Reducing co2 concentration in co2 incubators

Abstract

The invention relates to a CO2 incubator comprising a usable space, a pressure equalization opening designed to adjust the pressure in the usable space to ambient pressure and a CO2 supply device, wherein the CO2 incubator is designed to reduce any CO2 concentration in the usable space. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for changing the CO2 concentration in the usable space of a CO2 incubator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of CO2 incubators, and more particularly to cell culture applications and cell therapy applications that use large containers to culture large numbers of cells in an incubator. Background Technology

[0002] In a CO2 incubator, cells can be stored in large containers (e.g., G-Rex) during their growth phase, especially in cell culture and cell therapy applications. ® In a container, living cells release CO2 during growth. Given the large number of cells commonly found in these applications, CO2 release can lead to a significant increase in CO2 concentration inside the CO2 incubator, potentially exceeding the set values. This increase is often not offset by known CO2 incubator settings, meaning the CO2 concentration in the culture medium, and consequently the pH, may undergo significant changes. This can lead to cell damage, or, in the worst case, total cell loss.

[0003] Known CO2 incubators typically lack an option for controlled reduction of CO2 concentration. Specifically, while CO2 control systems can input CO2 gas to add CO2 to the equipment, controlled devices for reducing the internal CO2 concentration are not commonly available. Users can indeed open the CO2 incubator door to lower the CO2 concentration. However, this has the drawback of causing the temperature and humidity, at least temporarily, to approach the ambient atmospheric values, thus deviating from the corresponding setpoints. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In this context, one object of the present invention is to overcome or at least reduce the deficiencies and disadvantages associated with the prior art. Typically, an object of the present invention may be to make it possible to actively reduce the CO2 concentration inside a CO2 incubator.

[0005] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims of the patent. Beneficial developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a CO2 incubator comprising an available space, a pressure balancing opening designed to adjust the pressure in the available space to ambient pressure, and a CO2 supply device, wherein the CO2 incubator is designed to reduce any CO2 concentration in the available space.

[0007] Therefore, the CO2 incubator according to the invention can particularly reduce the CO2 concentration in the available space. This has the advantage of preventing an unnecessary increase in the CO2 concentration in the available space. Such an increase can be caused, for example, by a large number of cells releasing CO2 during their growth.

[0008] In an embodiment of the invention, the incubator can be designed to supply controlled air to the available space.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the incubator can be designed to actively introduce gas into the available space.

[0010] Alternatively, in an embodiment of the invention, the incubator may be designed to actively draw air from the available space and thus supply air through a pressure-balanced opening.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing opening may include a pressure balancing filter, which preferably includes a sintered filter.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the incubator may include a pump.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the pump may be designed to draw air from available space.

[0014] Understandably, the term "air" in this context refers to a mixture of gases and / or aerosols present in the available space.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the pump inlet can be fluidly connected to the available space.

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention where the incubator is designed to actively draw air from the available space, the incubator may include an exhaust valve and an exhaust reservoir fluidly connected to the available space, and may be disposed between the two, wherein the exhaust reservoir has a pressure lower than that of the available space.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the pump can be designed to deliver gas to available space.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the pump outlet can be fluidly connected to available space.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the incubator may further include an air supply filter disposed downstream of the pump.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pump inlet can be connected to the air supply reservoir.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the incubator may include an air duct, wherein the air duct includes:

[0022] Entrances and exits, which in each case are connected to the available space;

[0023] A fan designed to direct air from the duct inlet to its outlet; and

[0024] Flow resistance components are installed upstream of the fan and downstream of the inlet;

[0025] The air supply duct connected to the air supply reservoir is located between the flow resistance component and the fan.

[0026] It can also be specified that the air duct is designed in such a way that negative pressure can be generated between the flow resistance element and the fan. The negative pressure can be at least 0.5 mbar, preferably at least 1 mbar below atmospheric pressure.

[0027] In embodiments of the present invention, the flow resistance element may be a duct filter, preferably a particulate filter, and more preferably a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air supply filter may be installed in the air supply duct.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air supply valve may be installed in the air supply duct.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air supply valve may be located downstream of the air supply filter.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air supply valve may be a proportional valve.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air duct may include a humidifier disposed upstream of the flow resistance element.

[0033] In an embodiment of the invention, the incubator may include a CO2 sensor designed to measure the CO2 concentration in the available space.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the incubator may include a controller.

[0035] In an embodiment of the invention, the controller may be designed to reduce the CO2 concentration in the available space if the CO2 limit is exceeded.

