Docking station for modular incubator systems with improved gas distribution system

Abstract

A docking station 400 for a modular incubator system 500 is disclosed. The docking station includes several docking ports 402 for receiving modular incubator chambers 300 and a gas supply system 200. The docking ports have a docking port gas outlet opening 404 and a docking port gas inlet opening 406. The gas supply system 200 includes a gas source 202 and a gas distribution system 204. The gas source 202 has a supply gas outlet 206 and a return gas inlet 208. The gas distribution system 204 includes a main gas supply line 210 and a main gas return line 212, where the main gas supply line 210 is fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet 206 of the gas source 202 and the main gas return line 212 is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202. The gas distribution system 204 includes several manifold pairs 214, each manifold pair including an inlet manifold 216 and an outlet manifold 218, wherein the inlet manifold 216 of each manifold pair 214 is fluidly connected to the main gas supply line 210 and the outlet manifold 218 of each manifold pair 214 is fluidly connected to the main gas return line 212. Furthermore, each manifold pair 214 is connected to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 such that, for a particular manifold pair 214 and for the one or more docking ports 402 connected to a particular manifold pair 214, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 of the docking port 402 is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold 216 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 of the docking port 402 is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold 218. The gas distribution system 204 is designed for two or more of the docking ports 402 to provide essentially equal gas flow through the docking ports 402 .

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of incubation of viable biological material, and in particular to incubators for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.

[0002] More particularly, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a docking station for a modular incubator system.

[0003] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a modular incubator system for incubating viable biological material comprising a docking station according to the first aspect in combination with one or more modular incubator chambers docked to the docking station.

[0004] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a gas source for supplying gas to a docking station of a modular incubator docking station for docking a plurality of modular incubator chambers.

[0005] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a docking station according to the first aspect of the invention for the incubation of viable biological material.

[0006] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the invention for the incubation of viable biological material.

[0007] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method of incubating viable biological material by using a modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention. [Background technology]

[0008] Advances in in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures have resulted in significantly improved methods and techniques over the past few decades, which have increased the success rate of IVF-mediated pregnancy and birth.

[0009] In vitro fertilization involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman's ovaries, fertilizing the ovaries with sperm, incubating the fertilized eggs in a controlled environment, and then inserting the fertilized and incubated eggs into the woman's uterus.

[0010] As it is well known, since IVF is most commonly used by women or couples who are having problems conceiving by natural means and therefore have problems that indicate some degree of reduced fertility on the part of the man or the woman or both of the couple, and since IVF techniques involve very expensive procedures, these IVF techniques are usually carried out in a way that aims to optimize efficiency, especially taking into account that successful conception often requires the insertion of a fertilized egg into the woman's uterus more than once.

[0011] Furthermore, compared to conceiving naturally, conception via IVF may be advantageous for couples in which the individual has common medical conditions or is suspected of having such a condition.

[0012] Therefore, for IVF techniques to be effective, women typically undergo hormone treatment before eggs are harvested from their ovaries, which causes the ovaries to release not just one egg but many eggs simultaneously.

[0013] Therefore, to increase the chances of successfully achieving a viable pregnancy, two or more eggs from the same woman are fertilized and incubated simultaneously in an incubator.

[0014] Prior art incubators include compartments that allow for the accommodation of two or more culture dishes containing fertilized eggs.

[0015] Successful in vitro fertilization and incubation of fertilized eggs is not an easy task, and one of the main reasons for the relatively low success rate of in vitro fertilization is the lack of a reliable method for providing and maintaining optimal incubation conditions for the embryos.

[0016] Some improved prior art incubators include a housing with one or more doors for accessing the interior of the incubator. The interior of the incubator holds one or more culture dishes containing the embryos to be cultured. Such incubators may be provided with various adjustment means for controlling the humidity, temperature, and gas composition within the incubator's interior.

[0017] Recently, smaller modular incubators have been introduced to the market. These modular incubators are designed to fit into docking ports in docking stations that allow for control of the physical and chemical parameters to which the housed embryos are subjected. When manual manipulation steps on the embryos are required, such as manual inspection or the addition, removal, or replacement of growth medium, the modular incubator is removed from the docking station and placed on the laboratory bench for easy access to the embryos. The modular incubators and corresponding docking ports of the docking station may also be provided with gas connectors, so that when a modular incubator is docked to a docking port of the docking station, the gas connector of the modular incubator and the corresponding gas connector of the docking port engage such that gas having a desired gas composition can be transported from the docking station through each modular incubator and back to the docking station via the gas connectors. In this manner, the desired gas composition can be delivered to the interior of the modular incubator for the period of time that the modular incubator is docked to the docking port of the docking station.

[0018] Gas composition is typically controlled through the use of a gas mixing box, which allows for the addition of CO2 and N2. The outlet of the gas mixing box is fluidly connected to the inlet gas connector of each modular incubator, and the return inlet of the gas mixing box is fluidly connected to the outlet gas connector of each modular incubator. Thus, gas circulates through the modular incubator and through the gas mixing box. To control the gas composition supplied to the incubator, CO2 is added to the gas mixing box to achieve the desired CO2 concentration, and N2 is added to the gas mixing box to reduce the O2 level to the desired concentration. Because leaks in the gas supply system are inevitable, atmospheric air is carried into the system, thus ensuring that oxygen never depletes below the desired concentration.

[0019] By constantly monitoring the CO2 and O2 concentrations of the gas circulating within the system, and by constantly adjusting the gas composition leaving the gas mixing box in response to any deviations from the desired and predetermined gas composition, it is possible to ensure that the gas leaving the gas mixing box and supplied to the modular incubator has the desired and predetermined optimal composition.

[0020] It has been shown that even small deviations from what is considered the optimal gas composition inside the incubator chamber can have a detrimental effect on the quality of the biological material being incubated inside when incubating embryos, and therefore ultimately on the success rate of the resulting pregnancy.

[0021] For this reason, it is important that each of the modular incubators always contain, to the extent possible, the same gas composition, which is the predetermined gas composition considered optimal for embryo incubation.

[0022] Even if an optimal gas composition is supplied in the supply lines leading to and from each of the modular incubators, it has been found that when going from one modular incubator to another under non-steady state conditions, the gas composition may change over undesirably long periods of time inside the various modular incubators, i.e., when one or more modular incubators are / have recently been removed from the docking station for visual inspection of the incubated biological material and manual refilling, removal or replacement of growth medium, thereby venting atmospheric air into the interior of the modular incubators.

[0023] The same applies to situations where the desired gas composition mixed in the gas mixing box is intentionally changed dynamically over time and supplied to the modular incubator.

[0024] The inventors surmise that these problems may arise from improper design of the gas supply system that supplies gas between the gas mixing box and the modular incubator, and that variations in gas composition between the incubator chambers may result from variations in pressure drop within the modular incubator chambers of the modular incubator system between the gas inlet and gas outlet openings at the docking port of the docking station.

[0025] It has also been found that latency or stagnation in reaching a steady state condition in the gas supply system after removing and replacing a modular incubator chamber makes it very difficult to regulate the supply of CO2 and N2 gas to the gas mixing box to reach a steady state condition of a constant and desired gas composition in the entire supply system supplying gas to the modular incubator.

[0026] Ultimately, therefore, any long-term deviation in gas composition from what is considered to be the optimal gas composition may result in an increased risk of the IVF procedure ending in unsuccessful pregnancy once the embryo is inserted into the woman's uterus.

[0027] Therefore, to ensure optimal incubation conditions for embryos incubated in modular incubators, it is of utmost importance that the gas composition present inside each modular incubator chamber deviates as little as possible from a specific gas composition considered as the optimal composition, and preferably changes as little as possible when going from one modular incubator to another.

[0028] Therefore, a need persists for an improved docking station and associated modular incubator system that ensures minimal variation from the desired and / or optimal gas composition within multiple modular incubators docked to the docking ports of the docking station when progressing from one modular incubator to another. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0029] The object of the present invention is to meet such a need. [Means for solving the problem]

[0030] This object is met by the present invention in its various aspects.

[0031] Thus, the present invention provides in a first aspect a docking station for a modular incubator system, said docking station comprising: several docking ports to accept modular incubator chambers; a gas supply system; Equipped with for one or more of the docking ports, preferably for all the docking ports of the docking station, the docking ports comprise a docking port gas outlet opening and a docking port gas inlet opening; the gas supply system comprises a gas source and a gas distribution system; the gas source having a supply gas outlet and a return gas inlet; the gas distribution system includes a main gas supply line and a main gas return line; the main gas supply line of the gas distribution system is fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet of the gas source, and the main gas return line is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet of the gas source; the gas distribution system comprises a number of manifold pairs, each manifold pair including an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold; the inlet manifold of each manifold pair is fluidly connected to the main gas supply line at an inlet manifold connection point; the outlet manifold of each manifold pair is fluidly connected to the main gas return line at an outlet manifold connection point; a gas supply line reference point is defined on the main gas supply line located at an upstream position relative to the inlet manifold connection points of all of the inlet manifolds; a gas return line reference point is defined in the main gas return line located downstream relative to outlet manifold connection points of all of the outlet manifolds; each manifold pair is connected to one or more docking ports of the docking station such that, for a particular manifold pair, and for the one or more docking ports connected to a particular manifold pair, the docking port gas outlet opening of the docking port is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold and the docking port gas inlet opening of the docking port is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold; The gas distribution system is designed such that, for two or more docking ports of the docking station, preferably for all docking ports of the docking station, a travel distance D that gas travels from the gas supply line reference point to the docking port and from the docking port to the gas return line reference point during delivery of gas to and from the docking port is essentially equal, the travel distance D being, for a particular docking port, as follows: D=D1+D2+D3+D4 is defined as where D1 is defined as the distance from the gas supply line reference point to the corresponding inlet manifold connection point in the main gas supply line; where D2 is defined as the distance from the corresponding manifold connection point in the main gas supply line to the docking port gas outlet opening; where D3 is defined as the distance from the docking port gas inlet opening to the corresponding outlet manifold connection point in the main gas return line; where D4 is defined as the distance from the outlet manifold connection point in the main gas return line to the gas return line reference point. Regarding docking stations.

[0032] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a modular incubator system comprising a docking station according to the first aspect of the invention in combination with one or more modular incubator chambers, wherein for one or more of said one or more modular incubator chambers, said modular incubator chambers a housing having a first end and a second end, thereby defining a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end; the housing includes a lid configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to an interior of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration that blocks access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; the modular incubator chamber comprises a culture dish support for placing a culture dish within the interior of the modular incubator chamber for the purpose of containing one or more biological materials M within the housing of the modular incubator chamber; The modular incubator system relates to a modular incubator chamber having a chamber gas inlet opening and a chamber gas outlet opening, the chamber gas inlet opening and the chamber gas outlet opening being in fluid communication with the interior of the modular incubator chamber.

[0033] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a gas source for supplying gas to a docking station, said gas source having a supply gas outlet connected to a main gas supply line of the docking station, said gas source comprising a return gas inlet connected to a main gas return line of the docking station, said gas source being as defined in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a docking station according to the first aspect of the invention for the incubation of viable biological material.

[0035] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the invention for the incubation of viable biological material.

[0036] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method of incubating viable biological material, comprising the steps of: i) providing a modular incubator system according to a first aspect of the present invention; ii) providing viable biological material; iii) placing the viable biological material in a culture dish and subsequently placing the culture dish inside a modular incubator chamber of the modular incubator system; iv) docking the modular incubator chamber into a docking port of the docking station of the modular incubator system; v) allowing the viable biological material to be incubated within the modular incubator chamber; vi) supplying gas throughout the interior of the modular incubator chamber of the modular incubator system via the gas supply system of the docking station; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0037] In its various aspects, the present invention ensures that the various docking ports of a docking station receive equal gas flow through all modular incubator chambers docked to those docking ports, which has been found to reduce latency or stagnation in returning to a steady state situation with respect to gas composition after deviation from the steady state situation, for example, shortly after a modular incubator chamber is removed from and returned to its docking port for purposes of visual inspection of biological material incubated in the growth medium and / or manual refilling, removal or replacement of the growth medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating the concept of a modular incubator system of the present invention, comprising a docking station having multiple docking ports and multiple modular incubator chambers docked to the docking ports of the docking station. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the modular incubator chamber of the modular docking system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the modular incubator chamber shown in Figure 2, as viewed from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the modular incubator chamber shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, as viewed from the rear. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a modular incubator chamber of the modular incubator system of the present invention. [Figure 6a] 1 illustrates the operating modes of the valves of the valve system of the modular incubator chamber of the docking system and the associated docking port of the docking station of the present invention. [Figure 6b] 1 illustrates the operating modes of the valves of the valve system of the modular incubator chamber of the docking system and the associated docking port of the docking station of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a gas supply system incorporated into the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the gas distribution system of the gas supply system of the docking station of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an example design of a gas supply system including a gas source for use with the docking station of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates the operating modes of the control of the modular incubator system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] First aspect of the present invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides a docking station 400 for a modular incubator system 500, said docking station comprising: a number of docking ports 402 for receiving modular incubator chambers 300; a gas supply system 200; Equipped with For one or more of the docking ports 402, and preferably for all of the docking ports of the docking station 400, the docking port has a docking port gas outlet opening 404 and a docking port gas inlet opening 406; The gas supply system 200 includes a gas source 202 and a gas distribution system 204; The gas source 202 has a supply gas outlet 206 and a return gas inlet 208; The gas distribution system 204 includes a main gas supply line 210 and a main gas return line 212; the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet 206 of the gas source 202, and the main gas return line 212 is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202; The gas distribution system 204 includes several manifold pairs 214, each manifold pair including an inlet manifold 216 and an outlet manifold 218; The inlet manifold 216 of each manifold pair 214 is fluidly connected to the main gas supply line 210 at an inlet manifold connection point 220; The outlet manifold 218 of each manifold pair 214 is fluidly connected to the main gas return line 212 at an outlet manifold connection point 222; a gas supply line reference point 224 is defined on the main gas supply line 210, the gas supply line reference point 224 being located upstream relative to the inlet manifold connection points 220 of all of the inlet manifolds 216; a gas return line reference point 226 is defined in the main gas return line 212, the gas return line reference point 226 being located downstream relative to the outlet manifold connection points 222 of all of the outlet manifolds 218; each manifold pair 214 is connected to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 such that, for a particular manifold pair 214 and for the one or more docking ports 402 connected to the particular manifold pair 214, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 of the docking port 402 is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold 216 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 of the docking port 402 is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold 218; The gas distribution system 204 is designed such that, for two or more docking ports 402 of the docking station, and preferably for all docking ports 402 of the docking station, the travel distance D that gas travels from the gas supply line reference point 224 to the docking port 402 and from the docking port 402 to the gas return line reference point 226 during gas delivery to and from the docking port 402 is essentially equal, and the travel distance D is, for a particular docking port 402, determined as follows: D=D1+D2+D3+D4 is defined as where D1 is defined as the distance from the gas supply line reference point 224 to the corresponding inlet manifold connection point 220 in the main gas supply line 210; where D2 is defined as the distance from the corresponding manifold connection point 220 in the main gas supply line 210 to the docking port gas exit opening 404; where D3 is defined as the distance from the docking port gas inlet opening 406 to the corresponding outlet manifold connection point 222 in the main gas return line 212; where D4 is defined as the distance from the outlet manifold connection point 222 in the main gas return line 212 to the gas return line reference point 226. Regarding Docking Station 400.

[0040] As mentioned above, the design of the docking station gas distribution system ensures that the various docking ports receive equal gas flow to all modular incubator chambers docked to those docking ports.

[0041] Such uniform gas flow reduces latency or stagnation in returning to a steady-state condition with respect to gas composition after deviation from the steady-state condition, for example, shortly after removing the modular incubator chamber from and returning it to its docking port for purposes of visual inspection of biological material incubated in the growth medium and manual replenishment, removal, or replacement of the growth medium.

[0042] The docking station of the first aspect of the present invention therefore reduces the period of time during which the gas composition deviates from what is considered optimal and desirable, which ultimately indicates a higher quality incubation of biological material such as oocytes or embryos.

[0043] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the distance D for one docking port 402 is greater than the distance D for another docking port 402, preferably any other docking port, by no more than 10%, for example no more than 9%, no more than 8%, no more than 7%, no more than 6%, no more than 5%, no more than 4%, no more than 3%, no more than 2%, or no more than 1%.

