Patent Description:
Conventional microscopes comprise a microscope stand which holds all microscope components, in particular a microscope stage for arranging a sample thereon. The open nature of the conventional microscope allows easy access to all its components as well as the sample. However, due to the open nature of the conventional microscope, the samples are exposed to the environment. Therefore, conventional microscopes typically do not provide a sterile or a semi-sterile environment for the sample. Likewise, conventional microscopes typically do not provide an incubation environment.

There exist solutions that allow a sample to be examined with a conventional microscope under an incubated atmosphere. Most notably are stage top incubators, i.e. sample carriers that provide an incubated atmosphere themselves, and cage incubators, i.e. tent-like structures that are arranged around the microscope. However, these solutions typically require manual handling of the samples. They are therefore unsuited for experiments that require a large number of samples to be examined in quick succession, i.e. experiments that require a high throughput.

<CIT> discloses a cell culture incubator having an internal chamber that includes an imaging system and a storage location. The imaging system has an imaging device and an imaging location. To move samples from the storage location to the imaging location, the cell culture incubator further comprises a transfer device.

<CIT> discloses a cell culture apparatus having a temperature-controlled room, a sample table, and a stocker. The cell culture apparatus further comprises a vessel carrying device for carrying a culture vessel between the stocker and the sample table.

<CIT> discloses a climate chamber for microscopes. The climate chamber is configured to create a uniform flow.

It is therefore an object to provide a microscope that allows to perform experiments requiring an incubation and/or (semi) sterile environment with a high throughput and long walk-away times.

The aforementioned object is achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description.

The sample carrier may for example be a microscope slide, a petri dish or a multiwell plate configured to receive multiple samples. The sample carrier handling device moves the sample carrier from its storing position to the examination position and back. The sample carrier itself is received in the enclosed environment of the sample chamber in its storing position and in its examination position. Thereby, a sample or samples received in the sample carrier can be observed over a long period of time without the need for human interaction and without removing the sample carrier from the enclosed environment of the sample chamber. The enclosed environment of the sample chamber can easily be made into a sterile or semi sterile environment and can even be used to provide an incubation atmosphere if the experiment demands it. If more than one sample storing position is provided, multiple sample carriers can be kept inside the sample chamber and examined individually without the need for manually repositioning the sample carriers. Thus, by providing both storing space for sample carriers and the sample carrier handling device inside the sample chamber, the proposed microscope allows to perform experiments requiring an incubation and/or (semi) sterile environment with a high throughput and long walk-away times.

In another preferred embodiment, the sample carrier storing unit comprises at least one shelf-like structure defining the at least one storing position for receiving the sample carrier. In particular, the shelf-like structure comprises a frame or rack defining one or more storing positions. The shelf-like structure is a space saving way to provide one or more storing positions for sample carriers.

In another preferred embodiment, the sample carrier storing unit comprises a carousel defining at least two storing positions for receiving the sample carrier; and wherein the carousel is configured to rotate around an axis perpendicular to the top surface of the microscope stage. In particular, the carousel can be rotated to bring one sample carrier received on the carousel into a transfer position in which the sample carrier can be transferred from the carousel to the sample carrier handling device. The carousel acts as a revolver for quickly providing the sample carrier handling device with sample carriers to move to the examining position. Thereby, the microscope allows for the examination of multiple sample carriers in quick succession.

In another preferred embodiment, the sample carrier storing unit is removably arranged within the sample chamber. Thereby, the sample carrier storing unit can be filled with sample carriers outside the sample chamber. Likewise, the sample carriers can be removed from the sample carrier storing outside the sample chamber. Handling the sample carriers outside the tight confinement of the sample chamber is much more convenient. Further, this allows one or more experiments to be prepared in advance and then be loaded into the sample chamber by means of the removable sample carrier storing unit. Thereby, the versatility of the microscope is further increased.

In another preferred embodiment, the sample carrier storing unit is made from an antimicrobial material. In particular, the antimicrobial material may be copper. This prevents accidental contamination of the sample chamber and/or the sample carriers.

In another preferred embodiment, the sample carrier handling device comprises an arm that is arranged inside the sample chamber and that is configured to engage and disengage with the at least one sample carrier in order to move the sample carrier. The arm is a flexible mechanism for handling the sample carrier. In particular, the arm can be designed such that a number of different sample carriers of various sizes and shapes can be engaged with. Thereby a number of different formfactors of sample carriers can used with the proposed microscope.

