Transfer system having at least one first transfer interface of a first controlled environment, method for coupling at least one first transfer interface of a controlled environment to at least one second transfer interface, method for transferring an object

Abstract

The invention generally relates to a transfer system for transferring at least one object by means of a feed device which can be moved from a first controlled environment, in particular an autoclave, to a second controlled environment, in particular an isolator, via a non-round, in particular rectangular, transfer interface formed by the first and / or the second controlled environment, wherein at least two transfer interfaces can be coupled to one another in such a way that an intermediate space and / or an intermediate region are / is formed between the transfer interfaces, and the object is transferred after decontamination and / or sterilization of the first and / or the second controlled environment.

Description

[0001] PC 25 1052 C 21 August 2025

[0002] Transfer system with at least one first transfer interface of a first controlled environment, method for coupling at least one first transfer interface of a controlled environment with at least one second transfer interface, method for transferring an object

[0003] The invention relates to a transfer system with at least one first transfer interface of a first controlled environment, which can be coupled to at least one second transfer interface of at least one second controlled environment, and a feed device that can be moved from the first controlled environment to the second controlled environment via the transfer interfaces.

[0004] The invention further relates to a method for transferring an object, in particular functional units, between at least a first controlled environment and a second controlled environment, wherein the first controlled environment and the second controlled environment are coupled together, wherein the first and the second controlled environment are first decontaminated and / or sterilized.

[0005] The invention further relates to a method for coupling at least one first transfer interface of a first controlled environment with at least one second transfer interface of at least one second controlled environment with a transfer system.

[0006] The invention relates to a method for transferring an object, in particular functional units, between at least a first controlled environment and a second controlled environment, wherein the first controlled environment and the second controlled environment can be coupled to each other via an intermediate space.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of enabling an optimized and space-saving transfer of objects, in particular functional units, regardless of size, from a first controlled environment, for example an autoclave, to a second controlled environment, for example an isolator, and at the same time drastically reducing the contamination risk of the objects to be transferred, in particular functional units, by cleverly coupling transfer interfaces of controlled environments.

[0008] Transfer systems with interconnected, round transfer interfaces are known from practice, for example as Rapid Transfer Ports (RTP).

[0009] To solve the aforementioned problem, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention. In particular, to solve the aforementioned problem in a transfer system of the type described above, it is proposed according to the invention that the transfer interfaces have a non-circular cross-section.

[0010] "Non-circular" within the meaning of the invention can be understood to mean that at least one cross-section of a transfer interface, in particular one cross-section of both transfer interfaces, deviates from the geometric shape of a circle, which, for example, when viewed from its center point, has a constant radius to each outer edge.

[0011] For example, a “non-circular” cross-sectional area can be understood to mean that a distance from a center point of the cross-sectional area of ​​the transfer interface to an external PC 25 1052 C 3 / 53 21 . August 2025

[0012] The boundary of the transfer interface along an outer circumference varies.

[0013] A controlled environment can generally be characterized, for example, by the fact that this fluid density can be demarcated from an external area, in order to prepare, process, and / or transfer objects positioned within the controlled environment, such as pharmaceutical functional units, without contamination. An external area could be, for example, the ambient air.

[0014] The feeding device can, for example, be designed to move objects to be transferred, such as functional units, across the system boundaries of the first controlled environment and into the second controlled environment, for example, to transport them. This can also include movement in both directions.

[0015] As already described at the beginning, the transfer interfaces of transfer systems known from practice generally have round cross-sections.

[0016] One problem with round cross-sections of transfer interfaces is that the space available for transferring objects, such as functional units, can only be optimally utilized if the feeding device and / or the objects to be transferred are also round or dimensioned precisely so that they can be moved through the round cross-sections of the transfer interfaces. Often, the problem is that the objects to be transferred are too large to pass through a round cross-section of the transfer interfaces, such as the RTF defined above (PC 25 1052 C 4 / 53 21. August 2025).

[0017] Furthermore, the manufacturing of such ports requires a limitation of the cross-sectional size.

[0018] Non-round cross-sections, especially non-round

[0019] In contrast, the opening cross-sections of the transfer interfaces have the advantage that a larger clear internal cross-section of the transfer interfaces can be achieved with a comparable size. Thus, the objects to be transferred can be made larger, which means fewer transfer operations are required to transfer the same quantity of objects from the first controlled environment via the feeding device to the second controlled environment.

[0020] Depending on the shape of the objects to be transferred, in order to maximize the use of the available space in the case of round cross-sections of the transfer interfaces, they must have at least one dimension, in particular a dimension perpendicular to a horizontal direction of movement of these objects, which is just smaller than an outer diameter of the round transfer interfaces, so that they can be moved horizontally in the center through the opening cross-section of the transfer interfaces.

[0021] A deviation from the horizontally centered transfer plane and / or the maximum possible dimensions of the objects to be transferred, limited by the

[0022] The opening cross-sections of the transfer interfaces would no longer permit the transfer of objects, since, due to the circular cross-section of the transfer interfaces, the objects to be transferred would collide with the radially decreasing circular sectors of the opening cross-section of the transfer interfaces. A deviation from the horizontally centered transfer plane would only be possible if one or more dimensions of the objects to be transferred were further reduced, which, however, would also result in more transfer operations being required to transfer the same quantity of objects from one controlled environment to another via the feeding device.

[0023] Consequently, round opening cross-sections of the transfer interfaces not only offer sections that cannot be actively used for the transfer of objects, but also simultaneously provide an attack surface for microbiological contaminants, which increases the risk of contamination of these sections and also of the objects to be transferred.

[0024] Non-circular cross-sections of the functional units, on the other hand, offer the further advantage that the cross-sections of the transfer interfaces can be optimally adapted to the geometric shapes of the objects to be transferred, for example, functional units. The space of round opening cross-sections of the transfer interfaces, which is not used for transferring the objects anyway, can be significantly reduced, and the decontamination risk of said sections of the transfer interfaces can consequently be greatly reduced.

[0025] Preferably, the transfer interfaces have a rectangular cross-section.

[0026] In particular, the transfer interfaces have a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners. A corner area of ​​the rectangular cross-section is particularly advantageous compared to a rectangular cross-section with sharp edges.

[0027] The cross-section can be decontaminated more effectively. For example, it can be provided that each rounded corner of the PC 25 1052 C 6 / 53 21 August 2025 rectangular cross-section has a defined radius, so that a decontamination agent can easily, completely, and comprehensively reach the corners. It can also be provided that at least one corner of the rectangular cross-section is rounded.

[0028] In general, the term "transfer interface with a non-circular" cross-section can refer to, for example, transfer interfaces with a rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, oval, parallelogram-shaped, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, oval, elliptical or rhombus-shaped cross-section, for example with pointed and / or rounded corners, but is not limited to the geometric shapes mentioned.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the first controlled environment and / or the second controlled environment is an insulator.

[0030] Insolators, for example RABS (“Restricted-access-barrier-systems”), are used in industry to process, for example, pharmaceutical products, which may be part of the functional units, in a sterile or germ-free manner.

[0031] The insulator can, for example, be set up in a cleanroom.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the first controlled environment and / or the second controlled environment is an autoclave.

[0033] An autoclave can be understood, for example, as a gas-tight sealable pressure vessel in which, for example, objects to be transferred, preferably functional units, are sterilized, in particular by thermal treatment, for example PC 25 1052 C 7 / 53 21. August 2025, using hot steam, preferably in the overpressure range.

