Patent Description:
Various incubators are known. For instance:.

It is also known for incubator trays to be hollow and for temperature-controlled fluid to circulate within the trays to maintain material supported on the trays at a constant temperature. Such trays are described in <CIT> "Temperature-controlled device and method suitable for spectroscopic analysis", <CIT> "A system for controlling laboratory sample temperature and a thermal tray for use in such system", <CIT> "Autonomous device with active temperature regulation", <CIT> "Automated incubation apparatus", <CIT> "Environmentally controlled unit", <CIT> "Blood incubator device", <CIT> "Tray apparatus for freeze-drying biologicals having a predetermined unit dosage", <CIT> "Microtiter plate", <CIT> "Thermostated cuvette set", <CIT> "Temperature regulating container", <CIT> "Apparatus for accurately heating and cooling articles", <CIT> "Thermal cycler for automatic performance of the polymerase chain reaction with close temperature control", <CIT> "Cold plate and method of making same", <CIT> "Rapid thermal cycle apparatus", <CIT> "Thermal cycler", <CIT> "Holder and method for cooling or heating samples", <CIT> "Device for carrying out chemical or biological reactions" and <CIT> "Methods and compositions for rapid thermal cycling". However, these prior art hollow trays have not been used within egg incubator chambers.

A drawback of known egg incubators is that the sides of the trays proximal the air inlet induces turbulence in air flowing over the trays, which turbulence results in small variations in the temperature of eggs supported on the trays.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an incubator that directs airflow from the air inlet away from the tray sides proximal the air inlet, thereby: to reduce air turbulence induced by such tray sides; and to address variance in temperature of eggs supported on the tray.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided an incubator that includes:.

Typically, the first tilting means is coupled to the second tilting means to synchronise tilting of the first deflectors with tilting of the first trays.

Preferably, each first deflector further defines a generally cuboid portion that extends from the first end of the first deflector towards a first tray with which the first deflector is associated.

Typically, the second tilting means includes a rocker to which the first deflectors are connected.

Generally, the air inlet is disposed centrally within the chamber, flanked on a first side by the first air outlet and on an opposite second side by a second air outlet. Alternatively, the air outlet may be disposed centrally within the chamber, flanked on a first side by the first air inlet and on an opposite second side by a second air inlet.

Preferably, the incubator further includes:.

Typically, the first, second, third and fourth means for tilting are, in use, operable to tilt the first trays, the first deflectors, the second trays and the second deflectors, respectively, by between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees on either side of the operative horizontal.

Generally, each second deflector is generally V-shaped, tapering:.

Preferably, each second deflector further defines a generally cuboid portion that extends from the first end of the second deflector towards a second tray with which the second deflector is associated.

Typically, the air inlet includes a plenum with: a first diffuser for introducing air into the chamber along the height and along the length of the stack of first trays; and a second diffuser for introducing air along the height and along the length of the stack of second trays.

Preferably, each of the first, second, third and fourth diffusers comprises a sheet defining a plurality of apertures.

Typically, the apertures defined by each of the third and fourth diffusers are larger than the apertures defined by the first and second diffusers.

Generally, in respect of each of the first, second, third and fourth diffusers, the apertures defined thereby increase in size from the operative upper end of the diffuser to the operative lower end of the diffuser.

Preferably, each of the first and second trays:.

Typically, the incubator further includes means for reticulating fluid within the first and second trays, in use, to control temperature of the first and second trays.

Generally, the incubator further includes:.

Preferably: the interior of each of the first trays is in fluid communication with the interior of each of the other first trays; and the interior of each of the second trays is in fluid communication with the interior of each of the other second trays.

Typically: the stack of first trays are supported on a first trolley; and the stack of second trays are supported on a second trolley.

Generally, the first deflector is disposed:.

Preferably, the apertures defined by each of the first, second, third and fourth diffusers are octagonal in shape.

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

With reference to <FIG> of the drawings, an incubator <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> defining a chamber <NUM>, an air inlet <NUM> for introducing air into the chamber <NUM>, first and second air outlets <NUM> and <NUM> for extracting air from the chamber <NUM>, a stack of first trays <NUM>, a stack of second trays <NUM>, and first and second deflectors <NUM> and <NUM> for dividing the airflow emanating from the air inlet <NUM> into streams of airflow directed over the first and second trays <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

The housing <NUM> is generally cuboid, defining a cuboid internal chamber <NUM>. A pair of doors or shutters <NUM> are associated with housing <NUM> access openings, regulating access to the chamber <NUM> from outside the housing <NUM>, and containing air within the chamber <NUM>.

The inlet <NUM> is located centrally within the chamber <NUM>. Preferably, the inlet <NUM> extends across the chamber (from operative front to back and from operative top to bottom of the chamber <NUM>), dividing the chamber <NUM> into two equisized sub-chambers 14a and 14b. The first outlet <NUM> extends along a first side wall of the housing <NUM> (from operative front to back and from operative top to bottom of the chamber <NUM>); and the second outlet <NUM> extends along a second side wall of the housing <NUM> (opposite the first side wall of the housing <NUM>, and extending from operatively front to back and from operative top to bottom of the chamber <NUM>). Both the first and the second outlets <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced from the inlet <NUM>, defining the sub-chambers 14a and 14b there between.

