Abstract:
A storage-access apparatus includes a first support device including a first base; at least one first storage-access device and at least one first storage device, disposed on the first base and arranged in a first circle; a second support device including a second base; at least one second storage-access device and at least one second storage device, disposed on the second base and arranged in a second circle; and a transporting device, wherein the first storage-access device, the first storage device, the second storage-access device and the second storage device each has plural compartments, the transporting device corresponds to the compartments, and the first storage-access device and the first storage device can rotate relative to the second storage-access device and the second storage device. Accordingly, the storage-access apparatus can be employed in depositing and picking up products independently. Also disclosed is a storage system including, among others, the storage-access apparatus.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a storage-access apparatus for storing products and a storage system thereof, and more particularly, to a storage-access apparatus and a storage system thereof run independently for storage-access operations and as such, lowering cost and raising storage-access accuracy can be achieved. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Currently, ultra-low temperature storage apparatuses are normally run under an ultra-low temperature environment (such as liquid nitrogen at −196° C.), mostly for storing biocells or body fluids, such as cord blood, bone marrow, placenta, embryo, sperm, and ovum. However, since the use of specimens for cord blood, bone marrow, placenta, embryo, sperm, or ovum is not considerably immediate, an ultra-low temperature storage apparatus for storing the specimens over a long period of time becomes necessary. Biotechnology has been developed rapidly in recent decades and in particular, because the cord blood contains abundant stem cells, it has been widely adopted in therapy. The issue of cord blood deposit has been receiving a lot of attention. 
     Nowadays, there are several kinds of storage tanks for being used by cord blood banks, for example, 1) conventional liquid nitrogen storage tanks (MVE, Tayler-Wharton); and 2) automatic mechanical storage tanks (TG BioArchieve System). 
     Conventionally, liquid nitrogen storage tanks relate to an open-lid type, where specimens contained in the storage tanks are stacked up in cartridges. To the effect, there are several cartridges contained in the storage tanks, whereas a plurality of specimens is stacked in the cartridges. Nevertheless, when an operator wishes to access to one of the specimens, other specimens frozen in the same cartridge will be taken out together. This would possibly affect activity of cells on the specimens because of temperature being changed abruptly. Moreover, since the liquid nitrogen storage tanks are of open-lid type, upon proceeding with storage and access actions, such a design of open-lid type will make moisture on surface of the liquid nitrogen become condensed. As a result, the labeling of specimens is concealed by condensation, and accuracy and speed of the storage and access are greatly affected. 
     The mechanical storage tank (BioArchieve System) relates to an automatic storage tank using hooks of robotic arms to hang the specimens on wall of the storage tank. Because the mechanical storage tank can perform the storage and access actions independently, the specimens at other storage positions would not be affected. In view of the fact that the BioArchieve System employs the hooking measure to store the specimens, the specimens may fall to bottom of the storage tank when the storage tank rocks and the specimens swing. Based on this ground, when the specimens are stored with this measure, the storage tank is, in principle, not allowed to be delivered or rocked in a great extent. Moreover, when the robotic arms are manipulated, moving upward or downward of the robotic arms will make moisture in the air permeate into joints of the robotic arms which are then frosted. The thus-impeded robotic arms, when manipulated, will produce relatively high frictional resistance, or even fail. Besides, the BioArchieve System relies on a computer for operation control, where electrical power is consumed, and after long-term use, precision electronic components may be damaged. In particular, the BioArchieve System is quite complex in design, and as such, high costs incurred in purchase and maintenance are the disadvantage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To solve the problems mentioned above, the present invention is to provide a storage-access apparatus for storing a plurality of products, comprising a first support device including a first base; at least one first storage-access device which is supported on the first base and is provided for depositing and picking up the products; at least one first storage device which is supported on the first base and is provided for storing the products; a second support device including a second base; at least one second storage-access device which is supported on the second base and is provided for depositing and picking up the products; at least one second storage device which is supported on the second base and is provided for storing the products; and a transporting device which is provided for transferring the products. The first storage-access device, the first storage device, the second storage-access device, and the second storage device each has a plurality of compartments for receiving the products; and the transporting device is provided for transferring the products in the compartments. The first storage-access device and the first storage device are arranged in a first circle, while the second storage-access device and the second storage device are arranged in a second circle. The first storage-access device and the first storage device can rotate relative to the second storage-access device and the second storage device. 
