DK179184B1 - A device for handling a biological material - Google Patents

A device for handling a biological material Download PDF

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Publication number
DK179184B1
DK179184B1 DKPA201600799A DKPA201600799A DK179184B1 DK 179184 B1 DK179184 B1 DK 179184B1 DK PA201600799 A DKPA201600799 A DK PA201600799A DK PA201600799 A DKPA201600799 A DK PA201600799A DK 179184 B1 DK179184 B1 DK 179184B1
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cylinder
rods
extension
rod
axial end
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DKPA201600799A
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Danish (da)
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Thomas William Pedersen
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Esco Medical Uab
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Priority to DKPA201600799A priority Critical patent/DK179184B1/en
Priority to PCT/DK2017/050348 priority patent/WO2018121818A1/en
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Publication of DK201600799A1 publication Critical patent/DK201600799A1/en

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
    • C12M23/02—Form or structure of the vessel
    • C12M23/12—Well or multiwell plates
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N1/00—Preservation of bodies of humans or animals, or parts thereof
    • A01N1/02—Preservation of living parts
    • A01N1/0236—Mechanical aspects
    • A01N1/0263—Non-refrigerated containers specially adapted for transporting or storing living parts whilst preserving, e.g. cool boxes, blood bags or "straws" for cryopreservation
    • A01N1/0268—Carriers for immersion in cryogenic fluid, both for slow-freezing and vitrification, e.g. open or closed "straws" for embryos, oocytes or semen
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
    • B01L3/5085—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates
    • B01L3/50853—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates with covers or lids
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
    • C12M23/02—Form or structure of the vessel
    • C12M23/06—Tubular
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M47/00—Means for after-treatment of the produced biomass or of the fermentation or metabolic products, e.g. storage of biomass
    • C12M47/20—Heating or cooling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
    • B01L2200/0689—Sealing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
    • B01L2300/042—Caps; Plugs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/046—Function or devices integrated in the closure
    • B01L2300/047—Additional chamber, reservoir
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0809—Geometry, shape and general structure rectangular shaped
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0832—Geometry, shape and general structure cylindrical, tube shaped
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
    • B01L3/5085—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biotechnology (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)

Abstract

The invention related to a device 100 for culturing a biological material, said device comprising a first element 2 and a second element 4; wherein said first element 2 is having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction; wherein said second element 4 is having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction; wherein said first element comprises one or more culture wells 6,6',6'',6''',8,8',8''.8'''; wherein each well is being in the form of a recess in a surface 10 of said first element; wherein said second element comprises a compartment 12 extending in a lengthwise direction X from a rim 14 of said second element; wherein the outer dimensions of said first element 2 and the inner dimensions of said compartment 12 in said second element 4 are adapted to each other in such a way that the first element can be slit in and out of the compartment in the second element, in a lengthwise direction X, thereby changing the accessibility to one or more of the plurality of culture wells 6,6',6'',6''',8,8',8''.8''' between an exposed configuration in which the culture wells are accessible and not covered by the second element 4, and a closed configuration in which the culture wells are covered by the second element 4.

Description

<1θ> DANMARK (10)
Figure DK179184B1_D0001
<12> PATENTSKRIFT
Patent- og
Varemærkestyrelsen (51) Int.CI.: C12M 3/00(2006.01) A01N 1/02(2006.01) C12 M 1/00(2006.01) (21) Ansøgningsnummer: PA 2016 00799 (22) Indleveringsdato: 2016-12-27 (24) Løbedag: 2016-12-27 (41) Aim. tilgængelig: 2018-01-15 (45) Patentets meddelelse bkg. den: 2018-01-15 (73) Patenthaver: Esco Medical UAB , Draugystes g. 19, LT-51230 Kaunas, Litauen (72) Opfinder: Thomas William Pedersen, Skovlykkevej 7, 8660 Skanderborg, Danmark (74) Fuldmægtig: OTELLO ADVOKATANPARTSSELSKAB, Dalgasgade 25, 8., 7400 Herning, Danmark (54) Benævnelse: A device for handling a biological material (56) Fremdragne publikationer:
US 2011/0275153 A1 WO 2016/111217 A1 WO 2011/070973 A1 (57) Sammendrag:
The invention related to a device 100 for culturing a biological material, said device comprising a first element 2 and a second element 4;
wherein said first element 2 is having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction;
wherein said second element 4 is having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction;
wherein said first element comprises one or more culture wells 6,6',6,6',8,8',8.8'; wherein each well is being in the form of a recess in a surface 10 of said first element;
wherein said second element comprises a compartment 12 extending in a lengthwise direction X from a rim 14 of said second element;
wherein the outer dimensions of said first element 2 and the inner dimensions of said compartment 12 in said second element 4 are adapted to each other in such a way that the first element can be slit in and out of the compartment in the second element, in a lengthwise direction X, thereby changing the accessibility to one or more of the plurality of culture wells 6,6',6,6',8,8',8.8' between an exposed configuration in which the culture wells are accessible and not covered by the second element 4, and a closed configuration in which the culture wells are covered by the second element 4.
Fortsættes ...
Figure DK179184B1_D0002
Fig. 1
A DEVICE FOR HANDLING A BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to the field of in vitro fertilization. More specifically the present invention relates in a first aspect to a device for handling or culturing a biological material.
Background of the invention
Within the latest decades considerably improved methods and techniques has been developed within the field of in vitro fertilization (IVF). These developments have resulted in enhanced success rates in terms of number of successful births originating from such techniques.
In vitro fertilization involves capturing a ripened egg from a female ovary, fertilizing the egg with a spermatozoon, incubating the fertilized egg under a controlled environment and subsequently inserting the fertilized and incubated egg in the female’s uterus.
Traditionally the incubation of the egg is being performed by accommodating the egg in a culture dish under a predetermined liquid and gaseous environment. Typically, the egg is monitored by camera or video means with the view of gain knowledge of the development of the egg for the purpose of only selecting a specific egg for the reinsertion into the female’s body, in case that specific egg is exhibiting a development which fulfills certain standards which are considered optimum.
As a plurality of ripened eggs are often harvested from the female’s ovary, prior to an IVF procedure (by subjecting the female to a hormone treatment, making her ovulate such a plurality of eggs) there is a need to be able to preserve such eggs until a point in time where one or more of these eggs is or are to be used in the IVF procedure.
To this end cryopreservation methods have been developed. A cryopreservation involves freezing one or more eggs at cryogenic conditions, for example by storing the one or more eggs in liquid nitrogen at approximately -196 °C.
However, in a cryopreservation procedure of a biological material there is a risk that mechanical damage of the biological material will result from the change of state from liquid to solid when the biological material transits from ambient temperatures to cryogenic temperatures. Such mechanical damage may involve destroying the organelles responsible for the metabolism taken place within that biological material.
Therefore, prior to a cryopreservation of an oocyte, a zygote or an embryo it will be necessary to prepare that oocyte, zygote or embryo to a cryopreservation. Such preparation prior to a cryopreservation is called a vitrificatiton.
Vitrification may involve treating the biological sample with one or more “vitrification liquids”, also denoted “cryoprotectants”. Osmosis may be involved in the vitrification so that water is being drained from the biological sample prior to the freezing step.
In the process of cryopreservation of a biological sample the biological material is accordingly, at the optimum point in time, subjected to a vitrification procedure and subsequently transferred to a vial suitable for storing the biological material during cryogenic storage which takes place subsequently.
In a cryopreservation process of an oocyte, a zygote or an embryo it is of paramount importance that the cooling from ambient temperature to cryogenic temperature takes place as quickly as possible, preferably almost instantaneously.
