Patent Description:
Storage of samples, such as biological or chemical samples, may be stored in compartmentalized storage such as storage housings or modules that in cases may be automated to effect sample transport into and out of the storage housings or modules as well as within the storage housings or modules.

Generally samples are stored in industry standard trays such as in sample trays or microplates having an SBS (Society for Biomolecular Screening) format. For example, referring to <FIG>, a <NUM> well SBS sample microplate 200P has an <NUM> x <NUM> array of sample tube holding receptacles 210P arranged with a <NUM> pitch X (see ANSI SLAS <NUM>-<NUM> (R2012) (formerly recognized as ANSI/SBS <NUM>-<NUM>) and ANSI SLAS <NUM>-<NUM> (R2012) (formerly recognized as ANSI/SBS <NUM>-<NUM>)). Generally the standard format SBS sample microplates 200P have a width W of about <NUM> and a length L of about <NUM>. The pitch or distance X between the centers of the tube holding receptacles 210P positioned within the standard format SBS sample microplate 200P is about <NUM> so as to be compatible with industry standard devices such as multi-tip pipettes, sample tube cap removal/replacement devices, 2D code reading devices, sample tube sealing/piercing devices, etc..

Generally sample tubes stored in the sample trays maximize the storage volume in the sample tube (and hence the storage density of the sample tray) by making the sample tube as large as possible within the constraints of the standard format SBS sample tray. For example, conventional sample tubes generally have an outside diameter of just under <NUM> (e.g. referred to herein as a <NUM> sample tube) and conform to a standard SBS microplate with tube receptacles having an optimized volume capacity (e.g. the diameter of the <NUM> sample tube is substantially the same as the pitch between the tube receptacles).

It would be advantageous to have sample trays with a standard SBS footprint and sample tube receptacles having sub-optimal sample storage density that effect an increase in a picking throughput of an automated storage system.

<CIT> discloses a sample handling and storage system for use with wells or micro-tubes of a source plate.

Well positions of a <NUM> microplate are disclosed in the journal article of the <NPL>.

<CIT> discloses a test tube rack which is used to store a test tube containing a sample, and to carry the test tube for serving or pouring the sample to a test tube.

<CIT>) discloses an automatic storage system for storing a plurality of sample containers and picking up a selected sample container.

<CIT> discloses an automated storage and retrieval system for storing chemical and biological samples.

The invention relates to a tube holding microplate according to claim <NUM>, and to a method for storing sample specimens in a tube holding microplate according to claim <NUM>. Advantageous options are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The foregoing aspects and other features of the disclosed embodiment are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiment provide for increased picking throughput of an automated sample specimen storage system <NUM>, <NUM>' (also referred to herein as a sample storage facility or cold store) where sample store and transport tubes <NUM> (see <FIG> - also referred to as sample tubes) of the automated storage system are stored in trays having tube receptacles with a sub-optimal density, as will be described herein, with respect to a density of a standard SBS microplate having a standard SBS microplate pitch. The increased picking throughput of sample tubes <NUM> from the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' is provided for, as described herein, while maintaining an industry standard format for the sub-optimal or under optimum volume capacity microplates or trays <NUM> (see <FIG> - as will be described herein, and also referred to as microplates <NUM>) used to input and output the sample tubes <NUM> to and from the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>'. <FIG> illustrates an automated sample specimen storage system/facility or cold store <NUM> (again referred to herein as the sample storage facility) in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment. Although the aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that the aspects of the disclosed embodiment can be embodied in many forms. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

The sample storage facility <NUM> may include any suitable number of environmental zones or areas that may be connected to one another. In some aspects the zones may have different environments and may be isolated, otherwise the zones have a shared atmosphere. Storage facility <NUM> in the example shown in <FIG> is representative and in other aspects the storage facility may have any suitable arrangement. For example, the sample storage facility <NUM> may include one or more storage zones/areas 110A, 110B (also referred to herein as storage arrays 110A, 110B), a transport zone <NUM> and a climate controlled antechamber <NUM>. In other aspects the sample storage facility <NUM> may have any suitable number and type of zones/areas in which samples are stored and/or transported and which may be accessed by storage facility personnel. In one aspect, one or more panels/walls 100W may be removable to extend the storage capacity of the sample storage facility <NUM>. In one aspect, the interior portions of the sample storage facility <NUM>, such as the storage zones 110A and the transport zone <NUM> may be at any suitable temperature between room temperature and ultra-low temperatures (where the term "ultra-low temperature" shall mean temperatures below -<NUM> and above temperatures generally considered to be cryogenic). In one aspect, the storage zones 110A, 110B and the transport zone <NUM> may be at temperature between about -<NUM> and about room temperature. In other aspects, as illustrated in <FIG>, the sample storage facility <NUM> may be any suitable sample store, such as the SampleStore™ II available from Brooks Life Science Systems where the storage zones 110A, 110B may not have closures so that each storage location is open to the transport zone <NUM>.

In one aspect the transport zone <NUM> may include an input/output module <NUM>, a transport shuttle <NUM> and one or more sample selector modules <NUM> where the sample selector modules are disposed at least partly within the transport zone <NUM> as will be described below. The input/output module <NUM> may allow transfer of samples and/or sample trays to and from the sample storage facility <NUM> while maintaining a predetermined temperature within the transport zone <NUM>. In one aspect, the input/output modules <NUM> are in communication with a storage area <NUM> (also referred to herein as storage array <NUM>) of the sample storage facility <NUM> where the storage area <NUM> is formed/defined by sub-optimal or under optimum volume capacity microplates or trays <NUM> (see <FIG>) having a standard SBS footprint and a standard SBS spacing between tube holding receptacles as described herein. In other aspects, as will be described herein, at least a portion of the storage areas or arrays 110A, 110B may be formed/defined by the sub-optimal or under optimum volume capacity microplates or trays <NUM> such as when the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> are placed within the storage areas or arrays 110A, 110B. The sample selector modules <NUM> may provide sorting capability for moving samples/sample holders <NUM> within or between the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> and/or high density/capacity (HD) sample racks/trays <NUM> (see <FIG>). The sample selector modules <NUM> may be substantially similar to those described in <CIT>. In one aspect, the sample selector modules <NUM> form part of a sample transport/picking chain or path between (e.g. to or from) the storage zones 110A, 110B and the sample storage area <NUM> formed by the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> as described herein.