     According to the present invention, the storage-recess apparatus is designed to have a circular arrangement structure so as to achieve the purpose of independent storage and access. In addition, the storage-recess apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to have a two-circle structure. If necessary, the storage-recess apparatus, based on the same principle of design, may have other multiple-circle structures, for instance, a four-circle structure. 
     In the present invention, the first storage-access device and the second storage-access device are movable and are provided for picking up or depositing the products, whereas the first storage device and the second storage device are provided for storing the products. In detail, when proceeding with a pickup, the products stored in the first storage device can be transferred, by the transporting device, to the second storage-access device; or the products stored in the second storage device be transferred to the first storage-access device. Thereafter, to complete a pickup action by picking up the products in the first or second storage-access devices, and vice versa, a storage action can be completed. 
     According to the present invention, the compartments are separated from one another by a plurality of partitions which are curved at edges so as to facilitate smooth transfer of the products. The first storage-access device, the first storage device, the second storage-access device, and the second storage device are each provided with an open side and, oppositely, a closed side. The open sides of the first storage-access device and the first storage device face toward the open sides of the second storage-access device and the second storage device, such that the products can be transferred in the storage-access apparatus. The closed sides can prevent the products from falling. 
     Further, the transporting device can be designed as a mechanism able to transfer the products in the compartments. Preferably, the transporting device refers to a plurality of push-rod units each including a casing having a leading piece and an elastic element disposed in the casing and extending out of the leading piece and into various depths of the compartments. 
     The first storage-access device, the first storage device, the second storage-access device, and the second storage device are each provided, at its closed side, with a through first guiding portion, such that the push-rod unit can be put into the first guiding portion for transferring the products in the compartments. 
     The storage-access apparatus according to the present invention may further comprise a partition element corresponding to the open sides of the first storage-access device, the first storage device, the second storage-access device, and the second storage device. The partition element is not limited to any specific configuration so long as the purpose of preventing the products from falling out of the compartments, due to rocking of the storage-access apparatus, can be achieved. Preferably, the partition element refers to a partition rod, and when moving the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention, the partition rod can be inserted into a through second guiding portion provided at the open side of each of the first storage-access device, the first storage device, the second storage-access device, and the second storage device so as to prevent the products from falling out due to rocking of the storage-access apparatus. 
     The first support device may further include a rotating unit connected with the first storage-access device and the first storage device. The first storage-access device and the first storage device are positioned between the rotating unit and the first base. The first storage-access device and the first storage device can, through the rotating unit, rotate relative to the second storage-access device and the second storage device. The rotating unit is disposed at the top or bottom of the storage-access apparatus, preferably at the top of the apparatus so as to facilitate maintenance therefor. 
     Further, in the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention, the first base has a plurality of first positioning portions, corresponding to locations of the first storage-access device and the first storage device, for anchoring bottoms of the first storage-access device and the first storage device. Similarly, the second base has a plurality of second positioning portions, corresponding to locations of the second storage-access device and the second storage device, for anchoring bottoms of the second storage-access device and the second storage device. The first and second positioning portions can be designed as any structure having effectiveness of positioning, such as slots, holes, and so forth. Preferably, the first and second positioning portions can be a hole-like structure so as to lower manufacturing cost and to reduce manufacturing processing. 
     The rotating unit of the first support device includes a bearing disk, a first rotating element, and a second rotating element, wherein the bearing disk are fixed to the second base, the first rotating element rotates relative to the bearing disk, and the second rotating element is connected with the first rotating element. 