However, the prior art vials used for cryopreservation are either open, thus implying the risk of contamination during submerging and/or storage in liquid nitrogen; and/or the prior art vials are rather thick-walled, thus providing a rather large degree of thermal insulation and thereby preventing a close to instant temperature drop to a cryogenic temperature upon being submerged into liquid nitrogen. Same kind of insulation problems exist in certain kinds of cryopreservation vials having a design which implies that there is a rather large air gap between the biological sample and the wall of the vial. Other types of prior art vials for cryopreservation rely on a two-step cryopreservation in which an inner vial element holds the biological material as a suspended droplet which is to be frozen first. Next this vial element is inserted into a second vial element which is subsequently submerged into liquid nitrogen.
This type of vial implies a delayed freezing of the biological sample and poses the risk of partly thawing between the two freezing steps.
Examples of prior art vials can be seen on the follow internet addresses:
httr>://www.rbmoiournal.com/article/S1472-6483(10)61169-8/pdf http://www.kitazato-dibimed.com/vitrification-crvotop/ http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/08/27/humrep.deu214.full.pdf
Other prior art devices for subjecting biological materials to cryogenic conditions are disclosed in the following documents:
US 2011/0275153 A1 discloses a device for storing a reproductive biological material under cryogenic conditions. The device comprises an elongate first member extending between a distal end and a proximal end, a first bulge portion disposed around a circumference of the first member, and a trough defined within the first member. The trough is being configured to receive a reproductive biological sample thereon. A second member includes a lumen defined there-through. The second member is configured to slide over the first member and the inner diameter of the second member is similar to an outer diameter of the bulge portion to form a seal between the first and second members. The device disclosed in US 2011/0275153 A1 does not disclose that the first member comprises a culture well for the biological material. Accordingly, the devise disclosed in US 2011/0275153 A1 is not suitable for a combined culturing, vitrification and cryopreservation of a biological material.
WO 2016/111217 A1 discloses a tool for cryopreservation of a biological material. The tool comprises an oblong handle having two opposite ends. A first end of the handle comprises a lengthwise cut-out, thereby forming a bottom part and two side walls. The bottom part is thereby suitable for accommodating a hollow fibre comprising in its hollow interior one or more biological cells. A hollow container is provided for sliding over the first end of the handle, thereby sealing off and protecting the biological cells. The device disclosed in WO 2016/111217 A1 does not include a culture well for accommodating a biological material. Rather, in WO 2016/111217 A1 the biological material is being accommodated in the interior of a hollow fibre. Therefore, the devise disclosed in WO 2016/111217 A1 is not suitable for a combined culturing, vitrification and cryopreservation of a biological material.
WO 2011/070973 Al discloses a device for vitrification preservation of an animal embryo or ovum. The device comprises two parts. A first part comprises an outer handle, extending into an inner handle, which in turn extends into an oblong part of a material which is having liquid removing properties. In this way that material may act as a remover for vitrification preservation liquid. The oblong part may have a U-shaped cross-section. A second part comprises a sheath which is configured for being slit over the oblong part and the inner handle of the first part, thereby sealing off the interior thereof. Hereby the device of WO 2011/070973 A1 allows for performing a rapid vitrification of an embryo or egg without bringing this embryo or egg into direct contact with liquid nitrogen. The device disclosed in WO 2011/070973 A1 does not include a culture well for accommodating a biological material. Therefore, the devise disclosed in WO 2011/070973 A1 is not suitable for a combined culturing, vitrification and cryopreservation of a biological material.
Accordingly, there exists a need for improved devices and processes in IVF involving culturing an oocyte, a zygote or an embryo and/or involving vitrification and/or cryopreservation.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide improved devices and processes for use in IVF processes involving handling, culturing, vitrification and/or cryopreservation of an oocyte, a zygote or an embryo.
Brief description of the invention
These objectives are fulfilled by the present invention in its various aspects. Accordingly, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a device for culturing a biological material, said device comprising a first element and a second element;
wherein said first element is having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction;
wherein said second element 4 is having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction;
wherein said first element comprises one or more rods;
wherein each rod comprises a first cylinder having a first axial end and a second axial end;
wherein each rod comprises a second cylinder having a first axial end and a second axial end;
wherein said first cylinder, at the second axial end thereof, being connected to said second cylinder, at the first axial end thereof, by a well portion; thereby defining a culture well in the area between the first cylinder and the second cylinder;
wherein the axial axis of said first cylinder coincides with the axial axis of said second cylinder;
wherein said second element comprising one or more cylindrical compartments;
wherein each cylindrical compartment comprises a first open end confined by a rim;
wherein the outer dimensions and the orientation of said rods of said first element, on the one hand, and the inner dimensions and orientations of said compartments of said second element, on the other hand, are being adapted to each other in such a way that the rod(s) of the first element can be slit in and out of the compartment(s) in the second element, in a lengthwise direction X, thereby changing the accessibility to one or more of the culture wells between an exposed configuration in which the culture wells are accessible and not covered by the second element, and a closed configuration in which the culture wells are covered by the second element.
The present invention provides for improved handling of a biological material, especially in relation to IVF procedures, in which the biological material is being an oocyte, a zygote or an embryo.
Specifically, the present invention in particular provides for improved handling of oocyte, a zygote or an embryo in a cryopreservation process.
The specific design of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention allows for handling and culturing a biological sample in a culture well which is surrounded by extremely thin walls, thus allowing easy handling of the biological sample and at the same time allowing very fast cooling in a cryopreservation procedure.
Brief description of the figures
Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the present invention in a configuration in which the first element is separated from the second element.
Fig. 2a is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of the first element of a device according to the first aspect of the present invention.
Fig. 2b is a plan view illustrating the first element of fig 2a as seen from below.
Fig. 2c is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the first element shown in fig. 2a.
Fig. 3a is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of the second element of a device according to the first aspect of the present invention.
Fig. 3b is a plan view illustrating the second element of fig 3a as seen from below.
Fig. 3c is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the second element shown in fig. 3a.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the present invention in a configuration in which the first element is separated from the second element.
Fig. 5a is a plan view illustrating the first element of the device of fig. 4.
Fig. 5b is a plan view illustrating the first element of fig 5a as seen from above.
Fig. 5c is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the first element shown in fig. 5a.
Fig. 5d is a close-up plan view of part of the first element illustrated in fig. 5b.
Fig. 5e is a close-up cross-sectional view showing a part of the first element shown in fig. 5c.
Fig. 6a is a plan view illustrating the second element of the device of fig. 4.
Fig. 6b is a plan view illustrating the second element of fig 6a as seen from above.
Fig. 6c is a close-up plan view of part of the second element illustrated in fig. 6b.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the device of fig. 1 in a partly assembled configuration.
Fig. 8 is perspective view of the device of fig. 1 in a fully assembled configuration.
Detailed description of the invention
In a first aspect the present invention relates to a device for culturing a biological material, said device comprising a first element and a second element;
wherein said first element is having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction;
wherein said second element is having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction;
wherein said first element comprises one or more rods;
wherein each rod comprises a first cylinder having a first axial end and a second axial end;
wherein each rod comprises a second cylinder having a first axial end and a second axial end;
wherein said first cylinder, at the second axial end thereof, being connected to said second cylinder, at the first axial end thereof, by a well portion; thereby defining a culture well in the area between the first cylinder and the second cylinder;
wherein the axial axis of said first cylinder coincides with the axial axis of said second cylinder;
wherein said second element comprising one or more cylindrical compartments;
wherein each cylindrical compartment comprises a first open end confined by a rim;
wherein the outer dimensions and the orientation of said rods of said first element, on the one hand, and the inner dimensions and orientations of said compartments of said second element, on the other hand, are being adapted to each other in such a way that the rod(s) of the first element can be slit in and out of the compartment(s) in the second element, in a lengthwise direction X, thereby changing the accessibility to one or more of the culture wells between an exposed configuration in which the culture wells are accessible and not covered by the second element, and a closed configuration in which the culture wells are covered by the second element.
The device accordingly comprises two separate parts which can be assembled into an assembled configuration. The first part of the device comprises one or more culture wells which can be accommodated within at least a part of the second part. In this way any biological material comprised in a culture well of the first part is efficiently isolated from the surroundings. The biological material when being housed in the culture well may, with the device according to the first aspect of the present invention, be subjected to a number of processing steps relating to processing of the biological materials.