The transport zone <NUM> may be maintained at any suitable low temperature, such as about -<NUM> to about room temperature, in which a transport shuttle <NUM> and/or other automation may operate to transfer sample trays <NUM>, <NUM> between the storage zones 110A, 110B, the sample selector modules <NUM> and the input/output module <NUM>. In one aspect, the transport shuttle <NUM> may interface with a tile wall <NUM> where each tile (such as e.g. tiles 161A, 161B, 161C) is arranged to create, for example, a robotically friendly insulating closure of the storage zones 110A, 110B for removing sample trays, such as sample trays <NUM> and/or sample trays <NUM>, from the storage zones 110A, 110B (in any suitable manner) through respective sealable or otherwise closable input/output openings sealed by a respective tile 161A, 161B, 161C. In one aspect, both the sample trays <NUM> and the sample trays <NUM> are stored in one or more of the storage areas 110A, 110B while in other aspects, only the sample trays <NUM> or the sample trays <NUM> are stored in one or more of the storage areas 110A, 110B. For example, in one aspect, the sample trays <NUM> may not be used such that only the storage trays <NUM> are stored in one or more of the storage areas 110A, 110B. Where the sample trays <NUM> are stored in the storage areas 110A, 110B the storage trays <NUM> may provide quicker access to frequently needed samples (compared to accessing samples in the sample trays <NUM>) and/or provide for temporary (such as temporary overnight storage or temporary storage having any suitable time period) of samples. Suitable examples of sliding tile closures can be found in, for example, <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT>; and <CIT> and <CIT>. In one aspect the tiles 161A, 161B, 161C may be foam bricks or blocks that are arranged to create, for example, the robotically friendly insulating closure. In other aspects, the tiles 161A, 161B, 161C may be constructed of any suitable material and may interface with any suitable automation and/or personnel for opening and closing a respective input/output opening in any suitable manner. In one aspect, the tiles 161A, 161B, 161C may be held in place (e.g. in a closed position) by gravity or in any other suitable manner. Guide rails on each side of a respective tile may constrain the tiles against lateral movement while allowing them to slide up and down freely in the direction of arrow <NUM> for opening and closing a respective input/output opening. In one aspect, any suitable automated transfer mechanism of the sample storage facility <NUM>, such as transport shuttle <NUM>, may insert or remove a sample tray, such as high density tray <NUM> (<FIG>) to or from the isolated climate controlled storage zones 110A, 110B through an input/output opening by aligning the automated transfer mechanism with the tile 161A, 161B, 161C in front of the desired opening. In other aspects, the storage zones 110A, 110B may have any suitable closure(s) for maintaining the samples stored in the trays <NUM> at any suitable predetermined temperature. As noted before, in other aspects no closures may be provided between the storage and other section.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the transport shuttle <NUM> (a representative configuration is shown for example purposes) may be configured to transport the sample trays <NUM> and/or the sample trays <NUM> between the storage zones 110A, 110B and any other components of the sample storage facility, which may include but is not limited to transport of sample trays <NUM> and/or sample trays <NUM> to and from the sample selector modules <NUM>, <NUM>'. In one aspect, each sample selector module <NUM>, <NUM>' has a representative configuration that provides an isolated or sealed environment for sample selection, and includes a frame 710F, at least one transfer device or unit 701A, 701B, 701C having a drive section <NUM>, <NUM>' connected to the frame 710F and at least one transfer arm portion 400A, 400A' movably connected to the drive section <NUM>, <NUM>'. The frame 710F may include a cover portion 710C and a base portion 710B or include any suitable number of panels/walls (or a unitary/one piece panel) that form/forms a housing <NUM> configured to hold at least one isolated or sealed environment therein. In one aspect, the housing <NUM> may include a longitudinal axis LON and a lateral axis LAT and may be divided into other zones/areas. In one aspect the base portion 710B includes lateral walls 710LTA, 710LTB, longitudinal walls 710LNA, 710LNB, a bottom wall 710BW and an isolation member <NUM> disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the bottom wall 710BW (the term "bottom" is used herein for exemplary purposes only and in other aspects any suitable spatial identifiers may be associated with the wall 710BW) so as to form an isolated climate controlled chamber or zone <NUM>. In one aspect the isolated climate controlled chamber <NUM> may be maintained at any suitable temperature such as those described herein. In one aspect the isolated climate controlled chamber <NUM> may be actively cooled while in other aspects the isolated climate controlled chamber <NUM> may be cooled in any suitable manner. One or more evaporators EVAP may be disposed within the isolated climate controlled chamber <NUM> and be configured to maintain, for example, a uniform temperature distribution within the isolated climate controlled chamber <NUM>. In one aspect the one or more evaporators may be disposed on a surface of the isolation member <NUM> forming an interior wall of the isolated climate controlled chamber <NUM> (e.g. on a ceiling of the chamber). In other aspects the one or more evaporators EVAP may be disposed at any suitable location within the isolated climate controlled chamber 723An isolation member <NUM> may also be disposed (see <FIG>) so as to form a drive section chamber <NUM> that may be maintained at any suitable predetermined temperature suitable for the operation of drive section <NUM> components. At least one of the longitudinal walls 710LNA, 710LNB and the lateral walls 710LTA, 710LTB may include one or more input/output openings or apertures 760A 760B, 760C through which sample trays <NUM>, <NUM> pass for insertion to and removal from the isolated climate controlled zone <NUM>. In another aspect, each sample selector module <NUM>' (as illustrated in the representative example shown in <FIG>) may have an open configuration so that the environment therein is common to the storage environment. Similar features are similarly numbered.

As may be realized, the sample trays/microplates <NUM>, <NUM> are held within the frame 710F of the sample selector modules <NUM>, <NUM>' in any suitable manner so that sample store and transport tubes <NUM> (referred to herein as sample tubes <NUM>) are transferred between the sample trays <NUM>, <NUM> by the at least one transfer arm portion 400A as described herein (the at least one transfer arm portion includes a sample tube gripper <NUM> configured to grip, e.g., the sample tube <NUM> in any suitable manner such a by the transport gripper interface <NUM> described herein). In one aspect, high density trays <NUM> are located in holding locations 300A, 300C on lateral sides of sub-optimal microplate <NUM> (which is disposed in holding location 300B) so that samples may be transferred between the sub-optimal microplate <NUM> and both high density trays <NUM> such as when sample tubes <NUM> are to be placed in sub-optimal microplate <NUM> for storage and transfer from the sample storage facility <NUM>. In other aspects, sub-optimal microplates <NUM> may be located in holding locations 300A, 300C while a high density tray <NUM> is located in holding location 300B so that sample tubes <NUM> may be transferred between both sub-optimal microplates <NUM> and the high density tray <NUM> such as when sample tubes <NUM> are to be stored within storage zones 110A, 110B. In still other aspects, the sub-optimal microplate and high density trays <NUM> may be placed in any suitable holding areas of the sample selector modules <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> the high density trays <NUM> may be held at location 300A' while the sub-optimal microplates are held in area 300B' adjacent the location 300A'. Further, while in one aspect, three holding locations 300A, 300B, 300C are illustrated, in other aspects, the sample selector modules may have more or less than three holding locations (configured to hold in one aspect, any combination of sub-optimal microplates <NUM> and high density trays <NUM> or in other aspects, sub-optimal microplates <NUM>) and a corresponding number of transfer arm portions 400A. Again referring to <FIG> in one aspect, the drive section <NUM>' is a gantry drive system that provides the transfer arm portion or pick head 400A' with movement in directions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each input/output opening(s) 760A, 760B, 760C may be a sealable or otherwise closable opening that is sealed or otherwise closed by a respective sliding tile 761A, 761B, 761C substantially similar to those described above while in other aspects, the input/output opening(s) may be sealed/closable in any suitable manner or may be open (see <FIG>).