[0036] In an embodiment of the invention, the controller may be designed to control and / or adjust the CO2 concentration in the available space relative to a predetermined set value.

[0037] In embodiments of the invention, the controller may be designed to control and / or regulate the air supply valve, and optionally, to control the fan.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pump may be an air pump or a vacuum pump.

[0039] In embodiments of the present invention, the controller may be designed to control and / or regulate the pump.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air supply filter may be a membrane filter.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air supply filter may be a sterile filter, preferably made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the CO2 supply device may include a CO2 valve and a CO2 filter and is designed to be connected to a CO2 storage device.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the CO2 filter may be located upstream of the CO2 valve.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the CO2 valve may be a proportional valve.

[0045] In an embodiment of the invention, the incubator can be designed such that the pump stops operating if the CO2 valve is opened.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the CO2 filter may be a membrane filter.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the CO2 filter may be a sterile filter, preferably made of PTFE.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the gas supply may be at least one of circulating air, oxygen, and / or nitrogen from the incubator.

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, the air supply storage unit can be provided by the environment of a CO2 incubator.

[0050] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for changing the CO2 concentration in the available space of a CO2 incubator, the method comprising: measuring the CO2 concentration in the available space, comparing the CO2 concentration with a predetermined CO2 value, and if the CO2 concentration exceeds the predetermined CO2 value, reducing the CO2 concentration in the available space of the CO2 incubator.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined CO2 value may be a CO2 limit value.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined CO2 value may be a set CO2 value.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, measuring CO2 concentration may include measuring the CO2 concentration in the air inside a CO2 incubator.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, reducing the CO2 concentration in the available space may include actively supplying gas to the available space.

[0055] In embodiments of the invention, active gas delivery may include drawing air from available space, intended to thus allow gas to enter, for example through a pressure equalization opening.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, active gas delivery may include pumping gas into available space.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, active gas supply may include drawing in gas through a supply duct connected to the incubator air duct under negative pressure.

[0058] In embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include filtered gas supply.

[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, the gas supply can be delivered from the air supply reservoir.

[0060] For example, the air reservoir can be the surrounding environment of a CO2 incubator, resulting in an air supply corresponding to ambient air. Alternatively, the air reservoir can also be provided by a container (e.g., a gas cylinder), which means that the composition of the air supply can be precisely controlled.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include: if the CO2 value is lower than a set value, increasing the CO2 concentration in the available space of the CO2 incubator.

[0062] In an embodiment of the invention, the method may involve receiving a numerical value of CO2.

[0063] In embodiments of the present invention, the method may include controlling or adjusting the CO2 concentration that varies with the CO2 value.

[0064] In embodiments of the present invention, adjusting the CO2 concentration may include measuring, comparing, increasing, and decreasing the CO2 concentration in the available space.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, the CO2 incubator may be a CO2 incubator according to one of the above-described incubator embodiments.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present invention, the incubator may be designed to implement the method according to one of the above-described method embodiments.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may be designed to implement the method according to one of the above-described method implementation schemes.

[0068] The present invention may also be limited according to the following numbered embodiments.

[0069] The following describes incubator implementation schemes. These schemes are identified by the letter I followed by a number. References to incubator implementation schemes or to scheme I in the following text refer to these schemes.

[0070] I1. CO2 incubator, including:

[0071] Available space (11);

[0072] The pressure balancing opening (3) is designed to adjust the pressure in the available space (11) to ambient pressure; and

[0073] CO2 supply unit (2).

[0074] The CO2 incubator is designed to reduce the CO2 concentration in the available space (11).

[0075] I2. An incubator according to the aforementioned incubator implementation scheme, wherein the incubator is designed to supply gas to the available space (11) in a controlled manner.

[0076] I3. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the incubator is designed to actively introduce gas into the available space (11).

[0077] I4. An incubator according to the second incubator implementation scheme, wherein the incubator is designed to actively draw air from the available space (11) and thus deliver the air supply through the pressure balancing opening (3).

[0078] I5. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the pressure balancing opening (3) includes a pressure balancing filter (32), the pressure balancing filter preferably including a sintered filter.

[0079] I6. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the incubator includes a pump (41).

[0080] I7. The incubator according to the aforementioned incubator implementation scheme, unless otherwise mentioned in implementation scheme I3, wherein the pump (41) is designed to draw air from the available space (11).

[0081] Understandably, the term "air" in this context refers to a mixture of gases and / or aerosols present in the available space.

