Modular incubator system

Abstract

A modular incubator system (500) for culturing a viable biological material M is disclosed. The modular incubator system includes one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and a docking station (400). For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a housing (302), where the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a transparent window (316) for capturing an image of the biological material M contained therein through the transparent window. The docking station (400) comprises one or more docking ports (402) for housing a housing (302) of one or more of the one or more incubator chambers (300). The docking station (400) is configured to receive a modular incubator chamber (300), and for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), the docking port comprises an image capture device (408) for capturing an image of an interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300). A housing (302) of a modular incubator chamber (300) includes a shutter mechanism (344), where the shutter mechanism is configured to be switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and vice versa. Therefore, the viable biological material can be prevented from being excessively exposed to light, so that more optimized culture conditions are provided for the viable biological material.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] More specifically, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator system for culturing viable biomaterials, wherein the modular incubator system comprises one or more modular incubator chambers and a docking station.

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

[0004] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a docking station for docking one or more modular incubator chambers.

[0005] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides the use of the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biomaterials.

[0006] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides the use of the modular incubator chamber according to the second aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biomaterials.

[0007] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides the use of the docking station according to the third aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biomaterials.

[0008] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a method of using the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention to culture viable biomaterials. Background Art

[0009] In the past few decades, in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology has continuously evolved, bringing about significantly improved methods and techniques that have increased the success rate of IVF-mediated pregnancy and childbirth.

[0010] In vitro fertilization involves collecting mature eggs from a female's ovaries, fertilizing the eggs with sperm, culturing the fertilized eggs in a controlled environment, and subsequently implanting the cultured fertilized eggs into the female's uterus.

[0011] Since in vitro fertilization is mainly used for women or couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally, this means that either the male or female partner, or both, have a certain degree of reduced fertility, and since in vitro fertilization techniques are costly, these techniques are usually carried out in an optimized efficiency manner, especially considering that multiple implantations of fertilized eggs into the female's uterus are often required to achieve a successful pregnancy.

[0012] In addition, compared to natural conception, IVF-mediated pregnancy may have advantages for couples where one partner has a genetic disease or is suspected of having a disease.

[0013] Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of in vitro fertilization techniques, hormonal treatment is usually administered to women before eggs are collected from their ovaries. This hormonal treatment causes the woman's ovaries to release multiple eggs simultaneously, rather than just one.

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

[0015] Incubators of the prior art include a compartment that can accommodate multiple culture dishes containing fertilized eggs.

[0016] 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 growth conditions for embryos.

[0017] Some improved prior art incubators include a housing with one or more doors to provide access to 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.

[0018] Recently, small modular incubators have been introduced to the market. These modular incubators are designed to be placed in docking ports of a docking station, which can control the physical and chemical parameters in which the embryos are located. Once a manual operation step on the embryos is required, such as manual inspection or addition, removal, replacement of the growth medium, the modular incubator can be removed from the docking port of the docking station and placed on a laboratory workbench for easy access to the embryos.

[0019] To enhance the monitoring of embryos cultured in the modular incubator chamber of a modular incubator system, it is possible to consider installing an image capture device in the docking port of the docking station. In this way, if a certain transparent window is provided on the housing of the modular incubator chamber, enabling the image capture device to capture images through the window, optical monitoring of the embryos in culture can be carried out.

[0020] It has been generally found that even a very small deviation from what is considered to be the optimal conditions for embryo culture can have an adverse effect on the quality of the embryos being cultured, thereby reducing the success rate of the final pregnancy.

[0021] It has even been proposed that in IVF procedures, excessive exposure of embryos to light may have an adverse effect on the final pregnancy.

[0022] Therefore, simply installing an image capture device on the docking station of an existing modular incubator system has the advantage of enabling visual monitoring of the morphological development during embryo culture. However, at least in the case where the modular incubator chamber is moved from the docking port of the docking station to the laboratory workbench for manual operation steps, the embryo will be exposed to light through the transparent window of the modular incubator chamber, thus having an adverse effect.

[0023] These adverse effects may increase the risk of pregnancy failure in subsequent IVF procedures when implanting the embryo into the female uterus.

[0024] Therefore, there is still a need for an improved modular incubator that can visually monitor the embryo while culturing it and avoid the adverse effects caused by excessive exposure of the embryo to light.

[0025] One object of the present invention is to meet this need. Summary of the Invention

[0026] These objects are achieved through various aspects of the present invention.

[0027] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator system 500 for culturing viable biomaterials, the modular incubator system comprising:

[0028] One or more modular incubator chambers 300 and

[0029] A docking station 400;

[0030] Wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a housing 302 having a first end 340 and a second end 342, thereby defining a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end;

[0031] Wherein the housing comprises a lid 304, the lid being configured to be able to switch between an open configuration allowing access to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration closing the access passage to the interior of the modular incubator chamber;

[0032] Wherein the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a culture dish holder 308 in its interior 306 for placing a culture dish 310 to accommodate one or more biomaterials M within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300;

[0033] Wherein the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a transparent window 316 so as to be able to capture an image of the biomaterial M accommodated therein through the transparent window;

[0034] Wherein the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a shutter mechanism 344 configured to be switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and vice versa;

[0035] Wherein the shutter mechanism 344 includes a first shutter mechanism engagement device 346 for causing the shutter mechanism to switch between its open configuration and its closed configuration, and vice versa, upon application of a force;

[0036] Wherein the shutter mechanism 344 is arranged relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing such that in its open configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 enables light to pass from the outside through the transparent window 316 into the interior of the modular incubator chamber; in its closed configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 blocks light from passing from the outside through the transparent window 316 into the interior of the modular incubator chamber;

[0037] Wherein the docking station 400 includes one or more docking ports 402 for receiving the housing 302 of one or more of the incubator chambers 300;

[0038] Wherein, for one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port includes an image capture device 408 for capturing an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402.

[0039] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator chamber, comprising:

[0040] 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;

[0041] 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;

[0042] Wherein the modular incubator chamber 300 includes, within its interior 306, a culture dish holder 308 for holding a culture dish 310 for accommodating one or more biological materials M within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300;

[0043] Wherein the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 to enable an image of the biological material M accommodated therein to be captured through the transparent window;

[0044] Wherein the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a shutter mechanism 344 configured to be switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa;

[0045] Wherein the shutter mechanism 344 includes a first shutter mechanism engagement device 346 for causing the shutter mechanism to switch between its open configuration and its closed configuration and vice versa when a force is applied;

[0046] Wherein the shutter mechanism is arranged relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 such that in its open configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 enables light to enter the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 from the outside through the transparent window 316; and in its closed configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 blocks light from entering the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 from the outside through the transparent window 316.

[0047] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a docking station 400 for docking one or more modular incubator chambers 300; wherein the docking station includes one or more docking ports 402 for receiving the housing 302 of one or more of the incubator chambers 300; and wherein, for one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking station, the docking port includes an image capture device 408 for capturing an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402.

[0048] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides for the use of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biological materials.

[0049] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides for the use of the modular incubator chamber 300 according to the second aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biological materials.

[0050] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides for the use of the docking station according to the second aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biological materials.

[0051] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a method for culturing viable biological materials, wherein the method includes:

[0052] i) providing a modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0053] ii) providing viable biological materials;

[0054] iii) placing the viable biological materials 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;

[0055] (iv) Dock the modular incubation chamber 300 in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the incubation system 500;

[0056] (v) Incubate the viable biological material in the modular incubation chamber 300 while ensuring that the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubation chamber 300 is in the closed configuration;

[0057] (vi) When needed, switch the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubation chamber 300 to the open configuration so that the image capture device 408 can capture one or more images of the biological material contained in the culture dish 310;

[0058] (vii) Optionally, after capturing the images of the biological material, switch the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubation chamber 300 back to the closed configuration.

[0059] Aspects of the present invention enable image capture during the incubation of viable biological materials (such as oocytes or embryos) while minimizing any adverse effects on the viable biological materials caused by excessive exposure to light.

[0060] This is the case even when the modular incubation chamber is removed from the corresponding docking port of the docking station. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the general concept of an incubation system in which the incubator is designed to include a plurality of modular incubation chambers and a docking station with a plurality of docking ports.

[0062] Figure 2a is a bottom perspective view of the modular incubation chamber of the modular incubation system of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 2b is Figure 2a a partially disassembled bottom perspective view of the modular incubation chamber in.

[0064] Figure 2c is Figure 2b a partially disassembled top perspective view of the modular incubation chamber in.

[0065] Figure 3a is Figure 2a 、 2b and a cross-sectional view of the modular incubation chamber shown in 2c.

[0066] Figure 3b is a further detailed cross-sectional view of the modular incubation chamber of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 4a and 4b is a detailed cross-sectional view of the docking port of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 5a in a bottom plan view ( Figure 5a top view), a cross-sectional view ( Figure 5a mid view) and a close-up cross-sectional view ( Figure 5a bottom view) show the state of the shutter mechanism of the modular incubator chamber in the closed configuration.

[0069] Figure 5b in a bottom plan view ( Figure 5b top view), a cross-sectional view ( Figure 5b mid view) and a close-up cross-sectional view ( Figure 5b bottom view) show the state of the shutter mechanism of the modular incubator chamber in the open configuration.

[0070] Figure 6a is a front view of the docking port of the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 6b is a perspective view of the modular incubator chamber seen from one end entering the docking port of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 7a and 7b show the operating modes of the valve system used in conjunction with the modular incubator chamber and the docking port of the docking station of the docking system of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the design of a gas supply system including a gas source and a gas distribution system used in conjunction with the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the concept of a gas source that can be incorporated into the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the control operating mode of the modular incubator system according to the present invention. Detailed Description

[0076] The first aspect of the present invention

[0077] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator system 500 for culturing viable biological material M, the modular incubator system comprising:

[0078] one or more modular incubator chambers 300, and

[0079] a docking station 400;

[0080] 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;

[0081] 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 access passage to the interior of the modular incubator chamber;

[0082] Wherein the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a petri dish holder 308 in its interior 306 for placing a petri dish 310 to accommodate one or more biomaterials M within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300;

[0083] Wherein the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 to enable capturing an image of the biomaterial M accommodated therein through the transparent window;

[0084] Wherein the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a shutter mechanism 344 configured to be switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa;

[0085] Wherein the shutter mechanism 344 includes a first shutter mechanism engagement device 346 for switching the shutter mechanism between its open configuration and closed configuration and vice versa when a force is applied;

[0086] Wherein the shutter mechanism 344 is arranged relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing such that in its open configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 allows light to enter the interior of the modular incubator chamber through the transparent window 316 from the outside; while in its closed configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 blocks light from entering the interior of the modular incubator chamber through the transparent window 316 from the outside;

[0087] Wherein the docking station 400 includes one or more docking ports 402 for receiving the housing 302 of one or more of the incubator chambers 300;

[0088] Wherein, for one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port includes an image capture device 408 for capturing an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402.

[0089] Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator system 500, which includes one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and a docking station 400. The incubator chambers 300 and the docking station 400 are configured such that the modular incubator chamber 300 can be docked in the docking port 402, and such that the image capture device 408 of the docking port can capture an image of the viable biological material contained within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402 and the viable biological material therein is being cultured.

[0090] The capture of the image is carried out through a transparent window 316 on the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300. Obviously, such a transparent window will also allow electromagnetic radiation or light to enter during periods when image capture is not being performed.

[0091] To eliminate or at least substantially reduce the entry of electromagnetic radiation or light into the interior 306 of the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, and to reduce the associated adverse effects on the viable biological material being cultured, the present invention provides a shutter mechanism 344, which is configured to be able to switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and vice versa, so as to block the entry of light during periods when image capture is not being performed.

[0092] Thus, when culturing viable biological materials, an environment can be obtained that more greatly simulates the environment of the female fallopian tube or uterus.

[0093] In the present invention, the term "modular incubator system" should be understood to mean a system that includes a docking station and one or more incubator chambers, where one or more incubator chambers are configured to be dockable in the corresponding docking ports of the docking station. The modular incubator system is used for hatching or cultivating viable biological materials.

[0094] An incubator system that includes 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.

[0095] 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; allowing monitoring of the viable biological material present in the incubator chamber, for example, by means of an image capture device located in the docking station.

[0096] It should be understood that within the meaning of the present application, the term "modular incubator system" is to 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.

