Modular incubator system for monitoring morphological development of viable biological material during incubation

Abstract

A modular incubator system (500) for incubating an active biological material M is disclosed. The modular incubator system comprises one or more modular incubation chambers (300) and a docking station (400). For one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the modular incubation chambers (300) comprise a housing (302) having a first end (340) and a second end (342), whereby a longitudinal direction X is defined between the first end and the second end; wherein the housing comprises a lid (304) configured to be switchable between an open state allowing access to the modular hatching chamber interior (306) and a closed state closing the modular hatching chamber interior access. The modular incubation chamber (300) contains, in its interior (306), a petri dish holder (308) for placing petri dishes (310) so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M within a housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300). The housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a transparent window (316) through which images of the biological material M contained therein can be acquired. The docking station (400) comprises one or more docking ports (402) for receiving one or more housings (302) of the hatching chambers (300), and in the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking ports comprise an image acquisition device (408) for capturing images of the hatching chambers (300). And the image acquisition module is used for acquiring an image of the interior (306) of the modular hatching chamber after the modular hatching chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402). The invention enables incubation of active biological material in a modular incubation chamber in many aspects while acquiring images of the biological material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of incubation of viable biological material and more particularly to an incubator for use in IVF (in vitro fertilization) procedures.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a modular incubator system for incubating viable biological material, wherein the modular incubator system comprises one or more modular incubation chambers and a docking station.

[0003] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a modular incubation chamber for incubating viable biological material.

[0004] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a docking station for docking one or more modular incubation chambers.

[0005] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides use of the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention for incubating viable biological materials.

[0006] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides use of the modular incubation chamber according to the second aspect of the present invention for incubating viable biological materials.

[0007] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides use of the docking station according to the third aspect of the present invention for incubating viable biological materials.

[0008] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a method of incubating viable biological material by using the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention. Background Art

[0009] Over the past few decades, the development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology has brought about significant improvements in methods and technologies that have increased the success rate of achieving conception and childbearing through IVF.

[0010] In vitro fertilization involves obtaining mature eggs from a woman's ovaries, fertilizing the eggs with sperm, incubating the fertilized eggs in a controlled environment, and then implanting the fertilized and incubated eggs into the woman's uterus.

[0011] Because IVF is often used by women or couples who have notoriously difficult natural conception, meaning that one or both partners have some degree of reduced fertility, and because IVF techniques involve fairly expensive procedures, they are often performed in a way that optimizes efficiency, especially considering the fact that multiple implantations of the fertilized egg are often required in order for a successful pregnancy to occur.

[0012] Additionally, achieving conception through IVF may have advantages over natural conception in couples where one partner has a genetic disease or is suspected of having such a disease.

[0013] Accordingly, to improve the efficiency of IVF techniques, hormone treatment is often given to a woman before her eggs are harvested from her ovaries. This hormone treatment causes the woman's ovaries to release not just one egg, but multiple eggs at the same time.

[0014] To increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy fetus, multiple eggs from the same woman are fertilized and incubated simultaneously in an incubator.

[0015] The incubator of the prior art comprises a compartment which can accommodate a plurality of culture dishes containing fertilized eggs. Thus, the fertilized eggs or embryos can be placed in the incubator and hatched under controlled environmental conditions.

[0016] It is not easy to carry out successful in vitro fertilization and hatching of fertilized eggs. One of the main reasons for the rather low success rate of in vitro fertilization is the lack of reliable methods to provide and maintain optimal growth conditions for embryos, including the difficulty in avoiding external harmful influences on the embryos.

[0017] Some of these prior art incubators include a housing with one or more doors through which the interior of the incubator is accessible. One or more culture dishes containing embryos to be cultured are placed inside the incubator. Such incubators may be equipped with various regulating devices for controlling the humidity, temperature and gas composition inside the incubator. Some types of incubators are additionally equipped with image acquisition devices for capturing images of the embryos being incubated.

[0018] However, if any manual handling steps are required for the embryos, such as manual inspection or adding, removing, or changing growth medium, the dish containing the embryos must be removed from the incubator and placed on the bench for inspection and / or manual handling steps. This creates an environment different from that provided by the incubator.

[0019] However, since these modular incubator systems are not equipped with image acquisition equipment, either the monitoring of embryo morphological development during incubation must be abandoned, or the modular incubator must be moved to the microscope stage on the laboratory bench every time a microscopic image is required. The former situation means a lack of information about the embryo's morphological development, while the latter situation means that the embryo must be moved every time a microscopic image is required, which will cause excessive physical impact on the embryo.

[0020] It is widely recognized that even very small deviations from conditions considered optimal for embryos in the incubator can have a detrimental effect on the quality of the incubating embryos, which in turn can reduce the ultimate success rate of pregnancy. Such deviations include subjecting the embryos to excessive physical impact when moving them in the culture dish.

[0021] Therefore, moving the embryos around too much in the dish could increase the risk that the IVF procedure could ultimately fail once the embryos are implanted in a woman's uterus at a later stage in the process.

[0022] Therefore, there is a continuing need for an improved incubator that can visually monitor embryos while incubating them under predetermined optimal environmental conditions and minimize deviations from these predetermined optimal environmental conditions during manual bench manipulation steps of the incubating embryos.

[0023] It is an object of the present invention to meet this need. Summary of the invention

[0024] These objects are achieved by various aspects of the present invention.

[0025] Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator system for incubating viable biological material, the modular incubator system comprising:

[0026] One or more modular incubators, which are

[0027] Combined with docking station;

[0028] wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers, the modular incubation chamber comprises a housing having a first end and a second end, such that a longitudinal direction X is defined between the first end and the second end;

[0029] wherein the housing comprises a cover configured to be switchable between an open state allowing access to the interior of the modular hatching chamber and a closed state sealing the entrance to the interior of the modular hatching chamber;

[0030] Wherein, the modular incubation chamber comprises a culture dish holder inside thereof for placing a culture dish so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M in the housing of the modular incubation chamber;

[0031] Wherein, the housing of the modular incubation chamber comprises a transparent window, so that an image of the biological material M contained therein can be collected through the transparent window;

[0032] wherein the docking station comprises one or more docking ports for receiving the housing of the one or more incubation chambers;

[0033] Wherein, with respect to one or more docking ports of the docking station, the docking port comprises an image acquisition device for acquiring an image of the interior of the modular incubation chamber when the modular incubation chamber is docked to the docking port.

[0034] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a modular incubation chamber comprising:

[0035] a housing having a first end and a second end, such that a longitudinal direction X is defined between the first end and the second end;

[0036] wherein the housing comprises a cover, the cover being configured to be switchable between an open state allowing access to the interior of the modular hatching chamber and a closed state sealing the entrance to the interior of the modular hatching chamber;

[0037] Wherein, the modular incubation chamber comprises a culture dish holder inside thereof for placing a culture dish so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M in the housing of the modular incubation chamber;

[0038] The housing of the modular incubation chamber includes a transparent window, so that images of the biological material M contained therein can be collected through the transparent window.

[0039] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a docking station for docking one or more modular incubation chambers; wherein, the docking station comprises one or more docking ports for receiving the outer shells of the one or more incubation chambers; wherein, with respect to one or more docking ports of the docking station, the docking ports comprise image acquisition devices for acquiring images of the interior of the modular incubation chamber when the modular incubation chamber is docked to the docking ports.

[0040] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides use of the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention for incubating viable biological materials.

[0041] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides use of the modular incubation chamber according to the second aspect of the present invention for incubating viable biological materials.

[0042] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides use of the docking station according to the third aspect of the present invention for incubating viable biological materials.

[0043] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a method for incubating viable biological material, wherein the method comprises:

[0044] i) providing a modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0045] ii) providing viable biological material;

[0046] iii) placing the viable biological material in a culture dish, and subsequently placing the culture dish inside a modular incubation chamber of the modular incubator system;

[0047] iv) docking the modular incubation chamber into a docking port of a docking station of the incubator system;

[0048] v) enabling the viable biological material to be incubated in the modular incubation chamber;

[0049] vi) whenever necessary, acquiring one or more images of the biological material contained in the culture vessel using the image acquisition device.

[0050] The present invention in its various aspects enables image acquisition of viable biological material such as oocytes or embryos during incubation in a predetermined optimal environment, while minimizing any deleterious effects of deviations from that environment when manual manipulation steps are performed on the incubating embryos on the laboratory bench. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall concept of designing an incubator as an incubator system comprising a plurality of modular incubation chambers combined with a docking station with a plurality of docking ports.

[0052] Figure 2a is a top perspective view showing a modular hatching chamber in a modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 2b This is a top view showing Figure 2a Modular incubator in the.

[0054] Figure 2c is the rear view, showing Figure 2a and 2b Modular incubator in the.

[0055] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing Figure 2a , 2b and the modular incubation chamber shown in 2c.

[0056] Figure 4 is a perspective cutaway view, further showing more details of the modular incubation chamber of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 5a and 5bis a schematic diagram illustrating the working mode of a valve in a valve system to be used with the modular incubation chamber of the present invention and the associated docking port of the docking station.

[0058] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a design embodiment of a gas supply system including a gas source and a gas distribution system to be used in conjunction with a docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a gas supply concept that may be incorporated into a docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the control working mode of the modular incubator system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] A first aspect of the present invention

[0062] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator system 500 for incubating viable biological material M, the modular incubator system comprising:

[0063] One or more modular incubation chambers 300, which are

[0064] The docking station 400 is combined;

[0065] Wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the modular incubation chamber 300 comprises a housing 302 having a first end 340 and a second end 342, thereby defining a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end;

[0066] The housing includes a cover 304, which is configured to be switchable between an open state that allows access to the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 and a closed state that seals the entrance to the interior of the modular incubation chamber;

[0067] The modular incubation chamber 300 includes a culture dish holder 308 in its interior 306 for placing a culture dish 310 so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M in the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 ;

[0068] The housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 so that an image of the biological material M contained therein can be collected through the transparent window;

[0069] The docking station 400 includes one or more docking ports 402 for receiving the housing 302 of the one or more incubation chambers 300;

[0070] In particular, with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 , the docking ports include image acquisition devices 408 for acquiring images of the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 when the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked to the docking ports 402 .

[0071] Thus, the present invention in its first aspect is directed to a modular incubator system 500 comprising one or more modular incubation chambers 300 and a docking station 400. The incubation chambers 300 and the docking station 400 are configured such that the modular incubation chambers 300 can be docked to a docking port 402 and such that an image acquisition device 408 of the docking port can acquire images of viable biological material while the biological material is incubated in the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 and the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402.

[0072] Image acquisition is performed through a transparent window 316 on the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0073] The modular incubation chamber 300 itself is capable of maintaining a desired, pre-set optimal environment, such as a desired, pre-set optimal gas environment, for the embryos being incubated, even when the modular incubation chamber is removed from the corresponding docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500.

[0074] Thus, when the viable biological material is incubated in its modular incubation chamber 300 and moved between the associated docking port 402 of the docking station 400 and the laboratory table to perform the necessary operating steps, a pre-set optimal environment that simulates the female fallopian tube or uterus environment to a greater extent can be obtained.

[0075] In the present invention, the term "modular incubator system" should be interpreted as referring to a system comprising a docking station and one or more incubation chambers, wherein the one or more incubation chambers are configured to be docked in corresponding docking ports of the docking station. The modular incubator system is intended for incubation or cultivation of viable biological materials.

[0076] The incubator system, which includes a docking station and one or more incubation chambers, is typically configured to provide some interaction between the docking station and the incubation chambers docked therein.

[0077] Such interaction can be one or more of the following: providing a gas having a desired composition to the incubation chamber; providing power to the incubation chamber in order to power its heating element and / or power a light source within the incubation chamber; allowing monitoring of viable biological material present in the incubation chamber, for example by means of an image acquisition device located in the docking station.

[0078] It should be understood that within the meaning of the present application, the term "modular incubator system" should be interpreted as follows: the incubation chamber is configured for incubation of viable biological material, regardless of whether a single incubation chamber is docked on a docking port of a docking station or whether the incubation chamber has been removed from the docking port of the docking station.

[0079] In this manner, it should be appreciated that the cultivation or incubation of viable biological material in a single incubation chamber can be performed and / or continued even after the incubation chamber has been removed from its docking station and placed, for example, on a laboratory bench. Thus, manual operations such as transfer or manipulation of cultures or growth media, manual inspection using a laboratory microscope, etc. can be performed. Such operations are preferably performed under a fume hood that provides the desired gas environment.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, and to make such manual operation feasible, when a single hatching chamber has been removed from the docking port, the hatching chamber is configured to be supported on a flat horizontal support surface. This can be achieved by providing one or more supports on the bottom of the hatching chamber, or simply designing the bottom of the hatching chamber to include a flat surface.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the incubation chamber has its largest dimension in the horizontal direction in its intended orientation for incubation.

[0082] In this way, the hatching chamber has a larger size in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction. Thus, when the hatching chamber is used for hatching in a position outside the docking port of the docking station, sufficient stability can be obtained.

[0083] In some embodiments, each incubation chamber may include a display, such as an electronic display, for providing information related to the identity of the viable biological material contained within the incubation chamber.

[0084] It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the present invention does not relate to methods or uses for treating the human or animal body by surgery, nor does it relate to situations in which diagnostic methods are performed on the human or animal body.

[0085] It should also be understood that in other embodiments, the present invention may relate to methods or uses for treating the human or animal body through surgery, as well as related situations in which diagnostic methods are performed on the human or animal body.

[0086] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300 and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the position of the transparent window 316 of the modular incubation chamber 300 is adapted to the position of the image acquisition device 408 in the docking port 402, so that once the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, the image acquisition device 408 can capture images through the transparent window 316 of the modular incubation chamber 300.

[0087] This ensures that the image acquisition device 408 can acquire an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 through the transparent window 316 .

[0088] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the transparent window 316 of the modular incubation chamber 300 is arranged at the bottom 358 of the housing.

[0089] Since the image acquisition device 408 is preferably arranged in the docking port 402 of the docking station at a position where it is focused upward, the transparent window 316 of the modular incubation chamber 300 is preferably arranged at the bottom 358 of the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0090] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300 , the culture dish holder 308 of the modular incubation chamber 300 is arranged above the transparent window 316 .

[0091] This ensures that when the image acquisition device 408 focuses along the focusing direction corresponding to the transparent window 316 , the image acquisition device 408 will focus on the area where the culture dish 410 placed on the culture dish holder 308 is located.