These processing steps may relate to one or more of the following: handling or culturing the biological material, monitoring the development over time of the biological material, vitrification of the biological material and cryopreservation of the biological material.
The device according to the first aspect of the present invention is particularly well-suited for conducting processing steps relating to an IVF (in vitro fertilization) in which the biological material is a viable biological material, such as an oocyte, a zygote, or an embryo.
With the device of the present invention a biological material can be accommodated in a culture well thereof and the device may in such a situation be arranged in either a horizontal direction (the XY-plane of the device being essentially horizontal) or in a vertical orientation (X direction of the device being essentially vertical) during performing the processing steps of the biological material, such as during monitoring the development of the biological material, e.g. by use of an image capturing device.
The device, seeing the particular use thereof within the field of IVF technology, may be sterilized and hence the first element and the second element of the device may be sterilized and may be packed in a sterilized package.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the one or more rods of the first element is having an outer extension, in a lengthwise direction X, within the ranges: 4 30 cm, such as 6 - 28 cm, for example, 8-26 cm, e.g. 10 - 24 cm, such as 12 - 22 cm, 14 20 cm or 16 - 18 cm.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the one or more rods of the first element is having an outer extension, in a transversal direction Y, within the ranges: 0.5-20 mm, such as 1 - 18 mm, such as 2 - 17 mm, for example 3-16 mm, e.g. 4-15 mm, such as
5-14 mm, for example 6-13 mm, such as 7 - 12 mm, for example 8-11 or 9-10 mm.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the one or more rods of the first element is having an outer extension, in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction X and to the transversal direction Y, within the ranges: 0.5 - 20 mm, such as 1 - 18 mm, such as 2 - 17 mm, for example 3-16 mm, e.g. 4-15 mm, such as 5 - 14 mm, for example 6-13 mm, such as 7 - 12 mm, for example 8-11 or 9-10 mm.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the culture well(s) arranged between the first cylinder and the second cylinder of the rod of the first element is/are having an extension, in a lengthwise direction X, within the ranges: 1-20 mm, such as 2 - 19 mm, for example 3-18 mm, such as 4 - 17 mm, e.g. 5 - 16 mm, such as 6 - 15 mm, for example 7-14 mm, e.g. 8-13 mm, such as 9 - 12 mm or 10 - 11 mm.
These dimensions of various parts of the first element are having suitable magnitudes, especially in relation to swift freezing of a biological material in a cryopreservation procedure.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the number of rods of the first element is two or more, and furthermore each pair of adjacent rods are being arranged in parallel and separated to each other by a distance; and/or the number of cylindrical compartments of the second element is two or more, and wherein each pair of adjacent cylindrical compartments are being arranged in parallel.
In case the device comprises more than one rod and more than one associated cylindrical compartment, this design ensures an easy assembly of the first element to the second element of the device.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention and in respect of one or more rods of the first element, the second axial end of the first cylinder is solid and/or the first axial end of the second cylinder is solid.
In one embodiment of this embodiment and in respect of one or more rods of the first element, the second axial end of the first cylinder comprises a cavity extending in a longitudinal direction X; and/or the first axial end of the second cylinder comprises a cavity extending in a longitudinal direction X.
These features aids in defining a culture well between the first and the second cylinder of the rods of the first element of the device.
It should be noted that it is preferred that the outer surface of each well portion follows the outer shape of the first cylinder and the second cylinder, respectively, of each rod.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention and in respect of one or more rods of the first element, the first cylinder and/or the second cylinder independently is/are having an extension, in a lengthwise direction X, within the ranges: 1-18 cm, such as 2 - 17 cm, for example 3-16 cm, such as 4 - 15 cm, e.g. 5-14 cm, such as 6 - 13 cm, e.g. 7-12 cm, for example 8-11 cm or 9 - 10 cm.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the one or more cylindrical compartments of the second element is having an inner extension, in a longitudinal direction
X, within the ranges: 4-30 cm, such as 6 - 28 cm, for example, 8-26 cm, e.g. 10 - 24 cm, such as 12 - 22 cm, 14 - 20 cm or 16 - 18 cm.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the one or more cylindrical compartments of the second element is having an inner extension, in a transversal direction Y, within the ranges: : 0.5 - 20 mm, such as 1 - 18 mm, such as 2 - 17 mm, for example 3-16 mm, e.g. 4-15 mm, such as 5 - 14 mm, for example 6-13 mm, such as 7 - 12 mm, for example 8 - 11 or 9 - 10 mm.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the one or more cylindrical compartments of the second element is having an inner extension, in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction and to the transversal direction, within the ranges:
0.5 - 20 mm, such as 1 - 18 mm, such as 2 - 17 mm, for example 3-16 mm, e.g. 4-15 mm, such as 5 - 14 mm, for example 6-13 mm, such as 7 - 12 mm, for example 8 - 11 or 9 - 10 mm.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention and in respect of one or more of said cylindrical compartments of the second element, the thickness of the material of the second element surrounding said cylindrical compartment, at a longitudinal position thereof corresponding to the position of a corresponding culture well of the first element, in a situation in which the culture well of the first element is fully surrounded by the second element, is selected within the ranges: 0.2 - 5 mm, such as 0.5 - 4 mm, such as 1.0 - 3.5 mm, for example 1.5 - 3.0 mm, such as 2.0 - 2.5 mm.
These dimensions of various parts of the first element are having suitable magnitudes, especially in relation to swift freezing of a biological material in a cryopreservation procedure.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the number rods in said first element is 1 - 24, such as 2 - 23, for example 3 - 22, such as 4 - 21, e.g. 5 - 20, such as 6 19, for example 7 - 18, such as 8 - 17, e.g. 9 - 16, such as 10 - 15, e.g. 11 - 14 or 12 - 13.
Providing the first element with more than one rod and thereby more than one culture wll allows for processing more than one biological material at the time.
Irrespective of the number of rods of the first element, the number of cylindrical compartments of the second element of the device should be identical to the number of of rods of the first element.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the outer cross-section of each of the one or more rods of the first element corresponds to the inner cross section of each of the one or more cylindrical compartments of the second element.
This will ensure a tight fit between the rods of the first element and the cylindrical compartments of the second element, thereby improving the quality of insulation from the surroundings of a biological material accommodated therein.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the outer cross-section of each of the one or more rods of the first element and wherein the inner cross section of each of the one or more cylindrical compartments of the second element, in the YZ-plane, defines a circle, or a polygon, such as a rectangle, such as a square, or a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, a heptagon, an octagon, an ennagon or a decagon.
These geometries are suitable with respect to the requirements of the culture wells defined in the rods of the first element.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the one or more rods of said first element is/are being arranged in a first handle at a first axial end of the first cylinder.
Providing the first element with a handle improves the handling by an operator.
In one embodiment of this embodiment the first handle, in the vicinity of the individual positions of one or more of the rods, comprises a tag, such as an alphanumerical character for identification of said corresponding culture well.
Such tags will improve identification of individual biological materials and thereby minimize 5 the risk of mistaken one biological material from another.
In one embodiment of these embodiments the first handle comprises a planar surface at the positions of the first axial end of the first cylinders.
This design will improve sealing of the space between the rods of the first element and the cylindrical compartments of the second element.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the one or more cylindrical compartments of the second element is/are being arranged in a second handle.
Providing the second element with a handle improves the handling by an operator.
In one embodiment of this embodiment the second handle, in the vicinity of the individual positions of one or more of the cylindrical compartment, comprises a tag, such as an alphanumerical character for identification of said corresponding culture well.
Such tags will improve identification of individual biological materials and thereby minimize the risk of mistaken one biological material from another.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention and in respect of one or more of the one or more cylindrical compartments of the second element, said cylindrical compartment(s) at least partly is being arranged within a tube.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention it is a feature that the one or more rods of said first element and/or the material of the second element surrounding the cylindrical compartments and/or the first handle and/or the second handle independently is being made from a polymer material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or PTFE.