[0044] Therefore, in this respect, what may be understood by the phrase "during the transport of gas to and from the docking port, the travel distance D that gas travels from the gas supply line reference point to the docking port and from the docking port to the gas return reference point is essentially equal" is defined.

[0045] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking ports 402 are grouped into one or more groups 228 of docking ports 402, and for each docking port 402 belonging to a particular group 228 of docking ports 402, the docking port gas outlet openings 404 are fluidly connected to the same inlet manifold 216, and for each docking port 402 belonging to a particular group 228 of docking ports 402, the docking port gas inlet openings 406 are fluidly connected to the same outlet manifold 218.

[0046] In one implementation of this embodiment, the number of groups 228 of docking ports 402 is selected from the range of 1 to 20 or more, for example, the range of 2 to 19, 3 to 18, 4 to 17, 5 to 16, 6 to 15, 7 to 14, 8 to 13, 9 to 12, or 10 to 11.

[0047] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of docking ports 402 in each group 228 of docking ports 402 is independently selected from the range of 2 to 25 or more, for example, 3 to 24, 4 to 23, 5 to 22, 6 to 21, 7 to 20, 8 to 19, 9 to 18, 10 to 17, 11 to 16, 12 to 15, or 13 to 14.

[0048] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of groups 228 of docking ports 402 is two or more, each group of docking ports is arranged as a shelf, and the shelves of the groups 228 of docking groups 402 are arranged one on top of the other.

[0049] Therefore, categorizing the docking ports 402 in this manner allows the docking ports to be arranged on shelves that are arranged one above the other. In theory, there is no limit to the number of docking ports 402 that can be included in the docking station 400.

[0050] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, for the purpose of adding an extension of the main gas supply line and an extension of the main gas return line, the main gas supply line 210 is provided with a main line extension connector 240a to enable the extension of the main gas supply line 210, and the main gas return line 212 is provided with a main line extension connector 240b to enable the extension of the main gas return line 212, thereby enabling the addition of one or more groups 228 of docking ports 402, each fluidly connected to an additional inlet manifold (216) and each fluidly connected to an additional outlet manifold (218), the additional inlet manifold 216 being fluidly connected to the added extension of the main gas return line 210, and the added outlet manifold 218 being fluidly connected to the added extension of the main gas return line 212.

[0051] This allows the docking station to be provided by the manufacturer as a modular docking station that can itself be extended by a main gas supply line extension and a main gas return line extension.

[0052] In one implementation of this embodiment, the extension connector 240a is positioned on the main gas supply line 210 at a downstream position relative to all inlet manifolds, and the extension connector 240b is positioned on the return gas supply line 212 at a downstream position relative to all outlet manifolds; or the extension connector 240a is positioned on the main gas supply line 210 at an upstream position relative to all inlet manifolds, and the extension connector 240b is positioned on the return gas supply line 212 at an upstream position relative to all outlet manifolds; or the extension connectors 240a, 240b are positioned on the main gas supply line 210 and the return gas supply line 212 at a position between the positions of the extension connectors 240a, 240b.

[0053] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking station is prepared for expansion by the addition of one or more further new groups 228a of docking ports 402, each such new group 228a of docking ports 402 including a new inlet manifold 216 with an inlet manifold connector 230 and a new outlet manifold 218 with an outlet manifold connector 232, the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 including one or more connectors 234 adapted to be connected to the inlet manifold connector 230 of the new inlet manifold 216, and the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 including one or more connectors 234 adapted to be connected to the inlet manifold connector 230 of the new outlet manifold 218. The new group 228a of docking ports includes one or more connectors 236 adapted to connect to outlet manifold connectors 232, and each new group 228a of docking ports includes several new docking ports 402, where for one or more of the new docking ports 402, the new docking port 402 has a docking port gas outlet opening 404 fluidly connected to the new inlet manifold 216, and for one or more of the new docking ports 402, the new docking port has a docking port gas inlet opening 406 fluidly connected to the new outlet manifold 218, thereby enabling expansion of the docking station 400 by new groups 228a of docking ports 402.

[0054] This embodiment illustrates an alternative way of expanding an existing docking station by allowing the addition of a new group 228 of docking ports.

[0055] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the invention, for one or more of the docking ports 402, preferably for all of the docking ports, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 includes a valve 4 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 includes a valve 4, the valve 4 of the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the valve 4 of the docking port gas inlet opening 406 each comprising a valve body 16 having a front end 20, a rear end 22 and a through channel 24 therein, and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18, the displaceable valve element 18 being disposed within the through channel 24. The displaceable valve element 18 is configured to be displaceable within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16 such that, when not acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18 does not displace within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16, thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration blocking gas from passing through the through channel 24, and such that, when acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18 displaces within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16, thereby causing the valve 4 to achieve an open configuration allowing gas to pass through the through channel 24.

[0056] This ensures that gas does not escape into the area of ​​the docking port 402 through the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 unless the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402.

[0057] In one embodiment of a docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas distribution system 204 includes one or more shunts 238 fluidly connecting the main gas supply line 210 with the main gas return line 212, thereby allowing gas to circulate within the gas distribution system when no modular incubator chambers 300 are docked to the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0058] The inclusion of such a shunt ensures that gas continuously circulates through the docking station's gas distribution system 204 when no modular incubator chambers 300 are docked to the docking ports 402, thereby also allowing constant adjustment of the gas composition when a modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 to ensure that the gas composition is optimal and desired.

[0059] In one implementation of this embodiment, one or more of the shunts 238 fluidly connect the outlet manifold 218 to the main gas supply line 210, or one or more of the shunts 238 fluidly connect the inlet manifold 216 to the main gas return line 212, or one or more of the shunts 238 fluidly connect the inlet manifold 216 to the outlet manifold 218.

[0060] In another embodiment, for one or more of the shunts, the shunts are positioned such that the distance traveled by gas from the gas supply line reference point 224 to the shunt plus the distance traveled from the shunt to the gas return line reference point 226 is essentially equal to distance D.

[0061] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, for two or more of the docking ports 402, preferably for all of the docking ports 402, the internal components of the docking ports 402 are essentially identical in terms of size and geometry.

[0062] Such a design further reduces fluctuations in gas flow within the gas delivery system as it passes from one docking port 402 to another.

[0063] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, for two or more of the docking ports 402, preferably for all of the docking ports 402, the docking port gas outlet openings 404 include flow restrictors for limiting the magnitude of the flow rate of gas entering the docking ports 402.

[0064] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the invention, the flow restrictor comprises a tube through which gas is conveyed to said docking port 402, said tube optionally having a diameter of between 0.2 and 8 mm. 2 range, e.g., 0.5 to 7 mm 2 , 1 to 6 mm 2 , 2~5mm 2 , or 3 to 4 mm 2 and / or the length of the tube is optionally selected from the range of 5 to 30 mm, such as 8 to 25 mm, 10 to 22 mm, or 15 to 20 mm.

[0065] Such a flow restrictor helps to balance the gas flow rate through the docking ports 402 containing the modular incubator chambers 300 with the capacity of the gas supply system 200, thereby also helping to equalize the gas flow rates through the various docking ports 402 relative to one another.

[0066] In one embodiment of a docking station according to the first aspect of the invention, for one or more docking ports 402 of said docking station 400 said docking port comprises an image capture device 408 .

[0067] The inclusion of the image capture device 408 allows for capturing images of the biological material M contained within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402.

[0068] In one implementation of this embodiment, for one or more specific docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the specific docking port has its own dedicated image capture device 408 configured to capture only images related to the modular incubator chambers 300 docked to the specific docking port 402.

[0069] In another embodiment of the above embodiment, the N adjacently arranged docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 share a common image capturing device 408 in the sense that only one image capturing device is responsible for capturing images associated with a modular incubator chamber 300 docked to one of the N adjacently arranged docking ports 402, and the docking station includes a displacement device 482, such as an electrically driven remotely controlled displacement device 482, for enabling displacement of the common image capturing device 408 relative to the N adjacently arranged docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0070] This allows one image capture device to be responsible for capturing images of biological material housed in various modular incubator chambers that are docked to different docking ports 402 of docking station 400.

[0071] In one embodiment, N is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 25 or more, for example, 4 to 22, 6 to 20, 8 to 18, 10 to 16, or 12 to 14.

[0072] Individually, one or more, and preferably all, image capturing devices 408 of the docking station 400 may be provided with or coupled to a displacement device 482, such as an electrically driven, remotely controlled displacement device 482, for enabling displacement of the common image capturing device 408 transverse to the longitudinal direction X of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked within the docking port 402, in order to enable the capturing device 408 to focus on two or more culture wells arranged transverse to the longitudinal direction X in a culture dish 310 housed within the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0073] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, one or more of the image capture devices 408 of the docking port 402 include microscopy optics to enable capture of microscopic images.

[0074] This allows magnified images to be captured, improving the study of the morphological properties of the incubated biological material.

[0075] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 of the gas supply system 200 comprises a gas mixing box 242 having the supply gas outlet 206 and the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source, the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet 206, and the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202, thereby forming a flow loop 244 including the gas distribution system 204 and the gas mixing box 242, and the flow loop includes a pump 246.

[0076] This allows gas to circulate within the loop and also through the gas distribution system of the docking station.

[0077] The purpose of the gas source is to supply and deliver the desired gas composition to the gas distribution system 204 , which includes the various docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 .

[0078] In one implementation of this embodiment, pump 246 is located downstream relative to the main gas return line 212 .

[0079] In one embodiment, flow loop 244 includes a pump vibration damper 247 , which is optionally located immediately downstream from pump 246 .

[0080] Pump vibration dampers equalize the minute, rapid pressure fluctuations caused by each pump stroke of the pump.

[0081] In one embodiment of the docking station 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 pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204, the pressure sensor 248 optionally being positioned immediately upstream of the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0082] The pressure sensor 248 allows the pump 246 to be adjusted to maintain a desired pressure within the flow loop 244 .

[0083] In one embodiment, the pressure sensor 248 is a differential pressure sensor that senses pressure relative to the pressure at the return gas inlet 208 .

[0084] In one embodiment, flow loop 244 includes a discharge valve 249 to allow pressure relief within the flow loop, the discharge valve optionally being positioned immediately downstream of the gas distribution system 402 relative to the main gas return line 212.

[0085] The pressure relief valve 249 allows for improved control of the pressure within the flow loop 344 .

[0086] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing box 242 has an N2 gas inlet 250 and a CO2 gas inlet 251, the N2 gas inlet 250 is fluidly connected to an N2 valve 252 for regulating the inflow of N2 and an N2 mass flow sensor 253 located downstream of the N2 valve 252 for detecting the amount of N2 flowing into the gas mixing box 242, and the CO2 gas inlet 251 is fluidly connected to a CO2 valve 254 for regulating the inflow of CO2 and a CO2 mass flow sensor 255 located downstream of the CO2 valve 254 for detecting the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing box 242.

[0087] This allows for the control of the N2 gas inlet and CO2 gas inlet to the gas mixing box 242 in order to obtain a desired and predetermined optimum gas composition within the gas mixing box 242.

[0088] In one embodiment of a docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow loop 244 includes a mass flow sensor 256 located upstream relative to the gas mixing box 242 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box.

[0089] Information regarding the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box is used to determine the total amount of N2 and CO2 gas that needs to be introduced into the gas mixing box 242.

[0090] In one embodiment of a docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 comprises an O2 sensor 258 for detecting the concentration of O2 exiting the gas distribution system 204, and the gas source 202 comprises a CO2 sensor 260 for detecting the concentration of CO2 exiting the gas distribution system 204, the O2 sensor and / or the CO2 sensor optionally being located downstream from the pump 246.

[0091] Information about the O2 and CO2 concentrations exiting the gas distribution system 204 is used to determine the specific amounts of N2 gas and CO2 gas that need to be introduced into the gas mixing box 242.

[0092] In one embodiment of the docking station 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, the temperature sensor optionally being located downstream relative to the pump 246, preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the O2 sensor 258.

[0093] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes a pressure sensor 264 for sensing the absolute pressure in the flow loop 244, optionally located downstream relative to the pump 246, preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the CO2 sensor 260.

[0094] The temperature sensor 262 and the pressure sensor 264 are useful for correcting the readings of the O2 sensor 258 due to its temperature sensitivity and the CO2 sensor 260 due to its pressure sensitivity.

[0095] In one embodiment of a docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, flow loop 244 includes a UV sterilizer 266 for sterilizing gas flowing within said flow loop 244 by electromagnetic radiation in the UV range, said UV sterilizer optionally being positioned immediately downstream relative to said main gas return line 212.

[0096] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 comprises one or more filters 268, such as HEPA and / or VOC filters, located immediately upstream of the main gas supply line 210, and / or located immediately upstream of the N2 gas inlet 250 to the gas mixing box 242, and / or located immediately upstream of the CO2 gas inlet 251 to the gas mixing box 242.

[0097] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 comprises a gas mixing control system 270, including the N mass flow sensor 253 for detecting the amount of N entering the gas mixing box, the CO mass flow sensor 255 for detecting the amount of CO entering the gas mixing box, the mass flow sensor 256 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box, the O sensor 258 for detecting the concentration of O leaving the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204, The gas mixing control system is electrically connected to one or more of these sensors to receive detection signals from the CO2 sensor 260 for detecting the concentration of CO2 exiting the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204, the temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature circulating in the flow loop 244, the pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop 244, and the pressure sensor 248 for detecting the pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the distribution system 204.

[0098] This embodiment allows for obtaining information on various parameters that are used in providing feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202 .

[0099] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following elements to control the N2 valve 252 for regulating the inflow of N2 into the gas mixing box 242, the CO2 valve 254 for regulating the inflow of CO2 into the gas mixing box 242, the pump 246 for circulating gas within the flow loop 244, and the discharge valve 249.

[0100] This embodiment allows for providing feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202 .

[0101] In one embodiment, gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive input from the pressure sensor 248 and, based on the input, control the pump 246 and, optionally, operate the discharge valve 249 to maintain a desired and predetermined pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0102] This allows the pressure within the flow loop 244 to be controlled.

[0103] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixture control system 270 is configured to receive input from the mass flow sensor 256 and, based on the input, determine the total amounts of CO gas and N gas that need to be supplied via the CO gas inlet 251 and the N gas inlet 250 as desired and according to predetermined criteria.

[0104] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, a gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive inputs from the CO2 sensor 260 and the O2 sensor 258 and is configured to control the CO2 valve 254 by sending a control signal to the CO2 valve 254 based on the detected CO2 concentration, thereby regulating the inflow of CO2 gas to reach the desired and predetermined CO2 concentration, and subsequently, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to control the N2 valve 252 by sending a control signal to the N2 valve 252 based on the detected O2 concentration, thereby regulating the inflow of N2 gas to reach the desired and predetermined O2 concentration.

[0105] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixture control system 270 is configured to use input from the temperature sensor 262 to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the O2 sensor 258.

[0106] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the invention, the gas mixture control system 270 is configured to use input from the pressure sensor 264 to compensate for the pressure sensitivity of the CO2 sensor 260.

[0107] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to maintain a pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 relative to ambient atmospheric pressure of 3 to 20 mbar, for example 5 to 18 mbar or 10 to 15 mbar above ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0108] In one embodiment of the docking station according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixture control system 270 is configured to maintain the CO2 concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 in a range of 5-10%, for example 6-9% or 7-8%, and / or the O2 concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 in a range of 5-10%, for example 6-9% or 7-8%.

[0109] Second Aspect of the Invention In a second aspect, the present invention provides a modular incubator system 500 comprising a docking station 400 according to the first aspect of the invention in combination with one or more modular incubator chambers 300, wherein with respect to one or more of said one or more modular incubator chambers 300, said modular incubator chambers 300: 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; the housing includes a lid 304 configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to an interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration that blocks access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a culture dish support 308 for placing a culture dish 310 in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 for the purpose of containing one or more biological materials M within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300; The modular incubator chamber 300 has a chamber gas inlet opening 312 and a chamber gas outlet opening 314, and the chamber gas inlet opening 312 and the chamber gas outlet opening 314 are in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber.