[0092] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the transparent window 316 of the outer shell 302 of the modular incubation chamber has an elongated shape, for example, an elongated linear shape extending in a direction Y, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the outer shell of the modular incubation chamber 300.

[0093] Thus, the image acquisition device 408 will be able to acquire images of a plurality of viable biological materials arranged in a linear manner in the culture dishes 310 within the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0094] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300 and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the modular incubation chamber 300 is configured to dock in the docking port 402 with its first end or rear end 340 facing the docking port 402.

[0095] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the modular incubation chamber 300 comprises a light source 372 in its interior 306, which is used to direct light to the area where the culture dish holder 308 of the modular incubation chamber 300 is located, so as to illuminate it when acquiring images of the viable biological material.

[0096] The light source will improve the quality of the image captured by the image capture device 408 in the image capture situation.

[0097] In one embodiment, the light source 372 is attached to the inner side of the cover 304 of the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0098] Thus, light can be easily directed to the viable biological material disposed in the lower portion of the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0099] In one embodiment, the light source 372 is selected from one or more light emitting diodes, one or more laser diodes, and one or more incandescent bulbs.

[0100] It should be understood that in order not to disturb the viable biological material being incubated too much, the light source 372 should be turned on only during those brief periods when the image acquisition unit 408 is actually acquiring images.

[0101] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300 , the culture dish holder 308 defines a planar support surface for supporting the culture dish 310 .

[0102] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the housing 302 (for example, on the outside thereof) of the modular incubation chamber 300 is provided with an electrical connector 322 for providing power and / or electrical signals to the modular incubation chamber; and with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking ports are provided with electrical connectors 410, thereby allowing power and / or electrical signals to be provided between the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 and the modular incubation chamber 300 docked therein.

[0103] Thus, power or electrical signals can be transmitted between the docking port 402 and the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0104] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the cover 304 is a hinged cover connected to the housing of the modular incubation chamber by a hinge.

[0105] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 includes a display screen 324, which is configured to display information related to the status of the incubation operation being performed in the modular incubation chamber.

[0106] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the invention, the image acquisition device 408 comprises microscopic optics so as to be able to acquire microscopic images.

[0107] Thus, magnified images can be acquired, which facilitate the study of the morphological features of the biological material being incubated.

[0108] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of modular hatching chambers 300 of the modular incubator system 500 is selected from the following range: 1-100, such as 2-95, such as 5-90, such as 10-85, such as 15-80, such as 20-75, such as 25-70, such as 30-65, such as 35-60, such as 40-55 or 45-50.

[0109] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of docking ports 402 in the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 is selected from the following range: 1-100, such as 2-95, such as 5-90, such as 10-85, such as 15-80, such as 20-75, such as 25-70, such as 30-65, such as 35-60, such as 40-55 or 45-50.

[0110] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the invention, the docking station 400 comprises the docking ports 402 arranged in the form of one or more shelves consisting of adjacently placed docking ports 402, wherein, if the docking station comprises two or more shelves, then these shelves are arranged one above the other.

[0111] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the modular incubation chambers include an incubation chamber coupling device 326, and with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port includes a docking port coupling component 414, wherein the incubation chamber coupling device 326 is configured to engage with the docking port coupling device 414 so as to enable easy and correct positioning, and also to selectively fix the modular incubation chamber 300 in the docking port 402, and to remove the modular incubation chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0112] Thus, easy and correct positioning is achieved, and the modular incubation chamber 300 can be selectively fixed in the docking port 402 , and the modular incubation chamber 300 can be removed from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 .

[0113] In one embodiment of a modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the modular incubator system 500 includes an image processing unit 660 for performing image processing on images captured by the image acquisition device 408, wherein the modular incubator system 500 may also selectively include a data storage device 658 for storing images captured by the image acquisition unit 408 and / or for storing images processed by the image processing unit 660.

[0114] The image processing unit helps to operate on the acquired images, such as adjusting contrast, performing filtering, and generating time-lapse image sequences.

[0115] In one embodiment, one or more of the image acquisition devices 408 in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 are coupled to the image processing unit 660 .

[0116] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more specific docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the specific docking port comprises its own dedicated image acquisition device 408, which is configured to only acquire images related to the modular incubation chamber 300 docked in the specific docking port 402.

[0117] In another embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, as far as the number of the docking station 400 is N adjacently arranged docking ports 402, the adjacently arranged docking ports share a common image acquisition device 408, that is, only one image acquisition device is responsible for acquiring images related to the modular incubation chamber 300 docked in one of the N adjacently arranged docking ports 402, wherein the docking station includes a displacement device 482 for enabling the common image acquisition device 408 to be displaced relative to the N adjacently arranged docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0118] Thus, the image acquisition device is responsible for acquiring images of biological materials contained in different modular incubation chambers docked in different docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 .

[0119] In one embodiment, the number N is an integer selected from the range of 2-25 or more, such as 4-22, such as 6-20, such as 8-18, such as 10-16 or 12-14.

[0120] In addition, one or more image acquisition devices 408 (preferably all image acquisition devices 408 of the docking station 400) may include or be connected to a displacement device 482, such as an electric and remotely controllable displacement device 482, for enabling the common image acquisition device 408 to be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the modular incubation chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402, so that such an acquisition device 408 can be focused on multiple culture wells in the culture dish 310 contained inside the modular incubation chamber 300, wherein these culture wells are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X.

[0121] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the modular incubation chamber comprises an electric heating element 318 in its interior 306 for heating the interior of the modular incubation chamber, and the modular incubation chamber comprises a power supply 320 for supplying power to the heating element 318, wherein the electric heating element 318 is electrically connected to the power supply 320.

[0122] In one embodiment, the power source 320 is a power source, such as a battery, such as a rechargeable battery.

[0123] In one embodiment, the heating element 318 is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing heat emitted by the heating element; wherein the heat distribution element is at least partially disposed in the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0124] In one embodiment, the incubation chamber comprises a thermostat 374 and an electric thermostat circuit 376 , wherein the electric heating element 318 , the power source 320 , and the thermostat 374 are electrically connected to each other in the electric thermostat circuit 376 so as to be able to perform constant temperature control on the temperature inside the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0125] The above-described embodiment enables maintaining the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 at a desired, pre-set, and selectable optimal temperature when the modular incubation chamber is removed from its associated docking port 402, for the purpose of visually inspecting the biological material being incubated and manually replenishing, removing, or replacing the growth medium.

[0126] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the modular incubation chamber 300 comprises a gas inlet 312, the gas inlet 312 being in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber; and the modular incubation chamber 300 further comprises a gas outlet 314, the gas outlet 314 also being in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber; and with respect to the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port 402 comprises a gas docking port outlet 404 and a gas docking port inlet 406; thereby enabling gas to be transferred from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 to the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 through the gas docking port outlet 404 and the gas inlet 312; and also enabling gas to be transferred from the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 through the gas docking port outlet 404 and the gas inlet 312; and also enabling gas to be transferred from the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 through the gas outlet 314 and the gas docking port inlet 406.

[0127] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300 and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the position of the gas inlet 312 of the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 and the position of the gas docking port outlet 404 of the docking port 402 are adapted to each other, so that once the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, the gas inlet 312 of the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 and the gas docking port outlet 404 of the docking port 402 are adapted to each other. The outlet 404 will be fluidically connected, so that gas can be transmitted from the docking port 402 to the modular incubation chamber 300; and the position of the gas outlet 314 of the shell 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 and the position of the gas docking port inlet 406 of the docking port 402 are adapted to each other, so that once the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, the gas outlet 314 of the shell 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 and the gas docking port inlet 406 of the docking port 402 will be fluidically connected, so that gas can be transmitted from the modular incubation chamber 300 to the docking port 402.

[0128] These embodiments ensure that gas with a desired composition can be delivered from the gas source 202 via the gas distribution system 204, through the gas docking port outlet 404 and the gas inlet 312 to the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300, and that gas from the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 can be returned to the gas source 202 via the gas outlet 314 and the gas docking port inlet 406.

[0129] In one embodiment of a modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas docking port outlet 404 of the docking port 402 includes a valve 4, and the gas inlet 312 of the shell 302 includes a valve 2; and the gas outlet 314 includes a valve 2, and the gas docking port inlet 406 of the docking port 402 includes a valve 4.

[0130] This ensures that gas will flow into the docking port 402 only when the modular incubation chamber 300 is placed in the docking port 402. In other words, gas will not flow into the docking port 402 unless a modular incubation chamber 300 is docked therein. In addition, this embodiment also ensures that once the modular incubation chamber 300 is removed from the docking port, outside air will not enter through the gas inlet 312 and the gas outlet 314 of the incubation chamber 300.

[0131] Thus, once the modular incubation chamber 300 is removed from its docking port 402, the gaseous environment present within the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 is not contaminated.

[0132] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the valve 2 of the gas inlet 312 and the valve 2 of the gas outlet 314 each comprise a valve body 6, the valve body 6 having a front end 10, a rear end 12 and a passage 14 running therethrough, and further comprising a spring-loaded movable valve element 8, wherein the movable valve element 8 is arranged in the through-passage 14; the movable valve element 8 is configured to be movable in the through-passage 14 of the valve body 6 in such a manner that: when no external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 8 will not move in the through-passage 14 of the valve body 6, thereby placing the valve in a closed state and preventing gas from passing through the through-passage 14; and in such a manner that: when an external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 8 will move in the through-passage 14 of the valve body 6, thereby placing the valve 2 in an open state and allowing gas to pass through the through-passage 14; and

[0133] With respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the valve 4 of the gas docking port outlet 404 and the valve 4 of the gas docking port inlet 406 each include a valve body 16, the valve body 16 having a front end 20, a rear end 22 and a passage 24 extending therethrough, and further including a spring-loaded movable valve element 18, wherein the movable valve element 18 is arranged in the through-passage 24; the movable valve element 18 is configured to be movable in the through-passage 24 of the valve body 16, in such a manner that: when no external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 18 will not move in the through-passage 24 of the valve body 16, thereby placing the valve in a closed state and preventing gas from passing through the through-passage 24; and in such a manner that: when an external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 18 will move in the through-passage 24 of the valve body 16, thereby placing the valve 4 in an open state and allowing gas to pass through the through-passage 24.

[0134] Thus, each of the two valves (valve 2 and valve 4) can be switched between an open and a closed state by displacement of a corresponding valve element (valve element 8 and valve element 18) within an associated valve body (valve body 6 and valve body 16).

[0135] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 and with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers 300, the valves 2, 4 have specific sizes and geometric shapes, so that once the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the movable valve element 8 of the valve 2 and the movable valve element 18 of the valve 4 will be squeezed into their respective valve bodies 6, 16, thereby opening the valves 2, 4 of the gas docking port outlet 404 and the gas inlet 312; and thereby opening the valves 2, 4 of the gas outlet 314 and the gas docking port inlet 406.

[0136] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 (preferably for all of the docking ports 402), the gas docking port outlet 404 includes a flow restrictor for limiting the gas flow rate flowing into the docking port 402.

[0137] In one embodiment, the flow restrictor may include a tube for delivering gas to the docking port 402, wherein the tube optionally has a cross-sectional area selected from the following range: 0.2-8 square millimeters, for example, 0.5-7 square millimeters, such as 1-6 square millimeters, such as 2-5 square millimeters or 3-4 square millimeters; and / or the length of the tube is optionally selected from the following range: 5-30 mm, for example, 8-25 mm, such as 10-22 mm, such as 15-20 mm.

[0138] Such a flow restrictor helps balance the gas flow through the docking port 402 containing the modular incubation chamber 300 with the gas supply capacity of the gas supply system 200 , thereby also helping to make the gas flow through different docking ports 402 equal to each other.

[0139] Thus, each of the two valves 2, 4 will open the other valve 4, 2 when in contact with each other by bringing their respective front ends 10, 20 into contact.

[0140] In one embodiment of a modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking station 400 includes a gas distribution system 204 for supplying gas to and recovering gas from the one or more docking ports 402, wherein the gas distribution system 204 includes a main gas supply line 210 and a main gas return line 212, and with respect to the one or more docking ports 402, the gas docking port inlet 404 is fluidically connected to the main gas supply line 210, and the gas docking port outlet 406 is fluidically connected to the main gas return line 212.

[0141] In one embodiment, the gas distribution system 204 includes a plurality of manifold pairs 214, wherein each manifold pair includes an intake manifold 216 and an outlet manifold 218, wherein the intake manifold 216 is fluidly connected to the main gas supply line 210, and the outlet manifold 218 is fluidly connected to the main gas return line 212; each manifold pair 214 is connected to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 in the following manner: for a specific manifold pair 214 and the one or more docking ports 402 connected thereto, the gas docking port outlet 404 of the docking port 402 is fluidly connected to the intake manifold 216, and the gas docking port inlet 406 of the docking port 402 is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold 218.

[0142] In one embodiment, the docking station 400 includes a gas supply system 200, wherein the gas supply system 200 includes a gas source 202 and the gas distribution system 204, wherein the gas source includes a supply gas outlet 206 and a return gas inlet 208, the supply gas outlet 206 of the gas source 202 is fluidically connected to a main gas supply pipeline 210 of the gas distribution system 204, and the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202 is fluidically connected to a main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0143] In those embodiments including a gas distribution system 204 , gas may be supplied from the gas source 202 to the docking port 402 through a primary gas supply line 210 , and gas may be returned from the docking port to the gas source 202 through a primary gas return line 212 .

[0144] In one embodiment of a modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 of the gas supply system 200 includes a gas mixing box 242 fluidly connected to a supply gas outlet 206 and a return gas inlet 208 of the gas source, wherein a main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet 206, and a main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202, thereby forming a flow loop 244 including the gas distribution system 204 and the gas mixing box 242; wherein the flow loop includes a pump 246.

[0145] Thereby, it is possible to circulate the gas in the circuit and to make it flow through the gas distribution system 204 of the docking station 400 .

[0146] The purpose of the gas source is to provide and deliver the desired gas composition to the gas distribution system 204 including the various docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 so as to supply such gas to the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0147] In a specific version of this embodiment, the pump 246 is arranged at a downstream position relative to the main gas return line 212 .

[0148] In one embodiment, the flow circuit 244 includes a pump oscillation damper 247 , wherein the pump oscillation damper is optionally arranged directly downstream of the pump 246 .

