P, the display 169D, and other appropriate powered components of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' remain off until a signal indicating the occurrence of a trigger event is received by the control device 164. After a predetermined period of time and / or, for example, when the temperature returns to a value below the threshold and / or the lid is replaced, the control device 164 may turn off one or more of the memory 169M, the processor 164P, the display 169D, and other appropriate powered components until the next trigger event occurs.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1U, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' may include one or more sample position sensors 172A, 172B to guide the operator to one or more predetermined samples to be removed from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100'''. In one aspect, the sample position sensors 172A, 172B may be any suitable (optical, ultrasonic, infrared, capacitive, etc.) sensors configured to detect the location of a transfer tool TW (tweezers, glove fingertips, or other tool configured to allow the operator to remove an individual sample 150) relative to the sample 150 within the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100'''. For example, as described herein, the tray 150T is positioned at a predetermined location within the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' such that the location of each sample is known relative to the coordinate system (Z-X) of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100'''. The tip of the transfer tool TW may be detected by the sensors 172A, 172B such that, for example, a user interface / display 164D (or other suitable user interface such as a personal computer or a user interface incorporated into glasses that communicates with the sensors 172A, 172B) determines the position of the tip of the transfer tool TW in the coordinate system Z-X. The user interface may provide position feedback to the operator to confirm that the operator is removing one or more predetermined samples 150 to be removed from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100'''.

[0039] Next, referring to FIGS. 10A - 10D, an exemplary structure of a portable cryogenic workstation 100 is shown. As can be understood, the portable cryogenic workstations 100', 100'' may also have a similar structure. In one aspect, the housing 100 may include an outer shell 1000, an inner shell 1005, and a bottom layer 1002. The inner shell 1005 may be nested within the outer shell 1000 (e.g., the portable cryogenic workstation includes a housing that encloses nested walls), and may be formed by molding as an integral component (e.g., a single piece) in any suitable manner, or may be formed as a plurality of components assembled together in any suitable manner (FIG. 11, block 1100). The inner and outer shells 1005, 1000 may be composed of any suitable material, such as any suitable plastic, composite, or metal, for example. The outer shell 1000 may include an outer peripheral surface 1000P1, and the inner shell may include an inner peripheral surface 1000P2 (forming the side walls and bottom of the cavity 110C). At least one of the outer shell 1000 and the inner shell 1005 may include an upper peripheral surface that joins the outer shell 1000 and the inner shell 1005. The upper peripheral surface 1000P3 may be connected to the lid 113 and may be configured to provide an attachment surface for any suitable component of the portable cryogenic workstation 100, such as a handle 190, for example. An optional suitable insulating material 1003 may be disposed between the inner and outer shells 1000, 1005. In one aspect, the insulating material 1003 may be an insulating foam, but in another aspect, the insulating material 1003 may be one or more insulating panels 1020 disposed within a vacuum - sealed bag to form a single flat panel having joined bottom and side panels BP, SP (e.g., a folded vacuum - insulated panel layer disposed inside or between the nested walls).The bottom and side panels BP, SP may be folded to form an open box 1003B (or any other suitable shape) having a cavity 1003C such that the open box 1003B can be disposed between the outer and inner shells 1000, 1005 and the inner shell 1005 is disposed within the cavity 1003C (FIG. 11, block 1101). Any suitable cushioning / insulating medium 1002, such as polyurethane foam, may be injected or inserted between the inner and outer shells 1000, 1005 and at least partially around the insulating material 1003 (FIG. 11, block 1102). To completely enclose the cushioning medium 1002 and the insulating material 1003, the bottom layer 1001 (including, in one aspect, the kinematic arrangement features and the pressing features described herein) may be secured to the outer shell 1000 by any suitable method (such as by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc.) (FIG. 11, block 1103).

[0040] In one aspect, a consumer media accumulator, such as absorbent / media pad 170 (e.g., having a communicating bubble structure, baffle structure, sponge, foam, cooling block, or any other suitable structure for holding a consumable media), may be disposed within inner shell 1005 to form an integrated distributed cooling interface with a portable cryogenic work station, as described below. Absorbent pad 170 may be formed to position partition wall 1015 at a predetermined position relative to kinematic placement features 112, 112’, 112'', 112''' of housing 100. In another aspect, partition wall 1015 may be positioned relative to the kinematic placement features of the housing in any suitable manner, such as fixing partition wall 1015 to inner shell 1005. The partition wall may form a cooling interface or shield using a conductive wall configured to provide a distributed cooling surface (e.g., substantially uniform conductive heat transfer resulting from contact between a consumer media accumulator disposed within cavity 110C and container 150), and may be made of any suitable material, such as aluminum. In one aspect, the partition wall may include placement feature 119 (FIG. 1B) for positioning tray 150F and / or tray holder TH (or cartridge 120) within the housing, as described herein. In one aspect, partition wall 1015 may be shaped to provide channels or passages 1010 through which refrigerant can pass. Channels 1010 may be aligned with openings RA of lids 113, 113’, 113'', and refrigerant may be inserted into channels 1010 through openings RA for passage to absorbent pad 170 to allow for refrigerant replenishment (or, for example, directly into the channels in the absence of a lid).

[0041] Lids 113, 113’, 113'', 113''' may be configured in any suitable manner. In one aspect, the lid may have a surface layer 113S and a core 113C. In one aspect, the surface layer 113S may be overmolded onto the core 113C, but in another aspect the lid may be formed from any suitable number of panels assembled in a manner substantially similar to that described above with respect to the housing 110. Any suitable electronic components, connectors, connections, etc. described herein may be fixed to the assembled lids 113, 113’, 113'', 113''' and housing 110 in any suitable manner.

[0042] As noted above, also referring to FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, and 6A, housings 110, 110’ may be configured to connect to, for example, automated sample storage systems 200, 200’. Also, it should be understood that housings 110'', 110CH may be configured to connect to, for example, automated sample storage systems 200, 200’ in a manner substantially similar to that described above for housings 100, 110’. In one aspect, automated sample storage systems 200, 200’ (only a portion of which is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) may include a load port or input unit 201, 201’, any suitable automated sample transfer unit 290, and one or more cryogenic storage units or reservoirs 291 communicatively connected to the automated sample transfer unit 290. The input unit 201, 201’ may include any suitable load port door 220 configured to seal the opening 207A of the input unit, as described below. Note that when the opening 207A is open, the cavity 110C may be communicatively connected to the interior of the transfer unit 290 to transfer the sample 150 and / or tray 150T between the cavity 110C and the transfer unit 290. The load port door 220 may include any suitable feature or member 208, such as fins, to substantially prevent frost formation between the door 220 and the load port frame LPF (see, e.g., FIG. 2A).

[0043] One or more cryogenic storage units 291 may be any suitable storage unit, such as a dewar-type storage unit having any suitable shape. The one or more cryogenic storage units 291 are configured using a high-vacuum insulator for long-term storage of samples and may include high-density storage shelves and trays. The trays may move into and out of the one or more cryogenic storage units 291 through any suitable opening, such as an automated access door, and all heat-generating motors for the automation components (e.g., doors and transport components) are located outside the one or more cryogenic storage units 291 and are connected to the internal robot through low-thermal-conductivity connections. In another aspect, the motors may be located within the storage unit 291 but are thermally shielded from the internal atmosphere of the storage unit 291. Cooling for the one or more cryogenic storage units 291 may be provided by liquid nitrogen (LN2) passing through a closed evaporation coil or by any other suitable method. The used LN2 may be discharged from the storage unit 291 by any suitable method. In another aspect, the one or more cryogenic storage units may be cooled by mechanical cooling. As described above, the one or more cryogenic storage units may be "ultra-low temperature" storage units configured to maintain the temperature within the storage unit at about -150°C or lower, but in another aspect, any suitable temperature may be maintained within the one or more cryogenic storage units. In one aspect, the one or more cryogenic storage units 291 and the transfer unit 290 may be connected to each other in any suitable manner or integrated within a common housing. As can be understood, the automated sample transfer unit 290 includes a sample operation area including any suitable transport unit 290T configured to transfer one or more samples 150 and / or trays 150T of the sample 150 between the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' connected to the input units 201, 201' and the one or more storage units 291. In another aspect, the sample 150 may be transferred between one or more portable cryogenic workstations.In one aspect, the transfer unit 290T may be a common transfer unit that is common to both the sample operation area and the ultra-low temperature storage unit 291. As can be understood, the sample operation area may be maintained at any suitable temperature, such as a low temperature or an ultra-low temperature. In one aspect, the input units 201, 201' may be insulated, but in another aspect, the housing may not be insulated. In one aspect, the transfer unit 290T is configured to reach from top to bottom into the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' to grip and remove one or more samples 150, trays 150T or tray holders TH (for example, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C). In another aspect, the tray holder TH may be connected to the lids 113, 113', 113'' in any suitable manner such that when the lid is removed from the transfer unit (for example, as will be described later with respect to FIGS. 3A-4F), the tray 150T and the samples 150 therein are removed by a lateral transfer operation, and the tray 150T moves with the lid to expose the side of the tray holder TH. In one aspect, the tray holder TH may be removably connected to the lids 113, 113', 113'' by any suitable latch mechanism, such as a locking rod for rotary latch operation, a rack and pinion latch, an ejector rod actuated by contact with a kinematic pin, etc.

