Abstract: Apparatus (10) for separating individual sealed tubes (42) from an array has rack support (30) for supporting an array of tubes with their upper rims (43) disposed in a horizontal plane and all sealed with a sealing membrane (90), and a punch station (60) comprising a punch tool (62) with cutting edge (66). Cutting edge (66) pierces through membrane (90) from above to separate an individual sealed tube (42) from the remainder of the membrane. The tool has multiple cutting edges (66) in a linear array corresponding to a column of a tightly-packed x by y array of tubes in the rack (40) to simultaneously separate the tubes (42) of a whole column. The cutting edge (66) starts piercing membrane (90) at the corners (43a) of each tube rim and progressively shears through the membrane. Ejector pins (68) retain the separated tubes within the rack (40).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for separating individual sealed tubes (42) from an array has rack support (30) for supporting an array of tubes with their upper rims (43) disposed in a horizontal plane and all sealed with a sealing membrane (90), and a punch station (60) comprising a punch tool (62) with cutting edge (66). Cutting edge (66) pierces through membrane (90) from above to separate an individual sealed tube (42) from the remainder of the membrane. The tool has multiple cutting edges (66) in a linear array corresponding to a column of a tightly-packed x by y array of tubes in the rack (40) to simultaneously separate the tubes (42) of a whole column. The cutting edge (66) starts piercing membrane (90) at the corners (43a) of each tube rim and progressively shears through the membrane. Ejector pins (68) retain the separated tubes within the rack (40).

Abstract: A system 10 for storing and processing a plurality of biological or chemical samples at ultra-low temperatures is provided. The system 10 comprises a plurality of ultra-low temperature storage locations 30; an enclosed pathway 35 adjacent the storage locations 30; and a manipulator module 60 disposed within the pathway 35 for conveying vessels 33 along the pathway 35 between the storage locations 30 in the system 10. Each of the storage locations being accessed through an insulated access panel 36 on the side of the storage location 30, the panel 36 being configured to close the storage location 30 from the pathway 35.

Abstract: A system 10 for storing and processing a plurality of biological or chemical samples at ultra-low temperatures is provided. The system 10 comprises a plurality of ultra-low temperature storage locations 30; an enclosed pathway 35 adjacent the storage locations 30; and a manipulator module 60 disposed within the pathway 35 for conveying vessels 33 along the pathway 35 between the storage locations 30 in the system 10. Each of the storage locations being accessed through an insulated access panel 36 on the side of the storage location 30, the panel 36 being configured to close the storage location 30 from the pathway 35.