[0110] The combination of the docking station 400 with multiple modular incubator chambers 300 allows for the incubation of viable biological material, such as embryos or oocytes, by placing the viable biological material in a culture dish, and by housing the culture dish inside a modular incubator chamber 300 and subsequently docking the modular incubator 300 to a docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0111] In the present invention, the term "modular incubator system" shall be understood to mean a system comprising a docking station in combination with one or more incubator chambers, the one or more incubator chambers being configured to be docked to respective docking ports of the docking station. The modular incubator system is intended for the incubation or cultivation of viable biological material.

[0112] Incubator systems comprising a docking station and one or more incubator chambers are generally configured to provide some interaction between the docking station and the incubator chambers docked to the docking station.

[0113] Such interaction may be one or more of: supplying a gas having a desired composition to the incubator chamber; supplying electricity to the incubator chamber to power a listening element in the incubator chamber and / or to power a light source within the incubator chamber; and enabling monitoring of viable biological material present within the incubator chamber, such as by an image capture device located within the docking station.

[0114] It should be understood that within the meaning of this application, the term "modular incubator system" is to be construed as one in which the incubator chambers are configured to be used for the incubation of viable biological material, regardless of whether the individual incubator chambers are docked to a docking port of a docking station or whether the incubator chambers are detached from a docking port of a docking station.

[0115] Thus, it should be understood that culturing or incubation of viable biological material in an individual incubator chamber may be performed and / or continued even after the incubator chamber has been removed from its docking station and placed, for example, on a laboratory bench. This may allow for manual operations such as transfer or control of culture or growth medium, manual inspection using a laboratory microscope, etc. Such operations are preferably performed under a hood providing the desired gas atmosphere.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment, to make such manual operation practical and conceivable, the incubation chambers are configured to allow support on a flat, horizontal support surface when the individual incubation chambers are removed from the docking ports. This may be achieved by providing one or more supports at the bottom of the incubator chamber, or simply by constructing the bottom of the incubator chamber as a flat surface.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment, the incubation chamber has its largest dimension horizontally in its intended orientation for use in incubation.

[0118] Thus, the horizontal dimension of the incubation chamber is larger than the vertical dimension, which ensures sufficient stability when the incubator chamber is used for incubation in locations outside the docking port of the docking station.

[0119] Individual incubator chambers may, in some embodiments, be equipped with a display, such as an electronic display, for providing information regarding the identity of the viable biological material contained in the incubator chamber.

[0120] It should be understood that in some embodiments the present invention does not relate to methods or uses involving treatment of the human or animal body by surgical or diagnostic procedures performed on the human or animal body.

[0121] It should also be understood that in other embodiments the present invention may relate to methods or uses involving treatment of the human or animal body by surgical or diagnostic procedures performed on the human or animal body.

[0122] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the position of the chamber gas inlet opening 312 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the position of the docking port gas outlet opening 404 of the docking port 402 are mutually aligned such that when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, the chamber gas inlet opening 312 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is aligned with the docking port 402. The position of the chamber gas outlet opening 314 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the position of the docking port gas inlet opening 406 of the docking port 402 are such that when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, the chamber gas outlet opening 314 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 of the docking port 402 are in fluid communication.

[0123] This allows gas having a desired composition to be delivered from the gas source 202 via the gas distribution system 204 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 via the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the chamber gas inlet opening 312, and gas from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to be returned to the gas source 202 via the chamber gas outlet opening 314 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0124] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the chamber gas inlet opening 312 includes a valve 2 and the chamber gas outlet opening 314 includes a valve 2, the valve 2 of the chamber gas inlet opening 312 and the valve 2 of the chamber gas outlet opening 314 each comprising a valve body 6 having a front end 10, a rear end 12 and a through channel 14 therein, and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8, the displaceable valve element 8 being disposed within the through channel 14, and the displaceable valve element 8 being disposed within the through channel 14, The spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8 is configured to be displaceable within the through channel 14 of the valve body 6 such that when not acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8 does not displace within the through channel 14 of the valve body 6, thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration blocking gas from passing through the through channel 14, and when acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8 displaces within the through channel 14 of the valve body 6, thereby causing the valve 2 to achieve an open configuration allowing gas to pass through the through channel 14.

[0125] This may ensure that gas only flows into the docking port 402 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is placed within the docking port 402. In other words, no gas flows through the docking port 402 unless the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402. Furthermore, this embodiment ensures that atmospheric air does not enter through the chamber gas inlet opening 312 and the chamber gas outlet opening 314 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the chamber 300 is removed from the docking port.

[0126] In one embodiment, with respect to one or more of the modular incubator chambers 300, valve 2 is positioned with its front end 10 facing outward, and with respect to one or more of the docking ports 402, valve 4 is positioned with its front end 20 facing outward.

[0127] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the valves 2, 4 are sized and geometrically configured such that when the modular incubator chamber is docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the displaceable valve element 8 of valve 2 and the displaceable valve element 18 of valve 4 are displaced relative to each other into their respective valve bodies 6, 16, thereby opening the valve 4 at the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the valve 2 at the chamber gas inlet opening 312, and thereby opening the valve 2 at the chamber gas outlet opening 314 and the valve 4 at the docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0128] Thus, when the two valves 2, 4 are brought into contact with each other by bringing their respective front ends 10, 20 together, they open the other valve 4, 2.

[0129] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the internal components of the modular incubator chambers 300 are essentially identical in terms of size and geometry.

[0130] This further ensures the goal of obtaining a consistent pressure drop across the docking port 402 when the modular incubator chambers 300 are docked to the docking port 402 when proceeding from one modular incubator chamber 300 to another.

[0131] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a transparent window 316, and with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port comprises an image capture device 408.

[0132] This allows for capturing images of biological material M contained within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402.

[0133] In one embodiment, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the position of the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is adapted to the position of the image capture device 408 at the docking port 402 so as to enable image capture by the image capture device 408 through the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402.

[0134] In one embodiment, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 , the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is located on the bottom 357 of the housing 302 .

[0135] Thus, in this embodiment, image capture device 408 is located in the lower portion of docking port 402, focusing upward.

[0136] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber has an elongated shape such as an elongated linear extension extending in a direction Y transverse to the longitudinal direction X of the housing of the modular incubation chamber 300.

[0137] This allows the image capture device to capture images of multiple viable biological materials contained in the same culture dish and arranged in a line having a direction Y transverse to the longitudinal direction X of the housing of the modular incubation chamber 300.

[0138] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the modular incubator chambers 300 are configured to be docked to the docking ports 402 with a first end 340 of the modular incubator chambers 300 facing the docking ports 402.

[0139] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a light source 372 in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 for directing light towards a region of a culture dish support 308 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby enabling illumination of the viable biological material in the context of capturing an image of the viable biological material.

[0140] In one embodiment, the light source 372 is mounted inside the lid 304 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0141] This allows light to be easily directed onto viable biological material located at the bottom of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0142] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the light source 372 is selected from the group consisting of one or more LEDs, one or more laser diodes, and one or more incandescent bulbs.

[0143] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the culture dish support 308 defines a flat support surface for supporting the culture dish 310.

[0144] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is provided with an electrical connector 322, for example on an outer portion of the housing 302, and for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port is provided with an electrical connector 410.

[0145] This allows for the transfer of power or electrical signals between the docking port 402 and the modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0146] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the lid 304 is a hinged lid connected to the housing of the modular incubator chamber by a hinge.

[0147] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a display 324 configured to display information regarding the operational status of the incubation taking place within the modular incubator chamber.

[0148] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the number of modular incubator chambers 300 of the modular incubator system 500 is selected from the range of 1 to 100, such as 2 to 95, 5 to 90, 10 to 85, 15 to 80, 20 to 75, 25 to 70, 30 to 65, 35 to 60, 40 to 55, or 45 to 50.

[0149] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber comprises an incubation chamber engagement means 326, and with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port comprises a docking port engagement means 414, and the incubation chamber engagement means 326 is configured to engage with the docking port engagement means 414.

[0150] This allows for easy and proper positioning and optionally securing of the modular incubator chamber 300 within the docking port 402, as well as easy and proper removal of the modular incubator chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0151] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber comprises an electric heating element 318 in an interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber for heating the interior of the modular incubator chamber, the modular incubator chamber comprises a power supply 320 for supplying power to the heating element 318, and the electric heating element 318 is electrically connected to the power supply 320.

[0152] In one embodiment, the power supply 320 is a power source such as a battery, for example a rechargeable battery.

[0153] In one embodiment, the heating element 318 is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing heat dissipated by the heating element, the heat distribution element being at least partially disposed within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0154] In one embodiment, the chamber includes a thermostat 374 and an electrical thermostat circuit 376, wherein the electric heating element 318, the power supply 320, and the thermostat 374 are electrically connected within the electrical thermostat circuit 376 to enable thermostatic control of the temperature within the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0155] The above embodiments provide for maintaining a desired predetermined temperature, and optionally an optimal temperature, within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 in situations where the modular incubator chamber is removed from its associated docking port 402 for purposes of visual inspection and manual replenishment, removal, or replacement of growth medium for the incubated biological material.

[0156] In one embodiment of the modular docking system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the modular incubator system 500 comprises an image processing unit 660 for image processing of images captured by the image capture device 408, and the modular incubator system 500 further comprises a data storage 658 for storing images captured by the image capture unit 408 and / or for storing images processed by the image processing unit 660.

[0157] An image processing unit is useful for manipulating the captured images, such as adjusting contrast, filtering, and generating a series of time-lapse images.

[0158] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, said modular incubator system comprises a control unit 650 for controlling operation of said modular incubator system.

[0159] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit 650 is coupled to an input device 652, such as an alphanumeric input device, for allowing a user to enter configuration inputs regarding a desired operating protocol for the modular incubator system.

[0160] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit 650 is coupled to a display unit 654 for displaying information to a user regarding the configuration and / or operating status of the modular incubator system 500.

[0161] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 and / or with respect to the modular incubator chambers 300 docked to the docking ports 402, the control unit 650 is configured to independently control one or more of the following: setting the thermostat 374 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked to the docking port 402; switching on and off and / or adjusting the intensity of light emitted from the active light source 372 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked to the docking port 402; the gas mixing control system 270; the image capture unit 408; and / or the associated displacement device 482 of one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking stations 400 of the modular incubator system 500; the image processing unit 660.

[0162] This allows for easy centralized control of the operation of the modular docking system 500.

[0163] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the invention, the control unit 650 is coupled to a data processing unit 656 and optionally to a data storage 658 that aids in handling information during control of the modular incubator system.

[0164] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit 650 is configured to control the following: setting the thermostat 374 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402; switching on and off the active light source 372 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked at the docking port 402; and / or controlling the intensity of light emitted from the active light source 372 of the modular incubator chamber docked at the docking port 402. and adjusting the gas mixing control system 270, the image capture unit 408, and / or the associated displacement device 482 of one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking stations 400 of the modular incubator system 500, by independently controlling one or more of the gas mixing control system 270, the image processing unit 660 of the docking station 400 according to predetermined control instructions provided thereto.

[0165] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit 650 is configured to provide time lapse capture of images by the image capture device 408 .

[0166] Third aspect of the present invention In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a gas source 202 for supplying gas to a docking station 400, said gas source 202 having a supply gas outlet 206 connected to a main gas supply line 210 of said docking station 400, said gas source 202 having a return gas inlet 208 connected to a main gas return line 212 of said docking station 400, said gas source 202 being as defined in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0167] Fourth aspect of the present invention In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a docking station 400 according to the first aspect of the invention for the incubation of viable biological material. In one embodiment of the use according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0168] Fifth aspect of the present invention In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the use of the modular incubator system 500 according to the second aspect of the invention for the incubation of viable biological material. In one embodiment of the use according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0169] Sixth aspect of the present invention In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method of incubating viable biological material, comprising the steps of: i) providing a modular incubator system 500 according to the second aspect of the present invention; ii) providing viable biological material; and iii) placing the viable biological material in a culture dish 310 and subsequently placing the culture dish within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 of the modular incubator system 500; iv) docking the modular incubator chamber 300 into the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500; v) allowing the viable biological material to be incubated within the modular incubator chamber 300; and vi) supplying gas to the entire interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 of the modular incubator system 500 by the gas supply system 200 of the docking station 400; The present invention provides a method comprising: In one embodiment of the method according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the method comprises: vi) further comprising the step of removing the incubator chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, if desired, to manually inspect for viable biological material and, optionally, to remove, add, or replace growth medium / media in the culture dish 310.

[0170] Referring now to the drawings which better illustrate the present invention in its various aspects, FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the modular incubator system concept of the present invention, comprising a docking station having multiple docking ports and multiple modular incubator chambers docked to the docking ports of the docking station.

[0171] FIG. 1 shows a modular incubator system 500 comprising multiple modular incubator chambers 300 in combination with a docking station 400 .

[0172] 1 includes three shelves, each having six docking ports 402. Each docking port includes an engagement means 414 for engaging with a corresponding engagement means 326 of a modular incubator chamber 300 docked to the docking port 402 (described further below).

[0173] 1 shows that each docking port 402 has a docking port gas outlet opening 404 and a docking port gas inlet opening 406. Openings 404 and 406 each contain a valve 4.

[0174] This allows gas to be supplied from the docking port 402 to the modular incubator chamber 300 docked to the docking port, and also allows gas to be returned from the modular incubator chamber 300 to the docking port 402.

[0175] 1 also shows that the docking port 402 includes an electrical connector 410 for supplying power from the docking port to the modular incubator chamber 300 docked thereto. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical connector 410 may transmit electrical signals between the docking port 402 and the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0176] FIG. 1 also shows that an image capture device 408 is positioned below the shelf including the docking port so as to be configured to capture images of biological material contained in a culture dish 310, which rests on a culture dish support 308 in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 that is docked above the image capture unit 408, as further described below.

[0177] This allows morphological changes in the viable biological material to be monitored while the biological material is being incubated in the modular incubator chamber 300 docked to the docking port 402 in the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500, and while gas of a desired and predetermined composition is flowing through the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0178] The image capture device includes microscope optics for capturing a magnified image.

[0179] The image capture device 408 may be configured to automatically capture images of the biological material being incubated within the modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0180] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a modular incubator chamber of the modular docking system of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0181] 2 illustrates a modular incubator chamber 300 for incubating viable biological material. The modular incubator chamber includes a housing 302 having a lid 304 configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to an interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration that seals off access to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber.

[0182] The modular incubator chamber housing 302 has a chamber gas inlet opening 312 that is fluidly connected to the modular incubator chamber interior 306, thereby allowing gas to be supplied to the chamber via the chamber gas inlet opening 312. The chamber gas inlet opening includes a valve 2 having certain features as further described below with reference to Figures 6a and 6b.

[0183] The housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 further includes a chamber gas exit opening 314 that is in fluid communication with the interior of the modular incubator chamber, thereby allowing gas to be transported from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the chamber gas exit opening 314. The chamber gas exit opening includes a valve 2 having certain features that are further described below with reference to Figures 6a and 6b.

[0184] By providing a chamber gas inlet opening 312 and associated valve 2 in the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, and by providing a chamber gas outlet opening 314 and associated valve 2 in the modular incubator chamber 300, gas having an appropriate desired gas composition from the gas source 202 can be delivered from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, as will be further described below, and further, gas in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 can be allowed to exit the interior of the chamber and return to the gas source 202 through the chamber gas outlet opening 314 and its associated valve 2.

[0185] This allows a constant supply of gas having an optimal desired and predetermined chemical composition to be delivered to the interior of the chamber 300. This ensures optimal incubation conditions in terms of the gas composition of the environment in the interior 306 of the chamber 300 when incubating the biological material.

[0186] Furthermore, the incubator system according to the second aspect of the present invention allows for a relatively large number of parallel incubations under similar conditions in the individual modular incubator chambers, with only one parameter changed from one modular incubator chamber to another, whereby differences in the development of viable biological material being incubated in the various modular incubator chambers can be assigned to a single incubation parameter that is changed from one modular chamber to another.

[0187] This allows determining the optimal incubation conditions for the incubated embryos or oocytes.

[0188] FIG. 2 also shows that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a display 324 configured to display information regarding details of the incubation taking place within the modular incubator chamber, and that the housing 302 is provided at its first end 340 with an electrical connector 322 for supplying power to the modular incubator chamber or for transmitting electrical signals between the modular incubator chamber 300 and a docking port 402 of a docking station 400.

