Valve system of modular incubator system

Abstract

A valve system for a modular incubator system is disclosed. The valve system includes a first valve and a second valve. The first and second valves each include a valve body and a valve element. Each valve body comprises a front end and a rear end and comprises a through channel extending between the front end and the rear end. Each valve element is arranged in the through channel of the valve body in such a way that the valve element can be moved in the through channel in a displacement direction D between a first limit position and a second limit position. At the first limit position, the valve element moves towards the front end of the valve body; in the second limit position, the valve element moves towards the rear end of the valve body. For the first valve and the second valve, the size and geometry of the valve body and the valve element are matched with each other, so that once the valve element is in the first limit position, the valve element blocks gas from flowing between the front end and the rear end of the valve element through the through channel; once moved towards the second limit position, the first valve element enables gas to flow between the front end and the rear end of the through channel through the through channel. The valve system is suitable for performing an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure in a modular incubator system consisting of a plurality of modular incubator chambers and a docking station provided with a plurality of docking ports for receiving such modular incubator chambers. Aspects of the invention can reduce deviations between the gas supplied to the modular incubator chamber and the optimal gas composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of culturing viable biomaterials, and more particularly to an incubator for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.

[0002] More specifically, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a valve system for a modular incubator system.

[0003] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator system for culturing viable biomaterials.

[0004] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator chamber for culturing viable biomaterials.

[0005] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a docking station for docking a modular incubator chamber.

[0006] An eighth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the docking station according to the fourth aspect in culturing viable biomaterials.

[0007] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect in culturing viable biomaterials.

[0008] A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the modular incubator chamber according to the third aspect in culturing viable biomaterials.

[0009] An eighth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the docking station according to the fourth aspect in culturing viable biomaterials.

[0010] A ninth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for culturing viable biomaterials. Background Art

[0011] In the past few decades, in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology has made significant progress, and improved methods and techniques have increased the success rate of IVF-mediated pregnancy and childbirth.

[0012] In vitro fertilization involves retrieving mature eggs from a female's ovaries, fertilizing the eggs with sperm, culturing the fertilized eggs in a controlled environment, and subsequently implanting the fertilized and cultured eggs into the female's uterus.

[0013] Since in vitro fertilization is typically used for women or couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally (which means that the fertility of either the male or female partner, or both, is reduced), and the cost of IVF technology is relatively high, these technologies usually seek to optimize efficiency during implementation. Especially considering the fact that in order to achieve successful pregnancy, it is often necessary to implant the fertilized eggs into the female's uterus multiple times.

[0014] In addition, compared with natural conception, IVF-mediated pregnancy may be more advantageous for couples where one partner has a genetic disease or is suspected of having such a disease.

[0015] Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of in vitro fertilization techniques, hormone treatment is usually administered to a female before retrieving eggs from her ovaries. This hormone treatment causes the female's ovaries to release multiple eggs simultaneously, rather than just one.

[0016] To increase the chances of successful conception, multiple eggs from the same female are fertilized and cultured simultaneously.

[0017] Incubators in the prior art include compartments that can accommodate multiple culture dishes containing fertilized eggs.

[0018] Successfully performing in vitro fertilization and culturing of fertilized eggs is not an easy task. One of the main reasons for the low success rate of in vitro fertilization is the lack of a reliable method for providing and maintaining optimal culture conditions for embryos.

[0019] Some improved prior art incubators include a housing with one or more doors for accessing the interior of the incubator. 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.

[0020] Recently, small modular incubators have been introduced to the market. These modular incubators can be stored in docking ports of a docking station, which is capable of controlling the physical and chemical parameters of the embryos contained therein. Once a manual operation step on the embryos is required, such as manual inspection, addition, removal, or replacement of the growth medium, the modular incubator can be removed from the docking station and placed on a laboratory workbench for easy access to the embryos.

[0021] The corresponding docking ports of these modular incubators and the docking station may even be equipped with gas connectors, such that when the modular incubator is docked in the docking port of the docking station, the gas connectors of the modular incubator and the corresponding gas connectors of the docking port cooperate with each other, enabling gas with the required gas composition to be delivered from the docking station to each modular incubator through these gas connectors. In this way, the required gas composition inside the modular incubator can be maintained during the period when the modular incubator is docked in the docking port of the docking station.

[0022] Gas composition is typically controlled through a gas mixing chamber, into which carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) can be added. The outlet of the gas mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet connector of each modular incubator, and the return air inlet of the gas mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet connector of each modular incubator. Thus, the gas circulates between the modular incubator and the gas mixing chamber. When controlling the gas composition supplied to the incubator, CO2 is added to the gas mixing chamber to achieve the desired CO2 concentration, and N2 is added to reduce the oxygen (O2) level to the desired concentration. Due to inevitable leaks in the gas supply system, a small amount of ambient air enters the system, so the oxygen concentration will never be lower than the desired concentration.

[0023] By continuously monitoring the CO2 concentration and O2 concentration of the gas circulating in the system and continuously adjusting the gas composition leaving the gas mixing chamber according to any deviation from the desired and predetermined gas composition, it is possible to ensure that the gas leaving the gas mixing chamber and supplied to the modular incubator has the desired predetermined optimal composition.

[0024] However, once the modular incubator is removed from the docking station for manual inspection or to perform other processing steps, it is not possible to supply the modular incubator with gas having the desired composition. In addition, in such a case, ambient air may mix with the desired gas composition inside the modular incubator, ultimately causing the gas composition inside the incubator to deviate significantly from the optimal composition specified by the preferred and predetermined culture protocol.

[0025] In addition, when the modular incubator is removed from the docking station, ambient air may enter the gas distribution system of the docking station. This system is responsible for circulating the gas from the gas source to the docking port, then into and through the modular incubator docked at the docking station, and finally back to the gas source.

[0026] In this way, when the modular incubator is removed from the docking port, the ambient air entering the inside of the modular incubator and / or the gas distribution system will not only contaminate the removed modular incubator, but also contaminate the gas distribution system that supplies gas to the remaining modular incubators. As a result, gases with non-ideal gas compositions will circulate in the gas distribution system and be supplied to the modular incubators.

[0027] It has been found that even a small deviation from the optimal gas composition can have an adverse effect on the quality of the biological material cultured therein for the gas composition inside the incubator.

[0028] Therefore, these adverse effects may increase the risk that the IVF procedure will not result in a successful pregnancy after embryo implantation in a woman's uterus.

[0029] Therefore, there is still a need for an improved modular incubator.

[0030] One object of the present invention is to meet this need. Summary of the Invention

[0031] According to various aspects of the present invention, these objects are achieved.

[0032] Thus, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a valve system for a modular incubator system, wherein the valve system comprises a first valve and a second valve;

[0033] wherein the first valve comprises:

[0034] a first valve body; and

[0035] a first valve element;

[0036] wherein the first valve body comprises a front end and a rear end;

[0037] wherein the first valve body comprises a first through-channel extending between the front end and the rear end of the first valve body;

[0038] wherein the first valve element is arranged in the first through-channel of the first valve body in such a way that the first valve element can move between a first extreme position and a second extreme position within the first through-channel in a displacement direction D, in the first extreme position, the first valve element moves towards the front end direction of the first valve body, and in the second extreme position, the first valve element moves towards the rear end direction of the first valve body;

[0039] wherein the sizes and geometries of the first valve body and the first valve element are mutually adapted such that once the first valve element is in the first extreme position, it will block the passage of the first through-channel between its front end and rear end; and once the first valve element moves towards the second extreme position direction, it will form a passage for the first through-channel between its front end and rear end;

[0040] wherein the second valve comprises:

[0041] a second valve body; and

[0042] a second valve element;

[0043] wherein the second valve body comprises a front end and a rear end;

[0044] wherein the second valve body comprises a second through-channel extending between the front end and the rear end of the second valve body;

[0045] The second valve element is arranged in the second through-channel of the second valve body in such a way that the second valve element can move between a first extreme position and a second extreme position within the second through-channel in the displacement direction D. In the first extreme position, the second valve element moves towards the front end direction of the second valve body, and in the second extreme position, the second valve element moves towards the rear end direction of the second valve body;

[0046] The second valve body and the second valve element are dimensioned and geometrically shaped to fit each other such that once the second valve element is in the first extreme position, it will block the passage of the second through-channel between its front end and rear end; and once the second valve element moves towards the second extreme position, it will form a passage in the second through-channel between its front end and rear end.

[0047] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator system for culturing viable biological material M, the modular incubator system comprising:

[0048] i. one or more modular incubator chambers, and

[0049] ii. a docking station;

[0050] For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers, the modular incubator chamber includes a housing having a first end and a second end, thereby defining a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end;

[0051] The housing includes a lid configured to be switchable between an open configuration allowing access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration closing the passage to the interior of the modular incubator chamber;

[0052] The modular incubator chamber includes inside it a culture dish holder for placing a culture dish so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M within the housing of the modular incubator chamber;

[0053] For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers, the housing of the modular incubator chamber includes a gas chamber inlet that is in fluid communication with the interior of the modular incubator chamber; and

[0054] The housing of the modular incubator chamber further includes a gas chamber outlet that is in fluid communication with the interior of the modular incubator chamber;

[0055] The docking station includes one or more docking ports for receiving the modular incubator chambers;

[0056] For one or more docking ports of the docking station, the docking port includes a docking port gas outlet; thereby enabling gas to be transmitted from the docking port of the docking station through the docking port gas outlet and the gas chamber inlet to the inside of the modular incubator chamber; and

[0057] wherein the docking port further includes a docking port gas inlet, thereby enabling gas to be transmitted from the inside of the modular incubator chamber to the docking port of the docking station;

[0058] One valve in the valve system of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the gas chamber inlet, and another valve in the valve system of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the docking port gas outlet; and

[0059] One valve in the valve system of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the gas chamber outlet, and another valve in the valve system of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the docking port gas inlet.

[0060] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator chamber, wherein the modular incubator chamber includes a housing having a first end and a second end, thereby defining a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end;

[0061] wherein the housing includes a lid configured to be switchable between an open configuration allowing access to the inside of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration closing the passage to the inside of the modular incubator chamber;

[0062] wherein the modular incubator chamber includes a culture dish holder inside for placing culture dishes to accommodate one or more biological materials M in the housing of the modular incubator chamber;

[0063] wherein the housing of the modular incubator chamber includes a gas chamber inlet in fluid communication with the inside of the modular incubator chamber; one valve in the valve system of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the gas chamber inlet;

[0064] wherein the housing of the modular incubator chamber further includes a gas chamber outlet in fluid communication with the inside of the modular incubator chamber; one valve in the valve system of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the gas chamber outlet.

[0065] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a docking station, wherein the docking station includes one or more docking ports for accommodating a modular incubator chamber;

[0066] For one or more docking ports of the docking station, the docking port includes a docking port gas outlet; thereby enabling gas to be transmitted from the docking port of the docking station through the docking port gas outlet to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; one valve in the valve system of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the docking port gas outlet; and

[0067] wherein the docking port further includes a docking port gas inlet, thereby enabling gas to be transmitted from the interior of the modular incubator chamber to the docking port of the docking station; one valve in the valve system of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the docking port gas inlet.

[0068] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the use of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention in a modular incubator system.

[0069] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides the use of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biological materials.

[0070] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides the use of the modular incubator chamber according to the third aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biological materials.

[0071] In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides the use of the docking station according to the fourth aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biological materials.

[0072] In a ninth aspect, the present invention provides a method for culturing viable biological materials.

[0073] Each aspect of the present invention can maintain an optimal gas composition in a modular incubator chamber configured to dock at a docking port of a docking station, even when the modular incubator chamber is detached from the relevant docking port of the docking station.

[0074] Furthermore, each aspect of the present invention ensures that when the modular incubator chamber is not docked at the docking port of the modular incubator system docking station, gas does not leak from the inlet and outlet of the docking port. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the valve system of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the two valves are separated from each other.

[0076] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the valve system in, showing the situation when the two valves are close to each other.

[0077] Figure 3 is Figure 1Cross-sectional view of the valve system, showing the situation when two valves are close to each other and start to open.

[0078] Figure 4 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the valve system, showing the situation when two valves are fully engaged and both are in the open state.

[0079] Figure 5 Is a perspective view of the modular incubator system showing the second aspect of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 6 Is a perspective view of the modular incubator chamber of the docking system showing the second aspect of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 7 is Figure 6 Top view of the modular incubator chamber shown.

[0082] Figure 8 is Figure 6 and Figure 7 Rear view of the modular incubator chamber shown.

[0083] Figure 9 is Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of the modular incubator chamber shown.

[0084] Figure 10 Is a schematic diagram showing the design of a gas supply system, which includes a gas source and a gas distribution system, for the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 11 Is a schematic diagram showing the concept of the gas supply system included in the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 12 Is a schematic diagram showing the control working mode of the modular incubator system according to the present invention. Detailed implementation

[0087] The first aspect of the present invention

[0088] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a valve system 100 for a modular incubator system 500, wherein the valve system includes a first valve 2 and a second valve 4;

[0089] Wherein the first valve 2 includes:

[0090] A first valve body 6; and

[0091] A first valve element 8;

[0092] Wherein the first valve body 6 includes a front end 10 and a rear end 12;

[0093] Wherein the first valve body 6 includes a first through-channel 14 that extends between the front end 10 and the rear end 12 of the first valve body 6;

[0094] Wherein the first valve element 8 is disposed within the first through-channel 14 of the first valve body 6 such that the first valve element 8 is movable in a displacement direction D between a first extreme position and a second extreme position within the first through-channel 14. In the first extreme position, the first valve element 8 is displaced towards the front end 10 of the first valve body 6; in the second extreme position, the first valve element 8 is displaced towards the rear end 12 of the first valve body 6;

[0095] Wherein the first valve body 6 and the first valve element 8 are dimensioned and geometrically shaped to be mutually adapted such that when the first valve element 8 is in the first extreme position, it blocks the passage of the first through-channel 14 between the front end 10 and the rear end 12; and when the first valve element 8 is displaced towards the second extreme position, it forms a passage of the first through-channel 14 between the front end 10 and the rear end 12;

[0096] Wherein the second valve 4 includes:

[0097] A second valve body 16; and

[0098] A second valve element 18;

[0099] Wherein the second valve body 16 includes a front end 20 and a rear end 22;

[0100] Wherein the second valve body 16 includes a second through-channel 24 that extends between the front end 20 and the rear end 22 of the second valve body 16;

[0101] Wherein the second valve element 18 is disposed within the second through-channel 24 of the second valve body 16 such that the second valve element 18 is movable in a displacement direction D between a first extreme position and a second extreme position within the second through-channel 24. In the first extreme position, the second valve element 18 is displaced towards the front end 20 of the second valve body 16; in the second extreme position, the second valve element 18 is displaced towards the rear end 22 of the second valve body 16;

[0102] Wherein the second valve body 16 and the second valve element 18 are dimensioned and geometrically shaped to be mutually adapted such that when the second valve element 18 is in the first extreme position, it blocks the passage of the second through-channel 24 between the front end 20 and the rear end 22; and when the second valve element 18 is displaced towards the second extreme position, it forms a passage of the second through-channel 24 between the front end 20 and the rear end 22.

[0103] The valve system 100 of the first aspect of the present invention is designed to cooperate with a plurality of modular incubator chambers 300 for a modular incubator system 500, as will be further described below. The modular incubator system 500 includes a docking station 400, and the docking station 400 includes a plurality of docking ports 402, and the modular incubator chambers 300 can be docked in the docking ports 402 of the docking station 402.

[0104] By providing an intake valve 4 and an outlet valve 2 at the docking port 402, and an intake valve 2 and an outlet valve 4 in each modular incubator chamber 300, it is possible to deliver a gas with a predetermined and desired gas composition into the modular incubator chamber 300 and discharge the gas therefrom, and the gas is only allowed to pass through the valves 2, 4 in the valve system of the modular incubator system 500 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500. In this way, the desired gas composition can be maintained inside regardless of whether the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port. In addition, the valves 4, 2 in the docking port can prevent or at least significantly reduce the amount of atmosphere that may enter the gas distribution system 204, and the gas distribution system 204 is responsible for supplying gas to the docking ports 402 of the docking system of the modular incubator system 500 through circulation.

[0105] Thereby, the deviation range of the gas flowing in the gas distribution system 204 from the optimal, desired and predetermined gas composition will be reduced, which ultimately helps to cultivate viable biological materials under optimal culture conditions.

[0106] In an embodiment of the valve system of the first aspect of the present invention, the sizes and geometries of the first valve element 8 and the second valve element 18 are adapted to each other such that when the first valve 2 contacts the second valve 4, by bringing their respective front ends 10, 20 closer to each other, the second valve element 18 of the second valve 4 can push the first valve element 8 of the first valve 2 towards its second limit position, thereby opening the first valve 2; further, the first valve element 8 of the first valve 2 can push the second valve element 18 of the second valve 4 towards its second limit position, thereby opening the second valve 4.

[0107] Therefore, in this way, once the two valves 2, 4 in the valve system 100 contact each other, the other valve will be brought to an open configuration.

[0108] In one embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first valve 2 includes a first spring 26, wherein the first spring is arranged to interact with the first valve element 8 relative to the first valve body 6 such that, in the absence of other external forces, the first spring 26 will push the first valve element 8 towards its first extreme position, thereby closing the first valve 2; and / or wherein the second valve 4 includes a second spring 28, wherein the second spring is arranged to interact with the second valve element 18 relative to the second valve body 16 such that, in the absence of other external forces, the second spring 28 will push the second valve element 18 towards its first extreme position, thereby closing the second valve 4.

[0109] When the two valves 2, 4 in the valve system 100 are not in contact, the springs 26, 28 will keep them in a closed configuration.

