IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,870,748
Granted Patent B2
US 7,870,748 · App. 11/361,265 · Granted Jan 18, 2011

Method for controlled rate freezing and long term cryogenic storage

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,870,748
App. No.
11/361,265
Granted
Jan 18, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

A containment apparatus ( 10 ) having a floor wall ( 12 ) with four side walls ( 16 ) extending therefrom and an opening ( 13 ) at the top. Each of the side walls ( 16 ) and the floor wall ( 12 ) include apertures ( 20 ) defined within to allow air to flow freely throughout the containment apparatus. A lid ( 18 ) may be provided to place on the containment apparatus to cover the opening ( 13 ). A divider ( 21 ) made of interlocking wall strips ( 23 ) that connect to define a plurality of separate compartments ( 25 ). Each interlocking wall strip ( 23 ) having multiple apertures ( 20 ) defined within to allow for free airflow around, through and between each compartment ( 25 ). An alternative embodiment of the divider ( 31 ) is comprised of a molded material such as plastic for holding thermosensitive product vials. The alternative divider ( 31 ) having a plurality of aligned wells ( 39 ). Each well ( 39 ) being adapted to support one thermosensitive product vial.

Claims (43)

1. A method for controlled rate freezing and subsequent cryogenic storage of thermosensitive products comprising the steps of:

a) providing a multipurpose containment apparatus, comprising:

a substantially square or rectangular floor wall having multiple apertures defined therein;

four side walls extending substantially perpendicularly from said floor wall, wherein each of the respective side walls have multiple apertures defined therein, and wherein each of the respective side walls terminates at a top end; and

means for positioning and separating said plurality of thermosensitive product vials within the containment apparatus;

wherein the apparatus is capable of providing substantially free airflow throughout, resulting in a more uniform temperature reduction during the controlled rate freezing process; and

b) placing said product vials within said positioning and separating means;

c) placing said containment apparatus in a controlled rate freezer;

d) freezing said thermosensitive products vials by bringing down the temperature gradually whereby reducing shock to the thermosensitive products contained within said product vials;

e) removing said containment apparatus from said controlled rate freezer; and

f) placing said containment apparatus directly into a cryogenic storage freezer whereby reducing the risk of vial misplacement and harm to specimens.

2. A method for controlled rate freezing and subsequent cryogenic storage of thermosensitive products as in claim 1 , wherein the containment apparatus further comprises; a removable lid capable of fitting upon the top ends of the side walls.

3. A method for controlled rate freezing and subsequent cryogenic storage of thermosensitive products as in claim 1 wherein said means for positioning and separating the thermosensitive product vials of the containment apparatus further comprises:

a divider, said divider comprising a plurality of interlocking wall strips transversely connected to define a plurality of smaller compartments, said wall strips having multiple apertures defined therein,

wherein the divider is capable of providing substantially free airflow throughout said divider.

4. A method for controlled rate freezing and subsequent cryogenic storage of thermosensitive products as in claim 1 wherein said means for positioning and separating the thermosensitive product vials of the containment apparatus further comprises:

a divider, said divider comprising a plurality of wells defined therein for receiving thermosensitive product vials for positioning and separating said vials within the containment apparatus; and

means for securing the divider to the side walls, the floor wall, or both.

5. A method for controlled rate freezing and subsequent cryogenic storage of thermosensitive products comprising the steps of:

a) providing a multipurpose containment apparatus, comprising:

a substantially square or rectangular floor wall having multiple apertures defined therein;

four side walls extending substantially perpendicularly from said floor wall, wherein each of the respective side walls have multiple apertures defined therein, and wherein each of the respective side walls terminates at a top end;

a removable lid capable of fitting upon the top ends of the side walls;

a divider for positioning and separating said thermosensitive product vials, said divider comprising a plurality of interlocking wall strips transversely connected to define a plurality of smaller compartments, said wall strips having multiple apertures defined therein;

wherein the apparatus is capable of providing substantially free airflow throughout, resulting in a more uniform temperature reduction during the controlled rate freezing process, and

b) placing said product vials within said positioning and separating means;

c) placing said containment apparatus in a controlled rate freezer;

d) freezing said thermosensitive products vials by bringing down the temperature gradually whereby reducing shock to the thermosensitive products contained within said product vials;

e) removing said containment apparatus from said controlled rate freezer; and

f) placing said containment apparatus directly into a cryogenic storage freezer whereby reducing the risk of vial misplacement and harm to specimens.

6. A method for controlled rate freezing and subsequent cryogenic storage of thermosensitive products comprising the steps of:

a) providing a multipurpose containment apparatus, comprising:

a substantially square or rectangular floor wall having multiple apertures defined therein;

four side walls extending substantially perpendicularly from said floor wall, wherein each of the respective side walls have multiple apertures defined therein, and wherein each of the respective side walls terminates at a top end;

a removable lid capable of fitting upon the top ends of the side walls;

a divider for both positioning and separating said plurality of thermosensitive product vials within the containment apparatus, said divider comprising a plurality of wells defined therein for receiving thermosensitive product vials for positioning and separating said vials within the containment apparatus; and

means for securing the divider to the side walls, the floor wall;

wherein the apparatus is capable of providing substantially free airflow throughout, resulting in a more uniform temperature reduction during the controlled rate freezing process, and

b) placing said product vials within said positioning and separating means;

c) placing said containment apparatus in a controlled rate freezer;

d) freezing said thermosensitive products vials by bringing down the temperature gradually whereby reducing shock to the thermosensitive products contained within said product vials;

e) removing said containment apparatus from said controlled rate freezer; and

f) placing said containment apparatus directly into a cryogenic storage freezer whereby reducing the risk of vial misplacement and harm to specimens.

Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 6065679300 · Feb 25, 2005
Related Publication 20060196193A1 · Sep 7, 2006