WO1992018400A1

WO1992018400A1 - Method and apparatus for use in specimen storage

Info

Publication number: WO1992018400A1
Application number: PCT/US1992/003078
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel D. Richard; Hermann Knippscheer
Original assignee: Cryo-Cell International, Inc.
Priority date: 1991-04-15
Filing date: 1992-04-15
Publication date: 1992-10-29
Also published as: IL101601A0; IE921203A1; AU2167992A

Abstract

A storage assembly comprises a frame (12) and holders or receptacles (18) on the frame for defining a plurality of storage locations and for supporting a plurality of specimen-containing vials or ampules (20) at respective storage locations on the frame. An ejection device (48) is provided for at least partially shifting any one of the ampules from its respective storage location. More particularly, the ejection device serves to shift any selected ampule from a rest or storage position inside its respective receptacle to a removal position (52) wherein in the ampule projects at least partially from the receptacle or holder. A control unit (42) is operatively connected to the ejection device for selectively activating the ejection device to shift the selected ampule from its respective storage location.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USE IN SPECIMEN STORAGE

Background of the Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus and a related method for use in the storage of specimens, especially the low-temperature storage of biological specimens. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating the removal of frozen specimens from storage.

Biological tissue samples, such as blood and semen, are conventionally stored in racks or trays which are placed in cryogenic storage units. The samples or specimens are themselves contained in ampules or vials which are inserted in the racks or trays. The ampules or vials are provided with color coded caps for generally identifying the contents. A more specific identification is made by manually recording particulars of the sample or specimen on a chart.

To remove a desired specimen from a storage rack, the appropriate chart is consulted to determine the location of the vial on its storage rack. Upon removal of the rack from a cryogenic storage unit, the user or operator visually scans the rows of color coded caps and mentally coordinates the caps with the location information gleaned from the chart.

The above-described procedure for retrieving specimens from cryogenic storage is tedious and time consum¬ ing. The time required to locate a desired specimen is particularly disadvantageous in that other specimens in the storage rack are subjected to warming temperatures which may eventually have a deleterious effect on the efficacy of long- term storage. Objects of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for facilitating the retrieval of specimens from storage.

Another, more particular, object of the present invention is to provide such a method and apparatus for facil¬ itating the retrieval of biological specimens from cryogenic storage.

A further particular object of the present invention is to provide such a method and apparatus which reduce the time required to locate and remove a stored specimen from a storage rack. Summary of the Invention

A storage assembly comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a frame and holders or receptacles on the frame for defining a plurality of storage locations and for supporting a plurality of specimen-bearing containers or ampules at respective storage locations on the frame. An ejection device is provided for at least partially shifting any one of the ampules from its respective storage location. More particularly, the ejection device serves to shift any selected ampule from a rest or storage position inside its receptive receptacle to a removal position wherein the ampule projects at least partially from the receptacle or holder. A control unit is operatively connected to the ejection device for selectively activating the ejection device to shift the selected ampule from its respective storage location.

A storage assembly in accordance with the present invention facilitates the retrieval of specimen-containing vials from a low-temperature storage rack by providing for automatic shifting of the vials from their storage positions, thereby enabling easy recognition and removal of the desired vials.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, a scanner is provided for scanning the ampules held in the frame or rack. The scanner is operatively connected to the control unit for transmitting thereto signals identifying the ampules, while the control unit includes circuitry and/or programming for selectively activating the ejection device in response to signals from the scanner.

The scanner can the form of a bar code reading device, in which case the ampules carry bar codes identifying their respective contents. In the event that the ampule con¬ tents are blood samples, for example, the bar codes may identify the type of blood, as well as the genetic diversity of the donor and any other relevant data. More particularly, the identifying information may specifically identify the individual from whom the blood was taken.

Pursuant to yet another feature of the present invention, the ejection device includes an extraction com¬ ponent for pulling the selected ampule from the respective storage location on the frame. The extraction component preferably takes the form of an electromagnet and is carried on an instrument or other support during a shifting of the electromagnet over the ampules. The scanner may be disposed at least in part on the same instrument or support as the ejection device. Alternatively, the scanner may have a sepa¬ rate housing or support.

Pursuant to an alternative feature of the present invention, the ejection device includes a plurality of elec¬ tromagnets equal in number to the storage locations on the frame. In that case, the electromagnets are disposed on the frame in the respective ampule receptacles or holders. The control unit includes a circuit for selectively energizing the electromagnets. Also, the ampules are provided with respec¬ tive magnetic elements, whereby the ampules are subjected to a repelling force upon energization of the electromagnets.

