Cryogenic storage system provides automated storage and retrieval of samples in a cryogenic environment, as well as automated transfer of individual samples between cryogenic environments. Stored samples are maintained under a cryogenic temperature threshold, while also enabling access to the samples. The samples may be organized and tracked by scanning a barcode of each sample. Embodiments may also comprise multiple storage vaults and provide for transfer of individual samples between the storage vaults, as well as between a storage vault and a removable cryogenic storage device.

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a method and scalable devices for hyperfast cooling and re-warming of samples. More specifically, it relates to cryogenic preservation of biological samples via vitrification. It includes: a liquid sample placed at ambient temperature in a flat thermo conductive container that in some embodiments additionally contains a detachable disposable or sterilizable thermo conductive spiral; transferring the sample to a cooling chamber using a linear percussion stepping motor drive; hyperfast cooling of the sample using streams of pressurized liquid coolant; transferring the sample to a detachable shipping/storage chamber filled with liquid coolant, from which the sample can be transferred to another vessel that contains liquid cryogenic coolant and moved back to the shipping/storage chamber. This chamber can be then attached to a re-warming chamber, in which the sample is heated to a biologically tolerant temperature above 0 degrees Celsius in a hyperfast manner.

A freezing transport container allows easy removal and installation of a cryogenic liquefied gas absorber which is impregnated with cryogenic liquefied gas. A cryogenic liquefied gas absorber case can be installed in the freezing transport container. The freezing transport container includes an insulated main body, a top opening, and a bottom tubular shape. A lid is installed at the opening of the main body. A cryogenic liquefied gas absorber case is installed removably at the bottom of the main body, and the cryogenic liquefied gas absorber case includes a case portion which has a bottomed tubular shape and a cryogenic liquefied gas absorber which is installed replaceably inside the case portion.

A cryogenic freezer features a dewar defining a storage space. A reservoir is positioned within or adjacent to the storage space and is configured to contain a cryogenic liquid with a headspace above the cryogenic liquid in a reservoir interior space that is sealed with respect to the storage space. A refrigeration module is in heat exchange relationship with the reservoir. A sensor is configured to determine a temperature or pressure within the reservoir. A system controller is connected to the sensor and the refrigeration module and configured so that the refrigeration module is adjusted to provide additional cooling to the reservoir when a pressure or temperature within the headspace increases.

A cooler is provided which has various improvements. The cooler may be a passive cooler or may be actively cooled for providing desirable cooling effects. The cooler may include an accessory system, for example, with bottle or can holders or a post holder which utilizes the weight of the cooler to support a sunshade. The accessory system may be positioned in various locations of the cooler, one location being in a recess which is utilized to open the cooler lid. The smart cooler may also comprise a cushion assembly which may be placed on an upper surface of the lid and may have straps to retain the cushion on the lid. The lid may be formed to accept and retain a cushion retaining feature so that the cushion does not excessively move from the top surface of the lid.

A cryogenic freezer features a dewar defining a storage space. A reservoir is positioned within or adjacent to the storage space and is configured to contain a cryogenic liquid with a headspace above the cryogenic liquid in a reservoir interior space that is sealed with respect to the storage space. A refrigeration module is in heat exchange relationship with the reservoir. A sensor is configured to determine a temperature or pressure within the reservoir. A system controller is connected to the sensor and the refrigeration module and configured so that the refrigeration module is adjusted to provide additional cooling to the reservoir when a pressure or temperature within the headspace increases.

A cryogenic specimen shipping container using nitrogen gas for transport of a cryogenic specimen to a cryogenic storage chamber or Dewar vessel for storage. The cryogenic specimen shipping container may comprise an outer container, an inner container received within the outer container, and a gas pathway located between the outer container and the inner container and configured to expel the nitrogen gas.

A cooler is provided which has various improvements. The cooler may be a passive cooler or may be actively cooled for providing desirable cooling effects. The cooler may include an accessory system, for example, with bottle or can holders or a post holder which utilizes the weight of the cooler to support a sunshade. The accessory system may be positioned in various locations of the cooler, one location being in a recess which is utilized to open the cooler lid. The smart cooler may also comprise a cushion assembly which may be placed on an upper surface of the lid and may have straps to retain the cushion on the lid. The lid may be formed to accept and retain a cushion retaining feature so that the cushion does not excessively move from the top surface of the lid.

A cryogenic specimen shipping container using cryogenic gas for transport of a cryogenic specimen to a cryogenic storage chamber or Dewar vessel for storage. The cryogenic specimen shipping container may comprise an outer container, an inner container received within the outer container, and a gas pathway located between the outer container and the inner container and configured to expel the cryogenic gas.

It is described herein an improved cryogenic storage unit. The improved cryogenic storage unit may include an apparatus for thermal regulation in a cryogenic freezer. The improved cryogenic storage unit may also include a cable gland. The improved cryogenic storage unit may also include a bearing assembly. The improved cryogenic storage unit may also include a system for charging a cryogen to a cryogenic freezer. The improved cryogenic storage unit may also include a venting system. The improved cryogenic storage unit may also include an alignment of a lid and a handle.