Modular Incubator System

Abstract

A modular incubator system 500 for incubating viable biological material M is disclosed. The modular incubator system comprises one or more modular incubator chambers 300 in combination with a docking station 400. With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a housing 302, the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprising a transparent window 316 for enabling an image of the biological material M contained within the modular incubator chamber 300 to be captured through the transparent window. The docking station 400 includes one or more docking ports 402 for receiving one or more housings 302 of the incubator chambers 300, and for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking ports include an image capture device 408 for capturing an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402. The housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a shutter mechanism 344, which is configured to be transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa. This may prevent excessive exposure of viable biological material to light, thereby achieving more optimal incubation conditions for the viable biological material.

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 modular incubator system for incubating viable biological material, the modular incubator system comprising one or more modular incubator chambers combined with a docking station.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0009] Advances in in vitro fertilization (IVF) have resulted in significant improvements in methods and techniques over the past few decades, increasing the success rate of IVF pregnancy and birth.

[0010] 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.

[0011] As it is well known, since IVF is most commonly used by women or couples who are having problems conceiving in natural ways, thus having problems that indicate some degree of reduced fertility on the part of the man or 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.

[0012] Additionally, for couples in which one individual has or is suspected of having a common illness, conception through IVF may be advantageous compared to natural methods of conception.

[0013] Therefore, to make IVF techniques effective, women typically undergo hormone treatment before eggs are harvested from their ovaries, which causes the woman's ovaries to release not just one egg but many eggs simultaneously.

[0014] To increase the chances of a viable and successful pregnancy, two or more eggs from the same woman are fertilized and incubated simultaneously in an incubator.

[0015] Prior art incubators include compartments that allow for the accommodation of two or more culture dishes containing fertilized eggs.

[0016] Successful in vitro fertilization and embryo incubation is not easy, 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 growth conditions for the embryos.

[0017] Some improved prior art incubators include a housing with one or more doors for providing access to the interior of the incubator. The interior of the incubator holds one or more culture dishes containing embryos to be cultured. Such incubators may be provided with various adjustment means for controlling the humidity, temperature, and gas composition within the incubator interior.

[0018] Recently, smaller modular incubators have been introduced to the market. These modular incubators are configured to fit within the docking port of a docking station, which can provide control over the physical and chemical parameters generated by the embryos housed within. When any manual manipulation steps involving the embryos, such as manual inspection or the addition, removal, or replacement of growth medium, are required, the modular incubator can be removed from the docking port of the docking station and placed on the laboratory bench for easy access to the embryos.

[0019] To improve monitoring of embryos incubated within such modular incubator chambers of a modular incubator system, an image capture device may be incorporated into the docking port of the docking station. In this manner, optical monitoring of embryos housed and incubated in the modular incubator chambers may be achieved by providing some type of transparent window in the housing of the modular incubator chamber through which the image capture device can capture images.

[0020] It is generally found that even slight deviations from what are considered to be optimal incubation conditions for embryos incubated in an incubator can have a detrimental effect on the quality of the incubated embryos and, therefore, can reduce the success rate of the resulting pregnancy.

[0021] It has also been suggested that excessive light exposure of embryos being incubated in IVF procedures may have a detrimental effect on the resulting pregnancy.

[0022] Thus, while simply providing an image capture device in the docking station of a prior art modular incubator system provides advantages in terms of the ability to visually monitor the morphological development of the embryos being incubated, it comes at the cost of detrimentally exposing the embryos to light through a transparent window in the modular incubator chamber, at least in situations where the modular incubator chamber is being moved from its docking port on the docking station to a laboratory bench where manual manipulation steps are performed.

[0023] Such adverse effects may therefore represent an increased risk of IVF procedures ending in pregnancy failure when embryos are inserted into the woman's uterus at a later stage in the process.

[0024] Therefore, there remains a need for an improved modular incubator that allows visual monitoring of embryos to be performed while they are incubating without the deleterious effects associated with excessive exposure of the embryos to light. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0025] The object of the present invention is to meet such needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0026] These objectives are achieved in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

[0027] Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention is a modular incubator system for incubating viable biological material, said modular incubator system comprising: One or more modular incubator chambers combined with a docking station Equipped with For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers, the modular incubator chamber comprises 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, the 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 housing of the modular incubator chamber comprises a transparent window for enabling an image of biological material M contained within the modular incubator chamber to be captured through the transparent window; the housing of the modular incubator chamber includes a shutter mechanism, the shutter mechanism configured to be transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa; the shutter mechanism comprising first shutter mechanism engagement means for enabling the shutter mechanism to transition between an open shutter mechanism configuration and a closed shutter mechanism configuration, and vice versa, upon application of a force; the shutter mechanism is positioned relative to the transparent window of the housing such that, in an open configuration of the shutter mechanism, the shutter mechanism allows light to pass through the transparent window from the outside into the interior of the modular incubator chamber, and such that, in a closed configuration of the shutter mechanism, the shutter mechanism blocks light from passing through the transparent window from the outside into the interior of the modular incubator chamber; the docking station comprising one or more docking ports for receiving a housing for one or more of the incubator chambers; The present invention relates to a modular incubator system, wherein one or more docking ports of the docking station are equipped with an image capture device for capturing images of the interior of the modular incubator chamber when the modular incubator chamber is docked to the docking port.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a medicament for the treatment of a pulmonary arthritis, comprising: a modular incubator chamber comprising a housing having a first end and a second end, whereby a longitudinal direction X is defined between the first end and the second end; the housing includes a lid, the 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 housing of the modular incubator chamber comprises a transparent window for enabling an image of biological material M contained within the modular incubator chamber to be captured through the transparent window; the housing of the modular incubator chamber includes a shutter mechanism, the shutter mechanism configured to be transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa; the shutter mechanism comprising first shutter mechanism engagement means for enabling the shutter mechanism to transition between an open shutter mechanism configuration and a closed shutter mechanism configuration, and vice versa, upon application of a force; The present invention relates to a modular incubator chamber, wherein the shutter mechanism is positioned relative to the transparent window of the housing such that, in an open configuration of the shutter mechanism, the shutter mechanism allows light to pass through the transparent window from the outside into the interior of the modular incubator chamber, and such that, in a closed configuration of the shutter mechanism, the shutter mechanism blocks light from passing through the transparent window from the outside into the interior of the modular incubator chamber.

[0029] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a docking station for docking one or more modular incubator chambers, said docking station comprising one or more docking ports for receiving housings of one or more of said incubator chambers, and for one or more docking ports of said docking station comprising an image capture device for capturing images of the interior of said modular incubator chamber when docked to said docking port.

[0030] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the invention for incubating viable biological material.

[0031] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a modular incubator chamber according to the second aspect of the invention for incubating viable biological material.

[0032] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a docking station according to the second aspect of the invention for incubating viable biological material.

[0033] In a seventh 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 incubator system; v) allowing the viable biological material to be incubated within the modular incubator chamber while ensuring that the shutter mechanism of the modular incubator chamber is in its closed configuration; vi) optionally transitioning the shutter mechanism configuration of the modular incubator chamber to an open shutter mechanism configuration to enable the image capture device to capture one or more images of the biological material contained in the culture dish; vii) optionally, upon completion of capturing an image of the biological material, transitioning a configuration of the shutter mechanism of the modular incubator chamber to a closed configuration of the shutter mechanism; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0034] In its various aspects, the present invention allows images of viable biological material, such as oocytes or embryos, to be captured during their incubation, while minimizing any detrimental effects caused by exposing the viable biological material to excessive amounts of light.

[0035] This is true even when the modular incubator chambers are removed from their respective docking ports in the docking station. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the general concept of designing an incubator as an incubator system comprising multiple modular incubator chambers combined with a docking station with multiple docking ports. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view showing a portion of a modular incubator chamber of the modular incubator system of the present invention. [Figure 2b] Figure 2a is a partially exploded bottom perspective view showing the modular incubator chamber. [Figure 2c] Figure 2b is a partially exploded top perspective view showing the modular incubator chamber. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the modular incubator chamber shown in Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c. [Figure 3b] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing further details of the modular incubator chamber of the present invention. [Figure 4a] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing details of a docking port of the docking station of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4b] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing details of a docking port of the docking station of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5a] Bottom view (top view of Figure 5a), cross-section view (middle view of Figure 5a), and close-up cross-section view (bottom view of Figure 5a) of the shutter mechanism of the modular incubator chamber in the closed configuration. [Figure 5b] Bottom view (top view of Figure 5b), cross-section view (middle view of Figure 5b), and close-up cross-section view (bottom view of Figure 5b) of the shutter mechanism of the modular incubator chamber in the open configuration. [Figure 6a] FIG. 1 is a front view of the inside of a docking port of a docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention. [Figure 6b] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the first or rear end of a modular incubator chamber that enters a docking port of a modular incubator system of the present invention. [Figure 7a] 1 illustrates the operational modes of the valves of the valve system used in the modular incubator chamber of the present invention and the associated docking ports of the docking station of the docking system. [Figure 7b] 1 illustrates the operational modes of the valves of the valve system used in the modular incubator chamber of the present invention and the associated docking ports of the docking station of the docking system. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an example design of a gas supply system including a gas source and a gas distribution system for use in a docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates the concept of a gas source that can be incorporated into the docking station of the modular incubator system 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

[0037] First aspect of the present invention A first aspect of the present invention is a modular incubator system 500 for incubating viable biological material M, said modular incubator system comprising: One or more modular incubator chambers 300 in combination with a docking station 400 Equipped with For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a housing 302 having a first end 340 and a second end 342, thereby defining a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end; 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; the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a transparent window 316 for enabling an image of biological material M contained within the modular incubator chamber 300 to be captured through the transparent window; the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a shutter mechanism 344, the shutter mechanism configured to be transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa; the shutter mechanism (344) comprising a first shutter mechanism engagement means (346) for enabling the shutter mechanism to transition between an open configuration of the shutter mechanism and a closed configuration of the shutter mechanism, and vice versa, upon application of a force; the shutter mechanism 344 is positioned relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing such that, in an open configuration of the shutter mechanism 344, the shutter mechanism 344 allows light to pass from the outside through the transparent window 316 to the interior of the modular incubator chamber, and such that, in a closed configuration of the shutter mechanism 344, the shutter mechanism 344 blocks light from passing from the outside through the transparent window 316 to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; the docking station 400 comprises one or more docking ports 402 for receiving one or more housings 302 of the incubator chambers 300; The modular incubator system 500 relates to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking ports being equipped with image capture devices 408 for capturing images of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402.