In one aspect, the antechamber <NUM> is climate controlled and may include doors 150D1, 150D2 for providing personnel access to the at least the transport zone <NUM> and/or to the sample selector modules <NUM>, at least part of which may be disposed within the antechamber <NUM> (e.g. the sample selector modules <NUM> may be mounted through a wall separating the antechamber <NUM> from the transport zone <NUM>. As may be realized, the antechamber <NUM> may be maintained at any suitable temperature allowing for human entry into the antechamber <NUM>.

The sample storage facility <NUM> may include any suitable refrigeration system(s) <NUM> and/or dehumidification system(s) <NUM> for maintaining respective predetermined temperatures within the different zones of the sample storage facility <NUM>. In one aspect the transport zone <NUM>, transport shuttle <NUM>, tile wall <NUM>, storage zones 110A, 110B, transport zone <NUM> and input/output modules of the sample storage facility <NUM> may be substantially similar to those described in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> and <CIT>.

<FIG> illustrates a sample storage facility <NUM>' in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment. The sample storage facility <NUM>' may be substantially similar to sample storage facility <NUM> described above and include any suitable number of environmental storage zones or areas 110A, 110B, <NUM> that may be isolated from one another. Here one or more sample selector modules <NUM> may be mounted through an exterior wall of the sample storage facility <NUM>' rather than through a wall separating/isolating the antechamber <NUM> from the transport zone <NUM> or any other suitable zone of the sample storage facility <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of sample selector modules <NUM> (in other aspects sample selector module <NUM>' may be similarly arranged). As may be realized, any suitable number of sample selector modules (two are shown in <FIG>) may be stacked one above the other as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> or disposed side by side as illustrated in <FIG>. Each sample selector module <NUM> may be connected to or otherwise include any suitable refrigeration or climate control system 190R configured to maintain at least a portion of an interior (formed by housing <NUM>) of the sample selector <NUM> at a predetermined temperature such as those described herein or in other aspects as described in, for example, <CIT>. In one aspect each sample selector module <NUM> may have a respective climate control system 190R while in other aspects a common climate control system may be provided for two or more sample selector modules <NUM> or the sample selector module(s) may share a common climate control system with other components (such as storage zones 110A, 110B) of the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>'. In other aspects, no refrigeration or climate control system may be provided.

Referring also to <FIG> one or more sample selector modules <NUM>, <NUM>' (and, in some instances, the respective refrigeration system 190R) may be mounted to, for example, the transport shuttle <NUM> so that the one or more sample selectors <NUM>, <NUM>' move as a unit with transport shuttle <NUM>. Here the transport shuttle <NUM> may include a transfer arm 112A configured to remove sample trays <NUM> from the storage zones 110A, 110B (or any other suitable location of the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>') and place the sample trays <NUM> within the one or more sample selector modules <NUM> disposed on the transport shuttle <NUM>. One or more samples from the sample trays <NUM> may be sorted and/or transferred to a different tray, such as between source and destination trays, within the sample selector module <NUM>, <NUM>' allowing the source tray to be placed back into the storage zone 110A, 110B. In one aspect the source and/or destination tray may be the sub-optimal microplate <NUM>. As may be realized, in aspects where the sample storage zone is the same temperature in which the transport shuttle <NUM> operates the sample selector <NUM>, <NUM>' may not have a temperature controlled environment but may be open to the transport shuttle operating environment.

Any suitable controller <NUM> may be connected to the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' in any suitable manner, such as through a wired or wireless connection. The controller <NUM> may be configured to control the operation of the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' in the manner described herein. For example, the controller <NUM> may include any suitable memory and processors and be configured to track which samples are inserted and/or removed from the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' and a location of each sample within the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>'. The controller <NUM> may also be configured to control automation within the sample storage facility where the automation includes, but is not limited to, the transport shuttle <NUM> and sample selector modules <NUM> to transfer samples as described herein. In one aspect, the controller <NUM> is configured to effect storage of the sample store and transport tubes <NUM> within the high density sample storage tray <NUM> in an efficient/optimized distribution for the capacity of the high density sample storage tray <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment, the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' is configured to store and transport sample tubes <NUM> that are smaller than conventional <NUM> sample tubes <NUM> (see <FIG>) having diameters of under <NUM>, i.e. the pitch between sample holding areas or receptacles of the standard format SBS sample tray. In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment each of the sample tubes <NUM> have a sample holder <NUM> and a cap <NUM> which may be constructed of any suitable materials. In one aspect the cap <NUM> may be constructed of any suitable plastic, glass filled plastic composite, rubber or any other suitable material. The sample holder <NUM> may include at least one peripheral wall 251W extending longitudinally along a central or longitudinal axis CX where the at least one peripheral wall 251W forms an opening <NUM> and a cavity 251C communicably connected to the opening <NUM>. The at least one peripheral wall 251W may close the cavity 251C at one end of the sample holder <NUM> so that the cavity 251C holds sample(s) therein. As may be realized, the sample holder <NUM> may have any suitable shape such as a cylindrical or test tube configuration but in other aspects the sample holder <NUM> may have any suitable configuration with any suitable number of peripheral walls. The cap <NUM> may have any suitable configuration for engaging the sample holder <NUM> and closing the opening <NUM>. In one aspect, the cap <NUM> may have a cylindrical body having at least one peripheral wall forming an outer peripheral edge or side 252E of the cap <NUM> and defining the bounds within which the cap <NUM> (and hence the sample tube <NUM>) is gripped by, for example, one or more of the shuttle <NUM> and sample selector modules. In one aspect the cap <NUM> and or sample holder <NUM> may be substantially similar to that described in <CIT>. For example, referring also to <FIG>, the cap <NUM> may have a transport gripper interface <NUM> that may form a recess 253R in the cap <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Where the recess 253R is provided the grippers/transport of the transport shuttle <NUM> and/or sample selector modules <NUM> may be configured for insertion into the recess 253R for gripping the cap <NUM> (and hence the sample tube <NUM>) where the gripping force is a radially outward gripping force. In other aspects, the transport gripper interface <NUM> may form a protrusion 253P as illustrated in <FIG> where the grippers/transport of the transport shuttle <NUM> and sample selector modules <NUM> may be configured for gripping the cap <NUM> (and hence the sample tube <NUM>) by the protrusion 253P where the gripping force is a radially inward gripping force. In other aspects, the gripper interface <NUM> may include a magnetic interface that is configured to interface with a magnetic gripper of the transport shuttle <NUM> and sample selector modules <NUM>. In still other aspects, the transport gripper interface <NUM> may be any suitable interface configured for interfacing with the grippers of the transport shuttle <NUM> and sample selector modules <NUM>.

