Storage stacks

{
  "publication_number": "US10251388B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Storage stacks",
  "abstract": "A storage stack for storing sample containers in a low temperature sample store, each storage stack includes first and second rigid lateral support flanges including a multitude of storage webs for supporting sample containers; a rigid back panel; a rigid bottom plate; and a rigid insulation cover. The insulation cover includes a handling plate and an insulation block. A number of insulation covers of all storage stacks of a storage stack array form an essentially continuous insulation layer on a storage area of the low temperature sample store. For all storage stacks, carrying elements are provided that statically connect the bottom plate of each individual storage stack with a bottom structure of the storage area, carry the entire weight of the individual storage stack and all sample containers inserted therein, and confer this entire weight to a bottom structure of the storage area of the low temperature sample store.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A sample store comprising: an insulated storage area having an array of storage stacks disposed therein; a transfer area disposed over the insulated storage area; and an insulating cover covering the array of storage stacks, the insulating cover being disposed between and separating the transfer area and the insulated storage area; wherein the insulating cover comprises a circumferential seal and seals the insulated storage area and includes an insulation block, of at least one storage stack of the array of storage stacks, surrounded by the circumferential seal that protrudes laterally about circumference surfaces of the insulation block and forms an integral seal protrusion integral with the insulating block on all sides beyond the circumference surfaces of the insulation block and the integral seal protrusion laterally contacts adjacent storage stacks and the seal protrusion is compressed by said contact against adjacent storage stacks to effect sealing of the insulating cover.",
    "2. The sample store of claim 1, wherein each storage stack in the array of storage stacks includes a respective insulation block.",
    "3. The sample store of claim 1, wherein the insulated storage area includes a common opening for the array of storage stacks.",
    "4. The sample store of claim 3, wherein the insulting cover closes the common opening.",
    "5. The sample store of claim 1, wherein the lateral seal comprises a polyethylene foam.",
    "6. The sample store of claim 1, wherein the insulation block comprises a high density polyurethane shell and high density polyurethane stabilizing portions, the high density polyurethane shell being filled with a low density polyurethane filling.",
    "7. The sample store of claim 1, wherein the insulation block includes a handling plate configured to interface with a transport of the transfer area.",
    "8. The sample store of claim 1, wherein the insulation block comprises fiber reinforced dilation stabilization portions that are embedded inside the insulation block and that are located within a region of parallel block circumference surfaces of the insulation block."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "1. Field\n\nThe aspects of the disclosed embodiment refer to storage stacks for a modular sample store for storing biological, chemical and/or biochemical samples. More particularly, this application refers to storage stacks comprising particular insulation covers for use in a temperature controlled modular sample store for storing such samples at controlled temperature conditions, preferably in the range of −25° C. to −90° C. In the preferred embodiment, this application refers to a storage stack for storing sample containers in a low temperature sample store. Such a low temperature sample store is equipped with a robot that is capable to acting according to Cartesian X, Y, and Z coordinates for horizontally positioning sample containers in X/Y planes inside of individual storage stacks. The robot is also capable to vertically moving individual storage stacks within the low temperature sample store in Z direction between a bottom storage position and elevated access positions. The sample store typically defines a storage area for accommodating an array of such storage stacks. This storage area preferably comprises a number of first lattice constants of an orthogonal lattice in the horizontal X direction and a number of second lattice constants of said orthogonal lattice in the horizontal Y direction. The total number of storage stacks of the storage stack array is accomplished to be oriented adjacent to each other and parallel to the vertical Z direction.\n\n2. Brief Description of Related Developments",
  "cpc": [
    "A01N 1/0263",
    "A01N 1/146",
    "A47F 5/00",
    "B65G 1/0464",
    "B65G 1/06",
    "F25D 25/04",
    "F25D 2500/06",
    "F25D 29/00",
    "G01N 2035/00326",
    "G01N 2035/00435",
    "G01N 2035/00445",
    "G01N 35/0099",
    "G01N 35/1095",
    "Y10T 29/49826"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "A01N 1/02",
    "A47F 5/00",
    "B65G 1/04",
    "B65G 1/06",
    "G01N 35/00",
    "G01N 35/10"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Brooks Automation Inc"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Beat Reuteler"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2015-10-06",
  "publication_date": "2019-04-09",
  "grant_date": "2019-04-09",
  "priority_date": "2009-10-19",
  "application_number": "US-201514875921-A",
  "family_id": "42229238",
  "cited_by_count": 8,
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}