[0038] Accordingly, in a first aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a modular incubator system 500 comprising one or more modular incubator chambers 300 in combination with a docking station 400. The incubator chambers 300 and docking station 400 are configured such that the modular incubator chambers 300 can be docked to a docking port 402 and such that the docking port's image capture device 408 can capture images of viable biological material contained within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 while the viable biological material is being incubated within the modular incubator chamber 300 and while the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402.

[0039] Image capture is performed through a transparent window 316 in the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300. It will be appreciated that such a transparent window allows the inflow of electromagnetic radiation or light even during periods when image capture is not taking place.

[0040] To eliminate or at least significantly reduce the influx of electromagnetic radiation or light into the interior 306 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the associated harmful effects of the electromagnetic radiation or light on the viable biological material being incubated, the present invention provides a shutter mechanism 344 configured to be transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa, thereby enabling the influx of light to be blocked during periods when image capture is not occurring.

[0041] This provides an environment in which viable biological material is incubated that closely mimics the environment of a woman's fallopian tube or uterus.

[0042] In the present invention, the term "modular incubator system" is 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Such interaction may be one or more of providing a gas having a desired composition to the incubator chamber, providing electricity to the incubator chamber to power a heating element in the incubator chamber and / or to power a light source within the incubator chamber, enabling monitoring of viable biological material present within the incubator chamber by using an image capture device located within the docking station, etc.

[0045] It should be understood that within the meaning of this application, the term "modular incubator system" is to be construed as meaning that 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.

[0046] 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, whereby manual manipulation 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.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, to make such manual manipulation operations practical and conceivable, the incubation chambers are configured to allow support on a planar, horizontal support surface when the individual incubation chambers are removed from the docking ports, which 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.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the incubation chamber has its largest dimension horizontally in its intended orientation for use in incubation.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In embodiments, each incubator chamber may 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and 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 within the docking port 402 such that images can be captured through the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 by the image capture device 408 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402.

[0054] This ensures that the image capture device 408 can capture images of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through its transparent window 316 .

[0055] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the modular incubator chambers 300 and / or one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the modular incubator system comprises a shutter actuator 150, such as an electric shutter actuator, configured to apply a force to the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 to transition the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 of the incubator chamber 300 between the open configuration and the closed configuration and vice versa upon provision of a signal, such as an electrical signal, to the shutter actuator 150.

[0056] This allows the shutter mechanism 344 to be remotely controlled.

[0057] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the shutter actuator 150 is located within the modular incubator chamber 300 of the modular incubator system, or for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the shutter actuator 150 is located within the docking port 402 of the modular incubator system.

[0058] Depending on the particular design of the modular incubator system 500 having the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking station 400, it may be advantageous to either locate the shutter actuator 150 within the modular incubator chamber 300 or within the docking port 402 of the modular incubator system 500.

[0059] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the shutter actuator 150 comprises a second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 configured to apply a force to the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, thereby enabling the shutter mechanism 344 to be transitioned between an open configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 and a closed configuration of the shutter mechanism 344, and vice versa.

[0060] This allows a force to be applied to the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346, thereby effecting transition of the shutter mechanism 344 between the shutter mechanism 344 open configuration and the shutter mechanism 344 closed configuration, and vice versa.

[0061] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is located at the bottom 358 of the housing 302, the shutter mechanism 344 is located at the bottom 358 of the housing 302, and the shutter mechanism 344 is located below or above the transparent window 316.

[0062] Since it is preferable to position the image capture device 408 in an upwardly focused position within the docking port 402 of the docking station, the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is conveniently located at the bottom 358 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0063] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the culture dish support 308 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is positioned above the transparent window 316.

[0064] This ensures that when the image capture device 408 focuses in a focal direction corresponding to the transparent window 316, the image capture device 408 focuses on the area of ​​the culture dish 410 that is placed on the culture dish support 308.

[0065] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a plate-shaped shutter element 360, the plate-shaped shutter element 360 being arranged in the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 such that the plate-shaped element 360 is displaceable relative to the housing 302 in a displacement direction D between two positions, wherein in a first position 362 the shutter mechanism 344 is in its closed configuration and in a second position 364 the shutter mechanism 344 is in its open configuration.

[0066] In one embodiment, in the first position 362, the plate-shaped shutter element 360 is positioned relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 so as to cover the transparent window 316, thereby blocking the transmission of light from outside the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 to the interior 306 of the housing, and in the second position 364, the plate-shaped shutter element 360 is positioned relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 so as not to cover the transparent window 316, thereby allowing the transmission of light from outside the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window of the housing to the interior 306 of the housing 302.

[0067] In one embodiment, the plate-shaped shutter element 360 has a through opening 366, and in the first position 362 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360, the through opening 366 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is positioned offset with respect to the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, such that air can be passed from outside the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the through opening 366 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 and the transparent window 316 of the housing 302. In the second position 364, the through opening of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is aligned with the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby allowing light to pass from outside the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the through opening 366 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 and the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 to the interior 306 of the housing.

[0068] Providing the shutter mechanism 344 with a plate-like shutter element is a simple way to allow the shutter mechanism 344 to transition between its open and closed configurations and vice versa.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, plate shutter element 360 has an edge 367, and in first position 362 of plate shutter element 360, the edge 367 of plate shutter element 360 of shutter mechanism 344 is located on one side of the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby blocking transmission of light from outside the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 to the interior 306 of the housing. In the second position 364, the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is positioned opposite the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby allowing light to pass from outside the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 and through the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 to the interior 306 of the housing 302.

[0070] In one embodiment, the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is disposed in the housing 302 so as to be displaceable in a direction D parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the housing 302 .

[0071] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 of the shutter mechanism 344 comprises a shutter lever configured to be acted upon by applying a force to the shutter lever, thereby enabling the configuration of the shutter mechanism to be transitioned between the open configuration and the closed configuration and vice versa.

[0072] In one embodiment, a shutter lever is connected to the plate-shaped shutter element 360 .

[0073] In one embodiment, the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 of the shutter actuator 150 is configured to contact the shutter lever of the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346, thereby applying a force to the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 in moving the shutter mechanism 344 between an open configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 and a closed configuration of the shutter mechanism 344, and vice versa.

[0074] This allows the shutter mechanism 344 to be transitioned between its open and closed configurations simply by applying an external force to the shutter lever.

[0075] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 of the shutter mechanism 344 comprises a first magnet 368 configured to be acted upon by a second magnet 450, thereby enabling the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 to be transitioned between the open configuration and the closed configuration and vice versa via movement of the second magnet 450.

[0076] This allows the shutter mechanism 344 to transition between its open and closed configurations and vice versa via magnetic forces.

[0077] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the modular incubator system, the docking port 402 comprises the shutter actuator 150, and the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 of the shutter actuator comprises the second magnet 450 for applying a magnetic force to the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 upon movement of the second magnet 450, thereby enabling movement of the second magnet 450 via the shutter actuator 150 to transition the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 between the open configuration and the closed configuration and vice versa.

[0078] This embodiment allows the shutter mechanism 344 to be transitioned between its open and closed configurations and vice versa via the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 of the shutter actuator, which comprises a second magnet 450.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first magnet 368 is connected to the plate shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 .

[0080] In alternative embodiments, the first magnet 368 is replaced with a block of ferromagnetic material such as iron or an iron alloy, or the second magnet 450 is replaced with a block of ferromagnetic material such as iron or an iron alloy.

[0081] Iron and iron alloys are attached by magnets, so instead of two magnets one magnet and one block of ferromagnetic material may be used.

[0082] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the shutter actuator 150 is an electric actuator.

[0083] The use of an electric actuator allows for simple and easy remote control of the shutter mechanism 344 .

[0084] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port comprises the shutter actuator 150, the shutter actuator comprising an electric motor 451 with a threaded rotatable shaft 452, the shutter actuator 150 comprising a threaded displacement element 454, the threads of the shaft 452 engaging with the threads of the displacement element 454, the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 being connected to the threaded displacement element 454 by a connecting element 456, thereby allowing displacement of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 between a first extreme position 458 and a second extreme position 460 by rotation of the threaded rotatable shaft 452 of the electric motor 451 in one rotational direction or in the opposite rotational direction.