[0110] In one embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first spring 26 of the first valve 2 has a first spring constant, and the second spring 28 of the second valve 4 has a second spring constant, wherein the first spring constant is equal to the second spring constant, which causes the first valve 2 and the second valve 4 to open substantially simultaneously when they are in contact with each other; or the first spring constant is less than the second spring constant, which causes the first valve 2 to open earlier than the second valve 4 when in contact with the second valve 4; or the first spring constant is greater than the second spring constant, which causes the second valve 4 to open earlier than the first valve 2 when in contact with the first valve 2.

[0111] In one embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first through-channel 14 of the first valve 2 includes an enlarged portion 30 having a first wall segment 32 that defines a first inclined surface portion 34 inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the first valve element 8. And the first valve element 8 includes an enlarged portion 36 having a first contact surface 38. The enlarged portion 36 of the first valve element 8 is received in the enlarged portion 30 of the first through-channel 14 in such a way that when the first valve element 8 is in its first extreme position, the first contact surface 38 of the first valve element 8 contacts the first inclined surface portion 34 of the first through-channel 14, thereby closing the first valve 2 by blocking the passage of the first through-channel 14; and when the first valve element 8 is in its second extreme position, the first contact surface 38 of the first valve element 8 is separated from the first inclined surface portion 34 of the first through-channel 14, thereby opening the first valve 2 by enabling the first through-channel 14 to form a passage.

[0112] In one embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first contact surface 38 of the first valve element 8 is inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the first valve element 8.

[0113] Thus, in this way, the distance between the first contact surface 38 of the valve element 6 and the first inclined surface portion 34 of the through-channel 14 will determine whether the valve 2 is open or closed.

[0114] In an embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface portion 34 of the first through-channel 14 and / or the first contact surface 38 of the first valve element 8 with respect to the displacement direction D of the first valve element 8 is 5 to 90°, for example 10 to 85°, such as 15 to 80°, for example 20 to 75°, such as 25 to 70°, for example 30 to 65°, such as 35 to 60°, for example 40 to 55° or 45 to 50°.

[0115] These inclination angle values can achieve the opening / closing function of the valve 2.

[0116] In an embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, a first valve gasket 40 is provided in the region of the first contact surface 38 of the first valve element 8.

[0117] In one embodiment, the first valve gasket 40 is a part of the first inclined surface portion 34 of the first through-channel 14; and / or wherein the first valve gasket 40 is a part of the first contact surface 38 of the first valve element 8.

[0118] The gasket 26 will improve the airtightness of the valve 2 in the closed configuration.

[0119] In an embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second through-channel 24 of the second valve 4 includes an enlarged portion 42, which has a second wall segment 44 that defines a second inclined surface portion 46 inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the second valve element 18. And the second valve element 18 includes an enlarged portion 48, which has a second contact surface 50. The enlarged portion 48 of the second valve element 18 is received in the enlarged portion 42 of the second through-channel 24 in such a way that when the second valve element 18 is in its first extreme position, the second contact surface 50 of the second valve element 18 contacts the second inclined surface portion 46 of the second through-channel 24, thereby closing the second valve 4; and when the second valve element 18 is in its second extreme position, the second contact surface 50 of the second valve element 18 is separated from the second inclined surface portion 46 of the second through-channel 24, thereby opening the first valve 4.

[0120] Thus, in this way, the distance between the second contact surface 50 of the valve element 16 and the second inclined surface portion 46 of the through-channel 24 will determine whether the valve 4 is open or closed.

[0121] In an embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second contact surface 50 of the second valve element 18 is inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the second valve element 18.

[0122] In an embodiment, the inclination angle of the second inclined surface portion 46 of the second through-channel 24 and / or the second contact surface 50 of the second valve element 18 with respect to the displacement direction of the second valve element 18 is 5 to 90°, for example 10 to 85°, such as 15 to 80°, for example 20 to 75°, such as 25 to 70°, for example 30 to 65°, such as 35 to 60°, for example 40 to 55° or 45 to 50°.

[0123] These inclination angle values enable the opening / closing function of the valve 4.

[0124] In an embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, a second valve gasket 52 is provided in the region of the second inclined surface portion 46 of the second through-channel 24.

[0125] In an embodiment, the second valve gasket 52 is a part of the second inclined surface portion 46 of the second through-channel 24; and / or wherein the second valve gasket 52 is a part of the second contact surface 50 of the second valve element 18.

[0126] The gasket 28 will improve the airtightness of the valve 4 in the closed configuration.

[0127] In an embodiment, the second valve gasket 52 includes one or more lips 54, for example one or more tapered lips;

[0128] Wherein the second valve gasket 52 is a part of the second inclined surface portion 46 of the second through-channel 24, and the one or more lips 54 point to the second contact surface 50 of the second valve element 18; or

[0129] Wherein the second valve gasket 52 is a part of the second contact surface 50 of the second valve element 18, and the one or more lips 54 point to the second inclined surface portion 46 of the second through-channel 24.

[0130] Such lips, due to their elastic properties, and due to the relatively high pressure outside the lips, will press the lips against the opposite surface of the valve element 16 or the second inclined surface portion 46 according to the position of the second valve gasket 52, thereby forming a tighter seal, and further improving the airtightness of the valve 4 in the closed configuration.

[0131] In an embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the valve body 6 of the first valve 2 includes a recess 56 at its front end 10, and the valve body 16 of the second valve 4 includes a hollow protrusion 58 at its front end 20, which surrounds at least a part of the second valve element 18 of the second valve 4. The sizes and geometries of the recess 56 and the protrusion 58 are adapted to each other such that the protrusion 58 of the second valve body 16 can be fitted into the recess 56 of the first valve body 6.

[0132] Thereby, the leakage of atmospheric air into the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and / or the inlet 404 or outlet 406 of the docking port 402 can be reduced. The leakage of atmospheric air into the interior of the modular incubator chamber 306 and / or the inlet 404 or outlet 406 of the docking port 402 may cause the gas composition supplied to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to deviate from the predetermined and desired gas composition.

[0133] In an embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first valve body 6 includes an end gasket 60 at its front end 10 and at the inner end of the recess, wherein the end gasket 60 surrounds at least a part of the first valve element 8 of the first valve 2 and / or the first through-channel 14, so that when the protrusion 58 of the second valve body 16 of the second valve 4 is inserted into the recess 56 of the first valve body 6 of the first valve 2, the protrusion 58 of the second valve body 16 of the second valve 4 is allowed to abut against the end gasket 60 to avoid gas leakage.

[0134] Thereby, the above-mentioned leakage will be further suppressed.

[0135] In an embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first valve element 8 includes a first part 8a and a second part 8b, wherein the first part 8a of the first valve element 8 is arranged close to the front end 10 of the first valve body 6, and the second part 8b of the first valve element 8 is arranged away from the front end 10 of the first valve body 6; the first part 8a and the second part 8b of the first valve element 8 are connected to each other by a threaded joint / threaded hole device 62.

[0136] Thereby, the total length of the first valve element 8 can be adjusted in a direction parallel to the displacement direction D of the first valve element 8, and further, when the first valve 2 approaches another valve 4 of the valve system 100, the opening degree of the first valve 2 can be adjusted.

[0137] In an embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first valve element 8 includes one or more through-holes 64 at one end close to the front end 10 of the first valve body 6 for allowing gas to enter the first through-channel 14 of the first valve body 6 through these holes.

[0138] In one embodiment of the valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first gasket, the second gasket, and the end gasket are each independently made of an elastic polymer, such as rubber or silicone.

[0139] The second aspect of the present invention

[0140] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator system 500 for culturing viable biomaterial M, the modular incubator system comprising:

[0141] One or more modular incubator chambers 300, and

[0142] A docking station 400;

[0143] Wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber 300 includes 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 includes a lid 304 configured to be switchable between an open configuration allowing access to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration closing the passage into the interior of the modular incubator chamber;

[0144] Wherein the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a culture dish holder 308 inside it 306 for placing a culture dish 310 to accommodate one or more biomaterials M inside the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300;

[0145] Wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the housing of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a gas chamber inlet 312 that is in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber; and

[0146] Wherein the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 further includes a gas chamber outlet 314 that is in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber;

[0147] Wherein the docking station 400 includes one or more docking ports 402 for accommodating the modular incubator chamber;

[0148] Wherein for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port 402 includes a docking port gas outlet 404; so that gas can be transmitted from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 through the docking port gas outlet 404 and the gas chamber inlet 312 to the interior 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300; and

[0149] The docking port 402 further includes a docking port gas inlet 406, 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;

[0150] One of the valves 2, 4 in the valve system 100 of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the gas chamber inlet 312, and the other valve 4, 2 in the valve system 100 of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the docking port gas outlet 404; and

[0151] One of the valves 2, 4 in the valve system 100 of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the gas chamber outlet 314, and the other valve 4, 2 in the valve system 100 of the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the docking port gas inlet 406.

[0152] In the present invention, the term "modular incubator system" should be understood as a system including a docking station and one or more incubator chambers, wherein the one or more incubator chambers are configured to be dockable in corresponding docking ports of the docking station. The modular incubator system is used for culturing or cultivating viable biological materials.

[0153] An incubator system including a docking station and one or more incubator chambers is generally configured to provide some interaction between the docking station and the incubator chambers docked therein.

[0154] Such interaction may include one or more of the following: providing a gas with the required composition to the incubator chamber; powering the incubator chamber to drive its heating element and / or power the light source in the incubator chamber; being able to monitor the viable biological materials present in the incubator chamber, for example, by means of an image capture device located in the docking station.

[0155] It should be understood that within the meaning of this application, the term "modular incubator system" should be interpreted such that the incubator chamber is configured for culturing viable biological materials, whether a single incubator chamber is docked in the docking port of the docking station or has been removed from the docking port of the docking station.

[0156] Thus, it should be understood that even if a single incubator chamber has been removed from the docking station and placed, for example, on a laboratory workbench, the culturing or cultivation of viable biological materials therein can still be carried out and / or continued. Thereby, manual operations such as replacing or controlling the culture or growth medium, manually inspecting with a laboratory microscope, etc. can be performed. These operations are preferably carried out in a fume hood providing the required gas environment.

[0157] In a preferred embodiment, to make these manual operations practicable, when a single incubator chamber is removed from the docking port, the incubator chamber should be constructed such that it can be placed on a flat horizontal support surface. This can be achieved by providing one or more supports at the bottom of the incubator chamber or simply by making the bottom of the incubator chamber flat.

[0158] In a preferred embodiment, in the use direction for culturing, the maximum dimension of the incubator chamber is in the horizontal direction.

[0159] In this way, the dimension of the incubator chamber in the horizontal direction is greater than that in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the incubator chamber is used for culturing at a position outside the docking port of the docking station, sufficient stability can be obtained.

[0160] In some embodiments, a single incubator chamber may include a display, such as an electronic display, for providing information related to the identity of the viable biological material contained in the incubator chamber.

[0161] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the present invention does not relate to methods for treating the human or animal body by surgery, nor to diagnostic methods practiced on the human or animal body.

[0162] It should also be understood that in other embodiments, the present invention may relate to methods for treating the human or animal body by surgery, or to diagnostic methods practiced on the human or animal body.

[0163] In an embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the position of the gas chamber inlet 312 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is adapted to the position of the docking port gas outlet 404 of the docking port 402 such that once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, the valves 2, 4 at the gas chamber inlet 312 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the valves 4, 2 at the docking port gas outlet 404 of the docking port 402 will be in fluid communication and in an open configuration; and the position of the valves 4, 2 at the gas chamber outlet 314 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is adapted to the position of the valves 4, 2 at the docking port gas inlet 406 of the docking port 402 such that once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, the gas chamber outlet 314 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port gas inlet 406 of the docking port 402 will be in fluid communication and in an open configuration.

[0164] Thus, simply docking the modular incubator chamber 300 into the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 means that valves 2 and 4 of the valve system will automatically open to supply gas to and discharge gas from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300. Similarly, when the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from the docking port 402, valves 2 and 4 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port 402 will automatically close, preventing gas from passing through these valves.

[0165] In an embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316, and for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port includes an image capture device 408, so that when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, an image of the biological material M contained in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 can be captured.

[0166] Thus, when the biological material M is contained in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the chamber is docked in the docking port 402, an image of it can be captured.

[0167] In an embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and for 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 incubator chamber 300 is adapted to the position of the image capture device 408 in the docking port 402, so that once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, the image capture device 408 can capture an image through the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0168] In an embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is provided at the bottom 357 of the outer shell 302.

[0169] In this embodiment, the image capture device 408 will accordingly be provided in the lower part of the docking port 402 and the focusing direction will be upward.

[0170] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the transparent window 316 of the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber is in an elongated shape, for example, an elongated straight shape extending in the Y direction transverse to the longitudinal direction X of the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0171] Thereby, the image capture device can capture images of a plurality of viable biomaterials accommodated in the same petri dish and arranged in a straight line in the Y direction transverse to the longitudinal direction X of the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0172] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more specific docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the specific docking port includes its own dedicated image capture device 408, which is configured to capture only images related to the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in the specific docking port 402.

[0173] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for N adjacent docking ports 402 arranged in the docking station 400, the adjacent docking ports share a common image capture device 408, that is, only one image capture device is responsible for capturing images related to the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in one of the N adjacent docking ports 402, wherein the docking station includes a displacement device 482, such as an electric and remotely controllable displacement device 482, for displacing the common image capture device 408 relative to the N adjacent docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0174] Thereby, one image capture device is responsible for capturing images of biomaterials accommodated in different modular incubator chambers docked in different docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0175] In one embodiment, the number N is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 25 or greater, such as 4 to 22, for example 6 to 20, such as 8 to 18, for example 10 to 16 or 12 to 14.

[0176] Independently, one or more image capture devices 408, preferably all of the image capture devices 408 of the docking station 400, may include or be connected to a displacement device 482, such as a motorized and remotely controllable displacement device 482, for moving the common image capture device 408 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402, so that the capture device 408 can focus on a plurality of culture wells in a culture dish 310 accommodated inside the modular incubator chamber 300, and these culture wells are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X.

[0177] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the modular incubator chamber 300 is configured to be docked in the docking port 402 with its first end 340 facing the docking port 402.

[0178] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a light source 372 inside its interior 306 for directing light to the area of the culture dish holder 308 of the modular incubator chamber 300, so as to be able to illuminate the viable biomaterial when capturing an image of the viable biomaterial.

[0179] In one embodiment, the light source 372 is mounted on the inner side of the lid 304 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0180] Thus, light can easily irradiate the viable biomaterial located in the lower part of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0181] In one embodiment, the light source 372 is selected from one or more light-emitting diodes, one or more laser diodes, one or more incandescent bulbs.

[0182] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the culture dish holder 308 defines a planar support surface for supporting the culture dish 310.

[0183] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, an outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is provided, for example, at its outer part, with an electrical connector 322 for supplying power and / or electrical signals to the modular incubator chamber; and for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking ports are provided with electrical connectors 410.

[0184] Thereby, power or electrical signals can be transmitted between the docking port 402 and the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0185] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the lid 304 is a hinged lid, which is connected to the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber by a hinge.

[0186] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a display 324, which is configured to display information related to the state of the culture operation carried out in the modular incubator chamber.

[0187] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 are arranged in the form of one or more shelves composed of adjacent docking ports 402, where if the docking station includes two or more shelves, these shelves are arranged one above the other.

[0188] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber includes an incubator chamber engaging device 326, and for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking ports include docking port engaging devices 414, where the incubator chamber engaging device 326 is configured to engage with the docking port engaging device 414.

[0189] Thereby, it is convenient to correctly position the modular incubator chamber 300 in the docking port 402 and optionally fix it therein, and at the same time it is also convenient to disassemble the modular incubator chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0190] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the modular incubator system 500 includes an image processing unit 660 for performing image processing on the images captured by the image capture device 408, wherein the modular incubator system 400 further includes a data memory 658 for storing the images captured by the image capture unit 408 and / or storing the images processed by the image processing unit.

[0191] The image processing unit helps to process the captured images, such as adjusting the contrast, performing filtering, and generating a time-lapse image sequence.

[0192] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, one or more of the image capture devices 408 of the docking port 402 of the docking station are connected to the image processing unit 660.

[0193] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the valves 2, 4 are arranged such that their front ends 10, 20 face outwards; and for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402, the valves 4, 2 are arranged such that their front ends 20, 10 face outwards.

[0194] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the first valve 2 of the valve system 100 is provided in the gas chamber inlet 312 and the gas chamber outlet 314; and for one or more of the one or more docking stations 402 of the docking station 400, the second valve 4 of the valve system 100 is provided in the docking port gas outlet 404 and the docking port gas inlet 406;

[0195] Or

[0196] For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the second valve 4 of the valve system 100 is provided in the gas chamber inlet 312 and the gas chamber outlet 314; and for one or more of the one or more docking stations 402 of the docking station 400, the first valve 2 of the valve system 100 is provided in the docking port gas outlet 404 and the docking port gas inlet 406.

[0197] Thus, the two valves 2 of the valve system 100 can be disposed in the modular incubator chamber 300, and the two valves 4 of the valve system 100 can be disposed in one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500; alternatively, the two valves 4 of the valve system 100 can be disposed in the modular incubator chamber 300, and the two valves 2 of the valve system 100 can be disposed in one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500.

[0198] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the image capture device 408 includes a microscopic optical element so as to be able to capture microscopic images.

[0199] Enlarged images can thus be captured, which helps to study the morphological characteristics of the cultured biological material.

[0200] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber includes an electric heating element 318 in its interior 306 for heating the interior of the modular incubator chamber, and the modular incubator chamber includes 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.

[0201] In one embodiment, the power supply 320 is a power supply, such as a battery, for example a rechargeable battery.

