U.S. patent application number 14/219660 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for sterilizer.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANASONIC HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Shinji FUKUI, Masaki HARADA, Katsuya HIRAI, Akifumi IWAMA, Atsushi NAKAO, Jiro OHNISHI, Yoshiaki SUGIMURA, Hiroshi YAMAMOTO, Yasuhiko YOKOI.
Application Number | 20140205507 14/219660 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42224793 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140205507 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOKOI; Yasuhiko ; et
al. |
July 24, 2014 |
STERILIZER
Abstract
A sterilizer is connectable to an external chamber. A
sterilization gas generator is configured to generate sterilization
gas. A gas supply system including a first gas supply system which
is configured to supply the sterilization gas from the
sterilization gas generator to a sterilization chamber; and a
second gas supply system which is different from the first gas
supply system and configured to supply the sterilization gas from
the sterilization gas generator to the external chamber.
Inventors: |
YOKOI; Yasuhiko; (Gunma,
JP) ; YAMAMOTO; Hiroshi; (Osaka, JP) ; NAKAO;
Atsushi; (Osaka, JP) ; OHNISHI; Jiro; (Gunma,
JP) ; FUKUI; Shinji; (Gunma, JP) ; IWAMA;
Akifumi; (Ibaraki, JP) ; HARADA; Masaki;
(Kyoto, JP) ; SUGIMURA; Yoshiaki; (Osaka, JP)
; HIRAI; Katsuya; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. |
Ehime |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
PANASONIC HEALTHCARE CO.,
LTD.
Ehime
JP
|
Family ID: |
42224793 |
Appl. No.: |
14/219660 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12748663 |
Mar 29, 2010 |
8721983 |
|
|
14219660 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
422/168 ;
422/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12M 37/00 20130101;
A61L 2202/15 20130101; A61L 2/208 20130101; A61L 2202/11
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/168 ;
422/292 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/20 20060101
A61L002/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 30, 2009 |
JP |
2009-178086 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. A sterilizer which is connectable to an external chamber, the
sterilizer comprising: a sterilization gas generator configured to
generate sterilization gas; a sterilization chamber; and a gas
supply system comprising: a first gas supply system configured to
supply the sterilization gas from the sterilization gas generator
to the sterilization chamber; a second gas supply system configured
to supply the sterilization gas from the sterilization gas
generator to the external chamber; and a first circulation system
configured to circulate the sterilization gas, air, or a mixture
thereof in the sterilization chamber, wherein the first circulation
system comprises an in-line circulator configured to circulate the
sterilization gas, air or a mixture thereof through the in-line
circulator such that the sterilization gas, air or a mixture
thereof is discharged from the sterilization chamber, bypasses the
sterilization gas generator and returns to the sterilization
chamber.
14. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, wherein: the
sterilization chamber includes a gas feeding port configured to
supply the sterilization gas to the sterilization chamber
therethrough, and the first gas supply system includes the gas
feeding port and the second gas supply system does not include the
gas feeding port.
15. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, further comprising a
gas outlet port configured to supply the sterilization gas to the
external chamber therethrough, wherein the second gas supply system
includes the gas outlet port and the first gas supply system does
not include the gas outlet port.
16. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, wherein the
sterilization chamber includes: a first door configured to transfer
a sterilization target article to or from an outside of the
sterilizer therethrough; and a second door configured to transfer
the sterilization target article between the sterilization chamber
and the external chamber therethrough.
17. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, further comprising a
housing in which the sterilization gas generator, the sterilization
chamber and the gas supply system are provided.
18. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, wherein the gas supply
system includes a plurality of gas outlet ports configured to
supply the sterilization gas to a plurality of external chambers
therethrough.
19. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, wherein the gas supply
system includes: a gas inlet port configured to collect the
sterilization gas supplied to the external chamber therethrough;
and a filter provided downstream of the gas inlet port.
20. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, wherein: the
sterilization chamber includes a gas discharging port configured to
discharge the sterilization gas from the sterilization chamber
therethrough, and the first gas supply system includes the gas
discharging port and a filter provided downstream of the gas
discharging port.
21. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, wherein: the gas
supply system further comprises a first substitution system
configured to substitute the sterilization gas in the sterilization
chamber with air passing through a first filter and a second
substitution system configured to substitute the sterilization gas
in the external chamber with air passing through a second filter,
and the first and second substitution systems each include an
atmosphere-side opening end and a sterilization gas reduction
catalyst provided in the atmosphere-side opening end.
22. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 21, wherein: the
sterilization gas is hydrogen peroxide gas generated from hydrogen
peroxide solution, and the catalyst has a function to detoxify the
hydrogen peroxide gas.
23. An isolator system comprising: the sterilizer as set forth in
claim 13; and an external chamber connected to the sterilizer.
24. The isolator system as set forth in claim 23, wherein the
external chamber is a cell manipulation chamber of an isolator.
25. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, wherein the first
circulation system circulates the sterilization gas supplied by the
first gas supply system.
26. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, further comprising a
controller, wherein the controller switches operations between the
first gas supply system and the first circulation system.
27. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, wherein the gas supply
system further comprises a first substitution system configured to
substitute the sterilization gas in the sterilization chamber with
air passing through a first filter, the first gas supply system is
configured to supply the sterilization gas to the sterilization
chamber without the sterilization gas passing through the first
filter prior to entering the sterilization chamber, and the first
circulation system configured to circulate the sterilization gas
supplied into the sterilization chamber by the first gas supply
system such that the sterilization gas passes through the first
filter.
28. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 27, wherein the first gas
supply system is configured to discharge the sterilization gas from
the sterilization chamber through a second filter, and the first
substitution system configured to substitute the sterilization gas
in the sterilization chamber with air passing through the second
filter.
29. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, wherein: the gas
supply system further comprises a first substitution system
configured to substitute the sterilization gas in the sterilization
chamber with air passing through a filter, and said filter is
optionally sterilized by operations of the first gas supply system
and the first circulation system.
30. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 29, wherein the filter is
in contact with the sterilization chamber.
31. The sterilizer as set forth in claim 13, wherein: the first gas
supply system supplies the sterilization gas to the sterilization
chamber without the sterilization gas passing through a first
filter prior to entering the sterilization chamber, and the second
gas supply system supplies the sterilization gas to the external
chamber without the sterilization gas passing through a second
filter prior to entering the external chamber.