[0085] This allows the opening and closing of the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to be controlled by rotating the rotatable shaft 452 in one of two rotational directions.

[0086] In alternative embodiments, actuator 150 may be in the form of an electric solenoid or a piezoelectric element.

[0087] Control of the shutter actuator 150 via the electric motor 451 may be performed by a control unit 650, as described below.

[0088] In one embodiment, with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port 402 includes one or more guide rails 462, and the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 is mounted to the one or more guide rails 462 and configured to move along the guide rails when being moved between a first extreme position 458 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 and a second extreme position 460 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152.

[0089] The guide rail 462 serves to guide the displacement movement of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 .

[0090] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, when a modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, when the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 is moving from a first extreme position 458 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 in a direction toward a second extreme position 460 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152, the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 and the second magnet 368 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 are in contact with each other. the shutter actuator 150 is configured such that a magnetic force between the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 is configured to urge the shutter mechanism 344 into its open configuration, and when the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 is moving from a second extreme position 460 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 toward a first extreme position 458 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152, a magnetic force between the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 is configured to urge the shutter mechanism into its closed configuration.

[0091] In one embodiment, for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, at least a portion of the one or more guide rails 462 have a substantially horizontal extension.

[0092] In one embodiment, for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the one or more guide rails 462 are inclined downward at a portion corresponding to the first extreme position 458 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152.

[0093] This causes the magnetic force between the magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 to gradually weaken as the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 approaches the first extreme position 458. This reduces any amount of uncontrolled movement caused by the magnetic attraction between the two magnets when manually removing the modular incubator chamber 300 from its docking port 402 and in situations where the shutter mechanism is in the closed configuration.

[0094] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the transparent window 316 of the 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.

[0095] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the shutter mechanism 344 defines, in an open configuration of the shutter mechanism 344, such as in the plate-shaped shutter element 360, an elongated opening 370, such as an elongated, linearly extending opening, for providing light into the interior 306 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber, and the elongated shape of the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 is aligned with the elongated, linearly extending opening 370 provided by the shutter mechanism 344 when the shutter mechanism is in the open configuration of the shutter mechanism.

[0096] This allows the image capture device 408 to capture images of multiple viable biological materials arranged in-line within the culture dishes 310 in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0097] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the modular incubator chamber 300 is configured to be docked to the docking port 402 with a first end 340 of the modular incubator chamber 300 facing the docking port 402.

[0098] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the shutter mechanism 344 comprises a spring 345 configured to maintain the shutter mechanism 344 in its closed configuration when not acted upon by the external force.

[0099] This causes the spring 345 to default the shutter mechanism 344 to its closed configuration.

[0100] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the housing 302 and the lid 304 of the housing are made of a material that is non-transparent to visible light.

[0101] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the lid 304 of the housing 302 is configured such that when in a closed configuration, the lid blocks light from entering the interior of the housing through an interface between the lid 304 and the housing 302.

[0102] These embodiments further minimize the ingress of electromagnetic radiation or light into the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0103] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises 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.

[0104] The light source improves the quality of the image captured by the image capture device 408 in an image capture situation.

[0105] In one embodiment, the light source 372 is mounted inside the lid 304 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0106] 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.

[0107] In one embodiment, 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.

[0108] It should be understood that the present invention seeks to minimize excessive exposure of viable biological material to electromagnetic radiation in the form of light during incubation, and therefore the light source 372 should only be switched on for the short period of time when the image capture unit 408 is actually in the process of capturing an image.

[0109] In other embodiments, light for illuminating viable biological material being incubated within modular incubator chamber 300 may be provided from outside chamber 300, or light may be transmitted through a transparent window within chamber 300. In such embodiments, an additional shutter mechanism may be provided to block light from transmitting through such a transparent window. Such a shutter mechanism may have similar features to the shutter mechanism disclosed with respect to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0110] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the culture dish support 308 defines a planar support surface for supporting the culture dish 310.

[0111] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided with an electrical connector (322), such as on an outer portion thereof, for providing power and / or electrical signals to the modular incubator chamber, and for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), an electrical connector (410) is provided at the docking port, thereby enabling power and / or electrical signals to be provided between the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) and the modular incubator chamber (300) docked to the docking port (402).

[0112] This allows power or electrical signals to be transferred between the docking port 402 and the modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0113] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the lid 304 is a hinged lid connected to the housing of the modular incubator chamber via a hinge.

[0114] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a display 324 configured to display information regarding the operating status of the incubation taking place within the modular incubator chamber.

[0115] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image capture device (408) comprises microscopic optics to enable capture of microscopic images.

[0116] This allows magnified images to be captured, improving the study of the morphological properties of the incubated biological material.

[0117] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of modular incubator chambers 300 of said 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.

[0118] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of docking ports 402 in the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 is selected from the range of 1 to 100, such as 2 to 95, 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.

[0119] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking station 400 comprises one or more shelves of adjacently located docking ports 402, and if the docking station comprises two or more shelves, the shelves are arranged one above the other.

[0120] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber comprises an incubation chamber engaging means 326, and with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking ports comprise docking port engaging means 414, the incubation chamber engaging means 326 being configured to engage with the docking port engaging means 414 so as to enable easy and proper positioning, and optionally fixing, of the modular incubator chamber 300 in 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.

[0121] This allows for easy and proper positioning and optionally fixing 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.

[0122] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the modular incubator system 500 comprises an image processing unit 660 for image processing of images captured by said image capture device 408, and said modular incubator system 500 optionally further comprises a data storage 658 for storing images captured by said image capture unit 408 and / or for storing images processed by said image processing unit 660.

[0123] An image processing unit is useful for manipulating the captured images, such as adjusting contrast, filtering, and generating a series of time-lapse images.

[0124] In one embodiment, one or more of the image capture devices 408 of the docking ports 402 of the docking station are coupled to an image processing unit 660 .

[0125] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more specific docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the specific docking ports are provided with dedicated image capture devices 408 configured to capture only images related to the modular incubator chambers 300 docked to the specific docking ports 402.

[0126] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, 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 relating to 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 for enabling displacement of the common image capturing device 408 relative to the N adjacently arranged docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0127] This allows one image capture device to be responsible for capturing images of biological material housed in different modular incubator chambers that are docked to different docking ports 402 of docking station 400.

[0128] In one embodiment, 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.

[0129] Individually, one or more, and preferably all, image capture devices 408 of the docking station 400 may comprise or be coupled to a displacement device 482, such as an electrically driven, remotely controlled displacement device 482, for enabling displacement of the common image capture device 408 transverse to the longitudinal direction X of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked within the docking port 402, so as to enable the capture device 408 to focus on two or more culture wells within the culture dish 310 housed within the modular incubator chamber 300, the culture wells being oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction X.

[0130] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first 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 providing power to the electric heating element 318, the electric heating element 318 being electrically connected to the power supply 320.

[0131] In one embodiment, the power supply 320 is a power source such as a battery, for example a rechargeable battery.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] The above embodiments provide for maintaining a desired predetermined temperature, and optionally an optimum 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.

[0135] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a chamber gas inlet opening 312, the chamber gas inlet opening 312 being in fluid communication with an interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber, the modular incubator chamber 300 further comprises a chamber gas outlet opening 314, the chamber gas outlet opening 314 being in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber, and one or more docking ports 40 of the docking station 400. 2, the docking port 402 comprises a docking port gas outlet opening 404 and a docking port gas inlet opening 406, thereby enabling gas transfer from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 via the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the chamber gas inlet opening 312, and thereby enabling gas transfer from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 via the chamber gas outlet opening 314 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0136] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the positions of 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 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 in fluid communication. The position of the chamber gas outlet opening 314 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the position of the docking port gas inlet opening 406 of the docking port 402 are fitted to each other 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 connection, thereby allowing gas to be transferred from the modular incubator chamber 300 to the docking port 402.

[0137] These embodiments ensure that gas having a desired composition can 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 that gas from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 can return to the gas source 202 via the chamber gas outlet opening 314 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0138] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 of the docking port 402 is equipped with a valve 4, the chamber gas inlet opening 312 of the housing 302 is equipped with a valve 2, the chamber gas outlet opening 314 is equipped with a valve 2, and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 of the docking port 402 is equipped with a valve 4.

[0139] 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, gas does not flow into the docking port 402 unless the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked within 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 modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from the docking port.

[0140] Thus, when the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from its docking port 402, the gas atmosphere present in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is not contaminated.

[0141] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the valve 2 of the chamber gas inlet opening 312 and the valve 2 of the chamber gas outlet opening 314 each comprise a valve body 6 having a front end 10, a rear end 12, and a through channel 14, and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element. a spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8 disposed within the through channel 14, the displaceable valve element 8 being configured to be displaceable within the through channel 14 of the valve body 6 in such a way that, when not acted upon by an external force, 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 the passage of gas through the through channel 14, and 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, thereby causing the valve 2 to achieve an open configuration allowing the passage of gas through the through channel 14; For one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the valve 4 of the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the valve 4 of the docking port gas inlet opening 406 each include a valve body 16 having a front end 20, a rear end 22, and a through channel 24, 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 in a forward or rearward position when not acted upon by an external force. The spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18 is configured to be displaceable within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16 in such a manner that the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18 is not displaceable within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16, thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration that blocks the passage of gas through the through channel 24, and is displaceable within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16 when acted upon by an external force, thereby causing the valve 4 to achieve an open configuration that allows the passage of gas through the through channel 24.