[0082] I8. An incubator according to the aforementioned incubator implementation scheme, wherein the inlet fluid of the pump (41) is connected to the available space (11).

[0083] I9. An incubator having the features of embodiment I4 according to one of the aforementioned incubator embodiments, wherein the incubator includes an exhaust valve and an exhaust reservoir fluidly connected to the available space (11) and disposed between the two, wherein the exhaust reservoir has a pressure lower than that of the available space.

[0084] I10. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator embodiments, having the features of embodiment I6, wherein, unless referenced back to embodiment I4, the pump (41) is designed to deliver gas to the available space (11).

[0085] I11. An incubator according to the aforementioned incubator implementation scheme, wherein the outlet fluid of the pump (41) is connected to the available space.

[0086] I12. An incubator according to one of the two aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the incubator further includes an air supply filter (43) disposed downstream of the pump (41).

[0087] I13. An incubator according to one of the three aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the inlet of the pump (41) is connected to the air supply storage unit.

[0088] I14. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the incubator includes an air duct (5), wherein the air duct (5) includes:

[0089] Entrances and exits, which in each case are connected to the available space (11);

[0090] The fan (52) is designed to deliver air from the inlet of the duct (5) to its outlet; and

[0091] Flow resistance elements are provided upstream of the fan (52) and downstream of the inlet;

[0092] The air supply duct (44) connected to the air supply reservoir is located between the flow resistance component and the fan (52).

[0093] I15. An incubator according to the aforementioned incubator implementation scheme, wherein the air duct is designed in such a way that negative pressure can be generated between the flow resistance element and the fan (52).

[0094] I16. An incubator according to the aforementioned incubator implementation scheme, wherein the negative pressure may be at least 0.5 mbar, preferably at least 1 mbar lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0095] I17. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned three incubator implementation schemes, wherein the flow resistance element is an air duct filter (53), preferably a particulate filter, more preferably a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

[0096] I18. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned four incubator implementation schemes, wherein an air supply filter (43) is disposed in an air supply duct (44).

[0097] I19. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned four incubator implementation schemes, wherein the air supply valve (45) is disposed in the air supply duct (44).

[0098] I20. An incubator according to the aforementioned incubator implementation scheme and having the features of implementation scheme I18, wherein the air supply valve (45) is located downstream of the air supply filter (43).

[0099] I21. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned two incubator implementation schemes, wherein the air supply valve (45) is a proportional valve.

[0100] I22. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned eight incubator implementation schemes, wherein the air duct (5) includes a humidifier (51) disposed upstream of the flow resistance element (53).

[0101] I23. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the incubator includes a CO2 sensor designed to measure the CO2 concentration in the available space (11).

[0102] I24. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the incubator includes a controller.

[0103] I25. An incubator according to the aforementioned incubator implementation scheme, wherein the controller is designed to reduce the CO2 concentration in the available space (11) if the CO2 limit is exceeded.

[0104] I26. An incubator according to the two aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the controller is designed to control and / or adjust the CO2 concentration in the available space (11) relative to a predetermined set value.

[0105] I27. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator embodiments and having the features of embodiments I19 and I24, wherein the controller is designed to control and / or regulate the air supply valve (45) and, optionally, also control the fan (52).

[0106] I28. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator embodiments and having the features of embodiment I6, wherein the pump is an air pump or a vacuum pump.

[0107] I29. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator embodiments and having the features of embodiments I6 and I24, wherein the controller is designed to control and / or regulate the pump.

[0108] I30. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator embodiments and having the features of at least one of embodiments I12 or I18, wherein the air supply filter is a membrane filter.

[0109] I31. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator embodiments and having the characteristics of at least one of embodiments I12 or I18, wherein the air supply filter is a sterile filter, preferably made of PTFE.

[0110] I32. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the CO2 supply device (2) includes a CO2 valve (22) and a CO2 filter (23), and is designed to be connected to a CO2 reservoir (21).

[0111] I33. An incubator according to the aforementioned incubator implementation scheme, wherein the CO2 filter (23) is located upstream of the CO2 valve (22).

[0112] I34. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned two incubator implementation schemes, wherein the CO2 valve is a proportional valve.

[0113] I35. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned three incubator implementation schemes and having the features of implementation scheme I6, wherein the incubator is designed such that the pump does not operate if the CO2 valve is opened.

[0114] I36. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned four incubator implementation schemes, wherein the CO2 filter (23) is a membrane filter.

[0115] I37. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned five incubator implementation schemes, wherein the CO2 filter (23) is a sterile filter, preferably made of PTFE.