[0202] In one embodiment, the heating element 318 is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for dissipating the heat generated by the heating element; wherein the heat distribution element is at least partially disposed in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0203] In one embodiment, the chamber includes a thermostat 374 and an electrothermal constant temperature circuit 376, wherein the electric heating element 318, the power supply 320 and the thermostat 374 are electrically connected in the electrothermal constant temperature circuit 376 so as to be able to perform constant temperature control on the temperature inside the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0204] The above embodiments can maintain the desired, predetermined and optionally optimal temperature inside the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber is removed from its associated docking port 402 for visual inspection, manual supplementation, removal or replacement of the growth medium of the cultured biological material.

[0205] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the number of modular incubator chambers 300 of the modular incubator system 500 is selected from the range of 1 to 100, such as 2 to 95, for example 5 to 90, such as 10 to 85, for example 20 to 75, such as 25 to 70, 30 to 65, for example 35 to 60, such as 40 to 55 or 45 to 50.

[0206] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second 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 range of 1 to 100, such as 2 to 95, for example 5 to 90, such as 10 to 85, for example 20 to 75, such as 25 to 70, 30 to 65, for example 35 to 60, such as 40 to 55 or 45 to 50.

[0207] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500, preferably for all the docking ports 402, the docking port gas outlet 404 includes a flow limiter for restricting the magnitude of the gas flow rate flowing into the docking port 402.

[0208] In one embodiment, the flow limiter may include a tube for delivering gas to the docking port 402, wherein the cross-sectional area of the tube may be selected from the range of 0.2 to 8 square millimeters, such as 0.5 to 7 square millimeters, for example 1 to 6 square millimeters, such as 2 to 5 square millimeters or 3 to 4 square millimeters; and / or the length of the tube may be selected from the range of 5 to 30 millimeters, such as 8 to 25 millimeters, for example 10 to 22 millimeters, such as 15 to 20 millimeters.

[0209] Such a flow limiter helps to balance the gas flow rate through the docking port 402 including the modular incubator chamber 300 with the capacity of the gas supply system 200, and thus also helps to equalize the gas flow rates through different docking ports 402.

[0210] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the docking station 400 includes a gas distribution system 204 for supplying gas to and discharging gas from one or more of the one or more docking ports 402, wherein the gas distribution system 204 includes a main gas supply pipeline 210 and a main gas return pipeline 212, wherein for one or more of the docking ports 402, the docking port gas inlet 404 is in fluid communication with the main gas supply pipeline 210, and the docking port gas outlet 406 is in fluid communication with the main gas return pipeline 212.

[0211] In one embodiment, 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, wherein the intake manifold 216 is in fluid communication with the main gas supply line 210, and the outlet manifold 218 is in fluid communication with the main gas return line 212; wherein each manifold pair 214 is connected to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 in such a way that for a particular manifold pair 214 and the one or more docking ports 402 connected to that manifold pair, the docking port gas outlet 404 of the docking port 402 is in fluid communication with the intake manifold 216, and the docking port gas inlet 406 of the docking port 402 is in fluid communication with the outlet manifold 218.

[0212] 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, wherein the supply gas outlet 206 of the gas source 202 is in fluid communication with the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204, and wherein the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202 is in fluid communication with the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0213] In these embodiments that include the gas distribution system 204, gas can be supplied from the gas source 202 to the docking ports 402 through the main gas supply line 210, and the gas can be returned from the docking ports to the gas source 202 through the main gas return line 212.

[0214] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 of the gas supply system 200 includes a gas mixing tank 242, which includes the supply gas outlet 206 and the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source, wherein the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 is in fluid communication with the supply gas outlet 206, and the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 is in fluid communication with the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202, thereby forming a flow loop 244 that includes the gas distribution system 204 and the gas mixing tank 242; wherein the flow loop includes a pump 246.

[0215] Thereby, gas can circulate in the loop and also in the gas distribution system of the docking station.

[0216] The purpose of the gas source is to provide and transport gas with the required composition to the gas distribution system 204 (including each docking port 402 of the docking station 400).

[0217] In a specific example of this embodiment, the pump 246 is arranged at a downstream position relative to the main gas return line 212.

[0218] In one embodiment, the flow loop 244 includes a pump oscillation damper 247, wherein the pump oscillation damper is optionally arranged at a downstream position adjacent to the pump 246.

[0219] The pump oscillation damper will balance the minute and rapid pressure changes caused by each pumping stroke of the pump.

[0220] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the flow loop 244 includes a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor 248, for detecting the gas pressure in the main gas supply line 210 of the main gas supply to the gas distribution system 204, wherein the pressure sensor 248 is optionally arranged at an upstream position adjacent to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0221] The pressure sensor 248 can be used to adjust the pump 246 to maintain the desired pressure in the flow loop 244.

[0222] In one embodiment, the pressure sensor 249 is a differential pressure sensor for detecting the pressure value relative to the return gas inlet 208 pressure.

[0223] In one embodiment, the flow loop 244 includes a relief valve 249 for achieving pressure relief in the flow loop, wherein the relief valve is optionally arranged at a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 402.

[0224] The pressure relief valve 249 can better control the pressure in the flow loop 344.

[0225] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing chamber 242 includes a nitrogen (N2) gas inlet 250 and a carbon dioxide (CO2) gas inlet 251, wherein the nitrogen gas inlet 250 is in fluid communication with an N2 valve 252 for regulating the nitrogen inflow rate, and an N2 mass flow sensor 253 arranged downstream of the N2 valve 252 is used to detect the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242; and wherein the carbon dioxide gas inlet 251 is in fluid communication with a CO2 valve 254 for regulating the carbon dioxide inflow rate, and a CO2 mass flow sensor 255 arranged downstream of the CO2 valve 254 is used to detect the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0226] Thus, the flow rates of nitrogen and carbon dioxide entering the gas mixing chamber 242 can be controlled to obtain a desired, predetermined, and optimal gas composition in the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0227] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the flow circuit 244 includes a mass flow sensor 256, which is arranged at an upstream position relative to the gas mixing chamber 242 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing chamber.

[0228] The information related to the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing chamber is used to determine the total amounts of nitrogen and carbon dioxide that need to be introduced into the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0229] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, 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 sensor 260 for detecting the carbon dioxide concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system 204, wherein the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor are optionally arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump 246.

[0230] The information related to the oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system 204 is used to determine the specific amounts of nitrogen and carbon dioxide that need to be introduced into the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0231] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second 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 circuit 244, wherein the temperature sensor is optionally arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump 246, preferably arranged at a position corresponding to the oxygen sensor 258.

[0232] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second 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 arranged at a position corresponding to the carbon dioxide sensor 260.

[0233] The temperature sensor 262 and the pressure sensor 264 help to compensate for the reading deviation caused by the temperature sensitivity of the oxygen sensor 258 and the reading deviation caused by the pressure sensitivity of the carbon dioxide sensor 260.

[0234] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system of the second aspect of the present invention, the flow circuit 244 includes an ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer 266 for sterilizing the gas flowing in the flow circuit 244 by electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range, wherein the ultraviolet sterilizer is optionally arranged at a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return line 212.

[0235] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system of the second aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes one or more filters 268, such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and / or volatile organic compound (VOCs) filters, wherein such filters are arranged at an upstream position adjacent to the main gas supply line 210, and / or such filters are arranged at an upstream position adjacent to the N2 gas inlet 250 of the incoming gas mixing chamber 242; and / or such filters are arranged at an upstream position adjacent to the CO2 gas inlet 251 of the incoming gas mixing chamber 242.

[0236] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system of the second 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 to receive sensing signals from these sensors: an N2 mass flow sensor 253 for detecting the amount of N2 flowing into the gas mixing chamber; a CO2 mass flow sensor 255 for detecting the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing chamber; a mass flow sensor 256 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing chamber; an O2 sensor 258 for detecting the O2 concentration flowing out of the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204; a CO2 sensor 260 for detecting the CO2 concentration flowing out of the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204; a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow circuit 244; a pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow circuit 244; a pressure sensor 248 for detecting the gas pressure supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0237] This embodiment can obtain information on various parameters, which is used to provide feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202.

[0238] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system of the second aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following components to control them: an N2 valve 252 for regulating the amount of N2 flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242; a CO2 valve 254 for regulating the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242; a pump 246 for circulating the gas in the flow circuit 244; a relief valve 249.

[0239] This embodiment can provide feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202.

[0240] In one embodiment, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive an input from the pressure sensor 248 and, based thereon, control the pump 246 and optionally also activate the release valve 249 to maintain the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 at a desired predetermined pressure.

[0241] Thereby, the pressure in the flow loop 244 can be controlled.

[0242] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive an input from the mass flow sensor 256 and, based on this input, determine the total amounts of CO2 gas and N2 gas to be supplied through the CO2 gas inlet 251 and the N2 gas inlet 250 according to a desired predetermined standard.

[0243] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive inputs from the CO2 sensor 260 and the O2 sensor 258 and, based on the detected CO2 concentration, control the CO2 valve 254 by transmitting a control signal thereto, thereby regulating the inflow of CO2 gas to achieve a desired predetermined CO2 concentration; subsequently, the gas mixing control system 270, based on the detected O2 concentration, controls the N2 valve 252 by transmitting a control signal thereto, thereby regulating the inflow of N2 gas to achieve a desired predetermined O2 concentration.

[0244] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to utilize the input from the temperature sensor 262 to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the O2 sensor 258.

[0245] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to utilize the input from the pressure sensor 264 to compensate for the pressure sensitivity of the CO2 sensor 260.

[0246] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to maintain the gas pressure in the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 at a pressure higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure by 3 to 20 mbar, such as 5 to 18 mbar, for example 10 to 15 mbar, relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0247] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to maintain the CO2 concentration in the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 within the range of 5% to 10%, such as 6% to 9% or 7% to 8%; and / or maintain the O2 concentration in the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 within the range of 5% to 10%, such as 6% to 9% or 7% to 8%.

[0248] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the modular incubator system includes a control unit 650 for controlling its operation.

[0249] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit 650 is connected to an input device 652, such as an alphanumeric input device, to allow a user to input setting inputs related to the desired operation protocol of the modular incubator system.

[0250] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, 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 500 to the user.

[0251] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, and / or for the modular incubator chamber 300 docked therein, the control unit 650 is configured to independently control one or more of the following aspects: the settings of the thermostat 374 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked therein; the turning on and off of the active light source 372 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked therein, and / or the adjustment of the light intensity emitted by the active light source 372; the gas mixing control system 270; the image capture unit 408 and / or the associated displacement device 482 of one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500; the image processing unit 660.

[0252] Thus, the operation of the modular docking system 500 can be easily centrally controlled.

[0253] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit 650 is connected to a data processing unit 656 and optionally also to a data memory 658 to assist in processing information during the control of the modular incubator system.

[0254] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit 650 is configured to achieve automatic operation of the modular incubator system 500 by independently controlling one or more of the following: the setting of the thermostat 374 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402; the turning on and off of the active light source 372 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402, and / or adjusting the light intensity emitted by the active light source 372 of the modular incubator chamber docked at the docking port 402; the gas mixing control system 270; controlling, according to a pre-provided control instruction, the image capture unit 408 and / or the associated displacement device 482 of one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500, the gas mixing control system 270 of the docking station 400; the image processing unit 660.

[0255] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit 650 is configured to cause the image capture device 408 to perform delayed image capture.

[0256] The third aspect of the present invention

[0257] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a modular incubator chamber 300, wherein the modular incubator chamber 300 includes 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.

[0258] Wherein the housing includes a lid 304, the lid being configured to be switchable between an open configuration allowing access to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration closing the internal passage of the modular incubator chamber.

[0259] Wherein the modular incubator chamber 300 includes, inside its interior 306, a petri dish holder 308 for placing a petri dish 310 so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M inside the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0260] Wherein the housing of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a gas chamber inlet 312, the gas chamber inlet 312 being in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber; wherein the valve 2 or 4 of the valve system 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided in the gas chamber inlet 312.

[0261] Wherein the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber further includes a gas chamber outlet 314, the gas chamber outlet 314 being in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber; wherein the valve 2 or 4 of the valve system 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided in the gas chamber outlet 314.

[0262] In one embodiment of the modular incubator chamber according to the third aspect of the present invention, the modular incubator chamber 300 has the features defined by the modular incubator chamber 300 of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0263] The fourth aspect of the present invention

[0264] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a docking station 400, wherein the docking station includes one or more docking ports 402 for accommodating the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0265] For one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port 402 includes a gas docking port outlet 404; so that gas can be transferred from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 to the interior 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the gas docking port outlet 404; wherein the valve 4 or 2 of the valve system 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided in the gas docking port outlet 404.

[0266] Wherein the docking port 402 further includes a gas docking port inlet 406, so that gas can be transferred from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400; wherein the valve 4 or 2 of the valve system 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided in the gas docking port inlet 406.

[0267] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the docking station has the features defined by the docking station of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0268] The fifth aspect of the present invention

[0269] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the application of the valve system 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention in the modular incubator system 500.

[0270] The sixth aspect of the present invention

[0271] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides the application of the modular incubator system 500 according to the second aspect of the present invention for culturing viable biological materials.

[0272] In one embodiment, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0273] The seventh aspect of the present invention

[0274] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides the use of the modular incubator chamber 300 according to the third aspect of the present invention for culturing viable biological materials.

[0275] In one embodiment, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0276] The eighth aspect of the present invention

[0277] In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides the use of the docking station 400 according to the fourth aspect of the present invention for culturing viable biological materials.

[0278] In one embodiment, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0279] The ninth aspect of the present invention

[0280] In a ninth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for culturing viable biological materials, wherein the method comprises:

[0281] i) providing a modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0282] ii) providing viable biological materials;

[0283] iii) placing the viable biological materials in a culture dish 310, and then placing the culture dish inside the modular incubator chamber 300 of the modular incubator system 500 at 306;

[0284] iv) docking the modular incubator chamber 300 in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500;

[0285] v) culturing the viable biological materials in the modular incubator chamber 300;

[0286] vi) supplying and exhausting gases to the interior 306 of the chamber through the valve system 100 of the modular incubator system 500.

[0287] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0288] viii) removing the incubator chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 as needed to manually inspect the viable biological materials, and optionally also removing, adding, or replacing the growth medium in the culture dish 310.

[0289] It should be noted that in the amended claims related to the third aspect of the present invention (i.e., the modular incubator chamber), the features of the modular incubator chamber are defined as in the claims related to the second aspect of the present invention (i.e., the modular incubator system).

[0290] This should be understood to mean that the embodiments of the modular incubator chamber itself can be defined as in the claims related to the embodiments of the modular incubator system.

[0291] This should also be understood to mean that, with respect to the mutual relationship between the modular incubator chamber defined in the embodiments related to the modular incubator system and the docking station or its docking port, the corresponding embodiments of the modular incubator chamber claimed by reference to the modular incubator system should be considered suitable for establishing such a mutual relationship.

[0292] Similarly, it should be noted that in the amended claims related to the fourth aspect of the present invention (i.e., the docking station), the features of the docking station are defined as in the claims related to the second aspect of the present invention (i.e., the modular incubator system).

[0293] This should be understood to mean that the embodiments of the docking station itself can be defined as in the claims related to the embodiments of the modular incubator system.

[0294] This should also be understood to mean that, with respect to the mutual relationship between the modular incubator chamber defined in the embodiments related to the modular incubator system and the docking station or its docking port, the corresponding embodiments of the docking station claimed by reference to the modular incubator system should be considered suitable for establishing such a mutual relationship.

[0295] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings to better illustrate the present invention. Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of the valve system of the first aspect of the present invention, showing the state where the two valves are separated from each other.

[0296] Figure 1 The valve system 100 is shown, which includes a first valve 2 and a second valve 4.

[0297] The first valve 2 includes a first valve body 6 and a first valve element 8. The first valve body 6 includes a front end 10 and a rear end 12, and the first valve body 6 includes a first through-channel 14 extending between the front end 10 and the rear end 12 of the first valve body 6.

[0298] The first valve element 8 is disposed in the first through-channel 14 of the first valve body 6 such that the first valve element 8 can move between a first limit position and a second limit position within the first through-channel 14 in the displacement direction D.

[0299] In the first limit position, the first valve element 8 faces the front end 10 of the first valve body 6 (i.e., Figure 1a rightward (i.e., to the right side in the figure) displacement; in the second limit position, the first valve element 8 is displaced in the direction of the rear end 12 of the first valve body 6 (i.e., Figure 1 a leftward (i.e., to the left side in the figure) displacement.

[0300] In Figure 1 valve 2, the valve element 8 of the first valve 2 is in its first limit position.

[0301] The sizes and geometries of the first valve body 6 and the first valve element 8 are mutually adapted such that once in the first limit position, the first valve element 8 will block the passage of the first through-channel 14 between its front end 10 and rear end 12; while once displaced in the direction of the second limit position, the first valve element 8 will form a passage for the first through-channel 14 between the front end 10 and rear end 12.

[0302] It can be seen that the first valve 2 includes a first spring 26. The first spring is arranged to interact with the first valve element 8 relative to the first valve body 6 such that in the absence of other external forces, the first spring 26 will push the first valve element 8 towards its first limit position (to the right), thereby closing the first valve 2. Therefore, in the absence of any external forces, the first valve 2 will be in the closed state.

[0303] As Figure 1 can be seen, once in the first limit position, the first contact surface 38 of the enlarged portion 36 of the first valve element 8 will be in close contact with the first inclined surface portion 34 of the first wall segment 32 of the enlarged portion 30 of the first through-channel 14. Thus, the passage of the first through-channel 14 between the front end 10 and rear end 12 is blocked.