[0142] This allows each of the two valves 2,4 to change configuration between an open and a closed configuration by displacement of the respective valve element 8,18 within the associated valve body 6,16.

[0143] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 and one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the valves 2, 4 are sized and shaped such that upon docking of the modular incubator chamber 300 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 within their respective valve bodies 6, 16, thereby opening the valves 2, 4 at the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the chamber gas inlet opening 312, and thereby opening the valves 2, 4 at the chamber gas outlet opening 314 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0144] This causes each of the two valves 2, 4 to open the other valve 4, 2 when they come into contact with each other by touching their respective front ends 10, 20.

[0145] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500, preferably for all of the docking ports 402, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 is provided with a flow restrictor for restricting the magnitude of the flow rate of gas entering the docking port 402.

[0146] In one embodiment, a flow restrictor may comprise a tube through which gas is delivered to the docking port 402, the tube optionally having a diameter 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 2and / or the length of the tube is optionally selected from the range of 5 to 30 mm, for example, 8 to 25 mm, 10 to 22 mm, 15 to 20 mm.

[0147] Such a flow restrictor helps to balance the gas flow rates through the docking ports 402 with the modular incubator chamber 300 with the capacity of the gas supply system 200, thereby also helping to equalize the gas flow rates through the different docking ports 402 with respect to each other.

[0148] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking station 400 comprises a gas distribution system 204 for supplying gas to and from one or more of the one or more docking ports 402, the gas distribution system 204 comprising a main gas supply line 210 and a main gas return line 212, and for one or more of the docking ports 402, the docking port gas inlet opening 404 is fluidly connected to the main gas supply line 210 and the docking port gas outlet opening 406 is fluidly connected to the main gas return line 212.

[0149] In one embodiment, 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 being fluidly connected to the main gas supply line 210 and the outlet manifold 218 being fluidly connected to the main gas return line 212, and each manifold pair 214 being connected to the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 in such a way that, for a particular manifold pair 214 and its connected one or more docking ports 402, 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.

[0150] In one embodiment, the docking station 400 comprises a gas supply system 200 comprising a gas source 202 and the gas distribution system 204, the gas source comprising a supply gas outlet 206 and a return gas inlet 208, the supply gas outlet 206 of the gas source 202 fluidly connected to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204, and the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202 fluidly connected to the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0151] In those embodiments including a gas distribution system 204, gas can be supplied from the gas source 202 to the docking port 402 via a main gas supply line 210 and returned from the docking port to the gas source 202 via a main gas return line 212.

[0152] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 of the gas supply system 200 comprises a gas mixing box 242 fluidly connected to 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.

[0153] This allows gas to circulate within the loop and through the gas distribution system 204 of the docking station 400 .

[0154] The purpose of the gas source is to provide and deliver the desired gas composition to the gas distribution system 204, which includes the various docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, for the purpose of supplying the desired gas to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0155] In one implementation of this embodiment, pump 246 is located downstream relative to the main gas return line 212 .

[0156] In one embodiment, flow loop 244 includes a pump vibration damper 247 , which is optionally located immediately downstream from pump 246 .

[0157] Pump vibration dampers equalize the minute, rapid pressure fluctuations caused by each pump stroke of the pump.

[0158] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow loop 244 includes a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor 248, for sensing the pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204, the pressure sensor 248 being optionally located immediately upstream of the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0159] Pressure sensor 248 allows for adjustment of pump 246 to maintain a desired pressure in flow loop 244 via feedback.

[0160] 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 .

[0161] 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.

[0162] The pressure relief valve 249 allows for improved control of the pressure within the flow loop 344 .

[0163] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing box 242 comprises 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 disposed 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 disposed downstream of the CO2 valve 254 for detecting the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing box 242.

[0164] This allows for the control of the N 2 gas inlet and CO 2 gas inlet to the gas mixing box 242 in order to obtain a desired predetermined optimum gas composition within the gas mixing box 242 .

[0165] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow loop 244 includes a mass flow sensor 256 positioned upstream relative to the gas mixing box 242 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box.

[0166] Information regarding the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box is used to determine the total amount of N 2 and CO 2 gas that needs to be introduced into the gas mixing box 242 .

[0167] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 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 being optionally located downstream relative to the pump 246.

[0168] 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.

[0169] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop 244, the temperature sensor optionally being located downstream of the pump 246, preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the O2 sensor 258.

[0170] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 comprises a pressure sensor 264 for sensing the absolute pressure in the flow loop 244, the pressure sensor optionally being located downstream relative to the pump 246, preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the CO2 sensor 260.

[0171] The temperature sensor 262 and the pressure sensor 264 are useful for correcting the readings of the O2 sensor 258 due to the temperature sensitivity of the O2 sensor 258 and the CO2 sensor 260 due to the pressure sensitivity of the CO2 sensor 260. In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention, 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 being optionally positioned immediately downstream from the main gas return line 212.

[0172] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 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 N gas inlet 250 to the gas mixing box 242, and / or located immediately upstream of the CO gas inlet 251 to the gas mixing box 242.

[0173] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 comprises a gas mixing control system 270, which includes 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 mass flow sensor 257 for detecting the concentration of O exiting the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204, and the O mass flow sensor 258 for detecting the amount of O exiting the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204. 58, 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.

[0174] This embodiment allows for obtaining information on various parameters that are used in providing feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202 .

[0175] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, 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 gas within the flow loop 244, and the discharge valve 249.

[0176] This embodiment allows for providing feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202 .

[0177] 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, actuate the discharge valve 249 to maintain a desired predetermined pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0178] This allows the pressure within the flow loop 244 to be controlled.

[0179] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive input from the mass flow sensor 256 and, based on the input, determine the total amounts of CO2 gas and N2 gas that need to be supplied via the CO2 gas inlet 251 and the N2 gas inlet 250 according to desired predetermined criteria.

[0180] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 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 a desired 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 a desired predetermined O2 concentration.

[0181] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the O2 sensor 258 using input from the temperature sensor 262.

[0182] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to compensate for the pressure sensitivity of the CO2 sensor 260 using input from the pressure sensor 264.

[0183] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to maintain the pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 at a pressure between 3 and 20 mbar, for example between 5 and 18 mbar or between 10 and 15 mbar, relative to ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0184] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to maintain the CO2 concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 in the range of 5-10%, for example 6-9% or 7-8%, and / or to maintain the O2 concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 in the range of 5-10%, for example 6-9% or 7-8%.

[0185] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, said modular incubator system 500 comprises a control unit 650 for controlling the operation of said modular incubator system 500 .

[0186] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is coupled to an input device 652, such as an alphanumeric input device, for allowing a user to provide configuration input regarding a desired operating protocol for the modular incubator system.

[0187] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is coupled to a display unit 654 for displaying information regarding the configuration and / or operation of the modular incubator system 300 to a user.

[0188] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the control unit 650 controls the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374, or the thermostat circuit 376 to control the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, the provision of power to the power source 320, the display 324 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked to the docking port 402, The control unit 660 is configured to provide a signal to switch on and off the active light source 352 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked to the docking port 402 or adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the light source, and optionally to independently control one or more of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402, the displacement device 482 for displacing the image capture device 408, and the shutter actuator 150 via the electric motor 451, the gas mixing control system 270, and the image processing unit 660.

[0189] When controlling the modular incubator chamber 300 in this manner, electrical signals or power are provided from the control unit 650 as appropriate via the electrical connector 410 of the docking port 402 to which the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked, and via the electrical connector 322 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0190] In one embodiment, 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.

[0191] In one embodiment, the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 by controlling the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374, or the thermostat circuit 376, providing power to the power source 320, providing a signal to the display 324 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402, turning on and off the active light source 352 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402, or The control unit 650 is configured to perform automated operation of the modular incubator system 500 by configuring the control unit 650 to independently control one or more of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402, the displacement device 482 for displacing the image capture device 408, and the shutter actuator 150, optionally via the electric motor 451, the gas mixing control system 270, and the image processing unit 660.

[0192] The automated actions are performed according to predetermined control criteria and instructions.

[0193] In one embodiment, control unit 650 is configured to enable time-lapse capture of images by image capture device 408 .

[0194] In the above embodiment, the operation of the modular docking system 500 can be easily controlled centrally.

[0195] Second Aspect of the Invention In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a medicament for the treatment of a pulmonary arthritis, comprising: a modular incubator chamber (300) comprising a housing (302) having a first end (340) and a second end (342), whereby a longitudinal direction (X) is defined between the first end and the second end; 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 300; 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 housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a transparent window 316 for enabling an image of biological material M contained within the modular incubator chamber 300 to be captured through the transparent window; the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a shutter mechanism 344, the shutter mechanism configured to be transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa; the shutter mechanism (344) comprising a first shutter mechanism engagement means (346) for enabling the shutter mechanism to transition between an open configuration of the shutter mechanism and a closed configuration of the shutter mechanism, and vice versa, upon application of a force; The modular incubator chamber 300 is configured such that, in an open configuration of the shutter mechanism 344, the shutter mechanism 344 allows light to pass through the transparent window 316 from the outside to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, and, in a closed configuration of the shutter mechanism 344, the shutter mechanism 344 blocks light from passing through the transparent window 316 from the outside to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0196] In one embodiment of the modular incubator chamber 300 according to the second aspect of the invention, said incubator chamber 300 comprises the features defined for the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500) according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0197] Third aspect of the present invention In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a docking station 400 for docking one or more modular incubator chambers 300, said docking station comprising one or more docking ports 402 for receiving one or more housings 302 of said incubator chambers 300, said docking port comprising, with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of said docking station, an image capture device 408 for capturing an image of an interior 306 of said modular incubator chamber 300 when said modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to said docking port 402.