[0097] In this way, 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 cultivation or incubation of viable biological materials can still be carried out and / or continued. Thus, manual operations can be performed, such as replacing or controlling the culture or growth medium, manually inspecting with a laboratory microscope, etc. These operations are preferably carried out in a fume hood that provides the required gas environment.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, to make these manual operations feasible, when a single culture chamber is removed from the docking port, the configuration of the culture chamber should be such that it can be supported on a planar 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 a flat surface.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, in the intended use direction for incubation, the maximum dimension of the culture chamber is in the horizontal direction.

[0100] In this way, the dimension of the culture chamber in the horizontal direction is greater than the dimension in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the incubator chamber is used for incubation at a location other than the docking port of the docking station, sufficient stability can be obtained.

[0101] 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 materials contained in the incubator chamber.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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 diagnostic methods practiced on the human or animal body.

[0104] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, and for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, 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 the image capture device 408 can capture an image through the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0105] This ensures that the image capture device 408 can capture an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window 316.

[0106] In an embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and / or for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the modular incubator system includes a shutter actuator 150, such as an electric shutter actuator, which is configured to apply a force to the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346 when provided with a signal (such as an electrical signal), so as to switch the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 of the incubator chamber 300 between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and vice versa.

[0107] Thereby, remote control of the shutter mechanism 344 can be achieved.

[0108] In an embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the shutter actuator 150 is disposed in the modular incubator chamber 300 of the modular incubator system; or for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the shutter actuator 150 is disposed in the docking port 402 of the modular incubator system.

[0109] Depending on the specific design of the modular incubator system 500 having the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking station 400, there may be advantages in disposing the shutter actuator 150 in the modular incubator chamber 300 or in the docking port 402 of the modular incubator system 500.

[0110] In an embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the shutter actuator 150 includes a second shutter mechanism engaging device 152, which is configured to apply a force to the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346 of the modular incubator chamber 300, so that when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the shutter mechanism 344 is switched between its open configuration and its closed configuration, and vice versa.

[0111] Thereby, a force can be applied to the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346, so as to achieve the switching of the shutter mechanism 344 between its open configuration and its closed configuration, and vice versa.

[0112] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is provided at the bottom 358 of the housing 302, and the shutter mechanism 344 is provided at the bottom 358 of the housing 302, wherein the shutter mechanism 344 is provided below or above the transparent window 316.

[0113] Since the image capture device 408 is preferably disposed at an upwardly focused position in one of the docking station docking ports 402, the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is suitably provided at the bottom 358 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0114] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the petri dish holder 308 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is provided above the transparent window 316.

[0115] This ensures that when the image capture device 408 focuses along the focusing direction corresponding to the transparent window 316, the image capture device 408 will focus on the area of the petri dish 410 placed on the petri dish holder 308.

[0116] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a plate-shaped shutter element 360, wherein the plate-shaped shutter element 360 is provided on the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 such that the plate-shaped element 360 can move between two positions in the displacement direction D with respect to the housing 302. In the first position 362, the shutter mechanism 344 is in its closed configuration; in the second position 364, the shutter mechanism 344 is in its open configuration.

[0117] In one embodiment, at the first position 362, the plate shutter element 360 is positioned relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 to cover the transparent window 316, thereby blocking light from entering the interior 306 of the housing from the outside of the modular incubator chamber housing 302 through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302; at the second position 364, the plate shutter element 360 is positioned relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 without covering the transparent window 316, thereby enabling light to enter the interior 306 of the housing 302 from the outside of the modular incubator chamber 300 housing 302 through the transparent window of the housing.

[0118] In one embodiment, the plate shutter element 360 has a through-opening 366. At its first position 362, the through-opening 366 of the plate shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is positioned offset from the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby blocking light from entering the interior 306 of the housing from the outside of the modular incubator chamber 300 housing 302 through the through-opening 366 of the plate shutter element 360 and the transparent window 316 of the housing 302; at the second position 364, the through-opening of the plate shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is aligned with the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby enabling light to enter the interior 306 of the housing from the outside of the modular incubator chamber 300 housing 302 through the through-opening 366 of the plate shutter element 360 and the transparent window 316 of the housing 302.

[0119] Providing a plate shutter element for the shutter mechanism 344 is a simple way to switch the shutter mechanism 344 between its open and closed configurations, and vice versa.

[0120] In another embodiment, the plate-shaped shutter element 360 has an edge 367. In its first position 362, the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is located on one side relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby blocking light from entering the interior 306 of the housing from the outside of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302; in the second position 364, the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is located on the other side relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby enabling light to enter the interior 306 of the housing 306 from the outside of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 and bypassing the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360.

[0121] In one embodiment, the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is disposed on the housing 302 so as to be movable in a direction D parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the housing 302.

[0122] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346 of the shutter mechanism 344 includes a shutter rod configured to, when acted upon by an external force, switch the shutter mechanism between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and vice versa.

[0123] In one embodiment, the shutter rod is connected to the plate-shaped shutter element 360.

[0124] In one embodiment, the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 of the shutter actuator 150 is configured to contact the shutter rod of the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346, thereby applying a force to the shutter mechanism 344 during the operation of switching the shutter mechanism 344 between its open configuration and its closed configuration.

[0125] Thus, by simply applying an external force to the shutter rod, the shutter mechanism 344 can be switched between its open and closed configurations.

[0126] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346 of the shutter mechanism 344 includes a first magnet 368 configured to be acted upon by a second magnet 450, thereby switching the shutter mechanism 344 between the open configuration and the closed configuration by the movement of the second magnet 450, and vice versa.

[0127] This enables the shutter mechanism 344 to be switched between its open and closed configurations by magnetic force and vice versa.

[0128] In an embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the modular incubator system, the docking port 402 includes the shutter actuator 150, wherein the second shutter mechanism engaging means 152 of the shutter actuator includes the second magnet 450, and when the second magnet 450 moves, it exerts a magnetic force on the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engaging means 346, so that the second magnet 450 is moved by the shutter actuator 150, causing the shutter mechanism 344 to be switched between the open configuration and the closed configuration and vice versa.

[0129] This embodiment enables the shutter mechanism 344 to be switched between its open and closed configurations by the second shutter mechanism engaging means 152 (which includes the second magnet 450) of the shutter actuator and vice versa.

[0130] In an embodiment, the first magnet 368 is connected to the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344.

[0131] In an alternative embodiment, the first magnet 368 is replaced by a piece of ferromagnetic material (such as iron or an iron alloy), or the second magnet 450 is replaced by a piece of ferromagnetic material (such as iron or an iron alloy).

[0132] Since iron and iron alloys are attracted by magnets, one magnet and a piece of ferromagnetic material can be used instead of two magnets.

[0133] In an embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 described in the first aspect of the present invention, the shutter actuator 150 is an electric actuator.

[0134] Using an electric actuator enables remote control of the shutter mechanism 344 in a simple and convenient manner.

[0135] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 described in the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port includes the shutter actuator 150. The shutter actuator includes a motor 451 with a threaded rotatable shaft 452. The shutter actuator 150 further includes a threaded displacement element 454. The thread of the shaft 452 meshes with the thread of the displacement element 454, and the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 is connected to the threaded displacement element 454 through a connecting element 456. Thus, by rotating the threaded rotatable shaft 452 of the motor 451 in one rotational direction or the opposite rotational direction, the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 can be moved between a first limit position 458 and a second limit position 460.

[0136] In this way, by rotating the rotatable shaft 452 in one of the two rotational directions, the opening and closing of the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 can be controlled.

[0137] In an alternative embodiment, the actuator 150 can be in the form of a solenoid valve or a piezoelectric element.

[0138] The control of the shutter actuator 150 by the motor 451 can be performed by a control unit 650 as described below.

[0139] In one embodiment, for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port 402 includes one or more guide rails 462. The second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 is connected to the one or more guide rails 462 and is configured to move along the guide rail or the guide rails when moving between its first limit position 458 and second limit position 460.

[0140] The guide rails 462 help to guide the displacement movement of the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152.

[0141] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the shutter actuator 150 is configured such that once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, when the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 moves from its first extreme position 458 to its second extreme position 460, the magnetic force between the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 causes the shutter mechanism 344 to enter an open configuration; when the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 moves from its second extreme position 460 to its first extreme position 458, the magnetic force between the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 causes the shutter mechanism to enter a closed configuration.

[0142] In one embodiment, for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, at least a portion of the one or more guide rails 462 has a substantially horizontal extension direction.

[0143] In one embodiment, for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the one or more guide rails 462 are inclined downward at a portion corresponding to the first extreme position 458 of the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152.

[0144] Thus, when the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 approaches the first extreme position 458, the magnetic force between the magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 gradually weakens. This will reduce the uncontrolled movement amplitude caused by the magnetic attraction between the two magnets when manually removing the modular incubator chamber 300 from its docking port 402 and the shutter mechanism is in the closed configuration.

[0145] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the transparent window 316 of the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber has an elongated shape, for example, having an elongated linear extension in the Y direction transverse to the longitudinal direction X of the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0146] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, in its open configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 defines an elongated opening 370 (e.g., in the plate-shaped shutter element 360), such as an elongated linearly extending opening, for introducing light into the interior 306 of the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber; when the shutter mechanism is in the open configuration, the elongated shape of the transparent window 316 of the outer shell 302 is aligned with the elongated linearly extending opening 370 provided by the shutter mechanism 344.

[0147] In this way, the image capture device 408 will be able to capture images of multiple rows of viable biological materials arranged in the culture dishes 310 inside the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0148] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular 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 dock in the docking port 402 with its first end 340 facing the docking port 402.

[0149] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the shutter mechanism 344 includes a spring 345 configured to keep the shutter mechanism 344 in its closed configuration when not subjected to the external force.

[0150] Thus, the spring 345 will default to move the shutter mechanism 344 into the closed configuration.

[0151] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the outer shell 302 and its lid 304 are made of a material opaque to visible light.

[0152] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the lid 304 of the outer shell 302 is configured such that once in the closed configuration, the lid blocks light from entering the interior of the outer shell through the contact surface between the lid 304 and the outer shell 302.

[0153] These embodiments further reduce the amount of electromagnetic radiation or light entering the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0154] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a light source 372 inside thereof at 306 for guiding light to the area of the petri 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.

[0155] This light source will improve the quality of the image captured by the image capture device 408 during the image capture process.

[0156] In one embodiment, the light source 372 is connected to the inner side of the lid 304 of the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0157] In this way, light can easily irradiate the viable biological material located at the lower part of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0158] 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.

[0159] It should be understood that since the present invention aims to minimize the excessive exposure of viable biological materials to electromagnetic radiation in the form of light during the culturing process, the light source 372 should be turned on only for a short period of time when the image capture unit 408 actually performs image capture.

[0160] In other embodiments, the light for illuminating the viable biological material cultured inside the modular incubator chamber 300 can be provided from outside the chamber 300 and transmitted through a transparent window in the chamber 300. In such an embodiment, an additional shutter mechanism can be provided to block the light from passing through the transparent window. The characteristics of such a shutter mechanism may be similar to the shutter mechanism disclosed in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0161] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the petri dish holder 308 defines a planar support surface for supporting the petri dish 310.

[0162] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), an electrical connector (322) for supplying power and / or electrical signals to the modular incubator chamber is provided on the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300), for example, on its exterior; and for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking ports are provided with electrical connectors (410), thereby allowing power and / or electrical signals to be provided between the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) and the modular incubator chamber (300) docked therein.

[0163] Thereby, power or electrical signals are transmitted between the docking port 402 and the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0164] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular 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.

[0165] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular 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 culture operation status carried out in the modular incubator chamber.

[0166] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image capture device (408) includes microscopic optical elements so as to be able to capture microscopic images.

[0167] Thereby, magnified images can be captured, which helps to better study the morphological characteristics of the biological materials being cultured.

[0168] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first 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 15 to 80, such as 20 to 75, for example 25 to 70, 30 to 65, for example 35 to 60, such as 40 to 55 or 45 to 50.

[0169] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of docking ports 402 in the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 is selected from the range of 1 to 100, such as 2 to 95, for example 5 to 90, such as 10 to 85, for example 15 to 80, such as 20 to 75, for example 25 to 70, 30 to 65, for example 35 to 60, such as 40 to 55 or 45 to 50.

[0170] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 are arranged in the form of shelves of one or more adjacent docking ports 402, wherein if the docking station includes two or more shelves, these shelves are arranged one above the other.

[0171] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber includes an incubator chamber engagement device 326, and for one or more of the 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 the easy and correct positioning of the modular incubator chamber 300 in the docking port 402, and optionally also to fix it therein, and to detach the modular incubator chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0172] Thus, it is facilitated to easily and correctly position the modular incubator chamber 300 in the docking port 402, and optionally also to fix it therein, and to detach the modular incubator chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0173] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the modular incubator system 500 includes an image processing unit 660 for processing the images captured by the image capture device 408, wherein the modular incubator system 500 may optionally further include a data memory 658 for storing the images captured by the image capture unit 408 and / or for storing the images processed by the image processing unit 660.