[0149] The pump oscillation dampener will balance out the small and rapid pressure changes caused by each pumping stroke of the pump.

[0150] In one embodiment of a modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow circuit 244 includes a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor 248, for detecting the gas pressure of the main gas supply line 210 supplied to the gas distribution system 204, wherein the pressure sensor 248 is optionally arranged directly at an upstream position of the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0151] The pressure sensor 248 allows the pump 246 to be regulated via feedback in order to maintain a desired pressure in the flow circuit 244 .

[0152] In one embodiment, the pressure sensor 248 is a differential pressure sensor for detecting a pressure value relative to the pressure at the return gas inlet 208 .

[0153] In one embodiment, the flow circuit 244 includes a safety valve 249 for relieving pressure in the flow circuit, wherein the safety valve is optionally arranged directly downstream of the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 402 .

[0154] The safety valve 249 enables improved control of the pressure in the flow circuit 244 .

[0155] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing box 242 includes a nitrogen inlet 250 and a carbon dioxide inlet 251, wherein the nitrogen inlet 250 is fluidically connected to a nitrogen valve 252 for adjusting the amount of nitrogen inflow, and a nitrogen mass flow sensor 253 is provided downstream of the nitrogen valve 252 for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing box 242; and wherein the carbon dioxide inlet 251 is fluidically connected to a carbon dioxide valve 254 for adjusting the amount of carbon dioxide inflow, and a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor 255 is provided downstream of the carbon dioxide valve 254 for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing box 242.

[0156] Here, the nitrogen gas inlet and the carbon dioxide gas inlet entering the gas mixing box 242 may be controlled in order to obtain a desired, predetermined, and optimal gas composition in the gas mixing box 242 .

[0157] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow circuit 244 comprises a mass flow sensor 256 arranged at an upstream position relative to the gas mixing box 242 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box.

[0158] Information regarding the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box is used to determine the total amount of nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas that needs to be introduced into the gas mixing box 242 .

[0159] In one embodiment of a modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the invention, the gas source 202 includes an oxygen sensor 258 for detecting the oxygen concentration leaving the gas distribution system 204; and wherein the gas source 202 includes a carbon dioxide sensor 260 for detecting the carbon dioxide concentration leaving the gas distribution system 204, wherein the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor are optionally arranged in a downstream position relative to the pump 246.

[0160] Information regarding the oxygen concentration and the carbon dioxide concentration exiting the gas distribution system 204 is used to determine a specific amount of nitrogen gas and a specific amount of carbon dioxide gas that need to be introduced into the gas mixing box 242 .

[0161] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop 244, wherein the temperature sensor is optionally arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump 246, preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the oxygen sensor 258.

[0162] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes a pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow circuit 244, wherein the pressure sensor is optionally arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump 246, preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the carbon dioxide sensor 260.

[0163] The temperature sensor 262 and the pressure sensor 264 help to compensate for the readings of the oxygen sensor 258 (since it is sensitive to temperature) and the readings of the carbon dioxide sensor 260 (since it is sensitive to pressure).

[0164] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow loop 244 includes an ultraviolet sterilizer 266 for sterilizing the gas flowing in the flow loop 244 by electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet band, wherein the ultraviolet sterilizer is optionally arranged directly downstream relative to the main gas return line 212.

[0165] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes one or more filters 268, such as a high-efficiency air filter (HEPA) and / or a volatile organic compound (VOCs) filter, wherein such a filter is arranged directly upstream relative to the main gas supply line 210, and / or such a filter is arranged directly upstream relative to the nitrogen inlet 250 entering the gas mixing box 242; and / or such a filter is arranged directly upstream relative to the carbon dioxide inlet 251 entering the gas mixing box 242.

[0166] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes a gas mixing control system 270, wherein the gas mixing control system is electrically connected to one or more of the following sensors so as to receive sensor signals from them: the nitrogen mass flow sensor 253 for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing box; the carbon dioxide mass flow sensor 255 for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing box; the mass flow sensor 256 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box; the oxygen sensor 258 for detecting the oxygen concentration of the main gas return line 212 leaving the gas distribution system 204; the carbon dioxide sensor 260 for detecting the carbon dioxide concentration of the main gas return line 212 leaving the gas distribution system 204; the temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature circulating in the flow loop 244; the pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop 244, and the pressure sensor 248 for detecting the gas pressure of the main gas supply line 210 supplied to the distribution system 204.

[0167] This embodiment is capable of acquiring information on various parameters that will be used to provide feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202 .

[0168] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following elements to control them: the nitrogen valve 252 for regulating the flow of nitrogen into the gas mixing box 242; the carbon dioxide valve 254 for regulating the flow of carbon dioxide into the gas mixing box 242; the pump 246 for circulating the gas in the flow loop 244; and the release valve 249.

[0169] This embodiment can provide feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202 .

[0170] In one embodiment, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive input from the pressure sensor 248 and control the pump 246 based thereon, and optionally also activate the release valve 249, so as to maintain a desired and predetermined pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0171] Thereby, the pressure in the flow circuit 244 can be controlled.

[0172] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive input from the mass flow sensor 256 and, based on the input, determine the total amount of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen that needs to be supplied through the carbon dioxide inlet 251 and through the nitrogen inlet 250 according to desired and predetermined criteria.

[0173] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive inputs from the carbon dioxide sensor 260 and the oxygen sensor 258, and based on the detected carbon dioxide concentration, configures the carbon dioxide valve 254 to be controlled by sending a control signal thereto, thereby adjusting the inflow of carbon dioxide gas so as to achieve a desired and predetermined carbon dioxide concentration, and subsequently, the gas mixing control system 270 configures the nitrogen valve 252 to be controlled by sending a control signal thereto, thereby adjusting the inflow of nitrogen so as to achieve a desired and predetermined oxygen concentration.

[0174] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the oxygen sensor 258 using input from the temperature sensor 262 .

[0175] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to compensate for the pressure sensitivity of the carbon dioxide sensor 260 using input from the pressure sensor 264 .

[0176] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to maintain the gas pressure of the main gas supply line 210 supplied to the gas distribution system 204 at a level of 3 to 20 mbar higher than the surrounding atmospheric pressure, for example 5 to 18 mbar higher, and for example 10 to 15 mbar higher.

[0177] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to maintain the carbon dioxide concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 within the range of 5%-10%, for example, 6%-9% or 7%-8%; and / or maintain the oxygen concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 within the range of 5%-10%, for example, 6%-9% or 7%-8%.

[0178] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the modular incubator system 500 comprises a control unit 650 for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system 500 .

[0179] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is coupled to an input device 652, such as an alphanumeric input device, for allowing a user to provide setup inputs associated with a desired operating protocol for the modular incubator system.

[0180] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is connected to a display unit 654 for displaying information related to the settings and / or operating status of the modular incubator system 300 to a user.

[0181] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the control unit 650 is configured to independently control one or more of the following: controlling the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 by controlling the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374 or the thermostatic circuit 376; supplying power to the power supply 320 of the modular incubation chamber 300; providing a signal to the display screen 324 of the modular incubation chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402; turning on and off the active light source 352 of the modular incubation chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402, or adjusting the light intensity emitted by it; the image acquisition device 408 of the docking port 402; the displacement device 482 for moving the image acquisition device 408; the gas mixing control system 270; and the image processing unit 660.

[0182] When the modular incubation chamber 300 is controlled in this manner, correspondingly, electrical signals or power are provided by the control unit 650 through the electrical connector 410 of the docking port 402 to which the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked and the electrical connector 322 of the modular incubation chamber 300 itself.

[0183] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is connected to a data processing unit 656 and optionally also to a data storage unit 658 to assist in processing information in controlling the modular incubator system.

[0184] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is configured to achieve automatic operation of the modular incubator system 500 by configuring the control unit 650 to independently control one or more of the following: controlling the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 by controlling the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374 or the thermostatic circuit 376; providing a signal to the display screen 324 of the modular incubation chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402; turning on and off the active light source 352 of the modular incubation chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402, or adjusting the light intensity emitted by it; the image acquisition device 408 of the docking port 402; the displacement device 482 for moving the image acquisition device 408; the gas mixing control system 270; and the image processing unit 660.

[0185] Automatic operation can be carried out according to predetermined control standards and instructions.

[0186] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is configured to enable delayed image acquisition by the image acquisition device 408 .

[0187] In the above-described embodiment, the operation of the modular docking system 500 can be easily centrally controlled.

[0188] Second aspect of the present invention

[0189] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a modular incubation chamber 300 comprising:

[0190] a housing 302 having a first end 340 and a second end 342, thereby defining a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end;

[0191] The housing includes a cover 304, which is configured to be switchable between an open state that allows access to the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 and a closed state that seals off the interior passage of the modular incubation chamber.

[0192] The modular incubation chamber 300 includes a culture dish holder 308 in its interior 306 for placing a culture dish 310 so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M in the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 ;

[0193] The housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 so that images of the biological material M contained therein can be captured through the transparent window.

[0194] In one embodiment of the modular hatching chamber 300 according to the second aspect of the present invention, the hatching chamber 300 has the features defined for the modular hatching chamber 300 in the modular hatching system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0195] The third aspect of the present invention

[0196] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a docking station 400 for docking one or more modular incubation chambers 300; wherein, the docking station comprises one or more docking ports 402 for accommodating the outer shell 302 of one or more of the incubation chambers 300; wherein, with respect to the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port comprises an image acquisition device 408 for acquiring an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 after the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402.

[0197] In an embodiment of the docking station 400 according to the third aspect of the present invention, the docking station 400 has the features defined for the docking station 400 in the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0198] A fourth aspect of the present invention

[0199] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides use of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention for incubating viable biological material.

[0200] In one embodiment of the use according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0201] The fifth aspect of the present invention

[0202] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides use of the modular incubation chamber 300 according to the second aspect of the present invention for incubating viable biological material.

[0203] In one embodiment of the use according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0204] Sixth aspect of the present invention

[0205] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides use of the docking station 400 according to the third aspect of the present invention for incubating viable biological material.

[0206] In one embodiment of the use according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0207] Seventh aspect of the present invention

[0208] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a method for incubating viable biological material, wherein the method comprises:

[0209] i) providing a modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0210] ii) providing viable biological material;

[0211] iii) placing the viable biological material in a culture dish 310, which is then placed in the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 of the modular incubator station 400;

[0212] iv) docking the modular incubation chamber 300 into the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the incubator system 500;

[0213] v) incubating the viable biological material in the modular incubation chamber 300;

[0214] vi) allowing the image acquisition device 408 to acquire one or more images of the biological material contained in the culture dish 310 whenever necessary.

[0215] In one embodiment of the method according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0216] viii) When necessary, the incubation chamber 300 is removed from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 to manually inspect the viable biological material and optionally also remove, add or replace the growth medium in the culture dish 310.

[0217] It should be noted that in the improved claims relating to the second aspect of the invention (i.e. the modular hatchery), it is mentioned that the features of the modular hatchery can be determined as defined in the claims relating to the first aspect of the invention (i.e. the modular incubator system).

[0218] This should be interpreted as meaning that embodiments of the modular incubator chamber itself may be determined as defined in the claims relating to embodiments of the modular incubator system.

[0219] This should also be interpreted to mean that, insofar as the relationship between the modular incubation chamber and the docking station or its docking port is defined in the relevant embodiments of the modular incubator system, the corresponding modular incubation chamber embodiments claimed for protection by reference to the modular incubator system should be deemed to be suitable for forming such a relationship.

[0220] Likewise, it should be noted that in the improved claims relating to the third aspect of the invention (i.e. the docking station), it is mentioned that the features of the docking station may be determined as defined in the claims relating to the first aspect of the invention (i.e. the modular incubator system).

[0221] This should be interpreted as meaning that embodiments of the docking station itself may be determined as defined in the claims relating to embodiments of the modular incubator system.

[0222] This should also be interpreted to mean that, insofar as the relationship between the modular incubation chambers and the docking station or its docking port is defined in the relevant embodiments of the modular incubator system, the corresponding docking station embodiments claimed for protection of the modular incubator system should be deemed to be suitable for forming such a relationship.

[0223] Now, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in order to better illustrate the present invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall concept of designing the incubator as a modular incubator system comprising a plurality of modular incubation chambers combined with a docking station with a plurality of docking ports.

[0224] Accordingly, Figure 1 A modular incubator system 500 for incubating viable biological materials is shown. The modular incubator system 500 comprises a docking station 400 and a plurality of modular incubation chambers 300. The docking station 400 comprises a plurality of docking ports 402. Each docking port 402 is configured to receive and secure a modular incubation chamber 300. Therefore, each docking port 402 is provided with a docking port engagement device 414, which is configured to engage with a corresponding incubation chamber engagement device 326 disposed below each modular incubation chamber 300.

[0225] from Figure 1 As can be seen in the figure, the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 includes three shelves arranged one above the other, each shelf being provided with six docking ports 402. Three of the docking ports 402 are occupied by modular incubator chambers 300, while the fourth modular incubator chamber 300 is in the process of being docked to the docking port 402.

[0226] Figure 1 As shown, the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 is equipped with an electrical connector 410. By this, power and / or electrical signals can be transmitted between the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 and the modular incubation chamber 300 docked therein.

[0227] Also in Figure 1As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the docking port 402 comprises a docking port outlet 404 for gas (which has a docking port valve 4 ) and a docking port inlet 406 for gas (which has a docking port valve 4 ).

[0228] These gas openings 404 , 406 and their associated valves allow for the delivery of gas having a desired, predetermined, and optimal gas composition through the modular incubation chamber 300 after the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 .

[0229] Thereby, a predetermined and optimal gas composition can be maintained in the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0230] The incubator for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures is configured as an incubator system 500 comprising a plurality of modular incubation chambers 300 in combination with a docking station 400, so that in a single device a relatively large number of incubation operations can be performed under a plurality of independent incubation environments, for example, incubation under independent chemical environments related to gas atmosphere and growth medium components, and incubation under independent physical environments related to temperature, etc.

[0231] This allows a relatively large number of parallel incubations to be carried out simultaneously under similar conditions in the individual modular incubators, while only one parameter is varied from one modular incubator to another. Differences in the development of the viable biological material incubated in the individual modular incubators, as well as differences in their quality, can then be attributed to the one incubation parameter that was varied from one modular incubator to another.

[0232] This helps determine the optimal growth conditions for the embryos or oocytes being incubated.