Description
[0001] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.
2009-178086 filed on Jul. 30, 2009 including specification,
drawings and claims is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a sterilizer.
[0003] An isolator isolated from external air is connected to an
incubator so as to perform a predetermined pretreatment on cells to
be cultured by the incubator in a sterilized manner. A
sterilization box isolated from external air is connected to this
isolator so as to sterilize the cells or articles necessary for
cultivation before the cells or articles are brought in the
isolator (for example, see Japanese Patent Publication No.
2002-301138A).
[0004] This sterilization box includes sterilizing means such as a
sterilization gas generator. For example, an operator first brings
the cells or the articles in a chamber of the sterilization box in
a state where a door which isolates a chamber of the isolator from
the chamber of the sterilization box is closed, and sterilizes the
cells or the articles in the chamber of the sterilization box.
Next, the operator opens the door and brings in the cells or the
articles which have been sterilized in the chamber of the
sterilization box, in the chamber of the isolator which is
maintained in a sterile state.
[0005] The term "perform a predetermined pretreatment in a
sterilized manner" means that the pretreatment is performed in a
sterile environment. The term "sterile environment" refers to a
nearly dust-free and bacteria-free environment for preventing
mixture of materials other than materials necessary for the
operation. The term "sterilization" indicates a processing for
establishing the sterile environment.
[0006] The sterilization includes 1) a pretreatment process, 2) a
gas exposure process, and 3) a substitution process. Specifically,
1) the pretreatment process is a preparation process including a
leakage test of a sterilization target space and performed before
sterilization gas is supplied, 2) the exposure process is a process
for supplying the sterilization gas to the sterilization target
space, and 3) the substitution process is a process in which the
sterilization gas remained in the sterilization target space is
detoxified, discharged, and substituted with external air.
[0007] For example, after the cells cultured by the incubator are
brought out of the sterilization box through the isolator, the
isolator may be sterilized again. In this case, in the isolator and
the sterilization box described in Japanese Patent Publication No.
2002-301138A, sterilization gas is generated from a sterilization
gas generator in a state where the door which isolates the chamber
of the isolator and the chamber of the sterilization box and is
introduced into the chamber of the isolator through the chamber of
the sterilization box for sterilization of the chamber of the
isolator. With this configuration, however, the sterilization
efficiency is unsatisfactory, and thus it takes a lot of time to
perform sterilization processing.
[0008] Meanwhile, if the sterilizing means is also provided in the
isolator, the sterilization efficiency in the chamber is improved,
but two the sterilizing means are provided separately in the
isolator and the sterilizer, which leads to as much of an increase
in equipment cost.
SUMMARY
[0009] According to an aspect of at least one embodiment of the
present invention, there is provided a sterilizer which is
connectable to an external chamber, the sterilizer comprising: a
sterilization gas generator configured to generate sterilization
gas; a sterilization chamber; and a gas supply system including: a
first gas supply system which is configured to supply the
sterilization gas from the sterilization gas generator to the
sterilization chamber; and a second gas supply system which is
different from the first gas supply system and configured to supply
the sterilization gas from the sterilization gas generator to the
external chamber.
[0010] With the above configuration, the sterilization efficiency
for the external chamber can be improved during reducing equipment
cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating an isolator system
including a sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an external
appearance of the sterilizer according to the embodiment.
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an external
appearance of the isolator system according to the embodiment. FIG.
3B is a front view and FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view taking
along the line A-A' in FIG. 3B.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a system diagram illustrating a flow of
sterilization gas in a sterilization process of a sterilization
chamber according to the embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a system diagram illustrating a flow of
sterilization gas in a sterilization process of the sterilization
chamber and a cell manipulation chamber according to the
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a system diagram illustrating a flow of
sterilization gas in a sterilization process of filters for the
sterilization chamber and a flow of sterilization gas in a
sterilization process of filters for the cell manipulation chamber
according to the embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a system diagram illustrating a flow of air in a
substitution process of the sterilization chamber and a flow of air
in a substitution process of the cell manipulation chamber
according to the embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a system diagram illustrating a flow of
sterilization gas in a sterilization process of a connector
according to the embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a system diagram illustrating a flow of air in a
substitution process of the connector according to the
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a system diagram illustrating a flow of
sterilization gas in a sterilization process of an Op chamber and a
flow of sterilization gas in a sterilization process of a filter
according to the embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a system diagram illustrating a flow of air in a
substitution process of the Op chamber according to the
embodiment.
[0022] FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an external
appearance of an isolator system according to another embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 12B is a front view and FIG. 12A is a
cross sectional view taking along the line B-B' in FIG. 12A.
[0023] FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an external
appearance of an isolator system according to still another
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13B is a front view and
FIG. 13A is a cross sectional view taking along the line B-B' in
FIG. 13A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] (Configuration of Sterilizer)
[0025] A configuration of a sterilizer 1 according to this
exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to
3. FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating an isolator system 6
including a sterilizer 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating
an external appearance of the sterilizer 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B are
diagrams illustrating an external appearance of the isolator system
6. FIG. 3B is a front view and FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view
taking along the line A-A' in FIG. 3B.
[0026] <Sterilization Chamber, and Outlet and Inlet Ports to Op
Chamber>
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilizer 1 includes a
sterilization gas generator 10 and a sterilization chamber 11. The
sterilization chamber 11 has a first door 111 for transferring a
sterilization target article therethrough. The sterilizer 1 further
includes outlet ports 13a, 13b and 13c (hereinafter, also referred
to as "outlet ports 13") for supplying sterilization gas to three
microscope chambers (external chambers) 24, 25 and 26 (hereinafter,
referred to as "Op chambers 24, 25 and 26) therethrough, an inlet
port 14 for inputting the sterilization gas from the Op chambers
24, 25, and 26 therethrough, and means, such as pipes, for
circulating the sterilization gas into the sterilization chamber 11
and the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26.
