Abstract: A cryogenic device for vitrifying, storing, and thawing biological materials, comprises a loading and retrieving arrangement, wherein the loading and retrieving arrangement comprises a vitrification and thawing sub-arrangement further comprising a housing having an openable door and a second carousel-shaped member rotatably disposed therewithin; the second carousel-shaped member carries containers configured for accommodating vitrifying or thawing consumables for vitrifying or thawing biological material containers to be placed into or retrieved from the cryogenic environment and at least one heater for heating the thawing consumable to a predefined temperature for complying with a given thawing protocol; the second carousel-shaped member has a side recess providing an access of the linear manipulator to the receptacles carried by the first carousel-shaped member; wherein the method comprises a step of linearly moving the second carousel-shaped member between first and second positions.

Abstract: A cryogenic device for storing biological material containers comprises: a sealed cryogenic Dewar vessel; (b) a matrix of receptacles disposed in an inner space of the cryogenic Dewar vessel and configured for receiving and storing biological material containers; (c) means for loading and retrieving the biological material containers. The loading/retrieving means comprises a telescopic cane manipulator configured for loading and retrieving the biological material containers within the matrix. The receptacles are carried by a carousel member rotatable around an axis thereof. The receptacles are arranged into a number of groups distributed over the carousel member. Each group of the receptacles has a central point positioned at distance R1 from the rotation axis of the carousel member. a center of each receptacle within the group is positioned around a central point thereof at distance R2.

Abstract: A thermally isolated sensor arrangement for imaging an object of interest within a cryogenic environment comprises: (a) a sensor configured for imaging the object of interest; (b) a light source configured for illuminating the object of interest; (c) a vacuum sealed housing accommodating the sensor and light source; the housing having an aperture and an optical window mounted within the aperture; and (d) means for securing the sensor and light source within the housing. The means for securing the sensor and light source further comprises a wire suspension characterized by low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A cryogenic device for storing biological material containers comprises: a sealed cryogenic Dewar vessel; (b) a matrix of receptacles disposed in an inner space of the cryogenic Dewar vessel and configured for receiving and storing biological material containers; (c) means for loading and retrieving the biological material containers. The loading/retrieving means comprises a telescopic cane manipulator configured for loading and retrieving the biological material containers within the matrix. The receptacles are carried by a carousel member rotatable around an axis thereof. The receptacles are arranged into a number of groups distributed over the carousel member. Each group of the receptacles has a central point positioned at distance R1 from the rotation axis of the carousel member. a center of each receptacle within the group is positioned around a central point thereof at distance R2.