[0189] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the modular incubator chamber 300 shown in FIG.

[0190] FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of the modular incubator chamber 300 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as viewed from its first end.

[0191] 4 shows that the modular incubator chamber 300 includes chamber engagement means 326. These first engagement means 326 are configured to engage with docking port engagement means 414 on the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0192] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the modular incubator chamber 300 shown in FIGS.

[0193] 5 shows that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 for enabling capture of images of biological material contained within the housing 302 through said transparent window. As can be seen, the window is located on the bottom 357 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0194] The modular incubator chamber 300 also includes an electric heating element 318 in its interior 306 for heating the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber. The modular incubator chamber also includes a power source 320 in the form of a rechargeable battery for providing power to said heating element 318, which is electrically connected to a power source 320, so that a desired and predetermined temperature may be maintained when the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from its associated docking port 402 of the docking station 400. A light source 372 is mounted inside the lid 304 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0195] 5, the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a culture dish support 308 for placing a culture dish 310 thereon, thereby allowing one or more biological materials to be contained and incubated within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0196] Also visible in FIG. 5 is chamber engagement means 326 adapted to engage with docking port engagement means 414 of the docking port 402 to which the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked.

[0197] When such proper positioning of the modular incubator chamber 300 in the docking port 402 via the chamber engagement means 326 of the chamber 300 and the docking port engagement means 414 of the docking port 402 is achieved, the relative positions of the two electrical connectors 410 and 322 of the docking port and the modular incubator chamber, respectively, are matched in pairs to enable electrical connection between the connectors 410 and 322. Similarly, in such a situation, the two inlet openings 312 and 406 with their respective valves 2 and 4 and the two outlet openings 314 and 404 with their respective valves 2 and 4 are matched in pairs to allow gas to pass from the docking port gas outlet opening 404 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 via the modular incubator chamber gas inlet opening 312 and valves 2 and 4 of the valve system 100, and to allow gas to pass from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 via the modular incubator chamber gas outlet opening 314 to the docking port gas inlet opening 406 via the valves 2 and 4 located at these openings.

[0198] Thus, the modular docking system 500 of the present invention allows gas to be continuously passed from the gas source 202 into the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber when the modular incubator chamber is docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator station 500.

[0199] 6a and 6b illustrate the operating mode of valve 2 of modular incubator chamber 300 and valve 4 of the associated docking port 402 of docking station 400 of docking station 500.

[0200] FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram illustrating a valve system 100 for use with the modular incubator system of the present invention, in which the two valves 2, 4 of the valve system 100 are not engaged with each other, thereby achieving a closed configuration.

[0201] FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram showing the valve system 100 seen in FIG. 6a with the two valves 2, 4 of the valve system 100 engaged with each other, thereby achieving an open configuration.

[0202] Valve 2 includes a valve body 6 having a front end 10 and a rear end 12. Valve body 6 has a through channel 14 disposed therein, and valve element 8 disposed therein. Valve element 6 is spring loaded by spring 26.

[0203] The displaceable valve element 8 is configured to be displaceable within the through channel 14 of the spring body 6 by the spring 26 such that, when not acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8 is displaced within the through channel 14 of said valve body 6 towards the forward end 10 of the valve body 6 by the spring 26, thereby causing the valve 2 to achieve a closed configuration that blocks gas from passing through the through channel 14.

[0204] This situation is shown in Figure 6a.

[0205] By analogy, when acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8 is displaced within the through channel 14 of the valve body 6 towards the rear end 12 of the valve body 6, thereby causing the valve 2 to achieve an open configuration and allowing gas to pass through the through channel 14.

[0206] This situation is shown in Figure 6b.

[0207] With respect to valve 4, Figure 6a shows that valve 4 comprises a valve body 16 having a front end 20 and a rear end 22. Valve body 16 has a through channel 24 disposed therein, and valve element 18 is disposed in through channel 24. Valve element 16 is spring loaded by spring 28.

[0208] The displaceable valve element 18 is configured to be displaceable within the through channel 24 of the spring body 16 by the spring 28 such that, when not acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18 is displaced within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16 by the spring 28 toward the first end 210 of the valve body 16. The valve 4 thereby achieves a closed configuration that blocks gas from passing through the through channel 24. This situation is shown in FIG. 6a.

[0209] By analogy, when acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18 is displaced within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16 toward the rear end 22 of the valve body 16, thereby causing the valve 4 to achieve an open configuration and allowing gas to pass through the through channel 24.

[0210] This situation is shown in Figure 6a.

[0211] By analogy, when acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18 is displaced within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16 toward the rear end 22 of the valve body 16, thereby causing the valve 4 to achieve an open configuration and allowing gas to pass through the through channel 24.

[0212] This situation is shown in Figure 6b.

[0213] Valve 2 of modular incubator chamber 300 and valve 4 of docking port 402 of docking station are sized and geometrically configured such that when modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to docking port 402 of docking station 400, displaceable valve element 8 of valve 2 and displaceable valve element 18 of valve 4 are displaced relative to each other within their respective valve bodies 6, 16, thereby opening valve 4 of docking port gas outlet opening 404 and valve 2 of chamber gas inlet opening 312, and also opening valve 2 of chamber gas outlet opening 314 and valve 4 of docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0214] Thus, the use of such valves 2, 4 on the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port 402 of the docking station automatically opens valve 2 on the modular incubator chamber 300 and valve 4 on the docking port 402 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, thereby allowing gas to pass through the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when docked to the docking port 402, and stops the supply of gas to and from the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from the docking port.

[0215] It should be noted that although this description and the appended claims describe modular incubator system 300 and docking port 402 as having valve 2 located within modular incubator system 300 and valve 4 located within docking port 402, the reverse positioning of valves 2 and 4 is also possible.

[0216] The above section describes the general principles of a modular incubator system 500 comprising a docking station 400 having a plurality of docking ports 402 for receiving, via docking, modular incubator chambers 300. The following section focuses on the docking station 400 itself according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0217] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the concept of a gas supply system incorporated into the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0218] 7 illustrates a gas supply system 200 for use with a modular incubator system 500 according to the present invention. The gas supply system 200 includes a gas source 202 and a gas distribution system 204.

[0219] The gas distribution system 204 includes a plurality of docking ports 402 each having a docking port gas outlet opening 404 and a docking port gas inlet opening 406 .

[0220] For all docking ports, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 is in fluid communication with the inlet manifold 216 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 is in fluid communication with the outlet manifold 218 .

[0221] A main gas supply line 210 supplies gas from a supply gas outlet 206 of the gas source 202 to an inlet manifold 216 , and a main gas return line 212 returns gas from an outlet manifold 218 to a return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202 .

[0222] This allows gas to be circulated from the gas source 202 through the gas distribution system 204 to the docking port 402 and back to the gas source 202 again.

[0223] To ensure the desired and predetermined optimum gas composition of the gas supplied to the docking station, the gas source is provided with certain features as disclosed with reference to FIG.

[0224] However, first, the details of the gas distribution system 204 will be described.

[0225] As explained in the overview of the present invention, problems can arise in maintaining a desired optimal gas composition in the interiors 306 of modular incubator chambers 300 docked to docking ports 400 of a docking station 400, and it can be particularly difficult to maintain similar gas compositions for the interiors 306 of multiple modular incubator chambers docked to separate docking ports.

[0226] Due to small leaks in the modular incubator chamber 300 itself or at various points within the gas distribution system 204, it is inevitable that ambient air will be carried into the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0227] Additionally, when the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from its docking port 402 for visual inspection and manual refilling, removal, or replacement of growth medium for the biological material being incubated therein, ambient atmosphere enters the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0228] Finally, if it is desired to dynamically change the gas composition delivered to the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 over time, one cannot be certain that the same rate of gas composition change will exist for all modular incubator chambers 300 docked to the docking ports 402.

[0229] This may be because the resistance encountered by gas entering a docking port and returning to the gas source may vary from one docking port to another.

[0230] The present invention aims to solve this problem.

[0231] This problem is solved by ensuring that the pressure drop from the docking port gas outlet opening 404 to the docking port gas inlet opening 406 is essentially the same for the various docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0232] This is similarly accomplished by ensuring that the gas travel distance to and from each docking port is essentially the same.

[0233] FIG. 8 shows an improved gas supply system for a docking station according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0234] 8 shows a portion of a docking station 400 for the incubator system 500. The docking station 400 includes several docking ports 402 for receiving the modular incubator chambers 300 and the gas supply system 200.

[0235] The gas supply system 200 includes a gas source 202 and a gas distribution system 204 .

[0236] As with all docking ports of docking station 400, docking port 402 has a docking port gas outlet opening 404 and a docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0237] The gas source 202 has a supply gas outlet 206 and a return gas inlet 208 .

[0238] The gas distribution system 204 includes a main gas supply line 210 and a main gas return line 212. The main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet 206 of the gas source 202, and the main gas return line 212 is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202.

[0239] 8, it can be seen that the gas distribution system 204 comprises several manifold pairs 214. Each manifold pair includes an inlet manifold 216 and an outlet manifold 218.

[0240] The inlet manifold 216 of each manifold pair 214 is fluidly connected to the main gas supply line 210 at an inlet manifold connection point 220 .

[0241] Similarly, the outlet manifold 218 of each manifold pair 214 is fluidly connected to the main gas return line 212 at an outlet manifold connection port 222 .

[0242] A gas supply line reference point 224 is defined on the main gas supply line 210 and located at an upstream position relative to the inlet manifold connection points 220 of all inlet manifolds 216 .

[0243] Also defined on the main gas return line 212 is a gas return line reference point 226 located downstream relative to the outlet manifold connection points 222 of all outlet manifolds 218 .

[0244] As can be seen in FIG. 8 , each manifold pair 214 is connected to a plurality of docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 such that, for a particular manifold pair 214 and for the one or more docking ports 402 connected to a particular manifold pair 214, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 of the docking port 402 is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold 216 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 of the docking port 402 is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold 218.

[0245] The gas distribution system 204 is designed so that for all docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, when gas is transported to and from the docking port 402, the travel distance D that the gas travels from the gas supply line reference point 224 to the docking port 402 and from the docking port 402 to the gas return reference point 226 is essentially equal.

[0246] The travel distance D, with respect to a particular docking port 402, is given by: D=D1+D2+D3+D4 It is defined as where D1 is defined as the distance from the supply line reference point 224 to the corresponding inlet manifold connection point 220 in the main gas supply line 210; where D2 is defined as the distance from the corresponding inlet manifold connection point 220 in the main gas supply line 210 to the docking port gas outlet opening 404; where D3 is defined as the distance from the docking port gas inlet opening 406 to the corresponding outlet manifold connection point 222 in the main gas return line 212; where D4 is defined as the distance in the main gas return line 212 from the outlet manifold connection point 222 to the return line reference point 226. It can be easily seen that the distance D traveled by the gas between reference point 224 and reference point 226 is essentially equal for all docking ports 402 by comparing the distance D' traveled by the gas for docking port 402' (the middle docking port in the bottom row) with the distance D'' traveled by the gas for docking port 402'' (the second docking port from the right in the third row from the bottom).

[0247] Distance traveled D' = D1' + D2' + D3' + D4'. This distance is found to be equal to distance traveled D'' = D1'' + D2'' + D3'' + D4''.

[0248] The same principle applies with respect to the other docking port 402 of the docking station 400 in FIG.

[0249] FIG. 8 shows that the docking ports 402 are grouped into more groups 228 of docking ports 402, and for each docking port 402 belonging to a particular group 228 of docking ports 402, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 is fluidly connected to the same inlet manifold 216, and similarly, for each docking port 402 belonging to a particular group 228 of docking ports 402, the docking port gas inlet opening 406 is fluidly connected to the same outlet manifold 218.

[0250] Each group of docking ports may preferably be arranged as a shelf, with the shelves of a group 228 of docking ports 402 arranged one on top of the other. This arrangement of groups of docking ports can be seen in FIG.

[0251] The main gas supply line 210 and the main gas return line 212 may be provided with main line extension connectors 240a, 240b to allow extensions of the main gas supply line 210 and the main gas return line 212. This allows for the addition of main gas supply line extensions and main gas return line extensions, thereby adding one or more groups of docking ports 402 each fluidly connected to an added inlet manifold 216 and each fluidly connected to an added outlet manifold 218, which are fluidly connected to the added extensions of the main gas return line 210 and which are fluidly connected to the added extensions of the main gas return line 212 (not shown).

[0252] As shown in FIG. 8, extension connectors 240a may be placed in the main gas supply line 210 at downstream positions relative to all inlet manifolds, and extension connectors 240b may be placed in the return gas supply line 212 at downstream positions relative to all outlet manifolds.

[0253] Alternatively, extension connector 240a may be placed in main gas supply line 210 at a location upstream from all inlet manifolds, and extension connector 240b may be placed in return gas supply line 212 at a location upstream from all outlet manifolds.

[0254] Further alternatively, the extension connectors 240a, 240b may be placed on the main gas supply line 210 and the return gas supply line 212 at a location between the two extreme positions described above.

[0255] FIG. 8 shows that the docking station 400 is prepared for expansion by the addition of one or more additional new groups 228a of docking ports 402 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 8).

[0256] Each such new group 228 a of docking ports 402 includes a new inlet manifold 216 with an inlet manifold connector 230 and a new outlet manifold 218 with an outlet manifold connector 232 .

[0257] The main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 includes a connector 234 adapted to be connected to the inlet manifold connector 230 of the new inlet manifold 216, and the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 includes a connector 236 adapted to be connected to the outlet manifold connector 232 of the new outlet manifold 218.

[0258] It can also be seen that each new group 228a of docking ports includes several new docking ports 402, and for one or more of the new docking ports 402, the new docking port 402 has a docking port gas outlet opening 404 that is fluidly connected to the new inlet manifold 216, and for one or more of the new docking ports 402, the new docking port has a docking port gas inlet opening 406 that is fluidly connected to the new outlet manifold 218.

[0259] This allows expansion of the docking station 400 with a new group 228a of docking ports 402.

[0260] Note that for simplicity, valves 4 for new docking port gas outlet opening 404 and new docking port gas inlet opening 406 are not shown in FIG.

[0261] Finally, FIG. 8 shows that the gas distribution system 204 includes a shunt 238 fluidly connecting the main gas supply line 210 with the main gas return line 212 .

[0262] This allows gas to circulate within the gas distribution system in situations where no modular incubator chambers 300 are docked to the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 .

[0263] In FIG. 8, it can be seen that a shunt 238 fluidly connects the outlet manifold 218 to the main gas supply line 210 .

[0264] In general, the shunts are preferably positioned so that the distance traveled by gas from the gas supply line reference point 224 to that shunt 238 plus the distance traveled from that shunt 238 to the gas return line reference point 226 is essentially equal to the distance D.

[0265] To optimize the gas flow rate in the gas distribution system 204 and the docking ports, it is preferred that the internal components of the docking ports 402 be essentially identical in terms of size and geometry for two or more of the docking ports 402, and preferably for all of the docking ports 402.

[0266] The gas distribution system 204 of the docking station 400 was described above with reference to FIGS.

[0267] The following describes the gas source 202 used with the docking station 400 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0268] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a gas supply system design including a gas source for use with the docking station of the present invention.

[0269] In FIG. 9, solid lines represent gas flow lines, and dashed lines represent signal lines for transmitting electrical signals or power.

[0270] FIG. 9 shows the gas distribution system 204 with its main gas supply line 210 and its main gas return line 212 (indicated by the box in the upper left corner).

[0271] A main gas supply line 210 and a main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 are fluidly connected to the gas source 202, as described below.

[0272] The gas source 202 of the gas supply system 200 includes a gas mixing box 242 having a supply gas outlet 206 and a return gas inlet 208 of the gas source.

[0273] A main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet 206 , and a main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202 .

[0274] This forms a flow loop 244 that includes the gas distribution system 204 and the gas mixing box 242. The flow loop 244 includes a pump 246 for circulating the gas within the loop.

[0275] It can be seen that pump 246 is located downstream relative to main gas return line 212. It can also be seen in Figure 9 that flow loop 244 includes pump vibration damper 247 located immediately downstream relative to pump 246.