[0174] The image processing unit helps to process the captured images, such as adjusting the contrast, filtering, and generating a time-lapse image sequence.

[0175] In one embodiment, 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.

[0176] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first 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.

[0177] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for N adjacent docking ports 402 of 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 for displacing the common image capture device 408 relative to the N adjacent docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0178] In this way, one image capture device can be responsible for capturing images of biological materials contained in different modular incubator chambers docked at different docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0179] 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, such as 10 to 16 or 12 to 14.

[0180] Independently, one or more image capture devices 408, preferably all image capture devices 408 of the docking station 400, may include or be connected to a displacement device 482, such as an electrically driven and remotely controllable displacement device 482, for displacing the common image capture device 408 in a direction transverse 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 the culture dish 310 inside the modular incubator chamber 300, and these culture wells are arranged in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction X.

[0181] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber includes, within its interior 306, an electric heating element 318 for heating the interior of the modular incubator chamber, and the modular incubator chamber includes a power source 320 for powering the heating element 318, wherein the electric heating element 318 is electrically connected to the power source 320.

[0182] In one embodiment, the power source 320 is a power source such as a battery, for example a rechargeable battery.

[0183] In one embodiment, the heating element 318 is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing the heat dissipated by the heating element; wherein the heat distribution element is at least partially disposed within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0184] In one embodiment, the chamber includes a thermostat 374 and an electric thermostat circuit 376, wherein the electric heating element 318, the power source 320, and the thermostat 374 are electrically connected in the electric thermostat circuit 376 so as to enable thermostat control of the temperature within the interior of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0185] The above-described embodiment enables the maintenance of an ideal, predetermined, and optionally optimal temperature within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 in the case where the modular incubator chamber is removed from its associated docking port 402 for visual inspection of the biological material being cultured and for manual replenishment, removal, or replacement of the growth medium.

[0186] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, 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 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; for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port 402 includes a docking port gas outlet 404 and a docking port gas inlet 406; whereby gas can be transmitted from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 via the docking port gas outlet 404 and the gas chamber inlet 312; and gas can be transmitted from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 via the gas chamber outlet 314 and the docking port gas inlet 406.

[0187] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular 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 outer shell 302 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 gas chamber inlet 312 of the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port gas outlet 404 of the docking port 402 will form a fluid connection, enabling gas to be transferred from the docking port 402 to the modular incubator chamber 300; the position of the gas chamber outlet 314 of the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is adapted to the position 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, enabling gas to be transferred from the modular incubator chamber 300 to the docking port 402.

[0188] These embodiments ensure that gas with the desired composition can be transported from the gas source 202 through the gas distribution system 204, via the docking port gas outlet 404 and the gas chamber inlet 312, to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, and that the gas in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 can return to the gas source 202 through the gas chamber outlet 314 and the docking port gas inlet 406.

[0189] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking port gas outlet 404 of the docking port 402 includes a valve 4, and the gas chamber inlet 312 of the outer shell 302 includes a valve 2; the gas chamber outlet 314 includes a valve 2, and the docking port gas inlet 406 of the docking port 402 includes a valve 4.

[0190] This ensures that gas will only flow into the docking port 402 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is arranged in the docking port 402. In other words, gas will not flow into the docking port 402 unless the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked therein. Additionally, this embodiment ensures that once the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from the docking port, atmospheric air will not enter through the gas chamber inlet 312 and the gas chamber outlet 314 of the chamber 300.

[0191] Thus, once the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from its docking port 402, the gas environment inside 306 thereof will not be contaminated.

[0192] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, each of the valve 2 at the gas chamber inlet 312 and the valve 2 at the gas chamber outlet 314 includes a valve body 6 having a front end 10, a rear end 12, and a through-channel 14 therein, and a spring-loaded movable valve element 8, wherein the movable valve element 8 is disposed in the through-channel 14; wherein the movable valve element 8 is configured to be movable in the through-channel 14 of the valve body 6 such that when no external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 8 does not move in the through-channel 14 of the valve body 6, thereby causing the valve to reach a closed configuration to block gas from passing through the through-channel 14, and such that when an external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 8 moves in the through-channel 14 of the valve body 6, thereby causing the valve 2 to reach an open configuration to allow gas to pass through the through-channel 14; and

[0193] wherein, for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, each of the valve 4 at the docking port gas outlet 404 and the valve 4 at the docking port gas inlet 406 includes a valve body 16 having a front end 20, a rear end 22, and a through-channel 24 therein, and a spring-loaded movable valve element 18, wherein the movable valve element 18 is disposed in the through-channel 24; wherein the movable valve element 18 is configured to be movable in the through-channel 24 of the valve body 16 such that when no external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 18 does not move in the through-channel 24 of the valve body 16, thereby causing the valve to reach a closed configuration to block gas from passing through the through-channel 24, and such that when an external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 18 moves in the through-channel 24 of the valve body 16, thereby causing the valve 4 to reach an open configuration to allow gas to pass through the through-channel 24.

[0194] Thus, each of the two valves 2, 4 can be switched between an open configuration and a closed configuration by the displacement of the respective valve elements 8, 18 in the associated valve bodies 6, 16.

[0195] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, and for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the size and geometry of the valves 2, 4 are such that once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the movable valve elements 8 of the valve 2 and the movable valve elements 18 of the valve 4 will push against each other and into their respective valve bodies 6, 16, thereby opening the valves 2, 4 of the docking port gas outlet 404 and the gas chamber inlet 312; and thereby opening the valves 2, 4 of the gas chamber outlet 314 and the docking port gas inlet 406.

[0196] Thus, each of the two valves 2, 4 will open the other valve 4, 2 when their respective front ends 10, 20 come into contact with each other.

[0197] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the 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 into the docking port 402.

[0198] In one embodiment, the flow restrictor may include a tube for delivering gas to the docking port 402, wherein the cross-sectional area of the tube may be selectively 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 selectively 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.

[0199] Such a flow restrictor helps to balance the gas flow rate through the docking port 402 containing the modular incubator chamber 300 with the capacity of the gas supply system 200, and thus also helps to make the gas flow rates through different docking ports 402 consistent with each other.

[0200] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking station 400 includes a gas distribution system 204 for supplying gas to and 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 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.

[0201] In one embodiment, the gas distribution system 204 includes a plurality of manifold pairs 214, wherein each manifold pair includes an inlet manifold 216 and an outlet manifold 218, wherein the inlet manifold 216 is in fluid communication with the main gas supply line 210, and wherein 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 for the one or more docking ports 402 connected thereto, the docking port gas outlet 404 of the docking port 402 is in fluid communication with the inlet manifold 216, and the docking port gas inlet 406 of the docking port 402 is in fluid communication with the outlet manifold 218.

[0202] 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.

[0203] In these embodiments including the gas distribution system 204, gas can be supplied from the gas source 202 to the docking port 402 through the main gas supply line 210 and returned from the docking port to the gas source 202 through the main gas return line 212.

[0204] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 of the gas supply system 200 includes a gas mixing chamber 242, which is in fluid communication with 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 wherein 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 including the gas distribution system 204 and the gas mixing chamber 242; wherein the flow loop includes a pump 246.

[0205] Thereby, the gas can be circulated in the loop, and the gas can also be circulated through the gas distribution system 204 of the docking station 400.

[0206] The purpose of the gas source is to supply and transport gas with the required composition to the gas distribution system 204 (including each docking port 402 of the docking station 400) so as to supply the gas to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0207] In one implementation of this embodiment, the pump 246 is arranged at a downstream position relative to the main gas return line 212.

[0208] 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.

[0209] The pump oscillation damper will balance the small and rapid pressure changes caused by each pumping stroke of the pump.

[0210] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first 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 supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of 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.

[0211] The pressure sensor 248 allows the pump 246 to be regulated by feedback to maintain the desired pressure in the flow loop 244.

[0212] In one embodiment, the pressure sensor 248 is a differential pressure sensor that detects the pressure value relative to the pressure at the return gas inlet 208.

[0213] In one embodiment, the flow loop 244 includes a relief valve 249 for effecting pressure relief in the flow loop, where the relief valve is optionally disposed in a downstream position immediately adjacent to the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 402.

[0214] The pressure relief valve 249 helps to better control the pressure in the flow loop 344.

[0215] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first 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. Among them, 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 is provided downstream of the nitrogen valve 252 for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242; 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 is provided downstream of the carbon dioxide valve 254 for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0216] Thereby, the flow rates of nitrogen and carbon dioxide entering the gas mixing chamber 242 can be controlled so as to obtain a desired, predetermined and optimal gas composition in the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0217] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow loop 244 includes a mass flow sensor 256 which is arranged in an upstream position relative to the gas mixing chamber 242 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing chamber.

[0218] The information about 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.

[0219] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes an oxygen sensor 258 for detecting the oxygen concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system 204; the gas source 202 further includes a carbon dioxide sensor 260 for detecting the carbon dioxide concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system 204, where the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor are optionally arranged in a downstream position relative to the pump 246.

[0220] The information about the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations 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.

[0221] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop 244, wherein the temperature sensor is optionally arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump 246, preferably arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the oxygen sensor 258.

[0222] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes a pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop 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 position of the carbon dioxide sensor 260.

[0223] The temperature sensor 262 and the pressure sensor 264 help to compensate for the readings of the oxygen sensor 258 due to temperature sensitivity and the readings of the carbon dioxide sensor 260 due to pressure sensitivity.

[0224] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow loop 244 includes an ultraviolet sterilizer 266 for sterilizing the gas flowing in the flow loop 244 by electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range, wherein the ultraviolet sterilizer is optionally arranged at a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return line 212.

[0225] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes one or more filters 268, such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and / or volatile organic compound (VOCs) filters. Such filters are arranged adjacent to the main gas supply line 210 at an upstream position, and / or adjacent to the nitrogen gas inlet 250 of the incoming gas mixing chamber 242 at an upstream position; and / or adjacent to the carbon dioxide gas inlet 251 of the incoming gas mixing chamber 242 at an upstream position.

[0226] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 described in the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes a gas mixing control system 270, which is electrically connected to one or more of the following sensors to receive detection signals from them: a nitrogen mass flow sensor 253 for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing chamber; a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor 255 for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing chamber; a mass flow sensor 256 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing chamber; an oxygen sensor 258 for detecting the oxygen concentration flowing out of the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204; a carbon dioxide sensor 260 for detecting the carbon dioxide concentration flowing out of the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204; a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature circulating in the flow loop 244; a pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop 244; a pressure sensor 248 for detecting the gas pressure supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0227] This embodiment can obtain various parameter information, which is used to provide feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202.

[0228] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 described in the first 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: a nitrogen valve 252 for regulating the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242; a carbon dioxide valve 254 for regulating the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242; a pump 246 for circulating the gas in the flow loop 244; a release valve 249.

[0229] This embodiment can provide feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202.

[0230] In one embodiment, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive an input from the pressure sensor 248 and, based on this, control the pump 246 and optionally activate the release valve 249 in order to maintain the desired and predetermined pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0231] Thereby, the pressure in the flow loop 244 can be controlled.

[0232] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 described in the first 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 carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas that need to be supplied through the carbon dioxide gas inlet 251 and the nitrogen gas inlet 250 according to desired and predetermined criteria.

[0233] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive inputs from the carbon dioxide sensor 260 and the oxygen sensor 258, and based on the detected carbon dioxide concentration, control the carbon dioxide valve 254 by transmitting a control signal thereto, thereby adjusting the inflow rate of carbon dioxide gas to achieve a desired and predetermined carbon dioxide concentration. Subsequently, the gas mixing control system 270, based on the detected oxygen concentration, controls the nitrogen valve 252 by transmitting a control signal thereto, thereby adjusting the inflow rate of nitrogen gas to achieve a desired and predetermined oxygen concentration.

[0234] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to utilize the input from the temperature sensor 262 to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the oxygen sensor 258.

[0235] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to utilize the input from the pressure sensor 264 to compensate for the pressure sensitivity of the carbon dioxide sensor 260.

[0236] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to maintain the gas pressure supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 at 3 to 20 mbar higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure, such as 5 to 18 mbar, or 10 to 15 mbar.

[0237] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to keep the carbon dioxide 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 keep the oxygen concentration within the range of 5% to 10%, such as 6% to 9% or 7% to 8%.