[0116] I38. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the gas supply is at least one of the incubator's circulating air, oxygen, and / or nitrogen.

[0117] I39. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator embodiments and having the features of I13 or I14, wherein the air supply reservoir is provided by the environment of the CO2 incubator.

[0118] The following describes implementation schemes of the method. These implementation schemes are identified by the letter V followed by a number. References to the method implementation scheme or the V implementation scheme herein refer to these implementation schemes.

[0119] V1. A method for changing the CO2 concentration in the available space of a CO2 incubator, the method comprising:

[0120] Measure the CO2 concentration in the available space;

[0121] The CO2 concentration is measured using a predetermined CO2 value;

[0122] If the CO2 value is exceeded, reduce the CO2 concentration in the available space of the CO2 incubator.

[0123] V2. The method according to the aforementioned implementation scheme, wherein the predetermined CO2 value is a CO2 limit value.

[0124] V3. The method of implementing the second method from the previous one, wherein the predetermined CO2 value is the CO2 setpoint.

[0125] V4. The method according to one of the aforementioned implementation schemes, wherein determining the CO2 concentration includes measuring the CO2 concentration in the air inside a CO2 incubator.

[0126] V5. A method according to one of the aforementioned implementation schemes, wherein reducing the CO2 concentration in the available space includes actively supplying air to the available space.

[0127] V6. The method according to the aforementioned method implementation, wherein active gas delivery includes drawing air from available space to allow gas supply to enter, for example through a pressure equalization opening.

[0128] V7. The method according to the second method of the preceding series, wherein active gas delivery includes pumping gas into available space.

[0129] V8. A method according to one of the aforementioned method embodiments and having the characteristics of method embodiment V5, wherein active gas delivery includes drawing in gas through a supply air duct connected to the incubator air duct under negative pressure.

[0130] V9. A method according to one of the aforementioned method implementation schemes and having the characteristics of method implementation scheme V5, wherein the method further includes filtered gas supply.

[0131] V10. A method according to one of the aforementioned method embodiments and having the characteristics of method embodiment V5, wherein the gas supply is delivered by an air storage device.

[0132] For example, the air reservoir can be the surrounding environment of a CO2 incubator, resulting in an air supply corresponding to ambient air. Alternatively, the air reservoir can also be provided by a container (e.g., a gas cylinder), which means that the composition of the air supply can be precisely controlled.

[0133] V11. The method according to any of the foregoing method implementation schemes, wherein the method comprises:

[0134] If the CO2 value is lower than the set value, the CO2 concentration in the available space of the CO2 incubator will be increased.

[0135] V12. A method according to one of the aforementioned implementation schemes, wherein the method includes receiving a numerical value of CO2.

[0136] V13. A method according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the method includes controlling or adjusting the CO2 concentration as the CO2 value changes.

[0137] V14. A method according to the aforementioned method implementation scheme and having the characteristics of method implementation scheme V11, wherein controlling CO2 concentration includes measuring, comparing, increasing and decreasing the CO2 concentration in the available space.

[0138] V15. A method according to one of the aforementioned method implementation schemes, wherein the CO2 incubator is a CO2 incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator implementation schemes.

[0139] I40. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator implementation schemes, wherein the incubator is designed to implement the method according to one of the aforementioned method implementation schemes.

[0140] I41. An incubator according to one of the aforementioned incubator embodiments and having the features of I24, wherein the controller is designed to implement the method according to one of the aforementioned method embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0141] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and not to limit the invention.

[0142] Figure 1 An embodiment of the CO2 incubator according to the present invention is shown;

[0143] Figure 2 An embodiment of a CO2 incubator according to the present invention is shown, wherein air can be actively extracted from available space;

[0144] Figure 3 An embodiment of a CO2 incubator according to the present invention is shown, wherein air can be actively delivered to the available space;

[0145] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the CO2 incubator according to the invention is shown, wherein air can be actively delivered to the available space; and

[0146] Figure 5 A method for changing the CO2 concentration in the available space of a CO2 incubator according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0147] It should be noted that not all figures include all reference numerals. Instead, for brevity and ease of illustration, some reference numerals have been omitted from some figures. Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

[0148] refer to Figure 1 This invention relates to a CO2 incubator 1 (hereinafter referred to as incubator 1), which includes a usable space 11, a CO2 supply device 2, and a pressure balancing opening 3, wherein the pressure balancing opening 3 is designed to adjust the pressure in the usable space 11 to the ambient pressure of the incubator 1. Typically, the CO2 incubator 1 is configured to reduce the CO2 concentration in the usable space 11.