[0276] Additionally, flow loop 244 includes a pressure sensor in the form of a differential pressure sensor 248 that senses the pressure of the gas supplied to main gas supply line 210 relative to the pressure in return gas inlet line 208 of gas distribution system 204. Pressure sensor 248 is located immediately upstream of gas distribution system 204 with respect to main gas supply line 210.

[0277] The flow loop 244 further includes a discharge valve 249 to allow pressure relief within the flow loop. The discharge valve is located immediately downstream relative to the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 402.

[0278] 9, it can also be seen that the gas mixing box 242 has an N2 gas inlet 250 and a CO2 gas inlet 251.

[0279] The N2 gas inlet 250 is fluidly connected to an N2 valve 252 for regulating the inflow of N2 and an N2 mass flow sensor 253 located downstream of the N2 valve 252 for detecting the amount of N2 flowing into the gas mixing box 242.

[0280] The CO2 gas inlet 251 is fluidly connected to a CO2 valve 254 for regulating the inflow of CO2 and a CO2 mass flow sensor 255 located downstream of the CO2 valve 254 for detecting the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing box 242.

[0281] The flow loop 244 also includes a mass flow sensor 256 located upstream relative to the gas mixing box 242 for sensing the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box.

[0282] It can be seen that the gas source 202 is provided with an O2 sensor 258 for detecting the concentration of O2 exiting the gas distribution system 204, and that the gas source 202 is provided with a CO2 sensor 260 for detecting the concentration of CO2 exiting the gas distribution system 204.

[0283] The O2 and CO2 sensors are located downstream relative to the pump 246.

[0284] The gas source 202 includes a temperature sensor 262 for sensing the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop 244. The temperature sensor is located downstream relative to the pump 246 at a location corresponding to the location of the O2 sensor 258.

[0285] The gas source 202 includes a pressure sensor 264 for sensing the absolute pressure within the flow loop 244. The pressure sensor is located downstream relative to the pump 246 at a position corresponding to the position of the CO2 sensor 260.

[0286] 9, it can also be seen that flow loop 244 includes a UV sterilizer 266 for sterilizing gas flowing within flow loop 244 with electromagnetic radiation in the UV range. The UV sterilizer is located immediately downstream relative to main gas return line 212.

[0287] 9, it can be seen that the gas source 202 is equipped with filters 268 in the form of HEPA / VOC filters. One such filter is located immediately upstream from the main gas supply line 210. Another such filter is located immediately upstream from the N gas inlet 250 to the gas mixing box 242, and a third such filter is located immediately upstream from the CO gas inlet 251 to the gas mixing box 242.

[0288] Finally, in FIG. 9, it can be seen that the gas source 202 includes a gas mixture control system 270 .

[0289] It can be seen that the gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of these sensors to receive detection signals from an N mass flow sensor 253 for detecting the amount of N entering the gas mixing box, a CO mass flow sensor 255 for detecting the amount of CO entering the gas mixing box, a mass flow sensor 256 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box, an O sensor 258 for detecting the concentration of O exiting the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204, a CO sensor 260 for detecting the concentration of CO exiting 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, and a pressure sensor 248 for detecting the pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0290] 9, it can also be seen that a gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following elements to control the N2 valve 252 for regulating the inflow of N2 into the gas mixing box 242, the CO2 valve 254 for regulating the inflow of CO2 into the gas mixing box 242, the pump 246 for circulating the gases in the flow loop 244, and the discharge valve 249.

[0291] Control of the gas sources by gas mixture control system 270 is carried out according to two control strategies. The first control strategy is directed to controlling the pressure of the gas exiting supply gas outlet 206, and the second control strategy is directed to controlling the CO and O concentrations of the gas exiting supply gas outlet 206. The two control strategies are carried out simultaneously, as will be further described below.

[0292] The gas mixing control system 270 is also configured to receive input from the pressure sensor 248 and, based on the input, control the pump 246 and, optionally, operate the discharge 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.

[0293] The gas mixture control system 270 is further configured to receive input from the mass flow sensor 256 and, based on this input, determine the total amount of CO2 gas and N2 gas that needs to be supplied through the CO2 gas inlet 251 and the N2 gas inlet 250 according to desired and predetermined criteria.

[0294] As explained above, the gas mixture control system 270 can determine the ratio of CO2 gas and N2 gas to each other based on information regarding the total amounts of CO2 gas and N2 gas that need to be supplied.

[0295] This is done by receiving inputs from a CO2 sensor 260 and an O2 sensor 258.

[0296] The gas mixture control system 270 controls the CO2 valve 254 by sending a control signal to the CO2 valve 254 based on the detected CO2 concentration, thereby adjusting the inflow of CO2 gas to achieve the desired and predetermined CO2 concentration.

[0297] The gas mixture control system 270 then controls the N2 valve 252 by sending a control signal to the N2 valve 252 based on the detected O2 concentration, thereby adjusting the inflow of N2 gas to reach the desired and predetermined O2 concentration.

[0298] By using the gas sources disclosed above, a constant gas circulation is provided to one or more modular incubator chambers 300 docked to respective docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. By constantly adjusting the inflow of CO and N gases based on the sensed CO and O concentrations in the return gas from the gas distribution system 204, an optimal and predetermined gas composition can be maintained.

[0299] The design of the gas distribution system 204 allows for equal flow rates to be maintained in each modular incubator chamber 300, thereby minimizing variations in gas composition within the modular incubator chambers 300 from one chamber to another.

[0300] It should be noted that when reference is made to an upstream location relative to another location, the upstream location is interpreted to mean a location that is still within the gas source 202, but preferably not so upstream as to pass through the gas mixing box 242.

[0301] Similarly, when a reference is made to a downstream location relative to another location, the downstream location is understood to mean a location that is still within the gas source 202, but preferably not downstream enough to pass through the gas mixing box 242.

[0302] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the control operation mode of the modular incubator system according to the present invention.

[0303] 10 shows a control unit 650 for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system 500. The control unit is coupled to an input device 652 in the form of an alphanumeric input device for allowing a user to make configuration inputs regarding the desired operating protocol of said modular incubator system.

[0304] A display unit 654 is coupled to the control unit 650 via the docking port 402 for displaying information to a user regarding the settings and / or operating status of one or more of the modular incubator chambers 300 .

[0305] It can be seen that the control unit 650 is coupled to the electrical connector 410 of the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 so that power and electrical signals can be provided to one or more modular incubator chambers 300 docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 via the associated connector 322 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0306] By being connected to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, it becomes possible, when one or more modular incubator chambers 300 are docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, to use the control unit 650 to independently control one or more of the following: setting the thermostat 374 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked to the docking port 402; switching on and off and / or adjusting the intensity of light emitted from the active light source 372 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked to the docking port 402; the gas mixing control system 270; the image capture unit 408 and / or associated displacement device 482 of one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500; and also the image processing unit 660.

[0307] The control unit 650 may include a CPU or other data processor 656 for processing information involved in controlling the operation of the modular incubator system 500, for example by including a computer program for handling the information involved in controlling the operation, and the control unit 650 may also include data storage 658.

[0308] This allows for automated operation of the modular incubator system 500 in the sense that the control unit 650 can independently control, among other things, the temperature, gas composition, switching on and off the light source 372, and the image capture units 408 of one or more of the modular incubator chambers.

[0309] Thus, by using the modular incubator system 500 of the present invention, viable biological material can be incubated in one or more modular incubators 300 docked to the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 while simultaneously visually monitoring the biological material via the image capture device 408.

[0310] Furthermore, simultaneously, a desired gas composition can be maintained within the interior 306 of each modular incubator chamber 300. Because the modular incubator chambers include valves 2, 4 at their respective gas inlet and outlet openings 312, 314, the gas atmosphere is maintained and not disturbed by outside air (relative to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300) even when the modular incubator chamber is removed from its respective docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500. When the modular incubator chamber 300 is so removed from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the power supply 320 and electric heating element 318 enable the temperature in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to be maintained.

[0311] The present invention thereby enables incubation of biological material in the modular incubator chamber 300 while simultaneously allowing visual monitoring of the morphological development of the biological material, while minimizing the deleterious effects involved in deviations from the optimized desired gas atmosphere inside the modular incubator chamber.

[0312] It should be noted that, with respect to N adjacently arranged docking ports 402 of a docking station 400, these adjacently arranged docking ports 402 may share a common image capture device 408 in the sense that only one image capture device is responsible for capturing images associated with a modular incubator chamber 300 docked to one of these N adjacently arranged docking ports 402.

[0313] In such circumstances, a displacement device 482 in the form of a motorized suspension of the image capture device 408 is configured to displace along a displacement track extending beneath the N adjacent docking ports 402 upon receiving a signal to the displacement device 482 to enable displacement of the common image capture device 408 relative to the N adjacently disposed docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. This enables the common image capture device 408 to capture images of biological material contained in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked to any of the N docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0314] Although the above embodiment has been disclosed with the first valve 2 of valve system 100 being located within modular incubator chamber 300 and the second valve 4 of valve system 100 being located within docking port 402, the reverse arrangement may also be possible. Valves 2 and 4 may both pass gas into chamber 300, valves 2 and 4 may both pass gas out of the chamber, or both.

[0315] It is to be understood that all features and achievements discussed above and in the appended claims and clauses relating to one aspect of the invention and embodiments thereof apply equally well to other aspects of the invention and embodiments thereof.

