Patent ID: 8636459
Filing Date: 2014-01-28
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A storage system for storing a plurality of samples, comprising: a storage compartment having an access port; an array of stacks disposed within the storage compartment, the array of stacks comprising rows and columns of slidable stacks adapted for retaining sample containers, each stack being formed of sample containers disposed along stacked layers where the stacked layers are transverse to the rows and columns; a plurality of guides extending along each row of stacks adapted for sliding the stacks parallel to the rows; a pair of robotic handlers disposed on opposite sides of the array of stacks, each robotic handler having a pushing mechanism; a drive mechanism for moving the pair of robotic handlers in a direction parallel to the columns; and a starter stack retained within a first robotic handler of the pair of robotic handlers; wherein the first robotic handler initiates a first push cycle by pushing the starter stack against a first end of a selected row of stacks so that a second stack on the second end of the row of stacks is received by the second robotic handler, the pair of handlers moves to a different row of stacks where the second robotic handler initiates a second push cycle by pushing the second stack into the second end of the different row, wherein the stacked layers of each stack are moved as a unit and the pair of robotic handlers repeat a plurality of push cycles until a selected stack containing a selected sample is positioned for access at the access port.