Such materials have proven suitable for the intended purpose and additionally are costefficient materials.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the one or more rods of said first element and/or the material of second element surrounding the cylindrical compartments independently is being made from a transparent material.
Using a transparent material for these parts of the device makes it possible to monitor, such as by means of an image capturing device, such as by means of a time lapse image capturing device, the development of a biological material being housed in the culture well of the first element of the device, even in a configuration in which the culture well is covered by the second element of the device.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention it is a feature that the first element comprises a first set of engagement means; and/or that the second element comprises a second set of engagement means, wherein said first set of engagement means and the second set of engagement means are configured for entering into releasable engagement with each other, thereby enabling securing the first element to the second element.
Such releasable engagement means provides for improved safety in handing a biological material being accommodated in the culture well(s).
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the first element comprises one or more seals or gaskets for sealing a gap between the one more rods of the first element on the hand and the one or more cylindrical compartments of the second element on the other hand.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the one or more seals or gaskets comprises an O-ring arranged around each first cylinder of the first element near the first axial end thereof.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the one or more seals or gaskets comprises a curable seal which is liquid or flowable in a non-cured state in the absence of air and/or moist; and which is able to cure into a solid upon exposure to air or moist; or wherein the one or more seals or gaskets comprises a curable seal which comprises two or more liquid or flowable components which, upon contact, are able to cure into a solid; or wherein the one or more seals or gaskets comprises a heat seal in form of a solid which may be heated to a liquid or flowable material which upon cooling is able to solidify.
Providing the device with a seal between the first element and the second element provides for improved insulation of a biological material from the surroundings during handling thereof.
The device according to the first aspect may in one embodiment be provided with one or more heat sinks arranged at one or more positions on the first element and/or on the second element for providing faster heat transfer.
Such heat sinks may preferably be made of a metal or an alloy, such as copper, steel aluminum.
Such an embodiment is advantageous in the situations in which the device is used for cryopreservation of a biological sample.
Referring now to the drawings for illustrating the present invention, Fig. la is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the device 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention.
The device 100 is for culturing a biological material and/or for performing one or more other processing steps relating to handling of a biological material.
The device comprises a first element 2 and a second element 4.
The first element 2 is having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction.
The second element 4 is also having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction.
The first element 2 comprises a rod 6 which comprises a first cylinder 10 having a first axial end 12 and a second axial end 14.
The rod 6 also comprises a second cylinder 16 having a first axial end 18 and a second axial end 20.
The first cylinder 10 of the rod 6, at the second axial end 14 thereof, is being connected to the second cylinder 16 of the rod 6, at the first axial end 18 thereof, by a well portion 22; and thereby defines a culture well 24 in the area between the first cylinder 10 and the second cylinder 16.
The axial axis of the first cylinder 10 coincides with the axial axis of the second cylinder 16.
The rod 6 is connected to a first handle 36.
The second element 4 comprises a cylindrical compartment 26. The cylindrical compartment 26 of the second element comprises a tube 42 which is integrated into a second handle 40.
The tube 42 extends from the handle 40 and ends in an open end 30 of the cylindrical compartment 26 at a rim 32 thereof.
In the device of the present invention and as shown in fig. 1 the outer dimensions and the orientation of the rods 6 of said first element 2, on the one hand, and the inner dimensions and orientations of the compartment 26 of said second element 4, on the other hand, are being adapted to each other in such a way that the rod 6 of the first element 2 can be slit in and out of the compartment 26 in the second element 4, in a lengthwise direction X, thereby changing the accessibility to the culture well 24 between an exposed configuration in which the culture well 24 is accessible and not covered by the second element 4, and a closed configuration in which the culture well 24 is covered by the second element 4.
The device shown in fig. 1 is made from a transparent material and accordingly, the cylindrical compartment 26 of the second element 4 can be seen through the second handle 40.
In fig. 2a is seen the first element of fig. 1. It is seen that the rod 6 of the first element extends from the first handle 36 at a first end thereof. The rod 6 is divided into a first cylinder 10 and a second cylinder 16. Between the first cylinder 10 and a second cylinder 16 the culture well 24 is located. The culture well served for the location of a biological material upon culturing thereof.
Fig. 2b illustrates the first element from fig. 2a as seen in a longitudinal direction X from the end of the rod 6.
In fig. 2c is seen a cross-sectional cut in a transversal YZ-plane at a position (A-A) of the culture well as seen in fig. 2a.
The culture well 24 illustrated in fig. 2c is partly confined by the first cylinder 10 and the second cylinder 16, and partly confined by the well portion 22, which connects the first cylinder 10 to the second cylinder 16 of the rod 6 of the first element.
Fig. 2c also shows that the culture well 24 comprises a cavity 34 in an axial end of the first cylinder 10 of the rod 6 of the first element 2. Such a cavity aids in keeping the biological material in place in the culture well.
In fig. 3a is seen the second element 4 of fig. 1. It is seen that the cylindrical compartment 26 extends from the second handle 40. In fact, the cylindrical compartment 26 also extends into the second handle 40. In this way, the cylindrical compartment 26 is confined by the second handle 40 in one end thereof and by a tube 42 in an opposite end thereof. The tube 42 ends at a rim 32.
Fig. 3b illustrates the second element 4 from fig. 3a as seen in a longitudinal direction (X) from the end of the tube 42.
In fig. 3c is seen a close-up view of the tube 42 as seen in fig. 3b. Fig. 3c illustrates that the tube ends at a rim 32 thereof. In the interior of the tube 42 the cylindrical compartment 26 is arranged.
In use of the embodiment of the device 100 as illustrated in fig. 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b and 3c for subjecting a biological material to one or more processing steps, such as culturing a biological material, the rod 6 of the first element is slit into the cylindrical compartment 26 of the second element to an extent in which the culture well 24 of the rod 6 of the first element is partly exposed and partly covered by the second element 4.
This arrangement is shown in fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the device of fig.
in a partly assembled configuration. Fig 7 shows that the first element 2 and the second element 4 have been assembled with each other in that the the rod 6 of the first element has been slit into the cylindrical compartment 26 of the second element to an extend where the culture well 24 of the rod 6 of the first element 2 is partly exposed and partly covered by the cylindrical compartment 26 of the second element.
In this arrangement, in which the device is being held in an upright position, the biological material may be carefully arranged and accommodated in the culture well 24.
Next one or more culturing fluids and/or nutrients may be transferred in the culture well 24.
Subsequently, the rod 6 of the first element 4 is being slit into the cylindrical compartment 26 of the second element 4.
This arrangement is shown in fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the device of fig.
in a fully assembled configuration. Fig 8 shows that the device of fig. 7 in which the first element 2 and the second element 4 have been fully assembled with each other in that the the rod 6 of the first element has been fully slit into the cylindrical compartment 26 of the second element to an extend where the culture well 24 of the rod 6 of the first element 2 fully covered by the cylindrical compartment 26 of the second element.
In this configuration, the biological material is being safely accommodated and isolated form the surroundings and hence protected from contaminations. The device in this configuration can, during performing processing steps of the biological material, be arranged in an upright, vertical orientation or in a lying down, horizontal orientation.
Hereafter the biological material may be subjected to various processing steps.
The processing steps relating to handling a biological material may relate to an IVF (in vitro fertilization) procedure.
Such processing steps of an IVF (in vitro fertilization) procedure may relate to one or more of the following: handling the biological material; culturing the biological material; monitoring the development of the biological material during culturing thereof; vitrification of the biological material; cryogenic preservation of the biological material. In such cases, the biological material is being a viable biological material in the form of an oocyte, a zygote, or an embryo.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the present invention in a configuration in which the first element is separated from the second element.
The first element 2 is having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction.