[0044] In one aspect, the transfer unit 290 may include a cryogenic (e.g., -150 °C) region (e.g., a sample operation region) that is separated from one or more storage units 291 by a hermetically sealed automatic door or any other suitable means and is separately and independently cooled. In one aspect, the independently cooled region may have any suitable temperature. The transfer unit 290 may be configured to connect to a portable cryogenic workstation as described herein so that samples can be input to or output from the storage system. The transfer unit 290T may be configured to transfer individual vials, tubes, or cassettes (e.g., sample containers) between a standard laboratory rack / tray 150T (such as an SBS rack and / or a cryogenic vial box) and any suitable high-density rack / tray as described above. In one aspect, the SBS rack may be configured to hold, for illustrative purposes only, 48, 96 samples / sample containers, or any other suitable number of samples / sample containers. In another aspect, the cryogenic vial box may be configured to hold, for illustrative purposes only, 81, 100 samples / sample containers, or any other suitable number of samples / sample containers. The transfer unit 290T may be configured to remove samples / trays from the cavity 110C and / or insert samples / trays into the storage unit 291. The transfer unit 290 may include any suitable sensors and / or cameras configured to read sample barcodes and positions, and may also act as a staging area where a small amount of water that enters during sample input or supply operations is captured and managed, maintaining the storage unit 291 substantially frost-free.When inputting sample 150, the interface of the portable cryogenic workstation (e.g., IF3) is configured to be sealed against housings 110, 110’, 110'', 110CH, and the transport unit 290T (or its components) is configured to automatically remove lids 113, 113’, 113'' and extract the tray 150T of sample 150, and optionally return the empty tray 150T to the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''', and return the lids 113, 113’, 113'' as described below. Conversely, when outputting sample 150, the transport unit 290T may be configured to optionally extract an empty sample tray 150T from the cavity 110C, transport the tray 150T of sample 150 to the cavity 110C, and return the lids 113, 113’, 113''. As can be understood, during these input and output processes, the sample operation area is sealed from the external atmosphere (e.g., the laboratory environment) so as to communicate only with the inside of the cavity 110C. As described herein, the inside of the cavity 110C is at a cryogenic temperature (e.g., approximately LN2 temperature) such that there is substantially no temperature fluctuation (e.g., the sample operation area is also at a low temperature and the samples entering the sample operation area are pre-cooled by the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''') and there is substantially no water ingress into the sample operation area. The motor of the transport unit 290T may be located outside the sample operation area or may be thermally isolated from the sample operation area and connected to the internal robot through a low-thermal-conductivity connection as described above for the storage unit 291.

[0045] The input units 201, 201' may have a closable input / output port sealing interface or load port 207 configured to provide a sealed connection between the housing 201H and the low-temperature workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' that can seal and carry the low-temperature storage unit 291 (and the transfer unit 290) from the external atmosphere. Referring also to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the sealing interface 207 may include any suitable number of interfaces configured to seal one or more storage atmospheres and storage temperatures of the cooling unit 291, the transfer unit 290, and the cavity 110C from the atmosphere and temperature external to the storage atmosphere and storage temperature. In one aspect, the sealing interface includes an interface IF1 of the load port frame LPF of the load port door 220 / (e.g., around the outer periphery of the opening 207A), an interface IF2 of the load port door 220 / of the portable low-temperature workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''', an interface IF3 of the housing 110, 110', 110'', 110CH / of the portable low-temperature workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' (e.g., around the outer periphery of the opening 207A) of the load port frame LPF, and an interface IF4 (described above) of the door or lid 113, 113', 113'' / of the portable low-temperature workstation with the housing 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. The interfaces IF1 - IF4 are shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C with respect to the door or lid 113 and the housing 110, but it should be understood that the interfaces IF1 - IF4 for the doors 113', 113'', 113''' and the housings 110', 110'', 110CH may be substantially similar.

[0046] The input units 201, 201’ include a closable opening 207A that can be sealed or closed by an input / output or load port door 220. The load port door 220 may include a sealing surface 220S that connects to one or more suitable seal portions 286A, 286B of the load port frame LPF (e.g., forms an interface IF1). In one aspect, one or more of the seal portions 286A, 286B may be attached to an insert 287 that is coupled to the load port frame LPF, but in another aspect, one or more of the seal portions may be attached to the load port frame LPF substantially directly around the outer periphery of the opening 207A. In one aspect, one or more of the seal portions may include a radial seal member 286B and a seal member 286A that may be composed of any suitable material, but in another aspect the seal portion may have any suitable configuration and arrangement. In one aspect, the seal member 286A may be a magnetic seal portion configured to hold the surface 220S such that the surface 220S applies a compressive force onto the seal member 286B. In another aspect, the compressive force may be provided in any suitable manner to form a seal between the seal member and the door 220.

[0047] For example, referring to FIGS. 1A, 1H, 1I, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M and 2E (and FIGS. 1Q and 1R), the portable cryogenic workstations and loading units 201, 201' may be configured to be connected to each other in any suitable manner. In one aspect, the outside of the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH may include interface / placement features 112, 112', 112'', 112''', such as kinematic recesses, kinematic gloves, kinematic slot openings, kinematic pins, and / or one or more other suitable placement features that connect to corresponding / mating kinematic interfaces / placement features 212, 212', 212'' of the loading units 201, 201' (see also FIGS. 1H and 5B). As can be appreciated, a plurality of sets of interface / placement features may be provided on the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH to enable the transfer of the portable cryogenic workstation between automated devices where one effector / gripper engages the first of the set of interface / placement features and a second effector / gripper engages the second of the set of interface / placement features. The placement features 112, 112', 112'', 112''' may be spatially related (e.g., have a known relationship) to placement features within the housing, such as placement features 119 (FIG. 1B) for placing trays 150F and / or tray holders TH (or cartridges 120) within the housing and gripping / placement features 114, 114', 113A of the lids 113, 113', 113''. The known spatial relationship between the placement features 112, 112', 112'', 112''' outside the housing and the features 119, 114, 114', 113A may enable automation as described herein for removing the lids 113, 113', 113'' and samples from the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. As can be appreciated, any suitable jig or fixture may be provided to adjust or position the features 112, 112', 112'', 112''', 114, 114', 113A, 119 relative to each other.In one aspect, the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH and / or the lids 113, 113', 113'' may include retaining features (kinematic slots and grooves may be integral with the kinematic arrangement features, for example when used as shown in FIGS. 1H, 3A and 3B) that secure the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH to the input units 201, 201' and secure the lids 113, 113', 113'' to the grippers or transport portions of the input units 201, 201'. In another aspect, the retaining features may include, in addition to kinematic grooves and slots. For example, the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH may include latch key holes LKH that mate with the latch keys LK (FIG. 1A) of the input unit platform 201TP (FIG. 5B). To clamp and hold the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH to the platform 201TP, the latch keys LK may be inserted into the latch key holes LKH and rotated through any suitable angle. The lids 113, 113', 113'' may also include latch key holes LKH' that mate with the latch keys LK' of the load port door 220 in substantially the same manner as described above.