[0028] The means for circulating the sterilization gas into the
sterilization chamber 11 includes pipes 167, 161, 117, and 105,
solenoid valves 161a and 117a, and a blower 12. Specifically, the
gas outflow side (the upper side in FIG. 1) of the sterilization
gas generator 10 is branched into solenoid valves 161a, 162a, 163a,
164a, 165a, and 166a by the pipe 167. Of these, the solenoid valve
161a and a sterilization gas feeding port 1 la of the sterilization
chamber 11 are connected to each other by the pipe 161. A
sterilization gas discharging port 11d of the sterilization chamber
11 and the gas inflow side (the lower side in FIG. 1) of the blower
12 are connected to each other through the solenoid valve 117a by
the pipe 117, and the gas outflow side (the upper side in FIG. 1)
of the blower 12 and the gas inflow side (the lower side in FIG. 1)
of the sterilization gas generator 10 are connected to each other
through a flowmeter 12a by the pipe 105. With this configuration,
the sterilization gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber 11
through the sterilization gas feeding port 11a, and is discharged
outside the chamber 11 through the sterilization gas discharging
port 11d. The configuration for circulating the sterilization gas
into the sterilization chamber 11 corresponds to a first gas supply
system. A filter 114, such as a HEPA filter, is provided directly
downstream of the sterilization gas discharging port lid of the
sterilization chamber 11 so as to collect particulates. In this
embodiment, "circulation of the sterilization gas" into the
chambers such as the sterilization chamber 11 means that, in a
repetitive manner, air containing the sterilization gas generated
by the sterilization gas generator 10 is supplied to a chamber, air
containing residual sterilization gas after the chamber is
sterilized is discharged outside the chamber, discharged air is
mixed with the sterilization gas generated by the sterilization gas
generator 10, and air mixed with sterilization gas is supplied
again into the chamber.
[0029] The means for circulating sterilization gas into the Op
chambers 24, 25, and 26 includes pipes 167, 184, 185, 186, 164,
165, 166, 144, 145, 146, 147, 108, 106, and 105, solenoid valves
164a, 165a, 166a, 147a, 108a, and 106a, and the blower 12.
Specifically, the gas outflow side (the upper side in FIG. 1) of
the sterilization gas generator 10 is branched into the solenoid
valves 161a, 162a, 163a, 164a, 165a, and 166a by the pipe 167. Of
these, for example, the solenoid valve 164a and the outlet port 13a
are connected to each other by the pipe 184, and the outlet port
13a and a gas feeding port 24a of the Op chamber 24 are connected
to each other by the pipe 164. A gas discharging port 24b of the Op
chamber 24 and the inlet port 14 are connected to each other by the
pipe 144, and the inlet port 14 and the gas inflow side (the lower
side in FIG. 1) of the blower 12 are connected to each other
through the solenoid valves 147a, 108a, and 106a by the pipes 147,
108, and 106. The gas outflow side (the upper side in FIG. 1) of
the blower 12 and the gas inflow side (the lower side in FIG. 1) of
the sterilization gas generator 10 are connected to each other
through the flowmeter 12a by the pipe 105. With this configuration,
the sterilization gas is supplied into the Op chamber 24 through
the gas feeding port 24a, and is discharged outside the Op chamber
24 through the gas discharging port 24b. As shown in FIG. 1, the
same is applied to gas feeding ports 25a and 26a and gas
discharging ports 25b and 26b of the Op chambers 25 and 26, and the
solenoid valves 165a and 166a, the outlet ports 13b and 13c, the
pipes 185 and 186, the pipes 165 and 166, and the pipes 145 and 146
corresponding to the chambers 25 and 26. The configuration for
circulating the sterilization gas into the Op chambers 24, 25, and
26 corresponds to a second gas supply system. A filter 107 is
provided downstream of the inlet port 14, at the boundary of the
pipe 108 and the pipe 106.
[0030] The sterilization gas generator 10 is provided with a
container 104 which contains a raw material (for example, a
hydrogen peroxide solution) of sterilization gas (for example,
hydrogen peroxide gas: H.sub.2O.sub.2), a pump 103 which supplies
the raw material from the container 104, and a pipe 102 which
supplies the raw material to the sterilization gas generator 10
through a filter 101.
[0031] In this embodiment, the sterilizer 1 further includes a
controller 14 which controls electrical devices, such as the
sterilization gas generator 10, various solenoid valves, and
various blowers.
[0032] <Second Door and Outlet Port for Cell Manipulation
Chamber>
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilizer 1 further includes an
outlet port 162b for supplying the sterilization gas to a cell
manipulation chamber (external chamber) 30 of an isolator 3 (see
FIGS. 3A and 3B) therethrough, a second door 112, and means, such
as pipes, for circulating the sterilization gas into the cell
manipulation chamber 30.
[0034] The means for circulating the sterilization gas into the
cell manipulation chamber 30 includes pipes 167, 162, 304, 117, and
105, the solenoid valves 162a and 117a, and the blower 12.
Specifically, the gas outflow side (the upper side in FIG. 1) of
the sterilization gas generator 10 is branched into the solenoid
valves 161a, 162a, 163a, 164a, 165; and 166a by the pipe 167. Of
these, the solenoid valve 162a and the outlet port 162b are
connected to each other by the pipe 162, and the outlet port 162b
and a sterilization gas feeding port 301) of the cell manipulation
chamber 30 are connected to each other by the pipe 304. The
configuration to connect the sterilization gas discharging port 11d
of the sterilization chamber 11 and the gas inflow side (the lower
side in FIG. 1) of the sterilization gas generator 10 is as
described with respect to the means for circulating the
sterilization gas into the sterilization chamber 11.
[0035] With the configuration, the sterilization gas is supplied
into the chamber 30 through the sterilization gas feeding port 30b
of the cell manipulation chamber 30, passing through the second
door 112, and is discharged outside the chamber 11 through the
sterilization gas discharging port lid of the sterilization chamber
11. The configuration for circulating the sterilization gas into
the cell manipulation chamber 30 also corresponds to a second gas
supply system.
[0036] The cell manipulation chamber 30 is a chamber which is
isolated from external air so as to perform predetermined
pretreatment, in a sterilized manner, on cells to be cultured in a
cell cultivation chamber 40. The sterilization chamber 11 is a
chamber (which is smaller than cell manipulation chamber 30) which
is isolated from external air so as to sterilize cells or articles
necessary for cultivation before they are brought in the cell
manipulation chamber 30. The cell manipulation chamber 30 is
connected to the sterilization chamber 11 through the second door
112 with no space therebetween.