[0149] The available space 11 is typically accessed via at least one door of the incubator 1 and can be designed as a simple chamber. For example, a container filled with cells can be placed in the available space 11 to expose the cells to controlled environmental conditions or ambient conditions that promote cell growth.

[0150] The CO2 supply device 2 can be designed to be connected to the CO2 storage unit 21, such as a gas cylinder filled with CO2. The CO2 storage unit 21 can be designed to supply CO2 at a specific pressure (e.g., at a maximum value of 1 bar above atmospheric pressure). For example, the CO2 storage unit 21 can also be supplied via a corresponding supply line. In one embodiment, the CO2 storage unit can also be contained within the incubator 1.

[0151] CO2 supply device 2 may include a CO2 valve 22, which may optionally open or close the CO2 reservoir 21 and the available space 11. Specifically, CO2 valve 22 may preferably be a controllable or adjustable valve. In addition to open and closed positions, CO2 valve 22 may also preferably be in a partially open position, intended to control or regulate the amount and / or pressure of CO2. In other words, CO2 valve 22 may be a proportional valve. A CO2 filter 23 may also be provided. This filter may preferably be designed to filter any introduced CO2. In particular, contaminants in the form of particulate matter and other substances, such as oil from the supply line, may be removed from the gas stream and discharged. For example, CO2 filter 23 may be designed as a membrane filter or a sterile filter made of PTFE.

[0152] The pressure balancing opening 3 includes a fluid connection 31 between the usable space of the incubator and the environment, or alternatively, a reservoir maintained at ambient pressure. This fluid connection 31 can be provided, for example, through a corresponding opening or conduit. Furthermore, the pressure balancing opening 3 preferably includes a pressure balancing filter 32. The pressure balancing filter 32 can preferably be a sintered filter. The sintered filter can have a relatively large pore size, for example, about 200 µm. The pressure balancing filter 32 essentially acts as a flow restrictor. Thus, if CO2 is introduced into the usable space 11 via the CO2 supply device 2, the pressure in the usable space intermittently increases—for example, to 1.3 atm, while the ambient pressure is 1.0 atm. In this case, gas is released from the usable space 11 to the environment through the pressure balancing opening 3, where the current gas flow rate between the usable space 11 and the environment depends on the pressure difference between the usable space 11 and the environment. As an advantage, the pressure balancing filter 32 prevents any unrestricted and uncontrolled air exchange between the usable space and the environment—because it acts as a flow restrictor, gas exchange is lower than if the pressure balancing filter 32 were not provided. By raising or lowering the pressure in the available space, greater exchange with the surrounding air can be achieved. The pressure equalization filter 32 can be designed to filter dust and coarse contaminants from the airflow.

[0153] Although the incubator is not completely airtight in principle, which means that even without the corresponding pressure equalization opening 3, some amount of air exchange may occur. However, this air will be unfiltered and there will be a high risk of unnecessary condensation forming at the incubator door.

[0154] If CO2 is supplied to the available space 11 via the CO2 supply device, i.e., especially if the CO2 valve 22 is opened, the pressure in the available space 11 initially increases relative to the ambient pressure. In summary, this makes it possible for the CO2 concentration in the available space 11 to increase, because CO2 is introduced and a mixture of air and / or containing all gases (and aerosols, if applicable) present in the available space escapes from the available space through the pressure balancing opening 3.

[0155] If CO2 valve 22 is closed, the pressure inside available space 11 becomes equal to the ambient pressure through pressure balancing opening 3. Any further air exchange between available space 11 and the environment through pressure balancing opening 3 is inhibited by the flow resistance of the pressure balancing filter.

[0156] It is understood that the CO2 incubator 1 according to the invention may have additional features. In particular, the incubator may be additionally designed to control or regulate the temperature in the available space. For this purpose, the incubator may, for example, include temperature control elements and temperature sensors. The incubator may also be designed to control or regulate the humidity in the available space, for example, through a humidification system 5.

[0157] Understandably, incubators can also be designed to increase the CO2 concentration in the available space. Incubators are particularly likely to be designed to control or regulate the CO2 concentration in the available space.

[0158] Typically, the CO2 incubator according to the invention is designed to reduce the CO2 concentration in the available space 11. This is typically achieved by actively supplying air to the available space 11, either by directly introducing air or by actively drawing air (or generally gas) from the available space 11, which is then replaced by the introduced supply airflow. Corresponding embodiments are described below as examples.