[0233] Whenever the growth medium of the biological material being incubated needs to be replaced or added, or other manual operations need to be performed on a specific modular incubation chamber, the incubation chamber 300 can be simply removed from the corresponding docking port 402 of the docking station 400 and then transferred to a laboratory workbench to perform such manual operations.

[0234] Because the embryo or oocyte is contained within the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 during such manual manipulations, the embryo or oocyte is subject to only minor deviations from optimal incubation conditions during these manual manipulations.

[0235] However, most of the time, the modular incubation chamber 300 will be docked on the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 .

[0236] An image acquisition device 408 is disposed at one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. The image acquisition device 408 of the docking station 400 is used to monitor morphological changes occurring during the hatching process.

[0237] The image acquisition device 408 may be configured to automatically acquire images of biological material being incubated in the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0238] In order to be able to capture images of the biological material contained within the modular incubation chamber by the image capture device disposed in the docking station 400, it is obvious that the modular incubation chamber must allow light to be transmitted through its housing.

[0239] The transmission of light through the housing of the modular incubation chamber 300 is achieved by providing the housing with a transparent window, which enables an image acquisition device located outside the interior of the incubation chamber 300 to acquire images of the viable biological material contained within the incubation chamber 300. This will be further described below.

[0240] Now refer to Figure 2a-2c , 3 and 4 are used to describe the details of the modular incubation chamber 300 of the docking system 500 according to the first aspect.

[0241] Figure 2a It is a top perspective view showing the modular hatching chambers in the modular incubator system of the present invention. Figure 2b It is a top-down plan view showing Figure 2a The modular incubator Figure 2c is a rear plan view showing Figure 2a and Figure 2b Modular incubator in the.

[0242] Figure 2a , 2b 2c show a modular incubation chamber 300 comprising a housing 302. The housing 302 has a first end 340 and a second end 342, which define a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end. The housing includes a cover, which is configured to be switchable between an open state allowing access to the interior of the modular incubation chamber 300 and a closed state closing the interior passage of the modular incubation chamber.

[0243] The cover 304 is a hinged cover which is connected to the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber by a hinge.

[0244] Also in Figure 2a and 2b As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 includes a display screen 324 for displaying information related to the incubation operation performed in the incubation chamber 300 .

[0245] Figure 2c As shown, the modular incubation chamber 300 includes an electrical connector 322 at a first end 340 thereof. The electrical connector is capable of transmitting power or electrical signals between the docking port 402 and the modular incubation chamber 300 docked therein through a corresponding electrical connector 410 of the docking port 402.

[0246] Figure 2c It is also shown that the modular incubation chamber 300 includes a modular incubation chamber gas inlet 312 with an incubation chamber valve 2, and a modular incubation chamber gas outlet 314 with an incubation chamber valve 2. Thereby, gas having a predetermined, preferred and optimal gas composition can be guided from the docking port 402 into the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300, and can also flow from the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 to the docking port 402. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0247] Figure 3 and Figure 4 They are sectional view and plan view, showing Figure 2a , 2b and the modular incubation chamber shown in 2c.

[0248] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The modular incubation chamber is shown with a lid 304 and a culture dish holder 308 disposed within an interior 306 of a housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0249] The culture dish holder 308 is used to place the culture dish 310 in the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M in the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0250] As mentioned above, and with reference to Figure 1 The docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 of the first aspect of the present invention comprises one or more docking ports 402 for receiving the housing 302 of one or more incubation chambers 300 .

[0251] With respect to the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 , the docking port includes an image acquisition device 408 for acquiring an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 after the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402 .

[0252] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is shown that the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 so that the biological material contained therein can be imaged through the transparent window. It can be seen that the window is arranged at the bottom 358 of the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300.

[0253] Figure 4 It is shown that the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 comprises a transparent window 316 in the form of an elongated linear opening extending in a direction Y which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the housing of the modular incubation chamber 300 .

[0254] The transparent window 316 of the housing 302 is designed to be elongated so that images of a plurality of living biological materials can be captured. The biological materials are arranged in a straight line in the culture dish 310, and the culture dish 310 is contained in a Figure 4 The modular incubation chamber 300 is shown within a housing 302 .

[0255] The modular incubation chamber 300 further comprises an electric heating element 318 in its interior 306 for heating the interior of the modular incubation chamber. The modular incubation chamber further comprises a power source 320 in the form of a rechargeable battery for powering the heating element 318 electrically connected to the power source 320. A light source 372 is mounted on the inner side of the lid 304 of the modular incubation chamber 300 for providing illumination for the viable biological material being incubated in the modular incubation chamber 300 during image acquisition.

[0256] The culture dish holder 308 is used to place a culture dish 310. Thus, one or more biological materials can be contained in the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300 and incubated therein.

[0257] Also in Figure 3 and Figure 4 There can be seen an incubator chamber engagement means 326 which is adapted to engage with a docking port engagement means 414 of a docking port 402 to which the modular incubator chamber 300 is to be docked.

[0258] When the modular incubation chamber 300 is correctly positioned in the docking port 402 by the incubation chamber engagement device 326 of the incubation chamber 300 and the docking port engagement device 414 of the docking port 402, the relative positions of the two electrical connectors 410 and 322 of the docking port 402 and the modular incubation chamber 300 respectively will match each other, thereby allowing electrical connection between the connectors 410 and 322.

[0259] Accordingly, using the modular incubator system 500 of the present invention, viable biological materials can be incubated in one or more modular incubators 300 docked to the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 , while the biological materials can be visually monitored by the image acquisition device 408 .

[0260] Capturing images while the modular incubator 300 is docked at the docking port minimizes physical influences and other disturbances that would otherwise be encountered by moving a culture dish of viable biomaterial from the incubator to a laboratory bench in order to capture microscopic images of the biomaterial being incubated to assess its morphological development.

[0261] Moreover, when it is necessary to move the viable biological material in the culture dish 310 to a laboratory workbench to perform various operation steps, the operation can be performed while the biological material and its culture dish 310 are still contained in the corresponding modular incubation chamber 300, thereby minimizing the deviation from the optimal incubation conditions (such as the environmental conditions in the modular incubation chamber 300).

[0262] Therefore, the present invention can realize the incubation of biological materials in the modular incubation chamber 300, and can also visually monitor the morphological development of the biological materials, and the physical impact on the biological materials is extremely small.

[0263] It should be noted that, with respect to the N adjacently arranged docking ports 402 in the docking station 400, these adjacently arranged docking ports 402 can share a common image acquisition device 408, that is, only one image acquisition device is responsible for acquiring images related to the modular incubation chamber 300 docked in one of the N adjacently arranged docking ports 402.

[0264] In this case, the displacement device 482 in the form of a motorized suspension of the image acquisition device 408 is configured to be displaced along a displacement track extending below the N adjacent docking ports 402 upon receiving a corresponding signal, so that the common image acquisition device 408 can be moved relative to the N adjacently arranged docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. In this way, the common image acquisition device 408 can acquire an image of the biological material contained in the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 docked in any one of the N docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0265] When the modular incubation chamber 300 is correctly positioned in the docking port 402, the relative positions of the two gas inlets (312 and 406) with respective valves (valve 2 and valve 4, respectively) and the two gas outlets (314 and 404) with respective valves (valve 2 and valve 4, respectively) will match each other, so that gas can enter the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 from the docking port outlet 404 for gas via the gas inlet 312 of the modular incubation chamber, and gas can be discharged from the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 through the gas outlet 314 of the modular incubation chamber and the docking port inlet 406 for gas.

[0266] Accordingly, the modular docking system 500 of the present invention can achieve a continuous supply of gas from the gas source 202 to the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber.

[0267] This will be seen by referring to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Provide further explanation.

[0268] However, first we describe in more detail the valve system to be used with the modular incubator system of the first aspect of the invention.

[0269] Figure 5a and 5b The working mode of the valve system to be used in conjunction with the modular incubation chamber of the docking system of the present invention and the relevant docking port of the docking station is demonstrated.

[0270] Figure 5a 1 is a schematic diagram showing a valve system 100 to be used with the modular incubator system of the present invention, in which the two valves 2, 4 are not engaged with each other and are in a closed state.

[0271] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram showing Figure 5a , in which two valves 2 , 4 are engaged with each other and are thus in an open state.

[0272] The valve 2 comprises a valve body 6 having a front end 10 and a rear end 12. A through passage 14 is provided in the valve body 6 and a valve core 8 is arranged in the through passage 14. The valve core 8 is spring-loaded by a spring 26.

[0273] The movable valve core 8 is configured to be movable by the spring 26 in the through-channel 14 of the valve body 6, in such a manner that when no external force is applied, the movable valve core 8 loaded by the spring is pushed by the spring 26 in the through-channel 14 of the valve body 6 toward the front end 10 of the valve body 6. Thereby, the valve 2 is in a closed state, and gas is prevented from passing through the through-channel 14.

[0274] This situation is Figure 5a It is shown in .

[0275] Similarly, when subjected to external force, the spring-loaded movable valve core 8 will move in the through passage 14 of the valve body 6 toward the rear end 12 of the valve body 6 , thereby placing the valve 2 in an open state and allowing gas to pass through the through passage 14 .

[0276] This situation is Figure 5b It is shown in .

[0277] As for valve 4, Figure 5a The valve 4 is shown to comprise a valve body 16 having a front end 20 and a rear end 22. A through passage 24 is provided in the valve body 16 and a valve core 18 is arranged in the through passage 24. The valve core 18 is spring-loaded by a spring 28.

[0278] The movable valve core 18 is configured to be movable by the spring 28 in the through passage 24 of the valve body 16, in such a manner that when no external force is applied, the movable valve core 18 loaded by the spring is pushed by the spring 28 in the through passage 24 of the valve body 16 toward the front end 20 of the valve body 16. Thereby, the valve 4 is in a closed state, preventing gas from passing through the through passage 24.

[0279] This situation is Figure 5a It is shown in .

[0280] Similarly, when subjected to external force, the spring-loaded movable valve core 18 will move within the through passage 24 of the valve body 16 toward the rear end 22 of the valve body 16 , thereby placing the valve 4 in an open state and allowing gas to pass through the through passage 24 .

[0281] This situation is Figure 5b It is shown in .

[0282] The valve 2 of the modular incubation chamber 300 and the valve 4 of the docking port 402 of the docking station have specific sizes and geometric shapes, so that once the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the movable valve core 8 of the valve 2 and the movable valve core 18 of the valve 4 will be pressed into their respective valve bodies 6, 16, so that Figure 5aAs seen in FIG. 1 , valves 2 , 4 of the docking port outlet 404 for gas and the incubation chamber gas inlet 312 are opened; and valves 2 , 4 of the incubation chamber gas outlet 314 and the docking port inlet 406 for gas are also opened.

[0283] Accordingly, such valves 2 and 4 are used for the modular incubation chamber 300 and the docking port 402 of the docking station. Once the modular incubation chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, the valve 2 of the modular incubation chamber 300 and the valve 4 of the docking port 402 will be automatically opened, thereby allowing gas to pass through the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 when docked in the docking port 402, and when the modular incubation chamber 300 is removed from the docking port, the gas supply to the docking port 402 and the gas outlet of the modular incubation chamber 300 will also be cut off.

[0284] It should be noted that although the present specification and the appended claims describe the modular incubator system 300 and the docking port 402 in a manner in which valve 2 is disposed in the modular incubator system 300 and valve 4 is disposed in the docking port 402, the opposite arrangement of valves 2 and 4 is also feasible.

[0285] In the above sections, the general principle of a modular incubator system 500 including a docking station 400 with a plurality of docking ports 402 that can accommodate modular incubation chambers 300 through docking has been described. In the following sections, the focus will be on the features related to supplying gas to the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0286] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the concept of a gas supply system that may be incorporated into a docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0287] Figure 6 A gas supply system 200 is shown to be used with the modular incubator system 500 of the present invention. The gas supply system 200 includes a gas source 202 and a gas distribution system 204.

[0288] The gas distribution system 204 includes a plurality of docking ports 402, each docking port having a docking port outlet 404 for gas and a docking port inlet 406 for gas.

[0289] For all docking ports, a docking port outlet 404 for gases is in fluid communication with the intake manifold 216 , while a docking port inlet 406 for gases is in fluid communication with the outlet manifold 218 .

[0290] The main gas supply line 210 delivers gas from the gas supply outlet 206 of the gas source 202 to the gas inlet manifold 216 , and the main gas return line 212 delivers gas from the gas outlet manifold 218 back to the gas return inlet 208 of the gas source 202 .

[0291] In this way, gas can circulate from the gas source 202 through the gas distribution system 204 to the docking port 402 and then return to the gas source 202 .

[0292] To ensure that the gas supplied to the docking station has the desired, predetermined and optimal gas composition, the gas source has a reference Figure 7 Specific features revealed.

[0293] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the design of one embodiment of a gas supply system including a gas source to be used in conjunction with a docking station of a modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0294] exist Figure 7 , solid lines represent gas flow lines, and dotted lines represent signal lines for transmitting electrical signals or power.

[0295] Figure 7 The gas distribution system 204 is shown including its main gas supply line 210 and main gas return line 212 (illustrated by a rectangle in the upper left corner).

[0296] The main gas supply line 210 and the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 are in fluid communication with the gas source 202 as described below.

[0297] The gas source 202 of the gas supply system 200 includes a gas mixing box 242 connected to a gas supply outlet 206 and a gas return inlet 208 of the gas source.

[0298] A main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 is in fluid communication with the gas supply outlet 206 , and a main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 is in fluid communication with the gas return inlet 208 of the gas source 202 .

[0299] Thereby, a flow circuit 244 including the gas distribution system 204 and the gas mixing box 242 is formed. The flow circuit 244 includes a pump 246 for circulating the gas in the circuit.

[0300] It can be seen that the pump 246 is arranged at a downstream position of the main gas return line 212. Figure 7 As can be seen, the flow circuit 244 includes a pump oscillation damper 247, which is arranged immediately downstream of the pump 246.

[0301] In addition, the flow circuit 244 includes a pressure sensor 248 in the form of a differential pressure sensor for detecting the pressure value of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 relative to the pressure in the return gas inlet line 208 of the gas distribution system 204. The pressure sensor 248 is arranged immediately upstream of the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0302] The flow circuit 244 further includes a safety valve 249 for relieving the pressure of the flow circuit. The safety valve is arranged at a downstream position of the main gas return pipeline 212 of the gas distribution system 402.

