METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING EXCESS PRESSURE IN ISOCHORIC SYSTEMS

20240023543

18/222436

July 15, 2023

A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems that involves providing a rigid and sealable master container, placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container, placing a secondary subsystem into the master container, removing bulk gas phase from the master container, sealing the master container, cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature, maintaining the master container at the storage temperature for a storage period, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem, unsealing the master container, and removing the biological matter from the master container. The secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures. An apparatus for performing the foregoing method steps.

1. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and scalable master container; (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) sealing the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature; (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

2. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and sealable master container; (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) sealing the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature; (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

3. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and sealable master container; (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) scaling the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature; (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

4. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and sealable master container; (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) sealing the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature; (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

5. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and sealable master container; (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a solid that is immiscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) sealing the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature; (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

6. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and sealable master container; (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a solid that is immiscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) sealing the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature; (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

7. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and sealable master container; (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a solid that is immiscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) sealing the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature; (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

8. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and sealable master container; (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a solid that is immiscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) sealing the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature: (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

9. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and sealable master container; (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is miscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; and wherein the liquid is separated from the primary subsystem by a mass-impermeable barrier; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) sealing the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature; (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

10. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and sealable master container: (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; and wherein the liquid is separated from the primary subsystem by a mass-impermeable barrier; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) sealing the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature; (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

11. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and sealable master container; (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; and wherein the liquid is separated from the primary subsystem by a mass-impermeable barrier; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) sealing the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature; (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

12. A method for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) providing a rigid and sealable master container; (b) placing a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter into the master container; (c) placing a secondary subsystem into the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; and wherein the liquid is separated from the primary subsystem by a mass-impermeable barrier; (d) removing bulk gas phase from the master container; (e) sealing the master container; (f) cooling the master container to a desired sub-0° Centigrade storage temperature; (g) maintaining the master container at the desired storage temperature for a desired storage period; (h) wherein the primary subsystem has an equilibrium melting point, warming the master container to a temperature that is greater than the equilibrium melting point of the primary subsystem; (i) unsealing the master container; and (j) removing the biological matter from the master container.

13. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the secondary subsystem is comprised of the group consisting of mineral oil, vegetable oil, silicone oil, and perfluorocarbon.

14. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the secondary subsystem is comprised of pure water.

15. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, further comprising the step of: (k) providing a mechanical element that is configured to increase and decrease volume of the master container.

16. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the master container is comprised of a material that possesses a coefficient of thermal expansion that is higher than that of grade 5 titanium.

17. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, further comprising the step of: (k) combining at least one primary subsystem and more than one secondary subsystem within the same master container.

18. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, further comprising the step of: (k) combining more than one primary subsystem and at least one secondary subsystem within the same master container.

19. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, further comprising the step of: (k) combining more than one primary subsystem and more than one secondary subsystem within the same master container.

20. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and sealable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container; (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container; and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

21. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and sealable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container; (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container, and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

22. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and sealable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container; (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container; and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

23. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and sealable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container; (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is immiscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container; and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

24. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and sealable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container; (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a solid that is immiscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container; and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

25. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and sealable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container; (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a solid that is immiscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container; and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

26. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and sealable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container, (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a solid that is immiscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container; and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

27. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and scalable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container; (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; and wherein the secondary subsystem is a solid that is immiscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container; and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

28. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and sealable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container; (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is miscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; and wherein the liquid is separated from the primary subsystem by a mass-impermeable barrier; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container; and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

29. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and sealable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container; (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is miscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; and wherein the liquid is separated from the primary subsystem by a mass-impermeable barrier; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container; and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

30. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and sealable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container; (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is miscible with water and has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; and wherein the liquid is separated from the primary subsystem by a mass-impermeable barrier; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container; and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

31. An apparatus for reducing excess pressure in isochoric systems comprising: (a) a rigid and sealable master container; wherein the master container has a volume; and wherein any bulk gas phase in the master container comprises less than five percent of the volume of the master container; (b) a primary subsystem comprised of biological matter that is contained within the master container; (c) a secondary subsystem that is contained within the master container; wherein water has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion at sub-0° Centigrade temperatures; wherein the secondary subsystem is a liquid that is miscible with water and has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion that is lesser in absolute magnitude than the coefficient of thermal expansion of water; and wherein the liquid is separated from the primary subsystem by a mass-impermeable barrier; (d) means for monitoring and controlling temperature of the master container; and (e) means external to the master container for monitoring pressure inside of the master container.

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