[0159] Figure 2 One embodiment is shown in which air can be actively removed from the available space 11. For this purpose, a pump 41 can be provided, which can deliver air from the available space 11 into the environment.

[0160] In the illustrated embodiment, the CO2 concentration in the available space 11 can be increased on the one hand by the CO2 supply device 2 (as outlined above), while on the other hand, the CO2 concentration in the available space can be decreased using a pump 41. For this purpose, the pump 41 can deliver air or gas from the available space 11 into the environment of the CO2 incubator 1. Preferably, the pump 41 operates only when the CO2 valve 22 is closed. The negative pressure generated in the available space 11 compared to the surrounding environment is balanced through a pressure balancing opening 3, through which the supply gas (preferably ambient air) flows into the available space. This has the advantage of making it possible to reduce the CO2 concentration in the available space, provided that the CO2 concentration in the supply gas is lower than the CO2 concentration in the available space and, when controlled accordingly, lower than the desired set value. For example, the CO2 content in the atmosphere is about 0.04% or 400 ppm, but in a closed room, depending on ventilation, this content may be higher (e.g., up to 1000 ppm or even higher).

[0161] In other words, the CO2 concentration can be reduced by drawing air or gas from the incubator, and more precisely, from the available space 11 of the incubator. This can be achieved using a (vacuum / air) pump 41. Alternatively, the available space can also be connected to an area with negative pressure via a valve, intended to draw air from the available space. The pump 41 or valve can be controlled by electronically comparing the setpoint / actual value, or triggered if the CO2 limit is exceeded. For example, exceeding the CO2 limit may trigger a CO2 alarm.

[0162] Alternatively, the available space 11 can also be fluidly connected to an exhaust reservoir via an exhaust valve, the exhaust reservoir having a pressure below ambient pressure. If the exhaust valve is opened, air thus flows from the available space into the exhaust reservoir.

[0163] Figure 3 Another embodiment is shown, in which the supply of air can be actively delivered into the usable space 11. For this purpose, a pump 41 can be provided, which delivers air from an air reservoir into the usable space. The air reservoir can preferably be provided by the ambient air or gas reservoir (e.g., gas cylinder) of the CO2 incubator 1. This makes it possible to deliver ambient air or a gas mixture or a gas mixture with controlled composition (e.g., composed of nitrogen and oxygen) into the usable space. Similar to... Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, pump 41 is preferably specified to operate only when CO2 valve 22 is closed.

[0164] Excessive pressure rise in the available space 11 compared to the surrounding environment is balanced through the pressure balancing opening 3, where air or gas escapes from the available space into the surrounding environment. This has the advantage of making it possible to reduce the CO2 concentration in the available space, provided that the CO2 concentration in the supply gas is lower than the CO2 concentration in the available space and, when controlled accordingly, lower than the desired set value.

[0165] To prevent contaminants from the supplied air, an air filter 43 may also be provided, preferably downstream of the pump 41, to filter the supplied air. For example, the supply air filter 43 may include a sterile filter and / or a membrane filter. The advantage of using such a filter is that it can help prevent contaminants in the available space from passing through the supplied air.

[0166] In other words, supplied air is blown into the incubator, and more precisely, into the usable space 11. For this purpose, an (air) pump 41 is used, which pumps air from outside the CO2 incubator through a purified air supply filter 43 into the usable space 11. The pump can be triggered if CO2 limits are exceeded (e.g., a CO2 alarm), or it can be controlled by electronically comparing the setpoint / actual value.

[0167] Figure 4 Another embodiment is shown, in which gas supply can be actively delivered into the available space 11. In this embodiment, if needed, gas supply is introduced through the air duct 5 included in the CO2 incubator.

[0168] Air duct 5 can generally be used for air circulation and optional humidification in an available space. For this purpose, the air duct may include an inlet and an outlet, each connected to the available space, and a fan 52 (also called a cooling fan 52) designed to deliver air from the inlet of the air duct 5 to its outlet.

[0169] The air duct 5 may also include flow resistance elements 53 disposed upstream of the fan 52 and downstream of the inlet. Flow resistance element 53 may preferably include a filter 53, preferably a particulate filter 53, such as a HEPA filter. The air resistance provided by the flow resistance element 53 results in a pressure drop across the flow resistance element 53 (the pressure in front of the flow resistance element 53, i.e., the pressure upstream of it, is therefore higher than the pressure behind the flow resistance element 53, i.e., the pressure downstream of it). With the corresponding design of the fan 52, a negative pressure can therefore be generated between the fan 52 and the flow resistance element 53—the pressure between these elements (i.e., downstream of the resistance element 53 and upstream of the fan 52) is therefore lower than the pressure downstream of the fan. This negative pressure can be an advantage when used to introduce air supply into the available space 11. For example, the negative pressure can be as low as 1 millibar at atmospheric pressure.