The inlet <NUM> comprises a plenum defined between a first diffuser <NUM> adjacent sub-chamber 14a and a second diffuser <NUM> adjacent sub-chamber 14b. The first outlet <NUM> similarly comprises a plenum defined between the first side wall of the housing <NUM> and a third diffuser <NUM> adjacent sub-chamber 14a. Furthermore, the second outlet <NUM> similarly comprises a plenum defined between the opposed side wall of the housing <NUM> and a fourth diffuser <NUM> adjacent sub-chamber 14b.

Each of the first, second, third and fourth diffusers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> define apertures that permit airflow through the diffuser upon pressurisation / depressurisation of the air within the associated plenum. Preferably, but not shown, the apertures defined by each diffuser <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is octagonal in shape. Optionally (but now shown), the apertures defined by each of the first, second, third and fourth diffusers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> increase in size from the operative upper end of the diffuser to the operative lower end of the diffuser. Further optionally (but not shown), the apertures defined by the third and fourth diffusers <NUM> and <NUM> are larger than the corresponding apertures defined by the first and second diffusers <NUM> and <NUM>. The Figures show the first, second, third and fourth diffusers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> extending along parallel planes. Varying the size and spacing of the apertures defined by each of the first to fourth diffusers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, facilitates equalisation of airflow across the area of each diffuser (via the apertures defined thereby), and consequently equalises airflow over each tray <NUM> and <NUM>.

A secondary heating / cooling means <NUM> regulates temperature of air within the air inlet <NUM> - either heating or cooling such air.

Each of the stacks of first and second trays <NUM> and <NUM> comprises a stack of vertically spaced trays <NUM> or <NUM>, wherein each tray <NUM> or <NUM> comprises a generally planar surface defining receptacles <NUM> (shown as square (but preferably, circular) apertures defined by the trays <NUM> and <NUM>) for supporting eggs <NUM> on the trays <NUM> and <NUM>. The Figures show the first and second trays <NUM> and <NUM> supported on first and second trolleys <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

An alternative embodiment of the tray <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The tray <NUM> is hollow with inlets and outlets <NUM>, and a fluid reticulation means (not shown) circulates fluid within the tray <NUM> / between each stack of trays (i.e. when the interior of each tray <NUM> within a stack is in fluid communication with the interior of each of the other trays <NUM> in the stack). Receptacles <NUM> are sized and shaped to receive eggs therein. Further optionally, the fluid reticulation means could include primary heating / cooling means (not shown) to regulate the temperature of the first and second trays <NUM> by heating / cooling fluid reticulated within the trays <NUM>. Temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentration sensors (not shown) could also incorporated in the tray <NUM>. Preferably, a temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentration sensor is associated with each receptacle <NUM>, in use to monitor the temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentration (i.e. egg shell temperature and conditions) of each egg supported in the tray <NUM> receptacles <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, the first trolley <NUM> includes a first tilting means <NUM> for tilting the first trays <NUM> supported thereon on a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of operative airflow from the air inlet <NUM> to the first air outlet <NUM> by between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees (shown as α) on either side of the horizontal.

Similarly, the second trolley <NUM> includes a third tilting means <NUM> for tilting the second trays <NUM> supported thereon on a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of operative airflow from the air inlet <NUM> to the second air outlet <NUM> by between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees (shown as α) on either side of the horizontal.

Each trolley <NUM> and <NUM> typically: includes a handle to facilitate pushing / pulling the trolley; and an electrical connector (preferably, on the handle) to electrically connect the trolley to an electrical cable in order to supply the trolley with electrical power and/or to facilitate data transmission.

In use, the first trolley <NUM> with first trays <NUM> supported thereon is disposed within sub-chamber 14a (between the air inlet <NUM> and the first air outlet <NUM>), whereas the second trolley <NUM> with second trays <NUM> supported thereon is disposed within sub-chamber 14b (between the air inlet <NUM> and the second air outlet <NUM>).

The first deflectors <NUM> are arranged in a stack, operatively spaced from each other, and aligned with the stack of first trays <NUM>. Similarly, the second deflectors <NUM> are arranged in a stack, operatively spaced from each other, and aligned with the stack of second trays <NUM>.

The first deflectors <NUM> are disposed between the first trays <NUM> and the air inlet <NUM>. Each first deflector <NUM> includes a generally V-shaped portion that tapers: from a first end proximal a first tray <NUM> with which the first deflector <NUM> is associated; to the air inlet <NUM>. The first end of each first deflector <NUM> is sized and shaped to correspond to the inlet-facing side of the associated first tray <NUM>. The Figures further show a generally cuboid portion extending from the first end of each first deflector <NUM> towards the first tray <NUM> with which the first deflector <NUM> is associated. Similarly, the second deflectors <NUM> are disposed between the second trays <NUM> and the air inlet <NUM>. Each second deflector <NUM> includes a generally V-shaped portion that tapers: from a first end proximal a second tray <NUM> with which the second deflector <NUM> is associated; to the air inlet <NUM>. The first end of each second deflector <NUM> is sized and shaped to correspond to the inlet-facing side of the associated second tray <NUM>. The Figures further show a generally cuboid portion extending from the first end of each second deflector <NUM> towards the second tray <NUM> with which the second deflector <NUM> is associated.