Pursuant to another alternative feature of the pres¬ ent invention, the ejection device includes a plurality of electromagnets equal in number to the storage locations and disposed on a carrier member positionable over the frame. The control unit includes a circuit for selectively energizing the electromagnets, the containers or ampules being provided with respective magnetic elements, whereby the ampuels are sub¬ jected to an attractive force upon energization of the elec¬ tromagnets.

The control unit preferably takes the form of a com¬ puter or microprocessor programmed to store information identifying the ampules and contents thereof. In addition, the scanner may be used to provide the computer with a perdioc updating of the identities of the ampules in the frame or rack. In the event that the scanner is on a hand-held instru¬ ment or holder, the scanner is manually passed over the ampules in the storage rack or frame to provide the computer with an updating of the ampule identities. The frame itself may be provide with bar codes or other identification marks so that the ampule identification codes may be correlated with rack position.

A method for use in specimen storage comprises, in accordance with the present invention, the steps of (a) hold- ing specimen-containing vials in a predetermined array (b) automatically ejecting a selected specimen-containing vial partially from the array, and (c) subsequently removing the selected specimen-containing vial completely from the array.

Pursuant to an additional feature of the present invention, the step of ejecting includes the step of feeding a current to a coil of an electromagnet. Where the array is defined by a frame member or rack, the coil may be disposed on the frame member. Alternatively, the coil may be disposed in a glove. In that case, the step of completely removing the vial comprises the steps of manually grasping the selected specimen-containing vial via the glove and pulling the vial from the array.

In an optional step, data is entered into a computer to identify the selected specimen-containing vial. The step of automatically ejecting then includes the step of operating the computer to control an ejection mechanism to eject the selected specimen-containing vial partially from the array.

Pursuant to yet another feature of the present invention, the following supplemental steps are performed: (a) scanning the vials in the array, (b) transmitting to the com¬ puter signals identifying the vials, and (c) comparing the signals to the data. The step of operating the computer is then implemented in response to a positive comparison between the signals and the data.

Where the selected specimen-containing vial is pro¬ vided with a magnetizable element, the step of removing that vial may include the step of feeding a current to a coil of an electromagnet disposed in a glove, whereby the vial is auto¬ matically shifted towards the glove upon placement of the glove in juxtaposition to the vial.

Accordingly, an associated assembly for use in retrieval of a specimen from storage, particularly cryogenic storage, comprises a glove and a magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, attached to the glove on a grasping surface of the glove. The magnetic element serves to attract a cooperating magnetic element on an ampule holding the specimen. Brief Description of the Drawing Fig. 1 is a top view of a cryogenic storage rack with specimen-containing ampules, in accordance with the pres¬ ent invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagram, including a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the storage rack of Fig. 1 on a modified scale, showing an apparatus for facilitating removal of specimen-containing ampules from the rack, in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a diagram, including a partial vertical cross-sectional view of a storage rack similar to the rack of Fig. 2, showing another apparatus for facilitating removal of specimen-containing ampules from storage, in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic vertical cross-sectional view through a storage rack with specimen-containing ampules and a scanning and ampule removal device, in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a conven¬ tional low-temperature storage unit.

Fig. 6 is partially a block diagram and partially a schematic top plan view of an ampule retrieval device in accordance with the present invention. Detailed Description

As illustrated in Fig. 1, a storage rack 10 for use in a cryogenic storage system includes a frame portion 12 and a pair of support rails or guides 14 and 16 on opposite sides of frame 12 for inserting the rack into a cryogenic storage unit (not illustrated) . Frame 12 defines a rectangular array of cylindrical receptacles 18 for holding respective ampules or vials 20 which contain biological specimens such as sperm, blood or DNA materials.

Each ampule or vial 20 has a cylindrical body por¬ tion 22 (see Fig. 2) , an optional annular flange 24 proximate to an upper end of the body portion, and a cap 26 covering an opening (not shown) at the upper end of the respective ampule. A magnetic element 28 such as a ferromagnetic insert in embedded in cap 26 for facilitating recovery of the respective ampule, as described in detail hereinafter. In addition, cap 26 is provided with an identification tag or strip 30 (Fig. 1) carrying, for example, a bar code or other kind of automati¬ cally readable, nonmagnetic data code. Strips 30 encode information identifying the contents of the respective ampules. Such information may include, for example, blood type and RH factor in the case of blood, donor IQ and ethnic background in the case of semen, etc. More particularly, the information on strips 30 may specifically identify the person from whom the ampule contents were taken.