[0198] In one embodiment of the docking station 400 according to the third aspect of the invention, said docking station 400 comprises the features defined for the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system (500) according to the first aspect of the invention.

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

[0200] 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.

[0201] Fifth aspect of the present invention In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the use of the modular incubator chamber 300 according to the second aspect of the invention for incubating viable biological material.

[0202] 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.

[0203] Sixth aspect of the present invention In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a docking station 400 according to the second aspect of the invention for incubating viable biological material.

[0204] In one embodiment of the use according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0205] Seventh aspect of the present invention In a seventh aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a method of incubating viable biological material, comprising the steps of: i) providing a modular incubator system 500 according to a first aspect of the present invention; ii) providing viable biological material; iii) placing the viable biological material in a culture dish 310 and subsequently placing the culture dish in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 of the modular incubator station 400; iv) docking the modular incubator chamber 300 to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the incubator system 500; v) allowing the viable biological material to be incubated within the modular incubator chamber 300 while ensuring that the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is in its closed configuration; vi) optionally transitioning the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to an open configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 to enable the image capture device 408 to capture one or more images of the biological material contained in the culture dish 310; vii) optionally, upon completion of capturing an image of the biological material, transitioning the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to a closed configuration of the shutter mechanism 344; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0206] In one embodiment of the method according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the method comprises: viii) further comprising the step of removing the incubator chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 as needed to manually inspect for viable biological material and optionally remove, add, or replace growth medium in the culture dish 310.

[0207] It is noted that in the appended claims relating to the second aspect of the invention, i.e. the modular incubator chamber, it is mentioned that the features of this modular incubator chamber may be as defined in relation to the claims relating to the first aspect of the invention, i.e. the modular incubator system.

[0208] This should be interpreted to mean that embodiments of the modular incubator chamber itself may be as defined in the claims relating to embodiments of the modular incubator system.

[0209] This should also be construed to mean that, to the extent that an interrelationship between a modular incubator chamber and a docking station or its docking port is defined in such an embodiment of the modular incubator system, the corresponding embodiment of the modular incubator chamber claimed with reference to the modular incubator system is deemed suitable for such interrelationship.

[0210] Similarly, it is noted that in the appended claims relating to the third aspect of the invention, i.e. the docking station, it is mentioned that the features of this docking station may be as defined in relation to the claims relating to the first aspect of the invention, i.e. the modular incubator system.

[0211] This should be interpreted to mean that embodiments of the docking station itself may be as defined in the claims relating to embodiments of the modular incubator system.

[0212] This should also be construed to mean that to the extent that an interrelationship between a modular incubator chamber and a docking station or its docking port is defined in such an embodiment with respect to a modular incubator system, the corresponding embodiment of a docking station claimed with reference to the modular incubator system is deemed suitable for such interrelationship.

[0213] Referring now to the drawings to better illustrate the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the general concept of designing an incubator as a modular incubator system comprising multiple modular incubator chambers combined with a docking station having multiple docking ports.

[0214] 1 illustrates a modular incubator system 500 for incubating viable biological material. The modular incubator system 500 includes a docking station 400 in combination with several modular incubator chambers 300. The docking station 400 includes a plurality of docking ports 402. Each docking port 402 is configured to receive and hold a modular incubator chamber 300. Each docking port 402 includes a docking port engagement means 414 configured to engage with a corresponding incubation chamber engagement means 326 disposed beneath each modular incubation chamber 300.

[0215] 1, it can be seen that the docking station 400 of the incubator system 500 comprises three shelves arranged one above the other, each of the three shelves comprising six docking ports 402. Three of these docking ports 402 are occupied by modular incubator chambers 300, and a fourth modular incubation chamber is in the process of being docked to the docking port 402.

[0216] By arranging an incubator for IVF procedures as an incubator system 500 comprising multiple modular incubator chambers 300 combined with docking stations 400, it becomes possible to carry out a relatively large number of incubations in separate incubation environments, e.g., separate chemical environments with respect to gas atmosphere and growth medium composition, and separate physical environments with respect to temperature, within a single device.

[0217] This allows for a relatively large number of incubations to be performed in parallel under similar conditions in individual modular incubator chambers, with only one parameter being changed from one modular incubator chamber to another. Differences in the development of viable biological material being incubated in the various modular incubator chambers can be assigned to one incubation parameter being changed from one modular chamber to another.

[0218] This allows for the determination of optimal growth conditions for the incubated embryos or oocytes.

[0219] Whenever it is necessary to change or add growth medium for an organism being incubated, or whenever other manual procedures are required for a particular modular incubator chamber, that chamber 300 is simply removed from its respective docking port 402 of the docking station 400 and transferred to a laboratory bench where such manual procedures can be performed.

[0220] However, most of the time, the modular incubator chamber 300 will be docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 .

[0221] Image capture means 408 are provided in association with one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. The image capture devices 408 of the docking station 400 provide for monitoring of morphological changes occurring during incubation.

[0222] The image capture device 408 may be configured to automatically capture images of the biological material being incubated within the modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0223] It is clear that to allow image capture of biological material contained within the modular incubator chamber by an image capture device located within docking station 400, the modular incubator chamber must allow for the transmission of light through the housing of the modular incubator chamber.

[0224] Such transmission of light through the housing of the modular incubator chamber is achieved by providing a transparent window in the housing of the modular incubator chamber 300, which allows an image capture device located outside the interior of the chamber 300 to capture images of the viable biological material contained within the incubator chamber 300.

[0225] In recent years, it has become generally recognized that embryos and oocytes are highly susceptible to all kinds of external influences in a detrimental manner during their incubation.

[0226] Such adverse effects may be related to the physical effects of being physically moved, however, it has been suggested that exposure to light may also have adverse effects on the quality of oocyte or embryo incubation.

[0227] Therefore, in the above-described modular incubator system, at least during the operation of moving the modular incubator chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 to a workbench for performing manual procedures, the biological material being incubated in the modular incubator chamber will inevitably be exposed to light entering through the transparent window in the housing of the modular incubator chamber.

[0228] The present invention aims to solve this problem.

[0229] Thus, in a first aspect of the present invention, an improved modular incubator system is provided.

[0230] A modular incubator system 500 for incubating viable biological material according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises one or more modular incubator chambers 300 in combination with a docking station 400 .

[0231] Details of the modular incubator chamber 300 of the docking system 500 according to the first embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 2a to 3b, 5a, 5b and 6b.

[0232] Figure 2a is a bottom perspective view of a modular incubator chamber of a modular incubator system of the present invention, Figure 2b is a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the modular incubator chamber of Figure 2a, and Figure 2c is a partially exploded top perspective view of the modular incubator chamber of Figures 2a and 2b.

[0233] 2a shows a modular incubator chamber 300 comprising a housing 302. The housing 302 has a first end 340 and a second end 342, which define a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end.

[0234] At the bottom 358 of the housing 302 , the housing includes a transparent window 316 .

[0235] The transparent window 316 allows images of the biological material contained within the housing 302 to be captured therethrough.

[0236] The shutter mechanism 344 is positioned relative to the transparent window 316 of the housing in such a manner that, in the open configuration of the shutter mechanism 344, the shutter mechanism 344 allows the transmission of light from the outside through the transparent window 316 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber, and in such a manner that, in the closed configuration of the shutter mechanism 344, the shutter mechanism 344 blocks the transmission of light from the outside through the transparent window 316 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber.

[0237] FIG. 2 b shows a partially exploded perspective view of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 with a shutter mechanism 344 .

[0238] The shutter mechanism 344 is configured to be transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa.

[0239] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2b, this is achieved by providing a plate-like shutter plate 360 ​​in the shutter mechanism 344 and by displacing the plate-like shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 along the X and D directions, as will be further explained below.

[0240] The transition of the shutter mechanism 344 between its open configuration and its closed configuration is achieved by applying a force to the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346, as further described below.

[0241] FIG. 2c shows a perspective view of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 with a lid 304.

[0242] The lid is configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber 300 and a closed configuration that seals off access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber.

[0243] The lid 304 is a hinged lid that is connected to the modular incubator chamber housing 302 via a hinge.

[0244] Also seen in FIG. 2 c is that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a display 324 for displaying information regarding the incubation operations taking place within the incubator chamber 300 .

[0245] Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view showing the modular incubator chamber shown in Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0246] FIG. 3 a shows a modular incubator chamber having a lid 304 and a culture dish support 308 disposed within an interior 306 of a housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0247] The dish support 308 allows a culture dish 310 to be placed 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.

[0248] As already alluded to, and referring to FIG. 1, the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 of the first aspect of the present invention comprises one or more docking ports 402 for receiving one or more housings 302 of the incubator chambers 300.