Although the Figures show: the first deflectors <NUM> disposed between the first diffuser <NUM> and the first trays <NUM>; and the second deflectors <NUM> disposed between the second diffuser <NUM> and the second trays <NUM>, it will be appreciated that alternatively: the first deflectors <NUM> may be disposed upstream of the first diffuser <NUM> (i.e. between the first and second diffusers <NUM> and <NUM>, but proximate the first diffuser <NUM>); and the second deflectors <NUM> may be disposed upstream of the second diffuser <NUM> (i.e. between the first and second diffusers <NUM> and <NUM>, but proximate the second diffuser <NUM>). The essence is that the first and second deflectors <NUM> and <NUM> are each operatively upstream the first and second trays <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In an alternate embodiment of the invention (not shown), the first and second deflectors <NUM> and <NUM> could further alternatively comprise flat rectangular tiltable slats that are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the inlet-facing side of the associated first and second trays <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, which slats merely cover the octagonal apertures defined by the first and second diffusers <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first deflectors <NUM> include a second tilting means <NUM> for tilting the first deflectors <NUM> on a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of operative airflow from the air inlet <NUM> to the first air outlet <NUM> by between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees (shown as α) on either side of the horizontal to maintain alignment of the first deflectors <NUM> and the first trays <NUM>. Further preferably, the first tilting means <NUM> that tilts the first trays <NUM> is coupled to the third tilting means <NUM> that tilts the first deflectors <NUM> to synchronise tilting of the first deflectors <NUM> with tilting of the first trays <NUM>.

Similarly, the second deflectors <NUM> include a fourth tilting means <NUM> for tilting the second deflectors <NUM> on a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of operative airflow from the air inlet <NUM> to the second air outlet <NUM> by between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees (shown as α) on either side of the horizontal to maintain alignment of the second deflectors <NUM> and the second trays <NUM>. Preferably, the third tilting means <NUM> that tilts the second trays <NUM> is coupled to the fourth tilting means <NUM> that tilts the second deflectors <NUM> to synchronise tilting of the second deflectors <NUM> with tilting of the second trays <NUM>.

A rocker <NUM> associated with each of the first and second stacks of deflectors <NUM> and <NUM> effects tilting of the deflectors <NUM> and <NUM>. Although the Figures show the rocker <NUM> secured to the inlet <NUM> (or housing <NUM>), it will be appreciated that the rockers <NUM> (and associated stacks of first and second deflectors <NUM> and <NUM>) could alternatively be mounted to the trays <NUM> or <NUM> (or trolleys <NUM> and <NUM>), respectively. The position of the deflectors <NUM> and <NUM> operatively upstream of the associated trays <NUM> and <NUM> is important; not the structure to which the deflectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mounted.

A conduit <NUM> extends: from the first air outlet <NUM> and the second air outlet <NUM> on the one hand; to the air inlet <NUM> on the other hand. Typically, a pump (i.e. a fan) (not shown) is disposed within the conduit <NUM> to circulate air: from the first and second air outlets <NUM> and <NUM>; to the air inlet <NUM>; and via the chamber <NUM> (between the stacks of trays <NUM> and <NUM>) back to the first and second air outlets <NUM> and <NUM>. A filter (not shown) may also be disposed within the conduit <NUM> to filter solid particles from air conducted along the conduit <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the addition of the stacks of first and second deflectors <NUM> and <NUM> reduces air turbulence over the first and second trays <NUM> and <NUM> which, in turn, facilitates maintenance of uniform temperature across each of the eggs <NUM> supported on the first and second trays <NUM> and <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An incubator (<NUM>) including:
a housing (<NUM>) defining a chamber (<NUM>);
an air inlet <NUM> for introducing air into the chamber;
a first air outlet (<NUM>) for discharging air from the chamber, the first air outlet being spaced from the air inlet;
a stack of operatively vertically spaced first trays (<NUM>) disposed within the chamber, between the air inlet and the first air outlet; and
a first means (<NUM>) for tilting the stack of first trays on a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of operative airflow from the air inlet to the first air outlet;
a stack of operatively vertically spaced first deflectors (<NUM>) are disposed operatively upstream of the first trays for, in use, dividing the airflow from the air inlet to the first air outlet into streams of airflow directed over the first trays; and
the incubator further includes a second means (<NUM>) for tilting the first deflectors on a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of operative airflow from the air inlet to the first air outlet, in use to align the first deflectors with the first trays;
characterised in that:
each first deflector is generally V-shaped, tapering:
from a first end proximal a first tray with which the first deflector is associated, which first end of the taper is sized and shaped to correspond to the inlet-facing side of the associated first tray;
towards the air inlet.