Abstract: A storage apparatus comprises a housing defining a plurality of chambers disposed one next to the other, the housing including partitions for separating the chambers from one another. Temperature control components are provided for controlling temperature independently in each of the chambers. Access openings are provided in the partitions between the chambers for enabling communication between each chamber and the chamber of chambers contiguous therewith. A support member movably supports a plurality of specimen-containing receptacles within the housing, while a drive is operatively connected to the support member for moving the receptacles from chamber to chamber through the access openings. An access door in the housing enables deposition and removal of a selected one of the receptacles from the housing.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage apparatus comprises a housing with an automatically operated access door. A holder device disposed in the housing supports a plurality of specimen-containing ampules, while a conveyor moves the holder device, together with the plurality of ampules, through cooling fluid in the housing along a path preferably including a snaking portion with vertically extending folds. An inverted L-shaped cooling component with an opened upper side is disposed in the housing for maintaining the cooling fluid at a predetermined low temperature. An extraction mechanism disposed outside of the housing at the access door serves to remove a selectable ampule positioned in the housing in juxtaposition to the door.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage apparatus comprises a housing with an automatically operated access door. A holder device disposed in the housing supports a plurality of specimen-containing ampules, while a conveyor moves the holder device, together with the plurality of ampules, through cooling fluid in the housing along a path preferably including a snaking portion with vertically extending folds. An inverted L-shaped cooling component with an opened upper side is disposed in the housing for maintaining the cooling fluid at a predetermined low temperature. An extraction mechanism disposed outside of the housing at the access door serves to remove a selectable ampule positioned in the housing in juxtaposition to the door.