[0170] For this purpose, an air supply duct 44 can be provided between the flow resistance element 53 and the fan 52, through which supplied air can be drawn in. The air supply duct 44 may advantageously include an air supply valve 45, which can open and close the air supply duct 44. The air supply valve 45 can also be a proportional valve in an intermediate position. The air supply duct 44 may further include an air supply filter 43, which filters the supplied air to prevent contamination of the usable space 11.

[0171] The air duct 5 may include a humidifier 51 or an atomizer 51, the latter evaporating and / or atomizing water from a water reservoir to increase the relative humidity in the available space. A fan 52 and a flow resistance element 53 may preferably be located downstream of the humidifier 51 and are designed to draw air from the available space 11 through the humidifier 51 and blow such air back into the available space.

[0172] In other words, supplied air can be drawn into the usable space 11 via the incubator's own air duct system. This can be achieved by placing a flow-resisting element (preferably a particulate filter) 53, especially a HEPA filter, in front of a fan 52. The fan draws air from the usable space 11 through the flow-resisting element 53, thereby creating a negative pressure between the flow-resisting element 53 and the fan 52. The negative pressure is caused by the pressure drop across the HEPA flow-resisting element 53, which is proportional to the volumetric flow rate through the flow-resisting element and can range between 0 and -1 millibars (relative to atmospheric pressure). To prevent contaminants or particulate matter from entering the usable space, the supply air can be drawn in through an external air supply filter 43 (e.g., a membrane filter) and, for example, into the filter housing of the particulate filter 53. The correct amount of air drawn in can be adjusted by the pressure drop in the external air filter 43 and, if applicable, by additional capillaries in the air supply path 44. The intake air can be controlled and / or regulated by installing an air supply valve 45 between the air supply filter 43 and the negative pressure zone between the flow resistance element 53 and the fan 52 (e.g., the filter housing of the filter 53, provided, for example, through a hose connected to the HEPA filter air box). For example, the intake air can be triggered by exceeding the CO2 limit (which may trigger a CO2 alarm) or controlled by electronically comparing the setpoint / actual value.

[0173] This implementation scheme advantageously utilizes the existing air duct 5 (e.g., as part of a humidification system), thereby compared to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The embodiment shown allows for the omission of the additional pump 41. However, compared to using an additional pump, only a small amount of air can be introduced per unit time, while the additional pump 41 can deliver a larger amount per unit time.

[0174] Advantageously, the gas supply can be ambient air from incubator 1; that is, any air supply reservoir can be supplied by the environment of the CO2 incubator. Alternatively, an air supply reservoir containing a predetermined gas or a gas mixture can also be used.

[0175] A CO2 incubator typically includes a controller that monitors the CO2 concentration in the available space, for example, using a suitable CO2 sensor, and can adjust or preferably control this concentration if necessary. For this purpose, the controller can exchange data with at least one CO2 sensor, CO2 valve 22, and, depending on the design of pump 41, also with air supply valve 45 and / or fan 52, with the aim of reading out the data and / or adjusting or controlling it. In this way, the controller can initiate measures to reduce the CO2 concentration, for example, if a CO2 limit is exceeded and triggers a CO2 alarm if necessary, or alternatively, actively control the CO2 concentration by comparing the actual value with a setpoint.

[0176] refer to Figure 5 The present invention also relates to a corresponding method for changing the CO2 concentration in the available space of a CO2 incubator. The method involves measuring the CO2 concentration in the available space, comparing the CO2 concentration with a predetermined CO2 value, and if the CO2 concentration exceeds the predetermined value, reducing the CO2 concentration in the available space of the CO2 incubator.

[0177] In this context, the CO2 value can be either a CO2 limit or a CO2 setpoint. The CO2 limit can be used to detect excessively high CO2 concentrations, triggering a CO2 alarm if necessary and automatically initiating appropriate mitigation measures. The CO2 setpoint allows for control of CO2 concentrations by comparing the setpoint with the actual CO2 concentration in the available space as measured by the CO2 sensor.

[0178] This method may involve receiving a CO2 value. The CO2 value may be, for example, predetermined by the user.