[0303] Also in Figure 7 As can be seen in the figure, the gas mixing box 242 includes a nitrogen inlet 250 and a carbon dioxide inlet 251.

[0304] The nitrogen inlet 250 is fluidically connected to a nitrogen valve 252 for adjusting the amount of nitrogen flowing in, and a nitrogen mass flow sensor 253 is arranged downstream of the nitrogen valve 252 for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing box 242 .

[0305] The carbon dioxide inlet 251 is fluidically connected to a carbon dioxide valve 254 for regulating the amount of carbon dioxide flowing in, and a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor 255 is arranged downstream of the carbon dioxide valve 254 for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing box 242 .

[0306] The flow circuit 244 further includes a mass flow sensor 256 disposed at an upstream position relative to the gas mixing box 242 for detecting the amount of the return gas entering the gas mixing box.

[0307] As can be seen, the gas source 202 includes an oxygen sensor 258 for detecting the concentration of oxygen leaving the gas distribution system 204 ; and the gas source 202 includes a carbon dioxide sensor 260 for detecting the concentration of carbon dioxide leaving the gas distribution system 204 .

[0308] An oxygen sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor are arranged downstream of the pump 246 .

[0309] The gas source 202 includes a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow circuit 244. The temperature sensor is arranged at a position downstream of the pump 246, and its position corresponds to the position of the oxygen sensor 258.

[0310] The gas source 202 includes a pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow circuit 244. The pressure sensor is arranged at a downstream position of the pump 246, and its position corresponds to the position of the carbon dioxide sensor 260.

[0311] Also in Figure 7As can be seen in the figure, the flow circuit 244 includes an ultraviolet sterilizer 266, which sterilizes the gas flowing in the flow circuit 244 by electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet band. The ultraviolet sterilizer is arranged immediately downstream of the main gas return pipeline 212.

[0312] from Figure 7 As can be seen in the figure, the gas source 202 includes filters 268 in the form of high efficiency air filters (HEPA) / volatile organic compounds (VOCs) filters. One such filter is arranged immediately upstream of the main gas supply line 210; another such filter is arranged immediately upstream of the nitrogen inlet 250 leading to the gas mixing box 242; and a third such filter is arranged immediately upstream of the carbon dioxide inlet 251 leading to the gas mixing box 242.

[0313] Finally, from Figure 7 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the gas source 202 includes a gas mixing control system 270 .

[0314] It can be seen that the gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following sensors so as to receive sensor signals therefrom: a nitrogen mass flow sensor 253 for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing box; a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor 255 for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing box; a mass flow sensor 256 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box; an oxygen sensor 258 for detecting the oxygen concentration of the main gas return line 212 leaving the gas distribution system 204; a carbon dioxide sensor 260 for detecting the carbon dioxide concentration of the main gas return line 212 leaving the gas distribution system 204; a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow circuit circulation 244; a pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure within the flow circuit circulation 244; and a pressure sensor 248 for detecting the gas pressure of the main gas supply line 210 supplied to the distribution system 204.

[0315] Also in Figure 7 It can be seen that the gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following components to control them: a nitrogen valve 252 for adjusting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing box 242; a carbon dioxide valve 254 for adjusting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing box 242; a pump 246 for circulating the gas in the flow circuit 244; and a safety valve 249.

[0316] The gas mixing control system 270 controls the gas source in two control modes. The first control mode involves controlling the pressure of the gas leaving the gas supply outlet 206, and the second control mode involves controlling the concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the gas leaving the gas supply outlet 206. These two control modes are performed simultaneously. This will be further explained below.

[0317] The gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive input from the pressure sensor 248 and control the pump 246 based thereon, and optionally also activate the safety valve 249, so as to maintain the gas supplied to the main gas supply pipeline 210 of the gas distribution system 204 at a desired, predetermined pressure.

[0318] The gas mixing control system 270 is further configured to receive input from the mass flow sensor 256 and based on the input, determine the total amount of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas that needs to be supplied through the carbon dioxide inlet 251 and the nitrogen inlet 250 according to desired and predetermined criteria.

[0319] Based on the above information about the total amount of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas to be supplied, the gas mixing control system 270 will be able to determine the mutual ratio of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas supplied to the gas mixing box 242 .

[0320] This is accomplished by receiving input from the carbon dioxide sensor 260 and the oxygen sensor 258 .

[0321] Based on the detected carbon dioxide concentration, the gas mixing control system 270 controls the carbon dioxide valve 254 by sending a control signal to the valve, thereby adjusting the inflow of carbon dioxide gas to achieve a desired, predetermined carbon dioxide concentration.

[0322] The gas mixing control system 270 then controls the nitrogen valve 252 by sending a control signal to the valve based on the detected oxygen concentration, thereby adjusting the inflow of nitrogen gas to achieve a desired, predetermined oxygen concentration.

[0323] By using the gas sources disclosed above, circulating gas will be continuously supplied to one or more modular incubation chambers 300 docked in respective docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. By continuously adjusting the inflow of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas based on the detected carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations in the return gas from the gas distribution system 204, an optimal, predetermined gas composition can be maintained.

[0324] Due to the design of the gas distribution system 204, the composition of the gas flowing through each modular incubation chamber 300 can be kept constant.

[0325] It should be noted that when referring to an upstream position relative to another position, the upstream position should be understood as a position still within the gas source 202 , and preferably not too upstream to pass the gas mixing box 242 or the gas distribution system 204 .

[0326] Likewise, when referring to a downstream position relative to another position, the downstream position should be understood to be a position still within the gas source 202 , and preferably not too far downstream as to pass the gas mixing box 242 or the gas distribution system 204 .

[0327] The modular incubator system 500 may include a control unit for controlling the same. This will be referred to as Figure 8 Provide further explanation.

[0328] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the control working mode of the modular incubator system according to the present invention.

[0329] Figure 8 There is shown a control unit 650 for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system 500. The control unit is connected to an input device 652 in the form of an alphanumeric input device to allow a user to provide setup inputs relating to a desired operating protocol for the modular incubator system.

[0330] A display unit 654 for displaying information related to the settings and / or operating status of one or more modular incubation chambers 300 to a user is connected to the control unit 654 .

[0331] It can be seen that the control unit 650 is connected to several electrical connectors 410 of the docking port 402 of the docking station 400. In this way, power and electrical signals can be provided to one or more modular incubation chambers 300 docked in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500.

[0332] By connecting to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, when one or more modular incubation chambers 300 are docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the control unit 650 can be used to control the following entities or parameters: controlling the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 by controlling the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374 and / or the thermostatic circuit 376; supplying power to the power supply 320 of the modular incubation chamber 300; providing a signal to the display screen 324 of the modular incubation chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402; turning on or off the active light source 352 of the modular incubation chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402, or adjusting the light intensity emitted by it; controlling the image acquisition device 408 of the docking port 402 and the optional displacement device 482 associated therewith for moving the image acquisition device 408, the gas mixing control system 270; and the image processing unit 660.

[0333] The control unit 650 may include or may be connected to a central processing unit (CPU) or other data processing unit 656 for processing information involved in controlling the operation of the modular incubator system 500, for example by running a computer program for processing information involved in operation control, and the control unit 650 may also include or may be connected to a data storage device 658.

[0334] In this way, the modular incubator system 500 can be operated automatically, that is, the control unit 650 can independently and automatically control one or more of the following according to predetermined standards: controlling the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 by controlling the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374 and / or the thermostatic circuit 376; supplying power to the power supply 320 of the modular incubation chamber 300; providing a signal to the display screen 324 of the modular incubation chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402; turning on or off the active light source 352 of the modular incubation chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402, or adjusting the light intensity emitted by it; controlling the image acquisition device 408 of the docking port 402 and the optional displacement device 482 associated with it for moving the image acquisition device 408, the gas mixing control system 270; and the image processing unit 660.

[0335] It will be appreciated that all features and achievements discussed above and in the appended claims and clauses with respect to one aspect of the invention and its embodiments are equally applicable to other aspects of the invention and its embodiments.

[0336] The present invention may be defined in accordance with one or more of the following terms:

[0337] Clause 1. A modular incubator system (500) for incubating viable biological material M, the modular incubator system comprising:

[0338] One or more modular incubation chambers (300), with

[0339] The docking station (400) is combined;

[0340] wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a housing (302) having a first end (340) and a second end (342), thereby defining a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end;

[0341] wherein the housing comprises a cover (304) configured to be switchable between an open state allowing access to the interior (306) of the modular hatching chamber and a closed state sealing the interior passage of the modular hatching chamber;

[0342] Wherein, the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a culture dish holder (308) in its interior (306) for placing a culture dish (310) so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M in the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300);

[0343] Wherein, the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a transparent window (316) for collecting images of the biological material M contained therein through the transparent window;

[0344] Wherein, the docking station (400) comprises one or more docking ports (402) for receiving one or more housings (302) of the one or more incubation chambers (300);

[0345] Wherein, with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port comprises an image acquisition device (408) for acquiring an image of the interior (306) of the modular incubation chamber (300) after the modular incubation chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402).

[0346] Clause 2. A modular incubator system (500) according to clause 1, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300) and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the position of the transparent window (316) of the modular incubation chamber (300) is adapted to the position of the image acquisition device (408) in the docking port (402) in such a way that once the modular incubation chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the image acquisition device (408) can acquire images through the transparent window (316) of the modular incubation chamber (300).

[0347] Clause 3. A modular incubator system (500) according to clause 1 or 2, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the transparent window (316) of the modular incubation chamber (300) is disposed at the bottom (358) of the housing (302).

[0348] Clause 4. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the culture dish holder (308) of the modular incubation chamber (300) is arranged above the transparent window (316).

[0349] Clause 5. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the transparent window (316) of the outer shell (302) of the modular incubation chamber has an elongated shape, for example, an elongated linear extension shape extending along a direction Y, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the outer shell of the modular incubation chamber (300).

[0350] Clause 6. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300) and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the modular incubation chamber (300) is configured to dock in the docking port (402) with its first end (340) facing the docking port (402).

[0351] Clause 7. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a light source (372) in its interior (306) for directing light to the area where the culture dish holder (308) of the modular incubation chamber (300) is located, so as to illuminate the viable biological material when capturing an image of the viable biological material.

[0352] Clause 8. The modular incubator system (500) of Clause 7, wherein the light source (372) is attached to the inside of a cover (304) of the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300).

[0353] Clause 9. The modular incubator system (500) of clause 7 or 8, wherein the light source (372) is selected from one or more light emitting diodes, one or more laser diodes, one or more incandescent bulbs.

[0354] Clause 10. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the culture dish holder (308) defines a planar support surface for supporting the culture dish (310).

[0355] Clause 11. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the housing (302) (for example, on an external portion thereof) of the modular incubation chamber (300) is provided with an electrical connector (322) for providing power and / or electrical signals to the modular incubation chamber; and wherein, with respect to the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port is provided with an electrical connector (410) so as to allow power and / or electrical signals to be provided between the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) and the modular incubation chamber (300) docked therein.

[0356] Clause 12. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the lid (304) is a hinged lid connected to the housing of the modular incubation chamber by a hinge.

[0357] Clause 13. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300) includes a display screen (324) configured to display information related to the status of an incubation operation being performed in the modular incubation chamber.

[0358] Clause 14. The modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the image acquisition device (408) comprises a microscopic optical device so as to be able to acquire microscopic images.

[0359] Clause 15. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the number of modular incubation chambers (300) of the modular incubator system (500) is selected from the range of 1-100, for example 2-95, for example 5-90, for example 10-85, for example 15-80, for example 20-75, for example 25-70, 30-65, for example 35-60, for example 40-55 or 45-50.

[0360] Clause 16. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the number of docking ports (402) in the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500) is selected from the range of 1-100, for example 2-95, for example 5-90, for example 10-85, for example 15-80, for example 20-75, for example 25-70, 30-65, for example 35-60, for example 40-55 or 45-50.

[0361] Clause 17. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the docking station (400) comprises the docking ports (402) arranged in the form of one or more layers of shelves consisting of adjacently placed docking ports (402), and if the docking station comprises two or more layers of shelves, these shelves are arranged stacked on top of each other.

[0362] Clause 18. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the modular incubation chamber comprises an incubation chamber coupling device (326); and with respect to the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port comprises a docking port coupling device (414), wherein the incubation chamber coupling device (326) is configured to couple with the docking port coupling device (414) to facilitate the correct positioning of the modular incubation chamber (300) in the docking port (402), and optionally to secure it in the docking port (402), and to remove the modular incubation chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400).

[0363] Clause 19. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the modular incubator system (500) comprises an image processing unit (660) for performing image processing on images captured by the image acquisition device (408), and the modular incubator system (400) further optionally comprises a data storage device (658) for storing images captured by the image acquisition unit (408) and / or for storing images processed by the image processing unit (660).

[0364] Clause 20. The modular incubator system (500) of clause 19, wherein one or more of the image acquisition devices (408) in the docking port (402) of the docking station are coupled to an image processing unit (660).

[0365] Clause 21. According to the modular incubator system (500) described in any of the preceding clauses, with respect to one or more specific docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the specific docking port is equipped with its own exclusive image acquisition device (408), which is configured to only acquire images related to the modular incubation chamber (300) docked in the specific docking port (402).

[0366] Clause 22. According to the modular incubator system (500) described in any of the preceding clauses, with respect to the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the adjacently arranged docking ports share a common image acquisition device (408), that is, only one image acquisition device is responsible for acquiring images related to the modular incubation chamber (300) docked in one of the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402), and the docking station includes a displacement device (482) that can cause the universal image acquisition device (408) to be displaced relative to the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

[0367] Clause 23. A modular incubator system (500) according to clause 22, wherein the number N is an integer selected in the range of 2-25 or more, such as 4-22, such as 6-20, such as 8-18, such as 10-16 or 12-14.

[0368] Clause 24. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein, with respect to one or more of the modular incubation chambers (300), the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises an electric heating element (318) in its interior (306) for heating the interior of the modular incubation chamber, and the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a power source (320) for powering the heating element (318), wherein the electric heating element (318) is electrically connected to the power source (320).

[0369] Clause 25. The modular incubator system (500) of clause 24, wherein the power source (320) is an electrical power source, such as a battery, for example a rechargeable battery.