As described herein, the standard format SBS microplate is specified in ANSI SLAS <NUM>-<NUM> (R2012) (formerly recognized as ANSI/SBS <NUM>-<NUM>) and ANSI SLAS <NUM>-<NUM> (R2012) (formerly recognized as ANSI/SBS <NUM>-<NUM>). As described herein, the sub-optimal microplates <NUM>, in which the sample tube(s) <NUM> are held/stored, are configured to conform to the standard SBS sample tray footprint and pitch as described in greater detail below. The sub-optimal microplates <NUM> may also have a center to center distance or pitch X between sample tube holding areas or receptacles <NUM> of about <NUM>, which is the standard center to center pitch for a standard <NUM> well SBS microplate or tray. However, while the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> have a standard SBS footprint and a standard SBS center to center sample tube holding area pitch X, the configuration of tube holding receptacles <NUM> of the array <NUM> of the sub-optimal microplate <NUM> is a suboptimal density with respect to a density of a microplate with an SBS standard footprint dimension and holding receptacle to web wall thickness ratio for optimum array volume capacity (such as the standard SBS tray holding <NUM> tubes). For example, the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> have sub-optimal sample tube holding areas or receptacles <NUM> that provide for a sub-optimal volume array, as noted above, when compared to the storage of conventional <NUM> sample tubes that effects an optimized sample density, at least in the storage area, and storage racks <NUM> and per predetermined length of the store and transport axis (e.g. the sub-optimal volume array of the sub-optimal microplate <NUM> is optimized for sample density). For example, in accordance with the aspects of the disclosed embodiment, the web walls WB between sample tube holding areas or receptacles <NUM> of the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> have an increased thickness (as described in greater detail below) compared to the web walls WB1 (see <FIG>) between the sample tube holding areas or receptacles 210P of the standard SBS microplate 200P such that the footprint (e.g. the length L and width W) and pitch X of the sub-optimal (volume) microplate <NUM> are decoupled from a diameter D of the sample tubes <NUM> (and hence a diameter of the tube holding receptacles <NUM>). As may be realized, the size and shape of the tube holding receptacles <NUM>, in accordance with the aspects of the disclosed embodiment, are sub-optimal (volumetrically) when compared to the size and shape of the tube holding receptacles 210P of a conventional <NUM> well SBS microplate having tube holding receptacles 210P configured to hold about a <NUM> diameter sample tube. In one aspect, the cap <NUM> and sample holder <NUM> of the sample tube <NUM> each have a diameter D substantially less than the about <NUM> pitch between, for example, the sample tube holding areas or receptacles of a standard format <NUM> well SBS microplate or tray. In one aspect, the sample tubes <NUM> may have any suitable geometry such as, for example, having a round cross-section, a square cross-section or a combination of round and square cross-sections (e.g. in the same tube). In one aspect, the sample tube <NUM> has an outside diameter D of about <NUM> (referred to herein as a <NUM> tube) with a tube working volume of about <NUM>, while in other aspects, the diameter D of the sample tube <NUM> may be more or less than about <NUM> (e.g. such as about <NUM>) with a working volume of more or less than about <NUM>. In one aspect the sample tube <NUM> may have any suitable height H. In one aspect, the sample tube <NUM> may be elongated so as to have a capacity of about <NUM>. In one aspect, the narrow diameter tubes, in combination with the sub-optimal or under volume microplates <NUM> and high density storage trays/racks <NUM>, provide increased throughput by providing an increased number of available tubes to the picker for a predetermined length or area of storage space of the store and selector module. In one aspect, tubes having a diameter of about <NUM> in diameter may be held in a sub-optimal volume microplate having a web-thickness WB of about <NUM> where in other aspects tubes having a diameter of less than <NUM> may be held in a sub-optimal volume microplate having a web thickness WB of more than <NUM>, as described in greater detail below. As may be realized, the high density trays/ racks <NUM> (<FIG>) may hold about <NUM><NUM> diameter tubes and result in about a <NUM> times increase in throughput when compared to an optimized (for volume capacity) tray holding <NUM> diameter tubes. As an example, when the sample tubes <NUM> are stored in the sub-optimal volume microplate <NUM> (e.g. having a pitch X of about <NUM> between sample holding areas or receptacles <NUM>) the volume of sample stored in sub-optimal microplate <NUM> is less than that stored in a standard <NUM> well SBS microplate with conventional <NUM> sample tubes (e.g. having the same or similar height H as the sample tube <NUM>). For example, a <NUM> sample tube may have an inside diameter of about <NUM> while the inside diameter of the tube <NUM> may be about <NUM> (in other aspects the inside diameter may be more or less than about <NUM>). As such, the volume of sample stored, for tubes having the same height, is a ratio of areas, i.e. <NUM>:<NUM> in favor of the conventional sample tube (e.g. the storage density in µl/sample is greater for the conventional <NUM> sample tubes stored in the standard <NUM> well/receptacle SBS microplate when compared with the storage density in µl/sample for the sample tubes <NUM> stored in the sub-optimal microplate <NUM>, e.g. having <NUM> receptacles <NUM>).