[0238] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the modular incubator system 500 includes a control unit 650 for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system 500.

[0239] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is connected to an input device 652, such as an alphanumeric input device, for allowing a user to input setting information related to a desired operating protocol of the modular incubator system.

[0240] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is connected to the display unit 654 for displaying information related to the settings and / or operating status of the modular incubator system 300 to the user.

[0241] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the control unit 650 is configured to independently control one or more of the following aspects: controlling the temperature inside the modular incubator chamber 300 (306) by controlling the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374, or the temperature control circuit 376; powering the power supply 320; sending a signal to the display 324 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402; turning on or off the active light source 352 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402, or adjusting the light intensity emitted therefrom; controlling the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402; controlling the displacement device 482 for moving the image capture device 408; controlling the shutter actuator 150 (optionally via the motor 451); controlling the gas mixing control system 270; and controlling the image processing unit 660.

[0242] When controlling the modular incubator chamber 300 in this way, the control unit 650 provides electrical signals or power through the electrical connector 410 of the docking port 402 to which the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked, and the electrical connector 322 of the modular incubator chamber 300 itself.

[0243] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is connected to the data processing unit 656 and optionally also to the data memory 658 to assist in processing information during the control of the modular incubator system.

[0244] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is configured to implement the automatic operation of the modular incubator system 500, that is, by configuring the control unit 650 to independently control one or more of the following aspects: controlling the temperature inside the modular incubator chamber 300 (306) by controlling the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374, or the temperature control circuit 376; powering the power supply 320; sending a signal to the display 324 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402; turning on or off the active light source 352 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402, or adjusting the light intensity emitted therefrom; controlling the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402; controlling the displacement device 482 for moving the image capture device 408; controlling the shutter actuator 150 (optionally via the motor 451); controlling the gas mixing control system 270; and controlling the image processing unit 660.

[0245] The automatic operation is carried out according to predetermined control criteria and instructions.

[0246] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is configured to enable the image capture device 408 to perform time-lapse image capture.

[0247] In the above embodiment, the operation of the modular docking system 500 can be easily centrally controlled.

[0248] The second aspect of the present invention

[0249] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a modular incubator chamber 300, comprising:

[0250] 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;

[0251] 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 300 and a closed configuration blocking access to the interior passage of the chamber;

[0252] Wherein the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a petri dish holder 308 in its interior 306 for placing a petri dish 310 to accommodate one or more biological materials M within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300;

[0253] Wherein the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 so as to be able to capture an image of the biological material M accommodated therein through the transparent window;

[0254] Wherein the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a shutter mechanism 344, the shutter mechanism being configured to be switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa;

[0255] Wherein the shutter mechanism 344 includes a first shutter mechanism engagement device 346 for switching the shutter mechanism between its open configuration and its closed configuration when a force is applied and vice versa;

[0256] Wherein the shutter mechanism is arranged relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 such that in its open configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 allows light to enter the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window from the outside; in its closed configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 blocks light from entering the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window from the outside.

[0257] In one embodiment of the modular incubator chamber 300 according to the second aspect of the present invention, the 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.

[0258] The third aspect of the present invention

[0259] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a docking station 400 for docking one or more modular incubator chambers 300. The docking station includes one or more docking ports 402 for receiving the outer shell 302 of one or more incubator chambers 300. For one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station, these docking ports are equipped with image capture devices 408 that can be used to capture images of the interior 306 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402.

[0260] In one embodiment of the docking station 400 according to the third aspect of the present invention, the docking station 400 has the features defined by the docking station 400 in the modular incubator system (500) according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0261] The fourth aspect of the present invention

[0262] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides the use of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biological materials.

[0263] In one embodiment of the use according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0264] The fifth aspect of the present invention

[0265] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides the use of the modular incubator chamber 300 according to the second aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biological materials.

[0266] In one embodiment of the use according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0267] The sixth aspect of the present invention

[0268] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides the use of the docking station 400 according to the second aspect of the present invention in culturing viable biological materials.

[0269] In one embodiment of the use according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0270] The seventh aspect of the present invention

[0271] The seventh aspect of the present invention provides a method for culturing viable biomaterials, the method comprising the following steps:

[0272] i) Provide the modular incubator system 500 described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0273] ii) Provide viable biomaterials.

[0274] iii) Place the viable biomaterials in a culture dish 310, and then place the culture dish inside the modular incubator chamber 300 of the modular incubator station 400 at 306.

[0275] iv) Dock the modular incubator chamber 300 into the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the incubator system 500.

[0276] v) Cultivate the viable biomaterials in the modular incubator chamber 300, while ensuring that the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is in the closed state.

[0277] vi) When needed, switch the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to the open state so that the image capture device 408 can capture one or more images of the biomaterials in the culture dish 310.

[0278] vii) Optional step, after capturing the images of the biomaterials, switch the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 back to the closed state.

[0279] In one embodiment of the method according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0280] viii) When needed, remove the incubator chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 for manual inspection of the viable biomaterials, and it is also possible to optionally remove, add or replace the growth medium in the culture dish 310.

[0281] It should be noted that in the additional claims related to the second aspect of the present invention (i.e., the modular incubator chamber), it is mentioned that the features of the modular incubator chamber can be defined according to the claims related to the first aspect of the present invention (i.e., the modular incubator system).

[0282] This means that the embodiments of the modular incubator chamber itself can be the same as those defined by the claims of the modular incubator system embodiments.

[0283] This also means that, with respect to the mutual relationship between the modular incubator chamber and the docking station or its docking ports as defined in the relevant embodiments of the modular incubator system, 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.

[0284] Similarly, in the additional claims related to the third aspect of the present invention (i.e., the docking station), it is mentioned that the features of the docking station can be defined in accordance with the claims related to the first aspect of the present invention (i.e., the modular incubator system).

[0285] This means that the embodiments of the docking station itself can be the same as those defined by the claims of the modular incubator system embodiments.

[0286] This should also be understood to mean that, with respect to the mutual relationship between the modular incubator chamber and the docking station or its docking ports as defined in the relevant embodiments of the modular incubator system, 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.

[0287] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings for a better illustration of the present invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the general concept of a modular incubator system in which the incubator is designed to include a plurality of modular incubator chambers and a docking station with a plurality of docking ports.

[0288] Therefore, Figure 1 There is shown a modular incubator system 500 for culturing viable biomaterials. The modular incubator system 500 includes a docking station 400 and a plurality of modular incubator chambers 300. The docking station 400 includes a plurality of docking ports 402. Each docking port 402 is configured to receive and secure a modular incubator chamber 300. Each docking port 402 includes a docking port engaging device 414 which is configured to engage with a corresponding incubator chamber engaging device 326 provided below each modular incubator chamber 300.

[0289] From Figure 1 it can be seen that the docking station 400 of the incubator system 500 includes three mutually stacked shelves, each having six docking ports 402. Three of the docking ports 402 are already occupied by modular incubator chambers 300, and one modular incubator chamber is ready to be docked to one of the docking ports 402.

[0290] An incubator for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures is designed as an incubator system 500 that includes a plurality of modular incubator chambers 300 and docking stations 400, so that in a single device, a large number of cultures can be carried out in different culture environments, such as in different chemical environments related to gas environment, growth medium components, etc., and in different physical environments related to temperature, etc.

[0291] In this way, a relatively large number of parallel cultures can be carried out in each modular incubator chamber under similar conditions, while only changing one parameter between different modular incubator chambers. Thus, the developmental differences of viable biomaterials cultured in different modular incubator chambers can be attributed to the culture parameter that is changed from one modular chamber to another.

[0292] This helps to determine the optimal growth conditions for the embryos or oocytes being cultured.

[0293] Whenever it is necessary to replace or add growth medium to the biomaterial being cultured, or other manual operations are required for a specific modular incubator chamber, simply remove the chamber 300 from the corresponding docking port 402 of the docking station 400 and transfer it to the laboratory workbench, where these manual operations can be carried out.

[0294] However, most of the time, the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0295] One or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 are equipped with an image capture device 408. The image capture device 408 of the docking station 400 is used to monitor the morphological changes that occur during the culture process.

[0296] The image capture device 408 can be configured to automatically capture images of the biomaterials cultured in the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0297] In order for the image capture device set in the docking station 400 to capture images of the biomaterials contained inside the modular incubator chamber, obviously the modular incubator chamber must allow light to pass through its outer shell.

[0298] By providing a transparent window on the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber 300, light can pass through the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber, enabling the image capture device located outside the chamber 300 to capture images of the viable biomaterials contained inside the incubator chamber 300.

[0299] In recent years, it has been widely recognized that embryos and oocytes are extremely sensitive to various external influences during culture, and these influences are often harmful.

[0300] This harmful effect may be related to the physical shock received during physical movement. However, it has also been pointed out that light may also have a harmful effect on the culture quality of oocytes or embryos.

[0301] Therefore, for the above modular incubator system, it is inevitable that at least during the process of moving the modular incubator chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 to the workbench for manual operation, the biological material being cultured will be exposed to the light entering through the transparent window on the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber.

[0302] The present invention aims to solve this problem.

[0303] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention provides an improved modular incubator system.

[0304] The modular incubator system 500 for culturing viable biological materials according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and a docking station 400.

[0305] Reference will now be made to Figures 2a - 3b Figures 5a, 5b and 6b to describe in detail the modular incubator chamber 300 of the docking system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0306] Figure 2a is a bottom perspective view of the modular incubator chamber in the modular incubator system of the present invention. Figure 2b is Figure 2a a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the modular incubator chamber shown in Figure 2c is Figure 2a and Figure 2b a partially exploded top perspective view of the modular incubator chamber shown in

[0307] Figure 2a Figure 5a shows the modular incubator chamber 300, which includes a housing 302. The housing 302 has a first end 340 and a second end 342, and these two ends define a longitudinal direction X therebetween.

[0308] At the bottom 358 of the housing 302, the housing is provided with a transparent window 316.

[0309] The transparent window 316 enables an image of the biological material accommodated inside the housing 302 to be captured through the window.

[0310] The shutter mechanism 344 is arranged relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing such that in its open configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 allows light to enter the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber from the outside through the transparent window 316; while in its closed configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 blocks light from entering the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber from the outside through the transparent window 316.

[0311] Figure 2b A partially exploded perspective view shows that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a shutter mechanism 344.

[0312] The shutter mechanism 344 is configured to be able to switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and vice versa.

[0313] In Figure 2b the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing the shutter mechanism 344 with a plate-shaped shutter plate 360 and moving the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 in directions X, D, which will be further described below.

[0314] The switching of the shutter mechanism 344 between its open configuration and its closed configuration is achieved by applying a force to a first shutter mechanism engagement device 346, which will be further described below.

[0315] Figure 2c A perspective view shows that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a lid 304.

[0316] The lid is configured to be able to switch between an open configuration that allows access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber 300 and a closed configuration that blocks the passage into the interior of the modular incubator chamber.

[0317] The lid 304 is a hinged lid that is connected to the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber by a hinge.

[0318] From Figure 2c it can also be seen that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a display 324 for displaying information related to the culturing operations carried out in the incubator chamber 300.

[0319] Figure 3a Is Figure 2a 、 2b and a cross-sectional view of the modular incubator chamber shown in 2c.

[0320] Figure 3a Shows a modular incubator chamber with a lid 304 and a petri dish holder 308 arranged inside the interior 306 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0321] The petri dish holder 308 allows a petri dish 310 to be placed inside the modular incubator chamber 300 so as to accommodate one or more biological materials M within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0322] As previously described and with reference to Figure 1 , the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention includes one or more docking ports 402 for receiving the housing 302 of one or more incubator chambers 300.

[0323] For one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port includes an image capture device 408 that is used to capture an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402.

[0324] Now, in order to switch the shutter mechanism 344 between its closed configuration and open configuration, the modular incubator system is equipped with a shutter actuator that, when provided with an electrical signal, is configured to apply a force to a first shutter mechanism engagement device 346 so as to switch the shutter mechanism 344 of the incubator chamber 300 between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and vice versa.

[0325] In some embodiments, the shutter actuator is arranged within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0326] However, in the following, we will refer to embodiments in which the shutter actuator is provided within or at the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0327] Figure 3b is a further detailed cross-sectional view of the modular incubator chamber of the present invention.

[0328] Figure 3b Shows that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 through which an image of the biological material accommodated therein is captured. As shown, the window is provided at the bottom 358 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0329] The modular incubator chamber 300 further includes an electric heating element 318 within 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 connected to the inner side of the lid 304 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0330] From Figure 3bAs can be seen, the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a petri dish holder 308 for holding a petri dish 310. In this way, one or more biological materials can be accommodated and cultured within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0331] From Figure 3b It can also be seen that the incubator chamber engagement device 326 is adapted to engage with the docking port engagement device 414 of the docking port 402 to which the modular incubator chamber 300 is to be docked.

