Patent ID: 7861540

Claim:
An automated storage and retrieval system for storing sample storage containers at ultra-low temperatures, the system comprising: a freezer body having an ultra-low temperature, insulated compartment that is maintained at an ultra-low temperature from about âˆ’50Â° C. to âˆ’90Â° C. under normal operating conditions when biological or chemical samples are being stored in the ultra-low temperature compartment; at least one storage rack having trays for storing storage containers holding biological or chemical samples; a robot located within the ultra-low temperature freezer compartment and also mounted to the frame, the robot having an automatically controlled reach arm for transporting storage sample containers within the freezer compartment; an insulated freezer door that is mounted to the freezer body and closed during normal operation of the system; an access module on the door for introducing a sample storage container into the ultra-low temperatures freezer compartment and retrieving containers from the ultra-low temperatures freezer compartment through the door when the door is closed, the access module providing a chamber in which moisture is purged before providing access into the ultra-low temperatures freezer compartment; robot drive motors mounted to the door outside of the ultra-low temperatures compartment; and a transmission that transmits power from the robot drive motors outside of the ultra-low temperatures compartment to the robot inside the ultra-low temperatures compartment.