However, in the aspects of the disclosed embodiment, when the sample tubes <NUM> are placed in the storage zones 110A, 110B of the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' the high density storage trays/racks <NUM> are not bound by the standard SBS pitch between samples (e.g. for compatibility with conventional sample transport and testing equipment as noted above) such that the sample tubes <NUM> are stored in high density/capacity (HD) tray configuration. For example, the sample trays <NUM> include an array 370A of tube/sample holding areas or receptacles <NUM> that have a capacity related to the under optimum volume capacity of the microplate <NUM> with an optimized center to center pitch X1, X2 between the sample holding receptacles <NUM> (e.g. so that a web WB2 thickness between sample holding receptacles <NUM> is minimized) where the sample trays each hold about <NUM> sample tubes <NUM> (which may be about double the storage capacity of a high density sample tray having the same footprint and that holds conventional <NUM> sample tubes). As may be realized, the smaller sample tubes <NUM> provide for an increased number of sample tubes <NUM> for the same storage size (when compared to the storage of the conventional <NUM> sample tubes). This increased number of sample tubes <NUM> within the storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' in turn increases the sample placement/count and distribution of samples within the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>'. The increased sample placement/count and distribution of samples results in an increase in the likelihood of "hitting" (e.g. increased sample "hit rate") or picking of a sample tube ordered for a given transport pick/place action of the transport system (e.g. such as a pick/place action of the transport shuttles <NUM> and/or the sample selector modules <NUM>). For example, increasing the distribution and number of samples on/in a sample tray <NUM> increases the likelihood that the sample being ordered is within the sample tray <NUM> from which another sample was previously picked (e.g. in a common tray <NUM>). As may be realized, there are more "copies" of samples placed in storage thereby increasing the likelihood that the ordered sample will be available in a picked sample tray <NUM>. In other aspects, more samples to pick from in a given sample tray <NUM> also provides for increased picks from a common tray (e.g. less down time for the sample tube <NUM> picker of the transport shuttle <NUM> and/or sample selector modules <NUM>) which increases the picking throughput of the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>'. Typical "hit rates" (e.g. the percentage of tubes selected when picking tubes from a tray) are in the range of <NUM>% to <NUM>. At <NUM>% the number of tubes to be picked, on average in a tray with around <NUM> tubes is <NUM>, at <NUM>% two tubes per tray is the average, and so on. As may be realized, the increased number and distribution of samples in the sample tray <NUM> increases the hit rates of sample tubes <NUM> picked from a common tray <NUM> effecting more picks in a given time period from the common sample tray <NUM>. In one aspect, the controller <NUM> is configured so that the distribution of sample store and transport tubes <NUM> and the capacity of the high density sample storage tray <NUM> effects an increased pick rate in sample store and transport tube picking relative to a standard capacity of a high capacity tray and storage area with optimal volume capacity arrayed tube holding receptacles (e.g. for holding the about <NUM> diameter sample tubes). In accordance with the aspects of the disclosed embodiment the storage area with optimal volume capacity arrayed tube holding receptacles is a storage area with a standard SBS pitch between tube holding receptacles that are configured to provide optimum sample volume capacity for the storage.

It is noted that modern drug discovery techniques are focusing on assembling many more custom sets of samples which would benefit from increased tube picking throughput (when compared to the picking of conventional <NUM> sample tubes) as provided by the aspects of the disclosed embodiment. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a graphical illustration of the relationship between sample tube diameter/sample tray capacity and tubes picked per year is provided for four workload scenarios. The graphs in <FIG> and <FIG> model real ordering scenarios (e.g. multiple orders of different sizes and response time requirements) and the narrow aisle store architecture illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the small sample tube <NUM> (e.g. having a diameter of about <NUM>), in accordance with the aspects of the disclosed embodiment, may provide about a <NUM>% increase in samples picked over the conventional <NUM> sample tube where about <NUM> sample tubes <NUM> are stored on each sample tray <NUM> compared to about <NUM> conventional <NUM> sample tubes stored on each sample tray.

In addition, as noted above, the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' also includes a storage array <NUM> formed by the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> (as described above a portion of the storage areas/arrays 110A, 110B may also be formed by the sub-optimal microplates <NUM>). In one aspect, the storage array <NUM> may be formed by one or more sub-optimal volume microplate(s) <NUM> placed or located at a suitable location or station (stationary or movable) in the storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>', such as for buffering or placement in connection with sample loading and unloading from the storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>'. Storage array <NUM> may also define an intermediate storage area in the storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' in connection with outer suitable intra-facility sample transport or transfer. In one aspect, the storage array <NUM> is separate and distinct from the storage zones 110A, 110B of the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>', e.g. a buffer or placement location for inter-facility transport. In one aspect, sample tube holding receptacles or areas <NUM> of the microplate(s) <NUM> define the storage array <NUM> for the sample tubes <NUM> within the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>'. As also noted above, the sub-optimal (volume) microplates <NUM> are configured to conform to a standard SBS sample tray footprint and pitch as described in ANSI SLAS <NUM>-<NUM> (R2012) (formerly recognized as ANSI/SBS <NUM>-<NUM>) and ANSI SLAS <NUM>-<NUM> (R2012) (formerly recognized as ANSI/SBS <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> may have a length L of about <NUM> and a width of about <NUM>. The sub-optimal microplates <NUM> may also have a center to center distance or pitch X between sample tube holding areas or receptacles <NUM> of about <NUM>, which is the standard center to center pitch for a standard <NUM> well SBS microplate or tray. However, while the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> have a standard SBS footprint and a standard SBS center to center sample tube holding area pitch X, the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> have sub-optimal sample tube holding areas or receptacles <NUM> that provide for a sub-optimal volume density, as noted above, when compared to the storage of conventional <NUM> sample tubes that effects an optimized sample density, at least in the storage area, and storage racks <NUM> and per predetermined length of the store and transport axis (e.g. the sub-optimal volume array of the sub-optimal microplate <NUM> is optimized for sample density. For example, in accordance with the aspects of the disclosed embodiment, the web walls WB between sample tube holding areas or receptacles <NUM> of the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> have an increased thickness compared to the web walls WB1 (see <FIG>) between the sample tube holding areas or receptacles 210P of the standard SBS microplate 200P (see ANSI SLAS <NUM>-<NUM> (R2012) and ANSI SLAS <NUM>-<NUM> (R2012) noted above) such that the footprint (e.g. the length L and width W) and pitch X of the sub-optimal microplate <NUM> are decoupled from a diameter D of the sample tubes <NUM> (and hence a diameter of the tube holding receptacles <NUM>). In one aspect, the sub-optimal microplate may have a pitch X between about <NUM> to about <NUM> and a web wall thickness WB of at least greater than about <NUM> and in one aspect, greater than about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In one aspect, the sample tube holding receptacles or areas <NUM> of the microplate(s) <NUM> have a pitch X between the centers of the receptacles <NUM> and a web wall thickness WB between receptacles <NUM> where the web wall thickness is at least greater than about <NUM>% of the pitch X. In other aspects the web wall thickness WB is at least about <NUM> of the pitch X while in still other aspects the web wall thickness WB is greater than about <NUM>% to about <NUM> of the pitch X. Further, while <NUM> well microplate(s) are described herein it should be understood that the aspects of the disclosed embodiment are applicable to other storage rack capacities such as for example <NUM> well tube racks. For example the <NUM> well tube racks have an SBS standard pitch of about <NUM> and the tubes are generally a bit smaller than the pitch. In some aspects, the tubes for the <NUM> well microplate can have a diameter of about <NUM> to about <NUM> and the web wall thickness of the <NUM> way microplate would be at least about <NUM> and in one aspect about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some instances the web wall thickness of the <NUM> well microplate is at least greater than about <NUM>% of the pitch. In other aspects the web wall thickness of the <NUM> well microplate is at least about <NUM> of the pitch while in still other aspects the web wall thickness is greater than about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the pitch. It is noted that the optimal microplate as shown in <FIG> has a web wall thickness WB1 that is less than <NUM>% of the pitch. In one aspect, the above pitch to web wall thickness also apply to the about <NUM> diameter and about <NUM> diameter tubes described above. As noted above, the size and shape of the tube holding receptacles <NUM>, in accordance with the aspects of the disclosed embodiment, are sub-optimal when compared to the size and shape of the tube holding receptacles 210P of a conventional <NUM> well SBS microplate having tube holding receptacles 210P configured to hold about a <NUM> diameter sample tube.