[0048] The load port frame LPF may include one or more sealing members 201S that connect to the sealing surfaces 110S1 of the housings 110, 110’, 110'', 110CH (e.g., to form the interface IF3). In another aspect, the housings 110, 110’, 110'', 110CH may include any suitable sealing member for connection to the load port frame LPF. In yet another aspect, both the load port frame LPF and the housings 110, 110’, 110'', 110CH may include a sealing portion for connection to the other of the load port frame and the housing. The one or more sealing members 201S may be any suitable sealing member having any suitable configuration. In one aspect, the sealing member 201S is a compressible sealing member such that when the housings 110, 110’, 110'', 110CH are pressed against the load port frame, the seal portion is compressed to seal the space or gap SP between the interfaces IF1, IF2, and IF3 as described below.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1F, 1H and 2C, the load port doors 220 and the lids 113, 113', 113'' (shown obliquely in FIG. 2C) may be configured to be connected to each other in any suitable manner (e.g., to form the interface IF2). In one aspect, the load port door 220 may include one or more suitable gripping features 266A, 266B that mate or connect with one or more corresponding gripping / placement features 114, 114' of the lids 113, 113', 113''. Note that the gripping features 114, 114' of the lids may also be configured to allow an operator to grip the gripping features for manual removal of the lids 113, 113', 113'' from the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. In one aspect, by way of example, the gripping features 266A, 266B, 114, 114' may include mechanical gripping features, pneumatic gripping features, magnetic gripping features, and / or any other suitable gripping / clamping features that allow the door 220 to be removably coupled to the lids 113, 113', 113'', such as gripping features in a movable and / or fixed state (e.g., with substantially no moving parts). As can be understood, the clamping of the door 220 to the lids 113, 113', 113'' may cause passive or active removal of the lids 113, 113', 113'' from the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH in any suitable manner. In another aspect, the lids 113, 113', 113'' may be detached from the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH in any suitable manner to allow the lids 113, 113', 113'' to be removed from the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. In one aspect, as seen in FIG. 2C, one or more of the gripping features 266A, 266B may be permanent magnets. The one or more gripping features 266A, 266B may be attached to the door 220 in any suitable manner, such as using a bracket 265 that is fixed or adapted in any suitable manner (e.g., such that the surface of the magnet automatically aligns to substantially seat against the corresponding surface of the lid). The bracket 265 may be connected to the door 220 in any suitable manner.To attach the lids 113, 113', 113'' to the door 220, the gripping features 114, 114' may be made of any suitable ferromagnetic material configured to react with one or more gripping features 266A, 166B. In another aspect, the gripping features 114, 114' may be magnetic, while the gripping features 266A, 266B are made of any suitable ferromagnetic material. In yet another aspect, one or more of the gripping features 266A, 26B may be electromagnets configured to selectively couple with the interface features 114, 114' to attach the door 220 to the lids 113, 113', 113'' and remove it from the lids 113, 113', 113''.

[0050] As can be understood, the above-described interfaces IF1 to IF4 are configured to operate in a low-temperature or ultra-low-temperature environment so that the integrity of the seal portion formed by the interfaces IF1 to IF4 is maintained. For example, the ambient air outside one or more cryogenic storage units 291, transfer units 290, and / or portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' passes through the seal portion and enters the low-temperature / ultra-low-temperature environment through the opening 207A (for example, when the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' are fitted with the input / output port seal interface 207 that can be closed through the opening 207A), and / or enters the cavity 110C of the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. Also as can be understood, when the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' are fitted with the seal interface 207 for transporting the sample to and from one or more cryogenic storage units 291, one or more of the cryogenic storage units 291 and the transfer unit 290 extend into the cavity 110C so as to form a load lock (for example, an environment having substantially the same temperature and atmosphere as one or more of the cryogenic storage units 291 and the transfer unit 290 that substantially blocks the path of moisture and temperature into the cryogenic storage units 291 and / or the transfer unit 290) for transporting the sample 150.As described above, in one aspect, the lids 113, 113', 113'' may be removed from the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH before connecting the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH to the automated storage system. However, in another aspect, the lids 113, 113', 113'' may be removed from the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH after the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH are connected to the automated storage system and before the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH are sealed to the automated storage system (by a method substantially the same as the method described below). In these examples, the lids 113, 113', 113'' may not be connected to the door 220.

[0051] In one aspect, the sealing interface 207 may be configured to purge one or more of the interior of the cavity 110C and the space or gap SP between the interfaces IF1-IF4. For example, in one aspect, the connection between the lids 113, 113', 113'' and the door 220 may include a purge port connection 276P to automatically connect the gas lines 276A, 276C of the inlet and outlet to the interior of the cavity 110C when the door 220 is connected to the lids 113, 113', 113''. As can be understood, the lids 113, 113', 113'' may include fluid passages 276B, 276D (each including a suitable one-way valve) connected to one of each of the fluid lines 276A, 276C through the connection 276P. One fluid line 276A may be connected to a fluid / refrigerant source (a refrigerant supply unit (e.g., a replenishment system) 1300 or any suitable purge gas source described later with respect to FIG. 13), while the other fluid line 276C may be connected to a vacuum source. Here, any suitable fluid and / or refrigerant may be introduced into the cavity 110C from the fluid source through one pair of lines / passages 276A, 276B, while the fluid and / or refrigerant is removed from the cavity by the vacuum source using the other pair of lines / passages 276C, 276D. In another aspect, purge lines 276A', 276C' may pass through the load port frame LPF or be incorporated within the load port frame LPF such that gas and / or refrigerant can be introduced into the space SP between the interfaces IF1-IF4 from the gas / refrigerant source by line 276A', while the fluid and / or refrigerant is removed from the space SP by the vacuum source through line 276C'. As can be understood, referring also to FIG. 2D, the purge lines 276A', 276C' can also be used to empty the cavity 110C.For example, the door 220 connected to the lids 113, 113', 113'' may move in the direction of arrow 262 such that the seal between the lids 113, 113', 113'' and the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH is broken and purge gas (e.g., fluid) can flow through the passage formed between the lids 113, 113', 113'' and the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. Since the space SP can be purged here, the cavity 110C can be purged through the removal or partial removal of the lids 113, 113', 113'' from the housings 110, 110', 110'', 110CH. In another aspect, the door 220 may be configured to move the lids 113, 113', 113'' in the direction of arrow 262 to purge the interior of the cavity 110C while maintaining the seal at the interface IF1. For example, the door may include a drive unit connected to the gripping features 266A, 266B to move the door 220 and the lids 113, 113', 113''. In another aspect, the lids 113, 113', 113'' may be moved relative to the door in any suitable manner to empty the cavity 110C while maintaining the seal at the interface IF1.

[0052] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4A - 4D, an exemplary loading into the input unit 201 of the portable cryogenic workstation 100', and the transfer of a sample from the portable cryogenic workstation 100' to the storage unit 291 will be described. The portable cryogenic workstation 100' is disposed in the interface region 300 of the input unit 201 for connecting the portable cryogenic workstation 100' to a transfer unit 291, which is integral with the input unit 201 in this example. In one aspect, as described above, the housing 110' can include interface / placement features 112' in the form of rails and / or slots configured to mate with corresponding rails and slots 212' of the input unit 201. In this aspect, the interface / placement features 112', 212' are configured such that, in order to position and / or hold the portable cryogenic workstation 100' relative to the closable / sealable opening 207A of the input unit 201, the portable cryogenic workstation 100' is loaded or placed onto the input unit 201 by moving the housing 110' in the direction of arrow X (FIG. 7, block 700). In another aspect, any suitable placement and / or holding features may be included on the housing 110' and / or the input unit 201 to hold and position the portable cryogenic workstation 100' relative to the opening 207. As described above, any suitable information held in the memory 169ML and / or sensors of the portable cryogenic workstation may be transmitted to and logged by the input unit (and vice versa) (FIG. 7, block 700A).

[0053] The housing 110' may be clamped to the input unit 201 in any suitable manner such that a seal is formed at the interface IF3 between the input unit 201 and the housing 110' as described above (Figure 7, block 701). The clamping of the housing 110' to the input unit 201 may be carried out in any suitable manner, for example, in one aspect, by any suitable clamping feature 216 which may be similar to the latch key described above. The clamping feature may be a mechanical clamping feature, a pneumatic clamping feature, a magnetic clamping feature and / or any other suitable clamping feature. As can be understood, a seal is formed between the input unit 201 and the housing 110', and when the lid 113' is removed from the housing 110' (for example, a cavity within the housing), a part of the input unit 201 can be formed.

[0054] As described above, the opening 207A of the input unit 201 may be sealed by the door 220. In one aspect, the interface IF1 between the door 220 and the input unit frame LPF may be a tapered interface substantially similar to the interface IF4 between the lid 113' and the housing 110'. In another aspect, the interface IF1 may have any suitable configuration as described above. The door 220 may be connected to and clamped (or coupled) to the lid 113' in any suitable manner (as described herein) when the housing 110' is clamped to the input unit 201 (FIG. 7, block 702). The space SP (FIG. 2A) and / or the cavity 110C of the portable cryogenic workstation 100' may be purged as described above using any suitable gas, such as nitrogen or any other inert gas, so that moisture and any other contaminating substances can be removed from the space SP and / or the cavity 110C (FIG. 7, block 703). For example, as described above, the door 220 and the lid 113' may be configured such that the door 220 can remove the lid 113' from the housing 110' to empty the cavity of the housing while substantially maintaining the seal between the door 220 and the opening 207A. In another aspect, as described above, the lid 113' and the door 220 may include a pneumatic connection 276P such that when the lid 113' is connected to the door 220, a pneumatic connection is connected to enable the cavity to be emptied without removing the lid 113' from the housing 110'. In yet another aspect, a seal may be formed between the lid 113' and the door 220 such that any area of the interface between the portable cryogenic workstation 100' and the input unit 201 that is not empty is sealed from the internal environment of the sample handling area of the cryogenic storage unit 291 and / or the transfer unit 290.