[0179] Steps to reduce CO2 concentration may involve actively supplying air to the available space by drawing air or gas from the available space, meaning the supply gas flows in, for example, through a pressure equalization opening, or by pumping the supply gas into the available space. Alternatively, the supply gas may also be introduced from an air reservoir via a valve in a manner similar to that of CO2, wherein the air reservoir provides the supply gas at a higher pressure relative to the available space.

[0180] If the CO2 value is below a set value, the method may also involve increasing the CO2 concentration in the available space. As mentioned above, the increased CO2 concentration can be achieved by supplying CO2 from a CO2 reservoir, for example, by opening a CO2 valve located between the available space and the CO2 reservoir, wherein the reservoir can supply CO2 at a higher pressure relative to the available space.

[0181] This method may in particular involve adjusting and preferably controlling the CO2 concentration that varies with the CO2 value, wherein controlling the CO2 concentration involves measuring, comparing, increasing and decreasing the CO2 concentration in the available space.

[0182] Therefore, the present invention advantageously enables the automatic reduction of excessively high CO2 concentrations in the incubator, thereby avoiding error messages typically generated by known devices. In particular, no user intervention is required, and for example, no manual door opening is necessary.

[0183] If the relative terms “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately” are used in this specification or claims, any such term shall also be construed as including precise terms. That is, for example, “substantially straight” shall be construed as also including “(perfectly) straight.”

[0184] Whenever steps are listed in the foregoing claims or in the appended claims, it should be noted that the order in which steps are listed herein may be random. This means that unless otherwise specified or obvious to those skilled in the art, the order in which steps are listed may be random. For example, if this document states that a method includes steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean that step (A) occurs before step (B), but rather that step (A) may be performed (at least partially) concurrently with step (B), or that step (B) occurs before step (A). Furthermore, if a step (X) is stated to precede another step (Z), this does not mean that there are no steps between step (X) and step (Z). This means that step (X) preceding step (Z) includes the case where step (X) is performed immediately preceding step (Z), and also includes the case where step (X) is performed before one or more steps (Y1), ..., and then step (Z). When terms such as "after" or "before" are used, the corresponding considerations apply.

[0185] Although a preferred embodiment has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art should understand that this embodiment is provided for illustrative purposes only and should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the invention (as defined by the claims).

Claims

1. CO2 incubator, including: Available space (11); The pressure balancing opening (3) is designed to adjust the pressure in the available space (11) to ambient pressure; and CO2 supply device (2). in, The CO2 incubator is designed to reduce the CO2 concentration in the available space (11).

2. The incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure balancing opening (3) includes a pressure balancing filter (32), which preferably includes a sintered filter.

3. The incubator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The incubator is designed to actively draw air from the available space (11) and thus supply air through the pressure balancing opening (3).

4. The incubator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The incubator includes a pump (41), wherein the pump (41) is designed to draw air from the available space (11).

5. The incubator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The incubator is designed to actively introduce gas into the available space (11).

6. The incubator according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 5, characterized in that, The incubator includes a pump (41), wherein the pump (41) is designed to deliver gas to the available space (11).

7. The incubator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The incubator includes an air duct (5), wherein the air duct (5) includes: An entrance and an exit, which in each case are connected to the available space (11); Fan (52), the fan being designed to deliver air from the inlet to the outlet of the duct (5); and A flow resistance element (53) is provided upstream of the fan (52) and downstream of the inlet. The air supply duct (44) connected to the gas storage tank is located between the flow resistance element (53) and the fan (52).

8. The incubator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The incubator includes a controller, and wherein the controller is designed to: If the CO2 limit is exceeded, the CO2 concentration in the available space (11) is reduced, and / or The CO2 concentration in the available space (11) is controlled and / or adjusted relative to a predetermined set value.

9. A method for changing the CO2 concentration in the available space of a CO2 incubator, wherein, The method includes: Measure the CO2 concentration in the available space; The CO2 concentration is measured using a predetermined CO2 value; If the CO2 value is exceeded, the CO2 concentration in the available space of the CO2 incubator is reduced.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Reducing the CO2 concentration in the available space includes: actively supplying gas to the available space.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Active gas supply includes: supplying gas by drawing it in through a negative pressure air duct connected to the air duct of the incubator.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the CO2 value is lower than the set value, the CO2 concentration in the available space of the CO2 incubator will be increased.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method includes: adjusting the CO2 concentration as a function of CO2 value, wherein controlling the CO2 concentration includes: measuring, comparing, increasing, and decreasing the CO2 concentration in the available space.

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