In one aspect, each sub-optimal microplate <NUM> includes a plate frame 200F and a predetermined array <NUM> of tube holding areas or receptacles <NUM> formed in the frame 200F. As noted above, the tube holding receptacles <NUM> of the predetermined array <NUM> are arranged with a SBS standard pitch X that corresponds to the predetermined array <NUM>. Each of the tube holding receptacles <NUM> of the predetermined array <NUM> has a sub-optimal size and shape that is configured to hold a sample tube <NUM> that is disposed for containing a sample specimen(s) in storage within the storage area <NUM> of the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>'. In one aspect, the sub-optimal tube holding receptacles <NUM> are shaped to engage the walls 251W of the sample tube <NUM> to hold the sample tube <NUM> within the frame 200F where the tube holding receptacles <NUM> of the predetermined array <NUM> are arranged so that the sample volume capacity defined by the predetermined array <NUM> is an under optimum volume capacity. In one aspect, the sub-optimal tube holding receptacles <NUM> are shaped to conformally engage the walls 251W of the sample tube <NUM> to hold the sample tube <NUM> within the frame 200F. For example, the volume of sample held in the array <NUM> of sample tubes <NUM> in the sub-optimal microplate <NUM> is less than a volume of sample held in the array 201P (see <FIG>) of a standard <NUM> well SBS microplate with conventional <NUM> sample tubes. In one aspect, the configuration of the tube holding receptacles <NUM> in the predetermined array <NUM> provides for a sub-optimal density with respect to a standard SBS microplate 200P having a standard SBS pitch X. For example, as noted above the thickness of the webs WB between tube holding receptacles <NUM> is increased compared to a standard <NUM> well SBS microplate 200P that is optimized to hold conventional <NUM> sample tubes where the standard SBS microplate 200P is optimized with an array 201P of tube holding receptacles 210P that minimizes the web WB1 thickness between the tube holding receptacles 210P and maximizes a size of the tube holding receptacles 210P (e.g. to hold <NUM> sample tubes). As may be realized, because the webs WB between the tube holding receptacles <NUM> is increased, the size of the sample tubes <NUM> held by the tube holding receptacles <NUM> are also sub-optimal. As may be realized, and contrary to the aspects of the disclosed embodiment, the sample tray footprint (e.g. length L and width W), pitch X between sample holding receptacles 210P and the sample tube size are closely related/coupled for the standard format <NUM> well SBS microplate 200P optimized for holding a <NUM> sample tube.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment, the microplates <NUM> form both the storage area <NUM> (and/or at least a portion of storage areas 110A, 110B) within the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' and a transport carriage for sample tubes <NUM> outside of the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>', such as for transport of the sample tubes <NUM> to a sample processing/preparation module (e.g. workstation) <NUM> or any other suitable location of a laboratory, including, but not limited to, reaction preparation modules, multi-tip pipettes stations, automate cap removal and replacement stations, code reading stations (e.g. to read <NUM>-D codes on the sample tubes <NUM>), tube sealing stations, and tube piercing stations. In one aspect the sample tubes <NUM> are configured for interfacing with an acoustic dispenser or any other suitable dispenser disposed at the sample processing/preparation modules. For example, as noted above, the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' includes an automated storage and retrieval system that, in one aspect, includes the transport shuttles <NUM> and/or the sample selector modules <NUM>. In one aspect, the sample selector modules <NUM> pick one or more sample tubes <NUM> from the high density storage trays <NUM> and transfer the one or more sample tubes <NUM> to the microplate <NUM> for placement and storage in the storage area <NUM> formed by the microplates <NUM>. In other aspects, the sample selector modules <NUM> pick one or more sample tubes <NUM> from the microplate <NUM> and transfer the one or more sample tubes <NUM> to the high density storage trays <NUM> for placement and storage in the storage zones 110A, 110B. In one aspect, the storage area or array <NUM> within the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' is formed by (e.g. defined by) the predetermined array <NUM> of tube holding receptacles <NUM> of the microplates <NUM>. As described herein, the automated storage and retrieval system is configured for the automated storage and retrieval of sample store and transport tubes from the sample storage zones 110A, 100B with a predetermined throughput capacity to the storage array <NUM>. In one aspect, the storage array <NUM> is balanced with the predetermined throughput capacity of the automated storage and retrieval system (or at least a portion thereof) so that the sub-optimal density of the tube holding receptacles <NUM> of the predetermined array <NUM> effects increased throughput of sample store and transport tubes <NUM> from the sample storage zones 110A, 110B to the storage array <NUM> relative to a storage area (similar to storage zones 110A, 110B but configured to hold <NUM> sample tubes) with optimal volume capacity arrayed sample tube receptacles (similar to tube holding receptacles <NUM> such as in the high density trays <NUM>). In one aspect, the storage array <NUM> and the automated storage and retrieval system are balanced so that the sub-optimal density of the tube holding receptacles <NUM> of the predetermined array <NUM> effects increased throughput of sample store and transport tubes from the sample storage zones 110A, 110B to the storage array <NUM> for a predetermined transfer action of the automated storage and retrieval system to the storage array, relative to the storage area with optimal volume capacity arrayed tube holding receptacles.