[0034] It can be particularly advantageous if the first controlled environment is designed as an autoclave and the second as an isolator. This allows for a direct transfer of objects, for example functional units, from the autoclave to the isolator via the feeding device.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the first controlled environment and / or the second controlled environment is an incubator.

[0036] For example, the first controlled environment can be designed as an incubator and the second as an isolator. An incubation process can thus be particularly advantageous for detecting the growth of contaminants, especially microbiological contaminants, for example, through a nutrient medium.

[0037] It may be provided that the nutrient medium is transferred between the incubator and the insulator after they are coupled together.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the first controlled environment and / or the second controlled environment is a lockable container.

[0039] The sealable container can, for example, be designed to accommodate at least one functional unit. In particular, the sealable container includes an alpha and / or beta port, so that the alpha and / or beta port of the sealable container can be coupled, for example, to the second controlled environment (PC 25 1052 C 8 / 53 21 August 2025). Thus, a transfer system is realized with which the functional unit can be moved into or out of the second controlled environment without contamination.

[0040] Preferably, the sealable container includes a pressure equalization element.

[0041] The pressure equalization element can be used, for example, for pressure equalization while the sealable container is being autoclaved, and thus thermally sterilized, within the autoclave. The sealable container can have a filter element that protects the interior of the sealable container, and thus also the at least one functional unit located inside it, from contamination, particularly after and / or during autoclaving within the autoclave and / or subsequent coupling with the isolator. The sealable container and / or its interior is thermally permeable and / or accessible during autoclaving within the autoclave.

[0042] In general, the container can be designed in such a way that autoclaving of objects, especially functional units, is possible inside it by placing the closed container with the objects, especially functional units, into the autoclave and autoclaving it.

[0043] In particular, the following combinations of coupling the at least two controlled environments with each other may be advantageous: PC 25 1052 C 9 / 53 21 August 2025

[0044] For example, the first controlled environment is designed as an autoclave, which can be coupled to the second controlled environment designed as an insulator.

[0045] For example, the first controlled environment is designed as the sealable container, which can be coupled to the second controlled environment designed as an isolator. It may be provided that the sealable container is thermally sterilized in the autoclave before coupling to the isolator, as described above.

[0046] For example, the first controlled environment is designed as an insulator, which can be coupled to the second controlled environment designed as an autoclave.

[0047] For example, the first controlled environment is designed as a container, wherein the container is arranged such that its contents, when the container is closed, can be autoclaved with the container in an autoclave, wherein the container can be coupled with the second controlled environment designed as an isolator.

[0048] For example, the first controlled environment is configured as an isolator, which can be coupled to the second controlled environment, which is also configured as an isolator. Thus, preferably two isolators can be coupled together. It can be provided that at least one further controlled environment, which can be coupled to the two controlled environments, is configured as an autoclave, a sealable container, and / or the container described above, wherein the further controlled environment can be coupled to the first controlled environment and / or the second controlled environment. PC 25 1052 C 10 / 53 21 August 2025

[0049] For example, the first controlled environment is configured as an autoclave, which is coupled to the second controlled environment, also configured as an autoclave. Thus, preferably two autoclaves can be coupled together. It can be provided that at least one further controlled environment, which can be coupled to the two controlled environments, is configured as an isolator, a sealable container, and / or the container described above, wherein the further controlled environment can be coupled to the first controlled environment and / or the second controlled environment.

[0050] For example, the first controlled environment is designed as a lockable container that can be coupled to the second controlled environment, which is also designed as a lockable container. Thus, preferably two lockable containers can be coupled together. It can be provided that at least one further controlled environment, which can be coupled to the two controlled environments, is designed as an isolator, an autoclave, and / or the container described above, wherein the further controlled environment can be coupled to the first controlled environment and / or the second controlled environment.

[0051] With this embodiment of the invention, the further outstanding advantage arises that the autoclave and isolator can not only be positioned in a common cleanroom, but that the autoclave and isolator can also be directly coupled to each other. The workload and the decontamination risk can be significantly reduced compared to the previously common external autoclaving of functional units. PC 25 1052 C 11 / 53 21 August 2025

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that at least one controlled environment is mobile or stationary.

[0053] For example, this could mean that the first controlled environment is configured as an autoclave and the second as an isolator, where, for instance, either the autoclave is stationary and the isolator is mobile, or the autoclave is mobile and the isolator is stationary. This offers the advantage that both controlled environments can be coupled even if only one of them is mobile.

[0054] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one controlled environment is movable in such a way that the feeding device can be transported within the controlled environment by a transport unit.

[0055] The transport unit can, for example, be a cart with wheels, over which the controlled environment can advantageously be moved as desired.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that at least one controlled environment is movable in such a way that the feeding device is fixed in one orientation within the controlled environment.

[0057] Particularly advantageous, for example, is the ability to ensure a consistent orientation of the feeding device and the items placed on it, especially the functional units, preferably via a transport path within the controlled environment. PC 25 1052 C 12 / 53 21 August 2025

[0058] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the transfer interfaces have doors.

[0059] Doors that are particularly easy to operate and can be coupled together are especially advantageous. For example, it can also be provided that the doors have sterilizable seals.

[0060] In particular, the doors are pressure-tight.

[0061] If the first controlled environment is designed as an autoclave and the second controlled environment as an insulator, the pressure-tight doors offer the particular advantage that both controlled environments can be coupled together, for example, during an autoclaving process, and the transfer interfaces can therefore withstand the pressure during autoclaving, so that the autoclaving process preferably has no influence on the insulator and vice versa.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that an intermediate area between the transfer interfaces, in particular the doors, is sealable and / or evacuatable.

[0063] An intermediate area can be, for example, a narrow cavity between the at least two coupled transfer interfaces, which in the coupled state are in particular firmly in contact with each other.

[0064] The term "evacuable" can generally be understood to mean, for example, that the intermediate area, and / or, as defined below, an intermediate space, can be separated from adjacent areas, such as controlled environments. PC 25 1052 C 13 / 53 21 August 2025

[0065] The term "sealable" can mean, for example, that the spaces between the transfer interfaces can be sealed in such a way that no fluid exchange occurs with adjacent areas, such as controlled environments. This can be achieved, for example, by a gasket. The gasket can also be non-circular, particularly rectangular, and / or conform to the shape of the transfer interface. The gasket can be inflatable, either in this specific case or more generally.

[0066] In particular, the doors are movable relative to each other when the intermediate area is evacuated and / or sealed.

[0067] This results in the particularly outstanding advantage that opening and / or closing, and thus separating the controlled environments that can be linked together via the doors, can be done quickly and easily.

[0068] This makes it particularly advantageous, for example, to do without a twist-lock system, which is used in the well-known RTFs, in order to minimize the risk of contamination of the transfer interfaces.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that an intermediate space between the transfer interfaces, in particular the doors, is sealable and / or evacuatable.

[0070] The intermediate space can be understood, for example, as the space between two spaced-apart transfer interfaces. This space can be advantageously used, for example, to open and / or close the transfer interfaces in such a way that they do not enter one controlled environment and / or the other controlled PC 25 1052 C 14 / 53 21 August 2025

[0071] The transfer interfaces may protrude from the surrounding area, so that, for example, instead of a folding movement during opening and / or closing, the transfer interfaces move towards the gap and not towards or into one of the controlled environments. Furthermore, it may be provided, for example, that the transfer interfaces are positioned in an area provided within the gap for opening and / or closing, for example below the cross-sections of the transfer interfaces.