[0304] In addition, as will be explained below, once displaced towards the second limit position, the first contact surface 38 of the enlarged portion 36 of the first valve element 8 will lose contact with the first inclined surface portion 34 of the first wall segment 32 of the enlarged portion 30 of the first through-channel 14. Thus, a passage is formed for the first through-channel 14 between the front end 10 and rear end 12.

[0305] The first inclined surface portion 34 of the first wall segment 32 of the enlarged portion 30 of the first through-channel 14 is inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the first valve element 8 in the first through-channel 14.

[0306] A first valve washer 40 in the form of an O-ring provides a tight seal between the valve element 8 of the first valve 2 and the first inclined surface portion 34 of the first wall segment 32 of the first valve body.

[0307] The second valve 4 of the valve system 100 includes a second valve body 16 and a second valve element 18. The second valve body 16 includes a front end 20 and a rear end 22, and the second valve body 16 includes a second through-channel 24 extending between the front end 20 and rear end 22 of the second valve body 16.

[0308] The second valve element 18 is disposed within a second through-channel 24 of the second valve body 16 such that the second valve element 18 is movable within the second through-channel 24 between a first extreme position and a second extreme position in a displacement direction D.

[0309] In the first extreme position, the second valve element 18 is displaced in the direction of the front end 20 of the second valve body (i.e., Figure 1 the left side in Figure 1 ); in the second extreme position, the second valve element 18 is displaced in the direction of the rear end 22 of the second valve body 16 (i.e.,

[0310] the right side in

[0311] In Figure 1 valve 4 of

[0312] it can be seen that the second valve 4 includes a second spring 28. The second spring is arranged to interact with the second valve element 18 relative to the second valve body 16 such that in the absence of any other external force, the second spring 28 will push the first valve element 18 towards its first extreme position (to the left), thereby closing the second valve 4. Thus, in the absence of any external force, the second valve 4 will be in a closed state.

[0313] Figure 1 It is shown that once in the first extreme position, a second contact surface 50 of an enlarged portion 48 of the second valve element 18 will be in close contact with a second inclined surface portion 46 of a wall section 44 of an enlarged portion 42 of the second through-channel 24. Thereby, the passage of the second through-channel 24 between the front end 20 and the rear end 22 is blocked.

[0314] Furthermore, as explained below, once displaced towards the second extreme position, the second contact surface 50 of the enlarged portion 48 of the second valve element 18 will lose contact with the second inclined surface portion 46 of the wall section 44 of the enlarged portion 42 of the second through-channel 24. Thereby, a passage is formed in the second through-channel 24 between the front end 20 and the rear end 22.

[0315] The second inclined surface portion 46 of the wall section 44 of the enlarged portion 42 of the second through-channel 24 is inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the second valve element 24.

[0316] The second valve gasket 52 provides a tight seal between the valve element 18 of the second valve 4 and the second inclined surface portion 46 of the wall section 44 of the through-channel 24 of the second valve body 16.

[0317] The second valve gasket 52 includes a lip 54 in the form of a tapered lip that points to the second contact surface 50 of the enlarged portion 48 of the second valve element 18.

[0318] The lip 52 provides a better seal between the valve element 18 and the second inclined surface portion 46 of the wall section 44 of the second through-channel 24.

[0319] The sizes and geometries of the first valve element 8 and the second valve element 18 are mutually adapted such that when the first valve 2 contacts the second valve 4, by bringing their respective front ends 10, 20 closer to each other, the second valve element 18 of the second valve 4 can push the first valve element 8 of the first valve 2 towards its second limit position, thereby opening the first valve 2; furthermore, the first valve element 8 of the first valve 2 can push the second valve element 18 of the second valve 4 towards its second limit position, thereby opening the second valve 4.

[0320] This will be further explained below.

[0321] Figure 1 It is also shown that the valve body 6 of the first valve 2 includes a recess 56 at its front end 10, and the valve body 16 of the second valve 4 includes a hollow protrusion 58 at its front end 20, and the hollow protrusion surrounds at least a part of the second valve element 18 of the second valve 4.

[0322] The sizes and geometries of the recess 56 and the protrusion 58 are mutually adapted such that the protrusion 58 of the second valve body 16 can fit into the recess 56 of the first valve body 6. Figure 2 This is shown.

[0323] Figure 1 It is also shown that the valve body 6 includes an end gasket 60 at its front end 10 and at the end of the recess 46, and the end gasket surrounds at least a part of the first valve element 8 of the first valve 2 and the first through-channel 14, so that when the protrusion 58 of the second valve body 16 of the second valve 4 is inserted into the recess 56 of the first valve body 6 of the first valve 2, the protrusion 58 of the second valve body 16 of the second valve 4 can abut against the end gasket 60. Thereby, gas leakage can be avoided or at least significantly reduced.

[0324] Finally, Figure 1 It is shown that the first valve element 8 includes a first part 8a and a second part 8b, wherein the first part 8a of the first valve element 8 is arranged close to the front end 10 of the first valve body 6, and the second part 8b of the first valve element 8 is arranged away from the front end 10 of the first valve body 6.

[0325] The first part 8a and the second part 8b of the first valve element 8 are connected to each other by a threaded joint / threaded hole device 62.

[0326] Thereby, the total length of the first valve element 8 can be adjusted in a direction parallel to the displacement direction D of the first valve element 8. This feature can be used to adjust the extent of the first valve element 8 extending at the front end 10 of the valve body 6 of the first valve 2.

[0327] One end of the first valve element 8 near the front end 10 of the first valve body 6 includes through holes 64 for allowing gas to enter the first through-channel 15 of the first valve body 6 through these holes.

[0328] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the valve system, showing the situation when the two valves are just in contact.

[0329] Figure 2 Shows the situation where the first valve 2 and the second valve 4 approach each other so that their respective front ends 10, 20 are in contact with each other, such that the first valve element 8 of the first valve 2 just touches the second valve element 18 of the second valve 4.

[0330] It can be seen therefrom that the hollow protrusion 58 of the second valve body 16 has been partially inserted into the recess 56 of the first valve body 6 of the first valve. In Figure 2 , the two valves 2 and 4 are still in the closed state.

[0331] Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the valve system, showing the situation where the two valves are close together and starting to open.

[0332] In Figure 3 , the first valve body 6 of the first valve 2 and the second valve body 16 of the second valve 4 approach further, such that the hollow protrusion 48 of the second valve body 16 now touches the end washer 60.

[0333] The increase in the insertion depth of the hollow protrusion 58 causes the second valve element 18 of the second valve 4 to push the first valve element 8 of the first valve 2 towards the second limit position (i.e., Figure 3 the left side in

[0334] Thereby, the first contact surface 38 of the enlarged portion 36 of the first valve element 8 loses contact with the first inclined surface portion 34 of the first wall segment 32 of the enlarged portion 30 of the first through-channel 14. This in turn enables gas to pass through the first through-channel 14 of the first valve body 6 between its front end 10 and its rear end 12.

[0335] Since the spring constant of the second spring 28 is greater than the spring constant of the first spring 26, the second valve element 18 of the second valve 4 has not been displaced.

[0336] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the valve system in , showing the situation where two valves are fully engaged and both are in the open state.

[0337] Figure 4 It shows that the first valve body 6 of the first valve 2 and the second valve body 16 of the second valve 4 have been fully engaged, such that the hollow protrusion 58 of the second valve body 16 is now pressed into the end washer 60.

[0338] Thereby, the first valve element 8 of the first valve 2 pushes the second valve element 18 of the second valve 4 towards its second limit position (i.e., Figure 4 the right side in ).

[0339] In addition, the second contact surface 50 of the enlarged portion 48 of the second valve element 18 loses contact with the second inclined surface portion 46 of the second wall segment 44 of the enlarged portion 42 of the second through-channel 24. Thereby, gas can pass through the second through-channel 24 of the second valve body 16 between the front end 20 and the rear end 22.

[0340] Therefore, in Figure 4 both the first valve 2 and the second valve 4 are in the open state, which means that once in the configuration shown in Figure 4 the valve system 100 can enable gas to pass through the through-channels 14, 24 of the respective valve bodies 6, 16, from the rear end 22 of the second valve body 16 to the rear end 12 of the first valve body 6, or vice versa.

[0341] Figures 1-4 The valve system 100 shown in is used in a modular incubator system. Figure 5 This is further illustrated.

[0342] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modular incubator system showing the second aspect of the present invention.

[0343] Figure 5 The modular incubator system 500 in includes a plurality of modular incubator chambers 300 and a docking station 400.

[0344] Figure 5 The docking station 400 shown in includes three layers of shelves, and each layer of shelf contains six docking ports 402. Each docking port includes a second engaging device 414 for engaging with a corresponding first engaging device 326 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to be docked in the docking port 402.

[0345] Figure 5It is shown that each docking port 402 includes a docking port gas outlet 404 and a docking port gas inlet 406. Each of the openings 404 and 406 includes a valve 4 in the valve system 100 of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0346] Thus, gas can be supplied from the docking port 402 to the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at this port, and the gas can also return from the modular incubator chamber to the docking port.

[0347] From Figure 5 It can also be seen that the docking port 402 includes an electrical connector 410 for supplying power from the docking port to the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at this port. As an alternative or supplement, the electrical connector 410 can also transmit electrical signals between the docking port 402 and the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0348] Figure 5 It is also shown that an image capture device 408 is provided below the shelf containing the docking port. The image capture device is configured to capture an image of the biological material in the petri dish 310 placed on the petri dish holder 308, and the petri dish holder 308 is located inside the modular incubator chamber 300 above the image capture unit 408.

[0349] Thus, when culturing biological materials in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500, while maintaining the gas environment required inside the modular incubator chamber 306, the morphological changes of viable biological materials can be monitored.

[0350] The image capture device includes microscopic optical elements for capturing close-up images.

[0351] The image capture device 408 can be configured to automatically capture images of biological materials cultured in the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0352] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the modular incubator chamber of the docking system showing the second aspect of the present invention. The modular incubator chamber is also the subject of the third aspect of the present invention.

[0353] Figure 6 The modular incubator chamber 300 for culturing viable biological materials is shown. The modular incubator chamber includes a housing 302, and the housing includes a lid 304. The lid is configured to be able to switch between an open configuration allowing access to the inside 306 of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration closing the passage to the inside 306 of the modular incubator chamber.

[0354] The housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber includes a gas chamber inlet 312 that is in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber, thereby allowing gas to be supplied to the chamber through the gas chamber inlet 312. The gas chamber inlet includes a first valve 2 that has the features disclosed by the valve system 100 of the first aspect of the present invention as described above.

[0355] The housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 further includes a gas chamber outlet 314 that is in fluid communication with the interior of the modular incubator chamber, thereby allowing gas to be transported out of the chamber 300 through the gas chamber outlet 314. The gas chamber outlet includes a first valve 2 that has the features disclosed by the valve system 100 of the first aspect of the present invention as described above.

[0356] By providing the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 with a gas chamber inlet 312 and an associated first valve 2, and by providing the modular incubator chamber 300 with a gas chamber outlet 314 and an associated first valve 2, gas having a suitable and desired gas composition can be transported from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 to the interior of the modular incubator chamber 300, as will be further explained below, and the gas inside the modular incubator chamber can also be made to leave the chamber interior through the gas chamber outlet 314 and its associated first valve 2 and return to the docking station 402.

[0357] Thereby, gas having an optimal chemical composition can be continuously supplied to the interior 306 of the chamber 300. This will ensure optimal culture conditions in terms of the environmental gas composition inside the chamber 300 when culturing biological materials.

[0358] In addition, using the incubator system of the second aspect of the present invention, a relatively large number of parallel cultures can be carried out under similar conditions in each modular incubator chamber, while changing only one parameter between different modular incubator chambers. Then, the developmental differences of viable biological materials cultured in each modular incubator chamber can be attributed to that culture parameter that is changed from one modular chamber to another.

[0359] This helps to determine the optimal culture conditions for the embryos or oocytes being cultured.

[0360] Figure 6 It is also shown that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a display 324 that is configured to display information related to the details of the culture carried out in the modular incubator chamber, and the housing 302 is provided with an electrical connector 322 at its first end 340 for powering the modular incubator chamber or transmitting electrical signals between the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0361] Figure 7 is Figure 5 a top view of the modular incubator chamber 300 shown.

[0362] Figure 8 is from a first end, Figure 5 and Figure 6 a rear view of the modular incubator chamber 300 shown.

[0363] Figure 8 Shows that the modular incubator chamber 300 includes chamber engagement means 326. These first engagement means 326 are configured to engage with the docking port engagement means 414 in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0364] Figure 9 is Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the modular incubator chamber 300 shown.

[0365] Figure 9 Shows that the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 for capturing an image of the biological material contained therein through the transparent window. As shown, the window is provided at the bottom 357 of the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0366] The modular incubator chamber 300 also includes an electric heating element 318 in its interior 306 for heating the interior of the modular incubator chamber. The modular incubator chamber also includes a power source 320 in the form of a rechargeable battery for powering the heating element 318, and the heating element 318 is electrically connected to the power source 320. A light source 372 is mounted on the inner side of the lid 304 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0367] As Figure 9 shown, the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a petri dish holder 308 for placing a petri dish 310. Thus, one or more biological materials can be accommodated and cultured within the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0368] From Figure 9 it can also be seen the chamber engagement means 326, which is adapted to the docking port engagement means 414 of the docking port 402 to which the modular incubator chamber 300 is to be docked.

[0369] When the modular incubator chamber 300 is correctly positioned in the docking port 402 through the chamber engagement device 326 of the 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 and the modular incubator chamber respectively, as well as the two air inlets 312 and 406 and their respective valves 2, 4, and the two air outlets 314, 404 and their respective valves 2, 4, will be pairwise matched, so that an electrical connection can be achieved between the connectors 410 and 322. Similarly, the gas openings 312, 404 and 314, 406 will also be pairwise matched, so that gas can enter the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 from the docking port gas outlet 404, through the modular incubator chamber gas inlet 312 and the valves 2, 4 of the valve system 100; and gas can also enter the docking port gas inlet 406 from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, through the modular incubator chamber gas outlet 314, and then through the valves 2, 4 of the valve system 100.

[0370] Therefore, the modular docking system 500 of the present invention can continuously supply gas from the gas source 412 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber.

[0371] Figure 10 This is further illustrated.

[0372] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram showing the concept of the gas supply system included in the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0373] Figure 10 It shows a gas supply system 200 for the docking station 400 of 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.

[0374] The gas distribution system 204 includes a plurality of docking ports 402, and each docking port has a docking port gas outlet 404 and a docking port gas inlet 406.

[0375] For all docking ports, the docking port gas outlet 404 is in fluid communication with the intake manifold 216, and the docking port gas inlet 406 is in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold 218.

[0376] The main gas supply pipeline 210 transports gas from the supply gas outlet 206 of the gas source 202 to the intake manifold 216, and the main gas return pipeline 212 transports gas from the exhaust manifold 218 back to the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202.

[0377] Thus, the gas can be circulated from the gas source 202 via the gas distribution system 204 to the docking port 402 and then back to the gas source 202.

[0378] To ensure that the gas supplied to the docking station has the required, predetermined, and optimal composition, the gas source has Figure 11 the specific features disclosed in

[0379] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the design of a gas supply system (including a gas source) for the docking station of the present invention.

[0380] In Figure 11 the solid lines represent the gas flow pipelines, and the dashed lines represent the signal lines for transmitting electrical signals or electric power.

[0381] Figure 11 The gas distribution system 204 is shown, which includes a main gas supply pipeline 210 and a main gas return pipeline 212 (represented by a rectangle in the upper left corner).

[0382] The main gas supply pipeline 210 and the main gas return pipeline 212 of the gas distribution system 204 are in fluid communication with the gas source 202, as described below.

[0383] The gas source 202 of the gas supply system 200 includes a gas mixing tank 242, which is connected to the supply gas outlet 206 and the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source.

[0384] The main gas supply pipeline 210 of the gas distribution system 204 is in fluid communication with the supply gas outlet 206, and the main gas return pipeline 212 of the gas distribution system 204 is in fluid communication with the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202.

[0385] Thus, a flow loop 244 including the gas distribution system 204 and the gas mixing tank 242 is formed. The flow loop 244 includes a pump 246 for circulating the gas in the loop.

[0386] It can be seen that the pump 246 is arranged at a downstream position relative to the main gas return pipeline 212. As can be seen from Figure 11 it can also be seen that the flow loop 244 includes a pump oscillation damper 247, which is arranged at a downstream position adjacent to the pump 246.

[0387] In addition, the flow loop 244 includes a pressure sensor 248 in the form of a differential pressure sensor for detecting the gas pressure supplied to the main gas supply pipeline 210 (relative to the pressure in the return gas inlet pipeline 208 of the gas distribution system 204). The pressure sensor 248 is arranged at an upstream position adjacent to the main gas supply pipeline 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0388] The flow circuit 244 further includes a relief valve 249 for effecting pressure relief in the flow circuit. The relief valve is disposed at a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 402.

[0389] It can also be seen from Figure 11 that the gas mixing chamber 242 includes an N2 gas inlet 250 and a CO2 gas inlet 251.

[0390] The N2 gas inlet 250 is in fluid communication with an N2 valve 252 for regulating the inflow of N2, and an N2 mass flow sensor 253 is disposed downstream of the N2 valve 252 for detecting the amount of N2 flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0391] The CO2 gas inlet 251 is in fluid communication with a CO2 valve 254 for regulating the inflow of CO2, and a CO2 mass flow sensor 255 is disposed downstream of the CO2 valve 254 for detecting the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0392] The flow circuit 244 further includes a mass flow sensor 256 disposed at an upstream position relative to the gas mixing chamber 242 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing chamber.

[0393] It can be seen that the gas source 202 includes an O2 sensor 258 for detecting the O2 concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system 204; and the gas source 202 includes a CO2 sensor 260 for detecting the CO2 concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system 204.