In another preferred embodiment, the arm comprises a gripper configured to hold the at least one sample carrier. In this embodiment, the sample carrier can be securely attached to the arm. This prevents loss of the sample carrier inside the sample chamber, which would require the user to retrieve the sample carrier and thereby interrupt the experiment.

In another preferred embodiment, the arm is movable along a direction perpendicular to a top surface of the microscope stage on which the sample carrier is to be arranged. In other words, the arm can be moved vertically. Thereby, the sample carrier can be lifted off the microscope stage without the risk of toppling the sample carrier which would disrupting the experiment.

In another preferred embodiment, the arm is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the top surface of the microscope stage and/or rotatable around at least one axis parallel to the top surface of the microscope stage. This allows for a much finer articulation of the arm and thus a more precise handling of the sample carrier.

In another preferred embodiment, the sample chamber is an incubated sample chamber containing an incubation atmosphere and/or a sterile sample chamber containing a sterile atmosphere. The shielded environment of the sample chamber can be used to provide an incubation atmosphere for incubating the sample. This allows for example for the long time observation of cell cultures without the need of an external incubator. When an external incubator is used, the sample has to be moved through a potentially non-favorable environment such as a laboratory environment. This not only stresses the sample but takes additional time as well. Further, the shielded environment of the sample chamber can be used to provide a sterile or at least semi-sterile atmosphere. In this embodiment, even samples that are extremely sensitive to contamination can be manipulated with the microscope.

The microscope comprises a first fan assembly configured to blow atmosphere into the sample chamber through at least one first opening of the sample chamber, and a second fan assembly configured to drain atmosphere from the sample chamber through at least one second opening of the sample chamber. This provides a directed flow of atmosphere in the sample chamber. This flow can entrain any particles, like dust, dirt, and germs, entering the sample chamber and transport them to an exit opening. This allows for a sterile or semi-sterile work environment inside the sample chamber. Further, in case of an incubated sample chamber, it is possible to recycle incubation atmosphere. Incubation atmosphere drained out of the sample chamber may be recycled and blown back into the sample chamber. A part of the incubation atmosphere may be refreshed or replenished. This saves incubation atmosphere volume and energy after opening and closing of the door of the sample chamber.

In another preferred embodiment, the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening are arranged on opposite sides of the sample chamber, in particular a top side and a bottom side of the sample chamber. In this embodiment, a laminar flow of the atmosphere inside the sample chamber may be created.

The first fan assembly, the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening are configured to generate a laminar flow inside the sample chamber. The laminar flow acts like a shield or curtain preventing atmosphere from escaping the sample chamber and preventing external atmosphere from entering the sample chamber.

In another preferred embodiment the microscope comprises a box-type microscope housing defining the sample chamber, the housing having a door for providing access to the sample chamber. Box-type microscopes comprise a housing in which all the microscopes components are arranged. The housing typically comprises one or more openings for accessing the inside of the microscope. Due to the enclosed or even sealed nature of the housing, box-type microscopes are especially suited for precisely controlling the environment of the samples, for example by a climate control unit. In this embodiment, the sample chamber is located inside the box-type microscope housing. This means, that the environment of the sample chamber can be precisely controlled.

In another preferred embodiment, the housing has a second door for providing access to the sample carrier storing unit. The second door can for example be used to load or unload the sample carrier storing unit. The second door can also be used to remove the sample carrier storing unit from the sample chamber.

Since the second door provides access only to a small portion of the sample chamber, the second door can be made much smaller than the first door. Thus, by providing a smaller second door a user can access the sample carrier handling device without disturbing the environment of the sample chamber which would interrupt running experiments and/or require the environment to be restored before further experiments can be started. Thus, making the microscope more efficient.

In another preferred embodiment, the box-type microscope housing defines a component space below the microscope stage, the component space including a plurality of microscope components. The component space may include a power source of the microscope, an optical imaging system, an illumination system, filters, an environmental control unit, or an incubation control unit.

In another preferred embodiment the microscope comprises a stage drive configured to laterally move the microscope stage in a plane which is parallel to the top surface of the microscope stage. Preferably, the microscope is an X-Y-table. This allows for example to select an individual cavity of a multiwell plate or selecting a specific region of interest of a single sample for observation.