[0316] The invention may be defined according to one or more of the following clauses. Clause 1. A docking station (400) for a modular incubator system (500), said docking station comprising: several docking ports (402) for receiving modular incubator chambers (300); a gas supply system (200); Equipped with For one or more of the docking ports (402), preferably for all of the docking ports of the docking station (400), the docking port has a docking port gas outlet opening (404) and a docking port gas inlet opening (406); The gas supply system (200) comprises a gas source (202) and a gas distribution system (204); The gas source (202) has a supply gas outlet (206) and a return gas inlet (208); The gas distribution system (204) comprises a main gas supply line (210) and a main gas return line (212); the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) is fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet (206) of the gas source (202), and the main gas return line (212) is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source (202); The gas distribution system (204) comprises several manifold pairs (214), each manifold pair including an inlet manifold (216) and an outlet manifold (218); The inlet manifold (216) of each manifold pair (214) is fluidly connected to the main gas supply line (210) at an inlet manifold connection point (220); The outlet manifold (218) of each manifold pair (214) is fluidly connected to the main gas return line (212) at an outlet manifold connection point (222); a gas supply line reference point (224) is defined in the main gas supply line (210) located upstream relative to the inlet manifold connection points (220) of all of the inlet manifolds (216); a gas return line reference point (226) is defined in the main gas return line (212) located downstream relative to the outlet manifold connection points (222) of all of the outlet manifolds (218); each manifold pair (214) is connected to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) such that, for a particular manifold pair (214) and for the one or more docking ports (402) connected to a particular manifold pair (214), the docking port gas outlet opening (404) of the docking port (402) is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold (216) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold (218); The gas distribution system (204) is designed such that, for two or more docking ports (402) of the docking station, preferably for all docking ports (402) of the docking station, the travel distance D that gas travels from the gas supply line reference point (224) to the docking port (402) and from the docking port (402) to the gas return line reference point (226) during gas delivery to and from the docking port (402) is essentially equal, and the travel distance D is, for a particular docking port (402), determined as follows: D=D1+D2+D3+D4 is defined as where D1 is defined as the distance from the gas supply line reference point (224) to the corresponding inlet manifold connection point (220) in the main gas supply line (210); where D2 is defined as the distance from the corresponding manifold connection point (220) in the main gas supply line (210) to the docking port gas outlet opening (404); where D3 is defined as the distance from the docking port gas inlet opening (406) to the corresponding outlet manifold connection point (222) in the main gas return line (212); where D4 is defined as the distance from the outlet manifold connection point (222) in the main gas return line (212) to the gas return line reference point (226). Docking Station (400). Clause 2. A docking station (400) as described in clause 1, wherein the distance D for one docking port (402) is greater than the distance D for another docking port (402), preferably any other docking port, by no more than 10%, for example no more than 9%, no more than 8%, no more than 7%, no more than 6%, no more than 5%, no more than 4%, no more than 3%, no more than 2%, or no more than 1%. Clause 3. A docking station (400) as described in clause 1 or 2, wherein the docking ports (402) are classified into one or more groups (228) of docking ports (402), and for each docking port (402) belonging to a particular group (228) of docking ports (402), the docking port gas outlet opening (404) is fluidly connected to the same inlet manifold (216), and for each docking port (402) belonging to a particular group (228) of docking ports (402), the docking port gas inlet opening (406) is fluidly connected to the same outlet manifold (218). Clause 4. The docking station (400) according to clause 3, wherein the number of groups (228) of docking ports (402) is selected from the range of 1 to 20 or more, for example, from 2 to 19, 3 to 18, 4 to 17, 5 to 16, 6 to 15, 7 to 14, 8 to 13, 9 to 12, or 10 to 11. Clause 5. A docking station (400) according to clause 3 or 4, wherein the number of docking ports (402) in each group (228) of docking ports (402) is individually selected from the range of 2 to 25 or more, for example, 3 to 24, 4 to 23, 5 to 22, 6 to 21, 7 to 20, 8 to 19, 9 to 18, 10 to 17, 11 to 16, 12 to 15, or 13 to 14. Clause 6. A docking station (400) according to any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the number of groups (228) of docking ports (402) is two or more, each group of docking ports is arranged as a shelf, and the shelves of the groups (228) of docking groups (402) are arranged one on top of the other. Clause 7. The docking station (400) of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the main gas supply line (210) is provided with a main line extension connector (240a) for enabling the extension of the main gas supply line (210), and the main gas return line (212) is provided with a main line extension connector (240b) for enabling the extension of the main gas return line (212) for the purpose of adding an extension of the main gas supply line and an extension of the main gas return line, thereby enabling the addition of one or more groups (228) of docking ports (402) each fluidly connected to an added inlet manifold (216) and each fluidly connected to an added outlet manifold (218), wherein the added inlet manifold (216) is fluidly connected to the added extension of the main gas return line (210), and the added outlet manifold (218) is fluidly connected to the added extension of the main gas return line (212). Clause 8. The docking station (400) according to clause 7, wherein the extension connector (240a) is arranged on the main gas supply line (210) at a downstream position relative to all inlet manifolds, and the extension connector (240b) is arranged on the return gas supply line (212) at a downstream position relative to all outlet manifolds, or the extension connector (240a) is arranged on the main gas supply line (210) at a upstream position relative to all inlet manifolds, and the extension connector (240b) is arranged on the return gas supply line (212) at a upstream position relative to all outlet manifolds, or the extension connectors (240a, 240b) are arranged on the main gas supply line (210) and the return gas supply line (212) at a position between the positions of the extension connectors 240a, 240b. Clause 9. The docking station is prepared for expansion by adding one or more further new groups (228a) of docking ports (402), each such new group (228a) of docking ports (402) including a new inlet manifold (216) with an inlet manifold connector (230) and a new outlet manifold (218) with an outlet manifold connector (232), the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) including one or more connectors (234) adapted to be connected to the inlet manifold connector (230) of the new inlet manifold (216), and the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204) adapted to be connected to the outlet manifold connector (232) of the new outlet manifold (218). 9. The docking station (400) of any one of clauses 3 to 8, further comprising one or more connectors (236) having a plurality of new docking ports (402), each new group (228a) of docking ports including a number of new docking ports (402), wherein for one or more of the new docking ports (402), the new docking port (402) has a docking port gas outlet opening (404) fluidly connected to the new inlet manifold (216), and for one or more of the new docking ports (402), the new docking port has a docking port gas inlet opening (406) fluidly connected to the new outlet manifold (218), thereby enabling expansion of the docking station (400) by new groups (228a) of docking ports (402). Clause 10. For one or more of the docking ports (402), preferably for all of the docking ports (402), the docking port gas outlet opening (404) includes a valve (4) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) includes a valve (4), the valve (4) of the docking port gas outlet opening (404) and the valve (4) of the docking port gas inlet opening (406) each comprising a valve body (16) having a front end (20), a rear end (22) and a through channel (24) therein, and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18), the displaceable valve element (18) being disposed within the through channel (24), and the displaceable valve element (18) being displaceable by an external force. 10. The docking station (400) of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) is configured to be displaceable within the through channel (24) of the valve body (16) when not acted upon by an external force, such that the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) is not displaced within the through channel (24) of the valve body (16), thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration blocking gas from passing through the through channel (24), and to be displaceable within the through channel (24) of the valve body (16) when acted upon by an external force, such that the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) is displaced within the through channel (24) of the valve body (16), thereby causing the valve (4) to achieve an open configuration allowing gas to pass through the through channel (24). Clause 11. A docking station (400) described in any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the gas distribution system (204) comprises one or more shunts (238) fluidly connecting the main gas supply line (210) with the main gas return line (212), thereby enabling circulation of gas within the gas distribution system when no modular incubator chambers (300) are docked to the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400). Clause 12. A docking station (400) as described in Clause 11, wherein one or more of the shunts (238) fluidly connect an outlet manifold (218) to the main gas supply line (210), or one or more of the shunts (238) fluidly connect an inlet manifold (216) to the main gas return line (212), or one or more of the shunts (238) fluidly connect an inlet manifold (216) to an outlet manifold (218). Clause 13. A docking station (400) as described in clause 11 or 12, wherein, for one or more of the shunts, the shunts are positioned so that the distance traveled by gas from the gas supply line reference point (224) to the shunt plus the distance traveled from the shunt to the gas return line reference point (226) is essentially equal to distance D. Clause 14. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein for two or more of the docking ports (402), preferably for all of the docking ports (402), the internal components of the docking ports (402) are essentially identical in terms of dimensions and geometry. Clause 15. A docking station (400) described in any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein for two or more of the docking ports (402), preferably for all of the docking ports (402), the docking port gas outlet opening (404) includes a flow restrictor for limiting the magnitude of the flow rate of gas entering the docking port (402). Clause 16. The flow restrictor includes a tube through which gas is conveyed to the docking port (402), the tube optionally having a diameter of 0.2 to 8 mm. 2 range, e.g., 0.5 to 7 mm 2 , 1 to 6 mm 2 , 2~5mm 2 , or 3 to 4 mm 2and / or the length of the tube is optionally selected from the range of 5 to 30 mm, e.g., 8 to 25 mm, 10 to 22 mm, or 15 to 20 mm. Clause 17. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein, with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking ports are provided with an image capture device (408), thereby enabling the capture of images of biological material M contained within (306) the modular incubator chamber (300) when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402). Clause 18. A docking station (400) as described in Clause 17, wherein, for one or more specific docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the specific docking ports are provided with their own dedicated image capture device (408) configured to capture only images relating to the modular incubator chambers (300) docked to the specific docking ports (402). Clause 19. A docking station (400) as described in clause 17 or 18, wherein for N adjacently arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the adjacently arranged docking ports share a common image capturing device (408) in the sense that only one image capturing device is responsible for capturing images associated with a modular incubator chamber (300) docked to one of the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402), and the docking station is provided with a displacement device (482), such as an electrically driven remotely controlled displacement device (482), for enabling displacement of the common image capturing device (408) relative to the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400). Clause 20. The docking station (400) according to clause 19, wherein N is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 25 or more, for example, from 4 to 22, from 6 to 20, from 8 to 18, from 10 to 16, or from 12 to 14. Clause 21. A docking station (400) described in any one of clauses 17 to 20, wherein one or more of the image capture devices (408) of the docking port (402) include microscopy optics to enable capture of microscopic images. Clause 22. The docking station (400) of any one of clauses 1 to 21, wherein the gas source (202) of the gas supply system (200) comprises a gas mixing box (242) having the supply gas outlet (206) and the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source, the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) being fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet (206) and the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204) being fluidly connected to the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source (202), thereby forming a flow loop (244) including the gas distribution system (204) and the gas mixing box (242), and the flow loop including a pump (246) for circulating gas within the loop. Clause 23. The docking station (400) of clause 22, wherein the pump (246) is positioned downstream relative to the main gas return line (212). Clause 24. A docking station (400) as described in clause 22 or 23, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a pump vibration damper (247), which is optionally positioned immediately downstream of the pump (246). Clause 25. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 22 to 24, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor (248), for detecting the pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204), the pressure sensor (248) optionally being positioned immediately upstream of the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204). Clause 26. The docking station (400) according to clause 25, wherein the pressure sensor (248) is a differential pressure sensor that senses pressure relative to the pressure at the return gas inlet (208). Clause 27. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 22 to 26, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a discharge valve (249) for allowing pressure relief within the flow loop, the discharge valve optionally being positioned immediately downstream of the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (402). Clause 28. The docking station (400) of any one of clauses 22 to 27, wherein the gas mixing box (242) has an N2 gas inlet (250) and a CO2 gas inlet (251), the N2 gas inlet (250) being fluidly connected to an N2 valve (252) for regulating the inflow of N2 and an N2 mass flow sensor (253) located downstream of the N2 valve (252) for detecting the amount of N2 flowing into the gas mixing box (242), and the CO2 gas inlet (251) being fluidly connected to a CO2 valve (254) for regulating the inflow of CO2 and a CO2 mass flow sensor (255) located downstream of the CO2 valve (254) for detecting the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing box (242). Clause 29. A docking station (400) described in any one of clauses 22 to 28, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a mass flow sensor (256) positioned upstream relative to the gas mixing box (242) for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box. Clause 30. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 22 to 29, wherein the gas source (202) is provided with an O2 sensor 258 for detecting the concentration of O2 exiting the gas distribution system (204), and the gas source (202) is provided with a CO2 sensor (260) for detecting the concentration of CO2 exiting the gas distribution system (204), and the O2 sensor and / or the CO2 sensor are optionally positioned downstream of the pump (246). Clause 31. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 22 to 30, wherein 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 optionally being positioned downstream of the pump (246), preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the O2 sensor (258). Clause 32. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 22 to 31, wherein the gas source (202) includes a pressure sensor (264) for detecting absolute pressure in the flow loop (244), the pressure sensor optionally being positioned downstream of the pump (246), preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the CO2 sensor (260). Clause 33. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 22 to 32, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a UV sterilizer (266) for sterilizing gas flowing within the flow loop (244) by electromagnetic radiation in the UV range, the UV sterilizer optionally being positioned immediately downstream relative to the main gas return line (212). Clause 34. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 22 to 33, wherein the gas source (202) is provided with one or more filters (268), such as HEPA and / or VOC filters, and such filters are located immediately upstream of the main gas supply line (210), and / or such filters are located immediately upstream of an N2 gas inlet (250) to the gas mixing box (242), and / or such filters are located immediately upstream of a CO2 gas inlet (251) to the gas mixing box (242). Clause 35. The gas source (202) comprises a gas mixing control system (270), including the N2 mass flow sensor (253) for detecting the amount of N2 entering the gas mixing box, the CO2 mass flow sensor (255) for detecting the amount of CO2 entering the gas mixing box, the mass flow sensor (256) for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box, the O2 sensor (258) for detecting the concentration of O2 exiting the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204), and the CO2 mass flow sensor (256) for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box. 34. The docking station (400) of any one of clauses 22 to 33, wherein the gas mixing control system is electrically connected to one or more of the CO2 sensor (260) for detecting the concentration of CO2, the temperature sensor (262) for detecting the temperature circulating in the flow loop (244), the pressure sensor (264) for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop (244), and the pressure sensor (248) for detecting the pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the distribution system (204). Clause 36. The docking station (400) of clause 35, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is electrically connected to one or more of the following elements to control the N2 valve (252) for regulating the inflow of N2 into the gas mixing box (242), the CO2 valve (254) for regulating the inflow of CO2 into the gas mixing box (242), the pump (246) for circulating gas within the flow loop (244), and the discharge valve (249). Clause 37. The docking station (400) of clause 35 or 36, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive input from the pressure sensor (248), control the pump (246) based on the input, and optionally actuate the discharge valve (249) to maintain a desired and predetermined pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204). Clause 38. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 35 to 37, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive input from the mass flow sensor (256) and, based on the input, determine the total amount of CO2 gas and N2 gas that needs to be supplied through the CO2 gas inlet (251) and the N2 gas inlet (250) according to desired and predetermined criteria. Clause 39. The docking station (400) of any one of clauses 35 to 38, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive inputs from the CO2 sensor (260) and the O2 sensor (258) and, based on the detected CO2 concentration, to control the CO2 valve (254) by sending a control signal to the CO2 valve (254), thereby adjusting the inflow of CO2 gas to reach the desired and predetermined CO2 concentration, and subsequently, the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to control the N2 valve (252) by sending a control signal to the N2 valve (252), based on the detected O2 concentration, thereby adjusting the inflow of N2 gas to reach the desired and predetermined O2 concentration. Clause 40. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 35 to 39, wherein the gas mixture control system (270) is configured to use input from the temperature sensor (262) to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the O2 sensor (258). Clause 41. A docking station (400) described in any one of clauses 35 to 40, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to use input from the pressure sensor (264) to correct the pressure sensitivity of the CO2 sensor (260). Clause 42. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 35 to 41, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain a pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) at 3 to 20 mbar, for example 5 to 18 mbar or 10 to 15 mbar higher than ambient atmospheric pressure. Clause 43. A docking station (400) as described in any one of clauses 35 to 42, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain the CO2 concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) within a range of 5 to 10%, for example, 6 to 9% or 7 to 8%, and / or the O2 concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system 204 within a range of 5 to 10%, for example, 6 to 9% or 7 to 8%. Clause 44. A modular incubator system (500) comprising a docking station (400) according to any one of clauses 1 to 43 in combination with one or more modular incubator chambers (300), wherein for one or more of said one or more modular incubator chambers (300), said modular incubator chambers (300) 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; the housing includes a lid (304), the lid configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to an interior of the modular incubator chamber (306) and a closed configuration that blocks access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; The modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a culture dish support (308) for placing a culture dish (310) in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) for the purpose of containing one or more biological materials M within the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300); A modular incubator system (500), wherein the modular incubator chamber (300) has a chamber gas inlet opening (312) and a chamber gas outlet opening (314), the chamber gas inlet opening (312) and the chamber gas outlet opening (314) being in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber. Clause 45. With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the position of the chamber gas inlet opening (312) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the position of the docking port gas outlet opening (404) of the docking port (402) are such that, when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the chamber gas inlet opening (312) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port gas outlet opening (404) of the docking port (402) are aligned with each other. 45. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 44, wherein the chamber gas outlet opening (314) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) are fluidly connected to each other, and the positions of the chamber gas outlet opening (314) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) are such that, when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the chamber gas outlet opening (314) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) are fluidly connected to each other. Clause 46. For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the chamber gas inlet opening (312) includes a valve (2), and the chamber gas outlet opening (314) includes a valve (2), the valve (2) of the chamber gas inlet opening (312) and the valve (2) of the chamber gas outlet opening (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 displaceable valve element (8), the displaceable valve element (8) being disposed within the through channel (14), and the displaceable valve element (8) being, when not acted upon by an external force, 46. ​​The modular incubator system (500) of clause 44 or 45, wherein the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (8) is configured to be displaceable within the through channel (14) of the valve body (6) when acted upon by an external force such that the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (8) is not displaced within the through channel (14) of the valve body (6) thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration blocking gas from passing through the through channel (14), and to be displaceable within the through channel (14) of the valve body (6) when acted upon by an external force such that the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (8) is displaced within the through channel (14) of the valve body (6) thereby causing the valve (2) to achieve an open configuration allowing gas to pass through the through channel (14). Clause 47. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 46, wherein with respect to one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300), the valve (2) is positioned with the front end (10) of the valve (2) facing outward, and with respect to one or more of the docking ports (402), the valve (4) is positioned with the front end (20) of the valve (4) facing outward. Clause 48. With respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port is as defined in clause 10, and with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber is as defined in clause 46, and the valves (2, 4) are configured such that, upon docking of the modular incubator chamber to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400), the change in the valve (2) 48. The modular incubator system (500) of clause 46 or 47, wherein the displaceable valve element (8) of the valve (4) and the displaceable valve element (18) of the valve (4) are sized and geometrically configured to displace each other into their respective valve bodies (6, 16), thereby opening the valve (4) at the docking port gas outlet opening (404) and the valve (2) at the chamber gas inlet opening (312), and thereby opening the valve (2) at the chamber gas outlet opening (314) and the valve (4) at the docking port gas inlet opening (406). Clause 49. A modular incubator system (500) described in any one of clauses 44 to 48, wherein, with respect to one or more of said one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the internal components of said modular incubator chambers (300) are essentially identical in terms of dimensions and geometry. Clause 50. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of clauses 44 to 49, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a transparent window (316), and with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port comprises an image capture device (408), thereby enabling the capture of images of biological material M contained within the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402). Clause 51. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 50, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the position of the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is adapted to the position of the image capture device (408) in the docking port (402) so as to enable capture of an image by the image capture device (408) through the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300) when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402). Clause 52. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 50 or 51, 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 positioned on the bottom (357) of the housing (302). Clause 53. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of clauses 50 to 52, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber has an elongated shape such as an elongated linear extension extending in a direction Y transverse to the longitudinal direction X of the housing of the modular incubation chamber (300). Clause 54. A modular incubator system (500) described in any one of clauses 44 to 53, wherein with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the modular incubator chambers (300) are configured to be docked to the docking ports (402) with a first end (340) of the modular incubator chambers (300) facing the docking ports (402). Clause 55. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of clauses 44 to 54, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a light source (372) in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) for directing light toward the region of the culture dish support (308) of the modular incubator chamber (300), thereby enabling illumination of the viable biological material in the context of capturing an image of the viable biological material. Clause 56. A modular incubator system (500) according to clause 55, wherein the light source (372) is mounted inside the lid (304) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300). Clause 57. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 55 or 56, wherein the light source (372) is selected from the group consisting of one or more LEDs, one or more laser diodes, and one or more incandescent bulbs. Clause 58. A modular incubator system (500) described in any one of clauses 44 to 57, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the culture dish support (308) defines a flat support surface for supporting the culture dish (310). Clause 59. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of clauses 44 to 58, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided with an electrical connector (322), for example on an outer portion of the housing (302), and with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port is provided with an electrical connector (410), thereby enabling the transmission of power or electrical signals between the docking port (402) and the modular incubator chamber (300). Clause 60. A modular incubator system (500) described in any one of clauses 44 to 59, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the lid (304) is a hinged lid connected to the housing of the modular incubator chamber by a hinge. Clause 61. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of clauses 44 to 60, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided with a display (324) configured to display information regarding the operating status of the incubation taking place within the modular incubator chamber. Clause 62. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 44 to 61, wherein the number of modular incubator chambers (300) of said modular incubator system (500) is selected from the range of 1 to 100, for example, from 2 to 95, from 5 to 90, from 10 to 85, from 15 to 80, from 20 to 75, from 25 to 70, from 30 to 65, from 35 to 60, from 40 to 55, or from 45 to 50. Clause 63. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of clauses 44 to 62, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber comprises an incubation chamber engagement means (326), and with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking ports comprise docking port engagement means (414), the incubation chamber engagement means (326) being configured to engage with the docking port engagement means (414) so ​​as to easily and appropriately position, and optionally secure, the modular incubator chamber (300) within the docking port (402), as well as easily and appropriately remove the modular incubator chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400). Clause 64. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of clauses 44 to 63, wherein for one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber comprises an electric heating element (318) in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber for heating the interior of the modular incubator chamber, the modular incubator chamber comprises a power supply (320) for supplying power to the heating element (318), and the electric heating element (318) is electrically connected to the power supply (320). Clause 65. The modular incubator system (500) according to clause 64, wherein the power source (320) is a power source such as a battery, e.g. a rechargeable battery. Clause 66. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 65 or 65, wherein the heating element (318) is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing heat dissipated by the heating element, and the heat distribution element is at least partially positioned inside (306) the modular incubator chamber (300). Clause 67. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of clauses 64 to 66, wherein the chamber comprises a thermostat (374) and an electric thermostat circuit (376), and the electric heating element (318), the power source (320) and the thermostat (374) are electrically connected within the electric thermostat circuit (376) to enable thermostatic control of the temperature within the modular incubator chamber (300). Clause 68. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of clauses 44 to 67, wherein the modular incubator system (500) comprises an image processing unit (660) for image processing of images captured by the image capture device (408), and the modular incubator system (500) further comprises a data storage (658) for storing images captured by the image capture unit 408 and / or for storing images processed by the image processing unit (660). Clause 69. A modular incubator system 500 as described in any one of clauses 44 to 68, wherein the modular incubator system comprises a control unit 650 for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system. Clause 70. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 69, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to an input device (652), such as an alphanumeric input device, for enabling a user to make configuration inputs regarding a desired operating protocol of the modular incubator system. Clause 71. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 69 or 70, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to a display unit (654) for displaying information to a user regarding the settings and / or operating status of the modular incubator system (500). Clause 72. With respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) and / or with respect to the modular incubator chambers (300) docked to the docking ports (402), the control unit (650) controls the following: setting the thermostat (374) of the modular incubator chambers (300) docked to the docking ports (402); 72. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 69 to 71, configured to independently control one or more of the following: switching on and off and / or adjusting the intensity of light emitted from its active light source (372); the gas mixing control system (270); the image capture unit (408); and / or the associated displacement device (482) of one or more of the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500); and the image processing unit (660). Clause 73. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 69 to 72, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to a data processing unit (656) and optionally to a data storage (658) useful in handling information during the control of the modular incubator system. Clause 74. The control unit (650) controls the following: setting the thermostat (374) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked to the docking port (402); switching on and off the active light source (372) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked to the docking port (402) and / or adjusting the intensity of the light emitted from the active light source (372) of the modular incubator chamber docked to the docking port (402); the gas mixture control system (270); the image capture unit (408); 74. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 69 to 73, configured to perform automated operation of the modular incubator system (500) by independently controlling one or more of the associated displacement devices (482) of one or more of the docking ports (402) of the docking stations (400) of the modular incubator system (500), the gas mixing control system (270) of the docking station (400) according to predetermined control instructions provided thereto, and / or the image processing unit (660). Clause 75. A modular incubator system (500) described in any one of clauses 69 to 74, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to provide time-lapse capture of images by the image capture device (408). Clause 76. A gas source (202) for supplying gas to a docking station (400), said gas source (202) having a supply gas outlet (206) connected to a main gas supply line (210) of said docking station (400), said gas source (202) having a return gas inlet (208) connected to a main gas return line (212) of said docking station (400), said gas source (202) being as defined in any one of clauses 22 to 43. Clause 77. Use of a docking station (400) according to any one of clauses 1 to 43 for the incubation of viable biological material. Clause 78. Use of a modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 44 to 75 for the incubation of viable biological material. Clause 79. Use according to clause 77 or 78, wherein said biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo. Article 80. A method for incubating viable biological material, comprising: i) providing a modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 44 to 75; ii) providing viable biological material; and iii) placing the viable biological material in a culture dish (310) and subsequently placing the culture dish inside (306) a modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500); iv) docking the modular incubator chamber (300) into the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500); v) allowing the viable biological material to be incubated within the modular incubator chamber (300); vi) supplying gas to the entire interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500) by the gas supply system (200) of the docking station (400); A method comprising: Clause 81.vi) The method of clause 80, further comprising the step of removing the incubator chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) if desired, to manually inspect for viable biological material and optionally remove, add or replace growth medium / multiple growth media in the culture dish (310). [Explanation of symbols]