[0394] The O2 sensor and the CO2 sensor are disposed at a downstream position relative to the pump 246.

[0395] The gas source 202 further includes a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow circuit 244. The temperature sensor is disposed at a downstream position relative to the pump 246 and at a position corresponding to the O2 sensor 258.

[0396] The gas source 202 further includes a pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow circuit 244. The pressure sensor is disposed at a downstream position relative to the pump 246 and at a position corresponding to the CO2 sensor 260.

[0397] It can also be seen from Figure 11 that the flow circuit 244 includes an ultraviolet sterilizer 266 for sterilizing the gas flowing in the flow circuit 244 by electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. The ultraviolet sterilizer is disposed at a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return line 212.

[0398] It can also be seen from Figure 11As can be seen, the gas source 202 includes filters 268 in the form of high-efficiency particulate air / volatile organic compounds (HEPA / VOCs) filters. One such filter is arranged in an upstream position adjacent to the main gas supply line 210. Another such filter is arranged in an upstream position adjacent to the N2 gas inlet 250 leading into the gas mixing tank 242; and yet another such filter is arranged in an upstream position adjacent to the CO2 gas inlet 251 leading into the gas mixing tank 242.

[0399] Finally, from Figure 11 it can be seen that the gas source 202 includes a gas mixing control system 270.

[0400] It can be seen that the gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following sensors to receive sensing signals from these sensors: an N2 mass flow sensor 253 for detecting the amount of N2 flowing into the gas mixing tank; a CO2 mass flow sensor 255 for detecting the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing tank; a mass flow sensor 256 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing tank; an O2 sensor 258 for detecting the O2 concentration flowing out of the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204; a CO2 sensor 260 for detecting the CO2 concentration flowing out of the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204; a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop 244; a pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop 244; and a pressure sensor 248 for detecting the gas pressure in the main gas supply line 210 supplied to the gas distribution system 204.

[0401] From Figure 11 it can also be seen that the gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following components to control them: an N2 valve 252 for regulating the amount of N2 flowing into the gas mixing tank 242; a CO2 valve 254 for regulating the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing tank 242; a pump 246 for circulating the gas in the flow loop 244; and a relief valve 249.

[0402] The control of the gas source by the gas mixing control system 270 is carried out according to two control methods. The first control method involves controlling the gas pressure flowing out of the supply gas outlet 206, and the second control method involves controlling the CO2 and O2 concentrations in the gas flowing out of the supply gas outlet 206. These two control methods are carried out simultaneously. This will be further explained below.

[0403] The gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive an input from the pressure sensor 248 and, based thereon, control the pump 246 and optionally activate the release valve 249 to maintain the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 at a desired predetermined pressure.

[0404] The gas mixing control system 270 is further configured to receive an input from the mass flow sensor 256 and, based on this input, determine the total amounts of CO2 gas and N2 gas to be supplied through the CO2 gas inlet 251 and the N2 gas inlet 250 according to a desired predetermined criterion.

[0405] Based on the above information regarding the total amounts of CO2 gas and N2 gas to be supplied, the gas mixing control system 270 will be able to determine the mutual ratio of the CO2 gas and the N2 gas to be supplied to the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0406] This is achieved by receiving inputs from the CO2 sensor 260 and the O2 sensor 258.

[0407] Based on the detected CO2 concentration, the gas mixing control system 270 will control the CO2 valve 254 by transmitting a control signal thereto, thereby regulating the inflow of CO2 gas to achieve a desired predetermined CO2 concentration.

[0408] Subsequently, the gas mixing control system 270 will control the N2 valve 252 by transmitting a control signal thereto based on the detected O2 concentration, thereby regulating the inflow of N2 gas to achieve a desired predetermined O2 concentration.

[0409] By using the above gas sources, it is possible to continuously supply circulating gas to one or more modular incubator chambers 300 docked at respective docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. By continuously regulating the inflows of CO2 gas and N2 gas according to the CO2 and O2 concentrations detected in the gas returned from the gas distribution system 204, an optimal predetermined gas composition can be maintained.

[0410] Due to the design of the gas distribution system 204, it is possible to keep the gas flow rates through each modular incubator chamber 300 equal, thereby minimizing the differences in gas composition among the individual modular incubator chambers 300 even when the modular incubator chambers 300 are removed from their docking ports 402.

[0411] 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 so as not to pass through the gas mixing chamber 242 or the gas distribution system 204.

[0412] Similarly, when referring to a downstream position relative to another position, the downstream position should be understood as a position still within the gas source 202 and preferably not too downstream so as to avoid passing through the gas mixing chamber 242 or the gas distribution system 204.

[0413] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the control working mode of the modular incubator system according to the present invention.

[0414] Figure 12 Shows 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 input setting inputs related to the desired operation protocol of the modular incubator system.

[0415] A display unit 654 is used to display to the user information related to the settings and / or operating status of one or more modular incubator chambers 300 connected to the control unit 650 through the docking port 402.

[0416] It can be seen that the control unit 650 is connected to the electrical connector 410 of the docking port 402 of the docking station 400. Thus, power and electrical signals can be provided to one or more modular incubator chambers 300 docked in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 through the relevant connectors 322 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0417] By connecting to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, when one or more modular incubator chambers 300 are docked in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the control unit 650 can be used to independently control one or more of the following aspects: the settings of the thermostat 374 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked therein; the turning on and off of the active light source 372 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked therein, and / or the adjustment of the light intensity emitted by the active light source 372; the gas mixing control system 270; the image capture unit 408 and / or the relevant displacement device 482 of one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500; and the image processing unit 660.

[0418] The control unit 650 may include a central processing unit (CPU) or other data processor 656 for processing information involved in controlling the operation of the modular incubator system 500, such as processing information involved in the control operation by running a computer program, and the control unit 650 may also include a data memory 658.

[0419] Thus, the modular incubator system 500 can operate automatically, i.e., the control unit 650 can independently control, among other functions, the temperature, gas composition, the switching on and off of the light source 372, and the image capture unit 408 in one or more modular incubator chambers.

[0420] Therefore, with the modular incubator system 500 of the present invention, viable biological materials can be cultured in one or more modular incubators 300 in the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, and at the same time, the biological materials can be visually monitored by the image capture device 408.

[0421] In addition, the required gas composition can be maintained inside 306 of each modular incubator chamber 300. Since the modular incubator chambers are provided with valves 2, 4 in their respective gas inlets 312 and gas outlets 314, even when the modular incubator chambers are removed from the corresponding docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500, the gas environment inside (with respect to the inside 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300) can be maintained and not disturbed by the external atmosphere. When the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the power supply 320 and the electric heating element 318 can maintain the temperature inside 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0422] Therefore, the present invention allows biological materials to be cultured in the modular incubator chamber 300, allows visual monitoring of the morphological development of the biological materials, and at the same time minimizes the adverse effects caused by deviation from the optimized and desired gas environment inside the modular incubator chamber.

[0423] It should be noted that for N adjacent docking ports 402 arranged in the docking station 400, these adjacent docking ports 402 can share a common image capture device 408, i.e., only one image capture device is responsible for capturing images related to the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in one of these N adjacent docking ports 402.

[0424] In this case, the displacement device 482 in the form of an electric suspension device of the image capture device 408 is configured to move along the displacement track located below these N adjacent docking ports 402 upon receiving a signal, so that the common image capture device 408 can be displaced relative to these N adjacent docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. Thus, the common image capture device 408 will be able to capture images of the biological materials accommodated inside 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in any one of these N docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0425] Although in the above-described embodiments the first valve 2 of the valve system 100 is disposed in the modular incubator chamber 300 and the second valve 4 of the valve system 100 is disposed in the docking port 402, the reverse arrangement is also feasible. Whether it is the valves 2, 4 that control the gas entering the chamber 300, or the valves 2, 4 that control the gas flowing out of the chamber, or both.

[0426] It should be understood that all features and results discussed above and in the appended claims and clauses related to one aspect of the present invention and its embodiments are equally applicable to other aspects of the present invention and their embodiments.

[0427] The present invention can be defined according to the following clauses:

[0428] Clause 1. A valve system (100) for a modular incubator system (500), wherein the valve system includes a first valve (2) and a second valve (4);

[0429] Wherein the first valve (2) includes:

[0430] A first valve body (6); and

[0431] A first valve element (8);

[0432] Wherein the first valve body (6) includes a front end (10) and a rear end (12);

[0433] Wherein the first valve body (6) includes a first through-channel (14) that extends between the front end (10) and the rear end (12) of the first valve body (6);

[0434] Wherein the first valve element (8) is disposed in the first through-channel (14) of the first valve body (6) such that the first valve element (8) can move in a displacement direction D between a first limit position and a second limit position within the first through-channel (14). In the first limit position, the first valve element (8) is displaced towards the front end (10) of the first valve body (6), and in the second limit position, the first valve element (8) is displaced towards the rear end (12) of the first valve body (6);

[0435] Wherein the sizes and geometries of the first valve body (6) and the first valve element (8) are mutually adapted such that once the first valve element (8) is in the first limit position, it will block the passage of the first through-channel (14) between its front end (10) and rear end (12); and once the first valve element (8) is displaced towards the second limit position, it will form a passage for the first through-channel (14) between its front end (10) and rear end (12);

[0436] Wherein the second valve (4) comprises:

[0437] A second valve body (16); and

[0438] A second valve element (18);

[0439] Wherein the second valve body (16) comprises a front end (20) and a rear end (22);

[0440] Wherein the second valve body (16) comprises a second through-channel (24) extending between the front end (20) and the rear end (22) of the second valve body (16);

[0441] Wherein the second valve element (18) is disposed in the second through-channel (24) of the second valve body (16) such that the second valve element (18) is movable in a displacement direction D between a first extreme position and a second extreme position within the second through-channel (24), and in the first extreme position, the second valve element (18) is displaced towards the front end (20) of the second valve body (16), and in the second extreme position, the second valve element (18) is displaced towards the rear end (22) of the second valve body (16);

[0442] Wherein the second valve body (16) and the second valve element (18) are dimensioned and geometrically shaped to be mutually adapted such that once the second valve element (18) is in the first extreme position, it blocks the passage of the second through-channel (24) between its front end (20) and rear end (22); and once the second valve element (18) is displaced towards the second extreme position, it forms a passage of the second through-channel (24) between its front end (20) and rear end (22).

[0443] Clause 2. The valve system (100) according to Clause 1, wherein the first valve element (8) and the second valve element (18) are dimensioned and geometrically shaped to be mutually adapted such that when the first valve (2) contacts the second valve (4), by bringing their respective front ends (10, 20) closer to each other, the second valve element (18) of the second valve (4) can push the first valve element (8) of the first valve (2) towards its second extreme position, thereby opening the first valve (2), and the first valve element (8) of the first valve (2) can push the second valve element (18) of the second valve (4) towards its second extreme position, thereby opening the second valve (4).

[0444] Clause 3. The valve system (100) according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the first valve (2) includes a first spring (26), and the first spring is arranged to interact with the first valve element (8) relative to the first valve body (6) such that, in the absence of other external forces, the first spring (26) biases the first valve element (8) towards its first extreme position to close the first valve (2).

[0445] and / or wherein

[0446] the second valve (4) includes a second spring (28), and the second spring is arranged to interact with the second valve element (18) relative to the second valve body (16) such that, in the absence of other external forces, the second spring (28) biases the second valve element (18) towards its first extreme position to close the second valve (4).

[0447] Clause 4. The valve system (100) according to Clause 3, wherein the first spring (26) of the first valve (2) has a first spring constant and the second spring (28) of the second valve (4) has a second spring constant, and the first spring constant is equal to the second spring constant, which causes the first valve (2) and the second valve (4) to open substantially simultaneously when they come into contact with each other; or the first spring constant is less than the second spring constant, which causes the first valve (2) to open before the second valve (4) when they come into contact with each other; or the first spring constant is greater than the second spring constant, which causes the second valve (4) to open before the first valve (2) when they come into contact with each other.

[0448] Clause 5. The valve system (100) according to any one of Clauses 1-4, wherein the first through-channel (14) of the first valve (2) includes an enlarged portion (30) having a first wall segment (32) that defines a first inclined surface portion (34) inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the first valve element (8), and the first valve element (8) includes an enlarged portion (36) having a first contact surface (38). The enlarged portion (36) of the first valve element (8) is received within the enlarged portion (30) of the first through-channel (14) such that when the first valve element (8) is in its first extreme position, the first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8) contacts the first inclined surface portion (34) of the first through-channel (14), thereby closing the first valve (2) by blocking the passage of the first through-channel (14); and when the first valve element (8) is in its second extreme position, the first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8) is separated from the first inclined surface portion (34) of the first through-channel (14), thereby opening the first valve (2) by enabling the first through-channel (14) to form a passage.

[0449] Clause 6. The valve system (100) according to Clause 5, wherein the first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8) is inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the first valve element (8).

[0450] Clause 7. The valve system 100 according to Clause 5 or 6, wherein the inclination angle of the first inclined surface portion (34) of the first through-channel (14) and / or the first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8) with respect to the displacement direction D of the first valve element (8) is 5 to 90°, for example 10 to 85°, such as 15 to 80°, for example 20 to 75°, such as 25 to 70°, for example 30 to 65°, such as 35 to 60°, for example 40 to 55° or 45 to 50°.

[0451] Clause 8. The valve system (100) according to any one of Clauses 5-7, wherein a first valve gasket (40) is provided in the region of the first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8).

[0452] Clause 9. The valve system (100) according to Clause 8, wherein the first valve gasket (40) is part of the first inclined surface portion (34) of the first through-channel (14); and / or wherein the first valve gasket (40) is part of the first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8).

[0453] Clause 10. The valve system (100) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second through-channel (24) of the second valve (4) includes an enlarged portion (42) having a second wall segment (44) that defines a second inclined surface portion (46) inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the second valve element (18), and the second valve element (18) includes an enlarged portion (48) having a second contact surface (50). The enlarged portion (48) of the second valve element (18) is received within the enlarged portion (42) of the second through-channel (24) such that when the second valve element (18) is in its first extreme position, the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18) contacts the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24), thereby closing the second valve (4); and when the second valve element (18) is in its second extreme position, the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18) is separated from the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24), thereby opening the second valve (4).

[0454] Clause 11. The valve system (100) according to Clause 10, wherein the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18) is inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the second valve element (18).

[0455] Clause 12. The valve system (100) according to Clause 10 or 11, wherein the inclination angle of the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24) and / or the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18) with respect to the displacement direction of the second valve element is 5 to 90°, such as 10 to 85°, for example 15 to 80°, such as 20 to 75°, for example 25 to 70°, such as 30 to 65°, for example 35 to 60°, such as 40 to 55° or 45 to 50°.

[0456] Clause 13. The valve system (100) according to any one of Clauses 10 to 12, wherein a second valve gasket (52) is provided in the region of the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24).

[0457] Clause 14. The valve system (100) according to Clause 13, wherein the second valve gasket (52) is part of the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24); and / or wherein the second valve gasket (52) is part of the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18).

[0458] Clause 15. The valve system (100) according to Clause 14, wherein the second valve gasket (52) comprises one or more lips (54), such as one or more tapered lips;

[0459] wherein the second valve gasket (52) is part of the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24), and the one or more lips (54) point towards the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18); or

[0460] wherein the second valve gasket (52) is part of the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18), and the one or more lips (54) point towards the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24).

[0461] Clause 16. The valve system (100) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the valve body (6) of the first valve (2) comprises a recess (56) at its front end (10), and the valve body (16) of the second valve (4) comprises a hollow projection (58) at its front end (20), the hollow projection surrounding at least a part of the second valve element (18) of the second valve (4). The dimensions and geometries of the recess (56) and the projection (58) are adapted to each other such that the projection (58) of the second valve body (16) can be fitted into the recess (56) of the first valve body (6).

[0462] Clause 17. The valve system (100) according to Clause 16, wherein the first valve body (6) comprises an end gasket (60) at its front end (10) and at the inner end of the recess, wherein the end gasket (60) surrounds at least a part of the first valve element (8) and / or at least a part of the first through-channel (14) of the first valve (2). Thus, when the projection (58) of the second valve body (16) of the second valve (4) is inserted into the recess (56) of the first valve body (6) of the first valve (2), it allows the projection (58) of the second valve body (16) of the second valve (4) to abut against the end gasket (60) to avoid gas leakage.

[0463] Clause 18. The valve system (100) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first valve element (8) comprises a first part (8a) and a second part (8b), wherein the first part (8a) of the first valve element (8) is arranged near the front end (10) of the first valve body (6), and the second part (8b) of the first valve element (8) is arranged away from the front end (10) of the first valve body (6); wherein the first part (8a) and the second part (8b) of the first valve element (8) are interconnected by a threaded joint / threaded hole device (62), thereby allowing adjustment of the total length of the first valve element (8) in a direction parallel to the displacement direction D of the first valve element (8).

[0464] Clause 19. The valve system (100) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first valve element (8) includes one or more through holes (64) at one end near the front end (10) of the first valve body (6) for allowing gas to enter the first through-channel (14) of the first valve body (6) through the holes.

[0465] Clause 20. The valve system (100) according to any one of Clauses 8, 9, 13 to 15 and 17, wherein the gaskets (40, 52, 60) are each independently made of an elastic polymer, such as rubber or silicone.