     Rotation of the rotating unit can be controlled manually or by a step motor, wherein the second rotating element is provided with a handle for controlling rotation thereof. 
     The rotating unit may further include a plurality of first rods connected with the second rotating element and the first base so as to reinforce the connecting relationship between the rotating unit and the first base, such that the first base can be rotated along with the rotating unit. 
     Still further, the rotating unit may include at least one first guiding element which is connected with the second rotating element, and which corresponds to a location of the at least one first storage-access device, so that the first storage-access device, upon insertion thereinto, can be guided to an accurate position. Preferably, the first guiding element is connected with the first base. 
     In the present invention, the rotating unit may include a plurality of rolling elements, such as steel balls, interposed between the bearing disk and the first rotating element. When the first rotating element is rotated, it will rotate together with the rolling elements. In detail, the bearing disk may be provided with a plurality of holes for positioning the rolling elements, whereas the first rotating element may be provided with recesses corresponding to the rolling elements so as to restrict movement of the rolling elements, such that the rolling elements can be positioned in the recesses and facilitate rotation of the first rotating element. 
     Further, the rotating unit may include a plurality of positioning elements interposed between the bearing disk and the first rotating element, so that the first rotating element can reach to a target position while the first rotating element stops rotating. In detail, the bearing disk is locked with the plural positioning elements, and that the first rotating element is provided with a plurality of positioning holes corresponding to the positioning elements. As such, a combination of the positioning elements and the positioning holes can provide resistance, so that the first rotating element may not rotate too fast, and that when it stops rotating, the first storage-access device and the first storage device can accurately align with the second storage-access device and the second storage device. 
     According to the present invention, the second support device further includes a supporting unit which is fixed to the second base, where the second storage-access device and the second storage device are interposed between the supporting unit and the second base, such that the second storage-access device and the second storage device can be firmly supported on the second base. The supporting unit includes at least one second guiding element which corresponds to the location on which the at least one second storage-access device is disposed, so that the at least one second storage-access device can be guided and accurately inserted thereinto. Preferably, the second guiding element is connected with bottom of the second base. 
     The storage-access apparatus, according to the present invention, may further include a cover plate which covers the top of the apparatus so as to prevent temperature loss or invasion of foreign matter, in particular can prevent the apparatus from being effected by surface moisture, so that operators can carry out the access-storage job accurately. Further, according to the present invention, the cover plate can be of any materials having an anti-fogging feature, preferably, the cover plate refers to an acrylic plate or high-strength glass. In addition, the cover plate can be affixed with a label so as to help the operator assure accuracy of positioning. 
     Still further, the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of cartridges for containing the products, such as specimens, where the cartridges are arranged in the compartments. The cartridges can store any type of products, and that the shapes of the cartridges are not to be limited so long as the cartridges can be moved among the compartments conveniently. The cartridges can be curved at edges so as to facilitate the cartridges to smoothly enter the compartments. 
     The cartridges are each provided, on surface, with an identification label, preferably, the identification label faces the first guiding portion, such that an optical-fiber lens or barcode reader can see through the first guiding portion and recognize image of the identification label. 
     According to the present invention, a storage system is further provided for storing a plurality of products, where the storage system comprises a storage tank filled with a liquid, and a storage-access apparatus, as mentioned above, which is disposed in the storage tank. According to the present invention, the storage tank can keep the liquid under a certain temperature suitable for storing the products. In the present invention, the liquid may be of low temperature liquid nitrogen. As such, the storage system, according to the present invention, can be used for storing specimens, such as stem cells. 
     The storage system, according to the present invention, can further comprise a defroster for removing frost from the storage tank so as to prevent the storage system from failure resulting from frosting. 