In one aspect, the sub-optimal density of the tube holding receptacles <NUM> of the predetermined array <NUM> of the microplate(s) <NUM> is matched or balanced with the characteristics of the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' automated storage and retrieval system or at least a portion thereof, where the automated storage and retrieval system includes the shuttle <NUM> and/or sample selector modules <NUM>. For example, a sample tube <NUM> distribution in the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>', such as in the sample tube holding receptacles <NUM> of the microplates <NUM> (and/or high density trays <NUM>) is optimized for throughput. In one aspect, the tube distribution and placement in the sample storage zones 110A, 110B are balanced with the storage array <NUM> so that the sample storage zones 110A, 110B have a sample store and transport tube capacity that effects increased throughput of sample store and transport tubes from the sample storage zones 110A, 110B to the storage array <NUM> relative to the storage area with optimal volume capacity arrayed tube holding receptacles. In one aspect, the storage capacity of the high density trays <NUM> is doubled (e.g. about <NUM> sample tubes <NUM> per tray <NUM> compared to trays holding conventional <NUM> sample tubes) where the sample tubes <NUM> are arranged within the high density trays <NUM> in an efficient/optimized distribution. The efficient/optimized distribution may be any suitable distribution such as, for exemplary purposes, a pseudo random distribution, a rules based weighted distribution or any other distribution that results in a maximum probability of finding a predetermined sample tube <NUM> within a predetermined high capacity tray <NUM>. Here the increased storage density and/or the efficient distribution of the sample tubes <NUM> effects optimization of the hit rate for a given storage space and transport motion (e.g. such as a pick place motion of the sample selector modules <NUM> from the high density trays <NUM> to the microplates <NUM>). In one aspect, referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, doubling of the high density tray <NUM> capacity and/or efficient distribution provides about twice the efficiency in picks and about twice the throughput of the automated storage and retrieval system when compared to a storage system using, for example <NUM> sample tubes. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the number of tubes picked in systems using <NUM> sample tubes may be represented by a storage tray capacity of about <NUM> sample tubes per tray while the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' in accordance with the aspects of the disclosed embodiment are represented by a storage tray capacity of about <NUM> sample tubes <NUM> per tray <NUM>. As noted above, aspects of the disclosed embodiment may provide about a <NUM>% increase in samples picked over the conventional <NUM> sample tube where about <NUM> sample tubes <NUM> are stored on each sample tray <NUM> compared to about <NUM> conventional <NUM> sample tubes stored on each sample tray as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In one aspect, the efficient distribution optimization of the sample tubes <NUM> may be provided by any suitable controller <NUM> connected to the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>'. In one aspect, the efficient distribution optimization may employ any suitable rules based weighting or biasing algorithm configured to place the sample tubes <NUM> in associated positions within the trays <NUM>. In one aspect, the associated positions may be related to a predetermined characteristic of the sample tubes <NUM> such as a frequency of tests performed on the samples held in the sample tubes <NUM>, a type of test performed on the samples held in the sample tubes <NUM>, the type of samples held in the sample tubes <NUM>, an inter-relationship of the samples/specimens within the sample tubes <NUM> or any other suitable criteria. For example, in one aspect, the criteria include orders for output can be grouped together using common trays <NUM>, while in other aspects the criteria may include trays located in the sample storage system <NUM> that will provide the best delivery time to the picker. In still other aspects, the samples may be organized in storage so that samples likely to be picked together are stored together in a common tray. In some aspects controller <NUM> may direct reorganization of samples in storage, for example, during input/output downtime, so that samples likely to be picked together are stored together on a common tray. In some instances, the controller may use historical picking data to predict future sample picking and to determine and effect efficient organization of samples on trays in storage. In other aspects, the controller <NUM> may be configured to look ahead in the sample picking sequence on large orders and pick the trays corresponding to the samples in any suitable order so that tray access is more efficient.

Once the sample tubes <NUM> are located in the microplates <NUM> the sample tubes <NUM> are removed from the storage <NUM> through, for example, input/output modules <NUM> and transferred to, for example the sample processing/preparation module <NUM> (or any other suitable location within, e.g., a laboratory such as those described herein) without any further handoff of the sample tubes <NUM> from the microplate <NUM> (e.g. the sample tubes <NUM> remain within the microplate <NUM> during ingress and egress from the sample store facility <NUM>, <NUM>'). As such, the sub-optimal array <NUM> density (e.g. the under optimum volume capacity) of the microplate <NUM> provides for or otherwise forms the transport carriage that is input/output to/from the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' and transferred between the sample storage area <NUM> within the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' and any suitable sample processing module, such as the sample processing/preparation module <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> an exemplary operation of the sample store facility <NUM>, <NUM>' will be described. In one aspect, the transport shuttle <NUM> picks or otherwise removes one or more high density trays <NUM> from one or more of the storage zones 110A, 110B (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). The transport shuttle <NUM> transfers the one or more high density trays <NUM> to a sample selector module <NUM> and inserts the one or more high density trays <NUM> into one or more holding areas 300A-300C of the sample selector module <NUM> (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). The transport shuttle <NUM> may also place a sub-optimal sample tube holding microplate <NUM> in one or more holding areas 300A-300C of the sample selector module <NUM> (<FIG>, Block <NUM>), while in other aspects the microplate <NUM> may be placed within the sample selector module in any suitable manner. In one aspect, the at least one transfer arm portion 400A, for example, transfers one or more sample tubes <NUM> from the high density storage tray <NUM> of the automated sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' to a sub-optimal sample tube holding microplate <NUM>, of the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' (<FIG>, Block <NUM>).

As noted above, the sub-optimal sample tube holding microplate <NUM> has a predetermined array <NUM> of tube holding receptacles <NUM> formed in a plate frame 200F, the tube holding receptacles <NUM> of the predetermined array <NUM> having a SBS standard pitch X corresponding to the predetermined array <NUM>, and being configured for holding therein sample store and transport tubes <NUM>, disposed for containing sample specimens in storage and effecting sample store and transport tube <NUM> delivery to a sample processing/preparation module <NUM>, the predetermined array <NUM> of tube holding receptacles <NUM> defining a volume capacity of the tube holding microplate <NUM>, and each of the tube holding receptacles <NUM> being shaped to conformally engage walls 251W of the sample store and transport tube <NUM> and hold the sample store and transport tube <NUM>, wherein the tube holding receptacles <NUM> of the predetermined array <NUM> are arranged so that the tube holding microplate volume capacity defined by the predetermined array <NUM> of tube holding receptacles <NUM> is an under optimum volume capacity.

In one aspect, the high density trays <NUM> may be removed from the sample selector module <NUM> and replaced with different high density trays <NUM> for transferring additional sample tubes <NUM> to the microplate <NUM>. In other aspects, the microplate <NUM> may be removed from the sample selector module <NUM> and transferred to a different sample selector module <NUM> for transferring additional sample tubes <NUM> to the sub-optimal microplate. In one aspect, the transfer shuttle <NUM> removes the microplate <NUM> from the sample selector module <NUM> and transfers the microplate to storage area <NUM> so that the sample selector module(s) <NUM> form part of a sample transport/picking chain or path between (e.g. to or from) the storage zones 110A, 110B and the sample storage area <NUM> formed by the sub-optimal microplates <NUM>. In other aspects, the microplates <NUM> may be transferred by the transport shuttle <NUM> from the sample selector modules <NUM> to the input/output module <NUM>.