[0072] It can also be provided, for example, that one of the at least two controlled environments forms two spaced-apart transfer interfaces, with the other controlled environment forming a further transfer interface. For instance, if one of the spaced-apart transfer interfaces of one controlled environment is coupled to the transfer interface of the other controlled environment by another transfer interface of the same controlled environment, a sealable and / or evacuatable gap is formed between the transfer interface of the first controlled environment and the transfer interface of the second controlled environment. In this case, at least three transfer interfaces would be formed, with two of them directly adjacent to an external environment.A particular advantage arises from the fact that possible, especially microbiological, impurities in this space do not lead to any contamination of the associated controlled environment(s) and vice versa.

[0073] Furthermore, the interstitial space and / or the intermediate area can be decontaminated, for example, independently of the controlled environments. PC 25 1052 C 15 / 53 21 August 2025

[0074] For example, it may also be stipulated that the

[0075] The intermediate space is an adaptable unit that can be mobilized and switched between the controlled environments or stationary and coupled to one of the controlled environments, as described above.

[0076] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transfer system can be a Rapid Transfer Port (RTP).

[0077] This makes it particularly advantageous to combine the well-known benefits of the Rapid Transfer Port with the advantages already mentioned.

[0078] In a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the transfer interfaces can be coupled to each other by force and / or form locking.

[0079] All known force-fit and / or form-fit connections are suitable. This advantageously allows for sealing and / or evacuation of the transfer interfaces.

[0080] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the transfer interfaces of the controlled environments each form a dense boundary of the controlled environment.

[0081] A tight boundary can be, for example, an outer wall of the controlled environment.

[0082] In a further advantageous embodiment, it may be provided that at least one functional unit is located in the first controlled environment and at least one processing station is located in the second controlled environment for PC 25 1052 C 16 / 53 21 August 2025

[0083] Consumables have been included.

[0084] This makes it particularly advantageous for the functional unit to be easily moved from the feeding device from a controlled environment, such as an autoclave, to the processing station.

[0085] A functional unit can be understood as various units to be processed and / or installed in a controlled environment, for example an insulator, which, for example, must be autoclaved before installation in the insulator in order to meet various requirements, such as sterility.

[0086] In general, it can be said that functional units are units that come into contact either directly or indirectly with parts that need to be protected from decontamination, such as drug-containing containers, syringes, stoppers and / or caps, etc.

[0087] Some examples of this could be guiding devices or sorting devices for closure elements, which are used in pharmaceutical processing, for example, to close containers, such as stoppers, caps and / or plungers, to name just a few, or various structures such as rails, which are set up in controlled environments to enable various transport processes of the parts.

[0088] In particular, the functional unit may be a storage unit for consumables.

[0089] The storage unit can be, for example, a pot, PC 25 1052 C 17 / 53 21. August 2025, in particular a vibrating pot, in which the consumables, such as plugs, caps and / or plungers, are stored. Other consumables that can be stored in a storage unit are possible.

[0090] This results, for example, in the excellent possibility that, assuming the first controlled environment is designed as an autoclave and the second controlled environment as an isolator, the functional units can be moved from the feeding device directly after autoclaving from the autoclave by opening the transfer interfaces that separate the autoclave and isolator from each other, not only to the isolator, but even directly to the processing station in the isolator.

[0091] Processing stations can be considered, for example, the stations where the material is processed, such as gripping a stopper, placing it on a container, closing it, etc.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, the features are provided for a transfer system according to the preamble of claim 1 or for the transfer system already claimed. In particular, it is thus proposed according to the invention that the transfer interfaces define the intermediate area and / or the space in which a third controlled environment is formed.

[0093] The intermediate area, for example the intermediate area already described and / or the space, for example the space already described, can be particularly advantageous, independent of the other controlled areas.

[0094] Environments are pre-treated, in particular decontaminated.

[0095] Another advantage may be that the PC 25 1052 C 18 / 53 21 . August 2025

[0096] The risk of contaminants, particularly microbiological contaminants, being transferred from the intermediate space and / or the intermediate area to the adjacent controlled environments, and vice versa, can be reduced. This can also prevent, for example, the intermediate space and / or the intermediate area from being decontaminated by the ambient air described above. If decontamination nevertheless occurs, for example, as soon as the intermediate space and / or the intermediate area is opened to the outside and exposed to the ambient air, a decontamination process of the intermediate space and / or the intermediate area, as specified in more detail below, can preferably be initiated.

[0097] For example, it may be stipulated that the transfer interfaces have a round or non-round cross-section.

[0098] In a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the intermediate area and / or the space is sealed and / or evacuated.

[0099] This makes it particularly advantageous for the transfer interfaces to be opened and / or closed simultaneously. Furthermore, it can prevent contaminants from entering or escaping the gap and / or intermediate area.

[0100] Sealing and / or evacuation can be achieved, for example, by generating a vacuum in the intermediate area and / or in the space between.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the PC 25 1052 C 19 / 53 21 August 2025

[0102] The intermediate area with doors of the transfer interfaces is movable.

[0103] This can also drastically reduce the decontamination risk, which is particularly advantageous.

[0104] In a further advantageous embodiment, the invention can provide that the transfer interfaces can be coupled to each other, in particular for opening and / or closing together.

[0105] This offers the advantage, for example, that moving the feeding device from the first controlled environment to the second controlled environment (and vice versa) can be easily implemented and simplified.

[0106] In a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that at least one transfer interface is formed by a blind cover.

[0107] For example, it may be provided that the blind cover forms a transfer interface of the space between the two surfaces, bordering the surroundings.

[0108] The blind cover can, for example, be manually removable or a mechanically movable door.

[0109] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a volume of the intermediate space and / or the intermediate area is smaller than a volume of the first and / or the second controlled environment.

[0110] This makes it particularly advantageous, for example, that after coupling the transfer interfaces, the first and second controlled environments do not have larger PC 25 1052 C 20 / 53 21 . August 2025

[0111] The volume, but only the space with the smaller volume needs to be decontaminated and / or sterilized, without any increased risk of decontamination.

[0112] Alternatively or additionally, the features of the dependent claim, which relates to a method, are provided according to the invention to solve the aforementioned problem. In particular, it is thus proposed according to the invention to solve the aforementioned problem in a method of the type described at the outset that, after decontamination and / or sterilization, a feed device of a transfer system is moved from the first controlled environment to the second controlled environment.

[0113] This is particularly advantageous because it prevents contaminants, especially microbiological contaminants, from being transferred from the first controlled environment to the second. For example, the first controlled environment could be an autoclave and the second controlled environment an isolator.

[0114] For example, it may be necessary to first sterilize the item in an autoclave. However, before the item can be moved from the autoclave to the insulator via the feeding device, it may be necessary to first decontaminate the insulator, for example with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

[0115] In particular, the transfer system is an already claimed transfer system.

[0116] This allows the advantages already described to be realized. PC 25 1052 C 21 / 53 21 August 2025

[0117] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the transfer interface, in particular by a folding movement, is moved into an area that lies outside a transfer movement of the feeding device, wherein the area is also decontaminated.

[0118] This makes it particularly advantageous, for example, to decontaminate the entire transfer interface, especially including any seal it incorporates. The seal can be, for example, non-circular, particularly rectangular, and / or conform to the shape of the transfer interface. The seal can also be inflatable, either in this case or more generally.