[0055] (Clamped to the lid 113'), the door 220 may be driven, for example, in the direction of arrow Y (Figure 7, block 704) by any suitable door drive 230 (which may be a component or module of the above-described transport unit 290T), in order to remove the lid 113' from the housing 110'. As described above, when the lid 113' is removed from the housing 110', the cartridge 120 or the holder TH (and the sample held thereby) may be connected to the lid 113' such that the cartridge 120 or the holder TH holding the sample 150 is removed from the cavity 110C of the housing 110' (Figure 7, block 705; see also Figure 2F showing at least two trays 150T of the holder TH connected to the lid 113''). In this manner, the door 220, the lid 113' and the cartridge 120 or the holder TH are removed from the opening 207A, the housing 110' and the cavity 110C, respectively, in one operation along a single axis. In one aspect, the door drive 230 may move incrementally in order to align with a tray removal device 330 (which may be a component or module of the transport unit 290T) configured to remove one or more trays 150T from the cartridge 120 or the holder TH (for example, the door drive may include a suitable encoder and / or sensor configured to sense the location of the shelf 121 in order to position the cartridge 120 or the holder TH). Optionally, when each tray is aligned at a predetermined position within the housing, the tray removal device 330 may remove one or more trays 150T from the cartridge 120 or the holder TH in the lateral direction of arrow X1 (Figure 7, block 706). Note that the cartridge 120 or the holder TH may provide a suitable effector or gripper automation interface for manipulating the cartridge 120 or the holder TH across the storage system.Sample 150 can be scanned for any suitable analysis or identification, such as identifier (dmx) reading, and any information obtained can be logged in the memory of the storage system. To enable automatic retrieval of sample 150, tray 150T may be moved by tray removal device 330 (Figure 7, block 707). For example, camera 310 or other optical scanner may be disposed within or adjacent to the sample handling area of transfer unit 291 so that camera 310 can view sample 150. In one aspect, sample 150 may be transferred to a high-density tray (not shown) and transferred into cryogenic storage unit 291 by transfer unit 290T, while in another aspect, tray 150T may be moved into cryogenic storage unit 291 by transport unit 290T (Figure 7, block 708). Transfer of the sample from the cryogenic storage unit to the portable cryogenic workstation 100' may occur in a manner substantially opposite to that described above. As can be understood, before and after the already removed tray 150T is moved to the storage section, door drive unit 230 may further index cartridge 120 for removal of the remaining trays 150T carrying sample 150 (Figure 7, block 706) in a manner substantially similar to that described above (Figure 7, block 704). Referring also to Figures 4E and 4F, the transfer of sample 150 as described above with respect to Figures 3A, 2B and 4A - 4D is shown with respect to a portable cryogenic workstation having a lid 113'' and a housing 110 that is connected to the automated sample storage system using kinematic pins as described above with respect to Figures 1L, 1M, 2E and 2F for illustrative purposes only.

[0056] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6A - 6C, an exemplary loading into the loading unit 201 of the portable cryogenic workstation 100, and the transfer of samples from the portable cryogenic workstation 100 to the storage unit 291 will be described. In this aspect, the loading unit 201’ (shown without the housing 201H in FIGS. 5A and 5B) includes a container shuttle 201T. The container shuttle 201T includes a platform 201TP movable in the direction of arrow 500. As described above, the platform 201TP may include any suitable alignment features 212, 212'' that mate with the corresponding alignment features 112, 112'', 112''' of the portable cryogenic workstation 100. In this aspect, the alignment features 112, 112'', 112''', 212, 212'' may be located on the bottom and / or sides of the housing 110, or adjacent to the bottom and / or sides, but in another aspect, the platform 201TP may be configured to hold or support the housing 110 in any suitable manner such that the alignment features 112, 112'', 112''', 212, 212'' can be placed at any suitable location on the housing 110 and / or the platform 201TP. In this aspect, the housing 201H of the loading unit may include a movable door 600 that, when opened, allows an operator to access the shuttle platform 201TP when the platform is in the loading position. To load the portable cryogenic workstation into the loading unit 201’, the operator can open the door 600 so that the alignment features 112, 112'', 112''', 212, 212'' engage with each other, and place the portable cryogenic workstation 100 on the shuttle platform 201TP (FIG. 8, block 800). As described above, any suitable information held in the memory 169ML and / or sensors of the portable cryogenic workstation may be transmitted to and logged by the loading unit (and vice versa) (FIG. 8, block 800A).For example, the portable cryogenic workstation 100 may communicate with the input unit 201’ and may have any suitable sensors as described above. Sensors such as the sensor 169H may communicate to the input unit 201’ that the handle 190 is in the lowered position. The input unit 201’ may also include any suitable sensor 610 that can indicate that the door 600 is closed and / or that the portable cryogenic workstation 100 is aligned and seated on the shuttle platform 201TP. When a predetermined criterion is met (e.g., the door 600 is closed and the portable cryogenic workstation is properly seated on the shuttle platform), any suitable indicator 650 (e.g., an LED may be lit or a sound may be emitted) may be presented to the operator to indicate that the mounting unit 201’ is ready for operation (note that the input unit 201 may be similarly configured with any suitable sensor that indicates proper alignment of the portable cryogenic workstation 100’). The input unit may include a suitable lockout that can prevent the movement of the container shuttle 201T from and to the input position until the predetermined criterion is met.

[0057] (Driven by any suitable drive mechanism) The container shuttle 201T may move the portable cryogenic workstation 100 in the direction of arrow 500 to the closable input / output port sealing interface 207 (FIG. 8, block 801). The container shuttle 201T may be configured to apply a clamping force to the housing 110 to form a seal at the interface IF3 (FIG. 8, block 802). The removal of the lid 113 and the conveyance of the sample into the cryogenic storage unit 290 (e.g., before the seal is formed at the interface IF3 or after the seal is formed at the interface IF3 as described above) may be substantially the same as that described above with respect to FIG. 7 and the portable cryogenic workstation 100’.

[0058] As can be understood, the engagement between the portable cryogenic work station 100'' and the input unit 201, and the transfer of the sample from the portable cryogenic work station 100'' to the storage unit 291 may be carried out in a substantially similar manner as described above with respect to the portable cryogenic work station 100'. However, the lid 113 may be removed in a substantially similar manner as described above with respect to the portable cryogenic work station 100 using the gripping feature 114. In another aspect, the lid for the portable cryogenic work station 100'' may be provided with a gripping feature 114' so as to be removed in the manner described above with respect to the portable cryogenic work station 100'.

[0059] As described herein, the refrigerant within the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be manually replenished (e.g., by injecting or inserting refrigerant into the portable cryogenic workstation), or may be automatically replenished through the automated sample storage system 200, 200' or the refrigerant filling / replenishment station 163. Referring now to FIG. 12A, the automated sample storage system 200 may include a refrigerant filling port or replenishment member 1200, such as a nozzle or other fluid passage configured to engage an opening on the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' and communicate with a consumable media accumulator within the portable cryogenic workstation. For example, the refrigerant replenishment member 1200 may be connected to the opening RA of the lid 113 (e.g., when the portable cryogenic workstation is transported for engagement of the input unit platform 201TP with the load port frame LPF) to provide refrigerant to a refrigerant source within the portable cryogenic workstation as described above. In another aspect, the door 113 may include a fluid connection system substantially similar to the fluid passages 276B, 276D that connect to the refrigerant replenishment member (which may be similar to the fluid lines 276A, 276C described above). As can be appreciated, when the opening RA is on the lid 113, the refrigerant replenishment member 1200 may be disposed on the load port door 220 such that it remains engaged with the lid 113 when the lid is removed from the housing 110. Note that the transfer of refrigerant into the portable cryogenic workstation may occur using the lid 113 attached to the housing 110 (e.g., a vacuum source or vent disposed on the lid 113 or the housing 110 provides for the release of gas from the cavity 110C), and / or using the lid 113 separated from the housing 110.As can be understood, the refrigerant replenishment member 1200 may be arranged relative to the kinematic arrangement feature portion 212' of the input unit platform 201TP in order to substantially align the refrigerant exiting the refrigerant replenishment member 1200 with, for example, the channel 1010 (FIG. 10B) of the housing 110 (arranged on the input unit platform 201TP by the kinematic arrangement feature portion 212') or any other suitable position within the housing 110.