The second element 4 is also having an extension in a lengthwise direction X, an extension in a transverse direction Y and an extension in a direction Z perpendicular to the lengthwise direction as well as to the transverse direction.
The embodiment shown in utilizes the same principle of creating a culture well between two cylinders and protecting this culture well by accommodating it in a cylindrical compartment, as illustrated in any of the previous figures.
However, in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 4, the device comprises eight culture wells.
The device shown in fig. 4 comprises a first element 2 and a second element 4. The first element 2 comprises eight rods 6,6’,6”,6”’,8,8’,8”,8”’ each of which is arranged next to its adjacent rod in parallel. Each rod 6,6’,6”,6”’,8,8’,8”,8”’comprises a first cylinder 10 having a first axial end 12 and a second axial end 14.
Each rod 6,6’,6”,6”’,8,8’,8”,8”’ also comprises a second cylinder 16 having a first axial end
18 and a second axial end 20.
In respect of each rod 6,6’,6”,6”’,8,8’,8”,8”’ the first cylinder 10 of the rod 6, at the second axial end 14 thereof, is being connected to the second cylinder 16 of the rod 6, at the first axial end 18 thereof, by a well portion 22; and thereby defines a culture well 24 in the area between the first cylinder 10 and the second cylinder 16 of each rod.
The axial axis of the first cylinder 10 coincides with the axial axis of the second cylinder 16 of the same rod.
Each rod 6,6’,6”,6”’,8,8’,8”,8”’ is connected to a first handle 36 by being integrated with it.
The second element 4 of the embodiment illustrated in fig. 4 comprises eight cylindrical compartments 26,26’,26”,26”,28,28’,28”,28”’. Each of the cylindrical compartments
26,26’,26 ”,26 ”,28,28’,28 ”,28’” of the second element comprises a tube 42 which is integrated into a second handle 40.
Each tube 42 extends from the handle 40 and ends in an open end 30 of the cylindrical compartment 26 at a rim 32 thereof.
In the device of the present invention and as shown in fig. 4 the outer dimensions and the orientation of each of the rods 6,6’,6”,6’”,8,8’,8”,8’” of said first element 2, on the one hand, and the inner dimensions and orientations of each of the compartment 26,26’, 26”, 26”,28,28’, 28”, 28’” of the second element 4, on the other hand, are being adapted to each other in such a way that each rod 6,6’ ,6’ ’ ,6’ ’ ’ ,8,8’ ,8’ ’ ,8’ ’ ’ of the first element 2 can be slit in and out of a corresponding compartment 26,26’,26”,26”,28,28’,28”,28’” in the second element 4, in a lengthwise direction (X), thereby changing the accessibility to each of the culture wells 24 between an exposed configuration in which a culture well 24 is accessible and not covered by the second element 4, and a closed configuration in which that culture well 24 is covered by the second element 4.
Fig. 5a shows first element of fig. 4 in a plan view. It is seen that each rod
6,6’ ,6”, 6”’,8,8’, 8”, 8”’ of the first element extends from the first handle 36 at a first end thereof. Each rod 6 is divided into a first cylinder 10 and a second cylinder 16. In respect of each rod 6,6’,6”,6”’,8,8’,8”,8”’, between the first cylinder 10 and a second cylinder 16 a culture well 24 is located. The culture well serves the purpose of accommodating the biological material upon culturing thereof.
Fig. 5b illustrates the first element 2 of the device 100 from fig. 5a as seen in a longitudinal direction X from the end of the rods 6,6’,6”,6”’,8,8’,8”,8”’.
Fig. 5d illustrates a close-up plan view of a few of the rods 6,6’ seen in fig. 5b. Fig. 5d clearly shows that the rod 6 is arranged at a distance from the rod 6’.This applies in respect of all the rods 6,6’,6”,6’”,8,8’,8”,8’” of the first element 2 of the device 100 shown in fig. 4 and 5.
I.e., each rod 6,6’,6”,6’”,8,8’,8”,8’” is separated by a distance to its adjacent rod 6,6’,6”,6’”,8,8’,8”,8’”
In fig. 5c is seen a cross-sectional cut in a transversal direction (YZ-plane) at a position (A-A) of the culture wells as seen in fig. 5a.
The culture wells 24 illustrated in fig. 5c are partly confined by the well portion 22, which connects the first cylinder 10 to the second cylinder 16 of the rod 6 of the first element. Irrespective of the specific design of the device, the well portion 22 may preferably have an outer shape which corresponds to the outer surface of the first cylinder 10 and the second cylinder 16.
Fig. 5e is a close-up cross-sectional view of a few of the culture wells seen in fig. 5c. Fig. 5e shows the culture well 24 of the rod 6 and the culture well 24 of the rod 6’. Each culture well 24 is confined by a well portion 22 which connects the first cylinder 10 of the rod 6,6’ to the second cylinder 16 of the rod 6,6’.
Fig. 5e also shows that the culture wells 24 comprise a cavity 34 in an axial end of the first cylinder 10 of the rod 6 of the first element 2. Such a cavity aids in keeping the biological material in place in the culture well.
Fig. 6a is a plan view illustrating the second element 4 of fig. 4. It is seen that the cylindrical compartments 26,26’,26”,26”,28,28’,28”,28”’ extend from the second handle 40. In this way, each of the cylindrical compartments 26,26’,26”,26”,28,28’,28”,28’” are confined by the second handle 40 in one end thereof and by a tube 42 in an opposite end thereof. The tubes 42 end at a rim 32.
Fig. 6b illustrates the second element 4 from fig. 6a as seen in a longitudinal direction X from the end of the tubes 42.
In fig. 6c is seen a close-up view of two tubes 42 as seen in fig. 6b. Fig. 6c illustrates that the tubes 42 end at a rim 32 thereof. In the interior of the tube 42 the cylindrical compartment 26 is arranged.
The assembly of the first element 2 and the second element 4 of the device 100 shown in fig.
4, prior to performing any processing steps of a biological sample accommodated therein, follows in analogy with the description above with reference to the device of fig. 1.
In using the device 100 for handling a biological material the following processing steps may be adhered to:
i) providing a device 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention as disclosed above;
ii) arranging the first element 2 of said device in relation to the second element 4 of said device in such a way that one or more of said one or more culture wells 24 of the one or more rods 6,6’,6”,6’”,8,8’,8”.8’” is/are partly exposed and partly covered by said second element 4;
iii) arranging one or more biological materials in said one or more culture wells in the one or more rods 6,6’,6”,6’”,8,8’,8”.8’”, respectively, while making sure that the device is arranged in an essentially upright orientation;
iv) optionally arranging one or more fluids in one or more of said one or more culture wells 24 of the rods 6,6’,6”,6’”,8,8’,8”.8’”, respectively;
v) sliding in the first element 2 in relation to the second element 4 in such a way that the said one or more culture wells 24 of the rods 6,6’,6”,6”’,8,8’,8”.8”’ is/are fully covered by said second element 4, by being accommodated in one or more of the cylindrical compartments 26,26’,26”,26”,28,28’,28”,28”’, respectively;
vi) performing one or more processing steps of said biological material.
In case the processing steps to be performed on the biological material and relating to handling a biological material are processing steps relating to of an IVF (in vitro fertilization) procedure, the processing steps may involve one or more of the following: culturing a biological material or monitoring the development of a biological material during culturing thereof.
In case the processing steps to be performed with the biological material involve a vitrification; said vitrification may involve the following steps:
a) arranging the device 100 in an essentially upright orientation;
b) sliding out the first element 2 in relation to the second element 4 in such a way that the one or more culture wells in the one or more rods 6,6’,6”,6’”,8,8’,8”.8’” is/are being partly exposed and partly covered by said second element 4, by being partly accommodated in one or more of the cylindrical compartments 26,26’,26”,26”,28,28’,28”,28’”, respectively;
c) replacing any fluid present in the said one or more culture wells 24 in one or more of the rods 6,6’,6”,6’”,8,8’,8”.8’” with one or more cryoprotectants;
d) sliding in the first element 2 in relation to the second element 4 in such a way that the said one or more culture wells24 in one or more of the rods
6,6’,6”,6’”,8,8’,8”.8’” is/are fully covered with said second element 4, by being fully accommodated in one or more of the cylindrical compartments
26,26’,26”,26”,28,28’,28”,28” ’, respectively
In case the processing steps to be performed on the biological material is a cryogenic preservation of said biological material; said cryogenic preservation may involve the following steps:
1) exposing the device 100 to a cryogenic temperature;
2) storing the device 100 comprising said one or more biological materials at a cryogenic temperature.