In another preferred embodiment the microscope comprises a sample carrier identification unit configured to identify the sample carrier. The sample carrier identification unit can be used to uniquely identify the sample carrier, and thus the sample or sample contained therein. Thereby, multiple sample carrier can be automatically examined and/or manipulated one after the other. This further enhances the walk-away time of the microscope.

In another preferred embodiment, the sample carrier identification unit comprises a camera, barcode reader and/or RFID-reader. The camera can be used to uniquely identify the sample carrier based on a tag such as a barcode or a QR code, or based on a handwritten label. The barcode reader can be used to uniquely identify the sample carrier based on a barcode. The RFID-reader can be used to uniquely identify the sample carrier based on an RFID-tag.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a microscope <NUM> according to an embodiment not covered by the subject-matter of the claims. The microscope <NUM> is exemplary formed as a box-type microscope.

The box-type microscope <NUM> shown in <FIG> is completely enclosed inside a microscope housing <NUM>. In particular, the microscope housing <NUM> forms a sample chamber <NUM> configured to receive a sample carrier <NUM> in which one or more samples are arranged. By enclosing the sample carrier <NUM> inside the microscope housing <NUM>, a precise control over the sample's environment is possible, for example via an incubation control unit <NUM> (c. <FIG> and <FIG>) for controlling temperature, humidity and gas composition of the sample chamber <NUM>. The enclosed samples are also shielded against the environment, and thus both the sample and the environment are protected against accidental contamination. Further, the sample chamber <NUM> can easily be made into an incubation chamber and/or a sterile environment, if an experiments demands it.

The sample carrier <NUM> is positioned atop a microscope stage <NUM> that is arranged below the sample chamber <NUM>. The microscope stage <NUM> defines an examining position <NUM> (c. <FIG>) of the sample carrier <NUM> in which the sample carrier <NUM> can be microscopically examined. The microscope stage <NUM> is movable along two orthogonal directions, i.e. the microscope stage <NUM> is a so called X-Y-table. Thus, moving the microscope stage <NUM> allows for example for selecting an individual cavity or well of the sample carrier <NUM> or selecting a specific region of interest of a single sample for observation.

The microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> is exemplary formed as a transmitted light microscope <NUM>. Imaging optics <NUM> for imaging the samples are exemplary arranged below the microscope stage <NUM>, in particular below the examining position <NUM>, in a component space <NUM> and an illumination system <NUM> for illuminating the samples is arranged above the microscope stage <NUM> inside the sample chamber <NUM>. The optical axis of the Imaging optics <NUM> and the optical axis of the illumination system <NUM> are aligned. Thereby, illumination light emitted by the illumination system <NUM> passes through the samples before entering the Imaging optics <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the positions of the Imaging optics <NUM> and the illumination system <NUM> may be reversed. In another alternative embodiment, both the imaging system and the illumination system <NUM> are arranged on the same side of the microscope stage <NUM>. Additional components such as a power source or various filters may be arranged in the component space <NUM>.

A sample carrier storing unit <NUM> is arranged on the left side of the microscope stage <NUM> in <FIG> and within the sample chamber <NUM>. The sample carrier storing unit <NUM> defines one or more storing positions <NUM> for receiving sample carriers <NUM>. The sample carriers <NUM> stored in the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> are enclosed by the sample chamber <NUM>, and thus, the samples' environment can be precisely controlled. Thereby, the sample chamber <NUM> may be used as an incubation chamber for incubating the samples stored in the sample carrier storing unit <NUM>. Storing the sample carriers <NUM> inside the incubated and/or (semi) sterile sample chamber <NUM> eliminates the need for transferring the sample carriers <NUM> through a non-sterile and/or non-incubated environment such as a laboratory environment.

In order to move the sample carrier <NUM> between the examining position <NUM> and one of the storing positions <NUM> defined by the sample carrier storing unit <NUM>, the microscope <NUM> comprises a sample carrier handling device <NUM>. The sample carrier handling device <NUM> exemplary comprises a base <NUM> that is arranged between the microscope stage <NUM> and the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> inside the sample chamber <NUM>, and an arm <NUM> that is connected to the base. In the embodiment according to <FIG>, the arm <NUM> comprises a gripper <NUM> for engaging with the sample carrier <NUM>. The arm <NUM> can be rotated around the base <NUM> and moved along a vertical axis. Additional components of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> such as one or more motors for moving the arm <NUM> and the gripper <NUM>, and a control unit for controlling the arm <NUM> may be arranged in the component space <NUM> below the sample chamber <NUM>. The sample carrier handling device <NUM> will be described in more detail in the following with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a microscope <NUM> according to another embodiment not covered by the subject-matter of the claims;.

The microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> is distinguished from the microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> in having two doors.

A first door <NUM> is located at a front side of the microscope <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the first door <NUM> extends over a long side of the sample chamber <NUM>, and thus provides easy access to the whole sample chamber <NUM>. A second door <NUM> is located the right of the sample chamber <NUM> in <FIG> and may be used to manually or automatically position the sample carrier <NUM> on the examining position <NUM>. The second door <NUM> is smaller than the first door <NUM>. Therefore, opening the second door <NUM> does not disturb the atmosphere inside the sample chamber <NUM> as much as opening the first door <NUM> would. Thus, the second door <NUM> provides means of loading the sample carrier <NUM> into the microscope <NUM> without disturbing the incubation and/or (semi) sterile atmosphere inside the sample chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of the sample chamber <NUM> of the microscope <NUM>, <NUM> according to <FIG> or <FIG>. In <FIG>, the arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> is rotated away from the sample carrier <NUM> in a resting position. The position of the storing position <NUM> defined by the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> is indicated in <FIG> as a dashed rectangle.

The sample carrier <NUM> is exemplary formed as a multi well plate having <NUM> wells arranged in <NUM> rows and <NUM> columns. The rows are labelled A to D and the columns are labelled <NUM> to <NUM> in order to uniquely identify each well. In <FIG> the lid is arranged atop the sample carrier <NUM>.

The arm <NUM> can be rotated around the vertical axis which extends from the image plane in <FIG>. This is shown in <FIG> by a first double-headed arrow P1. The arm <NUM> is rotated by either rotating the base <NUM> to which the arm <NUM> is attached or by rotating the arm <NUM> around the base. The arm <NUM> can further be moved along the vertical axis which is shown in <FIG> by a second double-headed arrow P2.

As can be seen <FIG>, the arm <NUM> comprises an arm joint <NUM> around which the gripper <NUM> can be rotated. This provides the arm <NUM> with articulation for a finer control. The gripper <NUM> comprises two L-shaped gripper arms <NUM> each having a gripping portion <NUM> that can engage the sample carrier <NUM> from opposite sides and thereby securely grab and hold the sample carrier <NUM>. The process of grabbing the sample carrier <NUM> is described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is another top view of the sample chamber <NUM> of the microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> or <FIG>. In <FIG>, the arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> is rotating from is resting position towards the examining position <NUM> such that it can engage with the sample carrier <NUM>.

<FIG> is another top view of the sample chamber <NUM> of the microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> or <FIG>. In <FIG>, the arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> is in a sample carrier <NUM> grabbing position in which the arm <NUM> can engage with the sample carrier <NUM> currently in the examining position <NUM>.

The gripping portions <NUM> of the gripper arms <NUM> are moved towards each other in order to grab the sample carrier <NUM>. In a next step, the sample carrier <NUM> is lifted upwards off the examining position <NUM> in order to move the sample carrier <NUM> into one of the storing positions <NUM>.

<FIG> is another top view of the sample chamber <NUM> of the microscope <NUM> according to <FIG>. In <FIG>, the examining position <NUM> atop the imaging optics <NUM> is indicated by a dashed rectangle.

The arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> holding the sample carrier <NUM> is rotated such that the sample carrier <NUM> is in one of the storing positions <NUM>. In a next step, the gripping portions <NUM> of the gripper arms <NUM> are moved away from each other in order to disengage from the sample carrier <NUM>. The arm <NUM> can then be moved into its resting position or towards another storing position <NUM> in order to move another sample carrier <NUM> into the examining position <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the sample chamber <NUM> of the microscope <NUM> according to an embodiment not covered by the subject-matter of the claims.

In this embodiment the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> is exemplary formed as a shelf-like structure defining three storing positions <NUM>. The shelf-like structure <NUM> comprises a frame that forms three shelves for storing sample carriers <NUM>. Each shelves defines one of the three storing positions <NUM>.