[0119] Alternatively or additionally, the features of the dependent claim, which relates to a method, are provided according to the invention to solve the aforementioned problem. In particular, it is thus proposed according to the invention to solve the aforementioned problem in a method of the type described at the outset that the transfer interfaces define an intermediate space and / or an intermediate area which is sealed and / or evacuated before opening at least one transfer interface of at least one controlled environment.

[0120] The space and / or the intermediate area can, for example, be a space and / or intermediate area already defined above.

[0121] The opening of the transfer interface can occur, for example, when the controlled environments are coupled together. Since this is a critical moment with regard to decontamination transfer, PC 25 1052 C 22 / 53 21 August 2025, sealing and / or evacuating the intermediate area and / or space can prevent contaminants, such as microbiological contaminants, from being transferred from the intermediate area and / or space to the controlled environments or vice versa.

[0122] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one controlled environment is sterilized and / or decontaminated prior to decontamination of the space and / or the intermediate area.

[0123] For example, it may be provided that the first controlled environment is an autoclave, such as the autoclave already described, and the second controlled environment is an insulator, such as the insulator already described, with both controlled environments being coupled to each other via the transfer interfaces that define the space and / or the intermediate area.

[0124] In order to protect the controlled environment, for example the isolator and / or the autoclave, from contamination, especially microbiological contamination, which in turn leads to contamination of functional units processed and / or built on it, for example the aforementioned and / or claimed functional units, a decontamination process and / or a sterilization process is first carried out within one or both of the controlled environments.

[0125] As part of the decontamination process, at least one controlled environment, in the example above the insulator, is preferably flushed with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). PC 25 1052 C 23 / 53 21 August 2025

[0126] During sterilization, for example, the autoclave is subjected to high pressure using hot steam.

[0127] Alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that at least one controlled environment is sterilized and / or decontaminated during the decontamination and / or sterilization of the interstitial space and / or the interstitial area.

[0128] This can, for example, advantageously ensure a faster decontamination and / or sterilization process, since the space and / or the intermediate area can be sterilized and / or decontaminated simultaneously with at least one controlled environment.

[0129] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the space between and / or the intermediate area is sealed and / or evacuated during decontamination and / or sterilization.

[0130] The advantage here is that the space and / or the intermediate area can thus be decontaminated and / or sterilized independently of at least one controlled environment.

[0131] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention may provide that the transfer interfaces are formed by, in particular pressure-tight, doors which are opened before, after or during the decontamination and / or sterilization of at least one controlled environment.

[0132] If the doors, especially pressure-tight ones, are opened before the decontamination and / or sterilization of at least one controlled environment, it may be advantageous, for example, if the doors limit the space or an intermediate space PC 25 1052 C 24 / 53 21. August 2025, so that this space can be decontaminated and / or sterilized at the same time as the controlled environment.

[0133] Once the doors adjacent to the controlled environment are opened from the intermediate space, and the doors spaced apart from those directly adjacent to the controlled environment (which form a tight seal) are closed, the controlled environment can preferably be decontaminated and / or sterilized simultaneously with the intermediate space. It may also be possible, for example, for the doors adjacent to the environment to be evacuated and / or sealed, while the open doors are not, so that an intermediate space is formed only at the doors forming the tight seal. However, this is not strictly necessary; it is also possible for the doors adjacent to the controlled environment to form a sealed and / or evacuated intermediate space that is decontaminated and / or sterilized separately.

[0134] It is particularly advantageous if the open transfer interfaces, or doors, can be positioned within the decontamination and / or sterilization area of ​​the controlled environment and / or the intermediate zone. Another possibility could be, for example, that the open doors are positioned in an area within the controlled environment where additional decontamination and / or sterilization takes place, for instance, by means of an additional hydrogen peroxide nozzle positioned in that area.

[0135] It is therefore advantageous to decontaminate and / or sterilize at least one controlled environment, the intermediate area, and at least one transfer interface, in this case at least one door, together. PC 25 1052 C 25 / 53 21 August 2025

[0136] The same advantages arise, for example, if the transfer interfaces are opened during decontamination and / or sterilization in at least a controlled environment.

[0137] If the transfer interfaces formed by the doors are only opened after the decontamination and / or sterilization of at least one controlled environment, it may be provided, for example, that if there is a gap between the doors, this gap is decontaminated and / or sterilized before the decontamination and / or sterilization of the controlled environment.

[0138] Preferably, the doors are opened by a folding and / or sliding motion. This advantageously allows for various opening and / or closing movements of the doors, adapted to the installation space or other conditions.

[0139] Alternatively or additionally, the features of the dependent claim, which relates to a method, are provided according to the invention to solve the aforementioned problem. In particular, it is thus proposed according to the invention to solve the aforementioned problem in a method for transferring an object of the type described at the outset that the space before coupling is open to the outside and that the space is closed by a boundary of the first controlled environment, that the closed space is decontaminated, and that after decontamination at least the first controlled environment is opened to the space.

[0140] The gap can therefore be particularly advantageous in front of the

[0141] The coupling can be decontaminated separately, for example, spatially separated from the controlled environments. PC 25 1052 C 26 / 53 21 August 2025

[0142] Preferably, the first controlled environment is also decontaminated and / or sterilized before opening. This can be done, for example, in the manner already described. The second controlled environment can also be decontaminated and / or sterilized before coupling. At a minimum, decontamination and / or sterilization of the first and / or second controlled environment should be carried out before access to the intermediate space is opened.

[0143] In a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the coupling takes place via at least one transfer interface.

[0144] This allows the advantages already described to be realized particularly effectively.

[0145] For example, it may also be provided that at least one transfer interface, for example the transfer interface of the first and / or the second controlled environment and / or the space, is smaller than a seal formed on the space.

[0146] In particular, the transfer interfaces of pressure-tight doors are formed.

[0147] This results, as already described, in the advantage that, if one of the controlled environments is designed as an autoclave, for example, they can withstand the pressure prevailing during autoclaving.

[0148] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that, for closing and / or opening the gap, at least one transfer interface, PC 25 1052 C 27 / 53 21. August 2025, in particular a pressure-tight door, is moved in such a way that it is located, at least partially, within the gap.

[0149] This makes it particularly advantageous, for example, to decontaminate not only the transfer interface, but also the seal surrounding it.

[0150] Alternatively or additionally, the features are provided for a transfer system according to the preamble of claim 16 or for the method already claimed. In particular, it is thus proposed according to the invention that, for decontamination, a decontamination agent is introduced into the space without being mixed and is atomized.

[0151] Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be used as a decontamination agent, for example.

[0152] Alternatively or additionally, according to the invention, a decontamination agent is introduced undiluted into a first and / or a second controlled environment and atomized for decontamination purposes.

[0153] Atomization can be achieved, for example, using a nozzle and / or by applying ultrasound to the decontamination agent. Other atomization mechanisms are possible, although not described in detail.

[0154] In a further advantageous embodiment, it may be provided that the item is sterilized, preferably thermally, in particular in an autoclave, before the coupling of the transfer interfaces and / or before the transfer of the item from the first controlled environment to the second controlled environment. PC 25 1052 C 28 / 53 21 August 2025

[0155] It may be provided that the item is sterilized before coupling the transfer interfaces and / or before transferring in the already described and / or claimed sealable container or in the already described and / or claimed container which is designed so that its contents can be autoclaved in an autoclave with the container when the container is sealed.