[0060] Also, referring to FIG. 12B, a refrigerant filling / supplementing station 163 is shown, which may be substantially the same as the automated sample storage systems 200, 200'. For example, the refrigerant filling / supplementing station 163 may include a frame 163F that forms a chamber in which the input unit platform 201TP is located. The chamber may include an input opening that is sealed by a door 600 that enables the transfer of one or more portable cryogenic workstations 100 into the chamber (either through a manual or automated transfer section). The relative movement between each of the one or more portable cryogenic workstations 100 and one or more refrigerant replenishment members 1200 (e.g., the portable cryogenic workstations may be transferred individually or as a unit in the direction of arrow 500 for each to engage with its respective refrigerant replenishment member 1200 (and vice versa), or both the refrigerant replenishment members 1200 and the portable cryogenic workstations may be moved towards each other) causes the engagement of each refrigerant replenishment member 1200 with its respective portable cryogenic workstation 100. The portable cryogenic workstations 100 and the refrigerant replenishment members 1200 may be aligned together via one or more movements of the devices by an operator or automation. For example, in some embodiments, the insertion of a workstation into the refrigerant filling / supplementing station 163 by a user simultaneously connects the workstation to the refrigerant replenishment member. In another aspect, referring to FIG. 12C, the portable cryogenic workstation 100 may be moved in the direction of arrow X within the automated sample storage systems 200, 200' and / or the station 163 (in addition to or instead of the movement in the direction of arrow 500) so as to engage (in any suitable manner) with a sealable connection or port 170P where the refrigerant replenishment member 1200 is located on the side of the housing 110. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 9F, the refrigerant filling / supplementing station may be a component of the sample storage system 200''.For example, a refrigerant filling / supplementing station may be located within the sample storage system 200'' to fill a workstation carried by the transport shuttle 200S or any other suitable transport unit. In some embodiments, the filling / supplementing station may form part of an input / output module or buffer module for the sample storage system 200'', so that the portable cryogenic workstation is inserted into, removed from, and waited within the sample storage system 200''.

[0061] Referring also to FIG. 12D, in one aspect, the automated sample storage systems 200, 200’ and / or station 163 may include a manifold of the refrigerant replenishment member 1200. Here, the refrigerant filling / supplementing station 163 is shown as having a chamber that holds a 3×3 array (a 3×3 array is shown for illustrative purposes) of portable cryogenic workstations 100. As can be appreciated, each N×N array may be located in a different plane (e.g., up and down) to form a three-dimensional array of portable cryogenic workstations 100. Each portable cryogenic workstation 100 may be connected to a respective refrigerant replenishment member 1200 of the manifold 1250 in substantially the same manner as described above to replenish and / or maintain (e.g., freeze at a controlled rate) refrigerant within the portable cryogenic workstation 100. In one aspect, substantially the same amount of refrigerant may be transferred to each of the portable cryogenic workstations substantially simultaneously, but in another aspect, one or more control valves 1303 may be provided in the manifold 1250 to control the amount / rate of refrigerant transferred to each portable cryogenic workstation 100 in substantially the same manner as described hereinafter.

[0062] As described above, the control device 164 may be communicably connected to the refrigerant supply unit 1300 to control the flow of the refrigerant REF into one or more portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' (the workstation 100 is shown for illustrative purposes only). In one aspect, the control device 164 may communicate with the central control device 164C to control the flow of the refrigerant REF into one or more portable cryogenic workstations. In one aspect, the refrigerant supply unit 1300 may include a fluid storage unit 1300R, a control valve 1303, a refrigerant level detector / sensor, and a refrigerant source valve 1302. A thermocouple 1301 or other suitable sensor may be connected to the refrigerant replenishment member 1200 and may be configured, for example, to monitor the presence of liquid refrigerant at the outlet of the refrigerant replenishment member 1200 after any refrigerant gas has been discharged from the refrigerant replenishment member 1200 (the refrigerant gas is generated, for example, by the boiling of the refrigerant within the refrigerant replenishment member 1200 before the refrigerant replenishment member 1200 is cooled to the temperature of the liquid refrigerant).

[0063] As described above, whether the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' are individually replenished or replenished together through a manifold or the like, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' tend to draw in condensate and frost. In a single cryogenic workstation replenishment station or multiple cryogenic workstation replenishment stations as described above, in one aspect, to substantially prevent the formation of condensate and frost, exhaust gas EG (FIG. 12D), such as nitrogen N2 from the cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''', dries the atmosphere around the cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. Here, the exhaust of the exhaust gas EG is controlled in any suitable manner, such as by any suitable valve EGV for releasing the exhaust gas from the housing of the replenishment station. In one aspect, the dryness (or dew point) of the atmosphere around the cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' is controlled in any suitable manner, such as by a heater or by adding auxiliary cooling gas (in addition to that exhausted from the cryogenic workstations) to the atmosphere.

[0064] Referring also to FIGS. 14A - 14D, portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' and / or automated sample storage systems 200, 200' and / or station 163 may include any suitable refrigerant level sensors / detectors 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, 1400D that communicate, for example, with a control device 164 (or any other suitable control device such as a central control device 164C) to effect an automatic supply of refrigerant to the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. In one aspect, sensor 1400A may be one or more thermocouples or temperature sensors 1400A (substantially similar to the temperature sensor 169 described above) arranged substantially within or adjacent to a refrigerant source (such as absorption pad 170 or cooling unit 170') and configured to measure temperature at one or more measured heights or vertically stacked measured levels of the refrigerant source. In one aspect, sensor 1400A may be a stacked series of thermocouples where each thermocouple in the stack corresponds to one of the vertically stacked measured levels. In another aspect, sensor 1400B may be a capacitance sensor configured to measure the amount of refrigerant based on the capacity of the refrigerant source. In yet another aspect, sensor 1400C may be an ultrasonic sensor configured to read the level of liquid refrigerant within the refrigerant source (such as through an opening provided in the refrigerant source). In yet another aspect, sensor 1400D may be a float - type sensor where the float moves in the direction of arrow 500 according to the level of liquid refrigerant within the refrigerant source (and suitable sensors for detecting the channel in which the float moves and the position of the float may be provided). In yet another aspect, the location where the portable cryogenic workstation is located is provided with any suitable scale 1440 (see FIG. 14E), and the level of the refrigerant is determined based on the weight of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''.As can be understood, sensors 1400A to 1400D may be disposed within portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. In another aspect, sensors 1400A to 1400D may be part of an input unit 1470 that is substantially similar to sample storage workstations 200, 201' and / or refrigerant filling / supplement stations 163 as described herein, such that they extend into the housing to sense or detect the refrigerant level. As can be understood, when portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' are transferred in direction 500 within automated sample storage systems 200, 200' to engage a seal of a load port frame LPF (FIG. 2A), or are transferred in the direction of arrow 500 within station 163 for refrigerant replenishment, a sensor 1400 (similar to one or more of sensors 1400A to 1400D), which may be in the form of a probe, may be inserted through an opening into housing 110 or lid 113 (and at least partially within a channel 1010 or any other suitable channel or passage that allows contact with the refrigerant holding region of housing 110) to detect the refrigerant level within housing 110.

[0065] In one aspect, refrigerant level sensors 1400A to 1400D may be communicatively coupled to a control device 164 in any suitable manner, such as through a wireless or wired connection. Note that control device 164 may be communicatively connected to a central control device 164C through a wired or wireless connection. If the connection between control device 164 and central control device 164C is a wired connection, housing 110 may include a connection or connector 1450 that connects to a corresponding connection or connector of automated sample storage systems 200, 200' or refrigerant filling / supplement station 163 to provide communication between control device 164 and central control device 164C.

[0066] As can be understood, the refrigerant level sensors 1400A - 1400D may provide remote monitoring of the refrigerant levels in each portable cryogenic workstation 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. For example, the sensors may detect or sense a low refrigerant level and provide an appropriate signal to the control device 164. In one aspect, the control device 164 may provide the operator with a visual or audible indication (e.g., through a display 169D integrated with the portable cryogenic workstation or a speaker) that the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' need refrigerant replenishment so that the operator can cause the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' to be transported to an appropriate refrigerant replenishment station (e.g., the automated sample storage system 200, 200' or station 163). In another aspect, the control device 164 may communicate with, for example, a central control device 164C and indicate a low refrigerant level. Referring also to FIG. 14E, the central control device 164C may provide control instructions to any suitable automated transport unit 1499 (e.g., an overhead gantry system, an automated transport vehicle, the transport system of the automated sample storage systems 200, 200' or any other suitable automated transport unit) to transport the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' to the refrigerant replenishment stations of the automated sample storage systems 200, 200' or the refrigerant filling / replenishment station 163. For example, the portable cryogenic workstation 100 may be stored or held in any suitable buffer or stocker 1490. A signal of low refrigerant may be sent by the sensors 1400A - 1400D to the control device 164, which may result in the transmission of a control signal to the transport unit 1499. The transport unit 1499 may remove the portable cryogenic workstation 100 from the buffer 1490 and transport the portable cryogenic workstation 100 to the refrigerant filling / replenishment station 163 or the automated sample storage systems 200, 200' for refrigerant replenishment. In this way, a predetermined level of refrigerant can be maintained within the portable cryogenic workstation 100.

