GB2527853A - Apparatus and method for individually freezing pellets - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for individually freezing pellets Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2527853A
GB2527853A GB1412078.6A GB201412078A GB2527853A GB 2527853 A GB2527853 A GB 2527853A GB 201412078 A GB201412078 A GB 201412078A GB 2527853 A GB2527853 A GB 2527853A
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Prior art keywords
compartments
vessel
liquid reagent
timed
tubular members
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GB2527853B (en
GB201412078D0 (en
Inventor
Alexander Marc Ebinger
Kenneth Hilton Ramplin
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HART INNOVATIONS Ltd
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HART INNOVATIONS Ltd
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/10—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using liquefied gases, e.g. liquid air
    • F25D3/105—Movable containers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/10—Producing ice by using rotating or otherwise moving moulds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/06—Solidifying liquids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/10—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using liquefied gases, e.g. liquid air
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/28—Preparing specimens for investigation including physical details of (bio-)chemical methods covered elsewhere, e.g. G01N33/50, C12Q
    • G01N1/42—Low-temperature sample treatment, e.g. cryofixation

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus 201 for producing individually frozen pellets comprises a vessel 202 containing a low boiling liquefied gas 203, and the vessel having a plurality of compartments 204. A motor 205 rotates the compartments within the vessel and a timed dispenser 206, 208 dispenses an aliquot of liquid reagent into each of the compartments as the compartments are rotated within the vessel by the motor. The compartments may be arranged in an annular shape (fig 5) within the vessel and may comprise of one or more tubular members having an open first and second end. The annular shape may comprise a first (503) inner and second (504) outer annulus (or may be more) and two timed dispensers may be used whereby a first dispenses reagent to the inner and a second dispenses reagent to the outer annulus. The compartments are rotated at a speed ensuring complete freezing of the reagent upon one complete rotation. The timed dispenser is synchronised with the motor. A method for producing frozen pellets is claimed. The liquefied gas may be liquid nitrogen and the reagent may be blood plasma or pharmaceutical products. The motor and dispenser may be mains or battery operated.