[0037] The cell manipulation chamber 30 is provided with a door 30a
which faces the second door 112 of the sterilization chamber 11 to
bring out the sterilized articles to the cell cultivation chamber
40 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).
[0038] The cell manipulation chamber 30 is also provided with, as
means for substituting the sterilization gas remained in the
chamber 30 with air through a gas feeding port 30c and a gas
discharging port 30d, sterilization gas reduction catalysts 301b
and 302b, pipes 301 and 302, and solenoid valves 301a and 302a, and
blowers 33 and 34.
[0039] The cell manipulation chamber 30 is also provided with
means, such as pipes, for circulating air of the blower 33 through
a filter 31 provided directly upstream of the gas feeding port 30c
and a filter 32 provided directly downstream of the gas discharging
port 30d so as to sterilize the filters 31 and 32. This means
includes a pipe 303 which connects the gas feeding port 30c to the
gas discharging port 30e of the cell manipulation chamber 30
through the blower 33, and a solenoid valve 303a which is provided
on the pipe 303.
[0040] In this embodiment, the pipe 167, the solenoid valve 162a,
the pipe 162, and the outlet port 162b also correspond to a second
gas supply system.
[0041] <Outlet and Inlet Ports to Connector>
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilizer 1 includes an outlet port
163b for supplying the sterilization gas to a hollow connector
(external chamber) 35 connecting the cell manipulation chamber 30
and the cell cultivation chamber 40 of an incubator 4 (see FIGS. 3A
and 3B) therethrough, an inlet port 147c for inputting the
sterilization gas from the connector 35 therethrough, and means,
such as pipes, for circulating the sterilization gas into the
connector 35.
[0043] The means for circulating the sterilization gas into the
connector 35 includes pipes 167, 163, 351, 352, 147, 108, 106, and
105, solenoid valves 163; 147b, 108a, and 106a, and the blower 12.
Specifically, the gas outflow side (the upper side in FIG. 1) of
the sterilization gas generator 10 is branched into the solenoid
valves 161a, 162a, 163; 164; 165; and 166a by the pipe 167. Of
these, the solenoid valve 163a and the outlet port 163b are
connected to each other by the pipe 163, and the outlet port 163b
and the gas feeding port 35a of the connector 35 are connected to
each other by the pipe 351. The gas discharging port 35b of the
connector 35 and the inlet port 147c are connected to each other by
the pipe 352, the inlet port 147c and the gas inflow side (the
lower side in FIG. 1) of the blower 12 are connected to each other
through the solenoid valves 147b, 108a, and 106a by the pipes 147,
108, and 106, and gas outflow side (the upper side in FIG. 1) of
the blower 12 and the gas inflow side (the lower side in FIG. 1) of
the sterilization gas generator 10 are connected to each other
through the flowmeter 12a by the pipe 105.
[0044] With this configuration, the sterilization gas is supplied
into the connector 35 through the gas feeding port 35a, and is
discharged outside the connector 35 through the gas discharging
port 35b. The configuration for circulating the sterilization gas
into the connector 35 also corresponds to a second gas supply
system.
[0045] The cell cultivation chamber 40 of the incubator 4 is
connected to the cell manipulation chamber 30 through the hollow
connector 35 with no space therebetween. The cell cultivation
chamber 40 is provided with a door 40a which faces the door 30a of
the cell manipulation chamber 30 when being connected to the
chamber 30 so as to bring the sterilized articles therein (see
FIGS. 3A and 3B).
[0046] In this embodiment, the pipe 167, the solenoid valve 163a,
the pipe 163, and the outlet port 163b also correspond to a second
gas supply system.
[0047] <Configuration for Substituting Sterilization Gas in
Sterilization and Op Chambers with Air>
[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilizer 1 is also provided with a
blower 15, a filter 113 which is provided directly upstream of the
gas feeding port 11b of the sterilization chamber 11, means, such
as pipes, for substituting the sterilization gas remained in the
sterilization chamber 11 with air, and means, such as pipes, for
substituting the sterilization gas remained in the Op chambers 24,
25, and 26 with air.
[0049] The means for substituting the residual sterilization gas in
the sterilization chamber 11 with air includes pipes 152, 115, 116,
and 171, and solenoid valves 152a, 115a, and 116a. The
configuration for substituting the sterilization gas remained in
the sterilization chamber 11 with air corresponds to a substitution
system.
[0050] The means, such as pipes, for substituting the sterilization
gas remained in the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26 with air includes
pipes 152, 151, 106, 105, 167, 184, 185, 186, 164, 165, 166, 144,
145, 146, 147, 108, 173, and 171, and solenoid valves 152a, 151a,
106a, 164a, 165a, 166a, 147a, and 173a. The configuration for
substituting the sterilization gas remained in the Op chambers 24,
25, and 26 with air also correspond to a substitution system.
[0051] A sterilization gas reduction catalyst 152b is provided at
an atmosphere-side opening end of the pipe 152, and a sterilization
gas reduction catalyst 171a is provided at an atmosphere-side
opening end of the pipe 171.
[0052] <Configuration for Sterilizing Filter>
[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilizer 1 includes means, such as
pipes, for circulating air of the blower 15 through the filters 113
and 114 so as to sterilize the filters 113 and 114. This means
includes pipes 118 and 115, and solenoid valves 115a and 118a.
[0054] <External Appearance Configuration Example>
[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the sterilizer 1 includes a central
portion 1b provided with the sterilization chamber 11, an upper
portion 1a which is provided above the central portion 1b in the
vertical direction so as to accommodate the sterilization gas
generator 10 and the like, a lower portion 1c which is provided
below the central portion 1b in the vertical direction so as to
function as a mount, and the controller 1d which is provided in a
space defined by the lower portion 1c.