[0067] As described above, the level of refrigerant within each portable cryogenic workstation 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be communicated to a central control device 164C (which may be a control device for an automated sample storage system and / or a refrigerant filling / supplementing station) and / or to the control device 164 of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. One or more of the control device 164 and the central control device 164C may communicate with one or more flow control valves 1303 of the refrigerant supply unit 1300 and, based on the indication of a low refrigerant level from each sensor 1400A - 1400B (or scale 1440), may effect the opening and closing of the valves to control the release of refrigerant into one or more of the portable cryogenic workstations. For example, the indication of a low refrigerant level may be communicated from the portable cryogenic workstation 100A such that one or more of the control device 164 and the central control device 164C effect the opening of the flow control valve 1303A (with the flow control valves 1303B, 1303C in a closed state) to enable the passage of refrigerant RE from the storage unit 1300R into the portable cryogenic workstation 100A. As can be understood, when one or more of the portable cryogenic workstations 100B, 100C communicate a signal of low refrigerant to the control device 164 and / or the central control device 164C, the respective flow control valves 1303b, 1303C may also be opened to enable the flow of refrigerant into one or more of the portable cryogenic workstations 100B, 100C.

[0068] In one aspect, the amount of refrigerant transferred to each portable cryogenic workstation 100A, 100B, 100C may be based on a low refrigerant signal (e.g., the refrigerant capacity of the workstation is known such that the amount of refrigerant transferred is a predetermined difference between the refrigerant capacity and the refrigerant within the workstation, and the amount of refrigerant within the workstation at the time of the low refrigerant signal is known). In another aspect, sensors 1400A - 1400D (or scale 1440) may substantially continuously (or at some predetermined time intervals) send a signal indicating the fluid amount in each portable cryogenic workstation to the control device 164 and / or the central control device 164C such that each flow control valve 1303 is closed to stop the flow of refrigerant into the portable cryogenic workstation when a predetermined fluid level is reached. In yet another aspect, the amount of refrigerant to be transferred to one or more portable cryogenic workstations may be determined by any suitable method. The amount of refrigerant in the storage unit 1300R may also be monitored by any suitable method (such as that described above with respect to sensors 1400A - 1400D and scale 1440). In one aspect, for illustrative purposes only, a float 1302 and valve 1302 may be provided such that when the refrigerant level in the storage unit 1300R drops, the float 1302 descends to trigger the opening of the valve 1302, causing a flow of refrigerant REF into the storage unit 1300R. As refrigerant flows into the storage unit 1300R, the float rises, and when the refrigerant reaches a predetermined level, the float 1302 causes the valve 1302 to close.

[0069] Next, referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, in one aspect, a portable cryogenic workstation may be configured to maintain a sample 150 at any suitable predetermined temperature, such as, for example, about -80°C or any other suitable temperature higher or lower than about -80°C. In one aspect, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' (workstation 100 is shown for illustrative purposes only) may include an insulated cooling tank 1500 (or any other suitable container) for holding a predetermined amount of refrigerant REF. In one aspect, the tank 1500 may be replenished or refilled with refrigerant REF in substantially the same manner as described above. Referring to FIG. 15, the pedestal 1501 may be at least partially disposed within the cavity 110C and includes a base portion 1501B and a support portion 1501P that extends into the tank 1500 for contacting the refrigerant REF. The support portion 1501P may be shaped and sized such that the base portion and the sample held thereon are maintained at a predetermined temperature, such as, for example, about -80°C (or any other suitable temperature), at least through heat conduction (e.g., heat transfer through the pedestal 1501). In one aspect, the sample may also be cooled by evaporating the refrigerant around the sample 150. In one aspect, the insulated tank 1500 may be configured to substantially prevent the temperature within the cavity 110C from stabilizing, for example, at the phase change temperature of the refrigerant. The base portion 1501B may include tray arrangement features that are substantially the same as those described above with respect to the tray holder TH. In one aspect, the base portion 1501B may be configured to hold the tray 150T in the manner described above. In another aspect, referring to FIG. 16, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may include a fan 1600 within the cavity 110C to circulate the evaporated refrigerant (refrigerant vapor) to cool the sample 150 in addition to or instead of the conductive cooling provided by the pedestal 1501.

[0070] Next, referring to FIGS. 17A-17G, a sample operation station 1700 for operating a portable cryogenic workstation is shown by aspects of the disclosed embodiments. The sample operation station 1700 may be configured to isolate a human operator from the inside of the portable cryogenic workstation and / or from the transfer operation of samples to and from the portable cryogenic workstation. In one aspect, the sample operation station 1700 may be automated or may be operated manually as described later. The transfer of the sample 150 from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' by the sample operation station 1700 may be substantially the same as the transfer of the sample 150 by the sample storage system described above. In one aspect, the sample operation station 1700 may include a sample storage system such that an automated transfer unit, such as a robotic arm 933 (FIGS. 9C and 9D), transfers the tray 150T from, for example, one or more cryogenic storage units or storage sections 291 of the sample storage system or the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' to the sample operation station 1700, or may be included within the sample storage system. In another aspect, the sample operation station 1700 may be a self-standing unit placed on a laboratory workbench or other work surface.

[0071] According to aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the sample handling station 1700 may include a frame or housing 1700H that forms a chamber therein. The housing may include a container loading opening CLA that is sealed by a door 201TPM and a sample access opening SAA that is sealed by a door 1701. The platform 201TP (substantially the same as described above), the lid removal unit 220' (substantially the same as the load port door described above), and the tray removal device 330 (substantially the same as described above) may be at least partially disposed within the chamber formed by the housing 1700H. In one aspect, the door 201TPM may be attached to the platform 201TP such that when the platform moves in the direction of arrow Z1, the door 201TPM also moves with the platform 201TP to open the container loading opening CLA. In another aspect, the door 201TPM may be hinged or connected to the housing 1700H in any suitable manner to open and seal the opening CLA and to allow the platform 201TP to extend through the opening CLA to attach and detach a portable cryogenic work station to and from the platform 201TP. In one aspect, one or more motors or drives 1700M may be included to open and close the door 201TPM and to move the platform 201TP in the manner described herein. In another aspect, any suitable handle 1707H may be provided to allow an operator to open and close the door 201TPM and move the platform 201TP to insert a portable work station into and remove a portable work station from the sample handling station 1700H.

[0072] Platform 201TP may include one or more kinematic interface / placement features 212, 212', 212'' and latch key LK (see, e.g., FIG. 1A) as described above to connect to the corresponding kinematic and clamping features of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' (described above, see, e.g., FIGS. 1L, 1M, 1Q, 2E and 2F). The lid removal unit 220' may also include one or more kinematic interface / placement features and latch keys to connect to the corresponding kinematic placement features 113A and latch key hole LKH' of the lid 113. Note that the kinematic placement features may be located on any suitable side of the portable cryogenic workstation to connect to the corresponding kinematic features of the sample operation station 1700 such that the portable cryogenic workstation is positively positioned within the sample operation station 1700. One or more of the lid removal unit 220' and the platform 201TP are movable in the directions of arrows Y1, Y2 to cause relative movement between the lid removal unit 220' and the platform 201TP to remove the lid 113 from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. The tray removal device 330 may be configured for movement in the directions of arrows X1, X2, e.g., to extend into a tray holder TH connected to the lid 113 to remove the tray 150T and align the tray 150T (and the sample 150 therein) with the sample access opening SAA. In one aspect, the tray removal device 330 may be connected to a cooling block or other cooling source such that the sample tray 150T and the sample 150 therein are cooled by conduction while being held by the tray removal device 330. In another aspect, the sample operation station 1700 may be cooled in any suitable manner.In one aspect, one or more motors 1700M may provide one or more operations of the lid removal unit 220’, the platform 201TP, and the tray removal device 330. However, in another aspect, with the doors 1701, 201TP closed, any suitable number of handles may be provided to enable an operator to move the lid removal unit 220’, the platform 201TP, and the tray removal device 330 in the manner described herein.

[0073] Also, referring to FIG. 18, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' may be inserted into the sample operation station 1700 (FIG. 18, block 1800). For example, the door 201TPM and the platform 201TP may be moved in the direction of arrow Z1 (FIG. 17B) so that the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' can be placed on and relative to the platform 201TP through the kinematic feature 212’ (FIG. 17C). In one aspect, the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' may be pressed onto the platform 201TP by the latch key LK in a manner similar to that described above. The portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' may be transported into the housing, and the platform 201TP and the door 201TPM may be moved in the direction of arrow Z2 so that the door 201TPM seals the opening CLA and the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100’, 100'', 100''' are positioned anywhere relative to, for example, the lid removal unit 220’ and the tray removal device 330.

