DEVICE FOR GRIPPING CRYOGENIC VIALS

1 . A device for gripping a cryogenic vial, wherein the device comprises two grasping arms, wherein the grasping arms are connected to each other at one end by a joint, wherein each gasping arm comprises at the end opposite of the joint a tip, wherein each tip comprises a rounded spade, and wherein the rounded spade has a curvature that conforms to the curvature of the cryogenic vial.

2 . The device of claim 1 wherein the joint has spring tension.

3 . The device of claim 2 wherein the spring tension is sufficient to separate the grasping arms so that the rounded spades at the tips fit around the cryogenic vial.

4 . The device of claim 1 wherein the curvature of the rounded spade conforms to the curvature of a cryogenic vial of a volume of 1 mL.

5 . The device of claim 1 wherein the curvature of the rounded spade conforms to the curvature of a cryogenic vial of a volume of 1.2 mL.

6 . The device of claim 1 wherein the curvature of the rounded spade conforms to the curvature of a cryogenic vial of a volume of 2 mL.

7 . The device of claim 1 wherein the curvature of the rounded spade conforms to the curvature of a cryogenic vial of a volume of 3 mL.

8 . The device of claim 1 wherein the curvature of the rounded spade conforms to the curvature of a cryogenic vial of a volume of 4 mL.

9 . The device of claim 1 wherein the curvature of the rounded spade conforms to the curvature of a cryogenic vial of a volume of 5 mL.

10 . The device of claim 1 wherein the curvature of the rounded spade has a radius of 0.243 inch.

11 . The device of claim 1 wherein the inside surface of the rounded spade is smooth.

12 . The device of claim 1 wherein the inside surface of the rounded spade is cross-hatched.

13 . The device of claim 1 wherein the outside surface of the two grasping arms comprises a cross-hatched gripping area.

14 . The device of claim 1 wherein the length of the grasping arms is between 4 inches and 6 inches.

15 . The device of claim 1 wherein the grasping arms are made of stainless steel.

16 . (canceled)

17 . The device of claim 1 wherein the grasping arms comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene.

18 . The device of claim 1 wherein the grasping arms comprise a coating in at least a limited gripping area for insulation.

19 . The device of claim 1 wherein the tips and rounded spades are made from a material that can withstand the low temperature of a liquid nitrogen environment.

20 . The device of claim 19 wherein the tips and rounded spades are made from stainless steel.

21 . The device of claim 19 wherein the tips and rounded spades are made from polypropylene.