[0249] With respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port includes an image capture device 408 for capturing an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402.

[0250] Here, to cause the shutter mechanism 344 to transition its configuration between its closed configuration and its open configuration, the modular incubator system is provided with a shutter actuator configured to apply a force to the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 when an electrical signal is provided to the shutter actuator to transition the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 of the incubator chamber 300 between the open configuration and the closed configuration and vice versa.

[0251] In some embodiments, the shutter actuator is located within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0252] However, the following will refer to an embodiment in which the shutter actuator is located in or at the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 .

[0253] Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view showing further details of the modular incubator chamber of the present invention.

[0254] 3b shows that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 for allowing an image of the biological material contained within the modular incubator chamber 300 to be captured therethrough. As can be seen, the window is located at the bottom 358 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0255] The modular incubator chamber 300 also includes an electric heating element 318 in its interior 306 for heating the interior of the modular incubator chamber. The modular incubator chamber also includes a power supply 320 in the form of a rechargeable battery for providing power to the heating element 318, which is electrically connected to a power source 320. A light source 372 is mounted inside the lid 304 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0256] As can be seen in Figure 3b, the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a culture dish support 308 for placing a culture dish 310, thereby allowing one or more biological materials to be contained and incubated within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0257] Also visible in Figure 3b 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.

[0258] When such proper positioning of the modular incubator chamber 300 within the docking port 402 is achieved via the chamber engagement means 326 of the chamber 300 and the docking port engagement means 414 of the docking port 402, the relative positions of the two electrical connectors 410 and 322 of the docking port and the modular incubator chamber, respectively, are matched in pairs to enable electrical connection between the connectors 410 and 322.

[0259] We now return to Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a and 3b to further disclose features of the shutter mechanism itself.

[0260] 2a, 2b and 2c show that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a transparent window 316 in the form of an elongated linear opening extending in a direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the housing of the modular incubation chamber 300.

[0261] The shutter mechanism 344 comprises a plate-like shutter element 360 displaceable along longitudinal displacement directions D,X.

[0262] It can be seen that the plate-like shutter element 360 includes an elongated opening 370 that is aligned with the elongated shape of the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 .

[0263] The elongated design of the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 and the elongated opening 370 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 makes it possible to capture images of multiple viable biological materials contained in a row in culture dishes contained in the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0264] Instead of providing the elongated opening 370 in the leaf shutter element 360, the edge of the leaf shutter element can alternatively be allowed to pass through the transparent window 316 in the housing 302 during transition of the shutter mechanism 344 between the open and closed configurations, as will be further described in the following section.

[0265] 2b, it can be seen that the plate-shaped shutter element 360 has an edge 367. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) to that disclosed above, in a first position 362, the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is located on one side of the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby blocking the transmission of light from outside the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 to the interior 306 of the housing, and blocking the transmission of light from outside the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 to the interior 306 of the housing. In position 364, the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the shutter mechanism 344 is located opposite the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby allowing light to pass from outside the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 and through the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 to the interior 306 of the housing 302.

[0266] Thus, in such an embodiment, transition of the shutter mechanism is simply performed by moving the edge 367 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 between two positions, one position being on one side of the transparent window 316 of the housing 302, while the other position being on the opposite side of the transparent window 316 of the housing 302.

[0267] A first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 for enabling the shutter mechanism to transition between its open configuration and its closed configuration and vice versa upon application of force comprises a first magnet 368 connected to the plate-like shutter element 360 of said shutter mechanism 344.

[0268] The first magnet 368 is configured to be acted upon by the second magnet 450 such that movement of the second magnet 450 can transition the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 between the open configuration and the closed configuration and vice versa.

[0269] In the illustrated embodiment, a second magnet 450 is positioned in a docking port 402 of a docking station as described below.

[0270] 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views showing details of a docking port of the docking system of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0271] 4a shows in cross section a single docking port 402. The docking port 402 includes docking port engagement means 414 for engaging with corresponding engagement means 326 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0272] The docking port 402 includes an image capture means 408 for capturing images of the biological material contained within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when docked to the docking port 402.

[0273] To capture an image, the shutter mechanism 344 of the modular incubator chamber 300 must be in its open configuration.

[0274] For this purpose, the docking port 402 is provided with a shutter actuator 150 .

[0275] The shutter actuator 150 comprises a second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 in the form of a second magnet 450 that applies a force to a first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 .

[0276] Thus, the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 comprises a second magnet 450 configured to apply a magnetic force to the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 upon movement of the second magnet 450, thereby enabling the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 to transition between its closed configuration and its open configuration and vice versa.

[0277] The second magnet 450 is connected to the shutter actuator 150 .

[0278] 4a shows that the shutter actuator 150 comprises an electric motor 451. The electric motor comprises a threaded rotatable shaft 452. The shutter actuator 150 further comprises a threaded displacement element 454. The threads of the shaft 452 engage with the threads of the displacement element 454.

[0279] In FIG. 4 a it can be seen that the threaded displacement element 454 is connected to the second magnet 450 by a connecting element 456 .

[0280] This design allows for the displacement of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 in the form of the second magnet 450 between a first extreme position 458 and a second extreme position 460 by rotation of the threaded rotatable shaft 452 of the electric motor 451 in one rotational direction or the other.

[0281] In FIG. 4 a , the second magnet 450 is positioned near the second extreme position 460 .

[0282] FIG. 4 a also shows that the docking port 402 includes a guide rail 462, and the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 (and second magnet 450) is slidably mounted on the guide rail 462 and is therefore configured to move along the guide rail when moved between its first extreme position 458 and its second extreme position 460.

[0283] FIG. 4 b shows the docking port 402 of FIG. 4 a , but this time with the second magnet 450 in its first extreme position 458 .

[0284] As described further below, movement of the second magnet 450 between its first extreme position 458 and its second extreme position 460 enables the plate-shaped shutter element 360 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to transition its configuration between its open configuration and its closed configuration when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402.

[0285] Figure 5a shows the shutter mechanism of the modular incubator chamber in a closed configuration in a bottom view (top view of Figure 5a), a cross-sectional view (middle view of Figure 5a), and a close-up cross-sectional view (bottom view of Figure 5a).

[0286] Figure 5b shows the shutter mechanism of the modular incubator chamber in an open configuration in a bottom view (top view of Figure 5b), a cross-sectional view (middle view of Figure 5b), and a close-up cross-sectional view (bottom view of Figure 5b).

[0287] 5a is a bottom view showing the shutter mechanism 344 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300. The shutter mechanism 344 comprises a plate-shaped shutter element 360 having a through opening 366. The plate-shaped shutter element 360 is configured to be displaceable in a displacement direction D parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0288] In Figure 5a, the plate-shaped shutter element 360 is arranged in its first position 362, in which position the plate-shaped element 360 is displaced to the right, thereby in its closed configuration.

[0289] The plate-shaped shutter element 360 comprises a first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 in the form of a first magnet 368. Application of a magnetic force to this first magnet 368 can displace the plate-shaped element 360 leftward to place the plate-shaped element 360 in its second position 364 and thereby its open configuration.

[0290] The spring 345 ensures that when not acted upon by an external force (magnetic force), the plate-shaped element 360 remains in a first position in which the shutter 344 is in its closed configuration, thereby blocking the capture of images and therefore the passage of light through the transparent window 316 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0291] This is further illustrated in the middle and bottom diagrams of Figure 5a.

[0292] In these figures, it can be seen that the through opening 366 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 is displaced relative to the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber housing 302, thereby blocking the transmission of light from outside the housing 302 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 housing 302.

[0293] Figure 5b shows a similar view to that shown in Figure 5a, but this time with the shutter mechanism 344 in an open configuration, which is achieved by displacing the plate-like shutter element 360 to the left to its second position 364 (compare Figures 5a and 5b).

[0294] It should be noted that instead of using the first magnet 368 and the second magnet 450 to act the first mechanism engagement means 346 on the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 to transition the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 between its open configuration and its closed configuration, the shutter mechanism 344 may comprise a first mechanism engagement means 346 in the form of a shutter lever that can be physically touched by the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 to transition the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 between its open configuration and its closed configuration.

[0295] Returning now to Figures 4a and 4b, it can be easily understood that when the modular incubator chamber 300 shown in Figures 5a and 5b is docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, actuation of the shutter actuator 150, i.e., rotation of the shaft 452 of the electric motor 451, and the resulting movement of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 in the form of the second magnet 450, attracts the first magnet 368 of the plate-shaped shutter element 360 shown in Figures 5a and 5b so as to displace the plate-shaped shutter element 360 between its first position 362 and second position 364, thereby changing the configuration of the shutter mechanism 344 between its closed configuration and its open configuration and vice versa.

[0296] In other words, when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, when the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 (second magnet 450) is moving from its first extreme position 458 toward its second extreme position 460, the magnetic force between the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 is configured to place the shutter mechanism 344 in its open configuration, and when the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 is moving from its second extreme position 460 toward its first extreme position 458, the magnetic force between the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 is configured to place the shutter mechanism in its closed configuration.

[0297] 4a and 4b show that a portion of the guide rail 462 has a substantially horizontal extension, and that the guide rail 462 is inclined downward at a portion corresponding to the first extreme position 458 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 (second magnet 450).