[0074] The relative movement toward each other between the lid removal unit 220' and the platform 201TP may be provided such that the lid removal unit 220' connects to the lid 113 (in a manner substantially similar to the above-described one) so that the lid 113 is connected to the lid removal unit 220' (FIG. 18, block 1801). In this aspect, the lid removal unit is configured to move in the directions of arrows Y1, Y2 to connect to the lid (FIG. 17D), but in another aspect, the platform 201TP may be configured to move in the directions of arrows Y1, Y2 to connect the lid 113 to the lid removal unit 220'. In yet another aspect, both the platform 201TP and the lid removal unit 220' may be movable in the directions of arrows Y1, Y2. The lid 113 may be removed from the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' by providing relative movement away from each other between the lid removal unit 220' and the platform 201TP (FIG. 18, block 1802). As described above, one or more of the lid removal unit 220' and the platform 201TP may be configured to move in the directions of arrows Y1, Y2 to remove the lid 113 (FIG. 17E). Also as described above, the tray holder TH may be connected to the lid 113 so that when the lid 113 is moved away from the housing 110, the tray holder TH is moved out of the chamber 110C to provide access to one or more trays 150T held by the tray holder TH (FIG. 17E). In this aspect, the tray 150T and the sample 150 held therein may be removed from the tray holder TH by the tray removal device 330 (FIG. 18, block 1803). Here, the tray removal device 330 may be configured to move in the directions of arrows X1, X2 (lateral to the portable cryogenic workstation and the tray holder) such that the tray removal device 330 is inserted through the side of the tray holder TH to transfer the tray 150T from the tray holder TH and position the tray 150T and the sample 150 therein relative to the sample access opening SAA (FIG. 174E).In another aspect, the tray holder TH may not be connected to the lid 113 so that the tray removal device 330 can be configured to reach into the cavity 110C to remove the tray 150T and / or the sample 150 from the cavity. In one aspect, the lid 113 may be returned onto the housing 110 before the door 1701 is opened to assist in maintaining a cryogenic temperature within the chamber 110C. One or more samples 150 may be removed from the tray 150T by opening the door 1701 (FIG. 17G) (FIG. 18, block 1804). Opening the door 1701 provides operator access to the sample (or access to the sample by any suitable automation). In one aspect, the sample handling station 1700 may include sample tracking (similar to that described above), and the samples 150 removed from the tray 150T and the samples 150 inserted into the tray 150T may communicate with the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' so that they can be updated, for example, in the memory 169M of the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. In a manner similar to that described above, sample position sensors 172A, 172B may be provided at the sample handling station 1700 to effect the removal of a predetermined sample 150 from the tray 150T, and the position information of the sample is provided to the operator through the display 7169D. In another aspect, the display 7169D may also provide the operator with transient information / data regarding one or more of the sample 150, the sample tray 150T, and the portable cryogenic workstations, in the manner described herein. The sample tray 150T and the samples 150 therein may be returned to the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''', and the portable cryogenic workstations 100, 100', 100'', 100''' may be removed from the sample handling station 1700 in a manner substantially opposite to that described above.

[0075] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a portable cryogenic workstation includes a housing having an internal cavity configured to hold one or more samples, a lid for sealing the internal cavity such that the portable cryogenic workstation is configured to transport samples between an environment at approximately room temperature and an environment at approximately ultra-low temperature, at least one automation interface disposed on one or more of the housing and the lid and configured to engage with an automated operating device, and a processing data acquisition unit coupled to the housing and configured to acquire processing or transient data corresponding to at least one predetermined processing characteristic of a sample in synchronization with the presence within the portable cryogenic workstation.

[0076] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the processing data acquisition unit is configured such that the acquired processing or transient data defines a processing history and enables analysis of at least one predetermined processing characteristic of the sample.

[0077] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the processing data acquisition unit is communicatively coupled to a control device and at least one sensor connected to the control device, and the at least one sensor is configured to provide one or more of sample position data, sample identification data, temperature data, and the physical state of the lid relative to the housing.

[0078] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the portable cryogenic workstation includes a consumable media level detector.

[0079] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a portable cryogenic workstation includes an opening that forms an internal cavity configured to hold one or more racks of cryogenic samples, a workstation interface, and a housing having a lid interface disposed around an outer periphery of the opening, and a lid configured to close the opening and substantially seal the internal cavity, the lid engaging the lid interface such that the lid effects a seal of the internal cavity and having a housing interface configured to disengage the engagement of the lid interface and release the seal of the internal cavity by a uniaxial movement of the lid relative to the housing, the housing being configured to engage a closable input / output port of the workstation.

[0080] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, engagement of the housing with the input / output port provides a seal between the input / output port and the workstation interface such that when the lid is open, the internal cavity is in sealed communication with the interior of the workstation.

[0081] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a portable cryogenic workstation includes a consumable media level detector.

[0082] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the housing is configured to provide a seal between the input / output port and the workstation interface with the lid engaged to the housing.

[0083] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the housing is configured to provide a seal between the input / output port and the workstation interface with the lid separated from the housing.

[0084] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the housing is configured to provide a sealing portion between the input / output port and the workstation interface in a state where the lid is engaged with and separated from the housing.

[0085] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the portable cryogenic workstation is configured to record processing data related to one or more predetermined characteristics of the sample, housing, and lid.

[0086] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the portable cryogenic workstation is connected to a control device, the memory is connected to the control device, at least one sensor is connected to the control device, and the control device is configured to cause the recording of processing trace data in the memory based on a signal from the at least one sensor.

[0087] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the control device is configured to cause the recording of processing trace data in response to a trigger event.

[0088] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the control device is configured to enable the analysis of processing trace data.

[0089] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the control device, the memory, and the at least one sensor are integrated with one or more of the housing and the lid.

[0090] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the low-temperature portion of the workstation includes a storage module having an ultra-low temperature storage reservoir configured to store racks of low-temperature samples, and an input module disposed outside the storage module and including a load port and a closable opening. The closable opening communicatively connects the input module to the storage module, and low-temperature samples are transferred between the storage module and the input module through the closable opening. The load port includes a closable input / output port configured to engage with a portable low-temperature workstation. The engagement of the load port with the portable low-temperature workstation provides a seal between the load port and the portable low-temperature workstation such that when the load port is opened, the interior of the input module is in sealed communication with the interior of the portable low-temperature workstation.

[0091] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, low-temperature samples are transferred between the storage module and the input module through or within the racks.

[0092] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the seal between the load port and the portable low-temperature workstation seals the interior of the input module from the external atmosphere.

[0093] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the seal between the load port and the portable low-temperature workstation seals the interior of the portable low-temperature workstation from the external atmosphere.

[0094] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the load port includes a load port door configured to engage with a lid of the portable low-temperature workstation.

[0095] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the engagement is a magnetic engagement.

[0096] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the movement of the load port door opens and closes the portable cryogenic workstation.

[0097] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the load port is configured to close an input / output port through which the housing of the portable cryogenic workstation can be closed when the load port is opened.

[0098] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the portable cryogenic workstation provides a heat block against the intrusion of heat load through the load port into the cryogenic portion of the workstation.

[0099] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the cryogenic workstation includes a storage module having an ultra-low temperature storage compartment configured to store a rack of cryogenic samples, and an input module disposed outside the storage module and including a load port and a closable opening, the closable opening communicatively connecting the input module to the storage module, the cryogenic samples being transferred between the storage module and the input module through the closable opening, the load port including a closable input / output port, and a portable cryogenic workstation module configured to engage the closable input / output port.

[0100] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the engagement of the portable cryogenic workstation with the closable input / output port provides a seal between the load port and the portable cryogenic workstation such that when the load port is opened, the input module is in sealed communication with the interior of the portable cryogenic workstation.

[0101] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the cryogenic samples are transferred between the storage module and the input module through or within the rack.

[0102] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the seal between the load port and the portable cryogenic workstation seals the inside of the input module from the external atmosphere.

[0103] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the seal between the load port and the portable cryogenic workstation seals the inside of the portable cryogenic workstation from the external atmosphere.

[0104] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the load port includes a load port door, the portable cryogenic workstation includes a lid, and the load port door is configured to engage the lid of the portable cryogenic workstation to remove the lid from the portable cryogenic workstation.

[0105] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the movement of the load port door opens and closes the portable cryogenic workstation.

[0106] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the portable cryogenic workstation includes a housing configured to close an input / output port closable when the load port is opened.

[0107] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the portable cryogenic workstation is configured to provide a thermal block against the intrusion of heat load through the load port into the cryogenic workstation.

[0108] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a portable cryogenic workstation includes an opening that forms an internal cavity configured to hold one or more racks of cryogenic samples, and a housing having a lid interface disposed around an outer periphery of the opening, and a lid configured to close the opening and substantially seal the internal cavity, the lid engaging with the lid interface such that the lid effects sealing of the internal cavity, and having a housing interface configured to disengage the engagement of the lid interface and release the seal of the internal cavity by a uniaxial movement of the lid relative to the housing.

[0109] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the lid is configured to disengage the engagement of the lid interface and release the seal of the internal cavity by only a uniaxial movement of the lid relative to the housing.