Description

Apparatus and Method for Individually Freezing Pellets
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for producing individually frozen pellets in low boiling liquefied gas, such as liquid nitrogen, before they are used in a subsequent freeze-drying process and then stored correctly. The present invention ensures that individual pellets do not agglomerate or fuse during the freezing process.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known to freeze liquid reagent by dispensing liquid drops into a Dewar flask or such like cryogenic storage vessel containing low boiling liquefied gas exemplified by liquid nitrogen. When an aliquot of liquid reagent is dropped into low boiling liquefied gas, it freezes and falls to the bottom of the Dewar flask. When aiming to freeze large numbers of pellets, a liquid drop must be dispensed into the Dewar flask and must freeze before the next liquid drop is added into the Dewar flask. This is because a first drop must freeze before a second drop is added, in order to ensure that individual pellets do not touch and consequently agglomerate or fuse during the freezing process.
Examples of liquid reagent that may be frozen in this manner include a wide range of blood plasma and pharmaceutical products. The nature of the intended use of these products dictates that the entirety of the liquid reagent must be frozen into a reagent pellet. The reagent pellets must be of a uniform size and must not make contact with each other which would lead to agglomeration of reagent pellets and hence formation of irregularly sized reagent pellets; some reagent pellets would be small and others would be large. A heterogeneous population of reagent pellets is unacceptable, given the disastrous medical implications that may ensue. Once correctly frozen, reagent pellets are generally freeze-dried and stored correctly before usage.
It is known to dispense an individual liquid drop into low boiling liquefied gas in a Dewar flask and wait until the liquid drop has frozen before adding the next liquid drop in to the Dewar flask. This ensures that the second drop does not fuse to the first drop before the first drop has entirely frozen. However, although dependent on the size of the liquid drop, a drop may take approximately thirty seconds to freeze in low boiling liquefied gas.
Therefore, in light of such a time interval, the freezing of large quantities of reagent pellets in such a way sc as to avoid unwanted agglomeration is a lengthy and prolonged exercise.
A number of systems exist to allow individual freezing of reagent pellets, for example U83162019 in which discrete frozen particles are removed from a bath of low boiling liquefied gas by means of a rotatable drum which drops frozen pellets into a conveyer.
However, the present invention proposal relates to an alternative apparatus and method for producing individually frozen pellets which can be easily retrofitted to existing laboratory Dewar flasks. The present invention advantageously ensures individual freezing of the reagent pellets in order to avoid their fusion and significantly increases the throughput of reagent pellets that can be frozen.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for producing individually frozen pellets comprising: a vessel of low boiling liquefied gas, wherein said vessel comprises a plurality of compartments; an automated motor configured to rotate said plurality of compartments within said vessel; and a timed dispenser configured to dispense an aliquot of liquid reagent into each of said plurality of compartments as said plurality of compartments within said vessel is rotated by said automated motor.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing individually frozen pellets comprising the following steps: i) configuring a vessel of low boiling liquefied gas with a plurality of compartments; ii) engaging an automated motor configured to rotate said plurality of compartments within said vessel; and iii) setting a timed dispenser to dispense an aliquot of liquid reagent into each of said plurality of compartments as said plurality of compartments within said vessel is rotated by said automated motor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a person freezing pellets according to the prior art; Figure 2 shows the apparatus embodied in the present invention; Figure 3 shows a representation of the plurality of compartments as embodied in the present invention; Figures 4A and 4B show plan views of an aspect of the apparatus embodied in the present invention; Figure 5 shows a representation of a further aspect of the apparatus embodied in the present invention; and Figure 6 shows the method steps embodied in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 A person 101 freezing pellets according to the prior art is illustrated in Figure 1. Drops or aliquots of liquid reagent need to be dropped using dispenser 102 into Dewar flask 103 (or cryogenic storage vessel or freezing flask) containing low boiling liquefied gas in order to be frozen into solid pellets. The term pellet or reagent pellet is hereby used to represent the solid end product when the drop or aliquot of liquid reagent has been frozen in the low boiling liquefied gas. When an aliquot of liquid reagent is dropped into low boiling liquefied gas, it freezes and falls to the bottom of the Dewar flask 