Provided herein are methods and related devices for preprocessing a biological sample during transit. The method may comprise the steps of: storing a biological sample in a storage container having walls that defines a storage volume; transporting the storage container with the stored biological sample to a sample processing facility; controlling one or more storage container parameters during the transporting step to initiate preprocessing of the biological sample; wherein the controlling step improves a processing parameter at the sample processing facility.

Provided are methods for the automated loading and/or automatic processing of one or more samples in an automated sample processing device. Also provided are automated sample loading systems and devices that include automated sample loading systems or devices that are utilized in such systems.

A biologic sample preparation system that prepares samples for processing includes a frame defining a horizontal plane, a pipette assembly, a sample module and an extraction module. The pipette assembly includes a first pipette. The pipette assembly is movably mounted to the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane during operation. The sample module includes a sample plate and is movably mounted to the frame. The sample module is movable substantially parallel to the horizontal plane at least from a sample area spaced from the pipette assembly and a working area proximate the pipette assembly. The extraction module includes an extraction plate and is movably mounted to the frame. The extraction module is movable substantially parallel to the horizontal plane at least from an extraction staging area spaced from the pipette, assembly and the working area proximate the pipette assembly.

A biologic sample preparation system that prepares samples for processing includes a frame defining a horizontal plane, a pipette assembly, a sample module and an extraction module. The pipette assembly includes a first pipette. The pipette assembly is movably mounted to the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane during operation. The sample module includes a sample plate and is movably mounted to the frame. The sample module is movable substantially parallel to the horizontal plane at least from a sample area spaced from the pipette assembly and a working area proximate the pipette assembly. The extraction module includes an extraction plate and is movably mounted to the frame. The extraction module is movable substantially parallel to the horizontal plane at least from an extraction staging area spaced from the pipette, assembly and the working area proximate the pipette assembly.

Cryogenic devices are provided in which solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used to maintain a temperature zone in which samples can be manipulated under conditions in which the sample is maintained at a temperature below −50° C.

Cryogenic devices are provided in which solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used to maintain a temperature zone in which samples can be manipulated under conditions in which the sample is maintained at a temperature below −50° C.

Cryogenic devices are provided in which solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used to maintain a temperature zone in which samples can be manipulated under conditions in which the sample is maintained at a temperature below −50° C.

Cryogenic devices are provided in which solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used to maintain a temperature zone in which samples can be manipulated under conditions in which the sample is maintained at a temperature below −50° C.

An incubation device has multiple rocking platforms with each platform pivotally mounted about a respective axis. Each rocking platform has a respective receiving device for mechanically reversibly receiving a respective incubation channel. The device also has a common drive unit for common respective rocking movements of each platform from a zero position through with a specific angle range as a result of movement of the drive unit. Each rocking platform is coupled to the drive unit via a respective coupling mechanism, and each coupling mechanism elastically and resiliently couples the respective rocking platform to the drive unit, such that when the rocking platform is restrained, despite continuation of the drive movement, the rocking platform remains motionless in a fixed position. After release of the restraint on the rocking platform, the rocking platform resumes the rocking movement with the specific angle range.

Thermal control devices and methods to provide improved control, speed and efficiency in temperature cycling are provided herein. Such thermal control device and methods can include one or more active elements, such a thermoelectric cooler device, that is controlled by an algorithm that regulates a temperature distribution of an adjacent reaction-vessel according to a temperature distribution command trajectory and estimated reaction-vessel temperature distribution. Some embodiments include two active elements that are bilaterally applied to opposing sides of the reaction-vessel. In some embodiments, the estimated reaction-vessel temperature is determined based on a state of power electronics of the element and a temperature output of one or more sensors of a portion of the element and/or an ambient environment of the reaction-vessel. Methods of calibration of such systems utilizing a thermal calibrator as a proxy for the reaction-vessel are also provided herein.