[0370] Clause 26. A modular incubator system (500) according to clause 24 or clause 25, wherein the heating element (318) is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing the heat emitted by the heating element; wherein the heat distribution element is at least partially arranged inside (306) the modular incubation chamber (300).

[0371] Clause 27. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 24 to 26, wherein the incubation chamber comprises a thermostat (374) and an electric thermostat circuit (376), and the electric heating element (318), the power supply (320) and the thermostat (374) are electrically connected in the electric thermostat circuit (376) so as to be able to perform constant temperature control on the temperature inside the modular incubator chamber (300).

[0372] Clause 28. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of the above clauses, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a gas inlet (312), the gas inlet (312) being in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; and the modular incubator chamber (300) further comprises a gas outlet (314), the gas outlet (314) being in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; and with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), ), the docking port (402) includes a gas docking port outlet (404) and a gas docking port inlet (406); thereby enabling gas to be transmitted from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) to the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) through the gas docking port outlet (404) and the gas inlet (312); and thereby enabling gas to be transmitted from the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) through the gas outlet (314) and the gas docking port inlet (406).

[0373] Clause 29. The modular incubator system (500) of clause 28, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station 400, the position of the gas inlet (312) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the position of the gas docking port outlet (404) of the docking port (402) are adapted to each other, so that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the gas inlet (312) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the gas docking port outlet (404) of the docking port (402) will be in fluid communication with each other, thereby enabling gas to be transmitted from the docking port (402) to the modular incubator chamber (300); and

[0374] The position of the gas outlet (314) of the shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the position of the gas docking port inlet (406) of the docking port (402) are adapted to each other, so that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the gas outlet (314) of the shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the gas docking port inlet (406) of the docking port (402) will be in a fluid connection state, thereby enabling gas to be transmitted from the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402).

[0375] Clause 30. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 28 or 29, wherein the gas docking port outlet (404) of the docking port (402) comprises a valve (4), and the gas inlet (312) of the housing (302) comprises a valve (2); and the gas outlet (314) comprises a valve (2), and the gas docking port inlet (406) of the docking port (402) comprises a valve (4).

[0376] Clause 31. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 28 to 30; with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the valve (2) at the gas inlet (312) and the valve (2) at the gas outlet (314) each comprise a valve body (6), the valve body (6) having a front end (10), a rear end (12) and a passage (14) extending therethrough, and further comprising a spring-loaded movable valve core (8), the movable valve core (8) being arranged in the through passage (14); the movable valve core ( 8) is configured to be movable in the through-channel (14) of the valve body (6), in such a manner that: when no external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve core (8) will not move in the through-channel (14) of the valve body (6), thereby placing the valve in a closed state and preventing gas from passing through the through-channel (14); and when an external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve core (8) will move in the through-channel (14) of the valve body (6), thereby placing the valve (2) in an open state and allowing gas to pass through the through-channel (14);

[0377] Furthermore, with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the valve (4) at the gas docking port outlet (404) and the valve (4) at the gas docking port inlet (406) each comprise a valve body (16), the valve body (16) having a front end (20), a rear end (22) and a passage (24) extending therethrough, and further comprising a spring-loaded movable valve core (18), the movable valve core (18) being arranged in the through passage (24); the movable valve core (18) being configured to be able to move in the through passage (24); The movable valve core (18) is configured to move in the through-channel (24) of the valve body (16) in the following manner: when no external force is applied, the movable valve core (18) equipped with a spring will not move in the through-channel (24) of the valve body (16), thereby placing the valve in a closed state and preventing gas from passing through the through-channel (24); and when an external force is applied, the movable valve core (18) equipped with a spring will move in the through-channel (24) of the valve body (16), thereby placing the valve (4) in an open state and allowing gas to pass through the through-channel (24).

[0378] Clause 32. According to the modular incubator system (500) described in any one of Clauses 28 to 31, with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) and one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the size and geometry of the valves (2, 4) are designed so that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400), the movable valve core (8) of the valve (2) and the movable valve core (18) of the valve (4) will squeeze each other into their respective valve bodies (6, 16), thereby opening the valves (2, 4) at the gas docking port outlet (404) and the gas inlet (312); and thereby opening the valves (2, 4) at the gas outlet (314) and the gas docking port inlet (406).

[0379] Clause 33. According to the modular incubator system (500) described in any one of Clauses 28 to 32, with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500), preferably with respect to all of the docking ports (402), the gas docking port outlet (404) includes a flow restrictor for limiting the gas flow rate flowing into the docking port (402).

[0380] Item 34. A modular incubator system (500) according to Item 33, wherein the restrictor comprises a conduit through which gas is delivered to the docking port (402), the conduit optionally having a cross-sectional area selected from the range of 0.2-8 square millimeters, such as 0.5-7 square millimeters, for example 1-6 square millimeters, such as 2-5 square millimeters or 3-4 square millimeters; and / or the length of the conduit is optionally selected from the range of 5-30 millimeters, such as 8-25 millimeters, for example 10-22 millimeters, for example 15-20 millimeters.

[0381] Clause 35. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 28 to 34, wherein the docking station (400) comprises a gas distribution system (204) for supplying gas to and recovering gas from the one or more docking ports (402), the gas distribution system (204) comprising a main gas supply line (210) and a main gas return line (212), and with respect to one or more of the docking ports (402), the gas docking port inlet (404) is fluidically connected to the main gas supply line (210), and the gas docking port outlet (406) is fluidically connected to the main gas return line (212).

[0382] Item 36. A modular incubator system (500) according to Item 35, wherein the gas distribution system (204) includes a plurality of manifold pairs (214), each manifold pair including an intake manifold (216) and an outlet manifold (218), the intake manifold (216) being fluidically connected to the main gas supply line (210), and the outlet manifold (218) being fluidically connected to the main gas return line (212); each manifold pair (214) is connected to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), and the connection method is as follows: with respect to a specific manifold pair (214) and the one or more docking ports (402) connected thereto, the gas docking port outlet (404) of the docking port (402) is fluidically connected to the intake manifold (216), and the gas docking port inlet (406) of the docking port (402) is fluidically connected to the outlet manifold (218).

[0383] Item 37. A modular incubator system (500) according to Item 35 or 36, wherein the docking station (400) includes a gas supply system (200), the gas supply system (200) includes a gas source (202) and the gas distribution system (204), the gas source includes a gas supply outlet (206) and a return gas inlet (208), the gas supply outlet (206) of the gas source (202) is fluidically connected to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204), and the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source (202) is fluidically connected to the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204).

[0384] Clause 38. According to the modular incubator system (500) described in any one of Clauses 35 to 37, the gas source (202) of the gas supply system (200) includes a gas mixing box (242), which includes the gas supply outlet (206) and the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source, the main gas supply pipeline (210) of the gas distribution system (204) is fluidly connected to the gas supply outlet (206), and the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204) is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source (202), thereby forming a flow loop (244) including the gas distribution system (204) and the gas mixing box (242); the flow loop includes a pump (246) for circulating the gas in the loop.

[0385] Clause 39. The modular incubator system (500) of Clause 38, wherein the pump (246) is disposed in a downstream position relative to the main gas return line (212).

[0386] Clause 40. The modular incubator system (500) of clause 38 or 39, wherein the flow circuit (244) comprises a pump oscillation damper (247), optionally arranged immediately downstream relative to the pump (246).

[0387] Clause 41. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 38 to 40, wherein the flow circuit (244) includes a pressure sensor (248), such as a differential pressure sensor for detecting the gas pressure of the main gas supply line (210) supplied to the gas distribution system (204), and the pressure sensor (248) is optionally arranged immediately upstream relative to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

[0388] Clause 42. The modular incubator system (500) of clause 41, wherein the pressure sensor (248) is a differential pressure sensor for detecting a pressure difference relative to the return air inlet (208) pressure.

[0389] Clause 43. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 38 to 41, wherein the flow circuit (244) includes a safety valve (249) for relieving pressure on the flow circuit, and the safety valve is optionally arranged immediately downstream of the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (402).

[0390] Clause 44. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 38 to 43, wherein the gas mixing box (242) comprises a nitrogen (N2) inlet (250) and a carbon dioxide (CO2) inlet (251), the nitrogen inlet (250) being fluidically connected to a nitrogen valve (252) for regulating the amount of nitrogen flowing in, and a nitrogen mass flow sensor (253) being arranged downstream of the nitrogen valve (252) for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing box (242); and the carbon dioxide inlet (251) being fluidically connected to a carbon dioxide valve (254) for regulating the amount of carbon dioxide flowing in, and a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor (255) being arranged downstream of the carbon dioxide valve (254) for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing box (242).

[0391] Clause 45. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 38 to 44, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a mass flow sensor (256) arranged at an upstream position relative to the gas mixing box (242) for detecting the amount of reflux gas entering the gas mixing box.

[0392] Clause 46. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 38 to 45, wherein the gas source (202) includes an oxygen (O2) sensor (258) for detecting the concentration of oxygen flowing out of the gas distribution system (204); and the gas source (202) includes a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor (260) for detecting the concentration of carbon dioxide flowing out of the gas distribution system (204), the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor being optionally arranged in a downstream position relative to the pump (246).

[0393] Clause 47. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 38 to 46, wherein the gas source (202) comprises a temperature sensor (262) for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop (244), and the temperature sensor is optionally arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump (246), preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the oxygen sensor (258).

[0394] Clause 48. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 38 to 47, wherein the gas source (202) comprises a pressure sensor (264) for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow circuit (244), and the pressure sensor is optionally arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump (246), preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the carbon dioxide sensor (260).

[0395] Clause 49. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 38 to 48, wherein the flow loop (244) comprises an ultraviolet sterilizer (266) for sterilizing the gas flowing in the flow loop (244) by electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet band, and the ultraviolet sterilizer is optionally arranged immediately downstream relative to the main gas return line (212).

[0396] Clause 50. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 38 to 49, wherein the gas source (202) comprises one or more filters (268), such as a high-efficiency air filter (HEPA) and / or a volatile organic compound (VOCs) filter, wherein such a filter is arranged immediately upstream relative to the main gas supply line (210), and / or such a filter is arranged immediately upstream relative to a nitrogen inlet (250) leading to the gas mixing box (242); and / or such a filter is arranged immediately upstream relative to a carbon dioxide inlet (251) leading to the gas mixing box (242).

[0397] Clause 51. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 38 to 50, wherein the gas source (202) comprises a gas mixing control system (270), the gas mixing control system being electrically connected to one or more of the following sensors so as to receive sensing signals therefrom: a nitrogen mass flow sensor (253) for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing box; a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor (255) for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing box; a mass flow sensor (256) for detecting the amount of reflux gas entering the gas mixing box; a mass flow sensor (257) for detecting the amount of gas flowing from the gas distribution system ( The oxygen sensor (258) is used to detect the oxygen concentration flowing out of the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204); the carbon dioxide sensor (260) is used to detect the carbon dioxide concentration flowing out of the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204); the temperature sensor (262) is used to detect the temperature circulating in the flow circuit (244); the pressure sensor (264) is used to detect the absolute pressure in the flow circuit (244); the pressure sensor (248) is used to detect the gas pressure supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

[0398] Item 52. A modular incubator system (500) according to Item 51, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is electrically connected to one or more of the following elements for controlling the same: the nitrogen valve (252) for regulating the flow of nitrogen into the gas mixing box (242); the carbon dioxide valve (254) for regulating the flow of carbon dioxide into the gas mixing box (242); the pump (246) for circulating the gas in the flow loop (244); and the safety valve (249).

[0399] Item 53. A modular incubator system (500) according to Item 51 or 52, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive input from the pressure sensor (248) and control the pump (246) based on this, and can also selectively start the safety valve (249) to maintain the gas in the main gas supply line (210) supplied to the gas distribution system (204) at a desired and predetermined pressure value.

[0400] Clause 54. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 51 to 53, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive input from the mass flow sensor (256) and, based on the input, determine the total amount of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen to be supplied through the carbon dioxide inlet (251) and the nitrogen inlet (250) in accordance with desired and predetermined criteria.

[0401] Clause 55. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 51 to 54, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive inputs from the carbon dioxide sensor (260) and the oxygen sensor (258), and based on the detected carbon dioxide concentration, control the carbon dioxide valve (254) by sending a control signal to it, thereby adjusting the inflow of carbon dioxide gas to achieve a desired and predetermined carbon dioxide concentration, and subsequently, the gas mixing control system (270) controls the nitrogen valve (252) based on the detected oxygen concentration by sending a control signal to it, thereby adjusting the inflow of nitrogen gas to achieve a desired and predetermined oxygen concentration.

[0402] Clause 56. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any of clauses 51 to 55, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the oxygen sensor (258) using input from the temperature sensor (262).

[0403] Clause 57. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 51 to 56, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to compensate for the pressure sensitivity of the carbon dioxide sensor (260) using input from the pressure sensor (264).

[0404] Clause 58. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 51 to 57, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain the gas pressure of the main gas supply line (210) supplied to the gas distribution system (204) within a range of 3-20 mbar above the ambient atmospheric pressure, for example 5-18 mbar, for example 10-15 mbar.

[0405] Clause 59. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 51 to 58, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain the carbon dioxide concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) within the range of 5-10%, for example, 6-9% or 7-8%; and / or to maintain the oxygen concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) within the range of 5-10%, for example, 6-9% or 7-8%.

[0406] Clause 60. The modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the modular incubator system (500) comprises a control unit (650) for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system (500).

[0407] Clause 61. A modular incubator system (500) according to clause 60, wherein the control unit (650) is connected to an input device (652), such as an alphanumeric input device, for allowing a user to provide setting input related to the desired operating protocol of the modular incubator system.

[0408] Clause 62. A modular incubator system (500) according to clause 60 or 61, wherein the control unit (650) is connected to a display unit (654) for displaying information related to the settings and / or operating status of the modular incubator system (300) to a user.

[0409] Clause 63. In the modular incubator system (500) described in any one of clauses 60 to 62, with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the control unit (650) is configured to be able to independently control one or more of the following: controlling the temperature inside (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) by controlling the electric heating element (318), the thermostat (374) and / or the thermostatic circuit (376); supplying power to the electric power source (320); supplying power to the docked The display screen (324) of the modular incubator chamber (300) in the docking port (402) provides a signal; turns on or off the active light source (352) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the docking port (402), or adjusts the light intensity emitted by it; the image acquisition device (408) of the docking port (402); the displacement device (482) for moving the image acquisition device (408); the gas mixing control system (270); and the image processing unit (660).

