Abstract: A single-use coring probe for collecting a frozen aliquot from a frozen biological sample includes a hollow coring bit and an ejector adapted. The ejector is operable to eject a frozen sample core from the bit as it moves from a retracted position to an extended position. Use of the ejector converts the probe to a disabled configuration to discourage reuse of the coring probe to obtain another sample. The probe may include a locking mechanism adapted to prevent re-use of the single-use coring probe by locking the ejector in the extended position. A hand-held coring device can be used to take frozen sample cores from frozen samples. A tissue container is suitable for holding a frozen tissue sample in frozen storage and also for holding the sample while the sample is sectioned and/or a full-depth frozen sample core is extracted from the frozen tissue.

Abstract: A robotic end effector for collecting frozen aliquots from an array of frozen samples in a plurality of containers has a coring bit for taking frozen sample cores from the frozen samples and a frozen sample core extraction system adapted to extract frozen sample cores from the frozen samples. A fill level detection system is adapted to detect the positions of the surfaces of the frozen samples. A processor is adapted to receive signals from the fill level detection system and use the signals and information concerning operation of the frozen sample core extraction system to determine at least one of the following: (a) the amount of material contained in a frozen sample core obtained by the coring bit; and (b) the number of frozen sample cores needed from a particular frozen sample to obtain a predetermined amount of material from that frozen sample.

Abstract: A robotic end effector for collecting frozen aliquots from an array of frozen samples in a plurality of containers has a coring bit for taking frozen sample cores from the frozen samples and a frozen sample core extraction system adapted to extract frozen sample cores from the frozen samples. A fill level detection system is adapted to detect the positions of the surfaces of the frozen samples. A processor is adapted to receive signals from the fill level detection system and use the signals and information concerning operation of the frozen sample core extraction system to determine at least one of the following: (a) the amount of material contained in a frozen sample core obtained by the coring bit; and (b) the number of frozen sample cores needed from a particular frozen sample to obtain a predetermined amount of material from that frozen sample.

Abstract: A system for taking frozen sample cores from frozen biological samples includes a coring bit mount adapted to hold a coring bit and a carriage supporting the coring bit mount. A drive system is adapted to produce relative movement between the carriage and the frozen biological samples for moving the coring bit along a path into the frozen biological samples. A cutting action motor is supported by the carriage and adapted to drive a cutting motion of the coring bit as the drive system drives the coring bit into the frozen biological samples. A targeting system is adapted to direct electromagnetic radiation onto one of the frozen biological samples when the sample is positioned in the path of the coring bit. The electromagnetic radiation is adapted to produce a display on the frozen biological sample indicating where the path of the coring bit intersects the frozen biological sample.

Abstract: A machine vision system for use with a robotic system that takes frozen sample cores from frozen samples that are in containers includes a camera and a fill level detection system. A processor is configured to receive signals from the fill level detection system and use the signals to determine where to position the camera to obtain an image of the frozen samples. The processor can be configured to receive image data from the camera and to determine locations of bores where frozen sample cores have already been taken. The processor uses this data to move a coring probe into an open end of at least one bore to clear the bore of debris. The system can include a light for illuminating the containers. The majority of the light energy emitted by the light has a wavelength of 620-750 nm or 495-570 nm.

Abstract: A single-use coring probe for collecting a frozen aliquot from a frozen biological sample includes a hollow coring bit and an ejector adapted. The ejector is operable to eject a frozen sample core from the bit as it moves from a retracted position to an extended position. Use of the ejector converts the probe to a disabled configuration to discourage reuse of the coring probe to obtain another sample. The probe may include a locking mechanism adapted to prevent re-use of the single-use coring probe by locking the ejector in the extended position. A hand-held coring device can be used to take frozen sample cores from frozen samples. A tissue container is suitable for holding a frozen tissue sample in frozen storage and also for holding the sample while the sample is sectioned and/or a full-depth frozen sample core is extracted from the frozen tissue.

Abstract: A machine vision system for use with a system that takes frozen sample cores from samples that are in containers includes a camera. A processor is configured to receive image data from the camera and to determine locations where frozen sample cores have already been taken. A method of determining one or more locations where a frozen sample core have already been taken from frozen samples includes operating a robotic system to position one of the containers on a platform at a station for receiving the container while a frozen sample core is extracted from the frozen sample contained in the container. The camera is used to capture an image of the frozen sample. Contrast in the captured image is evaluated to identify one or more bore candidates. The processor uses the image to determine whether or not the bore candidates are real bores or artifacts.