Frame 12 may be provided along an upper surface with a plurality of position identification tags or strips 32. Strips 32, as well as strips 30, are scannable by a hand-held optical reading device 34 of conventional design. Reading device 34 includes a light generating component 36 energized by a power source 38 and further includes a sensor 40 con¬ nected at an output to a control unit 42 in the form of a com¬ puter or microprocessor. Light generating component, 36, power source 38 and sensor 40 are carried on a manipulable instrument or holder 44.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, each ampule 20 is provided at a lower end with a magnet 46. In addition, frame 12 is provided at the bottom of each receptacle 18 with a respective ejection assembly in the form of an electromagnet 48 having energization coils extending from computer or con¬ trol unit 42.

A keyboard 50 is connected to control unit 42 for enabling entry of specimen data into the control unit. During operation of the assembly of Fig. 2, control unit 42 consults an internal memory to determine the location in rack 10 of a desired specimen selected via keyboard 50. Upon determining the location of the specimen, control unit 42 energizes the appropriate electromagnet 48 to generate a repulsion force between the energized electromagnet and the magnet 46 at the bottom end of the ampule 20 containing the selected specimen. The repulsion force is sufficiently great to elevate or shift the selected ampule so that it projects beyond the upper sur¬ face of frame 12, as indicated at 52 in Fig. 2. Thus, the ampule containing the desired specimen is automatically located and shifted to indicate its location to an operator and to facilitate removal of the ampule from cryogenic storage rack 10.

An operator provides control unit 42 with data specifying the locations of specimen-containing ampules 20 in rack 10. That data is fed to control unit 42 via keyboard 50, for example, upon the placement of a specimen-containing ampule 20 into rack 10. Alternatively, or additionally as a cross-check, location information is fed to control unit 42 via scanning or reading device 34. Periodically, or upon the insertion of an ampule 20 into rack 10, scanning or reading device 34 is passed over strips 30 and 32 in each row of receptacles 18 in frame 12, thereby providing control unit 42 with an encoded and updated listing of stored specimen- containing ampules and their locations in rack 10. It is to be noted that the function of position identification tags or strips 32 may be performed by other means, for example, by encoding positional information on bar code strips 30. Accor¬ dingly, strips 32 may be omitted. Alternatively, strips 32 may take other forms, such as annular strips surrounding respective receptacles 18.

As further depicted in Fig. 2, an insulated glove 54 is provided with a magnetic element 56, i.e., a permanent mag¬ net or an electromagnet, on a palm surface 58, or alterna¬ tively on a finger surface as indicated at 60, for facilitat¬ ing the grasping and removal of the selected ampule projecting from rack 10 at 52. In the event that the magnetic element 56 is an electromagnet, it may be operatively connected to con¬ trol unit 42 for energization thereby.

It is to be noted that glove 54 may also be provided with a scanning device 62 for reading the identification data encoded on strips 30. The scanning device 62, as well as electromagnet 56, is operatively connected to control unit 42, whereby the electromagnet is automatically energized upon a passing of glove 54 over a desired ampule.

In an alternative construction, a microprocessor (not shown) is provided on glove 54. Electromagnet 56 and scanning device 62 are then connected to the microprocessor so that the electromagnet is automatically energized upon a pass¬ ing of glove 54 over a desired ampule. In addition to elec¬ tromagnet 56, scanning device 62 and a microprocessor, glove 54 may be provided with a keypad (not shown) , for example, on the dorsal side of the glove, for entering specimen identifi¬ cation instructions into the microprocessor (compare Fig. 4) . As illustrated in Fig. 3, a frame portion 112 of a rack 110 is formed with an array of cylindrical receptacles 118 holding respective cylindrical ampules or vials 120. Each vial 120 contains a respective biological sample or specimen and is tagged with an identification strip (not shown) like strips 30 in Fig. 1. Each vial 120 comprises a body portion 122, an optional flange 124 and a cap 126. The cap 126 is provided with a magnetic element 128 in the form of a permanent magnet or a magnetizable ferromagnetic strip.

Frame portion 112 is further formed with a pres- surization chamber or channel network 170 which communicates with a series of bores 172 in turn connected to respective receptacles 118. Pressurization chamber of channel network 170 is operatively connected to a compressor or other source of pressurized air 174.