[0332] When the correct positioning of the modular incubator chamber 300 in the docking port 402 is achieved through the chamber engagement device 326 of the incubator 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 will correspond and match one by one, thereby achieving electrical connection between the connectors 410 and 322.

[0333] Now let's return to Figure 2a 、 2b 、2c, 3a and 3b in order to further reveal the characteristics of the shutter mechanism itself.

[0334] Figure 2a 、 2b Figures, 2c show that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 in the form of an elongated linear opening that extends in the Y direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the housing of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0335] The shutter mechanism 344 includes a plate-like shutter element 360 that is movable along the longitudinal displacement direction D, X.

[0336] It can be seen that the plate-like shutter element 360 includes an elongated opening 370 that is aligned with the elongated shape of the transparent window 316 of the housing 302.

[0337] Designing the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 and the elongated opening 370 of the plate-like shutter element 360 to be of an elongated shape enables capturing images of multiple rows of viable biological materials arranged in a petri dish placed within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0338] As an alternative to providing the elongated opening 370 in the plate-like shutter element 360, during the switching between the open and closed configurations of the shutter mechanism 344, the edge of the plate-like shutter element can pass by the transparent window 316 of the housing 302. This will be further described in the following sections.

[0339] From Figure 2bAs can be seen, the plate-shaped shutter element 360 has an edge 367. In another embodiment different from the above-described disclosed embodiment (not shown in the figure), at its first position 362, the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is located on one side relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby blocking light from entering the interior 306 of the housing from the outside of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302; at its second position 364, the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is located on the other side relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby enabling light to enter the interior 306 of the housing 306 from the outside of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 and bypassing the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360.

[0340] Therefore, in such an embodiment, the switching of the shutter mechanism only requires moving the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 between two positions, one position being on one side of the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 and the other position being on the other side of the transparent window 316 of the housing 302.

[0341] The first shutter mechanism engaging device 346 is used to switch the shutter mechanism between its open configuration and closed configuration (and vice versa) when a force is applied, and it includes a first magnet 368 which is connected to the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344.

[0342] The first magnet 368 is configured to be affected by the second magnet 450, so as to switch the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 between the open configuration and the closed configuration by the movement of the second magnet 450, and vice versa.

[0343] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the second magnet 450 is disposed in the docking port 402 of the docking station, as described below.

[0344] Figure 4a and 4b is a detailed cross-sectional view of the docking port of the docking system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0345] Figure 4a A single docking port 402 is shown in cross-section. The docking port 402 includes a docking port engaging device 414 for engaging with the corresponding engaging device 326 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0346] The docking port 402 includes an image capture device 408 for capturing an image of the biological material contained within its interior 306 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402.

[0347] Capturing the image requires the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to be in the open configuration.

[0348] To this end, the docking port 402 includes a shutter actuator 150.

[0349] The shutter actuator 150 includes a second shutter mechanism engagement device 152 that applies a force to the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement device 346 in the form of a second magnet 450.

[0350] Accordingly, the second shutter mechanism engagement device 152 includes a second magnet 450 that is configured to apply a magnetic force to the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement device 346 when the second magnet 450 moves, thereby causing the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 to switch between its closed configuration and open configuration, and vice versa.

[0351] The second magnet 450 is connected to the shutter actuator 150.

[0352] Figure 4a It is shown that the shutter actuator 150 includes an electric motor 451. The electric motor includes a threaded rotatable shaft 452. The shutter actuator 150 further includes a threaded displacement element 454. The thread of the shaft 452 meshes with the thread of the displacement element 454.

[0353] From Figure 4a it can be seen that the threaded displacement element 454 is connected to the second magnet 450 by a connecting element 456.

[0354] Such a design enables the second shutter mechanism engagement device 152 in the form of the second magnet 450 to move between a first limit position 458 and a second limit position 460 by rotating the threaded rotatable shaft 452 of the electric motor 451 in one rotational direction or the opposite rotational direction.

[0355] In Figure 4a the second magnet 450 is located near the second limit position 460.

[0356] Figure 4a It is also shown that the docking port 402 includes a guide rail 462 to which the second shutter mechanism engagement device 152 (and the second magnet 450) is slidably connected and is thus configured to move along the guide rail when moving between its first limit position 458 and second limit position 460.

[0357] Figure 4b ShowsFigure 4a the docking port 402 therein, but with the second magnet 450 in its first extreme position 458 at this time.

[0358] As will be further explained below, once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, the movement of the second magnet 450 between its first extreme position 458 and its second extreme position 460 will cause the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to switch between its open configuration and its closed configuration.

[0359] Figure 5a In a bottom plan view ( Figure 5a top view of Figure 5a ), a cross-sectional view ( Figure 5a middle view of

[0360] Figure 5b ), and a close-up cross-sectional view ( Figure 5b bottom view of Figure 5b ), the shutter mechanism of the modular incubator chamber is shown in the closed configuration. Figure 5b In a bottom plan view (

[0361] Figure 5a top view of

[0362] In Figure 5a ), the plate-shaped shutter element 360 is in its first position 362, in which the plate-shaped element 360 is moved to the right and thus in the closed configuration.

[0363] The plate-shaped shutter element 360 includes a first shutter mechanism engagement device 346 in the form of a first magnet 368. When a magnetic force is applied to the first magnet 368, the plate-shaped element 360 can be moved to the left, thereby positioning the plate-shaped element 360 in its second position 364 and thus in the open configuration.

[0364] The spring 345 ensures that when not subjected to an external (magnetic) force, the plate-shaped element 360 will remain in its first position, at which time the shutter 344 is in the closed configuration, thereby blocking image capture and preventing light from passing through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0365] This is shown in Figure 5ais further shown in the middle and bottom figures.

[0366] As can be seen in these figures, the through-opening 366 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 is offset from the transparent window 316 on the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300. Accordingly, the transmission of light from outside the outer shell 302 into the interior 306 of the outer shell 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is blocked.

[0367] Figure 5b shows a view similar to Figure 5a but this time the shutter mechanism 344 is in the open configuration. This configuration is achieved by moving the plate-shaped shutter element 360 to the left to its second position 364 (compare Figure 5a and Figure 5b ).

[0368] It should be noted that in addition to the first mechanism engaging device 346 of the shutter mechanism 344 acting on the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 through the first magnet 368 and the second magnet 450 to switch the shutter mechanism 344 between its open and closed configurations, the first mechanism engaging device 346 of the shutter mechanism 344 can also be in the form of a shutter lever, and the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 can physically contact the shutter lever to thereby switch the shutter mechanism 344 between its open and closed configurations.

[0369] Now returning to Figure 4a and Figure 4b , it is readily understood that once Figure 5a and Figure 5b the modular incubator chamber 300 shown is docked in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, activation of the shutter actuator 150, i.e., rotation of the shaft 452 of the electric motor 451, and the resulting movement of the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 in the form of the second magnet 450 will be able to attract Figure 5a and Figure 5b the first magnet 368 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 shown, thereby moving the plate-shaped shutter element 360 between its first position 362 and second position 364, and thus switching the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 between its closed configuration and open configuration, and vice versa.

[0370] In other words, once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, when the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 (second magnet 450) moves from its first extreme position 458 to its second extreme position 460, the magnetic force between the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 causes the shutter mechanism 344 to enter the open configuration; when the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 moves from its second extreme position 460 to its first extreme position 458, the magnetic force between the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 causes the shutter mechanism to enter the closed configuration.

[0371] Figure 4a and Figure 4b shows that a portion of the guide rail 462 has a substantially horizontal extension direction, and the guide rail 462 slopes downward at a portion corresponding to the first extreme position 458 of the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 (second magnet 450).

[0372] This downward slope direction of the guide rail 462 ensures that in the case where the shutter mechanism is in the closed configuration, the magnetic force between the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engaging device 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engaging device 152 is weakened. Thereby, the modular incubator chamber 300 can be more smoothly docked into or removed from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, and this smooth docking and removal operation will minimize the physical impact on viable biological materials caused by sudden movements that are difficult to completely manually counteract due to strong magnetic attraction.

[0373] Therefore, with the modular incubator system 500 of the present invention, viable biological materials can be cultured in one or more modular incubators 300 docked in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, and at the same time, the biological materials can be visually monitored by the image capture device 408. In addition, the shutter mechanism 344 can be activated to block light from entering the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, except for the short moment when image capture is performed, because in this case, the shutter mechanism 344 will be adjusted to the open configuration so as to be able to capture images through the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0374] Therefore, the present invention allows biological materials to be cultured in the modular incubator chamber 300 while allowing visual monitoring of the morphological development of the biological materials, and at the same time minimizes the harmful effects brought about by overexposing the biological materials to light.

[0375] It should be noted that for the N adjacent docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, these adjacent docking ports 402 can 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.

[0376] In this case, the displacement device 482 in the form of an electric suspension device as the image capture device 408 is configured to move along the displacement track located below the N adjacent docking ports 402 when receiving a signal, so that the common image capture device 408 can be displaced relative to the 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 material inside the modular incubator chamber 300 within the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in any one of the N docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0377] Figure 6a is a front view of the docking port of the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention, Figure 6b is a perspective view of the modular incubator chamber seen from one end entering the docking port of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0378] Figure 6a It shows that the docking port 402 includes electrical connectors 410, and these electrical connectors are configured to be connected to Figure 6b the corresponding electrical connectors 322 of the modular incubator chamber 300 shown in

[0379] Figure 6a It also shows that the docking port includes a docking port gas outlet 404 with a docking port valve 4 and a docking port gas inlet 406 with a docking port valve 4. Similarly, Figure 6b it shows that the modular incubator chamber includes a modular incubator chamber gas inlet 312 with a modular incubator chamber valve 2 and a modular incubator chamber gas outlet 314 with a modular incubator chamber valve 2.

[0380] From Figure 6a and Figure 6b it can be seen that the docking port 402 includes a docking port engagement device 414, and the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a corresponding incubator chamber engagement device 326.

[0381] When the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, the incubator chamber engagement device 326 will engage with the docking port engagement device 414 to facilitate the easy and correct positioning of the modular incubator chamber 300 in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0382] When the modular incubator chamber 300 is correctly positioned in the docking port 402, the relative positions of the two electrical connectors 410 and 322, as well as the two gas inlets 312 and 406 each with a valve 2, 4 respectively, and the two gas outlets 314 and 404 each with a valve 2, 4 respectively, will be correspondingly matched, thus enabling the electrical connection between the electrical connectors 410 and 322. Similarly, the gas openings 312, 314, 404, and 406 will be pairwise matched, allowing gas to 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 allowing gas to be discharged from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the modular incubator chamber gas outlet 314 and the docking port gas inlet 406.

[0383] Therefore, the modular docking system 500 of the present invention can continuously supply gas from the gas source 202 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber.

[0384] This will be further described with reference to Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 for further illustration.

[0385] However, first, let's describe in more detail the valve system used with the modular incubator system of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0386] Figure 7a and 7b show the operating modes of the valve system used with the modular incubator chamber of the docking system of the present invention and the associated docking ports of the docking station.

[0387] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram showing the valve system 100 for the modular incubator system of the present invention, where the two valves 2, 4 of the valve system 100 are not engaged with each other and are in the closed configuration.

[0388] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram showing Figure 7a the valve system 100 in, at this time, the two valves 2, 4 of the valve system 100 are engaged with each other and are in the open configuration.

[0389] Valve 2 includes a valve body 6, which has a front end 10 and a rear end 12. A through-channel 14 is provided inside the valve body 6, and a valve element 8 is disposed in the through-channel 14. The valve element 6 is biased by a spring 26.

[0390] The movable valve element 8 is configured to move within the through-channel 14 of the valve body 6 under the action of the spring 26. When no external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 8 moves towards the front end 10 of the valve body 6 under the action of the spring 26, thereby bringing the valve 2 into a closed configuration and blocking the passage of gas through the through-channel 14.

[0391] This situation is shown in Figure 7a as follows.

[0392] Similarly, when an external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 8 moves within the through-channel 14 of the valve body 6 towards the rear end 12 of the valve body 6, thereby bringing the valve 2 into an open configuration and allowing gas to pass through the through-channel 14.

[0393] This situation is shown in Figure 7b as follows.