[0317] First valve of a two-valve system Second valve in a 4-valve system 6 First valve body of the first valve 8 First valve element of first valve 10 Front end of first valve body 12 Rear end of first valve body 14 First through-channel of first valve 16 Second valve second valve body 18 Second valve element of second valve 20 Front end of second valve 22 Rear end of second valve 24 Second through-channel of the second valve 26 First valve first spring 28 Second valve second spring 100 Valve System 200 Gas Supply System 202 Gas Sources in Gas Supply Systems 204 Gas distribution system for gas supply systems 206 Gas source supply gas outlet 208 Return gas inlet of gas source 210 Main gas supply line of gas distribution system 212 Main gas return line of gas distribution system 214 Manifold Pair 216 Inlet manifold of manifold pair 218 Manifold pair outlet manifold 220 Inlet manifold connection point 222 Outlet manifold connection point 224 Supply Line Reference Point 226 Return line reference point 228 Docking Port Groups 228a Added group of docking ports 230 Inlet manifold connector for added inlet manifold 232 Outlet manifold connector for added outlet manifold 234 Connector on main gas supply line for adding new inlet manifold 236 Gas return line connector for adding a new inlet manifold 238 Shunt 240 Main Line Extension Connector 242 Gas Mixing Box 244 Gas Supply System Flow Loop 246 Gas Source Pump 247 Pump vibration damper 248 Pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line 249 Release Valve 250 N2 gas inlet 251 CO2 gas inlet 252 N2 valve 253 N2 Mass Flow Sensor 254 CO2 valve 255 CO2 mass flow sensor 256 Mass flow sensor for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box 258 O2 sensor 260 CO2 sensor 262 Temperature Sensor 264 Pressure Sensor 266 UV sterilizer 268 filters 270 Gas Mixing Control System 300 Modular Incubator Chambers 302 Modular Incubator Chamber Housing 304 Modular Incubator Chamber Lid Inside the 306 modular incubator chamber 308 Culture dish support part 310 Culture dish 312 Modular Incubator Chamber Gas Inlet Opening 314 Modular Incubator Chamber Gas Outlet Opening 316 Modular incubator chamber housing transparent window 318 Electric Heating Elements 320 Power Source 322 Modular Incubator Chamber Electrical Connector 324 Modular Incubator Chamber Housing Display 326 Chamber engagement means of modular incubator chamber 340 First end of modular incubator chamber 342 Second end of modular incubator chamber 357 Modular Incubator Chamber Housing Bottom 372 light source 374 Thermostat 376 Thermostat Circuit 400 Docking Station 402 Docking Station Docking Port 404 Docking port gas outlet opening of docking port 406 Docking port gas inlet opening of docking port 408 Docking Station Docking Port Image Capture Device 410 Docking Port Electrical Connector 414 docking port engagement means for a docking port of a docking station 482 Displacement device for displacing an image capture unit 500 Modular Incubator System 650 Control Unit 652 Input Devices 654 Display Unit 656 Data Processing Unit 658 Data Storage 660 Image Processing Unit D, D', D'' Distance traveled by gas D1, D2 Partial gas travel distance D3, D4 Partial gas travel distance X Longitudinal direction of the modular incubator chamber housing Y Transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the modular incubator chamber housing

Claims

1. A docking station (400) for a modular incubator system (500), said docking station comprising: several docking ports (402) for receiving modular incubator chambers (300); a gas supply system (200); Equipped with for one or more of the docking ports (402), and preferably for all of the docking ports of the docking station (400), the docking port has a docking port gas outlet opening (404) and a docking port gas inlet opening (406); The gas supply system (200) comprises a gas source (202) and a gas distribution system (204); The gas source (202) has a supply gas outlet (206) and a return gas inlet (208); The gas distribution system (204) comprises a main gas supply line (210) and a main gas return line (212); the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) is fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet (206) of the gas source (202), and the main gas return line (212) is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source (202); The gas distribution system (204) comprises several manifold pairs (214), each manifold pair including an inlet manifold (216) and an outlet manifold (218); the inlet manifold (216) of each manifold pair (214) is fluidly connected to the main gas supply line (210) at an inlet manifold connection point (220); the outlet manifold (218) of each manifold pair (214) is fluidly connected to the main gas return line (212) at an outlet manifold connection point (222); a gas supply line reference point (224) is defined in the main gas supply line (210) located at an upstream position relative to the inlet manifold connection points (220) of all of the inlet manifolds (216); a gas return line reference point (226) is defined in the main gas return line (212) located downstream relative to the outlet manifold connection points (222) of all of the outlet manifolds (218); each manifold pair (214) is connected to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) such that, for a particular manifold pair (214) and for the one or more docking ports (402) connected to the particular manifold pair (214), the docking port gas outlet opening (404) of the docking port (402) is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold (216) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold (218); The gas distribution system (204) is designed such that, for two or more docking ports (402) of the docking station, preferably for all docking ports (402) of the docking station, the travel distance D that gas travels from the gas supply line reference point (224) to the docking port (402) and from the docking port (402) to the gas return line reference point (226) during gas transport to and from the docking port (402) is essentially equal, and the travel distance D is, for a particular docking port (402), determined as follows: D=D1+D2+D3+D4 is defined as thereby ensuring equal pressure drops among the various modular incubator chambers (300) docked to the docking ports (402) of said docking station (400); where D1 is defined as the distance from the gas supply line reference point (224) to the corresponding inlet manifold connection point (220) in the main gas supply line (210); where D2 is defined as the distance from the corresponding manifold connection point (220) in the main gas supply line (210) to the docking port gas outlet opening (404); where D3 is defined as the distance from the docking port gas inlet opening (406) to the corresponding outlet manifold connection point (222) in the main gas return line (212); where D4 is defined as the distance from the outlet manifold connection point (222) in the main gas return line (212) to the gas return line reference point (226). Docking station (400).

2. 2. The docking station (400) of claim 1, wherein the distance D for one docking port (402) is greater than the distance D for another docking port (402), preferably any other docking port, by 10% or less, for example 9% or less, 8% or less, 7% or less, 6% or less, 5% or less, 4% or less, 3% or less, 2% or less, or 1% or less.

3. 3. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the docking ports are grouped into one or more groups of docking ports, and wherein, for each docking port in a particular group, the docking port gas outlet opening is fluidly connected to the same inlet manifold, and wherein, for each docking port in a particular group, the docking port gas inlet opening is fluidly connected to the same outlet manifold.

4. 4. The docking station of claim 3, wherein the number of groups of docking ports is selected from the range of 1 to 20 or more, for example, from 2 to 19, from 3 to 18, from 4 to 17, from 5 to 16, from 6 to 15, from 7 to 14, from 8 to 13, from 9 to 12, or from 10 to 11.

5. 5. The docking station (400) of claim 3 or 4, wherein the number of docking ports (402) in each group (228) of docking ports (402) is individually selected from the range of 2 to 25 or more, for example, 3 to 24, 4 to 23, 5 to 22, 6 to 21, 7 to 20, 8 to 19, 9 to 18, 10 to 17, 11 to 16, 12 to 15, or 13 to 14.

6. 6. The docking station (400) of claim 3, wherein the number of groups (228) of docking ports (402) is two or more, each group of docking ports is arranged as a shelf, and the shelves of the groups (228) of docking groups (402) are arranged one on top of the other.

7. 7. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the main gas supply line is provided with a main line extension connector for enabling the extension of the main gas supply line and the main gas return line, and the main gas return line is provided with a main line extension connector for enabling the extension of the main gas return line, thereby enabling the addition of one or more groups of docking ports, each fluidly connected to an additional inlet manifold and each fluidly connected to an additional outlet manifold, wherein the additional inlet manifold is fluidly connected to the additional extension of the main gas return line, and the additional outlet manifold is fluidly connected to the additional extension of the main gas return line.

8. 8. The docking station of claim 7, wherein the extension connector is disposed on the main gas supply line at a downstream position relative to all inlet manifolds and the extension connector is disposed on the return gas supply line at a downstream position relative to all outlet manifolds, or the extension connector is disposed on the main gas supply line at an upstream position relative to all inlet manifolds and the extension connector is disposed on the return gas supply line at an upstream position relative to all outlet manifolds, or the extension connectors are disposed on the main gas supply line and the return gas supply line at a position between the positions of the extension connectors.

9. The docking station is prepared for expansion by adding one or more additional new groups (228a) of docking ports (402), each such new group (228a) of docking ports (402) including a new inlet manifold (216) with an inlet manifold connector (230) and a new outlet manifold (218) with an outlet manifold connector (232), the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) including one or more connectors (234) adapted to be connected to the inlet manifold connector (230) of the new inlet manifold (216), and the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204) adapted to be connected to the outlet manifold connector (232) of the new outlet manifold (218).

9. The docking station of claim 3, further comprising one or more connectors, wherein each new group of docking ports comprises several new docking ports, wherein for one or more of the new docking ports, the new docking port has a docking port gas outlet opening that is fluidly connected to the new inlet manifold, and for one or more of the new docking ports, the new docking port has a docking port gas inlet opening that is fluidly connected to the new outlet manifold, thereby enabling expansion of the docking station by new groups of docking ports.

10. For one or more of the docking ports (402), preferably for all of the docking ports (402), the docking port gas outlet opening (404) includes a valve (4) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) includes a valve (4), the valve (4) of the docking port gas outlet opening (404) and the valve (4) of the docking port gas inlet opening (406) each comprising a valve body (16) having a front end (20), a rear end (22) and a through channel (24) therein, and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18), the displaceable valve element (18) being disposed within the through channel (24), the displaceable valve element (18) being displaceable by an external force.

10. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 1 to 9, configured to be displaceable within the through channel (24) of the valve body (16) such that, when unactuated, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) is not displaced within the through channel (24) of the valve body (16), thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration that blocks gas from passing through the through channel (24), and such that, when acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) is displaced within the through channel (24) of the valve body (16), thereby causing the valve (4) to achieve an open configuration that allows gas to pass through the through channel (24).

11. 11. The docking station (400) of claim 1, wherein the gas distribution system (204) comprises one or more shunts (238) fluidly connecting the main gas supply line (210) with the main gas return line (212), thereby enabling gas circulation within the gas distribution system when no modular incubator chambers (300) are docked to the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

12. 12. The docking station (400) of claim 11, wherein one or more of the shunts (238) fluidly connect an outlet manifold (218) to the main gas supply line (210), or one or more of the shunts (238) fluidly connect an inlet manifold (216) to the main gas return line (212), or one or more of the shunts (238) fluidly connect an inlet manifold (216) to an outlet manifold (218).

13. 13. The docking station (400) of claim 11 or 12, wherein, for one or more of the shunts, the shunts are positioned such that the distance traveled by gas from the gas supply line reference point (224) to the shunt plus the distance traveled from the shunt to the gas return line reference point (226) is essentially equal to the distance D.

14. 14. A docking station (400) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein for two or more of the docking ports (402), preferably for all of the docking ports (402), the internal components of the docking ports (402) are essentially identical in terms of size and geometry.

15. 15. The docking station (400) of claim 1, wherein for two or more of the docking ports (402), and preferably for all of the docking ports (402), the docking port gas outlet opening (404) includes a flow restrictor for restricting the magnitude of the flow rate of gas entering the docking port (402).

16. The flow restrictor includes a tube through which the gas is conveyed to the docking port (402), the tube optionally having a diameter between 0.2 and 8 mm. ２ In the range of, for example, 0.5 to 7 mm ２ , 1 to 6 mm ２ , 2 to 5 mm ２ , or 3 to 4 mm ２ and / or the length of the tube is optionally selected from the range of 5 to 30 mm, e.g., 8 to 25 mm, 10 to 22 mm, or 15 to 20 mm.

17. A docking station (400) as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking ports are equipped with image capture devices (408) thereby enabling the capture of images of biological material M contained within the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402).

18. 18. The docking station (400) of claim 17, wherein, for one or more specific docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the specific docking ports are provided with their own dedicated image capture devices (408) configured to capture only images related to the modular incubator chambers (300) docked to the specific docking ports (402).

19. 19. The docking station (400) of claim 17 or 18, wherein for N adjacently arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the adjacently arranged docking ports share a common image capturing device (408) in the sense that only one image capturing device is responsible for capturing images associated with a modular incubator chamber (300) docked to one of the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402), and the docking station comprises a displacement device (482), such as an electrically driven remotely controlled displacement device (482), for enabling displacement of the common image capturing device (408) relative to the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

20. 20. The docking station (400) of claim 19, wherein N is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 25 or more, such as 4 to 22, 6 to 20, 8 to 18, 10 to 16, or 12 to 14.

21. 21. The docking station (400) of claim 17, wherein one or more of the image capture devices (408) of the docking port (402) include microscope optics to enable capture of microscope images.

22. 22. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the gas source of the gas supply system comprises a gas mixing box having the supply gas outlet and the return gas inlet of the gas source, the main gas supply line of the gas distribution system being fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet and the main gas return line of the gas distribution system being fluidly connected to the return gas inlet of the gas source, thereby forming a flow loop including the gas distribution system and the gas mixing box, the flow loop including a pump for circulating gas within the loop.

23. 23. The docking station (400) of claim 22, wherein the pump (246) is located downstream relative to the main gas return line (212).

24. 24. The docking station (400) of claim 22 or 23, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a pump vibration damper (247), optionally positioned immediately downstream relative to the pump (246).