[0298] This downwardly sloping direction of the guide rails 462 ensures that the magnetic force between the first magnet 368 of the first shutter mechanism engagement means 346 and the second magnet 450 of the second shutter mechanism engagement means 152 is weakened when the shutter mechanism is in its closed configuration, thereby enabling a gentler attachment or detachment of the modular incubator chamber 300 to or from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400; this gentle attachment or detachment of the modular incubator chamber 300 to or from the docking port 402 minimizes the physical impact on viable biological material caused by sudden movements due to strong magnetic attractive forces that are difficult to fully counteract manually.

[0299] Thus, 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. Furthermore, during those brief moments of time when image capture is occurring, the shutter mechanism 344 is in its open configuration, thereby allowing images to be captured through the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300, so that the shutter mechanism 344 can be actuated to block light from entering the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 except in such circumstances.

[0300] The present invention thereby allows for incubation of biological material within the modular incubator chamber 300 while minimizing the harmful effects of excessive exposure of the biological material to light, while simultaneously allowing visual monitoring of the morphological development of the biological material.

[0301] 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.

[0302] 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.

[0303] Figure 6a is a front view looking into the docking port of the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention, and Figure 6b is a perspective end view of the modular incubator chamber entering the docking port of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0304] FIG. 6a shows that the docking port 402 includes an electrical connector 410 configured to fit into a corresponding electrical connector 322 of the modular incubator chamber 300 as seen in FIG. 6b.

[0305] 6a also shows that the docking port comprises a docking port gas outlet opening 404 with a docking port valve 4, and a docking port gas inlet opening 406 with a docking port valve 4. Similarly, FIG. 6b shows that the modular incubator chamber comprises a modular incubator chamber gas inlet opening 312 with a modular incubator chamber valve 2, and a modular incubator chamber gas outlet opening 314 with a modular incubator chamber valve 2.

[0306] 6a and 6b, it can be seen that the docking port 402 includes a docking port engagement means 414 and the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a corresponding incubator chamber engagement means 326.

[0307] When the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, the incubation chamber engaging means 326 engages with the docking port engaging means 414 to allow for easy and proper positioning of the modular incubator chamber 300 within the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0308] Once such proper positioning of the modular incubator chamber 300 within the docking port 402 is achieved, the relative positions of the two electrical connectors 410 and 322, the two inlet openings 312 and 406 with their respective valves 2 and 4, and the two outlet openings 314, 404 with their respective valves 2 and 4, are matched in pairs to allow electrical connection between the connector 410 and the connector 322. Similarly, the gas openings 312, 314, 404, and 406 are matched in pairs to allow gas passage 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 from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 via the modular incubator chamber gas outlet opening 314 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0309] Thus, the modular docking system 500 of the present invention allows for the continuous provision of gas from the gas source 202 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber.

[0310] This is further explained with reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10.

[0311] However, we will first turn to a more detailed description of the valve system used in the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0312] 7a and 7b illustrate the operational modes of the valves of the valve system used in the modular incubator chamber of the present invention and the associated docking ports of the docking station of the docking system.

[0313] FIG. 7a is a schematic diagram showing a valve system 100 used in 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.

[0314] FIG. 7b is a schematic diagram showing the valve system 100 seen in FIG. 7a with the two valves 2, 4 of the valve system 100 engaged with each other, thereby achieving an open configuration.

[0315] 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.

[0316] The displaceable valve element 8 is configured to be displaced within the through channel 14 of the valve 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 said through channel 14 of the 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 the passage of gas through the through channel 14.

[0317] This situation is illustrated in Figure 7a.

[0318] By analogy, when 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 rear end 12 of said valve body 6, thereby causing the valve 2 to achieve an open configuration and allowing gas to pass through said through channel 14.

[0319] This situation is illustrated in Figure 7b.

[0320] With respect to valve 4, Figure 7a 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 18 is spring loaded by spring 28.

[0321] The displaceable valve element 18 is configured to be displaced within the through channel 24 of the valve 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 20 of the valve body 16, thereby causing the valve 4 to achieve a closed configuration that blocks the passage of gas through the through channel 24.

[0322] This situation is illustrated in Figure 7a.

[0323] 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.

[0324] This situation is illustrated in Figure 7b.

[0325] Valve 2 of modular incubator chamber 300 and valve 4 of docking port 402 of docking station are sized and shaped 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 valves 2, 4 at the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the chamber gas inlet opening 312, and also opening valves 2, 4 at chamber gas outlet opening 314 and docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0326] Thus, the use of such valves 2, 4 on the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port 402 of the docking station automatically achieves that when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to its docking port 402, valve 2 on the modular incubator chamber 300 and valve 4 on the docking port 402 open, thereby allowing gas to pass through the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when docked to the docking port 402, and stopping the supply of gas to and from the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from the docking port.

[0327] 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.

[0328] The above section describes the general principles of the modular incubator system 500, which includes a docking station 400 having multiple docking ports 402 for receiving, via docking, modular incubator chambers 300. The following section focuses on the features of gas delivery to the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0329] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram of a gas supply system that can be incorporated into the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0330] 8 shows a gas supply system 200 for use in a modular incubator system 500 according to the present invention. The gas supply system 200 comprises a gas source 202 and a gas distribution system 204.

[0331] 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 .

[0332] For all docking ports, docking port gas outlet opening 404 is in fluid communication with inlet manifold 216 and docking port gas inlet opening 406 is in fluid communication with outlet manifold 218 .

[0333] 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 .

[0334] Gas can thereby be circulated from the gas source 202 via the gas supply system 204 to the docking port 402 and back to the gas source 202 .

[0335] To ensure the desired 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.

[0336] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a gas supply system design including gas sources used in the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0337] In FIG. 9, solid lines represent gas flow lines, and dashed lines represent signal lines for transmitting electrical signals or power.

[0338] 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).

[0339] 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.

[0340] The gas source 202 of the gas supply system 200 includes a gas mixing box 242 connected to a supply gas outlet 206 and a return gas inlet 208 of the gas source.

[0341] 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 .

[0342] 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.

[0343] 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.

[0344] Additionally, flow loop 244 includes a pressure sensor 248 in the form of a differential pressure sensor for sensing 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 main gas supply line 210 of gas distribution system 204.

[0345] 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 of the gas distribution system 402 relative to the main gas return line 212.

[0346] 9, it can also be seen that the gas mixing box 242 includes an N2 gas inlet 250 and a CO2 gas inlet 251.

[0347] 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.

[0348] 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.

[0349] 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.

[0350] It can be seen that the gas source 202 includes an O2 sensor 258 for detecting the concentration of O2 exiting the gas distribution system 204, and that the gas source 202 includes a CO2 sensor 260 for detecting the concentration of CO2 exiting the gas distribution system 204.

[0351] The O2 and CO2 sensors are located downstream relative to the pump 246.

[0352] 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.

[0353] 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.

[0354] 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.

[0355] 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.

[0356] Finally, in FIG. 9, it can be seen that the gas source 202 includes a gas mixture control system 270 .

[0357] 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.

[0358] It can also be seen in FIG. 9 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.

[0359] The control of the gas sources by the 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 the supply gas outlet 206, and the second control strategy is directed to controlling the CO and O concentrations of the gas exiting the supply gas outlet 206. The two control strategies are carried out simultaneously, as will be further described below.

[0360] 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, actuate the discharge valve 249 to maintain a desired predetermined pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0361] 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 predetermined criteria.

[0362] The gas mixing control system 270 can determine the relative proportions of CO2 gas and N2 gas to be supplied to the gas mixing box 242 based on information regarding the total amounts of CO2 gas and N2 gas that need to be supplied, as described above.

[0363] This is done by receiving inputs from a CO2 sensor 260 and an O2 sensor 258.

[0364] Based on the sensed CO2 concentration, the gas mixture control system 270 controls 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 predetermined CO2 concentration.

[0365] 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 sensed O2 concentration, thereby adjusting the inflow of N2 gas to reach the desired predetermined O2 concentration.

[0366] 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.

[0367] The design of the gas distribution system 204 allows a constant composition of gases to be maintained flowing through each modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0368] It should be noted that when referring to an upstream location relative to another location, the upstream location is still interpreted to mean a location within the gas source 202, preferably not so far upstream as to pass through the gas mixing box 242 or the gas distribution system 204.

[0369] Similarly, when referring to a downstream location relative to another location, the downstream location is understood to mean a location still within the gas source 202, preferably not downstream enough to pass through the gas mixing box 242 or the gas distribution system 204.

[0370] The modular incubator system 500 may include a control unit for controlling the modular incubator system 500, as will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0371] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the control operation mode of the modular incubator system according to the present invention.

[0372] 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 provide configuration input regarding a desired operating protocol for said modular incubator system.

[0373] A display unit 654 is coupled to the control unit 654 for displaying information to a user regarding the settings and / or operating status of one or more of the modular incubator chambers 300 .

[0374] It can be seen that the control unit 650 is coupled to several electrical connectors 410 of the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, thereby allowing power and electrical signals to be provided to one or more modular incubator chambers 300 docked to the docking ports 402 of the docking stations 400 of the modular incubator system 500.