[0394] Regarding the valve 4, Figure 7a it is shown that the valve 4 includes a valve body 16 having a front end 20 and a rear end 22. A through-channel 24 is provided within the valve body 16, and a valve element 18 is disposed within the through-channel 24. The valve element 18 is biased by a spring 28.

[0395] The movable valve element 18 is configured to move within the through-channel 24 of the valve body 16 under the action of the spring 28. When no external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 18 moves towards the front end 20 of the valve body 16 under the action of the spring 28, thereby bringing the valve 4 into a closed configuration and blocking the passage of gas through the through-channel 24.

[0396] This situation is shown in Figure 7a as follows.

[0397] Similarly, when an external force is applied, the spring-loaded movable valve element 18 moves within the through-channel 24 of the valve body 16 towards the rear end 22 of the valve body 16, thereby bringing the valve 4 into an open configuration and allowing gas to pass through the through-channel 24.

[0398] This situation is shown in Figure 7b as follows.

[0399] The sizes and geometries of the valve 2 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the valve 4 of the docking station docking port 402 are designed such that once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the movable valve element 8 of the valve 2 and the movable valve element 18 of the valve 4 will push against each other and move into their respective valve bodies 6, 16, thereby opening the valves 2, 4 of the docking port gas outlet 404 and the gas chamber inlet 312, and also opening the valves 2, 4 of the gas chamber outlet 314 and the docking port gas inlet 406.

[0400] Thus, by using such valves 2, 4 on the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port 402 of the docking station, once the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402, the valve 2 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the valve 4 of the docking port 402 will automatically open, enabling gas to pass through its interior 306 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked in the docking port 402; and when the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from the docking port, the gas supply between the docking port 402 and the modular incubator chamber 300 will also be cut off.

[0401] It should be noted that although this specification and the appended claims describe the modular incubator system 300 and the docking port 402 with the valve 2 being provided in the modular incubator system 300 and the valve 4 being provided in the docking port 402, the reverse arrangement of the valves 2, 4 is also feasible.

[0402] The above section described the general principle of the modular incubator system 500, which includes a docking station 400 having a plurality of docking ports 402 for docking and accommodating the modular incubator chamber 300. In the following sections, the gas supply characteristics of the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 will be highlighted.

[0403] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the concept of a gas supply system that can be incorporated into the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0404] Figure 8 Shows a gas supply system 200 for 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.

[0405] The gas distribution system 204 includes a plurality of docking ports 402, each of which has a docking port gas outlet 404 and a docking port gas inlet 406.

[0406] 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.

[0407] The main gas supply line 210 conveys gas from the supply gas outlet 206 of the gas source 202 to the intake manifold 216, and the main gas return line 212 returns gas from the exhaust manifold 218 to the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202.

[0408] Thus, gas can circulate from the gas source 202 through the gas distribution system 204 to the docking ports 402 and then back to the gas source 202.

[0409] To ensure that the gas supplied to the docking station has the required, predetermined, and optimal composition, the gas source has specific characteristics as Figure 9 shown.

[0410] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the design of a gas supply system including a gas source for use with the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0411] In Figure 9 , solid lines represent gas flow lines, and dashed lines represent signal lines for transmitting electrical signals or power.

[0412] Figure 9 shows a gas distribution system 204, which includes a main gas supply line 210 and a main gas return line 212 (shown in the rectangle in the upper left corner).

[0413] As described below, the main gas supply line 210 and the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 are in fluid communication with the gas source 202.

[0414] 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.

[0415] 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.

[0416] Thereby, 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 gas in the loop.

[0417] It can be seen that the pump 246 is arranged in a downstream position relative to the main gas return line 212. It can also be seen from Figure 9 that the flow loop 244 includes a pump oscillation damper 247, which is arranged immediately downstream of the pump 246.

[0418] 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 line 210 (relative to the pressure in the return gas inlet line 208 of the gas distribution system 204). The pressure sensor 248 is arranged in an upstream position immediately adjacent to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0419] The flow loop 244 further includes a relief valve 249 for effecting pressure relief in the flow loop. The relief valve is arranged at a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 402.

[0420] It can also be seen from Figure 9 that the gas mixing chamber 242 includes a nitrogen (N2) gas inlet 250 and a carbon dioxide (CO2) gas inlet 251.

[0421] The nitrogen gas inlet 250 is in fluid communication with a nitrogen valve 252 for regulating the inflow of nitrogen. Downstream of the nitrogen valve 252, a nitrogen mass flow sensor 253 is provided for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0422] The carbon dioxide gas inlet 251 is in fluid communication with a carbon dioxide valve 254 for regulating the inflow of carbon dioxide. Downstream of the carbon dioxide valve 254, a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor 255 is provided for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0423] The flow loop 244 further includes a mass flow sensor 256 arranged at an upstream position relative to the gas mixing chamber 242 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing chamber.

[0424] It can be seen that the gas source 202 includes an oxygen sensor 258 for detecting the oxygen concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system 204; the gas source 202 further includes a carbon dioxide sensor 260 for detecting the carbon dioxide concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system 204.

[0425] The oxygen sensor and the carbon dioxide sensor are arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump 246.

[0426] The gas source 202 includes a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop 244. The temperature sensor is arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump 246 and corresponds to the position of the oxygen sensor 258.

[0427] The gas source 202 includes a pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop 244. The pressure sensor is arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump 246 and corresponds to the position of the carbon dioxide sensor 260.

[0428] It can also be seen from Figure 9 that the flow loop 244 includes an ultraviolet sterilizer 266 for disinfecting the gas flowing in the flow loop 244 by electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. The ultraviolet sterilizer is arranged at a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return line 212.

[0429] It can also be seen from Figure 9As can be seen, the gas source 202 includes a filter 268 in the form of a high efficiency particulate air / volatile organic compounds (HEPA / VOCs) filter. 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 nitrogen gas inlet 250 leading into the gas mixing tank 242; a third such filter is arranged in an upstream position adjacent to the carbon dioxide gas inlet 251 leading into the gas mixing tank 242.

[0430] Finally, from Figure 9 As can be seen, the gas source 202 includes a gas mixing control system 270.

[0431] As can be seen, the gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following sensors to receive sensing signals therefrom: a nitrogen mass flow sensor 253 for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing tank; a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor 255 for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing tank; a mass flow sensor 256 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing tank; an oxygen sensor 258 for detecting the oxygen concentration flowing out of the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204; a carbon dioxide sensor 260 for detecting the carbon dioxide concentration flowing out of the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204; a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature circulating in the flow loop 244; a pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop 244; a pressure sensor 248 for detecting the gas pressure of the main gas supply line 210 supplied to the gas distribution system 204.

[0432] From Figure 9 As can also be seen, the gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following components to control them: a nitrogen valve 252 for regulating the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing tank 242; a carbon dioxide valve 254 for regulating the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing tank 242; a pump 246 for circulating the gas in the flow loop 244; a relief valve 249.

[0433] The gas mixing control system 270 controls the gas source 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 concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen 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.

[0434] 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 a desired and predetermined pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0435] 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 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.

[0436] Based on information related to the total amounts of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas to be supplied as described above, the gas mixing control system 270 will be able to determine the mutual ratio of the carbon dioxide gas and the nitrogen gas to be supplied to the gas mixing chamber 242.

[0437] This is achieved by receiving inputs from the carbon dioxide sensor 260 and the oxygen sensor 258.

[0438] Based on the detected carbon dioxide concentration, the gas mixing control system 270 will control the carbon dioxide valve 254 by sending a control signal thereto, thereby regulating the inflow of carbon dioxide gas to achieve a desired and predetermined carbon dioxide concentration.

[0439] Subsequently, the gas mixing control system 270 will, based on the detected oxygen concentration, control the nitrogen valve 252 by sending a control signal thereto, thereby regulating the inflow of nitrogen gas to achieve a desired and predetermined oxygen concentration.

[0440] By using the gas sources as described above, a continuously circulating gas will be supplied to one or more modular incubator chambers 300 docked in the corresponding docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. By continuously regulating the inflows of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas based on the detected carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations in the gas returned from the gas distribution system 204, an optimal and predetermined gas composition can be maintained.

[0441] Due to the design of the gas distribution system 204, the gas composition flowing through each modular incubator chamber 300 can be kept constant.

[0442] It should be noted that when referring to an upstream position relative to another position, this upstream position should be understood as a position still within the gas source 202 and preferably not too far upstream such that it passes through the gas mixing chamber 242 or the gas distribution system 204.

[0443] 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 far downstream such that it passes the gas mixing chamber 242 or the gas distribution system 204.

[0444] The modular incubator system 500 may include a control unit for controlling it. This will be further described with reference to Figure 10 Further illustration.

[0445] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the control working mode of the modular incubator system according to the present invention.

[0446] Figure 10 The control unit 650 for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system 500 is shown. The control unit is connected to an input device 652 in the form of an alphanumeric input device so that a user can input setting information related to the desired operation protocol of the modular incubator system.

[0447] A display unit 654 for displaying information related to the settings and / or operating status of one or more modular incubator chambers 300 to the user is connected to the control unit 654.

[0448] It can be seen that the control unit 650 is connected to several electrical connectors 410 of the docking port 402 of the docking station 400. Thereby, power and electrical signals can be provided to one or more modular incubator chambers 300 docked in the docking port 402 of the modular incubator system 500.

[0449] By being connected 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 following entities or parameters can be controlled using the control unit 650: controlling the temperature inside the modular incubator chamber 300 (306) by controlling the electrical heating element 318, the thermostat (374 or the thermostat circuit 376); powering the power supply 320; sending a signal to the display 324 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402; turning on and off the active light source 352 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402, or adjusting the light intensity emitted by it; the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402; the displacement device 482 for moving the image capture device 408; the shutter actuator 150 (optionally via the motor 451); the gas mixing control system 270; and the image processing unit 660.

[0450] 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 control operation by running a computer program, and the control unit 650 may further include a data memory 658.

[0451] Thus, the modular incubator system 500 can achieve automatic operation, that is, the control unit 650 can independently and automatically control one or more of the following aspects according to a predetermined standard: controlling the temperature inside the modular incubator chamber 300 by controlling the electric heating element 318 and the thermostat (374 or the thermostat circuit 376); supplying power to the power supply 320; sending a signal to the display 324 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402; turning on and off the active light source 352 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402, or adjusting the light intensity emitted by it; the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402; the displacement device 482 for moving the image capture device 408; the shutter actuator 150 (optionally through the motor 451); the gas mixing control system 270; and the image processing unit 660.

[0452] It should be understood that all features and results discussed above and in the appended claims related to one aspect of the present invention and its embodiments are equally applicable to other aspects of the present invention and their embodiments.

[0453] List of reference numerals

[0454] 2 Valve

[0455] 4 Valve

[0456] 6 The first valve body of the first valve

[0457] 8 The first valve element of the first valve

[0458] 10 The front end of the first valve body

[0459] 12 The rear end of the first valve body

[0460] 14 The first through-channel of the first valve

[0461] 16 The second valve body of the second valve

[0462] 18 The second valve element of the second valve

[0463] 20 The front end of the second valve

[0464] 22 The rear end of the second valve

[0465] 24 The second through-channel of the second valve

[0466] 26 First spring of the first valve

[0467] 28 Second spring of the second valve

[0468] 150 Shutter actuator

[0469] 152 Second shutter mechanism engaging device

[0470] 200 Gas supply system

[0471] 202 Gas source of the gas supply system

[0472] 204 Gas distribution system of the gas supply system

[0473] 206 Supply gas outlet of the gas source

[0474] 208 Return gas inlet of the gas source

[0475] 210 Main gas supply pipeline of the gas distribution system

[0476] 212 Main gas return pipeline of the gas distribution system

[0477] 214 Manifold pair

[0478] 216 Intake manifold of the manifold pair

[0479] 218 Outlet manifold of the manifold pair

[0480] 228 A set of docking ports

[0481] 242 Gas mixing chamber

[0482] 244 Flow circuit of the gas supply system

[0483] 246 Pump of the gas source

[0484] 247 Pump oscillation damper

[0485] 248 Pressure sensor for detecting the gas pressure supplied to the main gas supply pipeline

[0486] 249 Release valve

[0487] 250 Nitrogen (N2) gas inlet

[0488] 251 Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas inlet

[0489] 252 Nitrogen valve

[0490] 253 Nitrogen mass flow sensor

[0491] 254 Carbon dioxide valve

[0492] 255 Carbon dioxide mass flow sensor

[0493] 256 Mass flow sensor for detecting the amount of return gas flowing into the gas mixing chamber

