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 storage comprises, from the bottom to the top, a low temperature storage zone, for storing the samples, a handling zone, housing at least part of an automatic transport device, and an access zone, where the user can enter for maintenance. A separating wall consisting of removable panels insulates the access zone, for the rooms below it. A peripheral housing, contains a peripheral chamber for temporarily storing the samples at slightly higher temperatures. A liquid nitrogen container, is used to feed dry gas to the storage zone and to maintain it under slight overpressure for preventing the entry of moisture.

There is described an apparatus for depositing and retrieving large volumes of test tubes in/from a warehouse, comprising an input/output module of a first and a second container with a plurality of test tubes, a multiple pick up device of test tubes, a single pick up device of test tubes, a first and second station for the provisional allocation of said containers and a motorized traveling lift able to carry said first and second container simultaneously on two distinct coplanar locations.

A handling system for high throughput processing of a large volume of biological samples is provided herein. Such systems can include an array support assembly that supports multiple diagnostic assay modules in an array having at least two dimensions, a loader that loads multiple diagnostic assay cartridges within the multiple diagnostic assay modules. The array support assembly can be movable relative the loader to facilitate loading and unloading so as to provide more efficient processing.

The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.

In examples, a method of controlling customer access to an assay system comprises (a) receiving a system identifier; (b) identifying said system identifier, and (c) utilizing information obtained from the system identifier to perform one or more operations selected from: (i) enabling full access to said system and/or a consumable used in said system; (ii) enabling partial access to said system and/or a consumable used in said system; or (iii) denying access to said system and/or a consumable used in said system.

A transportation system for paraffin embedded tissues includes a placing assembly, a bearing unit and a storage device. The placing assembly includes a horizontal moving assembly, a vertical moving assembly, a rotation assembly and a placing unit. The horizontal and vertical moving assemblies move the placing unit in horizontal and vertical directions, respectively, and the rotation assembly allows the placing unit to rotate around a vertical axis. The bearing unit receives the paraffin embedded tissues. The storage device has a rotation plate including a plurality of receiving slots each for storing the bearing unit. The placing unit is configured to remove the bearing unit from the storage device, move the bearing unit to a processing apparatus located at another side of the placing assembly, remove the bearing unit from the processing apparatus, and transport the bearing unit to the receiving slot of the storage device.

The invention provides a sample inspection automation system capable of easily, reliably, and efficiently responding to requests for reinspection or addition of inspection items. The sample inspection automation system includes a storage unit having a sample replacing mechanism for transferring a sample from a tray to a sample transfer line. When the system receives sample retrieval information through the communication between an operating unit and a laboratory information system (LIS), or a host system of the sample inspection automation system, the sample is transferred to the appropriate sample treatment unit through the transfer line. Thus, when a request for reinspection or an addition inspection is issued, the sample inspection automation system can efficiently respond to it.

A separating system (1) comprises a housing (60) sized to receive a stack of articles having at least one first article (12) stacked on top of a second article (10). The system (1) also includes a lifter (20) movable into a contact position adjacent a surface (13) on the at least one first article (12). The lifter (20) is adapted to apply a lifting force to the surface (13) to lift at least a portion of the first article (12) above the contact position. An extractor (40) moves the second article (10) away from the stack of articles after the at least one first article (12) has been lifted above the contact position by the lifter (20). The housing (60) prevents the at least one first article (12) from moving with the second article (10) when the second article (10) is moved by the extractor (40) and guides the stack of articles downward after the second article (10) is moved away.

A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes.