CASSETTE PULLER

摘要

A cassette puller for an automated storage and retrieval system that stores biological or chemical samples in freezers maintained at ultra-low temperature (e.g., -80°C) or cryogenic temperatures includes a vertical sleeve into which the selected cassette (24) is lifted. The cassette puller (30) is mounted to a traveling gantry and transports cassettes (24) from one freezer location to another and to the system input/output module. The cassette puller (30) comprises a sleeve (38) into which a cassette (24) from the freezer bay in the freezer chest is lifted, the sleeve (38) containing at least one access opening to allow removal of a selected tube storage rack or plate on a shelf in the lifted cassette (24). Other components such as a rack robot, a tube picking mechanism, a sample identification station, etc. are mounted on the traveling gantry as well.