103. When aiming to produce large numbers of frozen pellets, a liquid reagent drop must be dispensed into Dewar flask 103 and must then freeze before the next drop of liquid reagent is added into Dewar flask 103. This is because a first drop of liquid reagent must freeze before a second drop of liquid reagent is added, in order to ensure that individual pellets do not touch during the freezing process. If individual pellets were to touch during the freezing process, they would agglomerate or fuse. This would lead to a population of heterogeneously sized pellets which is unacceptable given that reagent pellets may be used as medicaments and must contain a known and exact amount of active ingredient. Once correctly frozen, reagent pellets are generally freeze-dried and stored correctly, for example, in vials 104.
The time it takes for an individual drop of liquid reagent to freeze into a pellet is a limiting factor in the quantity of pellets that can be produced in a given time scale. Person 101 must wait until a first drop of liquid reagent has frozen and formed a solid pellet before dispensing a second drop of liquid reagent into flask 103. Although dependent on the size of the drop of liquid reagent, the time required to elapse before a second drop of liquid reagent may be added can be in the region of thirty seconds. The time it takes for an individual drop of liquid reagent to freeze is a limiting factor in the quantity of pellets that can be produced in a given time scale and this represents a genuine problem.
Attempts have been made to divide up Dewar flask 103 into wedge shapes to form compartments within freezing flask 103 in order to increase the number of frozen reagent pellets that can be produced in a given time period. A drop of liquid reagent can be dispensed into each wedge shaped compartments. However, a problem exists in that pellets have a tendency to become stuck in the corners of the wedge shaped compartments.
Therefore, there is a real need to provide an improved solution to overcome the problem of having to wait for an individual drop of liquid reagent to freeze into a solid pellet before being able to add a subsequent drop of liquid reagent into freezing flask 103.
Figure 2 The apparatus 201 embodied in the present invention is illustrated in Figure 2. Apparatus 201 is intended to be used for producing frozen reagent pellets in such a manner so as to prevent their agglomeration during the freezing process. Apparatus 201 comprises a vessel 202 of low boiling liquefied gas 203 such as liquid nitrogen. Vessel 202 comprises a plurality of compartments 204.
Apparatus 201 also comprises an automated motor which is configured to rotate plurality of compartments 204 within vessel 202.
Automated motor comprises a motor element 205 and a rotating shaft 207 which is configured to rotate plurality of compartments 204 within vessel 202.
Automated motor is typically mains operated but may be battery powered.
Apparatus 201 further comprises a timed dispenser which is configured to dispense an aliquot of liquid reagent into each of said plurality of compartments 204 within vessel 202 as plurality of compartments 204 within vessel 202 is rotated by automated motor 205. Timed dispenser comprises means of dispensing 206 such as a pipette tip and an external trigger 208 comprising a reservoir of liquid reagent. External trigger 208 accurately dispenses an aliquot of liquid reagent into each of said plurality of compartments 204. External trigger 208 is typically mains operated but may be battery powered.
Figure 3 A representation of the plurality of compartments 301 as embodied in the present invention is shown in Figure 3. Plurality of compartments 301 are configured in an annular shape within vessel 302. As illustrated in Figure 3, compartments 301 form a circular arrangement around rotary shaft 303 of motor.
Plurality of compartments 301 comprises one or more tubular members, and in the illustrated embodiment, plurality of compartments 301 comprises ten tubular members 304. However, in alternative embodiments, plurality of compartments 301 may comprise any number of tubular members. Tubular members 304 are open at each end. This is to enable the drop of liquid reagent to be dispensed into a first open end 305. Second open end (not shown) may be in direct contact with the bottom of vessel 302 and therefore solid frozen pellets may sit at bottom of vessel 302. Once the process of freezing reagent pellets is complete, plurality of compartments 301 are removed from vessel 302 and frozen reagent pellets are collected from vessel 302.
Figure 4 Two examples of alternative plan views of an aspect of the apparatus embodied in the present invention are shown in Figure 4. In Figure 4A, apparatus 401 comprises a plurality of compartments with an inner annulus of four open ended tubular members 402 configured in a circular arrangement and an outer annulus of four open ended tubular members 403 configured in a circular arrangement. In Figure 4B, apparatus 401 comprises a plurality of compartments with an inner annulus of six open ended tubular members 404 configured in a circular arrangement and an outer annulus of six open ended tubular members 405 configured in a circular arrangement.
However, the invention embodies any number, shape and arrangement of compartments.