     Still further, the storage system can be electrically connected with a monitoring system so as to achieve the purpose of safety-and-function monitor. In the present invention, the monitor system is not to be limited, but may be a Positioning Bearing Vibration Spectrum Analysis Monitoring System, Storage Tank Liquid Level Monitoring System, Storage Tank Horizontal and Exterior Impact Monitoring System, Storage Tank Liquid Nitrogen Automatic Filling Monitoring System, Storage Tank Bottom Icing and Foreign Matters Monitoring System, Storage Tank Bio-pollution Monitoring System, Storage Tank Liquid Nitrogen Vaporization or Leakage Monitoring System, or various Sensors Detecting Signal Net Monitoring System (with, for instance, messaging and telephone monitor and warning functions), and so forth. 
     According to the present invention, since the storage-access apparatus and the storage system relate to manual manipulation mechanism, system shutdown due to electric power failure or robotic fault can be avoided. In addition, since the mechanism is relatively simple, manufacturing cost and maintenance difficulty can be lowered. Further, the transmission principle applied in the present invention can perform the storage and access actions independently, so that the specimens not to be accessed remain at the original position, and that loss of cell activity on the specimens due to abrupt temperature change can be avoided. Besides, in the present invention, the cover plate can perform an anti-fog effect so as to avoid the problem of visual blur due to condensation of moisture above the liquid nitrogen, and that accuracy and speed of access and storage can be enhanced. 
     Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view, with parts removed, illustrating a storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view illustrating the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view, partly cut away, illustrating assembly of a bearing disk, a first rotating element, and a second rotating element of the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the bearing disk and the first rotating element of the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view illustrating a first storage-access device of the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view illustrating a first storage device of the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view illustrating a second storage-access device of the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5D  is a perspective view illustrating a second storage device of the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating the top of the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A to 7C  are perspective views illustrating actions of access and storage of the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a cartridge of the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view, in outer appearance, illustrating the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating a storage tank containing the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrating a storage-access apparatus according to the present invention, the storage-access apparatus  100  comprises a first support device including a first base  11  and a rotating unit  12 ; at least one first storage-access device  13  and at least one first storage device  14  which are supported on the first base  11  and are arranged in a first circle; a second support device including a second base  15  and a supporting unit  16 ; at least one second storage-access device  17  and at least one second storage device  18  which are supported on the second base  15  and are arranged in a second circle; a cover plate  19  for covering the top of the storage-access apparatus  100 ; and a transporting device  10 , wherein the first storage-access device  13 , the first storage device  14 , the second storage-access device  17 , and the second storage device  18  each has a plurality of compartments  23 , and the transporting device  10  is used for transferring products in each of the compartments  23 , and the first storage-access device  13  and the first storage device  14  can rotate relative to the second storage-access device  17  and the second storage device  18 . 
     According to the present invention, the rotating unit  12  is disposed at the top of the storage-access apparatus  100 , and is connected with the first storage-access device  13  and the first storage device  14 . The supporting unit  16  is fixed to the second base  15 , and is connected with the second storage-access device  17  and the second storage device  18 . The second storage-access device  17  and the second storage device  18  are located between the supporting unit  16  and the second base  15 . The first storage-access device  13  and the first storage device  14  can, through the rotating unit  12 , rotate relative to the second storage-access device  17  and the second storage device  18 . With the help of the movable first storage-access device  13  and the first storage device  14 , actions of storage and access for the storage-access apparatus  100 , according to the present invention, can be performed without effecting unused products deposited in the first storage-access device  13  and the first storage device  14  so as to avoid damage to activity of organisms due to inappropriate temperature increase. Further, because the rotating unit  12 , which has a complex design, is disposed at the top of the storage-access apparatus  100 , maintenance for the apparatus can be undertaken easily. In addition, the cover plate  19 , which covers the top of the apparatus, can prevent temperature loss or invasion of foreign matters, in particular can prevent the apparatus from being effected by fogging, so that operators can carry out the access-storage job accurately. Further, according to the present invention, the transporting device  10  refers to a plurality of push-rod units  10   a  (only one push-rod unit is shown), where each push-rod unit  10   a  can reach to the compartments  23  of various locations so as to access the products in the compartments  23 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view illustrating the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention, the structure and combination of elements of the storage-access apparatus  100  are detailed as follows: 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in the first support device, the first base  11  has a plurality of first positioning portions  111 , corresponding to locations of the first storage-access device  13  and the first storage device  14 , for anchoring bottoms of the first storage-access device  13  and the first storage device  14 . In the present invention, the first positioning portions  111  refer to holes, such that protrusions  131 ,  141  underneath the first storage-access device  13  and the first storage device  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , can be inserted into the first positioning portions  111 . 