[0156] Preferably, the item, for example the functional unit, is first thermally sterilized in the sealable container in the autoclave, wherein the container and / or the autoclave with the container is then coupled to the second controlled environment, preferably the or an isolator, and the item is transferred.

[0157] It may be provided that the sealable container is thermally permeable and / or accessible during sterilization, particularly thermal sterilization, for example, during autoclaving within the autoclave. Thus, the items, particularly functional units, can be thermally sterilized within the sealable container. The sealable container may, for example, include a pressure equalization element and / or a filter element. The filter element prevents contaminants, particularly microbiological contaminants, from entering the sealable container, for example, during sterilization and / or during coupling with the isolator. The pressure equalization element prevents a pressure increase within the sealable container during sterilization, particularly thermal sterilization.Ideally, during thermal sterilization and thus during autoclaving, the same temperatures and pressures are maintained inside the PC 25 1052 C 29 / 53 21 . August 2025.

[0158] Autoclaves and inside the lockable container.

[0159] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from combining the features of one or more claims with each other and / or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiment.

[0160] It shows, in a highly simplified representation,

[0161] Fig. 1 shows a two-dimensional schematic representation of a method for transferring objects using a transfer system with two controlled environments coupled via a transfer interface and a movable feeding device.

[0162] Fig. 2 shows a two-dimensional schematic representation of a method for transferring objects using a transfer system with a mobile controlled environment, which can be coupled to a second controlled environment via two mutually movable transfer interfaces.

[0163] Fig. 3 shows another two-dimensional schematic representation of a method for transferring objects using a transfer system, wherein the transfer interfaces form an intermediate space through which the controlled environments are coupled and wherein the intermediate space is decontaminated separately.

[0164] Fig. 4 shows another two-dimensional schematic representation PC 25 1052 C 30 / 53 21 August 2025 of a method for transferring objects using a transfer system according to Fig. 3, wherein the space between is decontaminated together with the controlled environment,

[0165] Fig. 5 shows another two-dimensional schematic representation of a method for transferring objects using multiple transfer systems.

[0166] Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a first controlled environment designed as a lockable container in an autoclave,

[0167] Fig. 7 shows the autoclave from Fig. 6 in an open state with a thermally sterilized, here autoclaved, container and a second controlled environment designed as an isolator.

[0168] Fig. 8 shows the autoclaved container from Fig. 7, which is coupled to the isolator via an RTP (“Rapid Transfer Port”) for transferring autoclaved items.

[0169] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a controlled environment with a rectangular cross-section of a transfer interface,

[0170] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a controlled environment with a rectangular cross-section of a transfer interface with rounded corners,

[0171] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of a controlled environment, wherein the cross-section of the transfer interface has a rounded rectangular shape, different from Fig. 10, PC 25 1052 C 31 / 53 21 August 2025

[0172] Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of a controlled environment with a square cross-section of a transfer interface,

[0173] Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of a controlled environment according to Fig. 12, wherein the cross-section of the transfer cutting parts has two rounded sides and rounded corners.

[0174] Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of a controlled environment according to Fig. 12 with rounded corners,

[0175] Fig. 15 shows a schematic representation of a controlled environment with a hexagonal cross-section of a transfer interface,

[0176] Fig. 16 shows a schematic representation of a controlled environment with a pentagonal cross-section of a transfer interface,

[0177] Fig. 17 shows a schematic representation of a controlled environment with a round cross-section of the transfer interface,

[0178] Fig. 18 shows a schematic representation of an incubator coupled to an isolator.

[0179] Figure 1 shows a transfer system, designated as a whole by 1, with a first controlled environment 3 coupled to a second controlled environment 3' via a transfer interface 2. The chronology of the process sequences is derived from the figures and the figure description below, but is not limited to them. PC 25 1052 C 32 / 53 21 August 2025

[0180] In this embodiment, the first controlled environment is configured as an autoclave 4 and the second controlled environment as an isolator 5. In this embodiment, the autoclave 4 and the isolator 5 are stationary.

[0181] The autoclave 4 is further equipped with a loading interface 2.1, via which the autoclave 4 can be loaded with at least one object 6 to be autoclaved, here several objects 6.

[0182] The items 6 comprise at least one functional unit 7, in this embodiment storage units 8 for consumables 9. A feeder 10, movable via the transfer interface 2, is provided for transferring the items 6. This feeder allows the items 6 to be transferred from the first controlled environment 3, here the autoclave 4, to the second controlled environment 3', here the isolator 5. In this embodiment, the feeder 10 can be extended because it is mounted on rotatably mounted, here stationary, rollers 35' and can be moved along a transfer movement 17 by means of these rollers. In a further embodiment not shown, the feeder 10 is configured with rollers 35' coupled to it. In addition to rollers 35', other elements that cause movement and / or sliding of the feeder 10 are also possible.

[0183] The feeding device 10 is designed to allow the consumable material 9 to move from the first controlled environment 3 to a processing station 11 in the second controlled environment 3' for processing it, as described here. PC 25 1052 C 33 / 53 21 August 2025

[0184] It can therefore also be said that in the first controlled environment 3 at least one functional unit 7, here at least one storage unit 8 for consumables 9, and in the second controlled environment 3 at least one processing station 11 for processing the consumables 9 is included.

[0185] The insulator 5 is further permeated by an airflow 38 directed opposite to the Earth's gravitational field. Before entering the interior of the insulator 5, the airflow 38 is filtered by a filter unit 39, thus preventing microorganisms, such as particles and / or contaminants, particularly microbiological contaminants, from entering the insulator 5 via the airflow 38. The direction of the airflow 38 is chosen such that, even if microorganisms enter the interior of the insulator 5 and / or are present there, they are "guided" by the airflow 38 towards a lower section 40 of the insulator 5.

[0186] In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer interface 2 is further designed as a pressure-tight door 12 to withstand the prevailing pressures during autoclaving. Furthermore, the transfer interface 2 forms a tight boundary 13 between the insulator 5 and the autoclave 4.

[0187] In order to transfer objects 6 of different sizes from the autoclave 4 to the insulator 5 and / or to be able to load the autoclave 4 with objects 6 of different sizes in the first place, the transfer interface 2 has a non-circular cross-section 14 (not shown in detail). In an embodiment not shown in detail, PC 25 1052 C 34 / 53 21 August 2025

[0188] Transfer interface 2 has a rectangular cross-section of 14.

[0189] In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer system 1 is a Rapid Transfer Port (RTP) 15.

[0190] Furthermore, Figure 1 illustrates a method for transferring the object 6 between the first controlled environment 3, i.e. the autoclave 4, and the second controlled environment 3', i.e. the isolator 5.

[0191] First, the autoclave 4, in particular the feeder 10 within the autoclave 4, is loaded with the items 6 via the loading interface 2.1 (Figure 1, 1a). After the loading interface 2.1 and / or the transfer interface 2 is closed, evacuated, and / or sealed, decontamination 18 (transfer interface 2 closed, see Figure 1, 1a) and sterilization 19 (loading interface 2.1 closed, see Figure 1, 1b)) take place within the isolator 5, for example, using hot steam 33 under high pressure. Subsequently, the transfer interface 2 is moved by a folding motion into an area 16, here by a folding motion 24, which lies outside the transfer movement 17 of the feeder 10 (cf. Figure 1, 1b) / 1c)). Area 16 was additionally decontaminated before the transfer (Figure 1, a1a).For decontamination 18, a decontamination agent 20, in this embodiment hydrogen peroxide 21, is introduced into the insulator 5 without any additives and atomized.