[0110] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the housing and the lid are thermally insulated.

[0111] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the internal cavity includes a cryogenic refrigerant cooling unit.

[0112] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the cryogenic refrigerant cooling unit includes an absorption pad configured to hold cryogenic refrigerant within a cryogenic refrigerant holding space.

[0113] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the internal cavity is configured to hold one or more trays of cryogenic samples.

[0114] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a portable cryogenic workstation includes a handle connected to the housing and configured to enable carrying of the portable cryogenic workstation with one hand.

[0115] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a portable cryogenic workstation includes a temperature sensor disposed within an internal cavity and a temperature display disposed on an outer surface of the housing and in communication with the temperature sensor.

[0116] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an interface device for a portable cryogenic workstation includes a housing forming an internal chamber and at least one portable cryogenic workstation interface at least partially disposed within the internal chamber, the at least one portable cryogenic workstation interface being configured to access the interior of the portable cryogenic workstation, insert a sample therein, and remove a sample therefrom, the portable cryogenic workstation being configured to port into and out of the housing of the interface device while maintaining a cryogenic atmosphere within the portable cryogenic workstation.

[0117] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the interface device is configured to isolate a human operator from the interior.

[0118] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the interface device is configured as a self-standing device for desktop placement.

[0119] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the interface device may be integrated with an automated article handling system or a refrigerant refill station.

[0120] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the at least one portable cryogenic workstation interface is configured for manual operation.

[0121] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, at least one portable cryogenic workstation interface is configured for automated operation.

[0122] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the interface device includes a display and a processor for communicating processed or transient data to and from a portable cryogenic workstation.

[0123] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, at least one portable cryogenic workstation interface includes one or more kinematic alignment features for positively positioning a portable cryogenic workstation relative to a predetermined reference frame of the interface device.

[0124] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an automated article handling system for transporting a portable cryogenic workstation includes a first cryogenic workstation location and a second cryogenic workstation location different from the first cryogenic workstation, and an automated transport unit configured to move between the first and second cryogenic workstations and having an end effector for transporting at least one workstation. At least one portable cryogenic workstation is a housing configured to maintain a cryogenic environment within an openable cavity of the housing through a removable closure, the housing including a first interface configured to engage with the automated transport unit and a second interface at an interface station at one of the first and second cryogenic workstation locations and configured to positively position at least one portable cryogenic workstation, and an automated workpiece transport unit configured to automatically remove or place at least one workpiece within at least one portable cryogenic workstation.

[0125] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the automated workpiece transfer unit includes a robotic arm having an end effector configured to pick up a workpiece.

[0126] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the automated transfer unit includes an overhead transfer system.

[0127] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the automated transfer unit includes an automated guided vehicle.

[0128] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the automated transfer unit includes a conveyor.

[0129] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the automated transfer unit includes two different types of transfer units configured to transfer at least one portable cryogenic work station between the two different types of transfer units.

[0130] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the two different types of transfer units include one or more of an external transfer unit and an internal transfer unit for a storage unit housing, and include at least two of an overhead transfer system, a conveyor system, and an automated guided vehicle.

[0131] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an automated article handling system includes a transport unit for a portable cryogenic work station that engages with the portable cryogenic work station and is configured to transport the portable cryogenic work station, the portable cryogenic work station including a housing that forms an internal cavity and a lid configured to substantially seal the internal cavity, and an automated sample handling system configured to transport samples to and from the internal cavity, wherein at least one of the automated sample handling system and the transport unit has a lid removal system configured to engage with a kinematic connection feature of the lid to positively position the lid relative to the lid removal system.

[0132] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the effector is configured to engage with a kinematic connection feature of the housing to positively position the housing relative to the automated sample handling system.

[0133] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a consumable media refill station includes a filling port configured to pass consumable media into the portable cryogenic work station and a kinematic arrangement feature configured to connect with the portable cryogenic work station to positively position the portable cryogenic work station relative to the filling port.

[0134] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the consumable media refill station is disposed at a load port of the automated cryogenic sample handling station.

[0135] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the consumable media refill station is a self - standing refill station.

[0136] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the filling port comprises a manifold configured to connect to two or more portable cryogenic workstations.

[0137] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the cryogenic workstation includes a storage module having a cryogenic storage unit configured to store racks of cryogenic samples, and an input module disposed outside the storage module and including a load port and a closable opening, wherein the closable opening communicatively connects the input module to the storage module, and cryogenic samples are transferred between the storage module and the input module through the closable opening, and the load port includes a closable input / output port configured to engage with a portable cryogenic workstation, and the engagement of the load port with the portable cryogenic workstation provides a seal between the load port and the portable cryogenic workstation such that when the load port is opened, the interior of the input module is in sealed communication with the interior of the portable cryogenic workstation, and an input module, and a consumable media refill filling port disposed at the load port and configured to communicate with a filling channel of the portable cryogenic workstation.

[0138] It should be understood that the above description is only illustrative of aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the fact that different features are detailed in different dependent or independent claims does not mean that combinations of these features cannot be used advantageously, and such combinations remain within the scope of the aspects of the present invention.

Claims

**Claim 1** A consumable medium replenishment station for replenishing a consumable medium of a portable cryogenic workstation, wherein the consumable medium maintains a sample at a predetermined temperature within the portable cryogenic workstation, the consumable medium replenishment station comprising: a filling port configured to pass the consumable medium into the portable cryogenic workstation; a kinematic arrangement feature on which the portable cryogenic workstation is seated, the kinematic arrangement feature being configured to connect to the portable cryogenic workstation to positively position the portable cryogenic workstation relative to the filling port, the positive positioning of the portable cryogenic workstation being effected by seating of the portable cryogenic workstation on the kinematic arrangement feature; and a consumable medium replenishment station comprising the same. **Claim 2** The consumable medium replenishment station according to claim 1, wherein the consumable medium replenishment station is disposed at a load port of an automated cryogenic sample handling station. **Claim 3** The consumable medium replenishment station according to claim 1, wherein the consumable medium replenishment station is a self - standing replenishment station. **Claim 4** The consumable medium replenishment station according to claim 1, wherein the filling port comprises a manifold configured to connect to two or more portable cryogenic workstations. **Claim 5** The consumable medium replenishment station according to claim 1, wherein the consumable medium replenishment station is disposed in a buffer module of an automated cryogenic sample handling station. **Claim 6** The consumable medium replenishment station according to claim 1, further comprising a control device communicatively coupled to one or more sensors of the portable cryogenic workstation, the one or more sensors measuring an amount of the consumable medium inside the portable cryogenic workstation and communicating with the control device, and an amount of the consumable medium passed through the filling port into the portable cryogenic workstation being based on the amount of the consumable medium inside the portable cryogenic workstation. **Claim 7** ​ The consumable media replenishment station further comprises one or more sensors configured to sense the amount of the consumable media inside the portable cryogenic work station, and the amount of the consumable media passed through the filling port into the interior of the portable cryogenic work station is based on the amount of the consumable media inside the portable cryogenic work station. The consumable media replenishment station according to claim 1.

8. The consumable media replenishment station according to claim 7, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a scale configured to determine the amount of the consumable media based on the weight of the portable cryogenic work station.

9. The consumable media replenishment station according to claim 7, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a probe inserted into the portable cryogenic work station to determine the amount of the consumable media in the portable cryogenic work station.

10. A method for replenishing the consumable media of a portable cryogenic work station positioned at a consumable media replenishment station, the replenishment media maintaining a sample at a predetermined temperature within the portable work station. The method comprises: passing the consumable media through the filling port of the consumable media replenishment station into the interior of the portable cryogenic work station; connecting the portable cryogenic work station to a kinematic arrangement feature of the consumable media replenishment station on which the portable cryogenic work station is seated, wherein seating the portable cryogenic work station on the kinematic arrangement feature positively positions the portable cryogenic work station relative to the filling port. Connecting the portable cryogenic work station; A method comprising.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the consumable media replenishment station is disposed at a load port of an automated cryogenic sample handling station.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the consumable media replenishment station is a self - contained replenishment station.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the filling port comprises a manifold and two or more portable cryogenic work stations are connected to the manifold.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the consumer media replenishment station is arranged in a buffer module of an automated low-temperature sample operation station. **Claim 15** The method further includes measuring, by one or more sensors of the portable low-temperature work station, an amount of the consumer media inside the portable low-temperature work station and communicating with a control device of the consumer media replenishment station, wherein an amount of the consumer media passed through the filling port into the portable low-temperature work station is based on the amount of the consumer media inside the portable low-temperature work station. The method according to claim 10. **Claim 16** The method further includes sensing, by one or more sensors of the consumer media replenishment station, an amount of the consumer media inside the portable low-temperature work station, wherein an amount of the consumer media passed through the filling port into the portable low-temperature work station is based on the amount of the consumer media inside the portable low-temperature work station. The method according to claim 10.

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