USPTO Patent Grant for Automated Thawing Systems

ChangeBridge: Patent Grants - Medical Devices (A61M)

Published March 24th, 2026

Detected March 25th, 2026

Summary

The USPTO has granted patent US12584833B2 to BioLife Solutions, Inc. for automated thawing systems designed for bag-format storage vessels containing cell samples. The patent covers devices, systems, and methods that precisely control thawing based on sample temperature, volume, and mass to prevent cell damage.

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What changed

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued patent US12584833B2 to BioLife Solutions, Inc. This patent covers novel systems, devices, and methods for the automated thawing of bag-format storage vessels, specifically those containing cell samples. The technology aims to prevent ice crystallization damage to cells by precisely controlling the thawing process based on the sample's temperature, volume, and mass, utilizing paired heater plates with an articulated member for ease of use.

This patent grant signifies a new technological advancement in the field of sample preservation and thawing. While it does not impose new regulatory obligations, it may influence product development and innovation within the medical device and biotechnology sectors. Companies involved in cell therapy, cryopreservation, and sample management should be aware of this patented technology, as it could impact future product designs and market offerings.

Source document (simplified)

← USPTO Patent Grants

Systems, devices, and methods for automated thawing of bag-format storage vessels

Grant US12584833B2 Kind: B2 Mar 24, 2026

Assignee

BioLife Solutions, Inc.

Inventors

Brian Schryver, Scott Comiso, Thomas McPherson

Abstract

The present invention discloses sample thawing devices, systems, and methods, that are configured to take bag-format sample vessels, referred to as “cryobags”, and to thaw the contents of such cryobags. The contents of such cryobags are samples with cells, and the thawing of such samples is based on the temperature, volume, and mass of the sample in order to evenly distribute heat and avoid ice crystallization damage to the cells during thawing. Paired heater plates form an assembly configured to support, clamp, and thaw individual cryobags. The heater plate pair has an articulated member that is repositioning to provide for ease in inserting and removing samples.

CPC Classifications

G01N 1/42 G01N 1/44 A01N 1/0242 A01N 1/0257 A01N 1/0263 A01N 1/0284 B01L 7/00 B01L 3/505 B01L 7/50 B01L 2200/147 B01L 2300/0809 B01L 2300/123 B01L 2300/1827 H05B 1/025 H05B 3/30 A61M 1/369 A61M 5/44 A61M 2205/3653