[0494] 258 Oxygen sensor

[0495] 260 Carbon dioxide sensor

[0496] 262 Temperature sensor

[0497] 264 Pressure sensor

[0498] 266 Ultraviolet sterilizer

[0499] 268 Filter

[0500] 270 Gas mixing control system

[0501] 300 Modular incubator chamber

[0502] 302 Outer shell of the modular incubator chamber

[0503] 304 Lid of the modular incubator chamber

[0504] 306 Inside of the modular incubator chamber

[0505] 308 Petri dish holder

[0506] 310 Petri dish

[0507] 312 Gas inlet of the modular incubator chamber

[0508] 314 Gas outlet of the modular incubator chamber

[0509] 316 Transparent window of the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber

[0510] 318 Electric heating element

[0511] 320 Power supply

[0512] 322 Electrical connector of the modular incubator chamber

[0513] 324 Display of the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber

[0514] 326 Incubator chamber engagement device of the modular incubator chamber

[0515] 340 First end of the modular incubator chamber

[0516] 342 Second end of the modular incubator chamber

[0517] 344 Shutter mechanism

[0518] Spring of the 345 shutter mechanism

[0519] 346 First shutter mechanism engaging device

[0520] Bottom of the 358 modular incubator chamber

[0521] 360 Plate - shaped shutter element of the shutter mechanism

[0522] 362 First position of the plate - shaped shutter element

[0523] 364 Second position of the plate - shaped shutter element

[0524] 366 Through - opening in the plate - shaped shutter element

[0525] 367 Edge of the plate - shaped shutter element

[0526] 368 First magnet of the first shutter mechanism engaging device

[0527] 370 Elongated opening in the shutter mechanism arrangement

[0528] 372 Light source

[0529] 374 Thermostat

[0530] 376 Temperature - control circuit

[0531] 400 Docking station

[0532] 402 Docking port of the docking station

[0533] 404 Docking port gas outlet

[0534] 406 Docking port gas inlet

[0535] 408 Image - capture device of the docking station docking port

[0536] 410 Electrical connector of the docking port

[0537] 414 Docking port engaging device of the docking station docking port

[0538] 450 Second magnet of the second shutter mechanism engaging device

[0539] 451 Electric motor

[0540] 452 Threaded rotatable shaft of the shutter actuator

[0541] 454 Threaded displacement element

[0542] 456 Connecting element

[0543] The first limit position of the second shutter mechanism engaging device

[0544] The second limit position of the second shutter mechanism engaging device

[0545] The guide rail of the docking port

[0546] The displacement device for moving the image capture device

[0547] 500 Modular incubator system

[0548] 650 Control unit

[0549] 652 Input device

[0550] 654 Display unit

[0551] 656 Data processing unit

[0552] 658 Data memory

[0553] 660 Image processing unit

[0554] The displacement direction of the D plate-shaped shutter element

[0555] X The longitudinal direction of the modular incubator chamber

[0556] Y The transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X

Claims

1. A modular incubator system (500) for culturing viable biological material 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 to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; wherein the modular incubator chamber (300) includes, inside thereof (306), a culture dish holder (308) for placing a culture 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 (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a transparent window (316) for capturing an image of the biological material M accommodated inside thereof through the transparent window; wherein the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a shutter mechanism (344) configured to be switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa; wherein the shutter mechanism (344) includes a first shutter mechanism engaging device (346) for causing the shutter mechanism to switch between its open configuration and its closed configuration and vice versa when a force is applied thereto; wherein the shutter mechanism (344) is arranged relative to the transparent window (316) of the housing such that, in its open configuration, the shutter mechanism (344) allows light to enter the interior of the modular incubator chamber from the outside through the transparent window (316); while in its closed configuration, the shutter mechanism (344) blocks light from entering the interior of the modular incubator chamber from the outside through the transparent window (316); wherein the docking station (400) includes one or more docking ports (402) for receiving the housing (302) of one or more of the one or more incubator chambers (300); wherein, for one or more of the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), the docking port includes an image capture device (408) for capturing an image of the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

2. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1, 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).

3. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, For one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300) and / or for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the modular incubator system includes a shutter actuator (150), such as an electric shutter actuator, which when provided with a signal (such as an electrical signal) is configured to apply a force to the first shutter mechanism engaging means (346) to cause the configuration of the shutter mechanism (344) of the incubator chamber (300) to switch between the open configuration and the closed configuration and vice versa.

4. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 3, wherein, For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the shutter actuator (150) is provided within the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system; or wherein, for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the shutter actuator (150) is provided within the docking port (402) of the modular incubator system.

5. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 4, wherein, For one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the shutter actuator (150) includes a second shutter mechanism engaging means (152) which when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) is configured to apply a force to the first shutter mechanism engaging means (346) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to cause the shutter mechanism (344) to switch between its open configuration and its closed configuration and vice versa.

6. 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 transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided at the bottom (358) of the housing (302) and wherein the shutter mechanism (344) is provided at the bottom (358) of the housing (302), wherein the shutter mechanism (344) is provided below or above the transparent window (316).

7. 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 petri dish holder (308) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided above the transparent window (316).

8. 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 shutter mechanism (344) of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a plate-like shutter element (360), wherein the plate-like shutter element (360) is disposed on the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) such that the plate-like element (360) is movable relative to the housing (302) between two positions in a displacement direction D, wherein in a first position (362), the shutter mechanism (344) is in its closed configuration; and wherein in a second position (364), the shutter mechanism (344) is in its open configuration.

9. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 8, wherein in the first position (362), the plate-like shutter element (360) is positioned relative to the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) to cover the transparent window (316), thereby blocking light from passing through the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) from outside the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber into the interior (306) of the housing; and wherein in the second position (364), the plate-like shutter element (360) is positioned relative to the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) so as not to cover the transparent window (316), thereby allowing light from outside the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to pass through the transparent window of the housing into the interior (306) of the housing (302).

10. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 9, wherein the plate-like shutter element (360) has a through-opening (366), wherein in its first position (362), the through-opening (366) of the plate-like shutter element (360) of the shutter mechanism (344) is misaligned relative to the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300), thereby blocking light from passing through the through-opening (366) of the plate-like shutter element (360) and through the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) from outside the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber into the interior (306) of the housing; and wherein in the second position (364), the through-opening of the plate-like shutter element (360) of the shutter mechanism (344) is aligned with the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300), thereby allowing light from outside the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to pass through the through-opening (366) of the plate-like shutter element (360) and through the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) into the interior (306) of the housing.

11. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the plate-shaped shutter element (360) has an edge (367), and in its first position (362), the edge (367) of the plate-shaped shutter element (360) of the shutter mechanism (344) is located on one side with respect to the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300), so as to block light from entering the interior (306) of the housing through the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) from outside the modular incubator chamber (300); and in its second position (364), the edge (367) of the plate-shaped shutter element (360) of the shutter mechanism (344) is located on the other side with respect to the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300), so as to allow light to enter the interior (306) of the housing (306) from outside the modular incubator chamber (300) through the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) and over the edge (367) of the plate-shaped shutter element (360).

12. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the plate-shaped shutter element (360) of the shutter mechanism (344) is arranged on the housing (302) so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the housing (302).

13. 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 first shutter mechanism engaging means (346) of the shutter mechanism (344) includes a shutter rod, which is configured to act by applying a force to the shutter rod and be capable of switching the configuration of the shutter mechanism between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and vice versa.

14. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 13, wherein the shutter rod is connected to the plate-shaped shutter element (360).

15. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the second shutter mechanism engaging means (152) of the shutter actuator (150) is configured to contact the shutter rod of the first shutter mechanism engaging means (346) during the operation of switching the shutter mechanism (344) between its open configuration and its closed configuration, so as to apply a force thereto, and vice versa.

16. 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 first shutter mechanism engaging means (346) of the shutter mechanism (344) includes a first magnet (368) configured to be acted upon by a second magnet (450) such that movement of the second magnet (450) causes the configuration of the shutter mechanism (344) to switch between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and vice versa.

17. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 16, wherein for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the modular incubator system, the docking port (402) includes the shutter actuator (150), wherein the second shutter mechanism engaging means (152) of the shutter actuator includes the second magnet (450) for applying a magnetic force to the first magnet (368) of the first shutter mechanism engaging means (346) upon movement of the second magnet (450), such that movement of the second magnet (450) via the shutter actuator (150) causes the configuration of the shutter mechanism (344) to switch between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and vice versa.

18. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first magnet (368) is connected to the plate-like shutter element (360) of the shutter mechanism (344).

19. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 3 to 18, wherein the shutter actuator (150) is an electric actuator.

20. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 19, wherein for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port includes the shutter actuator (150), wherein the shutter actuator includes an electric motor (451) that includes a threaded rotatable shaft (452), wherein the shutter actuator (150) includes a threaded displacement element (454), wherein the threads of the shaft (452) engage the threads of the displacement element (454), and wherein the second shutter mechanism engaging means (152) is connected to the threaded displacement element (454) by a connecting element (456) such that the second shutter mechanism engaging means (152) is capable of moving between a first limit position (458) and a second limit position (460) by rotating the threaded rotatable shaft (452) of the electric motor (451) in one rotational direction or the opposite rotational direction.

21. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 20, wherein for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port (402) includes one or more guide rails (462), and the second shutter mechanism engaging device (152) is connected to the one or more guide rails (462) and is configured to move along the guide rail or guide rails when moving between its first extreme position (458) and second extreme position (460).

22. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the shutter actuator (150) is configured such that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), when the second shutter mechanism engaging device (152) moves from its first extreme position (458) to its second extreme position (460), the magnetic force between the first magnet (368) of the first shutter mechanism engaging device (346) and the second magnet (450) of the second shutter mechanism engaging device (152) can cause the shutter mechanism (344) to enter an open configuration; when the second shutter mechanism engaging device (152) moves from its second extreme position (460) to its first extreme position (458), the magnetic force between the first magnet (368) of the first shutter mechanism engaging device (346) and the second magnet (450) of the second shutter mechanism engaging device (152) can cause the shutter mechanism to enter a closed configuration.

23. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), at least a portion of the one or more guide rails (462) has a substantially horizontal extension direction.

24. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the one or more guide rails (462) are inclined downward at a portion corresponding to the first extreme position (458) of the second shutter mechanism engaging device (152).

25. 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 transparent window (316) of the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber has an elongated shape, such as an elongated and straight extension shape extending in a Y direction transverse to the longitudinal direction X of the outer shell of the modular incubator chamber (300).

26. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnet (368) is replaced by a piece of ferromagnetic material (such as iron or an iron alloy), or wherein the second magnet (450) is replaced by a piece of ferromagnetic material (such as iron or an iron alloy).

27. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 26, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the shutter mechanism (344) defines an elongated opening (370) in its open configuration (such as in the plate-shaped shutter element (360)), for example an elongated and linearly extending opening, for introducing light into the interior (306) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber; and when the shutter mechanism is in the open configuration, the elongated shape of the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) is aligned with the elongated and linearly extending opening (370) provided by the shutter mechanism (344).

28. 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 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).

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), the shutter mechanism (344) includes a spring (345), and the spring is configured to keep the shutter mechanism (344) in its closed configuration when not subjected to the external force.

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 housing (302) and the lid (304) of the housing are made of a material opaque to visible light.

31. 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) of the housing (302) is configured such that once in the closed configuration, the lid blocks light from entering the interior of the housing through the contact surface between the lid (304) and the housing (302).

32. 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) inside thereof (306) for directing light towards the area of the petri 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.

33. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 32, 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).

34. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the light source (372) is selected from one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), one or more laser diodes, and one or more incandescent bulbs.

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 petri dish holder (308) defines a planar support surface for supporting the petri dish (310).

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), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) (e.g., in its outer 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 provided between the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) and the modular incubator chamber docked therein.

37. 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 housing of the modular incubator chamber by a hinge.

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 housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a display (324) configured to display information related to the status of the culturing operation carried out in the modular incubator chamber.

39. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image capture device (408) includes microscopic optical elements so as to be able to capture microscopic images.

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

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

42. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 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), and if the docking station includes two or more shelves, these shelves are arranged one above the other.

43. 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 an incubator chamber engagement device (326), and for one or more of the 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 easy and correct positioning of the modular incubator chamber (300) in the docking port (402) and optionally securing it therein. And detaching the modular incubator chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400).

44. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular incubator system (500) includes an image processing unit (660) for performing image processing on the images captured by the image capture device (408), and wherein the modular incubator system (400) optionally 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 (660).

45. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 44, wherein 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).

46. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, 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 the modular incubator chamber (300) docked in the specific docking port (402).

47. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for N docking ports (402) arranged adjacent to each other 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), and wherein the docking station includes a displacement device (482) for displacing the common image capture device (408) relative to the N adjacent docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

48. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 47, 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.