A plurality of valve plates 176 slidingly inserted through respective bores 172 are provided for regulating com¬ munication between pressurization chamber or channel network 170 and receptacles 118. Valve plates 176 are shifted between valve opened and closed positions by respective solenoid actuators 178 connected to a control unit 142. Control unit 142 is provided with instructions regarding solenoid energiza¬ tion via a keyboard 150. In addition, control unit 142 may be provided with encoded vial position information via a scanning device such as device 34 shown in Fig. 2. Alternatively, such information may be fed to control unit 142 via a scanning com¬ ponent 62 in a glove 54 (Fig. 2) .

Upon energization of a solenoid actuator 178 and the consequent pressurization of the respective receptacle 118, the vial 120 held within the receptacle is shifted to a par¬ tially removed position 152. This partial ejection of the vial facilitates location and removal of the desired specimen by an operator.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of an ampule or vial extraction assembly. The vials are identical to the vials 120 in the embodiment of Fig. 3 and are accordingly labeled with the same reference numerals. A frame portion 212 of a cryogenic storage rack 210 is provided with an array of recep¬ tacles 218 for holding vials 120. The vials are provided with identification tags or strips on caps 126, as described hereinabove with respect to Fig. 1.

A vial scanning and removal device 215 depicted in Fig. 4 comprises a hand-held instrument or holder 217 which houses a cofunctioning light projector 219 and a sensor 221 of conventional design for reading bar codes or other types of information bearing codes in the identification strips on vial caps 126. Light projector 219 is energized by a power source 223 preferably in response to commands from a microprocessor 225 housed inside instrument 217.

The output of sensor 221 is fed to microprocessor 225 which compares the scanning input from sensor 221 with a vial identification code fed to the microprocessor via a keypad 227 attached to instrument 217. Upon detecting a match, microprocessor energizes an electromagnet 229, thereby automatically lifting or pulling a selected vial from its receptacle 218. The removal of the desired vial is completed manually, by moving device 215 away from rack 210.

As illustrated in Fig. 5, a conventional low- temperature storage unit comprises a multiplicity of tri¬ angular drawers or trays 301 arranged in pie-shaped columns 303 to form a substantially cylindrical assembly. Each indi¬ vidual drawer 301 is at least partially removable from the storage unit to permit access to vials 305 which are disposed in the drawer in a predetermined planar array. The array of vial locations is the same for all the drawers 301 in the storage unit. The refrigeration and temperature control por¬ tions of the storage unit have been omitted from the drawing for purposes of simplicity.

As shown in Fig. 6, a device for substantially automating the retrieval of vials from storage unit of Fig. 5 comprises a triangular carrier member or template 307 provided with a plurality of electromagnetic coils 309 in an array cor¬ responding or matching the array of vial locations in each drawer 301 of the storage unit of Fig. 5. There is, there¬ fore, a one-to-one correspondence between the possible loca- - lo ¬

tions of the item-bearing containers in each drawer 301 and the electromagnetic coils 309 on carrier 307. Coils 309 are operatively connected to a computer 311 which controls the energization of the coils.

To use the device of Fig. 6 with the storage unit of Fig. 5, it is understood that vials 305 are provided with mag¬ netic or magnetizable caps, as described hereinabove with reference to other embodiments of the invention.

In using the vial-retrieval device of Fig. 6, an operator enters an identification code for a desired specimen and its vial 305 into computer 311 via a keyboard 313 or other input device. Computer 311, which has been programmed to store the locations of the specimen-containing vials, displays on a monitor 315 an indication of the particular column 303 and drawer 301 in which the selected specimen-containing vial 301 is located. The operator then manually opens the drawer, as instructed by computer 311, and positions carrier member 307 over the drawer so that the vial locations are aligned with respective electromagnetic coils 309.

Upon completion of this alignment operation, which may be automatically detected by computer 311 via non- illustrated sensors or which may be communicated to the com¬ puter via keyboard 313, computer 311 energizes the appropriate coil 309, thereby shifting the selected vial from its storage position. The vial is then completely removed from its storage drawer 301 by lifting carrier member 307 from the drawer. The selected vial 305 is attached to carrier member 307 through the action of the respective energized electromag¬ netic coil 309 and may be removed from carrier 307 by hand, preferably before de-energization of the coil.

Alternatively, carrier member 307 may be formed with a multiplicity of apertures 317 coaxial with respective coils 309. Upon energization of a coil 309, the selected vial 305 is electromagnetically attracted into the respective aperture 317. The vial may then be pulled through the aperture and removed from the drawer 301.

An electro-acoustic transducer 319 or other alert device may be connected to computer 311, whereby an operator may be automatically informed as to an error in locating and retrieving a selected vial 305. Such an error might occur, for example, if a wrong drawer 301 is pulled from its column 303.

Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. For example, the ejectable storage containers may be vials, ampules, or even boxes and may have a shape other than cylindrical, while the specimens stored may be biological samples, such as blood or seeds, or manufactured items such as semiconductor wafers. Moreover, the ejection mechanism may be pneumatic, electromagnetic, electrical, or mechanical. In addition, all the storage containers may project above the upper surface of the holder or frame during storage, the ejec¬ tion mechanism serving to shift selected containers from their storage positions to removal positions. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proferred by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A storage assembly comprising: a frame; holder means on said frame for defining a plurality of storage locations throughout a horizontal area and for sup¬ porting a plurality of specimen-containing ampules at respec¬ tive ones of said locations; individual ejection means mounted to said frame at each of said locations for at least partially shifting respec¬ tive ones of said ampules from said locations; and control means operatively connected to said ejection means for selectively activating said ejection means to shift any one of said ampules from its respective storage location.

2. The assembly defined in claim 1 wherein said ejection means includes a plurality of electromagnets equal in number to said storage locations and disposed on said frame at respective ones of said locations, said control means includ¬ ing means for selectively energizing said electromagnets, said ampules being provided with respective magnetic elements.

3. The assembly defined in claim 2 wherein said electromagnets are disposed in a planar array below said holder means, said ampules being subjected to a repelling force upon energization of said electromagnets.

4. The assembly defined in claim 2 wherein said electromagnets are disposed in a planar array above said holder means, said ampules being subjected to an attractive force upon energization of said electromagnets.

5. The assembly defined in claim 1, further compris¬ ing scanner means for scanning the ampules held by said holder means, said scanner means being operatively connected to said control means for transmitting thereto signals identifying the ampules, said control means including means for selectively activating said ejection means in response to signals from said scanner means.

6. The assembly defined in claim 5 wherein said scanner means is provided in a hand held device manually shiftable over said ampules in said holder means.

7. The assembly defined in claim 1 wherein said con¬ trol means includes a computer programmed to store information identifying said ampules and contents thereof.

8. A device for removing specimen-containing vials supported in a plurality of receptacles in a predetermined array, comprising: a hand-held frame; scanner means on said frame for scanning the vials supported in respective ones of said receptacles; ejection means on said frame for at least partially shifting any one of said vials from a storage position in a respective one of said receptacles to a removal position; and control means operatively connected to said ejection means for selectively activating said ejection means to shift said one of said vials from its respective storage receptacle so that said one of said vials projects at least partially from said holder means, said scanner means being operatively connected to said control means for transmitting thereto sig¬ nals identifying vials supported in respective ones of said receptacles on said holder means, said control means including means for selectively activating said ejection means in response to signals from said scanner means.

9. The device defined in claim 8 wherein said ejec¬ tion means includes an electromagnets, said control means including means for energizing said electromagnet, said vials being provided with respective magnetic elements, whereby said vials are subjected to an attractie force upon energization of said electromagnet.

10. The device defined in claim 8 wherein said con¬ trol means includes a computer programmed to store information identifying said vials and contents thereof.

11. An apparatus for use in retrieval of a specimen from storage, comprising: a glove; and magnetic means attached to said glove on a grasping surface of said glove for attracting a magnetic element on a container holding the specimen.

12. The apparatus defined in claim 11 wherein said magnetic means includes an electromagnet attached to said glove and means for energizing said electromagnet.

13. The apparatus defined in claim 11 wherein said grasping surface is on a palm portion of said glove.

14. The apparatus defined in claim 11 wherein said grasping surface is on a finger portion of said glove.

15. A method for use in the storage of a multi¬ plicity of discrete items, comprising the steps of: holding specimen-bearing ampules in a predetermined array throughout a horizontal area; manually moving a hand-held scanner device over said ampules; automatically scanning said ampules during said step of moving; automatically identifying a preselected ampule in response to said step of scanning; automatically ejecting the identified preselected ampule partially from said array; and subsequently manually removing the selected item- bearing container completely from the array.

16. The method defined in claim 15 wherein said step of ejecting includes the step of feeding a current to a coil of an electromagnet.

17. The method defined in claim 16 wherein said array is defined by a frame member, said coil being disposed on said frame member.

18. The method defined in claim 16 wherein said coil is disposed on a carrier member positionable over said array, said step of feeding a current resulting in a magnetic field to attract said selected item-bearing container.

19. The method defined in claim 16 wherein said coil is disposed in a glove, further comprising the steps of put¬ ting said glove on a hand and moving the gloved hand over said array, said step of removing comprising the steps of manually grasping the selected item-bearing container via said glove and pulling said container from said array.