[0192] The feeding device 10 can then be moved from the autoclave 4 to the processing station 11 in the isolator 5 and subsequently, after the items 6 have been removed, moved back to the autoclave 4 (Figure 1, lc) / ld) ). This is followed by a second sterilization 19 of the autoclave 4 using PC 25 1052 C 35 / 53 21 August 2025

[0193] Hot steam 33, after the transfer interface 2 has been closed again. The loading interface 2.1 is also closed.

[0194] Figure 2 shows another transfer system 1 with a first controlled environment 3 and a second controlled environment 3'. In this embodiment as well, the first controlled environment 3 is configured as an autoclave 4 and the second controlled environment 3' as an isolator 5, with the difference from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 being that the autoclave 4 is mobile and the isolator 5 is stationary. The mobile autoclave 4 has, as shown, rollers 35. In further embodiments not shown in detail, at least one of the controlled environments 3, 3' has additional components that facilitate mobility and / or reduce friction.

[0195] Components and functional units that are functionally and / or structurally similar or identical to the preceding embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals and are not described separately again.

[0196] Furthermore, the embodiment shown in Figure 2 demonstrates that the transfer interface 2 of the autoclave 4 is coupled to a transfer interface 2' of the isolator 5.

[0197] Thus, the embodiment shown in Figure 2 illustrates a method for coupling the first transfer interface 2 of the first controlled environment 3, here the autoclave 4, with the second transfer interface 2' of the second controlled environment 3', here the isolator 5.

[0198] In a first step (Figure 2, 2a), here before coupling the controlled environments 3, 3', functional units 7, for example the already mentioned functional units 7, PC 25 1052 C 36 / 53 21 August 2025, are first sterilized externally in the autoclave 4. Previously, the feeder 10, and thus the isolator 4, was loaded with the functional units 7 via the transfer interface 2, unlike in the preceding embodiment, thereby eliminating the need for the loading interface 2.1.

[0199] Simultaneously or subsequently to the sterilization 19 of the functional units 7 by means of hot steam 33 within the autoclave 4, the isolator 5 is decontaminated. For decontamination 18, as already described in the preceding embodiment, a decontamination agent 20, here also hydrogen peroxide 21, is introduced into the isolator 5 without any additives and atomized (see Figure 2, 2b) ).

[0200] During sterilization 19 and decontamination 18, the isolator 5 and the autoclave 4 are each sealed and / or evacuated via the transfer interfaces 2, 2' which are not yet coupled together (see Figure 2a) and 2b) ).

[0201] In order to transport the external autoclave 4, it is moved, with the transfer interface 2 still closed, via the rollers 35 onto a transport unit 34 (Figure 2, 2a) ). The transport unit 34 in turn has two wheels 36, so that the entire transport unit 34 is also mobile (Figure 2, 2a) ).

[0202] Since the feeding device 10 is located inside the autoclave 4, it can be said that at least one controlled environment 3, 3', here the autoclave 4, is movable such that the feeding device 10 can be transported within the controlled environment 3 by the transport unit 34. Furthermore, the feeding device 10, on which the functional units 7 are placed, is during PC 25 1052 C 37 / 53 21 August 2025

[0203] Transport of the autoclave 4 to the isolator 5 via the

[0204] Transport unit 34 is fixed in a constant orientation in the autoclave 4.

[0205] Subsequently, the transfer interfaces 2, 2' of the autoclave 4 and the insulator 5 are coupled together (see Figure 2, 2c).

[0206] In this embodiment, the transfer interfaces 2, 2' of the autoclave 4 and the isolator 5, when coupled, form a pressure-tight double door 22 consisting of two doors 12, between which an intermediate area 23 is formed (see Figure 2, 2c). In this embodiment, this intermediate area 23 can be sealed and / or evacuated by generating a vacuum, so that the transfer interfaces 2, 2', designed as doors 12, are movable relative to each other.

[0207] It can therefore be said that the transfer interfaces 2, 2' can be coupled to each other by force and / or form locking and that the transfer interfaces 2, 2' limit the intermediate area 23 in which a third controlled environment 3'' can be formed (see Figure 2, 2c) ).

[0208] To transfer the functional units 7, the doors 12 are subsequently opened together by a folding movement 24, after the sterilization 19 of the autoclave 4 and after the decontamination 18 of the isolator 5 (see Figure 2, 2d). The feeder 10, on which the functional units 7 are positioned, can then be moved from the autoclave 4 to the isolator 5 and the functional units 7 removed (Figure 2, 2d).

[0209] Finally, doors 12 are closed together. PC 25 1052 C 38 / 53 August 21, 2025

[0210] The autoclave 4 is further equipped with a filter 37 through which, for example, the superheated steam 33 and / or other sterilizing and / or decontaminating fluids can be introduced. Furthermore, microorganisms, such as particles and / or impurities, in particular microbiological impurities, can be filtered out of the superheated steam 33 via the filter 37, for example, during its introduction, before they enter the autoclave 4.

[0211] Figure 3 shows, in contrast to the embodiment according to Figure 2, that the isolator 5 has two spaced-apart transfer interfaces 2', 2' ', between which an evacuable and / or sealable space 25 is formed. It can thus be said that the transfer interfaces 2', 2' ' define the space 25 in which a third controlled environment 3' ' is formed.

[0212] Figure 3 thus illustrates a method for transferring an object 6, in particular functional units 7, between at least a first controlled environment 3 and a second controlled environment 3', wherein the first controlled environment 3 and the second controlled environment 3' can be coupled to each other via an intermediate space 25.

[0213] A volume 30 of the space 25 is smaller than a volume 31, 32 of the first and second controlled environment 3, 3'.

[0214] In this embodiment as well, the functional units 7, as already described in the embodiment for Figure 2, are first sterilized externally in the autoclave 4 and then moved to the isolator 5 via the conveying unit 34 (see Figure 3, 3a). Simultaneously or subsequently to sterilization 19, the isolator 5 PC 25 1052 C 39 / 53 21 August 2025 is decontaminated together with the intermediate space 25 (see Figure 3).

[0215] 3, 3a) / 3b) ) . For this purpose, the transfer interface 2 ' ' facing the insulator 5 is open and the outer transfer interface 2' adjacent to an outer environment 26 is closed (see Figure 3, 3b) ) .

[0216] In this embodiment, the transfer interface 2' adjacent to the external environment 26 is initially formed by a blanking plate 27, and the transfer interface 2'' facing the insulator 5 is formed by a pressure-tight door 12. The transfer interface 2 of the autoclave 4 is also formed by a pressure-tight door 12.

[0217] In another embodiment, the transfer interface 2' is not formed by a blind cover 27, but also by a pressure-tight door 12.

[0218] Subsequently, the transfer interface 2'' facing the insulator 5 is closed, the blind cover 27 is opened, and the transfer interface 2 of the autoclave 4 is coupled to the insulator 5 via the transfer interface 2'', so that the space 25 is evacuated and / or sealed. The transfer interfaces 2 and 2'' thus define the space 25 (see Figure 3, 3c).