It should be understood that all features and achievements discussed above and in the appended claims in relation to one aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof apply equally well to the other aspects of the present invention and embodiments thereof.
List of reference numerals
First element of device
4 Second element of device
6, 6’, 6”, 6”’ Rod of first element
5 8,8’,8”,8”’ Rod of first element
10 First cylinder of rod of first element
12 First axial end of first cylinder of rod of first element
14 Second axial end of first cylinder of rod of first element
16 Second cylinder of rod of first element
10 18 First axial end of second cylinder of rod of first element
20 Second axial end of second cylinder of rod of first element
22 Well portion of rod of first element
24 Culture well of rod of first element
26,26’,26”,26”’ Cylindrical compartment of second element
15 28,28’,28”,28’” Cylindrical compartment of second element
30 Open end of cylindrical compartment of second element
32 Rim of open end of cylindrical compartment of second element
34 Cavity in axial end of cylinder of first element
36 First handle of first element
20 38 Tag
40 Second handle
42 Tube surrounding cylindrical compartment
100 Device

Claims (2)

Patentkravclaims 1. Anordning (100) til dyrkning af et biologisk materiale, hvilken anordning omfatter et første element (2) og et andet element (4);An apparatus (100) for growing a biological material, comprising a first element (2) and a second element (4); hvor det første element (2) har en udstrækning i længderetningen (X), en udstrækning i en tværretning (Y) og en udstrækning i en retning (Z), som er vinkelret på længderetningen såvel som på tværretningen;wherein the first element (2) has a longitudinal extension (X), a transverse direction (Y) and an extension in a direction (Z) which is perpendicular to the longitudinal as well as the transverse direction; hvor det andet element (4) har en udstrækning i en længderetning (X), en udstrækning i en tværretning (Y) og en udstrækning i en retning (Z), som er vinkelret på længderetningen såvel som på tværretningen;the second element (4) having an extension in a longitudinal direction (X), an extension in a transverse direction (Y) and an extension in a direction (Z) which is perpendicular to the longitudinal as well as the transverse direction; hvor det første element omfatter en eller flere stænger (6,6' , 6' ' , 6' ' ' , 8, 8', 8 ' ' , 8' ' ' ) ;the first element comprising one or more rods (6,6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ', 8' ', 8' ''); hvor hver stang (6) omfatter en første cylinder (10) med en første aksial ende (12) og en anden aksial ende (14);each rod (6) comprising a first cylinder (10) having a first axial end (12) and a second axial end (14); hvor hver stang (6) omfatter en anden cylinder (16) med en første aksial ende (18) og en anden aksial ende (20);each rod (6) comprising a second cylinder (16) having a first axial end (18) and a second axial end (20); hvor den første cylinder (10) ved dennes anden aksiale ende (14) er forbundet med den anden cylinder (16) ved dennes første aksiale ende (18) med en brønddel (22); idet der derved defineres en dyrkningsbrønd (24) i området mellem den første cylinder (10) og den anden cylinder (16) ;wherein the first cylinder (10) at its second axial end (14) is connected to the second cylinder (16) at its first axial end (18) by a well portion (22); thereby defining a culture well (24) in the region between the first cylinder (10) and the second cylinder (16); hvor den aksiale akse af den første cylinder (10) er sammenfaldende med den aksiale akse af den anden cylinder (16) ;wherein the axial axis of the first cylinder (10) coincides with the axial axis of the second cylinder (16); hvor det andet element omfatter et eller flere cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28''');the second element comprising one or more cylindrical compartments (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ', 28' '); hvor hvert cylindrisk rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28''') omfatter en første åben ende (30), som er begrænset af en kant (32);each cylindrical compartment (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ', 28' ') comprising a first open end (30) which is limited by an edge (32 ); hvor de ydre dimensioner og orienteringen af stængerne (6, 6' , 6' ' , 6''', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2) på den ene side og de indre dimensioner og orienteringer af rummene (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28''') af det andet element (4) på den anden side er tilpasset hinanden på en sådan måde, at stangen/stængerne af det første element (2) kan glides ind og ud af rummet/rummene i det andet element (4) i en længderetning (X), idet tilgængeligheden til en eller flere af dyrkningsbrøndene (24) dermed kan ændres mellem en eksponeret konfiguration, i hvilken dyrkningsbrøndene (24) er tilgængelige og ikke dækket af det andet element (4) og en lukket konfiguration, i hvilken dyrkningsbrøndene (24) er dækket af det andet element (4).wherein the outer dimensions and the orientation of the rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ', 8' ', 8' '') of the first element (2) on one side and the inner dimensions and orientations of the compartments (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ', 28' '') of the other element (4), on the other hand, are adapted to each other such that the rod (s) of the first element (2) can be slid in and out of the space (s) of the second element (4) in a longitudinal direction (X), the accessibility to one or more of the cultivation wells (24) thereby may be changed between an exposed configuration in which the culture wells (24) are accessible and not covered by the second element (4) and a closed configuration in which the culture wells (24) are covered by the second element (4). 2. Anordning (100) ifølge krav 1, hvor en eller flere af stængerne (6, 6', 6'', 6''', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2) har en ydre udstrækning i længderetningen (X), inden for intervallerne: 4-30 cm, for eksempel 6-28 cm, for eksempel 8-26 cm, for eksempel 10 - 24 cm, såsom 12 - 22 cm, 14 - 20 cm eller 16 - 18 cm.Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ', 8' ', 8' '') of the first element ( 2) has an outer extension in the longitudinal direction (X), within the ranges: 4-30 cm, for example 6-28 cm, for example 8-26 cm, for example 10-24 cm, such as 12-22 cm, 14 - 20 cm or 16 - 18 cm. Anordning (100) ifølge krav 1 eller 2, hvor en eller flere af stængerne (6, 6', 6’6''', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2) har en ydre udstrækning i en tværgående retning (Y) inden for intervallerne: 0,5-20 mm, såsom 1-18 mm, såsom 2-17 mm, f.eks. 3-16 mm, f.eks. 4-15 mm, såsom 5-14 mm, for eksempel 6-13 mm, såsom 7-12 mm, for eksempel 8-11 eller 9-10 mm.Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the rods (6, 6 ', 6'6' '', 8, 8 ', 8' ', 8' '') of the first element (2) has an outer extension in a transverse direction (Y) within the ranges: 0.5-20 mm, such as 1-18 mm, such as 2-17 mm, e.g. 3-16 mm, e.g. 4-15 mm, such as 5-14 mm, for example 6-13 mm, such as 7-12 mm, for example 8-11 or 9-10 mm. Anordning(100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, hvor en eller flere af stængerne (6,6', 6’’, 6''',- 3, wherein one or more of the rods (6,6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2) har en ydre udstrækning i en retning (Z), som er vinkelret på længderetningen (X) og på den tværgående retning (Y), inden for intervallerne: 0,5 - 20 mm, såsom 1-18 mm, for eksempel 2-17 mm, for eksempel 3-16 mm, for eksempel 48, 8 ', 8' ', 8' '') of the first element (2) have an outer extension in a direction (Z) which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and to the transverse direction (Y), before for the intervals: 0.5 - 20 mm, such as 1-18 mm, for example 2-17 mm, for example 3-16 mm, for example 4 - 15 mm, såsom 5-14 mm, for eksempel 6-13 mm, såsom 7-12 mm, for eksempel 8-11 eller 9-10 mm.15 mm, such as 5-14 mm, for example 6-13 mm, such as 7-12 mm, for example 8-11 or 9-10 mm. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 4, hvor dyrkningsbrønden(e) (24), som er arrangeret mellem den første cylinder (10) og den anden cylinder (16) af stangen (6, 6', 6'', 6''', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2), har en udstrækning i længderetningen (X) inden for intervallerne: 1-20 mm, såsom 2 19 mm, for eksempel 3-18 mm, såsom 4-17 mm, for eksempel 5-16 mm, såsom 6-15 mm, for eksempel 7-14 mm, for eksempel 8-13 mm, 25 såsom 9-12 mm eller 10- 4, wherein the culture well (s) (24) arranged between the first cylinder (10) and the second cylinder (16) of the rod (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ') 8 '', 8 '' ') of the first element (2) has a longitudinal extension (X) within the ranges: 1-20 mm, such as 2 19 mm, for example 3-18 mm, such as 4- 17 mm, for example 5-16 mm, such as 6-15 mm, for example 7-14 mm, for example 8-13 mm, 25 such as 9-12 mm or 10 - 11 mm.