초록 ▼

An automated cold storage apparatus, and related method thereof, provides a sample process management system that is a revolutionary approach to the storage and retrieval regarding critical samples. The system--a significant technological breakthrough in laboratory automation--is the first ultra low

An automated cold storage apparatus, and related method thereof, provides a sample process management system that is a revolutionary approach to the storage and retrieval regarding critical samples. The system--a significant technological breakthrough in laboratory automation--is the first ultra low temperature robotic system capable of being validated. Samples in containers are stored and retrieved robotically through an airlock climate-control chamber that is automatically dehumidified by a dry gas purge, such as a carbon dioxide or nitrogen purge or the like. This purge rapidly reduces ambient humidity to a desirable relative humidity (RH), e.g., less than about 15% RH, virtually eliminating the accumulation of frost. Microplates are systematically identified using barcode technology, for example. Once through the climate-controlled chamber, the containers (i.e., samples) are robotically transferred to the rotary mechanism. This mechanism transports the containers to a derived nest location upon the storage means, such as a carousel or to one of the stationary addresses.

대표청구항 ▼

An automated cold storage apparatus, and related method thereof, provides a sample process management system that is a revolutionary approach to the storage and retrieval regarding critical samples. The system--a significant technological breakthrough in laboratory automation--is the first ultra low

An automated cold storage apparatus, and related method thereof, provides a sample process management system that is a revolutionary approach to the storage and retrieval regarding critical samples. The system--a significant technological breakthrough in laboratory automation--is the first ultra low temperature robotic system capable of being validated. Samples in containers are stored and retrieved robotically through an airlock climate-control chamber that is automatically dehumidified by a dry gas purge, such as a carbon dioxide or nitrogen purge or the like. This purge rapidly reduces ambient humidity to a desirable relative humidity (RH), e.g., less than about 15% RH, virtually eliminating the accumulation of frost. Microplates are systematically identified using barcode technology, for example. Once through the climate-controlled chamber, the containers (i.e., samples) are robotically transferred to the rotary mechanism. This mechanism transports the containers to a derived nest location upon the storage means, such as a carousel or to one of the stationary addresses. are located horizontally and parallel to each other at the outlet of the evaporator-freezer chamber or adjacent thereto, the second droplet separator being topmost. 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein means are further provided for heating the first louver type droplet separator continuously or periodically. 9. A heat pump installation for making ice, operating on the principle of mechanical water vapor compression, and comprising basically an evaporator-freezer chamber, communicating with a compressor chamber comprising at least one centrifugal compressor unit, said installation characterized in that it further comprises: a. a first droplet separator of the louver type, interposed between the evaporator-freezer chamber and the compressor chamber; b. a second droplet separator of the knitmesh type, downstream of the first droplet separator and parallel thereto; and c. a plurality of spray nozzles located between said first and second droplet separators, facing said first droplet separator, capable of providing a continuous or intermittent spray of a dilute solution of a highly water-soluble inorganic salt, counter-currently to the vapor flow. 10. An installation according to claim 9, wherein said first and second droplet separators are located at or adjacent to the outlet of the evaporator-freezer chamber. 11. An installation according to claim 9, further comprising means for heating said first louver type droplet separator, continuously or periodically. 12. An installation according to claim 9, further comprising means for separating the ice slurry withdrawn from the evaporator-freezer chamber, to provide an ice-rich slurry or dewatered solid ice and a "concentrate", means for separating sparingly water-soluble inorganic salt, means for concentrating said solution to a desired concentration of the highly water-soluble inorganic salt, and means for recycling the resulting concentrated solution to said spray nozzles.