     The rotating unit  12  of the first support device includes a bearing disk  121 , a first rotating element  122 , a second rotating element  123 , a plurality of first rods  124 , a plurality of rolling elements  125 , a plurality of positioning elements  126 , and a first guiding element  127 . The first rods  124  are connected with the second rotating element  123  and the first base  11 , and that the first guiding element  127  is connected with the second rotating element  123  and with the bottom of the first base  11 , and corresponds to the location of the first storage-access device  13 , so that the first storage-access device  13  can be disposed aligning with the location. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first rotating element  122  rotates relative to the bearing disk  121 , and that the second rotating element  123  is connected with the first rotating element  122 . The second rotating element  123  is provided with a handle  123   a  for controlling rotation thereof. In detail, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a plurality of rolling elements  125  (in the present invention, the rolling elements refer to steel balls) is disposed in holes (not shown) of the bearing disk  121 , and that the first rotating element  122  is provided with a recess  212  corresponding to the rolling elements  125 . Further, the bearing disk  121  is locked with a plurality of positioning elements  126  (in the present invention, the positioning elements refer to steel balls), and that the first rotating element  122  is provided with a plurality of positioning holes  211  corresponding to the positioning elements  126 . As such, when the first rotating element  122  is rotated, it will rotate together with the rolling elements  125 , making the first rotating element  122  rotate smoothly, while the positioning elements  126 , which correspond to the positioning holes  211 , can provide resistance, so that the first rotating element  122  may not rotate too fast, and that when rotating is stopped, the first rotating element  122  can reach to a desirable position. This will achieve the purpose of rotational positioning. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in the second support device, the second base  15  has a plurality of second positioning portions  151 , corresponding to locations of the second storage-access device  17  and the second storage device  18 , for anchoring bottoms of the second storage-access device  17  and the second storage device  18 . In the present invention, the second positioning portions  151  refer to holes, such that protrusions  171 ,  181  underneath the second storage-access device  17  and the second storage device  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 5C and 5D , can be inserted into the second positioning portions  151 . Further, a locking portion  15   a  of the second base  15  is engaged with a locking portion  121   a  of the bearing disk  121  so as to secure the bearing disk  121 . 
     The supporting unit  16  of the second support device has a plurality of second posts  161 , a cover  162 , and at least one second guiding element  163  which corresponds to the location on which the at least one second storage-access device  17  is disposed, so that the second storage-access device  17  can be guided and accurately inserted thereinto. The cover  162  is connected with the second posts  161 , and that the second guiding element  163  is connected with the cover plate  19 , the cover  162 , and the second base  15 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Further, the transporting device  10 , as mentioned above, refers to a plurality of push-rod units  10   a  (only one push-rod unit is shown), where the push-rod unit  10   a  includes a casing  101  having a leading piece  101   a  and an elastic element  102  disposed in the casing  101  and extending out of the leading piece  101  and toward the compartments  23 . The elastic element  102  of each push-rod unit  10   a  has a certain different amount of extension so as to extend, correspondingly, into various depths of the compartments  23 . 