[0466] Clause. A modular incubator system (500) for culturing viable biomaterial M, the modular incubator system comprising:

[0467] One or more modular incubator chambers (300), and

[0468] A docking station (400);

[0469] Wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) includes 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;

[0470] Wherein the housing includes a lid (304), wherein the lid is configured to be switchable between an open configuration allowing access to the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration closing the passage into the interior of the modular incubator chamber;

[0471] Wherein the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a culture dish holder (308) for placing a culture dish (310) inside it (306),

[0472] to accommodate one or more biomaterials M within the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300);

[0473] wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubation chambers (300), the housing of the modular incubation chamber (300) includes a gas chamber inlet (312), wherein the gas chamber inlet (312) is in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubation chamber; and

[0474] wherein the housing (302) of the modular incubation chamber further includes a gas chamber outlet (314), wherein the gas chamber outlet (314) is in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubation chamber;

[0475] wherein the docking station (400) includes one or more docking ports (402) for receiving the modular incubation chamber;

[0476] wherein for one or more of the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port (402) includes a docking port gas outlet (404); such that gas can be transmitted from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) through the docking port gas outlet (404) and the gas chamber inlet (312) to the interior (302) of the modular incubation chamber (300); and

[0477] wherein the docking port (402) further includes a docking port gas inlet (406), such that gas can be transmitted from the interior (306) of the modular incubation chamber (300) to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400);

[0478] wherein a valve (2, 4) of the valve system (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 20 is provided in the gas chamber inlet (312), and another valve (4, 2) of the valve system (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 20 is provided in the docking port gas outlet (404); and

[0479] wherein a valve (2, 4) of the valve system (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 20 is provided in the gas chamber outlet (314), and another valve (4, 2) of the valve system (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 20 is provided in the docking port gas inlet (406).

[0480] Clause 22. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 21, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), and for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the position of the gas chamber inlet (312) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is adapted to the position of the docking port gas outlet (404) of the docking port (402), such that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), the valves (2, 4) of the gas chamber inlet (312) of the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the valves (4, 2) of the docking port gas outlet (404) of the docking port (402) will form a fluid connection and be in an open state; and the position of the valve (4, 2) of the gas chamber outlet (314) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is adapted to the position of the valve (4, 2) of the docking port gas inlet (406) of the docking port (402), such that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), the gas chamber outlet (314) of the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port gas inlet (406) of the docking port (402) will form a fluid connection and be in an open state.

[0481] Clause 23. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 or 22, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a transparent window (316), and for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port includes an image capture device (408), so that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), an image of the biological material M contained inside the modular incubator chamber (300) can be captured.

[0482] Clause 24. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 23, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and for 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 incubator chamber (300) is adapted to the position of the image capture device (408) in the docking port (402), such that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), the image capture device (408) can capture an image through the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

[0483] Clause 25. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 23 or 24, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), a transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided at a bottom (357) of the housing (302).

[0484] Clause 26. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 23 to 25, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), a transparent window (316) of a housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber is in an elongated shape, such as an elongated and straight extension extending in a direction Y transverse to a longitudinal direction X of the housing of the modular incubator chamber (300).

[0485] Clause 27. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 23 to 26, wherein for one or more specific docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the specific docking port includes its own dedicated image capture device (408) configured to capture only images related to a modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the specific docking port (402).

[0486] Clause 28. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 23 to 27, wherein for N adjacent arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the adjacent arranged docking ports share a common image capture device (408), that is, only one image capture device is responsible for capturing images related to a modular incubator chamber (300) docked in one of the N adjacent arranged docking ports (402). Wherein the docking station includes a displacement device (482), such as an electrically powered and remotely controllable displacement device (482), for displacing the common image capture device (408) relative to the N adjacent arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

[0487] Clause 29. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 28, wherein the N is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 25 or greater, such as 4 to 22, such as 6 to 20, for example 8 to 18, such as 10 to 16 or 12 to 14.

[0488] Clause 30. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 29, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the modular incubator chamber (300) is configured to dock in the docking port (402) with its first end (340) facing the docking port (402).

[0489] Clause 31. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 30, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a light source (372) in its interior 306 for directing light to the area of the culture dish holder (308) of the modular incubator chamber (300) so as to be able to illuminate the viable biological material in the case of capturing an image of the viable biological material.

[0490] Clause 32. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 31, wherein the light source (372) is mounted on the inner side of the lid (304) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

[0491] Clause 33. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 31 or 32, wherein the light source (372) is selected from the group consisting of one or more light-emitting diodes, one or more laser diodes, and one or more incandescent bulbs.

[0492] Clause 34. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 33, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the culture dish holder (308) defines a planar support surface for supporting the culture dish (310).

[0493] Clause 35. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 33, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300), for example in its external part, is provided with an electrical connector (322) for supplying power and / or electrical signals to the modular incubator chamber; and for 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 supplied from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) to the modular incubator chamber (300) docked therein.

[0494] Clause 36. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 35, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the lid (304) is a hinged lid that is connected to the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber by a hinge.

[0495] Clause 37. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 36, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a display screen (324) configured to display information related to the status of the cultivation operation carried out in the modular incubator chamber.

[0496] Clause 38. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 37, wherein the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) are arranged in the form of a shelf of one or more adjacent docking ports (402), and if the docking station includes two or more shelves, the shelves are arranged one above the other.

[0497] Clause 39. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 38, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber includes an incubator chamber engagement device (326), and for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port includes a docking port engagement device (414), wherein the incubator chamber engagement device (326) is configured to engage with the docking port engagement device (414) to facilitate correctly positioning and (optionally) fixing the modular incubator chamber (300) in the docking port (402), and detaching the modular incubator chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400).

[0498] Clause 40. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 39, wherein the modular incubator system (500) includes an image processing unit (660) for processing the images captured by the image capture device (408), and the modular incubator system (400) further includes a data memory (658) for storing the images captured by the image capture unit (408) and / or storing the images processed by the image processing unit.

[0499] Clause 41. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 40, wherein one or more of the image capture devices (408) of the docking port of the docking station are connected to the image processing unit (660).

[0500] Clause 42. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 41, wherein for one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300), the valves (2, 4) are arranged such that their front ends (10, 20) face outward; and for one or more of the docking ports (402), the valves (4, 2) are arranged such that their front ends (20, 10) face outward.

[0501] Clause 43. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 42, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the first valve (2) of the valve system (100) is provided in the gas chamber inlet (312) and the gas chamber outlet (314); and for one or more of the docking stations (402) of the docking station (400), the second valve (4) of the valve system (100) is provided in the docking port gas outlet (404) and the docking port gas inlet (406); or

[0502] wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the second valve (4) of the valve system (100) is provided in the gas chamber inlet (312) and the gas chamber outlet (314); and for one or more of the docking stations (402) of the docking station (400), the first valve (2) of the valve system (100) is provided in the docking port gas outlet (404) and the docking port gas inlet (406).

[0503] Clause 44. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 43, wherein the image capture device (408) includes microscopic optical elements so as to be able to capture microscopic images.

[0504] Clause 45. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 44, wherein for one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber includes an electric heating element (318) inside it (306) for heating the inside of the modular incubator chamber, and wherein the modular incubator chamber includes a power supply (320) for supplying power to the heating element (318), and wherein the electric heating element (318) is electrically connected to the power supply (320).

[0505] Clause 46. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 45, wherein the power supply (320) is a power supply, such as a battery, for example a rechargeable battery.

[0506] Clause 47. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 45 or 46, wherein the heating element (318) is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing the heat dissipated in the heating element; wherein the heat distribution element is at least partially disposed inside (306) the modular incubator chamber (300).

[0507] Clause. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 45 to 47, wherein the chamber includes a thermostat (374) and an electric thermostat circuit (376), wherein 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).

[0508] Clause 49. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 48, wherein the number of modular incubator chambers (300) of the modular incubator system (500) is selected from the range of 1 to 100, for example 2 to 95, such as 5 to 90, for example 10 to 85, such as 15 to 80, for example 20 to 75, such as 25 to 70, 30 to 65, for example 35 to 60, such as 40 to 55 or 45 to 50.

[0509] Clause 50. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 49, 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 to 100, for example 2 to 95, such as 5 to 90, for example 10 to 85, such as 15 to 80, for example 20 to 75, such as 25 to 70, 30 to 65, for example 35 to 60, such as 40 to 55 or 45 to 50.

[0510] Clause 51. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 50, wherein for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500), preferably for all the docking ports (402), the docking port gas outlet (404) includes a flow limiter for restricting the magnitude of the gas flow rate flowing into the docking port (402).

[0511] Clause 52. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 51, wherein the flow restrictor comprises a tube for delivering gas to the docking port (402), wherein the cross-sectional area of the tube may be selected from the range of 0.2 to 8 square millimeters, such as 0.5 to 7 square millimeters, for example 1 to 6 square millimeters, such as 2 to 5 square millimeters or 3 to 4 square millimeters; and / or wherein the length of the tube may be selected from the range of 5 to 30 millimeters, such as 8 to 25 millimeters, for example 10 to 22 millimeters, such as 15 to 20 millimeters.

[0512] Clause. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 52, wherein the docking station (400) comprises a gas distribution system (204) for supplying gas to and exhausting gas from the one or more docking ports (402), wherein the gas distribution system (204) comprises a main gas supply line (210) and a main gas return line (212), wherein for one or more of the docking ports (402), the docking port gas inlet (404) is in fluid communication with the main gas supply line (210), and the docking port gas outlet (406) is in fluid communication with the main gas return line (212).

[0513] Clause 54. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 53, wherein the gas distribution system (204) comprises a plurality of sets of manifold pairs (214), each set of manifold pairs comprising an intake manifold (216) and an exhaust manifold (218). The intake manifold (216) is in fluid communication with the main gas supply line (210), and the exhaust manifold (218) is in fluid communication with the main gas return line (212). Each set of manifold pairs (214) is connected to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) in such a way that for a particular set of manifold pairs (214) and the one or more docking ports (402) connected to that set of manifold pairs, the docking port gas outlet (404) of the docking port (402) is in fluid communication with the intake manifold (216), and the docking port gas inlet (406) of the docking port (402) is in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold (218).

[0514] Clause 55. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 53 or 54, wherein the docking station (400) includes a gas supply system (200), and 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 gas return inlet (208). The gas supply outlet (206) of the gas source 202 is in fluid communication with the main gas supply pipeline (210) of the gas distribution system (204), and the gas return inlet (208) of the gas source (202) is in fluid communication with the main gas return pipeline (212) of the gas distribution system (204).

[0515] Clause 56. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 53 to 55, wherein the gas source (202) of the gas supply system (200) includes a gas mixing chamber (242), and the gas mixing chamber includes the gas supply outlet (206) and the gas return inlet (208) of the gas source. The main gas supply pipeline (210) of the gas distribution system (204) is in fluid communication with the gas supply outlet (206), and the main gas return pipeline (212) of the gas distribution system (204) is in fluid communication with the gas return inlet (208) of the gas source (202), thereby forming an air flow circuit (244) including the gas distribution system (204) and the gas mixing chamber (242). The air flow circuit includes a pump (246) for circulating gas in the circuit.

[0516] Clause 57. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 56, wherein the pump (246) is disposed at a downstream position relative to the main gas return pipeline (212).

[0517] Clause 58. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 56 or 57, wherein the air flow circuit (244) includes a pump oscillation damper (247), and the pump oscillation damper is optionally disposed at a downstream position adjacent to the pump (246).

[0518] Clause 59. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 56 to 58, wherein the air flow circuit (244) includes a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor (248) for sensing the gas pressure supplied to the main gas supply pipeline (210) of the gas distribution system (204), and the pressure sensor (248) is optionally disposed at an upstream position adjacent to the main gas supply pipeline (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

[0519] Clause 60. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 59, wherein the pressure sensor (249) is a differential pressure sensor for sensing a pressure value relative to the pressure at the return air inlet (208).

[0520] Clause 61. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 56 to 60, wherein the air flow circuit (244) includes a release valve (249) for effecting pressure release in the air flow circuit, and the release valve is optionally disposed in a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (402).

[0521] Clause 62. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 56 to 61, wherein the gas mixing chamber 242 includes a nitrogen (N2) gas inlet (250) and a carbon dioxide (CO2) gas inlet (251). The nitrogen gas inlet (250) is in fluid communication with a nitrogen valve (252) for regulating the inflow of nitrogen, and a nitrogen mass flow sensor (253) for sensing the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing chamber (242) is disposed downstream of the nitrogen valve (252); the carbon dioxide gas inlet (251) is in fluid communication with a carbon dioxide valve (254) for regulating the inflow of carbon dioxide, and a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor (255) for sensing the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing chamber (242) is disposed downstream of the carbon dioxide valve (254).

[0522] Clause 63. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 56 to 62, wherein the air flow circuit (244) includes a mass flow sensor (256) disposed in an upstream position relative to the gas mixing chamber (242) for sensing the amount of return air entering the gas mixing chamber.

[0523] Clause 64. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 56 to 63, wherein the gas source (202) includes an oxygen (O2) sensor 258 for sensing the oxygen concentration leaving the gas distribution system (204); and the gas source (202) includes a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor (260) for sensing the carbon dioxide concentration leaving the gas distribution system (204), and the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor are optionally disposed in a downstream position relative to the pump (246).

[0524] Clause 65. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 56 to 64, wherein the gas source (202) includes a temperature sensor (262) for sensing the temperature of the gas circulating in the gas flow circuit (244), and the temperature sensor is optionally disposed at a downstream position relative to the pump (246), preferably at a position corresponding to the oxygen sensor (258).

[0525] Clause 66. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 56 to 65, wherein the gas source (202) includes a pressure sensor (264) for sensing the absolute pressure in the gas flow circuit (244), and the pressure sensor is optionally disposed at a downstream position relative to the pump (246), preferably at a position corresponding to the carbon dioxide sensor (260).

[0526] Clause 67. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 56 to 66, wherein the gas flow circuit (244) includes an ultraviolet sterilizer (266) for sterilizing the gas flowing in the gas flow circuit (244) by electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range, and the ultraviolet sterilizer is optionally disposed at a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return line (212).

[0527] Clause 68. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 56 to 67, wherein the gas source (202) includes one or more filters (268), such as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and / or a volatile organic compounds (VOCs) filter. Such a filter is disposed at an upstream position adjacent to the main gas supply line (210), and / or at an upstream position adjacent to the nitrogen gas inlet (250) entering the gas mixing chamber (242); and / or at an upstream position adjacent to the carbon dioxide gas inlet (251) entering the gas mixing chamber (242).

[0528] Clause 69. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 56 to 68, wherein the gas source (202) includes a gas mixing control system (270), and the gas mixing control system is electrically connected to one or more of the following sensors to receive sensing signals from these sensors: the nitrogen mass flow sensor (253) for sensing the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing chamber; the carbon dioxide mass flow sensor (255) for sensing the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing chamber; the mass flow sensor (256) for sensing the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing chamber; the oxygen sensor (258) for sensing the oxygen concentration in the main gas return line (212) leaving the gas distribution system (204); the carbon dioxide sensor (260) for sensing the carbon dioxide concentration in the main gas return line (212) leaving the gas distribution system (204); the temperature sensor (262) for sensing the temperature circulating in the air flow circuit (244); the pressure sensor (264) for sensing the absolute pressure in the air flow circuit (244); the pressure sensor (248) for sensing the gas pressure in the main gas supply line (210) supplying the gas distribution system (204).

[0529] Clause 70. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 69, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is electrically connected to one or more of the following components to control these components: the nitrogen valve (252) for regulating the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing chamber (242); the carbon dioxide valve (254) for regulating the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing chamber (242); the pump (246) for circulating the gas in the air flow circuit (244); the release valve (249).

[0530] Clause 71. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 69 or 70, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive an input from the pressure sensor (248) and control the pump (246) based on this input, and may also optionally activate the release valve (249) to maintain a desired and predetermined pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

[0531] Clause 72. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 69 to 71, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive an input from the mass flow sensor (256) and determine, based on this input, the total amounts of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas to be supplied through the carbon dioxide gas inlet (251) and the nitrogen gas inlet (250) according to desired and predetermined criteria.

[0532] Clause 73. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 69 to 72, 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 sensed carbon dioxide concentration, control the carbon dioxide valve by transmitting a control signal to the carbon dioxide valve (254), thereby adjusting the inflow of carbon dioxide gas to achieve a desired and predetermined carbon dioxide concentration. Subsequently, the gas mixing control system (270) controls the nitrogen valve by transmitting a control signal to the nitrogen valve (252) based on the sensed oxygen concentration, thereby adjusting the inflow of nitrogen gas to achieve a desired and predetermined oxygen concentration.

[0533] Clause 74. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 69 to 73, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to utilize the input from the temperature sensor (262) to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the oxygen sensor (258).

[0534] Clause 75. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 69 to 74, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to utilize the input from the pressure sensor (264) to compensate for the pressure sensitivity of the carbon dioxide sensor (260).

[0535] Clause 76. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 69 to 75, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain the gas pressure in the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) supplied thereto at a pressure higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure by 3 to 20 mbar, such as 5 to 18 mbar, for example 10 to 15 mbar, relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0536] Clause 77. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 76, wherein the modular incubator system includes a control unit (650) for controlling its operation.

[0537] Clause 78. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 77, 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 inputs related to a desired operation protocol of the modular incubator system.

[0538] Clause 79. The modular incubator system (500) according to Clause 77 or 78, 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 (500) to a user.

[0539] Clause 80. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 77 to 79, wherein for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), and / or for a modular incubator chamber (300) docked therein, the control unit (650) is configured to independently control one or more of the following aspects: the setting of the thermostat (374) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked therein; the turning on and off of the active light source (372) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked therein, and / or the adjustment of the intensity of the light emitted from the active light source (372); the gas mixing control system (270); the image capture unit (408) and / or the associated displacement device (482) of one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500); the image processing unit (660).

[0540] Clause 81. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 77 to 80, wherein the control unit (650) is connected to a data processing unit (656) and optionally also to a data memory (658) to assist in processing information during the control of the modular incubator system.