[0410] Clause 64. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 60 to 63, wherein the control unit (650) is connected to a data processing unit (656) and can also be optionally connected to a data storage unit (658) to assist in processing information in controlling the modular incubator system.

[0411] Clause 65. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 60 to 64, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to achieve automatic operation of the modular incubator system (500) by configuring it to be able to independently control one or more of the following: controlling the temperature inside (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) by controlling the electric heating element (318), the thermostat (374) and / or the thermostatic circuit (376); supplying power to the electric power source (320); supplying power to the electric power source (320) docked at The display screen (324) of the modular incubator chamber (300) in the docking port (402) provides a signal; turns on or off the active light source (352) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the docking port (402), or adjusts the light intensity emitted by it; the image acquisition device (408) of the docking port (402); the displacement device (482) for moving the image acquisition device (408); the gas mixing control system (270); and the image processing unit (660).

[0412] Clause 66. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 60 to 65, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to enable time-lapse image acquisition by the image acquisition device (408).

[0413] Clause 67. A modular incubation chamber (300), comprising:

[0414] a housing (302) having a first end (340) and a second end (342), whereby a longitudinal direction X is defined between the first end and the second end;

[0415] wherein the housing comprises a cover (304) configured to be switchable between an open state allowing access to an interior (306) of the modular incubation chamber (300) and a closed state sealing an entrance to the interior of the modular incubation chamber;

[0416] Wherein, the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a culture dish holder (308) in its interior (306) for placing a culture dish (310) so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M in the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300);

[0417] The housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300) includes a transparent window (316) for collecting images of the biological material M contained therein through the transparent window (316).

[0418] Clause 68. A modular incubation chamber (300) according to clause 67, wherein the incubation chamber (300) has the features defined in the modular incubation chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 1 to 66.

[0419] Clause 69. A docking station (400) for docking one or more modular incubation chambers (300); wherein the docking station comprises one or more docking ports (402) for receiving the housing (302) of one or more of the incubation chambers (300);

[0420] With respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station, the docking port comprises an image acquisition device (408) for acquiring an image of the interior (306) of the modular incubation chamber (300) after the modular incubation chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402).

[0421] Clause 70. The docking station (400) according to clause 69, wherein the docking station (400) has the features defined in the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 1 to 66.

[0422] Clause 71. Use of the modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 1 to 66 for incubating active biological material.

[0423] Clause 72. Use of the modular incubation chamber (300) according to any one of clauses 67 or 68 for incubating active biological material.

[0424] Clause 73. Use of the docking station (400) according to any one of clauses 69 or 70 for incubating active biological material.

[0425] Clause 74. The use according to any one of clauses 71 to 73, wherein the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0426] Clause 75. A method of incubating living biological material, wherein the method comprises:

[0427] i) Providing a modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 1 to 66;

[0428] ii) providing active biological material;

[0429] iii) placing the active biological material in a culture dish (310), and then placing the culture dish inside a modular incubation chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (400) (306);

[0430] iv) docking the modular incubation chamber (300) to a docking port (402) of a docking station (400) of the incubator system (500);

[0431] v) allowing the active biological material to be incubated in the modular incubation chamber (300);

[0432] vi) allowing the image acquisition device (408) to acquire one or more images of the biological material contained in the culture vessel (310) whenever necessary.

[0433] Clause 76. The method according to clause 75, further comprising the following steps:

[0434] vii) If necessary, the incubation chamber (300) is removed from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) to manually inspect the viable biological material and to selectively remove, add or replace the growth medium in the culture dish (310).

[0435] Reference numerals list

[0436] 2 Valves

[0437] 4 Valves

[0438] 6The first valve body of the first valve

[0439] 8The first valve core of the first valve

[0440] 10 Front end of first valve body

[0441] 12 Rear end of first valve body

[0442] 14First through-passage of the first valve

[0443] 16 The second valve body of the second valve

[0444] 18 The second valve core of the second valve

[0445] 20 Front end of the second valve

[0446] 22 The rear end of the second valve

[0447] 24 The second through passage of the second valve

[0448] 26The first spring of the first valve

[0449] 28 The second spring of the second valve

[0450] 100 Valve System

[0451] 200 Gas supply system

[0452] 202 Gas source for gas supply system

[0453] 204 Gas distribution system for gas supply system

[0454] 206 Gas supply outlet

[0455] 208 Air return inlet of air source

[0456] 210 Main gas supply line for gas distribution system

[0457] 212 Main gas return line of the gas distribution system

[0458] 214 Manifold Pair

[0459] 216 Intake manifold for manifold pair

[0460] 218 Outlet manifold of manifold pair

[0461] 228 Docking port group

[0462] 242 Gas Mixing Box

[0463] 244 Flow circuit of gas supply system

[0464] 246 Gas source pump

[0465] 247 Pump Oscillation Damper

[0466] 248 Pressure sensor for detecting the gas pressure supplied to the main gas supply line

[0467] 249 Safety valve

[0468] 250 Nitrogen inlet

[0469] 251 CO2 inlet

[0470] 252 Nitrogen Valve

[0471] 253 Nitrogen Mass Flow Sensor

[0472] 254 CO2 Valve

[0473] 255 Carbon Dioxide Mass Flow Sensor

[0474] 256 Mass flow sensor for detecting the amount of return gas flowing into the gas mixing box

[0475] 258 Oxygen sensor

[0476] 260 Carbon dioxide sensor

[0477] 262 Temperature Sensor

[0478] 264 Pressure Sensor

[0479] 266 UV sterilizer

[0480] 268 Filters

[0481] 270 Gas Mixing Control System

[0482] 300 Modular Incubator

[0483] 302 Modular Incubator Enclosure

[0484] 304 Modular Incubator Lid

[0485] 306 The interior of the modular incubator

[0486] 308 Petri dish holder

[0487] 310 Petri Dish

[0488] Gas inlet for 312 modular incubator

[0489] Gas outlet for 314 modular incubator

[0490] Transparent window of 316 modular incubator housing

[0491] 318 Electric heating element

[0492] 320 Power Supply

[0493] 322 Modular Incubator Electrical Connectors

[0494] 324 Modular Incubator Enclosure Display

[0495] 326 Incubator joint device for modular incubator

[0496] 340 Modular Incubator First End

[0497] 342 The second end of the modular incubator

[0498] 358 Modular incubator bottom

[0499] 372 Light Source

[0500] 374 Thermostat

[0501] 376 Constant temperature circuit

[0502] 400 Docking Station

[0503] 402 Docking station's docking port

[0504] Gas docking port outlet for 404 docking port

[0505] Gas docking port inlet for 406 docking port

[0506] 408 Docking Station Docking Port Image Capture Device

[0507] 410 docking port electrical connector

[0508] 414 Docking port engagement device for docking station docking port

[0509] 482Displacement device for moving image acquisition unit

[0510] 500 Modular Incubator System

[0511] 650 Control Unit

[0512] 652 Input devices

[0513] 654 Display Unit

[0514] 656 Data Processing Unit

[0515] 658 Data Storage

[0516] 660 Image Processing Unit

[0517] X-Modular Incubator Longitudinal Direction

[0518] Y is the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X

Claims

1. A modular incubator system (500) for incubating viable biological material M, the modular incubator system comprising: One or more modular incubation chambers (300), with The docking station (400) is combined; wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a housing (302) having a first end (340) and a second end (342), thereby defining a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end; wherein the housing comprises a cover (304) configured to be switchable between an open state allowing access to the interior (306) of the modular hatching chamber and a closed state sealing the interior passage of the modular hatching chamber; Wherein, the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a culture dish holder (308) in its interior (306) for placing a culture dish (310) so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M in the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300); Wherein, the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a transparent window (316) for collecting images of the biological material M contained therein through the transparent window; With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the modular incubation chamber comprises an electric heating element (318) in the interior (306) thereof for heating the interior of the modular incubation chamber, and the modular incubation chamber comprises a power source (320) for powering the heating element (318), wherein the electric heating element (318) is electrically connected to the power source (320); Wherein, the docking station (400) comprises one or more docking ports (402) for receiving one or more housings (302) of the one or more incubation chambers (300); Wherein, with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port comprises an image acquisition device (408) for acquiring an image of the interior (306) of the modular incubation chamber (300) after the modular incubation chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402).

2. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1, wherein: With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300) and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the position of the transparent window (316) of the modular incubation chamber (300) is adapted to the position of the image acquisition device (408) in the docking port (402) in such a way that once the modular incubation chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the image acquisition device (408) can acquire images through the transparent window (316) of the modular incubation chamber (300).

3. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the transparent window (316) of the modular incubation chamber (300) is disposed at a bottom (358) of the housing (302).

4. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the culture dish holder (308) of the modular incubation chamber (300) is arranged above the transparent window (316).

5. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: For one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the transparent window (316) of the shell (302) of the modular incubation chamber has an elongated shape, for example, an elongated linear extension shape extending along a direction Y, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the shell of the modular incubation chamber (300).

6. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300) and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the modular incubation chamber (300) is configured to dock in the docking port (402) with its first end (340) facing the docking port (402).

7. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a light source (372) in its interior (306) for directing light to an area of ​​the culture dish holder (308) of the modular incubation chamber (300) where the culture dish holder (308) is located, thereby illuminating the viable biological material when acquiring an image of the viable biological material.

8. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 7, wherein: The light source (372) is attached to the inner side of the cover (304) of the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300).

9. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The light source (372) is selected from one or more light emitting diodes, one or more laser diodes, and one or more incandescent bulbs.

10. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the culture dish holder (308) defines a planar support surface for supporting the culture dish (310).

11. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300), for example, on its outer portion, is provided with an electrical connector (322) for providing power and / or electrical signals to the modular incubation chamber; and wherein, with respect to the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port is provided with an electrical connector (410), thereby allowing power and / or electrical signals to be provided between the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) and the modular incubation chamber (300) docked therein.

12. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: For one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the cover (304) is a hinged cover connected to the housing of the modular incubation chamber by a hinge.

13. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300) includes a display screen (324) configured to display information related to a status of an ongoing incubation operation in the modular incubation chamber.

14. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The image acquisition device (408) comprises microscopic optics so as to be able to acquire microscopic images.

15. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The number of modular hatching chambers (300) of the modular incubator system (500) is selected from the range of 1-100, such as 2-95, such as 5-90, such as 10-85, such as 15-80, such as 20-75, such as 25-70, 30-65, such as 35-60, such as 40-55 or 45-50.

16. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The number of docking ports (402) in the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500) is selected from the range of 1-100, such as 2-95, such as 5-90, such as 10-85, such as 15-80, such as 20-75, such as 25-70, 30-65, such as 35-60, such as 40-55 or 45-50.

17. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The docking station (400) comprises the docking ports (402) arranged in the form of one or more layers of shelves consisting of adjacently placed docking ports (402), and if the docking station comprises two or more layers of shelves, these shelves are arranged one above the other.

18. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the modular incubation chamber comprises an incubation chamber engagement device (326); and with respect to the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port comprises a docking port engagement device (414), wherein the incubation chamber engagement device (326) is configured to engage with the docking port engagement device (414) to facilitate the correct positioning of the modular incubation chamber (300) in the docking port (402), and optionally to secure it in the docking port (402), and to remove the modular incubation chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400).

19. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The modular incubator system (500) includes an image processing unit (660) for performing image processing on images acquired by the image acquisition device (408), and the modular incubator system (400) also optionally includes a data storage device (658) for storing images acquired by the image acquisition unit (408) and / or for storing images processed by the image processing unit (660).

20. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 19, wherein: One or more of the image acquisition devices (408) in the docking port (402) of the docking station are coupled to an image processing unit (660).

21. According to the modular incubator system (500) described in any one of the preceding claims, with respect to one or more specific docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the specific docking port is equipped with its own exclusive image acquisition device (408), which is configured to only acquire images related to the modular incubation chamber (300) docked in the specific docking port (402).

22. According to the modular incubator system (500) described in any one of the preceding claims, with respect to the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the adjacently arranged docking ports share a common image acquisition device (408), that is, only one image acquisition device is responsible for acquiring images related to the modular incubation chamber (300) docked in one of the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402), and the docking station includes a displacement device (482) that can cause the universal image acquisition device (408) to be displaced relative to the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

23. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 22, wherein: The number N is an integer selected in the range of 2-25 or more, such as 4-22, such as 6-20, such as 8-18, such as 10-16 or 12-14.

24. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, with respect to the one or more incubation chambers (300), the incubation chambers (300) have their largest dimension in the horizontal direction in the intended orientation of use for incubation.

25. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The power source (320) is an electrical power source, such as a battery, for example a rechargeable battery.

26. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heating element (318) is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing heat emitted by the heating element; wherein the heat distribution element is at least partially arranged in the interior (306) of the modular incubation chamber (300).

27. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The incubation chamber includes a thermostat (374) and an electric thermostat circuit (376), and the electric heating element (318), the power supply (320) and the thermostat (374) are electrically connected in the electric thermostat circuit (376) so as to be able to perform constant temperature control on the temperature inside the modular incubator chamber (300).

28. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a gas inlet (312), the gas inlet (312) being in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; and the modular incubator chamber (300) further comprises a gas outlet (314), the gas outlet (314) being in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; and with respect to one or more docking ports (400) of the docking station (400), 2), the docking port (402) includes a gas docking port outlet (404) and a gas docking port inlet (406); thereby, gas can be transmitted from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) to the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) through the gas docking port outlet (404) and the gas inlet (312); and thereby, gas can be transmitted from the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) through the gas outlet (314) and the gas docking port inlet (406).

29. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 28, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station 400, a position of the gas inlet (312) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and a position of the gas docking port outlet (404) of the docking port (402) are adapted to each other so that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the gas inlet (312) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the gas docking port outlet (404) of the docking port (402) will be in fluid communication with each other, thereby enabling gas to be transmitted from the docking port (402) to the modular incubator chamber (300); and The position of the gas outlet (314) of the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the position of the gas docking port inlet (406) of the docking port (402) are adapted to each other, so that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the gas outlet (314) of the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the gas docking port inlet (406) of the docking port (402) will be in a fluid connection state, thereby enabling gas to be transmitted from the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402).

30. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 28 or 29, wherein: The gas docking port outlet (404) of the docking port (402) includes a valve (4), and the gas inlet (312) of the housing (302) includes a valve (2); and the gas outlet (314) includes a valve (2), and the gas docking port inlet (406) of the docking port (402) includes a valve (4).

31. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 28 to 30; with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the valve (2) at the gas inlet (312) and the valve (2) at the gas outlet (314) each comprise a valve body (6), the valve body (6) having a front end (10), a rear end (12) and a passage (14) running therethrough, and further comprising a spring-loaded movable valve core (8), the movable valve core (8) being arranged in the through passage (14); the movable valve core (8 ) is configured to be movable in the through-channel (14) of the valve body (6), in such a manner that: when no external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve core (8) will not move in the through-channel (14) of the valve body (6), thereby placing the valve in a closed state and preventing gas from passing through the through-channel (14); and when an external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve core (8) will move in the through-channel (14) of the valve body (6), thereby placing the valve (2) in an open state and allowing gas to pass through the through-channel (14); Furthermore, with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the valve (4) at the gas docking port outlet (404) and the valve (4) at the gas docking port inlet (406) each comprise a valve body (16), the valve body (16) having a front end (20), a rear end (22) and a passage (24) extending therethrough, and further comprising a spring-loaded movable valve core (18), the movable valve core (18) being arranged in the through passage (24); the movable valve core (18) being configured to be able to move in the through passage (24); The movable valve core (18) is configured to move in the through-channel (24) of the valve body (16) in the following manner: when no external force is applied, the movable valve core (18) equipped with a spring will not move in the through-channel (24) of the valve body (16), thereby placing the valve in a closed state and preventing gas from passing through the through-channel (24); and when an external force is applied, the movable valve core (18) equipped with a spring will move in the through-channel (24) of the valve body (16), thereby placing the valve (4) in an open state and allowing gas to pass through the through-channel (24).

32. According to the modular incubator system (500) described in any one of claims 28 to 31, with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) and one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the size and geometric shape of the valves (2, 4) are designed such that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400), the movable valve core (8) of the valve (2) and the movable valve core (18) of the valve (4) will squeeze each other into their respective valve bodies (6, 16), thereby opening the valves (2, 4) at the gas docking port outlet (404) and the gas inlet (312); and thereby opening the valves (2, 4) at the gas outlet (314) and the gas docking port inlet (406).

33. According to the modular incubator system (500) described in any one of claims 28 to 32, with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500), preferably with respect to all of the docking ports (402), the gas docking port outlet (404) includes a flow restrictor for limiting the gas flow rate flowing into the docking port (402).

34. A modular incubator system (500) according to claim 33, wherein the restrictor comprises a conduit through which gas is delivered to the docking port (402), the conduit optionally having a cross-sectional area selected from the range of 0.2-8 square millimeters, for example 0.5-7 square millimeters, for example 1-6 square millimeters, for example 2-5 square millimeters or 3-4 square millimeters; and / or the length of the conduit is optionally selected from the range of 5-30 millimeters, for example 8-25 millimeters, for example 10-22 millimeters, for example 15-20 millimeters.

35. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein the docking station (400) comprises a gas distribution system (204) for supplying gas to and recovering gas from the one or more docking ports (402), the gas distribution system (204) comprising a main gas supply line (210) and a main gas return line (212), and with respect to one or more of the docking ports (402), the gas docking port inlet (404) is fluidically connected to the main gas supply line (210), and the gas docking port outlet (406) is fluidically connected to the main gas return line (212).

36. A modular incubator system (500) according to claim 35, wherein the gas distribution system (204) comprises a plurality of manifold pairs (214), each manifold pair comprising an intake manifold (216) and an outlet manifold (218), the intake manifold (216) being fluidically connected to the main gas supply line (210), and the outlet manifold (218) being fluidically connected to the main gas return line (212); each manifold pair (214) being connected to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), and the connection manner being: with respect to a specific manifold pair (214) and the one or more docking ports (402) connected thereto, the gas docking port outlet (404) of the docking port (402) is fluidically connected to the intake manifold (216), and the gas docking port inlet (406) of the docking port (402) is fluidically connected to the outlet manifold (218).

37. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 35 or 36, wherein the docking station (400) comprises a gas supply system (200), the gas supply system (200) comprises a gas source (202) and the gas distribution system (204), the gas source comprises a gas supply outlet (206) and a return gas inlet (208), the gas supply outlet (206) of the gas source (202) is fluidically connected to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204), and the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source (202) is fluidically connected to the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204).

38. According to the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 35 to 37, the gas source (202) of the gas supply system (200) includes a gas mixing box (242), which includes the gas supply outlet (206) and the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source, the main gas supply pipeline (210) of the gas distribution system (204) is fluidically connected to the gas supply outlet (206), and the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204) is fluidically connected to the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source (202), thereby forming a flow loop (244) including the gas distribution system (204) and the gas mixing box (242); the flow loop includes a pump (246) for circulating gas in the loop.

39. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 38, wherein the pump (246) is disposed in a downstream position relative to the main gas return line (212).

40. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 38 or 39, wherein the flow circuit (244) comprises a pump oscillation damper (247), which is optionally arranged immediately downstream relative to the pump (246).

41. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the flow circuit (244) includes a pressure sensor (248), such as a differential pressure sensor for detecting the gas pressure of the main gas supply line (210) supplied to the gas distribution system (204), and the pressure sensor (248) is optionally arranged immediately upstream relative to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

42. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 41, wherein the pressure sensor (248) is a differential pressure sensor for detecting a pressure difference relative to the return air inlet (208) pressure.

43. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the flow circuit (244) includes a safety valve (249) for relieving pressure on the flow circuit, and the safety valve is optionally arranged immediately downstream of the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (402).

44. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the gas mixing box (242) comprises a nitrogen (N2) inlet (250) and a carbon dioxide (CO2) inlet (251), the nitrogen inlet (250) being fluidically connected to a nitrogen valve (252) for regulating the amount of nitrogen inflow, and a nitrogen mass flow sensor (253) being arranged downstream of the nitrogen valve (252) for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing box (242); and the carbon dioxide inlet (251) being fluidically connected to a carbon dioxide valve (254) for regulating the amount of carbon dioxide inflow, and a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor (255) being arranged downstream of the carbon dioxide valve (254) for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing box (242).

45. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a mass flow sensor (256), which is arranged at an upstream position relative to the gas mixing box (242) for detecting the amount of reflux gas entering the gas mixing box.

46. ​​A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 38 to 45, wherein the gas source (202) includes an oxygen (O2) sensor (258) for detecting the oxygen concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system (204); and the gas source (202) includes a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor (260) for detecting the carbon dioxide concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system (204), the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor being optionally arranged in a downstream position relative to the pump (246).

47. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 38 to 46, wherein the gas source (202) comprises a temperature sensor (262) for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop (244), and the temperature sensor is optionally arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump (246), preferably arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the oxygen sensor (258).

48. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 38 to 47, wherein the gas source (202) includes a pressure sensor (264) for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow circuit (244), and the pressure sensor is optionally arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump (246), preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the carbon dioxide sensor (260).

49. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 38 to 48, wherein the flow circuit (244) comprises an ultraviolet sterilizer (266) for sterilizing the gas flowing in the flow circuit (244) by electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet band, and the ultraviolet sterilizer is optionally arranged immediately downstream relative to the main gas return line (212).

50. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 38 to 49, wherein the gas source (202) comprises one or more filters (268), such as a high-efficiency air filter (HEPA) and / or a volatile organic compound (VOCs) filter, wherein such a filter is arranged immediately upstream relative to the main gas supply line (210), and / or such a filter is arranged immediately upstream relative to a nitrogen inlet (250) leading to the gas mixing box (242); and / or such a filter is arranged immediately upstream relative to a carbon dioxide inlet (251) leading to the gas mixing box (242).

51. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 38 to 50, wherein the gas source (202) comprises a gas mixing control system (270), the gas mixing control system being electrically connected to one or more of the following sensors so as to receive sensing signals therefrom: a nitrogen mass flow sensor (253) for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing box; a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor (255) for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing box; a mass flow sensor (256) for detecting the amount of reflux gas entering the gas mixing box; a mass flow sensor (257) for detecting the amount of gas flowing from the gas distribution system (2 04); the carbon dioxide sensor (260) for detecting the concentration of carbon dioxide flowing out of the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204); the temperature sensor (262) for detecting the temperature circulating in the flow circuit (244); the pressure sensor (264) for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow circuit (244); and the pressure sensor (248) for detecting the gas pressure supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

52. A modular incubator system (500) according to claim 51, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is electrically connected to one or more of the following elements for controlling the same: the nitrogen valve (252) for regulating the flow of nitrogen into the gas mixing box (242); the carbon dioxide valve (254) for regulating the flow of carbon dioxide into the gas mixing box (242); the pump (246) for circulating the gas in the flow loop (244); and the safety valve (249).

53. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 51 or 52, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive input from the pressure sensor (248) and control the pump (246) based on this, and can also selectively start the safety valve (249) to maintain the gas in the main gas supply line (210) supplied to the gas distribution system (204) at a desired and predetermined pressure value.

54. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive input from the mass flow sensor (256) and, based on the input, determine the total amount of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen to be supplied through the carbon dioxide inlet (251) and the nitrogen inlet (250) according to desired and predetermined standards.

55. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive inputs from the carbon dioxide sensor (260) and the oxygen sensor (258), and based on the detected carbon dioxide concentration, control the carbon dioxide valve (254) by sending a control signal to it, thereby adjusting the inflow of carbon dioxide gas to achieve a desired and predetermined carbon dioxide concentration, and subsequently, the gas mixing control system (270) controls the nitrogen valve (252) based on the detected oxygen concentration by sending a control signal to it, thereby adjusting the inflow of nitrogen gas to achieve a desired and predetermined oxygen concentration.

56. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 51 to 55, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the oxygen sensor (258) using input from the temperature sensor (262).

57. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 51 to 56, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to compensate for the pressure sensitivity of the carbon dioxide sensor (260) using input from the pressure sensor (264).

58. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 51 to 57, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain the gas pressure of the main gas supply line (210) supplied to the gas distribution system (204) within a range of 3-20 mbar above the ambient atmospheric pressure, for example 5-18 mbar, for example 10-15 mbar, relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure.

59. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 51 to 58, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain the carbon dioxide concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) within the range of 5-10%, for example, 6-9% or 7-8%; and / or to maintain the oxygen concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) within the range of 5-10%, for example, 6-9% or 7-8%.

60. The modular incubator system (500) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The modular incubator system (500) comprises a control unit (650) for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system (500).

61. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 60, wherein: The control unit (650) is coupled to an input device (652), such as an alphanumeric input device, for allowing a user to provide setup inputs associated with a desired operating protocol for the modular incubator system.

62. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 60 or 61, wherein: The control unit (650) is connected to a display unit (654) for displaying information related to the settings and / or operating status of the modular incubator system (300) to a user.

63. According to any one of claims 60 to 62, the modular incubator system (500), with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the control unit (650) is configured to be able to independently control one or more of the following: controlling the temperature inside (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) by controlling the electric heating element (318), the thermostat (374) and / or the thermostatic circuit (376); supplying power to the electric power source (320); supplying power to the docking station (400); The display screen (324) of the modular incubator chamber (300) in the docking port (402) provides a signal; turns on or off the active light source (352) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the docking port (402), or adjusts the light intensity emitted by it; the image acquisition device (408) of the docking port (402); the displacement device (482) for moving the image acquisition device (408); the gas mixing control system (270); and the image processing unit (660).

64. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 60 to 63, wherein: The control unit (650) is connected to a data processing unit (656) and optionally to a data storage unit (658) to assist in processing information in controlling the modular incubator system.

65. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 60 to 64, wherein: The control unit (650) is configured to achieve automatic operation of the modular incubator system (500) by configuring it to be able to independently control one or more of the following: controlling the temperature inside (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) by controlling the electric heating element (318), the thermostat (374) and / or the thermostatic circuit (376); supplying power to the electric power source (320); providing a signal to the display screen (324) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the docking port (402); turning on or off the active light source (352) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the docking port (402), or adjusting the light intensity emitted by it; the image acquisition device (408) of the docking port (402); the displacement device (482) for moving the image acquisition device (408); the gas mixing control system (270); and the image processing unit (660).

66. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 60 to 65, wherein: The control unit (650) is configured to enable delayed image acquisition through the image acquisition device (408).

67. A modular incubation chamber (300), comprising: a housing (302) having a first end (340) and a second end (342), whereby a longitudinal direction X is defined between the first end and the second end; in, The housing includes a cover (304) configured to be switchable between an open state allowing access to an interior (306) of the modular hatching chamber (300) and a closed state sealing access to the interior of the modular hatching chamber; Wherein, the modular incubation chamber (300) comprises a culture dish holder (308) in its interior (306) for placing a culture dish (310) so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M in the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300); The housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300) includes a transparent window (316) for collecting images of the biological material M contained therein through the transparent window (316).

68. The modular incubation chamber (300) according to claim 67, wherein: The incubation chamber (300) has the features defined in the modular incubation chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 66.

69. A docking station (400) for docking one or more modular incubation chambers (300); wherein: The docking station comprises one or more docking ports (402) for receiving one or more housings (302) of the incubation chambers (300); With respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station, the docking port comprises an image acquisition device (408) for acquiring an image of the interior (306) of the modular incubation chamber (300) after the modular incubation chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402).

70. The docking station (400) of claim 69, wherein: The docking station (400) has the features defined by the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 66.

71. Use of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 66 for incubating active biological material.

72. Use of the modular incubation chamber (300) according to any one of claims 67 or 68 for incubating active biological material.

73. Use of the docking station (400) according to any one of claims 69 or 70 for incubating active biological material.

74. The use according to any one of claims 71 to 73, wherein The biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

75. A method for incubating active biological material, wherein: The method comprises: i) providing a modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 66; ii) providing active biological material; iii) placing the active biological material in a culture dish (310), and then placing the culture dish inside a modular incubation chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (400) (306); iv) docking the modular incubation chamber (300) to a docking port (402) of a docking station (400) of the incubator system (500); v) enabling the active biological material to be incubated in the modular incubation chamber (300); vi) allowing the image acquisition device (408) to acquire one or more images of the biological material contained in the culture vessel (310) whenever necessary.

76. The method of claim 75, further comprising the steps of: vii) If necessary, the incubation chamber (300) is removed from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) to manually inspect the viable biological material and to selectively remove, add or replace the growth medium in the culture dish (310).

Images