[0056] In this embodiment, the upper portion 1a and the lower
portion 1b constitute a housing 1e. Accommodated in the upper
portion 1a are a container 104 which contains the raw material of
the sterilization gas, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution, the
sterilization gas generator 10, and the like. The upper portion 1a
is provided with the above-described outlet port 162b for supplying
the sterilization gas to the cell manipulation chamber 30
therethrough, and the above-described outlet port 163b for
supplying the sterilization gas to the connector 35 therethrough. A
side of the central portion 1b, on which the second door 112 is
provided functions as a connecting portion to the isolator 3. A
predetermined seal member 1g is provided around an opening 1f which
the second door 112 opens/closes. The ports 13, 14, and 147c are
not shown.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the sterilization chamber 11 of
the sterilizer 1 and one side (the right side in FIGS. 3A and 3B)
of the cell manipulation chamber 30 of the isolator 3 are connected
to each other through the second door 112 of the sterilization
chamber 11 with no space therebetween.
[0058] The other side (the left side in FIGS. 3A and 3B) of the
cell manipulation chamber 30 of the isolator 3 and the cell
cultivation chamber 40 of the incubator 4 are connected to each
other through the hollow connector 35, the door 30a of the cell
manipulation chamber 30 and the door 40a of the cell cultivation
chamber 40 with no space therebetween.
[0059] The cell manipulation chamber 30 is provided with, for
example, globes 3a, 3b, and 3c and a centrifuge 5. For example, the
door 30a can be opened/closed by using globe 3a in a state where
the cell manipulation chamber 30 is maintained to be sterilized.
The second door 112 can be opened/closed by using the globe 3c in a
state where the sterilization chamber 11 is maintained to be
sterilized.
[0060] From the sterilization gas generator 10 of the sterilizer 1,
the sterilization gas is supplied to the cell manipulation chamber
30 through the pipes 162 and 304, and the sterilization gas is
supplied to the connector 35 through the pipes 163 and 351.
[0061] In this embodiment, the isolator 3 and the sterilizer 1
constitute the isolator system 6.
[0062] (Operation of Sterilizer)
[0063] The operations of the sterilization process and the
substitution process by the sterilizer 1 configured as above will
be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11. FIG. 4 is a system
diagram illustrating a flow of sterilization gas in a sterilization
process of the sterilization chamber 11. FIG. 5 is a system diagram
illustrating a flow of sterilization gas in a sterilization process
of the sterilization chamber 11 and the cell manipulation chamber
30. FIG. 6 is a system diagram illustrating a flow of sterilization
gas in a sterilization process of the filters 113 and 114 for the
sterilization chamber 11 and a flow of sterilization gas in a
sterilization process of the filters 31 and 32 for the cell
manipulation chamber 30. FIG. 7 is a system diagram illustrating a
flow of air in a substitution process of the sterilization chamber
11 and a flow of air in a substitution process of the cell
manipulation chamber 30. FIG. 8 is a system diagram illustrating a
flow of sterilization gas in a sterilization process of the
connector 35. FIG. 9 is a system diagram illustrating a flow of air
in a substitution process of the connector 35. FIG. 10 is a system
diagram illustrating a flow of sterilization gas in a sterilization
process of the Op chamber 24 and a flow of sterilization gas in a
sterilization process of the filter 107. FIG. 11 is a system
diagram illustrating a flow of air in a substitution process of the
Op chamber 24.
[0064] In FIGS. 4 and 11, for convenience, only the elements
directly related to the flows of the sterilization gas or the air
indicated by bold lines are represented by reference numerals. The
reference numerals of the members are the same as the reference
numerals in FIG. 1.
[0065] <Exposure Process of Sterilization Chamber>
[0066] As indicated by a bold arrow of FIG. 4, first, in a state
where the first door 111 and the second door 112 of the
sterilization chamber 11 are closed, the sterilization gas passes
through the sterilization gas generator 10, the pipe 167, the
solenoid valve 161a, and the pipe 161, and is supplied from the
sterilization gas feeding port 11a into the sterilization chamber
11. Next, air (this is also referred to as "sterilization gas")
containing residual sterilization gas after sterilization in the
sterilization chamber 11 is discharged from the sterilization gas
discharging port lid outside the sterilization chamber 11, passes
through the filter 114, the pipe 117, the solenoid valve 117a
provided in the pipe 117, the blower 12, the pipe 105, and the
flowmeter 12a provided in the pipe 105, enters the sterilization
gas generator 10, and is mixed with sterilization gas newly
generated by the generator 10. In FIG. 4, in order to form the flow
of the sterilization gas indicated by the bold arrow, the
open/close states of various solenoid valves are set by the
controller 1d.
[0067] The flow of the sterilization gas is formed by the blower
12. In the sterilization process, the sterilization gas generator
10 generates sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen peroxide gas)
from a raw material (for example, hydrogen peroxide solution) of
sterilization gas supplied from the container 104 by the pump
103.
[0068] <Sterilization Process of Cell Manipulation
Chamber>
[0069] As indicated by the bold arrow of FIG. 5, in a state where
the first door 111 of the sterilization chamber 11 and the door 30a
of the cell manipulation chamber 30 are closed, and the second door
112 of the sterilization chamber 11 is opened, the sterilization
gas first passes through the sterilization gas generator 10, the
pipe 167, the solenoid valve 162a, the pipe 162, the outlet port
162b, and the pipe 304, and is supplied from the sterilization gas
feeding port 30b into the cell manipulation chamber 30. Next, air
(this is also referred to as "sterilization gas") containing
residual sterilization gas after sterilization in the cell
manipulation chamber 30 is supplied to the sterilization chamber 11
in a state where the second door 112 is opened, is discharged from
the sterilization gas discharging port 11d outside the chamber 11,
passes through the filter 114, the pipe 117, the solenoid valve
117a provided in the pipe 117, the blower 12, the pipe 105, and the
flowmeter 12a provided in the pipe 105, enters the sterilization
gas generator 10, and is mixed with sterilization gas newly
generated by the generator 10. In FIG. 5, in order to form the flow
of the sterilization gas indicated by the bold arrow, the
open/close states of various solenoid valves are set by the
controller 1d. The sterilization gas after sterilization in the
cell manipulation chamber 30 can also sterilize the sterilization
chamber 11. That is, the sterilization gas supplied to the cell
manipulation chamber 30 through the sterilization gas feeding port
30b sterilizes the chamber 30, is supplied from the opened second
door 112 to the sterilization chamber 11 to sterilize the chamber
11, and is discharged from the sterilization gas discharging port
lid. Thus, when the cell manipulation chamber 30 is sterilized, the
sterilization chamber 11 is also sterilized.
