Patent attributes
Herein described are an assembly, apparatus, and method for lyophilization that utilizes a thermal block made from a conductive material, the block having multiple wells designed and dimensioned to receive containers carrying material to be lyophilized in situ. In preferred embodiments, a vented silicone pad covers the wells and secures the containers therein, and a similarly vented rigid plate in turn secures the silicone pad by fastening it to the thermal block. The assembly can be turned up to 90 degrees resulting in the turning of the containers from an upright position to a horizontal position, a position in which the distance through which sublimation must progress is drastically reduced so as to greatly enhance the efficiency of the lyophilization process.