In order to reach each of the three shelves, the arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> can be moved along the vertical axis in a range that extends along the full height of the shelf-like structure <NUM>. The arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> comprises an arm driver <NUM> that wraps around the base. The arm driver <NUM> comprises a first motor that engages with a rail <NUM> of the base <NUM> in order to move the arm <NUM> along the vertical axis. The arm driver <NUM> further comprises a second motor configured to rotate the arm driver <NUM>, and thereby the whole arm <NUM>, around the base. A cable <NUM> connects the arm driver <NUM> to the component space <NUM> below the sample chamber <NUM>. The cable <NUM> comprises electric and control lines in order to provide the two motors of arm driver <NUM> as well as actuators of the arm joint <NUM> and the gripper <NUM> with electric power and control signals.

<FIG> is a top view of the sample chamber <NUM> of a microscope <NUM> according to another embodiment not covered by the subject-matter of the claims.

In this embodiment the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> is exemplary formed as a carousel <NUM> defining four or more storing positions <NUM>. The carousel <NUM> comprises a carousel body <NUM> and a carousel driver <NUM> that is configured to rotate the carousel body <NUM> around a second vertical axis. The second is distinct from the first vertical axis around which the arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> can be rotated. In <FIG>, the carousel body <NUM> defines four storing positions <NUM> for receiving a sample carrier <NUM>. It is possible to arrange one or more shelf-like structures <NUM>, such as the shelf-like structure <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>, atop the carousel body <NUM> in order to increase the number of storing positions <NUM>.

By rotating the carousel body <NUM>, one of the sample carriers <NUM> stored in the carousel <NUM> can be brought into a transfer position <NUM> at a time. In the transfer position <NUM> the sample carrier handling device <NUM> can engage with the sample carrier <NUM> in order to move the sample carrier <NUM> to the examining position <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of the microscope <NUM> according to an embodiment having means for controlling the atmosphere inside the sample chamber <NUM>.

A front door <NUM> for accessing the sample chamber <NUM> is arranged on the right side of the sample chamber <NUM> in <FIG>. Other or additional doors may be provided as desired.

A first fan assembly <NUM> comprising two fans is arranged on an upper side of the sample chamber <NUM> for blowing atmosphere into the sample chamber <NUM> through a first opening <NUM> of the sample chamber <NUM>. The opening is formed to receive a filter system which may be a filter <NUM> extending through the entire opening. It is, however, also possible to provide single openings for each of the fans of the first fan assembly <NUM>, and to optionally arrange filters in each of these openings. A plurality of second openings <NUM> (c. <FIG>) are arranged on lower side of the sample chamber <NUM> for allowing atmosphere from inside the sample chamber <NUM> to exit the sample chamber <NUM> (also called "exit openings").

When the first fan assembly <NUM> is activated, a directed flow of atmosphere from the upper side of the sample chamber <NUM> down to the exit openings <NUM> in the lower side wall is generated. Atmosphere escaping from the interior of the sample chamber <NUM> on its lower side passes through the interior of the microscope housing <NUM> and is sucked in by the first fan assembly <NUM> and again blown into the sample chamber <NUM>. Thus, a steady flow of atmosphere is created that is indicated in <FIG> by a set of black arrows P3. The directed flow of atmosphere is a laminar flow.

The microscope <NUM> further comprises a second fan assembly <NUM> arranged on the lower side of the sample chamber <NUM>. The second fan assembly <NUM> includes one single fan for sucking in atmosphere flowing through at least one second opening <NUM>. Thus, the second fan assembly <NUM> supports circulation of atmosphere through the inside of the microscope housing <NUM> and through the inside of the sample chamber <NUM>.

A second filter system <NUM> is arranged at the second opening <NUM> or leak of the microscope housing <NUM>. Such an opening/leak may allow fresh air from outside the microscope <NUM> to be conducted into the inside of the microscope housing <NUM>. Such air is filtered by the second filter system <NUM> and sucked into the second fan assembly <NUM> as shown by a single white arrow P4.

The microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> further comprises an incubation control unit <NUM> for controlling and adjusting parameters of the incubation atmosphere circulating between the interior of the sample chamber <NUM> and the outside of the sample chamber <NUM> within the microscope housing <NUM> as indicated by the set of black arrows P3.