[0375] By connecting to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, when one or more modular incubator chambers 300 are docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the control unit 650 can be used to control the following entities or parameters: the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 by controlling the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374, or the thermostat circuit 376; providing power to the power source 320; the electric motor 451, the gas mixing control system 270, and the image processing unit 660. The electric motor 451 may be configured to provide a signal to the display 324 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402, switch on and off the active light source 352 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402 or adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the light source, and optionally control the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402, the displacement device 482 for displacing the image capture device 408, and the shutter actuator 150 via the electric motor 451, the gas mixing control system 270, and the image processing unit 660.

[0376] 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 include data storage 658.

[0377] Thereby, the control unit 650 controls the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 by controlling the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374, or the thermostat circuit 376, provides power to the power source 320, provides a signal to the display 324 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402, turns on the active light source 352 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked in the docking port 402, Automatic operation of the modular incubator system 500 may be performed in the sense that one or more of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402, the displacement device 482 for displacing the image capture device 408, and the shutter actuator 150 may be independently and automatically controlled according to predetermined criteria, optionally via the electric motor 451, the gas mixing control system 270, and the image processing unit 660, by switching on and off or adjusting the intensity of light emitted from the light source.

[0378] It is to be understood that all features and achievements described above and in the appended claims in relation to one aspect and embodiment of the invention apply equally to other aspects and embodiments of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0379] 2 valves 4 valves 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 150 Shutter Actuator 152 Second shutter mechanism engagement means 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 228 Docking Port Groups 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 Incubation chamber engagement means of modular incubator chamber 340 First end of modular incubator chamber 342 Second end of modular incubator chamber 344 Shutter Mechanism 345 Shutter mechanism spring 346 First shutter mechanism engagement means 358 Modular Incubator Chamber Bottom 360 Plate-shaped shutter element of shutter mechanism 362 First position of plate-shaped shutter element 364 Second position of plate-shaped shutter element 366 Through opening in plate-shaped shutter element 367 Edge of plate-shaped shutter element 368 First magnet of first shutter mechanism engagement means 370 Elongated opening provided by shutter mechanism 372 light source 374 Thermostat 376 Thermostat Circuit 400 Docking Station 402 Docking Station Docking Port 404 Docking port gas outlet opening 406 Docking port gas inlet opening 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 450 Second magnet of second shutter mechanism engagement means 451 Electric Motor 452 Threaded Rotatable Shaft of Shutter Actuator 454 Screw-type displacement element 456 connecting elements 458 First extreme position of second shutter mechanism engagement means 460 Second extreme position of second shutter mechanism engagement means 462 Docking Port Guide Rails 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 Displacement direction of plate-shaped shutter element X Longitudinal direction of modular incubator chamber Y: Transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X

Claims

1. A modular incubator system (500) for incubating a viable biological material M, One or more modular incubator chambers (300) combined with a docking station (400) Equipped with, With respect to one or more of the aforementioned modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a housing (302) having a first end (340) and a second end (342), thereby defining a longitudinal direction X between the first end and the second end. The housing is provided with a lid (304), and the lid is configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration that seals off access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber. The modular incubator chamber (300) is provided with a culture dish support section (308) for placing a culture dish (310) inside the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) for the purpose of housing one or more biological materials M within the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300), The housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided with a transparent window (316), and the transparent window (316) is for capturing an image of the biological material M housed inside the modular incubator chamber (300) through the transparent window. The housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is equipped with a shutter mechanism (344), and the shutter mechanism is configured to be transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa. The shutter mechanism (344) includes a first shutter mechanism engaging means (346) for enabling the shutter mechanism to be moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa when force is applied. The shutter mechanism (344) is positioned relative to the transparent window (316) of the housing such that, in an open configuration, the shutter mechanism (344) allows light to pass through the transparent window (316) from the outside into the interior of the modular incubator chamber, and in a closed configuration, the shutter mechanism (344) blocks the transmission of light from the outside through the transparent window (316) into the interior of the modular incubator chamber. The docking station (400) is provided with one or more docking ports (402) for receiving one or more housings (302) of the incubator chamber (300), A modular incubator system (500) wherein, with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port is equipped with an image capture device (408) for capturing an image of the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402).

2. A modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1, wherein with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and 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 acquisition device (408) in the docking port (402) so that when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the image acquisition device (408) can acquire an image through the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

3. With respect to one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300) and / or one or more of the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the modular incubator system is equipped with a shutter actuator (150), such as an electric shutter actuator, and the shutter actuator (150) is configured to apply force to the first shutter mechanism engaging means (346) to transition the configuration of the shutter mechanism (344) of the incubator chamber (300) between the open configuration and the closed configuration and vice versa, when a signal such as an electrical signal is provided. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1, wherein, optionally, the shutter actuator (150) is located within the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), or the shutter actuator (150) is located within the docking port (402) of the modular incubator system with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

4. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1, wherein with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) is equipped with a light source (372) inside (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) for directing light to the area of ​​the culture dish support portion (308) of the modular incubator chamber (300), thereby enabling illumination of the viable biological material in a situation in which an image of the viable biological material is to be captured.

5. 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 (400) optionally further comprises a data storage (658) for storing images captured by the image capture unit (408) and / or images processed by the image processing unit (660), The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1, wherein, optionally, one or more of the image acquisition devices (408) of the docking port (402) of the docking station are coupled to an image processing unit (660).

6. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1, wherein with respect to one or more specific docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), a dedicated image capture device (408) is provided, which is configured to capture only images related to a modular incubator chamber (300) docked to the specific docking port (402).

7. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1, wherein, with respect to N adjacent docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the adjacent docking ports share a common image capture device (408) in the sense that only one image capture device is responsible for capturing images related to a modular incubator chamber (300) docked to one of the N adjacent docking ports (402), and the docking station is provided with a displacement device (482) for enabling the displacement of the common image capture device (408) relative to the N adjacent docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

8. The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1, wherein with respect to one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber comprises an electric heating element (318) inside the modular incubator chamber (306) for heating the inside of the modular incubator chamber, the modular incubator chamber comprises a power supply (320) for supplying power to the electric heating element (318), and the electric heating element (318) is electrically connected to the power supply (320).

9. The modular incubator system (500) includes a control unit (650) for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system (500), Optionally, the control unit (650) is coupled to a data processing unit (656), and optionally, it is also coupled to a data storage (658) that is useful for handling information during the control of the modular incubator system, and / or The modular incubator system (500) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (650) is optionally configured to enable time-lapse image acquisition by the image acquisition device (408).

10. A modular incubator chamber (300) comprising a housing (302) having a first end (340) and a second end (342), wherein a longitudinal direction X is defined between the first end and the second end, The housing is provided with a lid (304), and the lid is configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and a closed configuration that seals off access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber. The modular incubator chamber (300) is provided with a culture dish support section (308) for placing a culture dish (310) inside the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) for the purpose of housing one or more biological materials M within the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300), The housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided with a transparent window (316), and the transparent window (316) is for capturing an image of the biological material M housed inside the modular incubator chamber (300) through the transparent window. The housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is equipped with a shutter mechanism (344), and the shutter mechanism is configured to be transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa. The shutter mechanism (344) includes a first shutter mechanism engaging means (346) for enabling the shutter mechanism to be moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration and vice versa when force is applied. A modular incubator chamber (300) wherein the shutter mechanism is positioned relative to the transparent window (316) of the housing (302) such that, in the open configuration of the shutter mechanism (344), the shutter mechanism (344) allows light to pass from the outside through the transparent window (316) into the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300), and in the closed configuration of the shutter mechanism (344), the shutter mechanism (344) blocks the transmission of light from the outside through the transparent window (316) into the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber (300).

11. The modular incubator chamber (300) according to claim 10, wherein the incubator chamber (300) has features defined with respect to the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A docking station (400) for docking one or more modular incubator chambers (300), comprising one or more docking ports (402) for receiving one or more housings (302) of the incubator chambers (300), With respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station, the docking port is equipped with an image capture device (408) for capturing an image of the inside (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) when docked to the docking port (402). A docking station (400) wherein one or more of the docking ports (402) are equipped with a shutter actuator (150), such as an electric shutter actuator, the shutter actuator (150) is configured to apply force to the first shutter mechanism engaging means (346) of the associated incubator chamber (300) when a signal, such as an electrical signal, is supplied to the shutter actuator (150) when the incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), in order to transition the configuration of the shutter mechanism (344) of the associated incubator chamber (300) between the open configuration and the closed configuration and vice versa.

13. The docking station (400) according to claim 12, wherein the docking station (400) has the features defined with respect to the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. Use of a modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a modular incubator chamber (300) according to claim 10, or a docking station (400) according to claim 12 for optionally incubating viable biological material, such as human oocytes or human embryos.

15. A method for incubating viable biological materials, i) Providing a modular incubator system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, ii) A step of providing viable biological material, iii) The steps of placing the viable biological material in a culture dish (310), and then placing the culture dish inside (306) the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (400), iv) The step of docking the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) of the incubator system (500), v) The steps of incubating the viable biological material within the modular incubator chamber (300) while ensuring that the shutter mechanism (344) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is in a closed configuration, vi) If necessary, change the configuration of the shutter mechanism (344) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to an open configuration of the shutter mechanism (344) so ​​that the image capture device (408) can capture one or more images of the biological material contained in the culture dish (310), vii) Optionally, upon completion of image acquisition of the biological material, the configuration of the shutter mechanism (344) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is changed to a closed configuration of the shutter mechanism (344). Methods that include...

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