In one aspect, the sample tubes <NUM>, stored in the under optimum volume capacity tube holding microplate <NUM>, are transferred from, for example, the storage area <NUM> into and out of the automated sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). For example, in one aspect, the transport shuttle <NUM> may remove the microplate <NUM> from the sample selector module <NUM> and transfer the sample selector module <NUM> to the input/output module <NUM> (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). In one aspect the transport shuttle <NUM> transfers the microplate <NUM> to the storage area <NUM> prior to transfer of the microplate <NUM> to the input/output module <NUM>. The microplate <NUM> may be removed from the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' through the input/output module <NUM> in any suitable manner, such as with any suitable automation or by a human for transport of the microplate <NUM> to any suitable processing module such as sample processing/preparation module <NUM> such as those described herein.

Referring also to <FIG>, sample tubes <NUM> may be input to the sample storage facility <NUM>, <NUM>' in a manner substantially opposite to that described above. For example, the sample tubes <NUM>, containing samples, are placed on or otherwise pre-disposed in the microplate(s) <NUM>. The microplate(s) <NUM> are transferred in any suitable manner, such as by e.g. automated or by human transport, to the input/output module <NUM> (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). The transport shuttle <NUM> may remove the microplate(s) <NUM> from the input/output module <NUM> and in one aspect, transfers the microplate <NUM> to the storage area <NUM> (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). The transport shuttle <NUM> may transport the microplate from the storage area <NUM> to the sample selector module <NUM> where, as above, the sample selector modules <NUM> form part of a sample transport/picking chain or path between (e.g. to or from) the sample storage area <NUM> formed by the sub-optimal microplates <NUM> to the storage zones 110A, 110B (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). In other aspects, the transport shuttle <NUM> transfers the microplate <NUM> from the input/output module <NUM> to the sample selector module <NUM> (<FIG>, Block <NUM>).

In one aspect, the transport shuttle <NUM> inputs one or more high density trays <NUM> into holding areas 300A-300C of the sample selector module <NUM> (<FIG>, Block <NUM>) where the sample tubes <NUM> are transferred from the microplate <NUM> to one or more of the high density trays <NUM> as described above, such as in a efficient distribution (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). The high density trays <NUM> are removed from the sample selector module <NUM> by the transport shuttle <NUM> and are transferred to the storage zones 110A, 110B (<FIG>, Block <NUM>).

In one aspect, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a predetermined sample specimen volume 2000V held in or otherwise corresponding to a conventional <NUM> sample tube <NUM> is distributed to two or more sample store and transport tubes <NUM> so that each sample tube <NUM> holds a respective predetermined amount or portion 2000VA, 2000VB, 2000VC of the sample specimen volume 2000V so that any suitable number of copies of the sample held in the tube <NUM> are created for placement in storage (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). In one aspect, the two or more sample tubes <NUM> (e.g. copies of the sample obtained from the sample tube <NUM>) are placed in one or more high capacity trays <NUM> for being transported to storage, such as sample storage zones 110A, 110B, and (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). In one aspect, the sample tubes <NUM> are distributed in the one or more high capacity trays <NUM> (by for example, one or more sample selector modules <NUM>, <NUM>') based on an optimum distribution or rules based weighted distribution of the associated sample tubes <NUM> or other suitable criteria (<FIG>, Block <NUM>) as described herein. As also described herein, multiple copies of the sample obtained from a common tube <NUM> may be placed in a common high capacity tray <NUM> so that an increased number of tubes including the sample from common tube <NUM> are provided to the picker. The high capacity trays <NUM> are removed from, for example, the one or more sample selector modules <NUM>, <NUM>' by the transport <NUM> and transported in any suitable manner to one or more of the storage zones 110A, 110B for storage (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). In another aspect, the two or more sample tubes <NUM> (e.g. copies of the sample obtained from the sample tube <NUM>) are placed in one or more sub-optimal volume trays <NUM> for being transported to storage, such as sample storage zones 110A, 110B, and (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). In one aspect, the sample tubes <NUM> are distributed in the one or more sub-optimal volume trays <NUM> (by for example, one or more sample selector modules <NUM>, <NUM>') based on an optimum distribution or rules based weighted distribution of the associated sample tubes <NUM> or other suitable criteria, in a manner substantially similar to that described above with respect to the high capacity trays <NUM> (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). As also described herein, multiple copies of the sample obtained from a common tube <NUM> may be placed in a common sub-optimal volume tray <NUM> so that an increased number of tubes including the sample from common tube <NUM> are provided to the picker. The sub-optimal volume trays <NUM> are removed from, for example, the one or more sample selector modules <NUM>, <NUM>' by the transport <NUM> and transported in any suitable manner to one or more of the storage zones 110A, 110B for storage (<FIG>, Block <NUM>). As described above, in one aspect both the high capacity trays <NUM> and the sub-optimal volume trays <NUM> are stored in the storage areas 110A, 110B while in other aspects one of the high capacity trays <NUM> or the sub-optimal volume trays <NUM> are stored in the storage areas 110A, 110B. In still other aspects, high capacity trays <NUM> may be stored in one of storage areas 110A, 110B while sub-optimal volume trays <NUM> are stored in the other one of the storage areas 110A, 110B.

Claim 1:
A tube holding microplate comprising:
a plate frame (200F); and
a predetermined array (<NUM>) of tube holding receptacles (<NUM>) formed in the plate frame, the tube holding receptacles of the predetermined array having a SBS standard pitch corresponding to the predetermined array, and being configured for holding therein sample store and transport tubes (<NUM>) that are separate and distinct from the predetermined array (<NUM>) of tube holding receptacles (<NUM>), each tube holding receptacle being disposed so as to contain sample specimen in a sample storage array (<NUM>) and to effect, with the sample store and transport tube, delivery of the sample specimen from the sample storage array to a workstation (<NUM>), the predetermined array of tube holding receptacles defining a volume capacity of the tube holding microplate;
each of the tube holding receptacles being shaped to engage walls (251W) of the sample store and transport tubes and hold a respective one of the sample store and transport tubes, wherein the tube holding receptacles of the predetermined array are sized and spaced from one another so that the tube holding microplate volume capacity defined by the predetermined array of tube holding receptacles is an under optimum volume capacity disposed so as to be balanced with a predetermined throughput capacity of the automated storage and retrieval system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>') configured for the automated storage and retrieval of sample store and transport tubes (<NUM>) from a sample storage (110A, 110B) to the sample storage array of the tube holding microplate, and so that the under optimum volume capacity effects an increase in throughput of the sample store and transport tubes from the automated storage and retrieval system.