- 11 mm. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 5, hvor antallet af stænger (6, 6', 6'', 6''', 8, 8',- 5, where the number of rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ', 8'', 8''') af det første element er to eller flere, og hvor hvert par af hosliggende stænger er arrangeret parallelt og adskilt fra hinanden med en afstand; og/eller hvor antallet af cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28 ', 28'', 28''') af det andet element er to eller flere, og hvor hvert par af hosliggende cylindriske rum er arrangeret parallelt.8 '', 8 '' ') of the first element are two or more and each pair of adjacent bars is arranged in parallel and spaced apart by a distance; and / or wherein the number of cylindrical spaces (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ', 28' '') of the second element is two or more, and each pair of adjacent cylindrical compartments are arranged in parallel. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 6, hvor der med hensyn til en eller flere stænger (6, 6', 6' ', 6''', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2) gælder, at den anden aksiale ende (14) af den første cylinder (10) er massiv og/eller, hvor den første aksiale ende (18) af den anden cylinder (16) er massiv.- 6, in the case of one or more rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ', 8' ', 8' '') of the first element (2), that the second axial end (14) of the first cylinder (10) is solid and / or where the first axial end (18) of the second cylinder (16) is solid. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 7, hvor der med hensyn til en eller flere stænger (6, 6', 6' ', 6''', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2) gælder, at den anden aksiale ende (14) af den første cylinder (10) omfatter et hulrum (34), der strækker sig i en længderetning (X); og/eller hvor den første aksiale ende (18) af den anden cylinder (16) omfatter et hulrum (34), der strækker sig i en længderetning (X).- 7, with respect to one or more rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ', 8' ', 8' '') of the first element (2), the second axial end (14) of the first cylinder (10) comprises a cavity (34) extending longitudinally (X); and / or wherein the first axial end (18) of the second cylinder (16) comprises a cavity (34) extending longitudinally (X). Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, hvor der med hensyn til en eller flere stænger (6, 6', 6' ', 6''', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2) gælder, at den første cylinder (10) og/eller den anden cylinder (16) uafhængigt af hinanden har en udstrækning i en længderetning (X) inden for intervallerne: 1 18 cm, såsom 2-17 cm, for eksempel 3-16 cm, såsom 4- 8, with respect to one or more rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ', 8' ', 8' '') of the first element (2), the first cylinder (10) and / or the second cylinder (16) independently of one another extending in a longitudinal direction (X) within the intervals: 1 18 cm, such as 2-17 cm, for example 3-16 cm, such as 4 - 15 cm, for eksempel 5-14 cm, såsom 6-13 cm, for eksempel 7-12 cm, for eksempel 8-11 cm eller 9-10 cm.- 15 cm, for example 5-14 cm, such as 6-13 cm, for example 7-12 cm, for example 8-11 cm or 9-10 cm. 10. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 9, hvor det de cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28''') af det andet element (4) har en indre udstrækning i en længderetning (X) inden for intervallerne: 4-30 cm, såsom 6-28 cm, for eksempel 8- 9, wherein the cylindrical compartments (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ', 28' '') of the second element (4) have an internal extension in a longitudinal direction (X) within the ranges: 4-30 cm, such as 6-28 cm, for example 8 - 26 cm, for eksempel 10 - 24 cm, såsom 12 - 22 cm, 14 20 cm eller 16 - 18 cm.26 cm, for example 10-24 cm, such as 12-22 cm, 14 20 cm or 16-18 cm. 11. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 10, hvor det eller de cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28''') af det andet element (4) har en indre udstrækning i en tværgående retning (Y) inden for intervallerne: 0,5 - 20 mm, såsom 1-18 mm, såsom 2-17 mm, for eksempel 3-16 mm, for eksempel 4 15 mm, såsom 5-14 mm, for eksempel 6-13 mm, såsom 7- 10, wherein the cylindrical compartment (s) (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ', 28' '') of the second element (4) has an internal extension in a transverse direction (Y) within the ranges: 0.5-20 mm, such as 1-18 mm, such as 2-17 mm, for example 3-16 mm, for example 4 15 mm, such as 5-14 mm, e.g. 6-13 mm, such as 7 - 12 mm, for eksempel 8-11 eller 9-10 mm.- 12 mm, for example 8-11 or 9-10 mm. 12. Anordning(100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 11, hvor det eller de cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28''') af det andet element (4) har en indre udstrækning i en retning (Z), som er vinkelret på længderetningen og på den tværgående retning inden for intervallerne: 0,5 - 20 mm, såsom 1-18 mm, såsom 2-17 mm, for eksempel 3-16 mm, for eksempel 4- 11, wherein the cylindrical compartment (s) (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ', 28' '') of the second element (4) has an internal extension a direction (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse direction within the intervals: 0.5 to 20 mm, such as 1-18 mm, such as 2-17 mm, for example 3-16 mm, for example 4 - 15 mm, såsom 5-14 mm, for eksempel 6-13 mm, såsom 7-12 mm, for eksempel 8-11 eller 9-10 mm.15 mm, such as 5-14 mm, for example 6-13 mm, such as 7-12 mm, for example 8-11 or 9-10 mm. 13. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 12, hvor der med hensyn til et eller flere af de cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28''- 12, wherein with respect to one or more of the cylindrical compartments (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ' 28''') af det andet element (4) gælder, at tykkelsen af materialet omkring det cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28'''), i en længdeposition deraf svarende til positionen af en tilsvarende dyrkningsbrønd i det første element i en situation, hvor dyrkningsbrønden (24) af det første element (2) er fuldstændigt omgivet af det andet element (4), er valgt inden for intervallerne: 0,2-5 mm, såsom 0,5-4 mm, såsom 1,0 - 3,5 mm, for eksempel 1,5 - 3,0 mm, såsom 2,0 - 2,5 mm.28 '' ') of the second element (4) applies that the thickness of the material around the cylindrical space (26, 26', 26 '', 26 '' ', 28, 28', 28 '', 28 '' ' ), in a longitudinal position thereof corresponding to the position of a corresponding culture well in the first element in a situation where the culture well (24) of the first element (2) is completely surrounded by the second element (4) is selected within the intervals: 0.2-5 mm, such as 0.5-4 mm, such as 1.0 - 3.5 mm, for example 1.5 - 3.0 mm, such as 2.0 - 2.5 mm. 14. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 13, hvor antallet af stænger (6, 6', 6'', 6''', 8, 8',- 13, where the number of rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ', 8'', 8''') i det første element (2) er 1 - 24, såsom 2 23, for eksempel 3 - 22, såsom 4 - 21, for eksempel 5 20, såsom 6 - 19, for eksempel 7 - 18, såsom 8 - 17, for eksempel 9 - 16, såsom 10 - 15, for eksempel 11 - 14 eller 12 - 13.8 '', 8 '' ') in the first element (2) are 1 - 24, such as 2 23, for example 3 - 22, such as 4 - 21, for example 5 20, such as 6 - 19, for example 7 - 18, such as 8 - 17, for example 9 - 16, such as 10 - 15, for example 11 - 14 or 12 - 13. 15. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 14, hvor det ydre tværsnit af stangen eller stængerne- 14, where the outer cross-section of the rod or rods (6, 6 (6, 6) ' , 6' ', 6' 1 ', 6'',6' 1 , 8, 8', , 8, 8 ', 8, 8 8''') af det første 8 '' ') of the first ele- ele- ment ment (2) svarer (2) answers til det indre to the interior tværsnit af hvert af cross section of each of det that eller or de cylindriske rum the cylindrical compartments (26, (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ' , 28 ', 28 ' ' , 28 '', 28 ' ' ' ) af 28 "") off det andet the other element (4). element (4).
16. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1 - 15, hvor det ydre tværsnit af stangen eller stængerne (6, 6' , 6' ' , 6''', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (4); og hvor det indre tværsnit af det eller de cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'',Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the outer cross-section of the rod or rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ', 8' ', 8 '' ') of the first element (4); and wherein the inner cross-section of the cylindrical compartment (s) (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ', 28''') af det andet element (4 ) i YZ-planet definerer en cirkel eller en polygon, såsom et rektangel, såsom en firkant eller en trekant, en femkant, en sekskant, en syvkant, en ottekant, en nikant eller en tikant.28 '' ') of the second element (4) of the YZ plane defines a circle or polygon, such as a rectangle, such as a square or a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a hexagon, an octagon, a rectangle or a decagon. 17. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 16, hvor stangen eller stængerne (6, 6', 6’’, 6''', 8,- 16, where the rod or rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2) er arrangeret i et første håndtag (36) ved en første aksial ende (12) af den første cylinder (10).8 ', 8' ', 8' '') of the first element (2) are arranged in a first handle (36) at a first axial end (12) of the first cylinder (10). 18. Anordning (100) ifølge krav 17, hvor det første håndtag (36) i nærheden af de enkelte positioner for en eller flere af stængerne (6, 6', 6'', 6''', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') omfatter en mærkning (38), såsom en alfanumerisk karakter til identifikation af den tilsvarende dyrkningsbrønd (24) .Apparatus (100) according to claim 17, wherein the first handle (36) is in the vicinity of the individual positions of one or more of the bars (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ', 8 '', 8 '' ') comprises a label (38), such as an alphanumeric character for identifying the corresponding culture well (24). 19. Anordning (100) ifølge krav 17, hvor det første håndtag (36) omfatter en plan overflade ved positionerne for den første aksiale ende (12) af de første cylindre (10).The device (100) of claim 17, wherein the first handle (36) comprises a flat surface at the positions of the first axial end (12) of the first cylinders (10). 20. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 19, hvor det eller de cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28''') af det andet element er arrangeret i et andet håndtag (40).19, wherein the cylindrical compartment (s) (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ', 28' '') of the second element is arranged in a second handle (40 ). 21. Anordning (100) ifølge krav 20, hvor det andet håndtag (40) i nærheden af de enkelte positioner for et eller flere af de cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28''') omfatter en mærkning (38), såsom en alfanumerisk karakter til identifikation af den tilsvarende dyrkningsbrønd.The device (100) of claim 20, wherein said second handle (40) is adjacent said individual positions for one or more of said cylindrical compartments (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ' , 28 '', 28 '' ') comprises a label (38), such as an alphanumeric character for identifying the corresponding culture well. 22. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 21, hvor der med hensyn til et eller flere af de cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'',- 21, with respect to one or more of the cylindrical compartments (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ', 28''') af det andet element (4) gælder, at det eller de cylindriske rum i det mindste delvist er arrangeret inden i et rør (42).28 '' ') of the second element (4), the cylindrical compartment (s) is at least partially arranged within a tube (42). 23. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 22, hvor stangen eller stængerne (6, 6', 6'', 6''', 8,- 22, where the rod or rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2) og/eller hvor materialet af det andet element (4), som omgiver de cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28'''), og/eller hvor det første håndtag (36) og/eller det andet håndtag (40) uafhængigt af hinanden er fremstillet af et polymermateriale, såsom polyethylen, polypropylen eller PTFE.8 ', 8' ', 8' '') of the first element (2) and / or wherein the material of the second element (4) surrounding the cylindrical compartments (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' ' ', 28, 28', 28 '', 28 '' ') and / or wherein the first handle (36) and / or the second handle (40) are made independently of a polymeric material such as polyethylene, polypropylene or PTFE. 24. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 23, hvor stangen eller stængerne (6, 6', 6'', 6''', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2) og/eller hvor materialet af det andet element (4), som omgiver de cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28'''), uafhængigt af hinanden er lavet af et transparent materiale.- 23, wherein the rod or rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8 ', 8' ', 8' '') of the first element (2) and / or wherein the material thereof second element (4) surrounding the cylindrical compartments (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28' ', 28' ''), made independently of a transparent material . 25. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 24, hvor det første element (2) omfatter et første sæt indgrebsmidler; og/eller hvor det andet element (4) omfatter et andet sæt indgrebsmidler, hvor det første sæt indgrebsmidler og det andet sæt indgrebsmidler er konfigureret til at kunne gå i udløselige indgreb med hinanden for derved at muliggøre fastgørelse af det første element til andet element.- 24, wherein the first element (2) comprises a first set of engagement means; and / or wherein the second element (4) comprises a second set of engaging means, wherein the first set of engaging means and the second set of engaging means are configured to be releasably engaged with each other thereby enabling attachment of the first element to the second element. 26. Anordning (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 25, hvor det første element (2) omfatter en eller flere forseglinger eller pakninger til at forsegle et mellemrum mellem stangen eller stængerne (6, 6', 6'', 6''',25, wherein the first element (2) comprises one or more seals or gaskets for sealing a gap between the rod or rods (6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 8, 8', 8'', 8''') af det første element (2) på den ene side og det eller cylindriske rum (26, 26', 26'', 26''', 28, 28', 28'', 28''') af det andet element (4) på den anden side.8, 8 ', 8' ', 8' '') of the first element (2) on one side and the or cylindrical space (26, 26 ', 26' ', 26' '', 28, 28 ', 28 '', 28 '' ') of the second element (4) on the other side. 27. Anordning (100) ifølge krav 26, hvor en eller flere forseglinger eller pakninger omfatter en O-ring, som er arrangeret omkring hver første cylinder (10) af det første element (2) nær den første aksiale ende (12) deraf.The device (100) of claim 26, wherein one or more seals or gaskets comprise an O-ring arranged around each first cylinder (10) of the first element (2) near the first axial end (12) thereof. 28. Anordning (100) ifølge krav 26, hvor en eller flere forseglinger eller pakninger omfatter en hærdelig forsegling, der er flydende eller flydningsbar i en ikkehærdet tilstand i fravær af luft og/eller fugt, og som er i stand til at hærde til et faststof ved eksponering i luft eller fugt; eller hvor den eller de forseglinger eller pakninger omfatter en hærdelig forsegling, der omfatter to eller flere flydende eller flydningsbare komponenter, som ved kontakt er i stand til at hærde til et faststof; eller hvor den eller de forseglinger eller pakninger omfatter en varmetorsegling i form af et faststof, som kan opvarmes til en væske eller et flydningsbart materiale, og som ved afkøling er i stand til at størkne.The device (100) of claim 26, wherein one or more seals or gaskets comprises a curable seal which is liquid or flowable in a non-cured state in the absence of air and / or moisture and capable of curing to a solid when exposed to air or moisture; or wherein the seal (s) or seal (s) comprises a curable seal comprising two or more liquid or flowable components capable of curing to a solid upon contact; or wherein the seal (s) or seals comprise a heat seal in the form of a solid which can be heated to a liquid or a flowable material and which, upon cooling, is capable of solidifying. 1/81.8
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