[0070] The above-described flow of the sterilization gas is formed
by the blower 12. In the sterilization process, the sterilization
gas generator 10 generates sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen
peroxide gas) from the raw material of sterilization gas (for
example, hydrogen peroxide solution) supplied from the container
104 by the pump 103.
[0071] Thus, the sterilization gas from the sterilizer 1 is
directly introduced into the cell manipulation chamber 30 of the
isolator 3 through the outlet port 162b, so the chamber 30 can be
efficiently sterilized. Therefore, the time required for
sterilization can be shortened. In addition, the isolator 3 should
not be provided with the sterilizing means separately, so equipment
cost can be reduced as much.
[0072] <Sterilization Process of Filter for Sterilization
Chamber and Cell Manipulation Chamber>
[0073] As indicated by a bold arrow on the right side in FIG. 6, in
a state where the first door 111 and the second door 112 of the
sterilization chamber 11 are closed, air first passes through the
blower 15, the pipe 115, the solenoid valve 115a provided in the
pipe 115, and the filter 113, and is supplied from the gas feeding
port 11b into the sterilization chamber 11. Next, air is discharged
from the gas discharging port 11e outside the sterilization chamber
11, passes through the filter 114, the pipe 118, and the solenoid
valve 118a provided in the pipe 118, and returns to the blower 15.
In FIG. 6, in order to form the flow of the air indicated by the
bold arrow, the open/close states of various solenoid valves are
set by the controller 1d. The above-described flow of air is formed
by the blower 15. At the time of such circulation of air, the flow
of the sterilization gas for sterilization of the sterilization
chamber 11 shown in FIG. 4 may be formed together. Alternatively,
at the time of such circulation of air, the sterilization gas may
remain in the sterilization chamber 11 after the sterilization
process shown in FIG. 4 ends.
[0074] As indicated by a bold arrow on the left side in FIG. 6, in
a state where the door 30a of the cell manipulation chamber 30, and
the first door 111 and the second door 112 of the sterilization
chamber 11 are all closed, air first passes through the blower 33,
the pipe 303, and the filter 31, and is supplied from the gas
feeding port 30c into the cell manipulation chamber 30. Next, air
is discharged from the gas discharging port 30e outside the cell
manipulation chamber 30, passes through the filter 32, the pipe
303, and the solenoid valve 303a provided in the pipe 303, and
returns to the blower 33. In FIG. 6, in order to form the flow of
the air indicated by the bold arrow, the open/close states of
various solenoid valves are set by the controller 1d. The
above-described flow of air is formed by the blower 33. At the time
such circulation of air, the flow of the sterilization gas for
sterilization of the sterilization chamber 11 and the cell
manipulation chamber 30 shown in FIG. 5 may be formed together.
Alternatively, at the time of such circulation of air, the
sterilization gas may remain in the sterilization chamber 11 and
the cell manipulation chamber 30 after the sterilization process
shown in FIG. 5 ends.
[0075] In the sterilization process, the sterilization gas
generator 10 generates sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen
peroxide gas) from the raw material of sterilization gas (for
example, hydrogen peroxide solution) supplied from the container
104 by the pump 103.
[0076] Although in the above-described example, the sterilization
process of the filters 113 and 114 of the sterilization chamber 11
and the sterilization process of the filters 31 and 32 of the cell
manipulation chamber 30 are performed separately, the invention is
not limited thereto. For example, in a state where the second door
112 is opened, both processes may be performed simultaneously. The
filters 113 and 114 of the sterilization chamber 11 and the filters
31 and 32 of the cell manipulation chamber 30 are sterilized
simultaneously, such that the sterilization processing of the
filters 113, 114, 31, and 32 of the chambers 11 and 30 is
synergistically performed, and thus the sterilization effect is
improved.
[0077] Therefore, the insides of the sterilization chamber 11 and
the cell manipulation chamber 30 can be reliably sterilized.
[0078] <Substitution Process of Sterilization Chamber and Cell
Manipulation Chamber>
[0079] After the sterilization processes of the sterilization
chamber 11, the cell manipulation chamber 30, and the filters 113,
114, 31, and 32 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a process for substituting
the residual sterilization gas with air in the atmosphere is
performed.
[0080] As indicated by a bold arrow on the right side in FIG. 7, in
a state where the first door 111 and the second door 112 of the
sterilization chamber 11 are closed, air in the atmosphere first
passes through the sterilization gas reduction catalyst 152b, the
pipe 152, the solenoid valve 152a provided in the pipe 152, the
blower 15, the pipe 115, the solenoid valve 115a provided in the
pipe 115, and the filter 113, and is supplied from the gas feeding
port 11b into the sterilization chamber 11. Next, air is discharged
from the gas discharging port lie outside the sterilization chamber
11, passes through the filter 114, the pipe 116, the solenoid valve
116a provided in the pipe 116, the pipe 171, and the sterilization
gas reduction catalyst 171a, and is emitted to the atmosphere. In
FIG. 7, in order to form the flow of air indicated by the bold
arrow on the right side, the open/close states of various solenoid
valves are set by the controller 1d. The above-described flow of
air is formed by the blower 15.
[0081] As indicated by a bold arrow on the left side in FIG. 7, in
a state where the door 30a of the cell manipulation chamber 30, and
the first door 111 and the second door 112 of the sterilization
chamber 11 are all closed, air in the atmosphere first passes
through the sterilization gas reduction catalyst 301b, the pipe
301, the solenoid valve 301a provided in the pipe 301, the blower
33, and the filter 31, and is supplied from the gas feeding port
30c into the cell manipulation chamber 30. Next, air is discharged
from the gas discharging port 30d outside the cell manipulation
chamber 30, passes through the filter 32, the pipe 302, the
solenoid valve 302a provided in the pipe 302, the sterilization gas
reduction catalyst 302b, and the blower 34, and is emitted to the
atmosphere. In FIG. 7, in order to form the flow of air indicated
by the bold arrow on the left side, the open/close states of
various solenoid valves are set by the controller 1d. The
above-described flow of air is formed by the blowers 33 and 34.
[0082] Although in the above-described example, the substitution
process of the sterilization chamber 11 and the substitution
process of the cell manipulation chamber 30 are performed
separately, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a
state where the second door 112 is opened, both processes may be
performed simultaneously. The substitution processes of the
sterilization chamber 30 and the cell manipulation chamber 11 are
performed simultaneously, such that the sterilization gas is
synergistically removed from the chambers 11 and 30, and thus the
removal effect of the sterilization gas is improved.