25. 25. The docking station (400) of claim 22, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor (248), for detecting the pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204), the pressure sensor (248) optionally being positioned immediately upstream of the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

26. 26. The docking station (400) of claim 25, wherein the pressure sensor (248) is a differential pressure sensor that senses pressure relative to the pressure at the return gas inlet (208).

27. 27. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a discharge valve (249) to allow pressure relief within the flow loop, the discharge valve optionally being positioned immediately downstream with respect to the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (402).

28. The gas mixing box (242) contains N ２ Gas inlet (250) and CO ２ A gas inlet (251) is provided, ２ The gas inlet (250) is N ２ N to regulate the inflow of ２ valve (252), and the N ２ N2 entering the gas mixing box (242) located downstream of the valve (252) ２ N for detecting the amount of ２ a mass flow sensor (253) in fluid communication with the CO ２ The gas inlet (251) is ２ CO to regulate the inflow of ２ valve (254), and the CO ２ CO entering the gas mixing box (242) located downstream of the valve (254) ２ for detecting the amount of CO ２ 28. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 22 to 27, in fluid communication with a mass flow sensor (255).

29. 29. The docking station (400) of claim 22, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a mass flow sensor (256) disposed upstream relative to the gas mixing box (242) for detecting an amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box.

30. The gas source (202) is configured to generate O 2 gas that exits the gas distribution system (204). ２ for detecting the concentration of ２ a sensor 258, and the gas source (202) measures the CO 2 leaving the gas distribution system (204). ２ for detecting the concentration of CO ２ A sensor (260) is provided, ２ sensor and / or the CO ２ 30. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein a sensor is optionally located downstream relative to the pump (246).

31. The gas source (202) includes a temperature sensor (262) for sensing the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop (244), the temperature sensor optionally being located downstream relative to the pump (246), preferably downstream relative to the O ２ The docking station (400) of any one of claims 22 to 30, arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the sensor (258).

32. The gas source (202) includes a pressure sensor (264) for sensing absolute pressure in the flow loop (244), the pressure sensor optionally being downstream relative to the pump (246), preferably the CO ２ The docking station (400) according to any one of claims 22 to 31, arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the sensor (260).

33. 33. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a UV sterilizer (266) for sterilizing gas flowing within the flow loop (244) with electromagnetic radiation in the UV range, the UV sterilizer optionally being positioned immediately downstream relative to the main gas return line (212).

34. The gas source (202) may include one or more filters (268), such as HEPA and / or VOC filters, located immediately upstream relative to the main gas supply line (210) and / or such filters may be located upstream of the N 2 gas supply to the gas mixing box (242). ２ Such a filter may be located immediately upstream of the gas inlet (250) and / or may filter CO ２ 34. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 22 to 33, arranged immediately upstream relative to the gas inlet (251).

35. The gas source (202) includes a gas mixing control system (270) that controls the N ２ The amount of N ２ Mass flow sensor (253), CO entering the gas mixing box ２ for detecting the amount of CO ２ a mass flow sensor (255), said mass flow sensor (256) for sensing the amount of return gas entering said gas mixing box; and an O 2 flow sensor (256) for sensing the amount of return gas leaving said main gas return line (212) of said gas distribution system (204). ２ for detecting the concentration of ２ a sensor (258) for detecting CO 2 exiting the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204); ２ for detecting the concentration of CO ２ 34. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 22 to 33, wherein the gas mixing control system is electrically connected to one or more of the sensors (260), the temperature sensor (262) for detecting the temperature circulating in the flow loop (244), the pressure sensor (264) for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop (244), and the pressure sensor (248) for detecting the pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the distribution system (204).

36. The following elements: N ２ The N ２ Valve (252), CO to the gas mixing box (242) ２ for regulating the inflow of CO ２ 36. The docking station (400) of claim 35, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is electrically connected to one or more of the valves (254), the pump (246) for circulating gas within the flow loop (244), and the discharge valve (249) to control these elements.

37. 37. The docking station (400) of claim 35 or 36, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive input from the pressure sensor (248), and based on the input, control the pump (246), and optionally operate the discharge valve (249), to maintain a desired and predetermined pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

38. The gas mixture control system (270) receives input from the mass flow sensor (256) and, based on the input, controls the CO ２ Gas inlet (251) and the N ２ CO which needs to be supplied via gas inlet (250) ２ Gas and N ２ 38. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 35 to 37, configured to determine a total amount of gas.

39. The gas mixture control system (270) ２ The sensor (260) and the O ２ configured to receive input from a sensor (258) and ２ Based on the concentration, ２ By sending a control signal to the valve (254), ２ Controlling the valve (254) to provide a desired and predetermined CO ２ To reach a concentration of CO ２ The gas mixture control system (270) is configured to adjust the inflow of gases based on the detected O ２ Based on the concentration, ２ By sending a control signal to the valve (252), ２ Controlling the valve (252) to provide a desired and predetermined O ２ To reach a concentration of N ２ 39. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 35 to 38, configured to regulate the inflow of gas.

40. The gas mixture control system (270) ２ 40. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 35 to 39, configured to use input from the temperature sensor (262) to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the sensor (258).

41. The gas mixture control system (270) ２ 41. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 35 to 40, configured to use input from the pressure sensor (264) to correct for pressure sensitivity of the sensor (260).

42. 42. The docking station (400) of any one of claims 35 to 41, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain a pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) relative to ambient atmospheric pressure that is 3 to 20 mbar, for example 5 to 18 mbar or 10 to 15 mbar higher than ambient atmospheric pressure.

43. The gas mixture control system (270) controls the CO content of gases entering the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204). ２ concentration in the range of 5-10%, for example 6-9% or 7-8%, and / or O 2 of the gas entering the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system 204. ２ The docking station (400) of any one of claims 35 to 42, configured to maintain a concentration in the range of 5-10%, such as 6-9% or 7-8%.

44. 44. The docking station (400) of claim 1, wherein for one or more manifold pairs (214) of the docking station (400), for example for one or more manifold pairs (214) belonging to the same group (228) of docking ports (402), the inlet manifold (216) and / or the outlet manifold (218) of the manifold pair (214) are in the form of solid tubes, such as tubes made from a polymer such as plastic, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy, and the inlet manifold (216) and / or the outlet manifold (218) of the manifold pair (214) are configured as structural supports, supporting one or more adjacently arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

45. 45. A modular incubator system (500) comprising a docking station (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 44 in combination with one or more modular incubator chambers (300), wherein for one or more of said one or more modular incubator chambers (300), said modular incubator chambers (300) comprise: a housing (302) having a first end (340) and a second end (342), thereby defining a longitudinal direction X between said first end and said second end; the housing includes a lid (304), the lid configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to an interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration that blocks access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; The modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a culture dish support (308) for placing a culture dish (310) in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) for the purpose of containing one or more biological materials M within the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300); A modular incubator system (500), wherein the modular incubator chamber (300) has a chamber gas inlet opening (312) and a chamber gas outlet opening (314), the chamber gas inlet opening (312) and the chamber gas outlet opening (314) being in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber.

46. With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the positions of the chamber gas inlet openings (312) of the modular incubator chambers (300) and the docking port gas outlet openings (404) of the docking ports (402) are such that, when the modular incubator chambers (300) are docked to the docking ports (402), the chamber gas inlet openings (312) of the housings (302) of the modular incubator chambers (300) and the docking port gas outlet openings (404) of the docking ports (402) are aligned with each other.

46. ​​The modular incubator system (500) of claim 45, wherein the chamber gas outlet opening (314) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) are positioned such that when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the chamber gas outlet opening (314) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) are positioned such that when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the chamber gas outlet opening (314) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) are positioned such that

47. For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the chamber gas inlet opening (312) includes a valve (2), and the chamber gas outlet opening (314) includes a valve (2), the valve (2) of the chamber gas inlet opening (312) and the valve (2) of the chamber gas outlet opening (314) each comprising a valve body (6) having a front end (10), a rear end (12) and a through channel (14) therein, and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element (8), the displaceable valve element (8) being disposed within the through channel (14), the displaceable valve element (8) being displaceable from the front when not acted upon by an external force.

47. The modular incubator system of claim 45 or 46, wherein the spring-loaded displaceable valve element is configured to be displaceable within the through channel of the valve body such that it is not displaced within the through channel of the valve body, thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration that blocks gas from passing through the through channel, and to be displaceable within the through channel of the valve body when acted upon by an external force, such that it is displaced within the through channel of the valve body, thereby causing the valve to achieve an open configuration that allows gas to pass through the through channel.

48. 48. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 47, wherein, with respect to one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300), the valve (2) is positioned with a front end (10) of the valve (2) facing outward, and with respect to one or more of the docking ports (402), the valve (4) is positioned with a front end (20) of the valve (4) facing outward.

49. With respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port is as defined in claim 10, and with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber is as defined in claim 47, and the valves (2, 4) are configured such that, when the modular incubator chamber is docked to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400), the displaceable valves (2, 4) of the valves (2, 4) are displaced.

49. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 47 or 48, wherein the displaceable valve element (8) and the displaceable valve element (18) of the valve (4) are sized and geometrically configured to displace relative to one another into their respective valve bodies (6, 16), thereby opening the valve (4) at the docking port gas outlet opening (404) and the valve (2) at the chamber gas inlet opening (312), and thereby opening the valve (2) at the chamber gas outlet opening (314) and the valve (4) at the docking port gas inlet opening (406).

50. 50. A modular incubator system (500) as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 49, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the internal components of the modular incubator chambers (300) are essentially identical in terms of dimensions and geometry.

51. 51. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 45 to 50, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a transparent window (316), and with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port comprises an image capture device (408), thereby enabling the capture of images of biological material M contained in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402).

52. 52. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 51, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the position of the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is adapted to the position of the image capture device (408) at the docking port (402) so as to enable the image capture device (408) to capture an image through the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300) when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402).

53. A modular incubator system (500) as described in claim 51 or 52, 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 located on the bottom (357) of the housing (302).

54. 54. The modular incubator system (500) of any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber has an elongated shape such as an elongated linear extension extending in a direction Y transverse to the longitudinal direction X of the housing of the modular incubation chamber (300).

55. 55. The modular incubator system (500) of any one of claims 45 to 54, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the modular incubator chambers (300) are configured to be docked to the docking ports (402) with a first end (340) of the modular incubator chambers (300) facing the docking ports (402).

56. 56. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 45 to 55, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) includes a light source (372) in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) for directing light toward an area of ​​the culture dish support (308) of the modular incubator chamber (300), thereby enabling illumination of the viable biological material in situations where an image of the viable biological material is captured.

57. 57. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 56, wherein the light source (372) is mounted inside the lid (304) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

58. 58. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 56 or 57, wherein the light source (372) is selected from the group consisting of one or more LEDs, one or more laser diodes, and one or more incandescent bulbs.

59. 59. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 45 to 58, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the culture dish support (308) defines a flat support surface for supporting the culture dish (310).

60. 60. A modular incubator system (500) as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 59, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided with an electrical connector (322), for example on an outer portion of the housing (302), and for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port is provided with an electrical connector (410), thereby enabling the transmission of power or electrical signals between the docking port (402) and the modular incubator chamber (300).

61. 61. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 45 to 60, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the lid (304) is a hinged lid connected to the housing of the modular incubator chamber by a hinge.

62. 62. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 45 to 61, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided with a display (324) configured to display information regarding the operating status of the incubation taking place in the modular incubator chamber.

63. 63. The modular incubator system (500) of any one of claims 45 to 62, 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, 5 to 90, 10 to 85, 15 to 80, 20 to 75, 25 to 70, 30 to 65, 35 to 60, 40 to 55, or 45 to 50.

64. 64. The modular incubator system of claim 45, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers, the modular incubator chamber comprises an incubation chamber engaging means, and for one or more docking ports of the docking station, the docking ports comprise a docking port engaging means, the incubation chamber engaging means configured to engage with the docking port engaging means so as to easily and properly position, and optionally secure, the modular incubator chamber within the docking port, as well as to easily and properly remove the modular incubator chamber from the docking port of the docking station.

65. 65. A modular incubator system (500) as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 64, wherein for one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber comprises an electric heating element (318) in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber for heating the interior of the modular incubator chamber, the modular incubator chamber comprises a power supply (320) for supplying power to the heating element (318), and the electric heating element (318) is electrically connected to the power supply (320).

66. 66. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 65, wherein the power source (320) is a power source such as a battery, e.g., a rechargeable battery.

67. 67. A modular incubator system (500) as described in claim 66 or 66, wherein the heating element (318) is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing heat dissipated by the heating element, and the heat distribution element is at least partially disposed within the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

68. 68. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 65 to 67, wherein the chamber comprises a thermostat (374) and an electrical thermostat circuit (376), and the electric heating element (318), the power source (320) and the thermostat (374) are electrically connected within the electrical thermostat circuit (376) to enable thermostatic control of the temperature within the modular incubator chamber (300).

69. 69. The modular incubator system (500) of any one of claims 45 to 68, wherein the modular incubator system (500) comprises an image processing unit (660) for image processing of images captured by the image capture device (408), and the modular incubator system (500) further comprises data storage (658) for storing images captured by the image capture unit 408 and / or for storing images processed by the image processing unit (660).

70. 70. The modular incubator system (500) of any one of claims 45 to 69, wherein the modular incubator system comprises a control unit (650) for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system.

71. 71. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 70, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to an input device (652), such as an alphanumeric input device, for enabling a user to enter configuration inputs regarding a desired operating protocol of the modular incubator system.

72. 72. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 70 or 71, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to a display unit (654) for displaying information to a user regarding the settings and / or operating status of the modular incubator system (500).

73. With respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) and / or with respect to the modular incubator chambers (300) docked to the docking ports (402), the control unit (650) controls the following: setting the thermostat (374) of the modular incubator chambers (300) docked to the docking ports (402); turning on and off the active light source (372) of the modular incubator chambers (300) docked to the docking ports (402); 73. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 70, configured to independently control one or more of the following: switching on and off and / or adjusting the intensity of light emitted from the active light source (372); the gas mixing control system (270); the image capture unit (408); and / or the associated displacement device (482) of one or more of the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500); and the image processing unit (660).

74. 74. The modular incubator system (500) of any one of claims 70 to 73, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to a data processing unit (656) and optionally to a data storage (658) useful in handling information during control of the modular incubator system.

75. The control unit (650) controls the following: setting the thermostat (374) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked to the docking port (402); switching on and off the active light source (372) of the modular incubator chamber (300) docked to the docking port (402) and / or adjusting the intensity of the light emitted from the active light source (372) of the modular incubator chamber docked to the docking port (402); the gas mixing control system (270); the image capture unit (408); and / or or a modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 70 to 74, configured to perform automatic operation of the modular incubator system (500) by independently controlling one or more of the associated displacement devices (482) of one or more of the docking ports (402) of the docking stations (400) of the modular incubator system (500), the gas mixing control system (270) of the docking station (400) in accordance with predetermined control instructions provided, and the image processing unit (660).

76. 76. The modular incubator system (500) of any one of claims 70 to 75, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to provide time lapse capture of images by the image capture device (408).

77. 45. A gas source (202) for supplying gas to a docking station (400), said gas source (202) having a supply gas outlet (206) connected to a main gas supply line (210) of said docking station (400), said gas source (202) having a return gas inlet (208) connected to a main gas return line (212) of said docking station (400), said gas source being as defined in any one of claims 22 to 44.

78. Use of a docking station (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 44 for the incubation of viable biological material.

79. 77. Use of a modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 45 to 76 for the incubation of viable biological material.

80. 80. The use according to claim 78 or 79, wherein the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

81. 1. A method of incubating viable biological material, comprising: i) providing a modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 45 to 76; ii) providing viable biological material; iii) placing the viable biological material in a culture dish (310) and subsequently placing the culture dish inside (306) a modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500); iv) docking the modular incubator chamber (300) into the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500); v) allowing said viable biological material to be incubated in said modular incubator chamber (300); vi) supplying gas to the entire interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500) by the gas supply system (200) of the docking station (400); A method comprising:

82. 82. The method of claim 81, further comprising the step of: vi) removing the incubator chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) if desired to manually inspect the viable biological material and, optionally, remove, add or replace growth medium / growth media in the culture dish (310).

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