Suitable incubation atmospheres comprise air with a predefined content of H<NUM>O (relative humidity) and a predefined content of CO<NUM> (carbon dioxide). It is also desirable to conduct hypoxia experiments with a deficiency of oxygen in the atmosphere. Typically, the temperature of the incubation atmosphere can be set in a range between the ambient temperature and up to <NUM>° C, the CO<NUM>-range is typically set between <NUM> to <NUM>%, and the O<NUM>-range is between <NUM> to <NUM>%. The humidity must be balanced to ensure that potential condensation is avoided or at least does not harm neither the microscope <NUM> components nor the sample itself. It is preferred to control at least the temperature, the humidity and the CO<NUM>-content on its own. In hypoxia experiments, the O<NUM>-content is controlled by introduction of N<NUM> (nitrogen). These parameters of the incubation atmosphere can be controlled and adjusted by the incubation control unit. In order to control the above parameters, it is preferred to arrange corresponding sensors in the sample chamber <NUM> and/or inside the microscope housing <NUM> and/or at the microscope stage <NUM>, preferably close to the sample.

A control unit may be used to regulate the power of the second fan assembly <NUM> in order to control its suction pressure. The control unit may be connected to the incubation control unit for best results in this regard.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of the microscope <NUM> according to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the distribution of the second (exit) openings <NUM> along two edges of the lower side of the sample chamber <NUM>. The laminar flow acts as a shield or curtain around one side of the microscope stage <NUM>. This shield/curtain of atmosphere prevents intrusion of particles including germs into the sample chamber <NUM>, particularly onto the sample itself, and simultaneously prevents atmosphere from inside the sample chamber <NUM> to escape from the same and atmosphere from outside the sample chamber <NUM> to invade the sample chamber <NUM>.

When a user moves their arm <NUM> into the sample chamber <NUM> via the door <NUM> the laminar flow is only interrupted in a small region around the user's arm <NUM> such that the remaining flow of atmosphere still acts as a protective shield. Further, any contamination brought in by the user's arm <NUM> can be entrained by the flow of atmosphere and transported to the exit openings in the lower side wall of the sample chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method for examining a sample with the microscope <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> detailed above.

In step S1100 the process is started. In step S1102 the sample chamber <NUM> is opened and the sample carrier <NUM> is placed on the examining position <NUM> on the microscope stage <NUM>. The sample carrier <NUM> may be placed manually or automatically by means of an automated loader. Alternatively, the sample carrier <NUM> is placed on a loading/unloading position on the microscope stage <NUM>. The sample chamber <NUM> is then closed. In an optional step S1104 the incubation for the sample chamber <NUM> is started or reinitiated. Only when the sample chamber <NUM> has acquired sterile or semi sterile conditions according to user preference, step S1106 is performed. In step S1106 the sample received in the sample carrier <NUM> placed on the microscope stage <NUM> is examined. If the sample carrier <NUM> was placed on the loading/unloading position, the microscope stage <NUM> first moves the sample carrier <NUM> to its examining position <NUM> before the sample is imaged.

In step S1108 a command to sort the sample carrier <NUM> into the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> is given to the microscope <NUM> either by user input or a control unit, for example a computer, that performs an automated workflow. The arm <NUM> of sample carrier handling device <NUM> then moves to the position of the sample carrier <NUM> and engages with the sample carrier <NUM> as is described above with reference to <FIG>. Optionally, the microscope stage <NUM> first moves the sample carrier <NUM> to a transfer position in which the sample carrier <NUM> can be grabbed by the arm. In step S1110 the sample carrier <NUM> is then moved to a predefined storing position <NUM> of the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> as is described above with reference to <FIG>. Steps S1102 to S1110 may be repeated for additional sample carriers <NUM>.

In step S1112 a command to retrieve one or more sample carriers <NUM> from the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> is given to the microscope <NUM> either by user input or the control unit. The arm <NUM> of sample carrier handling device <NUM> then moves to the storing position <NUM> of the sample carrier <NUM> and engages with the sample carrier <NUM>. The sample carrier <NUM> is then place on the microscope stage <NUM> by the sample carrier handling device <NUM>. The sample received in the sample carrier <NUM> may then be examined in step S1114. If necessary, the sample carrier <NUM> is moved to the examining position <NUM> first before the sample is imaged. Alternatively, the sample carrier <NUM> may be removed from the microscope <NUM> in the steps S1116 to S1122 described below. The process is then ended in step S1124 or the steps S1108 to S1114 are repeated for additional sample carriers <NUM>.