[0219] If the transfer interface 2' is formed by a pressure-tight door 12, the transfer interface 2 of the autoclave

[0220] 4, as described in the embodiment according to Figure 2, is coupled to the outer transfer interface 2 ' of the isolator, which is designed as a pressure-tight door 12, so that the transfer interfaces 2, 2' additionally limit the or an intermediate area 23, which is also evacuatable and / or sealable.

[0221] The space 25 is then decontaminated again. PC 25 1052 C 40 / 53 August 21, 2025

[0222] It can therefore be said that before and / or during decontamination 18 of the space 25, the autoclave 4 is sterilized and the isolator 5 is decontaminated.

[0223] Transfer interface 2 and the transfer interface 2' coupled to it are then opened together, followed by transfer interface 2'', so that the feeder 10, including the item 6, can be moved from the autoclave 4, through the space 25, to the processing station 11 in the isolator 5 in the manner already described (see Figure 3, 3d). Transfer interfaces 2, 2' and transfer interface 2'' are thus opened sequentially. A reverse opening sequence is also possible. Therefore, transfer interface 2'' can be opened first, followed by the two coupled transfer interfaces 2, 2'. The doors 12 are opened laterally by a sliding motion.

[0224] Doors 12 will then be closed again.

[0225] Figure 4 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 3 in that the transfer interface 2'' facing the insulator 5 (see Figure 4, 4a) is moved for the joint decontamination 18 of the space 25 and the insulator 5 for opening and / or closing the space 25 such that it is located within the space 25 (see Figure 4, 4b). Thus, the entire transfer interface 2'' facing the insulator 5, here a pressure-tight door 12, including a seal 28, is decontaminated on all sides (see Figure 4, 4b).

[0226] Furthermore, the space 25 in the embodiment according to

[0227] Figure 4 before coupling with an outer boundary 29 of the PC 25 1052 C 41 / 53 21 August 2025

[0228] The autoclave 4, which here is formed by the transfer interface 2 of the autoclave 4, is open to the outside (see Fig. 4, 4c). The space 25 is then closed by the outer boundary 29 and thus by the transfer interface 2, which here is also designed as a pressure-tight door 12 (see Fig. 4, 4d). This is followed by decontamination 18 of the space 25 (see Fig. 4, 4d).

[0229] After decontamination 18, the transfer interface 2 facing the isolator 5 is opened, so that the feed device 10 can be moved first into the isolator 5 and, after transfer of the items 6, here functional units 7, back to the autoclave 4 in the manner already described (see Figure 4, 4e) / 4f) ).

[0230] The doors 12 are then closed again and the space 20 is decontaminated again (see Figure 4, 4g) ).

[0231] Figure 5 shows, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, that two controlled environments 3, 3' ' are coupled side by side with the controlled environment 3 '. The process sequences 2a) to 2d) correspond to the process sequences 5a) to 5d).

[0232] Figures 6 to 8 show a further embodiment according to the invention. Components and functional units that are functionally and / or structurally similar or identical to the preceding embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals and are not described separately again. The descriptions of the preceding figures therefore apply accordingly to Figures 6 to 8.

[0233] In Fig. 6, the first controlled environment 3 is shown as a container.

[0234] 41, here designed as a lockable container 41. The lockable container 41 is arranged inside an autoclave 4 PC 25 1052 C 42 / 53 August 21, 2025. The lockable container 41 is filled with objects 6, here functional units 7. The first transfer interface 2 of the container 41 is formed by a beta port 42, so that the container 41 is sealed via this in the form of an RTP system. In this state, the objects 6 are autoclaved, or thermally sterilized, through the container 41 in the autoclave 4. The autoclave 4 is closed by the door 12.

[0235] Fig. 7 shows a next step in which the autoclave 4, with the filled container 41 sealed via the beta port 42, is moved to a second controlled environment 3' designed as an isolator 5. The second transfer interface 2' of the isolator 5 is designed as an alpha port 43.

[0236] As shown in Fig. 8, the beta port 42 of the container 41 is coupled to the alpha port 43 of the isolator 5 in such a way that both ports 42, 43 can be opened together. The items 6 can then be removed via the transfer system 1 described above, which is not shown in detail here, in the manner already described.

[0237] Figures 9 to 16 show different non-circular cross-sections 14 of the transfer interface 2 of the controlled environment 3.

[0238] In Fig. 9, the cross-section 14 of the transfer interface 2 is rectangular with pointed corners 45.

[0239] Figures 10 and 11 differ from Figure 9 in that the rectangular cross-section 14 of the transfer interface 2 has rounded corners 47. PC 25 1052 C 43 / 53 August 21, 2025

[0240] Fig. 12 shows another embodiment of a controlled environment 3, wherein the transfer interface 2 has a square cross-section 14 with pointed corners 45 .

[0241] Fig. 13 differs from Fig. 12 in that the square cross-section 14 of the transfer interface 2 has two curved sides and rounded corners 47.

[0242] Fig. 14 differs from Fig. 12 in that all the square cross-section 14 of the transfer interface has four rounded corners 47.

[0243] Fig. 15 shows another embodiment of a non-circular, here hexagonal, cross-section 14 of the transfer interface 2 of the controlled environment 3 with pointed corners 45.

[0244] Rounded corners (48) are also conceivable, but not explicitly shown.

[0245] Fig. 16 differs from the preceding embodiments in that the non-circular cross-section 14 of the transfer interface 2 of the controlled environment is pentagonal and has sharp corners 45. Rounded corners 48 are also conceivable, but are not explicitly shown.

[0246] The presented non-circular cross-sections 14 of the transfer interface 2 of the controlled environment 3 can apply analogously to the second transfer interface 2 ' of the second controlled environment 3'.

[0247] Fig. 17 shows a further embodiment of a controlled environment 3, wherein the cross-section 14 of the transfer interface 2 is round, unlike in the preceding embodiments. PC 25 1052 C 44 / 53 21 August 2025

[0248] Fig. 18 shows a further embodiment of two controlled environments 3, 3' coupled via the transfer interfaces 2, 2'. In the illustrated embodiment, the first controlled environment 3 is configured as an incubator 44 and the second controlled environment 3' as an isolator 5. Thus, the object 6, for example a nutrient medium 46, can be transferred between the two controlled environments 3, 3'.

[0249] As already presented in the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the two coupled transfer interfaces 2, 2' are moved into the area 16 outside the transfer movement 17 shown in Fig. 1 in order to be able to transfer the object 6.

[0250] The invention thus generally proposes a transfer system 1 for transferring at least one object 6 with a feed device 10, which is movable from a first controlled environment 3, in particular an autoclave 4, to a second controlled environment 3', in particular an isolator 5, via a non-circular, in particular rectangular, cross-section 14 of the transfer interface 2, 2', 2'' formed by the first and / or second controlled environment 3, 3', wherein at least two transfer interfaces 2, 2', 2'' can be coupled to each other in such a way that an intermediate space 25 and / or an intermediate area 23 is formed between the transfer interfaces 2, 2', 2'', wherein the object 6 is transferred after decontamination 18 and / or sterilization 19 of the first and / or second controlled environment 3, 3'.