Figure 5 Figure 5 shows a plan view of a further aspect of the apparatus embodied in the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 5, apparatus 501 comprises one or more tubular members 502, and more particularly, ten tubular members 502 arranged with five tubular members 502 in an inner annulus 503 and five tubular members 502 in an outer annulus 504. Each tubular member 502 is open at each end. First open end 505 of each tubular member 502 is configured to receive an aliquot of liquid reagent 506.
Figure 5 shows five tubular members 502 (or compartments) in each annulus. However, any number of compartments may be deployed in the present invention. The number of compartments or open ended tubular members configured in a circular arrangement is directly proportional to the number of reagent pellets frozen by apparatus 501. Therefore, a larger number of compartments (or tubular members) may lead to an increased number of reagent pellets that can be frozen in a given timescale.
Rotary shaft 507 of automated motor is configured to rotate tubular members 502 configured in an annular shape within vessel (not here shown).
Rotary shaft 507 of automated motor rotates tubular members 502 within vessel at a speed that ensures complete freezing of an aliquot of liquid reagent upon one complete rotation. Although entirely dependent on the size of the drop of liquid reagent to be frozen, an average time for a reagent pellet to be completely frozen into a solid state in a bath of low boiling liquefied gas such as liquid nitrogen is in the region of thirty seconds.
Open end 505 of each said tubular member receives an aliquot or drop of liquid reagent as rotary shaft 507 of automated motor rotates said plurality of compartments, here comprising ten tubular members 502.
A timed dispenser 508 is configured to dispense an aliquot or drop of liquid reagent 506 into each open end 505 as rotary shaft 507 of automated motor rotates said plurality of compartments, here comprising ten tubular members 502.
As shown in Figure 5, tubular members 502 are arranged in an annular shape comprising a first inner annulus and a second outer annulus.
In alternative embodiments (not shown), tubular members may be arranged in an annular shape having three or more concentric annuli.
In a further alternative embodiment (not shown), apparatus 501 may comprise an additional timed dispenser. There may be a timed dispenser for each concentric annulus of compartments. For example, if there are three rings or annuli of compartments or tubular members, there may be a corresponding three timed dispensers; if there are four rings or annuli of compartments or tubular members, there may be a corresponding four timed dispensers.
In the embodiment wherein there are two timed dispensers, one of the two timed dispensers dispenses aliquots or drops of liquid reagent into the compartments of the first inner annulus and a second one of the two timed dispensers dispenses aliquots or drops of liquid reagent into the compartments of the second outer annulus. In an embodiment wherein there are three or more timed dispensers, each timed dispenser is positioned to dispense liquid reagent into a particular ring or annulus of compartments (or tubular members).
In the illustrated embodiment, timed dispenser 508 is synchronised with automated motor 507 to accurately dispense liquid reagent into each of the plurality of compartments or tubular members 502 as the plurality of compartments or tubular members 502 is rotated by automated motor 507.
Furthermore, in alternative embodiments wherein there is a plurality of timed dispensers, each timed dispenser is synchronised with automated motor to accurately dispense liquid reagent into each of said plurality of compartments.
Figure 6 The method steps embodied in the present invention are shown in Figure 6. The claimed method for freezing individual reagent pellets comprises a number of steps. In the first step 601, a vessel such a Dewar flask (or cryogenic storage vessel or freezing flask) is filled with low boiling liquefied gas such as liquid nitrogen and a plurality of compartments is inserted into the flask. In second stage 602, a motor is subsequently engaged with the vessel and configured to rotate the vessel. As the vessel rotates, the plurality of compartments also rotates. In third stage 603, a timed dispenser is set to dispense an aliquot of liquid reagent into each of the plurality of compartments as the plurality of compartments within said vessel is rotated by the automated motor.
In the embodied invention, the plurality of compartments is configured in an annular shape within the vessel or Dewar flask. The annular shape may comprise at least a first inner annulus and a second outer annulus. In the embodied invention, the plurality of compartments comprises one or more tubular members which are open at each end. However, the invention does not preclude the plurality of compartments from being alternative shapes.
The claimed method may further comprise the additional step of deploying at least two timed dispensers. One of said at least two dispensers dispenses aliquots of liquid reagent into the first inner annulus and a further one of said at least two timed dispensers dispenses aliquots of liquid reagent into the second outer annulus. This advantageously increases the quantity of reagent pellets that can be frozen in a given timescale.