[0083] Therefore, after the sterilization process, the
sterilization gas which affects the cells or the like can be
reliably removed from the insides of the sterilization chamber 11
and the cell manipulation chamber 30.
[0084] <Sterilization Process of Connector>
[0085] As indicated by a bold arrow of FIG. 8, in a state where the
door 30a of the cell manipulation chamber 30 and the door 40a of
the cell cultivation chamber 40, which sandwiches the hollow
connector 35 are closed, the sterilization gas passes through the
sterilization gas generator 10, the pipe 167, the solenoid valve
163a, the pipe 163, the outlet port 163b, and the pipe 351, and is
supplied from the gas feeding port 35a into the connector 35. Next,
air (this is also referred to as "sterilization gas") containing
residual sterilization gas after sterilization in the connector 35
is discharged from the gas discharging port 35b outside the
connector 35, passes through the pipe 352, the inlet port 147c, the
pipe 147, the solenoid valve 147b provided in the pipe 147, the
pipe 108, the solenoid valve 108a provided in the pipe 108, the
filter 107, the pipe 106, the solenoid valve 106a provided in the
pipe 106, the blower 12, the pipe 105, and the flowmeter 12a
provided in the pipe 105, enters the sterilization gas generator
10, and is mixed with sterilization gas newly generated by the
generator 10. In FIG. 8, in order to form the flow of the
sterilization gas indicated by the bold arrow, the open/close
states of various solenoid valves are set by the controller 1d.
[0086] The above-described flow of the sterilization gas is formed
by the blower 12. In the sterilization process, the sterilization
gas generator 10 generates sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen
peroxide gas) from the raw material of sterilization gas (for
example, hydrogen peroxide solution) supplied from the container
104 by the pump 103.
[0087] Therefore, the isolator 3 and the incubator 4 can be
connected to each other while the chambers 30 and 40 are maintained
in a sterile state.
[0088] <Substitution Process of Connector>
[0089] After the sterilization process of the connector 35 shown in
FIG. 8, a process for substituting residual sterilization gas with
air in the atmosphere is performed.
[0090] As indicated by a bold arrow of FIG. 9, in a state where the
door 30a of the cell manipulation chamber 30 and the door 40a of
the cell cultivation chamber 40, which sandwich the hollow
connector 35 are closed, air in the atmosphere passes through the
sterilization gas reduction catalyst 152b, the pipe 152, the
solenoid valve 152a provided in the pipe 152, the blower 15, the
pipe 151, the solenoid valve 151a provided in the pipe 151, the
filter 107, the pipe 106, the solenoid valve 106a provided in the
pipe 106, the blower 12, the pipe 105, the flowmeter 12a provided
in the pipe 105, the sterilization gas generator 10, the pipe 167,
the solenoid valve 163a, the pipe 163, the outlet port 163b, and
the pipe 351, and is supplied from the gas feeding port 35a into
the connector 35. Next, air is discharged from the gas discharging
port 35b outside the connector 35, passes through the pipe 352, the
inlet port 147c, the pipe 147, the solenoid valve 147b provided in
the pipe 147, the pipe 108, the pipe 173, the solenoid valve 173a
provided in the pipe 173, the filter 172, the pipe 171, and the
sterilization gas reduction catalyst 171a, and is emitted to the
atmosphere. In FIG. 9, in order to form the flow of air indicated
by the bold arrow, the open/close states of various solenoid valves
are set by the controller 1d. The above-described flow of air is
formed by the blower 15.
[0091] In the substitution process, it is assumed that neither the
raw material of sterilization gas (for example, a hydrogen peroxide
solution) supplied from the container 104 nor the sterilization gas
(for example, hydrogen peroxide gas) remain in the sterilization
gas generator 10, and both the operation of the sterilization gas
generator 10 to generate the sterilization gas from the raw
material of sterilization gas and the operation of the pump 103 are
stopped.
[0092] Therefore, after the sterilization process, the
sterilization gas which affects the cells or the like can be
reliably removed from the inside of the connector 35.
[0093] <Sterilization Process of Op Chamber and Sterilization
Process of Filter>
[0094] For example, a process for sterilizing the Op chamber 24 by
using the sterilizer 1 will be described.
[0095] As indicated by a bold arrow of FIG. 10, the sterilization
gas first passes through the sterilization gas generator 10, the
pipe 167, the solenoid valve 164a, the pipe 184, the outlet port
13a, and the pipe 164, and is supplied from the gas feeding port
24a into the Op chamber 24. Next, air (this is also referred to as
"sterilization gas") containing residual sterilization gas after
sterilization in the Op chamber 24 is discharged from the gas
discharging port 24b outside the Op chamber 24, passes through the
pipe 144, the inlet port 14, the pipe 147, the solenoid valve 147a
provided in the pipe 147, the pipe 108, the solenoid valve 108a
provided in the pipe 108, the filter 107, the pipe 106, the
solenoid valve 106a provided in the pipe 106, the blower 12, the
pipe 105, and the flowmeter 12a provided in the pipe 105, enters
the sterilization gas generator 10, and is mixed with sterilization
gas newly generated by the generator 10. In FIG. 10, in order to
form the flow of the sterilization gas indicated by the bold arrow,
the open/close states of various solenoid valves are set by the
controller 1d. The above-described flow of the sterilization gas is
formed by the blower 12.
[0096] The same is applied to the Op chambers 25 and 26.
[0097] In the process for sterilizing the filter 107, the flow of
air is the same as the flow of the sterilization gas of FIG. 10. In
this case, as described above, the flow of the sterilization gas
may be formed together, or after the sterilization process by the
sterilization gas ends, the sterilization gas may remain in the Op
chambers 24, 25, and 26.
[0098] Therefore, the cells cultured by the incubator 4 or the
articles necessary for cultivation can be sterilized by the
sterilizer 1, and in the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26 which are not
connected the sterilizer 1 through a door, the exterior of the
article or the chambers can be sterilized. In addition, the Op
chambers 24, 25, and 26 should not be provided with sterilizing
means separately, so cost can be reduced as much.