[0251] / Reference list PC 25 1052 C 45 / 53 21 August 2025

[0252] Reference symbol list

[0253] 1 Transfer system

[0254] 2 Transfer interface

[0255] 2 ' Transfer interface

[0256] 2 '' Transfer interface

[0257] 2.1 Loading interface

[0258] 3 first controlled environment

[0259] 3 ' second controlled environment

[0260] 3 ' ' third controlled environment

[0261] 4 Autoclaves

[0262] 5 I solator

[0263] 6. Item

[0264] 7 Functional unit

[0265] 8 storage units

[0266] 9 Consumables

[0267] 10 Feeding device

[0268] 11 processing stations

[0269] 12 doors

[0270] 13 dense boundary

[0271] 14 Cross section

[0272] 15 Rapid Transfer Port (RTP)

[0273] 16 area

[0274] 17 Transfer movement

[0275] 18 Decontamination

[0276] 19 Sterilization

[0277] 20 decontamination agents

[0278] 21 Hydrogen peroxide

[0279] 22 double doors

[0280] 23 Intermediate area

[0281] 24 folding movements

[0282] 25 space

[0283] 26 external environment

[0284] 27 blanking plates

[0285] 28 Seal PC 25 1052 C 46 / 53 21 August 2025

[0286] 29 outer boundary

[0287] 30 volumes

[0288] 31 volume first controlled environment

[0289] 32 volumes second controlled environment

[0290] 33 hot steam

[0291] 34 transport units

[0292] 35 rolls

[0293] 35 ' rolls

[0294] 36 wheel

[0295] 37 Filters ( Fig. 2 )

[0296] 38 Airflow

[0297] 39 filter unit

[0298] 40 lower section

[0299] 41 containers

[0300] 42 Beta Port

[0301] 43 Alpha Port

[0302] 44 incubators

[0303] 45 sharp corner

[0304] 46 nutrient medium

[0305] 47 rounded corner

[0306] / Claims

Claims

PC 25 1052 C 47 / 53 August 21, 2025 Claims 1. Transfer system (1) with at least one first transfer interface (2) of a first controlled environment (3) which can be coupled to at least one second transfer interface (2') of at least one second controlled environment (3'), and a feed device (10) movable via the transfer interfaces (2, 2') from the first controlled environment (3) to the second controlled environment (3'), characterized in that the transfer interfaces (2, 2') have a non-circular, preferably rectangular, in particular rectangular with rounded corners, cross-section (14).

2. Transfer system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first controlled environment (3) and / or the second controlled environment (3') is configured as an isolator (5) and / or an autoclave (4) and / or an incubator and / or a sealable container, in particular with an alpha and / or beta port, preferably with a pressure equalization element, and / or as a container which is configured such that its contents can be autoclaved in an autoclave (4) when the container is sealed.

3. Transfer system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one controlled environment (3, 3') is mobile or stationary.

4. Transfer system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one controlled environment (3, 3') is movable such that the feed device (10) within the controlled environment (3, 3') can be transported by a conveying unit (34) and / or in an orientation in the PC 25 1052 C 48 / 53 21 August 2025 controlled environment (3, 3') is fixed.

5. Transfer system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer interfaces (2, 2') have, in particular pressure-tight, doors (12) and / or that an intermediate area (23) and / or an intermediate space (25) between the transfer interfaces (2, 2') , in particular the doors (8) , can be sealed and / or evacuated, in particular wherein the doors (12) are movable with respect to each other when the intermediate area (23) is evacuated and / or sealed.

6. Transfer system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer system (1) is a Rapid Transfer Port (15) 7. Transfer system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer interfaces (2, 2') can be coupled to each other by force and / or form locking.

8. Transfer system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer interfaces (2, 2') of the controlled environments (3, 3') each form a dense boundary (13) of the controlled environment (3, 3').

9. Transfer system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one functional unit (7) , in particular a storage unit (8) for consumables (9) , is included in the first controlled environment (3) and at least one processing station (11) for consumables (9) is included in the second controlled environment (3'). PC 25 1052 C 49 / 53 August 21, 2025 10. Transfer system (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer interfaces (2, 2') define the or an intermediate area (23) and / or the or an intermediate space (25) in which a third controlled environment (3'') can be formed.

11. Transfer system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate area (23) and / or the intermediate space (25) is sealed and / or evacuated and / or that the intermediate area (23) is movable together with doors (12) of the transfer interfaces (2, 2').

12. Transfer system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer interfaces (2, 2') can be coupled together, in particular for joint opening and / or closing.

13. Transfer system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transfer interface (2, 2') is formed by a blind cover (27).

14. Transfer system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a volume (30) of the intermediate space (25) and / or the intermediate area (23) is smaller than a volume of the first and / or second controlled environment (31, 32) .

15. Method for transferring an object (6), in particular functional units (7), between at least a first controlled environment (3) and a second controlled environment (3'), wherein the first controlled environment (3) and the second controlled environment (3') are connected via at least one transfer interface PC 25 1052 C 50 / 53 August 21, 2025 (2, 2') are coupled together, wherein the first and the second controlled environment (3, 3') are first decontaminated and / or sterilized, characterized in that after the decontamination (18) and / or sterilization (19) a feed device (10) of a transfer system (1) , in particular according to one of the preceding claims , is moved from the first controlled environment (3) to the second controlled environment (3').

16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transfer interface (2, 2') is moved, in particular by a folding movement (24) , into an area (16) which lies outside a transfer movement (17) of the feeding device (10), wherein the area (16) is also decontaminated.

17. Method for coupling at least one first transfer interface (2) of a first controlled environment (3) with at least one second transfer interface (2') of at least one second controlled environment (3') with a transfer system (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer interfaces (2, 2') define an intermediate space (25) and / or an intermediate area (23) which is sealed and / or evacuated before opening at least one transfer interface (2, 2') of at least one controlled environment (3, 3').

18. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one controlled environment (3, 3') is sterilized and / or decontaminated before and / or during a decontamination (18) and / or a sterilization (19) of the space (25) and / or the intermediate area (23). PC 25 1052 C 51 / 53 August 21, 2025 19. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the space (25) and / or the intermediate area (23) is sealed and / or evacuated during decontamination (18) and / or sterilization (19).

20. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer interfaces (2, 2') are formed by, in particular pressure-tight, doors (12) which are opened before, after or during the decontamination (18) and / or sterilization (19) of at least one controlled environment (3, 3') , preferably by a folding movement (24) and / or a sliding movement.

21. Method for transferring an object (6), in particular functional units (7), between at least a first controlled environment (3) and a second controlled environment (3'), wherein the first controlled environment (3) and the second controlled environment (3') can be coupled to each other via an intermediate space (25), characterized in that the intermediate space (25) is open to the outside before coupling and the intermediate space (25) is closed by a boundary (29) of the first controlled environment (3), that the closed intermediate space (25) is decontaminated and that after decontamination (18) at least the first controlled environment (3) is opened to the intermediate space (25).

22. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the coupling is effected via at least one transfer interface (2, 2', 2''), in particular a pressure-tight door (12), and / or that, for closing and / or opening the intermediate space (25), at least one transfer interface (2, 2', 2''), in particular a pressure-tight door (12), is moved such that PC 25 1052 C 52 / 53 August 21, 2025, these, at least partially, within the Interspace (25) is located.

23. Method according to the preamble of claim 17 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a decontamination agent is used for decontamination (18). (20) is introduced unmixed into the space (25) and / or a first and / or second controlled environment (3, 3') and atomized.

24. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the object (6) is sterilized, preferably thermally, in particular in an autoclave (4), before coupling the transfer interfaces (2, 2') and / or before transferring the object (6) from the first controlled environment (3) to the second controlled environment (3'). / Summary

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