Claims (22)

  1. Claims What we claim is: 1. Apparatus for producing individually frozen pellets comprising: a vessel of low boiling liquefied gas, wherein said vessel comprises a plurality of compartments; an automated motor configured to rotate said plurality of compartments within said vessel; and a timed dispenser configured to dispense an aliquot of liquid reagent into each of said plurality of compartments as said plurality of compartments within said vessel is rotated by said automated motor.
  2. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of compartments is configured in an annular shape within said vessel.
  3. 3. Apparatus according to claim I wherein said plurality of compartments within said vessel comprises one or more tubular members having a first end and a second end.
  4. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said first end and said second end of said one or more tubular members are open ends.
  5. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said first open end of said one or more tubular members is configured to receive an aliquot of liquid reagent.
  6. 6. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said automated motor is configured to rotate said plurality of compartments configured in an annular shape within said vessel.
  7. 7. Apparatus according to claim 5 and claim 6, wherein said first open end of each of said one or more tubular members receives an aliquot of liquid reagent as said automated motor rotates said plurality of compartments within said vessel.
  8. 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said timed dispenser dispenses an aliquot of liquid reagent into said first open end of each of said one or more tubular members as said automated motor rotates said plurality of compartments within said vessel.
  9. 9. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said annular shape comprises at least a first inner annulus and a second outer annulus.
  10. 10. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least two timed dispensers.
  11. 11. Apparatus according to claim 9 and claim 10, wherein one of said at least two timed dispensers dispenses aliquots of liquid reagent into said first inner annulus and a further one of said at least two timed dispensers dispenses aliquots of liquid reagent into said second outer annulus.
  12. 12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said first inner annulus comprises a plurality of open ended tubular members configured in a circular arrangement.
  13. 13. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said second outer annulus comprises a plurality of open ended tubular members configured in a circular arrangement.
  14. 14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the number of open ended tubular members configured in a circular arrangement is directly proportional to the number of individual pellets frozen by said apparatus.
  15. 15. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said automated motor rotates said plurality of compartments within said vessel at a speed that ensures complete freezing of an aliquot of liquid reagent upon one complete rotation.
  16. 16. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said timed dispenser is synchronised with said automated motor to accurately dispense liquid reagent into each of said plurality of compartments as said plurality of compartments within said vessel is rotated by said automated motor.
  17. 17. Method for producing individually frozen pellets comprising the following steps: i) configuring a vessel of low boiling liquefied gas with a plurality of compartments; ii) engaging an automated motor configured to rotate said plurality of compartments within said vessel; iii) setting a timed dispenser to dispense an aliquot of liquid reagent into each of said plurality of compartments as said plurality of compartments within said vessel is rotated by said automated motor.
  18. 18. Method according to claim 17, wherein said plurality of compartments is configured in an annular shape within said vessel.
  19. 19. Method according to claim 18, wherein said annular shape comprises at least a first inner annulus and a second outer annulus.
  20. 20. Method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of deploying at least two timed dispensers, wherein one of said at least two timed dispensers dispenses aliquots of liquid reagent into said first inner annulus and a further one of said at least two timed dispensers dispenses aliquots of liquid reagent into said second outer annulus.
  21. 21. Apparatus substantially as shown and described herein with reference to Figures 2 to 6.
  22. 22. Method substantially as shown and described herein with reference to Figures 2 to 6.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims What we claim is: 1. Apparatus for producing individually frozen pellets comprising: a vessel of low boiling liquefied gas, wherein said vessel comprises a plurality of compartments; an automated motor, that rotates said plurality of compartments within said vessel; and a timed dispenser configured to dispense an aliquot of liquid reagent into each of said plurality of compartments as said plurality of compartments : 10 within said vessel is rotated by said automated motor.SS.....* 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of compartments is configured in an annular shape within said vessel. **5S*** * . 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of 0* compartments within said vessel comprises one or more tubular members j. having a first end and a second end.4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said first end and said second end of said one or more tubular members are open ends.5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said first open end of said one or more tubular members is configured to receive an aliquot of liquid reagent.6. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said automated motor is configured to rotate said plurality of compartments configured in an annular shape within said vessel.7. Apparatus according to claim 5 and claim 5, wherein said first open end of each of said one or more tubular members receives an aliquot of liquid reagent as said automated motor rotates said plurality of compartments within said vessel.8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said timed dispenser dispenses an aliquot of liquid reagent into said first open end of each of said one or more tubular members as said automated motor rotates said plurality of compartments within said vessel.9. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said annular shape comprises at least a first inner annulus and a second outer annulus. * .10. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least two timed dispensers.* * 15 a:::': 11. Apparatus according to claim 9 and claim 10, wherein one of * said at least two timed dispensers dispenses aliquots of liquid reagent into * * said first inner annulus and a further one of said at least two timed dispensers dispenses aliquots of liquid reagent into said second outer annulus.12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said first inner annulus comprises a plurality of open ended tubular members configured in a circular arrangement.13. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said second outer annulus comprises a plurality of open ended tubular members configured in a circular arrangement.14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the number of open ended tubular members configured in a circular arrangement is directly proportional to the number of individual pellets frozen by said apparatus.15. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said automated motor rotates said plurality of compartments within said vessel at a speed that ensures complete freezing of an aliquot of liquid reagent upon one complete rotation.16. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said timed dispenser is synchronised with said automated motor to accurately dispense liquid reagent into each of said plurality of compartments as said plurality of compartments within said vessel is rotated by said automated motor.17. Method for producing individually frozen pellets comprising the following steps: I) configuring a vessel of low boiling Liquefied gas with a plurality . of compartments: * ii) engaging an automated motor that rotates said plurality of compartments within said vessel; iii) setting a timed dispenser to dispense an aliquot of liquid reagent into each of said plurality of compartments as said plurality of compartments within said vessel is rotated by said automated motor.18. Method according to claim 17, wherein said plurality of compartments is configured in an annular shape within said vessel.19. Method according to claim 16, wherein said annular shape comprises at least a first inner annulus and a second outer annulus.20. Method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of deploying at least two timed dispensers, wherein one of said at least two timed dispensers dispenses aliquots of liquid reagent into said first inner annulus and a further one of said at least two timed dispensers dispenses aliquots of liquid reagent into said second outer annulus.S 21. Apparatus substantially as shown and described herein with reference to Figures 2 to 6.22. Method substantially as shown and described herein with reference to Figures 2 to 6. * I. ** S *.S * : * S *.** * *SSI ** * . *. *S * *.S
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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2019289113B2 (en) * 2018-06-20 2022-11-03 Gen-Probe Incorporated Method and apparatus for freezing dispensed droplets of liquid

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5275016A (en) * 1992-04-24 1994-01-04 Abaxis, Inc. Cryogenic apparatus
FR2836398A1 (en) * 2002-02-27 2003-08-29 Air Liquide Installation, useful in the manufacture of food or pharmaceuticals, comprises coolant for making frozen pellets by releasing droplets of liquid from rotating reservoir

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5275016A (en) * 1992-04-24 1994-01-04 Abaxis, Inc. Cryogenic apparatus
FR2836398A1 (en) * 2002-02-27 2003-08-29 Air Liquide Installation, useful in the manufacture of food or pharmaceuticals, comprises coolant for making frozen pellets by releasing droplets of liquid from rotating reservoir

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2019289113B2 (en) * 2018-06-20 2022-11-03 Gen-Probe Incorporated Method and apparatus for freezing dispensed droplets of liquid
US11867460B2 (en) 2018-06-20 2024-01-09 Gen-Probe Incorporated Method and apparatus for freezing dispensed droplets of liquid

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GB201412078D0 (en) 2014-08-20

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