[0541] Clause 82. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 77 to 81, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to automatically operate the modular incubator system (500) by independently controlling one or more of the following aspects: the setting of the thermostat (374) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the docking port (402); the turning on and off of the active light source (372) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the docking port (402), and / or the adjustment of the intensity of the light emitted from the active light source (372) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the docking port (402); the gas mixing control system (270); the image capture unit (408) and / or the associated displacement device (482) of one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500); the gas mixing control system (270) according to a predetermined control instruction provided to the docking station (400); the image processing unit (660).

[0542] Clause 83. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 77 to 82, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to perform time-lapse image capture via the image capture device (408).

[0543] Clause 84. A modular incubator chamber (300), wherein the modular incubator chamber (300) includes 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;

[0544] wherein the housing includes a lid (304), and the lid is configured to be switchable between an open configuration allowing access to the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration closing the passage to the interior of the modular incubator chamber;

[0545] wherein the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a petri dish holder (308) for placing a petri dish (310) inside it (306) so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M within the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300);

[0546] wherein the housing of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a gas chamber inlet (312), and the gas chamber inlet (312) is in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; valves (2, 4) of the valve system (100) according to any one of Clauses 1 to 20 are provided in the gas chamber inlet (312);

[0547] wherein the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber further includes a gas chamber outlet (314), and the gas chamber outlet (314) is in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; valves (2, 4) of the valve system (100) according to any one of Clauses 1 to 20 are provided in the gas chamber outlet (314).

[0548] Clause 85. The modular incubator chamber (300) according to Clause 84, wherein the modular incubator chamber (300) includes the features defined by the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of Clauses 21 to 83.

[0549] Clause 86. A docking station (400), wherein the docking station includes one or more docking ports 402 for accommodating a modular incubator chamber (300);

[0550] For one or more docking ports (400) of the docking station (400), the docking port (402) includes a docking port gas outlet (404); thereby enabling gas to be transferred from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) to the interior (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) via the docking port gas outlet (404); a valve (4, 2) of the valve system (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 20 is provided in the docking port gas outlet (404); and

[0551] wherein the docking port (402) further includes a docking port gas inlet (406), thereby enabling gas to be transferred from the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400); a valve (4, 2) of the valve system (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 20 is provided in the docking port gas inlet (406).

[0552] Clause 87. The docking station (400) according to clause 86, wherein the docking station includes the features defined by the docking station of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 21 to 83.

[0553] Clause 88. Application of the valve system (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 20 in a modular incubator system (500).

[0554] Clause 89. Application of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 21 to 83 for culturing viable biological materials.

[0555] Clause 90. Application of the modular incubator chamber (300) according to any one of clauses 84 to 85 for culturing viable biological materials.

[0556] Clause 91. Application of the docking station (400) according to any one of clauses 86 to 87 for culturing viable biological materials.

[0557] Clause 92. The application according to any one of clauses 88 to 91, wherein the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0558] Clause 93. A method for culturing viable biological materials, wherein the method includes:

[0559] a) providing a modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 21 to 83;

[0560] b) providing a viable biological material;

[0561] c) Place the viable biological material in a culture dish (310), and then place the culture dish inside (306) the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500);

[0562] d) Dock the modular incubator chamber (300) into the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500);

[0563] e) Incubate the viable biological material in the modular incubator chamber (300);

[0564] f) Supply gas to and discharge gas from the interior (306) of the chamber through the valve system (100) of the modular incubator system (500).

[0565] Clause 94. The method according to Clause 93 further includes the following steps:

[0566] viii) Remove the incubator chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) as needed to manually inspect the viable biological material, and also optionally remove, add, or replace the growth medium in the culture dish (310).

[0567] List of Reference Numerals

[0568] 2 First valve of the valve system

[0569] 4 Second valve of the valve system

[0570] 6 First valve body of the first valve

[0571] 8 First valve element of the first valve

[0572] 8a First part of the first valve element

[0573] 8b Second part of the first valve element

[0574] 10 Front end of the first valve body

[0575] 12 Rear end of the first valve body

[0576] 14 First through-channel of the first valve

[0577] 16 Second valve body of the second valve

[0578] 18 Second valve element of the second valve

[0579] 20 Front end of the second valve

[0580] 22 Rear end of the second valve

[0581] 24 Second through-channel of the second valve

[0582] 26 First spring of the first valve

[0583] 28 Second spring of the second valve

[0584] 30 Enlarged portion of the first through-channel

[0585] 32 First wall segment of the enlarged portion of the first through-channel

[0586] 34 First inclined surface portion of the wall segment of the enlarged portion of the first through-channel

[0587] 36 Enlarged portion of the first valve element

[0588] 38 First contact surface of the enlarged portion of the first valve element

[0589] 40 First valve washer

[0590] 42 Enlarged portion of the second through-channel

[0591] 44 Second wall segment of the enlarged portion of the second through-channel

[0592] 46 Second inclined surface portion of the wall segment of the enlarged portion of the second through-channel

[0593] 48 Enlarged portion of the second valve element

[0594] 50 Second contact surface of the enlarged portion of the second valve element

[0595] 52 Second valve washer

[0596] 54 Lip of the second valve washer

[0597] 56 Depression at the front end of the first valve body

[0598] 58 Hollow protrusion of the second valve body

[0599] 60 End washer of the first valve

[0600] 62 Threaded joint / threaded hole device

[0601] 64 Through-hole in the first valve element

[0602] 100 Valve system

[0603] 200 Gas supply system

[0604] 202 Gas source of the gas supply system

[0605] 204 Gas distribution system of the gas supply system

[0606] Gas supply outlet of the 206 gas source

[0607] Gas return inlet of the 208 gas source

[0608] Main gas supply pipeline of the 210 gas distribution system

[0609] Main gas return pipeline of the 212 gas distribution system

[0610] Manifold pair 214

[0611] Inlet manifold of the 216 manifold pair

[0612] Exhaust manifold of the 218 manifold pair

[0613] Docking port group 228

[0614] Gas mixing box 242

[0615] Gas flow circuit of the 244 gas supply system

[0616] Pump of the 246 gas source

[0617] Pump oscillation damper 247

[0618] Pressure sensor for sensing the gas pressure supplied to the main gas supply pipeline

[0619] Release valve 249

[0620] Nitrogen (N2) gas inlet 250

[0621] Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas inlet 251

[0622] Nitrogen valve 252

[0623] Nitrogen mass flow sensor 253

[0624] Carbon dioxide valve 254

[0625] Carbon dioxide mass flow sensor 255

[0626] Mass flow sensor for sensing the return gas volume flowing into the gas mixing box

[0627] Oxygen sensor 258

[0628] Carbon dioxide sensor 260

[0629] Temperature sensor 262

[0630] Pressure sensor 264

[0631] Ultraviolet disinfection device 266

[0632] 268 Filter

[0633] 270 Gas Mixing Control System

[0634] 300 Modular Incubator Chamber

[0635] 302 Outer Shell of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0636] 304 Lid of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0637] 306 Interior of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0638] 308 Petri Dish Holder

[0639] 310 Petri Dish

[0640] 312 Gas Inlet of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0641] 314 Gas Outlet of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0642] 316 Transparent Window of Outer Shell of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0643] 318 Electric Heating Element

[0644] 320 Power Supply

[0645] 322 Electrical Connector of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0646] 324 Display Screen of Outer Shell of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0647] 326 Chamber Joining Device of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0648] 340 First End of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0649] 342 Second End of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0650] 357 Bottom of Outer Shell of Modular Incubator Chamber

[0651] 372 Light Source

[0652] 374 Thermostat

[0653] 376 Temperature Control Circuit

[0654] 400 Docking Station

[0655] 402 Docking Port of Docking Station

[0656] 404 Gas Outlet of Docking Port

[0657] 406 Gas Inlet of Docking Port

[0658] Image capture device for the docking port of the 408 docking station

[0659] Electrical connector for the docking port of the 410 docking port

[0660] Docking port engaging device for the docking port of the 414 docking station

[0661] Displacement device for moving the image capture unit of the 482

[0662] 500 Modular incubator system

[0663] 650 Control unit

[0664] 652 Input device

[0665] 654 Display unit

[0666] 656 Data processing unit

[0667] 658 Data memory

[0668] 660 Image processing unit

[0669] Displacement direction of the valve element of the D valve

[0670] X Longitudinal direction of the modular incubator chamber

[0671] Y Transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction

Claims

1. A modular incubator system (500) for culturing viable biomaterial M, the modular incubator system comprising: One or more modular incubator chambers (300), and a docking station (400); wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) includes 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 includes a lid (304) configured to be switchable between an open configuration allowing access to the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration closing the passage into the interior of the modular incubator chamber; wherein the modular incubator chamber (300) includes, inside thereof (306), a petri dish holder (308) for placing a petri dish (310) to accommodate one or more biological materials M inside the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300); wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a gas chamber inlet (312) that is in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; and wherein the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber further includes a gas chamber outlet (314) that is in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; wherein the docking station (400) includes one or more docking ports (402) for receiving the modular incubator chamber; wherein, for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port (402) includes a docking port gas outlet (404); such that gas can be transmitted from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) to the interior (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) via the docking port gas outlet (404) and the gas chamber inlet (312); and wherein the docking port (402) further includes a docking port gas inlet (406), such that gas can be transmitted from the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400); wherein the modular incubator system (500) includes a valve system (100), and the valve system includes a first valve (2) and a second valve (4); wherein the first valve (2) includes: a first valve body (6); and a first valve element (8); wherein the first valve body (6) includes a front end (10) and a rear end (12); wherein the first valve body (6) includes a first through-channel (14) extending between the front end (10) and the rear end (12) of the first valve body (6); Wherein, the first valve element (8) is disposed in the first through-channel (14) of the first valve body (6) such that the first valve element (8) is movable along a displacement direction D between a first extreme position and a second extreme position in the first through-channel (14), wherein, in the first extreme position, the first valve element (8) moves towards the front end (10) of the first valve body (6), and in the second extreme position, the first valve element (8) moves towards the rear end (12) of the first valve body (6); Wherein, the sizes and geometries of the first valve body (6) and the first valve element (8) are mutually adapted such that once the first valve element (8) is in the first extreme position, it blocks the passage through the first through-channel (14) between its front end (10) and rear end (12), and once moving in the direction of the second extreme position, the first valve element (8) provides a passage through the first through-channel (14) between its front end (10) and rear end (12); Wherein, the second valve (4) comprises: a second valve body (16); and a second valve element (18); Wherein, the second valve body (16) comprises a front end (20) and a rear end (22); Wherein, the second valve body (16) comprises a second through-channel (24) extending between the front end (20) and the rear end (22) of the second valve body (16); Wherein, the second valve element (18) is disposed in the second through-channel (24) of the second valve body (16) such that the second valve element (18) is movable along a displacement direction D between a first extreme position and a second extreme position in the second through-channel (24), wherein, in the first extreme position, the second valve element (18) moves towards the front end (20) of the second valve body (16), and in the second extreme position, the second valve element (18) moves towards the rear end (22) of the second valve body (16); Wherein, the sizes and geometries of the second valve body (16) and the second valve element (18) are mutually adapted such that once the second valve element (18) is in the first extreme position, it blocks the passage through the second through-channel (24) between its front end (20) and rear end (22), and once moving in the direction of the second extreme position, the second valve element (18) provides a passage through the second through-channel (24) between its front end (20) and rear end (22); Wherein, one valve (2, 4) of the valve system (100) is disposed in the gas chamber inlet (312), and the other valve (4, 2) of the valve system (100) is disposed in the docking port gas outlet (404); and One valve (2, 4) of the valve system (100) described in any one of the claims is disposed in the gas chamber outlet (314), and another valve (4, 2) of the valve system (100) is disposed in the docking port gas inlet (406).

2. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1, wherein, The first valve element (8) and the second valve element (18) are sized and geometrically shaped to mate with each other such that when the front ends (10, 20) of the first valve (2) and the second valve (4) are brought into contact with each other, the second valve element (18) of the second valve (4) is configured to move the first valve element (8) of the first valve (2) towards its second extreme position, thereby opening the first valve (2), and further, the first valve element (8) of the first valve (2) is configured to move the second valve element (18) of the second valve (4) towards its second extreme position, thereby opening the second valve (4).

3. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first valve (2) includes a first spring (26), the first spring being adapted to interact with the first valve element (8) relative to the first valve body (6) such that in the absence of other external forces, the first spring (26) will move the first valve element (8) towards its first extreme position, thereby closing the first valve (2); and / or wherein, The second valve (4) includes a second spring (28), the second spring being adapted to interact with the second valve element (18) relative to the second valve body (16) such that in the absence of other external forces, the second spring (28) will move the second valve element (18) towards its first extreme position, thereby closing the second valve (4).

4. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 3, wherein, The first valve (2) includes the first spring (26) having a first spring constant, and the second valve (4) includes the second spring (28) having a second spring constant, wherein the first spring constant is equal to the second spring constant such that the first valve (2) and the second valve (4) open substantially simultaneously when in contact with each other; or the first spring constant is less than the second spring constant such that the first valve (2) opens prior to the second valve (4) when in contact with the second valve (4); or the first spring constant is greater than the second spring constant such that the second valve (4) opens prior to the first valve (2) when in contact with the first valve (2).

5. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first through-channel (14) of the first valve 2 includes an enlarged portion (30) having a first wall segment (32) that defines a first inclined surface portion (34) that is inclined relative to the displacement direction D of the first valve element (8), and the first valve element (8) includes an enlarged portion (36) having a first contact surface (38). The enlarged portion (36) of the first valve element (8) is received in the enlarged portion (30) of the first through-channel (14) such that when the first valve element (8) is in its first extreme position, the first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8) contacts the first inclined surface portion (34) of the first through-channel (14), thereby closing the first valve (2) by blocking the passage through the first through-channel (14); and when the first valve element (8) is in its second extreme position, the first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8) is separated from the first inclined surface portion (34) of the first through-channel (14), thereby opening the first valve (2) by providing a passage through the first through-channel (14).

6. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 5, wherein, The first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8) is inclined relative to the displacement direction D of the first valve element (8).

7. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The inclination angle of the first inclined surface portion (34) of the first through-channel (14) and / or the first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8) relative to the displacement direction D of the first valve element (8) is from 5 to 90 degrees, such as from 10 to 85 degrees, for example from 15 to 80 degrees, such as from 20 to 75 degrees, for example from 25 to 70 degrees, for example from 30 to 65 degrees, such as from 35 to 60 degrees, for example from 40 to 55 degrees or from 45 to 50 degrees.

8. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, A first valve gasket (40) is provided in the region of the first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8).

9. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 8, wherein, The first valve gasket (40) is a part of the first inclined surface portion (34) of the first through-channel (14); and / or the first valve gasket (40) is a part of the first contact surface (38) of the first valve element (8).

10. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second through-channel (24) of the second valve (4) includes an enlarged portion (42) having a second wall segment (44) that defines a second inclined surface portion (46) that is inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the second valve element (18), and the second valve element (18) includes an enlarged portion (48) having a second contact surface (50), and the enlarged portion (48) of the second valve element (18) is received in the enlarged portion (42) of the second through-channel (24) such that when the second valve element (18) is in its first extreme position, the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18) contacts the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24), thereby closing the second valve (4); and when the second valve element (18) is in its second extreme position, the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18) is separated from the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24), thereby opening the first valve (4).

11. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 10, wherein, The second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18) is inclined with respect to the displacement direction D of the second valve element (18).

12. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The inclination angle of the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24) and / or the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18) with respect to the displacement direction of the second valve element (18) is 5 to 90 degrees, such as 10 to 85 degrees, for example 15 to 80 degrees, such as 20 to 75 degrees, for example 25 to 70 degrees, for example 30 to 65 degrees, such as 35 to 60 degrees, for example 40 to 55 degrees or 45 to 50 degrees.

13. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, A second valve gasket (52) is provided in the region of the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24).

14. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 13, wherein, The second valve gasket (52) is part of the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24); and / or the second valve gasket (52) is part of the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18).

15. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 14, wherein, The second valve gasket (52) includes one or more lips (54), such as one or more tapered lips; wherein the second valve gasket (52) is part of the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24), and the one or more lips (54) face the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18); or wherein the second valve gasket (52) is part of the second contact surface (50) of the second valve element (18), and the one or more lips (54) face the second inclined surface portion (46) of the second through-channel (24).

16. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The valve body (6) of the first valve (2) includes a recess (56) at its front end (10), and the valve body (16) of the second valve (4) includes a hollow projection (58) at its front end (20) that surrounds at least a portion of the second valve element (18) of the second valve (4). The sizes and geometries of the recess (56) and the projection (58) are mutually adapted such that the projection (58) of the second valve body (16) can be inserted into the recess (56) of the first valve body (6).

17. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 16, wherein, The first valve body (6) includes an end gasket (60) at its front end (10) and at the inner end of the recess. The end gasket (60) surrounds at least a portion of the first valve element (8) and / or the first through-channel (14) of the first valve (2), so that when the projection (58) of the second valve body (16) of the second valve (4) is inserted into the recess (56) of the first valve body (6) of the first valve (2), it allows the projection (58) of the second valve body (16) of the second valve (4) to abut against the end gasket (60) to prevent gas leakage.

18. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first valve element (8) includes a first part (8a) and a second part (8b). The first part (8a) of the first valve element (8) is arranged near the front end (10) of the first valve body (6), and the second part (8b) of the first valve element (8) is arranged away from the front end (10) of the first valve body (6). The first part (8a) and the second part (8b) of the first valve element (8) are connected to each other by a threaded joint / threaded hole device (62), thereby allowing adjustment of the total length of the first valve element (8) in a direction parallel to the displacement direction D of the first valve element (8).

19. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first valve element (8) includes one or more through-holes (64) at the end near the front end (10) of the first valve body (6) for allowing gas to be transported through the holes into the first through-channel (14) of the first valve body (6).

20. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 8, 9, 13 to 15 and 17, wherein, The gaskets (40, 52, 60) are each independently made of an elastic polymer, such as rubber or silicone resin.

21. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), and for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the position of the gas chamber inlet (312) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is adapted to the position of the docking port gas outlet (404) of the docking port (402), such that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), the valves (2, 4) of the gas chamber inlet (312) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the valves (4, 2) of the docking port gas outlet (404) of the docking port (402) will be in fluid communication and in an open configuration; and the position of the valve (4, 2) of the gas chamber outlet (314) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is adapted to the position of the valve (4, 2) of the docking port gas inlet (406) of the docking port (402), such that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), the gas chamber outlet (314) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port gas inlet (406) of the docking port (402) will be in fluid communication and in an open configuration.

22. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 20 or 21, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a transparent window (316), and for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port includes an image capture device (408), such that once the biological material M contained inside the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), an image of the biological material M can be captured.

23. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 22, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), and for 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 incubator chamber (300) is adapted to the position of the image capture device (408) in the docking port (402), such that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), the image capture device (408) can capture an image through the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

24. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided at the bottom (357) of the housing (302).

25. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), a transparent window (316) of the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber is elongate in shape, for example elongate and linearly extending in a Y direction transverse to a longitudinal direction X of the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber (300).

26. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein, For one or more particular docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the particular docking port includes its own dedicated image capture device (408) configured to capture only images related to a modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the particular docking port (402).

27. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein, For N adjacent arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the adjacent arranged docking ports share a common image capture device (408), that is, only one image capture device is responsible for capturing images related to a modular incubator chamber (300) in one of the docking ports docked in the N adjacent arranged docking ports (402), wherein the docking station includes a displacement device (482), such as an electrically powered and remotely controllable displacement device (482), for displacing the common image capture device (408) relative to the N adjacent arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

28. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 27, wherein, The number N is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 25 or greater, such as 4 to 22, for example 6 to 20, such as 8 to 18, for example 10 to 16 or 12 to 14.

29. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the modular incubator chamber (300) is configured to be docked in the docking port (402) with its first end (340) facing the docking port (402).

30. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a light source (372) in its interior 306 for guiding light to an area of a culture dish holder (308) of the modular incubator chamber (300) so as to be able to illuminate the viable biological material when capturing an image of the viable biological material.

31. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 30, wherein, The light source (372) is mounted on the inner side of a lid (304) of the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

32. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 30 or 31, wherein, The light source (372) is selected from one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), one or more laser diodes, one or more incandescent bulbs.

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

34. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), an outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided, e.g., on its exterior, with an electrical connector (322) for supplying electrical power and / or electrical signals to the modular incubator chamber; and for one or more of the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking ports are provided with electrical connectors (410), thereby allowing electrical power and / or electrical signals to be supplied from the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) to a modular incubator chamber (300) docked therein.

35. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the lid (304) is a hinged lid which is connected to the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber by a hinge.

36. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), an outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a display screen (324) which is configured to display information related to a culture operation status carried out in the modular incubator chamber.

37. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The docking station (400) includes the docking ports (402) arranged in the form of one or more shelves composed of adjacent docking ports (402) arranged side by side, wherein if the docking station includes two or more shelves, the shelves are arranged one above the other.

38. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber includes a culture chamber engaging device (326), and for one or more of the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking ports include docking port engaging devices (414), and the culture chamber engaging device (326) is configured to engage with the docking port engaging devices (414) so as to easily and correctly position and optionally fix the modular incubator chamber (300) in the docking ports (402), and to detach the modular incubator chamber (300) from the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

39. 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 processing images captured by the image capture device (408), wherein the modular incubator system (400) further includes a data memory (658) for storing images captured by the image capture unit (408) and / or storing images processed by the image processing unit.

40. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 40, wherein, One or more of the image capture devices 408 of the docking ports 402 of the docking station are connected to the image processing unit 660.

41. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300), the front ends (10, 20) of the valves (2, 4) are arranged facing outwards; and for one or more of the docking ports (402), the front ends (20, 10) of the valves (4, 2) are arranged facing outwards.

42. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), a first valve (2) of the valve system (100) is disposed in the gas chamber inlet (312) and the gas chamber outlet (314); and for one or more of the docking stations (402) of the docking station (400), a second valve (4) of the valve system (100) is disposed in the docking port gas outlet (404) and the docking port gas inlet (406). Or Wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), a second valve (4) of the valve system (100) is disposed in the gas chamber inlet (312) and the gas chamber outlet (314); and for one or more of the docking stations (402) of the docking station (400), a first valve (2) of the valve system (100) is disposed in the docking port gas outlet (404) and the docking port gas inlet (406).

43. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The image capture device (408) includes microscopic optics to enable capturing of microscopic images.

44. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber includes, inside thereof (306), an electric heating element (318) for heating the interior of the modular incubator chamber, and the modular incubator chamber includes a power supply (320) for powering the heating element (318), wherein the electric heating element (318) is electrically connected to the power supply (320).

45. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 44, wherein, The power supply (320) is a power supply such as a battery, for example a rechargeable battery.

46. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 44 or 45, wherein, The heating element (318) is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing the heat dissipated from the heating element; the heat distribution element is at least partially disposed inside the modular incubator chamber (300) (306).

47. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein, The chamber includes a thermostat (374) and an electrothermal constant temperature circuit (376), and the electric heating element (318), the power supply (320) and the thermostat (374) are electrically connected in the electrothermal constant temperature circuit (376) to enable constant temperature control of the temperature inside the modular incubator chamber (300).

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

49. 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 to 100, for example 2 to 95, such as 5 to 90, for example 10 to 85, such as 15 to 80, for example 20 to 75, such as 25 to 70, 30 to 65, for example 35 to 60, such as 40 to 55 or 45 to 50.

50. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For 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 docking port gas outlet (404) includes a flow restrictor for restricting the magnitude of the gas flow rate flowing into the docking port (402).

51. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 50, wherein, The flow restrictor includes a tube for delivering gas to the docking port (402), and the cross-sectional area of the tube may be selected from the range of 0.2 to 8 square millimeters, such as 0.5 to 7 square millimeters, for example 1 to 6 square millimeters, such as 2 to 5 square millimeters or 3 to 4 square millimeters; and / or the length of the tube may be selected from the range of 5 to 30 millimeters, such as 8 to 25 millimeters, for example 10 to 22 millimeters, such as 15 to 20 millimeters.

52. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein,The docking station (400) includes a gas distribution system (204) for supplying gas to and discharging gas from one or more of the one or more docking ports (402). The gas distribution system (204) includes a main gas supply line (210) and a main gas return line (212). For one or more of the docking ports (402), the docking port gas inlet (404) is in fluid communication with the main gas supply line (210), and the docking port gas outlet (406) is in fluid communication with the main gas return line (212).

53. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 52, wherein, The gas distribution system (204) includes a plurality of manifold pairs (214), each manifold pair including an intake manifold (216) and an exhaust manifold (218). The intake manifold (216) is in fluid communication with the main gas supply line (210), and the exhaust manifold (218) is in fluid communication with 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 such a manner that for a particular manifold pair (214) and the one or more docking ports (402) connected to that manifold pair, the docking port gas outlet (404) of the docking port (402) is in fluid communication with the intake manifold (216), and the docking port gas inlet (406) of the docking port (402) is in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold (218).

54. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 52 or 53, wherein, The docking station (400) includes a gas supply system (200), and 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 gas return inlet (208). The gas supply outlet (206) of the gas source 202 is in fluid communication with the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204), and the gas return inlet (208) of the gas source (202) is in fluid communication with the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204).

55. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 52 to 54, wherein, The gas source (202) of the gas supply system (200) includes a gas mixing tank (242), the gas mixing tank includes a gas supply outlet (206) and a gas return inlet (208) of the gas source, a main gas supply pipeline (210) of the gas distribution system (204) is in fluid communication with the gas supply outlet (206), and a main gas return pipeline (212) of the gas distribution system (204) is in fluid communication with the gas return inlet (208) of the gas source (202), thereby forming an air flow circuit (244) including the gas distribution system (204) and the gas mixing tank (242); the air flow circuit includes a pump (246) for circulating gas in the circuit.

56. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 55, wherein, The pump (246) is disposed at a downstream position relative to the main gas return pipeline (212).

57. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 55 or 56, wherein, The air flow circuit (244) includes a pump oscillation damper (247), and the pump oscillation damper is optionally disposed at a downstream position adjacent to the pump (246).

58. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 55 to 57, wherein, The air flow circuit (244) includes a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor (248) for sensing the gas pressure of the main gas supply pipeline (210) supplied to the gas distribution system (204), and the pressure sensor (248) is optionally disposed at an upstream position adjacent to the main gas supply pipeline (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

59. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 58, wherein, The pressure sensor (249) is a differential pressure sensor for sensing the pressure value relative to the pressure of the gas return inlet (208).

60. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 55 to 59, wherein, The air flow circuit (244) includes a release valve (249) for realizing pressure release in the air flow circuit, and the release valve is optionally disposed at a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return pipeline (212) of the gas distribution system (402).

61. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 55 to 60, wherein, The gas mixing tank 242 includes a nitrogen (N2) gas inlet (250); and a carbon dioxide (CO2) gas inlet (251), the nitrogen (N2) gas inlet (250) is in fluid communication with a nitrogen valve (252) for regulating the nitrogen inflow rate, and a nitrogen mass flow sensor (253) for sensing the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing tank (242) is disposed downstream of the nitrogen valve (252); and the carbon dioxide (CO2) gas inlet (251) is in fluid communication with a carbon dioxide valve (254) for regulating the carbon dioxide inflow rate, and a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor (255) for sensing the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing tank (242) is disposed downstream of the carbon dioxide valve (254).

62. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 55 to 61, wherein, The air flow circuit (244) includes a mass flow sensor (256) disposed at an upstream position relative to the gas mixing tank (242) for sensing the amount of the gas returning to the gas mixing tank.

63. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 55 to 62, wherein, The gas source (202) includes an oxygen sensor 258 for sensing the oxygen concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system (204); and the gas source (202) includes a carbon dioxide sensor (260) for sensing the carbon dioxide concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system (204), and the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor are optionally disposed at a downstream position relative to the pump (246).

64. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 55 to 63, wherein, The gas source (202) includes a temperature sensor (262) for sensing the temperature of the gas circulating in the gas flow circuit (244), and the temperature sensor is optionally disposed at a downstream position relative to the pump (246), preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the oxygen sensor (258).

65. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 55 to 64, wherein, The gas source (202) includes a pressure sensor (264) for sensing the absolute pressure in the gas flow circuit (244), and the pressure sensor is optionally disposed at a downstream position relative to the pump (246), preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the carbon dioxide sensor (260).

66. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 55 to 65, wherein, The gas flow circuit (244) includes an ultraviolet sterilizer (266) for sterilizing the gas flowing in the gas flow circuit (244) by electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range, and the ultraviolet sterilizer is optionally disposed at a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return line (212).

67. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 55 to 66, wherein, The gas source (202) includes one or more filters (268), such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and / or volatile organic compound (VOC) filters, and such filters are disposed adjacent to the main gas supply line (210) at an upstream position, and / or such filters are disposed adjacent to the nitrogen (N2) gas inlet (250) entering the gas mixing chamber (242) at an upstream position; and / or such filters are disposed adjacent to the carbon dioxide (CO2) gas inlet (251) entering the gas mixing chamber (242) at an upstream position.

68. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 55 to 67, wherein,The gas source (202) includes a gas mixing control system (270) that is electrically connected to one or more of the following sensors to receive sensing signals therefrom: the nitrogen mass flow sensor (253) for sensing the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing tank; the carbon dioxide mass flow sensor (255) for sensing the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing tank; the mass flow sensor (256) for sensing the amount of recirculated gas entering the gas mixing tank; the oxygen sensor (258) for sensing the oxygen concentration flowing out of the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204); the carbon dioxide sensor (260) for sensing the carbon dioxide concentration flowing out of the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204); the temperature sensor (262) for sensing the temperature circulating in the gas flow circuit (244); the pressure sensor (264) for sensing the absolute pressure in the gas flow circuit (244); the pressure sensor (248) for sensing the gas pressure supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

69. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 68, wherein, 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 amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing tank (242); the carbon dioxide valve (254) for regulating the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing tank (242); the pump (246) for circulating gas in the gas flow circuit (244); the release valve (249).

70. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 68 or 69, wherein, The gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive an input from the pressure sensor (248) and, based thereon, control the pump (246) and optionally activate the release valve (249) in order to maintain a desired and predetermined pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

71. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 68 to 70, wherein, The gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive an input from the mass flow sensor (256) and, based on this input, determine the total amounts of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas to be supplied through the carbon dioxide gas inlet (251) and the nitrogen gas inlet (250) according to desired and predetermined criteria.

72. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 68 to 71, 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 sensed carbon dioxide concentration, control the valve by transmitting a control signal to the carbon dioxide valve (254) to regulate the inflow of carbon dioxide gas to achieve a desired and predetermined carbon dioxide concentration. Subsequently, the gas mixing control system (270), based on the sensed oxygen concentration, controls the valve by transmitting a control signal to the nitrogen valve (252) to regulate the inflow of nitrogen gas to achieve a desired and predetermined oxygen concentration.

73. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 68 to 72, wherein, The gas mixing control system (270) is configured to utilize the input from the temperature sensor (262) to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the oxygen sensor (258).

74. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 68 to 73, wherein, The gas mixing control system (270) is configured to utilize the input from the pressure sensor (264) to compensate for the pressure sensitivity of the carbon dioxide sensor (260).

75. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 68 to 74, wherein, The gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain the gas pressure in the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) supplied thereto at a pressure higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure by 3 to 20 mbar, such as 5 to 18 mbar, for example 10 to 15 mbar, relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure.

76. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The modular incubator system includes a control unit (650) for controlling its operation.

77. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 76, 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 inputs related to a desired operation protocol of the modular incubator system.

78. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 76 or 77, 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 (500) to the user.

79. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 76 to 78, wherein, For one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), and / or for a modular incubator chamber (300) docked therein, the control unit (650) is configured to independently control one or more of the following aspects: the setting of the thermostat (374) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked therein; turning on and off the active light source (372) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked therein, and / or adjusting the intensity of the light emitted from the active light source (372); the gas mixing control system (270); the image capture unit (408) and / or the associated displacement device (482) of one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500); the image processing unit (660).

80. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 76 to 79, wherein, The control unit (650) is connected to a data processing unit (656) and optionally also to a data memory (658) to assist in processing information during the control of the modular incubator system.

81. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 76 to 80, wherein, The control unit (650) is configured to automatically operate the modular incubator system (500) by independently controlling one or more of the following aspects: the setting of the thermostat (374) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the docking port (402); turning on and off the active light source (372) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the docking port (402), and / or adjusting the intensity of the light emitted from the active light source (372) of the modular incubator chamber docked in the docking port (402); The gas mixing control system (270); the image capture unit (408) and / or the associated displacement device (482) of one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500); controlling the system according to predefined control instructions provided to the gas mixing control system (270) of the docking station (400); the image processing unit (660).

82. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 76 to 81, wherein, The control unit (650) is configured to cause the image capture device (408) to perform delayed image capture.

83. A modular incubator chamber (300), wherein, The modular incubator chamber (300) includes 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 includes a lid (304), and the lid is configured to be switchable between an open configuration allowing access to the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration closing the passage into the interior of the modular incubator chamber; Wherein, the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a petri dish holder (308) inside thereof (306) for placing a petri dish (310) so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M inside the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300); Wherein, the housing of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a gas chamber inlet (312), and the gas chamber inlet (312) is in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; the valves (2, 4) of the valve system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 are provided in the gas chamber inlet (312); Wherein, the housing of the modular incubator chamber (302) further includes a gas chamber outlet (314), and the gas chamber outlet (314) is in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; the valves (2, 4) of the valve system (100) are provided in the gas chamber outlet (314).

84. The modular incubator chamber (300) according to claim 83, wherein, The modular incubator chamber (300) includes the features defined in any one of the preceding claims regarding the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500).

85. A docking station (400), wherein, The docking station includes one or more docking ports 402 for accommodating the modular incubator chamber (300); Wherein, for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port (402) includes a docking port gas outlet (404); thereby enabling gas to be transmitted from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) to the interior (302) of the modular incubator chamber via the docking port gas outlet (404); the valves (4, 2) of the valve system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 are provided in the docking port gas outlet (404); and Among them, the docking port (402) further includes a docking port gas inlet (406), so that gas can be transmitted from the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400); the valve (4, 2) of the valve system (100) is arranged in the docking port gas inlet (406).

86. The docking station (400) according to claim 85, wherein, The docking station includes the features defined for the docking station of the modular incubator system (500) in any one of the preceding claims.

87. Use of the valve system (100) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 81 in a modular incubator system (500).

88. Use of the modular incubator system (500) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 81 in culturing viable biological materials.

89. Use of the modular incubator chamber (300) according to claims 83 to 84 in culturing viable biological materials.

90. Use of the docking station (400) according to any one of claims 85 to 86 in culturing viable biological materials.

91. The use according to any one of claims 87 to 90, wherein, The biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

92. A method for culturing viable biological materials, wherein, The method includes: i) providing a modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 81; ii) providing a viable biological material; iii) placing the viable biological material in a culture dish (310), and then placing the culture dish in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500); iv) docking the modular incubator chamber (300) in the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500); v) culturing the viable biological material in the modular incubator chamber (300); vi) supplying gas to and discharging gas from the interior (306) of the chamber via the valve system (100) of the modular incubator system (500).

93. The method according to claim 92, further comprising the following steps: viii) removing the incubator chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) as needed to manually inspect the viable biological material, and also optionally removing, adding or replacing the growth medium in the culture dish (310).

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