In an optional step S1116 the sample carrier <NUM> is moved by the microscope stage <NUM> to the loading/unloading position. In another optional step S1118 the incubation for the sample chamber <NUM> is stopped. The steps S1116 and S1118 maybe performed in any order. In step <NUM> the sample chamber <NUM> is opened and the sample carrier <NUM> is retrieved from the sample chamber <NUM>. In an optional step S1122 the incubation for the sample chamber <NUM> is started or reinitiated. When the sample chamber <NUM> has acquired sterile or semi sterile conditions according to user preference, the process is continued. The process is then ended in step S1124 or the steps S1108 to S1112 and S1116 to S1122 are repeated for additional sample carriers <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of another method for examining a sample with the microscope <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> detailed above.

In step S1200 the process is started. In step S1202 the sample chamber <NUM> is opened and the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> storing one or more sample carriers <NUM> is placed inside its position inside the sample chamber <NUM>. The sample carrier storing unit <NUM> may be placed manually or automatically by means of an automated loader. The sample chamber <NUM> is then closed. In an optional step S1204 the incubation for the sample chamber <NUM> is started or reinitiated. Only when the sample chamber <NUM> has acquired sterile or semi sterile conditions according to user preference, the process is continued in step S1206.

In step S1206 a command to retrieve one sample carriers <NUM> from the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> is given to the microscope <NUM> either by user input or the control unit. The arm <NUM> of sample carrier handling device <NUM> then moves to the storing position <NUM> of the sample carrier <NUM> to be retrieved and engages with the sample carrier <NUM>. The sample carrier <NUM> is then place on the microscope stage <NUM> by the sample carrier handling device <NUM>.

The sample received in the sample carrier <NUM> may then be examined in step S1208. If necessary, the sample carrier <NUM> is moved to the examining position <NUM> first before the sample is imaged. Alternatively, or additionally, the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> may be removed from the microscope <NUM> first in the steps S1216 to S1222 described below.

After the sample has been imaged in step S1208, a command to sort the sample carrier <NUM> into the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> is given to the microscope <NUM> either by user input or a control unit in step S1210. The arm <NUM> of sample carrier handling device <NUM> then moves to the position of the sample carrier <NUM> and engages with the sample carrier <NUM> as is described above with reference to <FIG>. Optionally, the microscope stage <NUM> first moves the sample carrier <NUM> to a transfer position in which the sample carrier <NUM> can be grabbed by the arm. In step S1212 the sample carrier <NUM> is then moved to a predefined storing position <NUM> of the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> as is described above with reference to <FIG>.

The process is then ended in step S1214 or the steps S1206 to S1212 are repeated for additional sample carriers <NUM>.

In step S1216 a command to retrieve the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> from the sample chamber <NUM> is given to the microscope <NUM> either by user input or a control unit. In an optional step S1218 the incubation for the sample chamber <NUM> is stopped. The steps S1216 and S1218 maybe performed in any order. In step <NUM> the sample chamber <NUM> is opened and the sample carrier storing unit <NUM> is retrieved from the sample chamber <NUM>. In an optional step S1222 the incubation for the sample chamber <NUM> is started or reinitiated. When the sample chamber <NUM> has acquired sterile or semi sterile conditions according to user preference, the process is continued, for example in step S1208.

Identical or similarly acting elements are designated with the same reference signs in all Figures.

Claim 1:
A microscope (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a sample chamber (<NUM>);
a microscope stage (<NUM>) arranged at the bottom of the sample chamber (<NUM>), the microscope stage (<NUM>) having a top surface configured to receive a sample carrier (<NUM>) in an examining position (<NUM>), in which a sample arranged on the sample carrier (<NUM>) can be microscopically examined;
a sample carrier storing unit (<NUM>) arranged within the sample chamber (<NUM>) and configured to receive the sample carrier (<NUM>) in at least one storing position (<NUM>); and
a sample carrier handling device (<NUM>) configured to move the sample carrier (<NUM>) between the at least one storing position (<NUM>) and the examination position,
wherein the microscope (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a first fan assembly (<NUM>) configured to blow atmosphere into the sample chamber (<NUM>) through at least one first opening (<NUM>) of the sample chamber (<NUM>),
wherein the sample chamber (<NUM>) comprises at least one second opening (<NUM>),
characterised in that
the microscope (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a second fan assembly (<NUM>) configured to drain atmosphere from the sample chamber through the at least one second opening (<NUM>), the first fan assembly (<NUM>), the at least one first opening (<NUM>) and the at least one second opening (<NUM>) are configured to generate a laminar flow inside the sample chamber (<NUM>).