     Still further, as mentioned above, the first storage-access device  13 , the first storage device  14 , the second storage-access device  17 , and the second storage device  18  each has a plurality of compartments  23 . The compartments  23  in the first storage-access device  13  and the first storage device  14  correspond to the compartments  23  in the second storage-access device  17  and the second storage device  18 , so that the products in the first storage-access device  13 , the first storage device  14 , the second storage-access device  17 , and the second storage device  18  can be transferred to one another. In detail, as shown in  FIGS. 5A to 5D , the compartments  23  are separated from one another by a plurality of partitions  24  which are curved at edges  241  so as to facilitate smooth transfer of the products. The first storage-access device  13 , the first storage device  14 , the second storage-access device  17 , and the second storage device  18  are each provided with an open side  25  and, oppositely, a closed side  26 . The closed side  26  has a first guiding portion  261  therethrough, and similarly, the open side  25  has a through second guiding portion  251 . When moving the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention, a partition element  28  (in the present invention, the partition element refers to a partition rod) is provided so as to prevent the products from falling out due to rocking of the storage-access apparatus. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A to 5D , the first storage-access device  13 , the first storage device  14 , the second storage-access device  17 , and the second storage device  18  are provided with hooks  132 ,  142 ,  172 , and  182 , respectively, so as to be engaged with the cover  162  of the second rotating element  123 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first storage-access device  13  is disposed in the first guiding element  127 , and that the first storage device  14  is attached to the second rotating element  123 , where the plural first storage devices  14  are arranged in a first circular portion (only one first storage device  14  is shown). The second storage-access device  17  is disposed in the second guiding element  163 , and that the second storage device  18  is attached to the cover  162  of the supporting unit  16 , where the plural second storage devices  18  are arranged in a second circular portion (only one second storage device  18  is shown). The open side  25  of the first storage-access device  13  and of the first storage device  14  face toward the second circular portion, while the open side  25  of the second storage-access device  17  and of the second storage device  18  face toward the first circular portion, so that actions of access and storage can be performed. Further, the first rotating element  122  and the cover plate  19  are each provided with a plurality of first openings  213  and  191 , respectively, so as to reveal, correspondingly, the first guiding portions  261 . The second rotating element  123  is provided with a plurality of second openings  221  so as to reveal, correspondingly, the second guiding portions  251  of the first storage-access devices  13  and of the first storage devices  14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A to 7C , perspective views illustrating actions of access and storage of the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention, in the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention, the push-rod units  10   a  are put into the first guiding portions  261  so as to proceed with the actions of transfer. Suppose the second storage-access device  17  is used for an action of access, the push-rod unit  10   a  is first put into the first guiding portion  261  of the first storage device  14 , then the top of the push-rod unit  10   a  is pressed down such that the elastic element  102  of the push-rod unit  10   a  extends out of the leading piece  101 , and that the elastic element  102 , which has a certain amount of extension, extends toward the compartment  23  in which a cartridge  27  is provided, so as to transfer the cartridge  27  to the compartment  23  of the second storage-access device  17 , as shown in  FIG. 7B . Thereafter, the elastic element  102  recovers to its original length and is received inside of the push-rod unit  10   a , as shown in  FIG. 7C . On the contrary, the actions shown from  FIGS. 7C to 7A  relate to storage of the products. Similarly, the first storage-access device  13  can be proceeded with actions for access or storage shown in  FIGS. 7A to 7C . 
     According to the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a perspective view illustrating a cartridge of the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention, the cartridge  27  is curved at edges  271 , so that the actions of transfer can be undertaken smoothly. Further, the cartridge  27  is provided, at its pivotal edge  272 , with an identification label  31 , where the identification label  31  faces the first guiding portion  261  when laying the cartridge  27 . As such, an optical-fiber lens or barcode reader can see through the first guiding portion  261  and recognize image of the identification label  31 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view, in outer appearance, illustrating the storage-access apparatus according to the present invention. 
     Finally, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the storage-access apparatus  100  according to the present invention is disposed in a storage tank  200  filled with a liquid suitable for storing specimens (in the present invention, the liquid refers to liquid nitrogen), so that a storage system provided for storing specimens can be completed. 
     Although the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.