49. 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 an electric heating element (318) in its interior (306) for heating the interior 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).

50. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 49, wherein the power supply (320) is a power supply, such as a battery, for example a rechargeable battery.

51. The modular incubator system 500 according to any one of claims 49 or 50, wherein the heating element 318 is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for dissipating the heat generated in the heating element; wherein the heat distribution element is at least partially disposed in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

52. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein the chamber includes a thermostat (374) and an electrothermal constant temperature circuit (376), and 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).

53. 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 gas chamber inlet (312), wherein the gas chamber inlet (312) is in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; and wherein the modular incubator chamber (300) further includes a gas chamber outlet (314), wherein the gas chamber outlet (314) is in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber; and 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) and a docking port gas inlet (406); whereby gas can be transferred from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) via the docking port gas outlet (404) and the gas chamber inlet (312) to the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300); and whereby gas can be transferred from the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) via the gas chamber outlet (314) and the docking port gas inlet (406) to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400).

54. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 53, 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 outer shell (302) 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 gas chamber inlet (312) of the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port gas outlet (404) of the docking port (402) will be in fluid communication, so that gas can be transferred from the docking port (402) to the modular incubator chamber (300); and wherein the position of the gas chamber outlet (314) of the outer shell (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is adapted to the position 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 be in fluid communication, so that gas can be transferred from the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402).

55. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 53 or 54, wherein the docking port gas outlet (404) of the docking port (402) includes a valve (4), and wherein the gas chamber inlet (312) of the outer shell (302) includes a valve (2); and wherein the gas chamber outlet (314) includes a valve (2), and wherein the docking port gas inlet (406) of the docking port (402) includes a valve (4).

56. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 53 to 55; wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the valves (2) at the gas chamber inlet (312) and the valves (2) at the gas chamber outlet (314) each include a valve body (6) having a front end (10), a rear end (12), and a through-channel (14) therein, and a spring-loaded movable valve element (8), wherein the movable valve element (8) is disposed in the through-channel (14); wherein the movable valve element (8) is configured to be movable in the through-channel (14) of the valve body (6) such that when not subjected to an external force, the spring-loaded movable valve element (8) does not move in the through-channel (14) of the valve body (6), thereby causing the valve to reach a closed configuration and blocking gas from passing through the through-channel (14), and such that when subjected to an external force, the spring-loaded movable valve element (8) moves in the through-channel (14) of the valve body (6), thereby causing the valve (2) to reach an open configuration and allowing gas to pass through the through-channel (14); and wherein for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the valves (4) at the docking port gas outlet (404) and the valves (4) at the docking port gas inlet (406) each include a valve body (16) having a front end (20), a rear end (22), and a through-channel (24) therein, and a spring-loaded movable valve element (18), wherein the movable valve element (18) is disposed in the through-channel (24); wherein the movable valve element (18) is configured to be movable in the through-channel (24) of the valve body (16) such that when not subjected to an external force, the spring-loaded movable valve element (18) does not move in the through-channel (24) of the valve body (16), thereby causing the valve to reach a closed configuration and blocking gas from passing through the through-channel (24), and such that when subjected to an external force, the spring-loaded movable valve element (18) moves in the through-channel (24) of the valve body (16), thereby causing the valve (4) to reach an open configuration and allowing gas to pass through the through-channel (24).

57. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 53 to 56, wherein for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), and for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the size and geometry of the valves (2, 4) are such that once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402) of the docking station (400), the movable valve element (8) of the valve (2) and the movable valve element (18) of the valve (4) will push against each other into their respective valve bodies (6, 16), thereby opening the valves (2, 4) of the docking port gas outlet (404) and the gas chamber inlet (312); and thereby opening the valves (2, 4) of the gas chamber outlet (314) and the docking port gas inlet (406).

58. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 53 to 57, wherein for one or more, preferably for all, of the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500), 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).

59. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 58, wherein the flow restrictor includes a tube for delivering gas to the docking port (402), wherein the cross-sectional area of the tube is optionally 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 is optionally 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.

60. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 53 to 59, 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), wherein the gas distribution system (204) includes 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).

61. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 60, wherein the gas distribution system (204) includes a plurality of manifold pairs (214), each manifold pair including an inlet manifold (216) and an outlet manifold (218), wherein the inlet manifold (216) is in fluid communication with the main gas supply line (210), and wherein 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 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 inlet manifold (216), and the docking port gas inlet (406) of the docking port (402) is in fluid communication with the outlet manifold (218).

62. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 60 or 61, wherein 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).

63. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 60 to 62, wherein the gas source (202) of the gas supply system (200) includes a gas mixing tank (242), the gas mixing tank including 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 wherein 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) including the gas distribution system (204) and the gas mixing tank (242); wherein the flow loop includes a pump (246) for circulating gas in the loop.

64. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 63, wherein the pump (246) is arranged at a downstream position relative to the main gas return line (212).

65. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 63 or 64, wherein the flow circuit (244) includes a pump oscillation damper (247), and wherein the pump oscillation damper is optionally arranged in a downstream position adjacent to the pump (246).

66. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 63 to 65, wherein the flow circuit (244) includes a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor (248), for detecting the gas pressure in the main gas supply line (210) supplying the gas distribution system (204), and wherein the pressure sensor (248) is optionally arranged in an upstream position adjacent to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

67. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 66, wherein the pressure sensor (249) is a differential pressure sensor for detecting a pressure value relative to the pressure at the return gas inlet (208).

68. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 63 to 67, wherein the flow circuit (244) includes a relief valve (249) for effecting pressure relief in the flow circuit, and wherein the relief valve is optionally arranged in a downstream position adjacent to the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (402).

69. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 63 to 69, wherein 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 a nitrogen valve (252) for regulating the inflow of nitrogen, and a nitrogen mass flow sensor (253) arranged downstream of the nitrogen valve (252) is for detecting 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 carbon dioxide valve (254) for regulating the inflow of carbon dioxide, and a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor (255) arranged downstream of the carbon dioxide valve (254) is for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing chamber (242).

70. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 63 to 69, wherein the flow circuit (244) includes a mass flow sensor (256) arranged in an upstream position relative to the gas mixing chamber (242) for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing chamber.

71. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 63 to 70, wherein the gas source (202) includes an oxygen (O2) sensor (258) for detecting the oxygen concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system (204); and the gas source (202) includes a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor (260) for detecting the carbon dioxide concentration flowing out of the gas distribution system (204), wherein the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor is optionally arranged at a downstream position relative to the pump (246).

72. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 63 to 71, wherein the gas source (202) includes a temperature sensor (262) for detecting the gas temperature 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).

73. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 63 to 72, wherein 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).

74. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 63 to 73, wherein 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).

75. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 63 to 74, wherein 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 nitrogen inlet (250) entering the gas mixing chamber (242); and / or such filters are arranged at an upstream position adjacent to the carbon dioxide inlet (251) entering the gas mixing chamber (242).

76. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 63 to 75, 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: a nitrogen mass flow sensor (253) for detecting the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing chamber; a carbon dioxide mass flow sensor (255) for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing chamber; a mass flow sensor (256) for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing chamber; an oxygen sensor (258) for detecting the oxygen concentration flowing out of the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204); a carbon dioxide sensor (260) for detecting the carbon dioxide 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).

77. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 76, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is electrically connected to one or more of the following components to control them: a nitrogen valve (252) for regulating the amount of nitrogen flowing into the gas mixing chamber (242); a carbon dioxide valve (254) for regulating the amount of carbon dioxide flowing into the gas mixing chamber (242); a pump (246) for circulating the gas in the flow circuit (244); a relief valve (249).

78. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 76 or 77, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive an input from the pressure sensor (248) and, based on this, control the pump (246) and optionally also activate the relief 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.

79. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 76 to 78, 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 inlet (251) and the nitrogen inlet (250) according to a desired predetermined criterion.

80. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 76 to 79, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive inputs from the carbon dioxide sensor (260) and the oxygen sensor (258), and based on the detected carbon dioxide concentration, control the carbon dioxide valve (254) by transmitting a control signal thereto, thereby regulating the inflow of carbon dioxide gas to achieve a desired predetermined carbon dioxide concentration; subsequently, the gas mixing control system (270) controls the nitrogen valve (252) by transmitting a control signal thereto based on the detected oxygen concentration, thereby regulating the inflow of nitrogen gas to achieve a desired predetermined oxygen concentration.

81. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 76 to 80, 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).

82. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 76 to 81, 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).

83. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 76 to 82, 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.

84. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 76 to 83, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain the carbon dioxide 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 oxygen 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%.

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

86. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 85, wherein 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 a desired operation protocol of the modular incubator system.

87. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 85 or 86, wherein the control unit (650) is connected to a display unit (654) for displaying information related to the settings and / or operating status of the modular incubator system (300) to a user.

88. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 85 to 87, wherein for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the control unit (650) is configured to independently control one or more of the following aspects: controlling the temperature inside the modular incubator chamber (300) by controlling the electric heating element (318), the thermostat (374) or the temperature control circuit (376); powering the power supply (320); providing a signal to the display (324) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked at the docking port (402); turning on and off the active light source (352) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked at the docking port (402), or adjusting the light intensity emitted therefrom; the image capture device (408) of the docking port (402); the displacement device (482) for moving the image capture device (408); the shutter actuator (150), optionally through the motor (451); the gas mixing control system (270); and the image processing unit (660).

89. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 85 to 88, 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.

90. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 85 to 89, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to achieve the automatic operation of the modular incubator system (500) by setting it to independently control one or more of the following aspects: controlling the temperature inside the modular incubator chamber (300) by controlling the electric heating element (318), the thermostat (374) or the temperature control circuit (376); powering the power supply (320); providing a signal to the display (324) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked at the docking port (402); turning on and off the active light source (352) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked at the docking port (402), or adjusting the light intensity emitted therefrom; the image capture device (408) of the docking port (402); the displacement device (482) for moving the image capture device (408); the shutter actuator (150), optionally through the motor (451); the gas mixing control system (270); and the image processing unit (660).

91. The modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 85 to 90, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to enable the image capture device (408) to perform time-lapse image capture.

92. A modular incubator chamber (300), comprising: 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 (300) and a closed configuration closing the passage to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; Wherein the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a petri dish holder (308) within its interior (306) for placing a petri dish (310) to accommodate one or more biological materials M within the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300); Wherein the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a transparent window (316) for capturing an image of the biological material M contained therein through the transparent window; Wherein the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a shutter mechanism (344) configured to be switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa; Wherein the shutter mechanism (344) includes a first shutter mechanism engaging device (346) for causing the shutter mechanism to switch between its open configuration and its closed configuration and vice versa when a force is applied thereto; Wherein the shutter mechanism is arranged relative to the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) such that in its open configuration, the shutter mechanism (344) allows light to enter the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) from the outside through the transparent window (316); while in its closed configuration, the shutter mechanism (344) blocks light from entering the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber (300) from the outside through the transparent window (316).

93. The modular incubator chamber (300) according to claim 92, wherein the incubator chamber (300) includes the features defined by the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 91.

94. A docking station (400) for docking one or more modular incubator chambers (300); wherein the docking station includes one or more docking ports (402) for receiving the housing (302) of one or more of the one or more incubator chambers (300); For one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station, once the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked in the docking port (402), the docking port includes an image capture device (408) for capturing an image of the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

95. The docking station (400) according to claim 94, wherein the docking station (400) includes the features defined by the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 91.

96. Use of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 91 for culturing viable biological materials.

97. Use of the modular incubator chamber (300) according to any one of claims 92 or 93 for culturing viable biological materials.

98. Use of the docking station (400) according to any one of claims 94 or 95 for culturing viable biological materials.

99. The use according to any one of claims 96 to 99, wherein the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

100. A method for culturing viable biological materials, wherein the method comprises: i) providing a modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 91; 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 (400); iv) docking the modular incubator chamber (300) in the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) of the incubator system (500); v) culturing the viable biological material in the modular incubator chamber (300), while ensuring that the shutter mechanism (344) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is in its closed configuration; vi) when needed, switching the configuration of the shutter mechanism (344) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to its open configuration, and enabling the image capture device (408) to capture one or more images of the biological material accommodated in the culture dish (310); vii) optionally, after completing the image capture of the biological material, switching the configuration of the shutter mechanism (344) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to its closed configuration.

101. The method according to claim (500), further comprising the following steps: viii) removing the incubator chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) as needed for manual inspection of the viable biological material, and optionally also removing, adding or replacing the growth medium in the culture dish (310).

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