[0099] <Substitution Process of Op Chamber>
[0100] After the sterilization process of the Op chamber 24 shown
in FIG. 10, a process for substituting residual sterilization gas
with air in the atmosphere is performed.
[0101] As indicated by a bold arrow of FIG. 11, air in the
atmosphere passes through the sterilization gas reduction catalyst
152b, the pipe 152, the solenoid valve 152a provided in the pipe
152, the blower 15, the pipe 151, the solenoid valve 151a provided
in the pipe 151, the filter 107, the pipe 106, the solenoid valve
106a provided in the pipe 106, the blower 12, the pipe 105, the
flowmeter 12a provided in the pipe 105, the sterilization gas
generator 10, the pipe 167, the solenoid valve 164a, the pipe 184,
the outlet port 13a, and the pipe 164, and is supplied from the gas
feeding port 24a into the Op chamber 24. Next, air is discharged
from the gas discharging port 24b outside the Op chamber 24, passes
through the pipe 144, the inlet port 14, the pipe 147, the solenoid
valve 147a provided in the pipe 147, the pipe 108, the pipe 173,
the solenoid valve 173a provided in the pipe 173, the filter 172,
the pipe 171, and the sterilization gas reduction catalyst 171a,
and is emitted to the atmosphere. In FIG. 11, in order to form the
flow of air indicated by the bold arrow, the open/close states of
various solenoid valves are set by the controller 1d. The
above-described flow of air is formed by the blower 15.
[0102] In the above-described substitution process, it is assumed
that neither the raw material of sterilization gas (for example,
hydrogen peroxide solution) supplied from the container 104 nor the
sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen peroxide gas) remains in
the sterilization gas generator 10, and both the operation of the
sterilization gas generator 10 to generate the sterilization gas
from the raw material of sterilization gas and the operation of the
pump 103 are stopped.
[0103] Therefore, after the sterilization process, the
sterilization gas which affects the cells or the like can be
reliably removed from the insides of the Op chambers 24, 25, and
26.
[0104] (Isolator Systems 6' and 6'')
[0105] The isolator system of this embodiment is not limited to the
isolator system 6 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and it may be isolator
systems 6' and 6'' shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B and FIGS. 13A and
13B. FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an external
appearance of the isolator system 6'. FIG. 12B is a front view and
FIG. 12A is a cross sectional view taking along the line B-B' in
FIG. 12A. FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an external
appearance of the isolator system 6. FIG. 13B is a front view and
FIG. 13A is a cross sectional view taking along the line B-B' in
FIG. 13A.
[0106] With regard to elements shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, FIGS. 12A
and 12B, and FIGS. 13A and 13B, the same elements are represented
by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof
will not be repeated.
[0107] <Isolator System 6'>
[0108] The isolator system 6' shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B includes
two isolators 3 and 3', and one sterilizer 1'. The sterilizer 1'
includes second doors 112 and 112' on both sides adjacent to a
first door 111 in a sterilization chamber 11'.
[0109] The sterilization chamber 11' of the sterilizer 1' and one
side (the right side in FIGS. 12A and 12B) of the cell manipulation
chamber 30 of the isolator 3 are connected to each other through
the second door 112 of the sterilization chamber 11 with no space
therebetween. The other side (the left side in FIGS. 12A and 12B)
of the cell manipulation chamber 30 of the isolator 3 and the cell
cultivation chamber 40 of the incubator 4 are connected to each
other through the hollow connector 35, the door 30a of the cell
manipulation chamber 30, and the door 40a of the cell cultivation
chamber 40 with no space therebetween. From the sterilization gas
generator 10 of the sterilizer 1', the sterilization gas is
supplied to the cell manipulation chamber 30 through the pipes 162
and 304, and the sterilization gas is supplied to the connector 35
through the pipes 163 and 351. The cell manipulation chamber 30 is
provided with, for example, globes 3a, 3b, and 3c and a centrifuge
5.
[0110] The sterilization chamber 11 of the sterilizer 1' and one
side (the left side in FIGS. 12A and 12B) of the cell manipulation
chamber 30' of the isolator 3' are connected to each other through
the second door 112' of the sterilization chamber 11' with no space
therebetween. The other side (the right side in FIGS. 12A and 12B)
of the cell manipulation chamber 30' of the isolator 3' and the
cell cultivation chamber 40' of the incubator 4' are connected to
each other through the hollow connector 35', the door 30a' of the
cell manipulation chamber 30', and the door 40a' of the cell
cultivation chamber 40' with no space therebetween. From the
sterilization gas generator 10 of the sterilizer 1', sterilization
gas is supplied to the cell manipulation chamber 30' through pipes
162' and 304', and the sterilization gas is supplied to the
connector 35' through pipes 163' and 351'. The cell manipulation
chamber 30' is provided with, for example, globes 3a', 3b', and 3c'
and a centrifuge 5'.
[0111] With the isolator system 6' configured as above, for
example, cells cultured by the two incubators 4 and 4' or articles
necessary for cultivation can be sterilized by the single common
sterilizer 1'.
[0112] <Isolator System 6''>
[0113] The isolator system 6'' shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B includes
two isolators 3 and 3'' and one sterilizer 1'. The sterilizer 1' is
the same as that in FIGS. 12A and 12B.
[0114] The relationship between the sterilization chamber 11' of
the sterilizer 1', the cell manipulation chamber 30 of the isolator
3, and the cell cultivation chamber 40 of the incubator 4 is the
same as that in FIG. 12.
[0115] The relationship between the sterilization chamber 11' of
the sterilizer 1', a cell manipulation chamber 30'' of the isolator
3'', and the cell cultivation chamber 40' of the incubator 4' is
the same as that in FIG. 12, except for the shape of the cell
manipulation chamber 30''.
[0116] As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, from the sterilization gas
generator 10 of the sterilizer 1', the sterilization gas is
supplied to the Op chamber 24 through the pipes 184 and 164.
[0117] With the isolator system 6'' configured as above, for
example, cells cultured by the two incubators 4 and 4' or articles
necessary for cultivation can be sterilized by the single common
sterilizer 1', and in the Op chamber 24 which is not connected to
the isolator system 6'' through a door, the article or the chamber
can be sterilized.
[0118] The above-described embodiment is provided for ease of
understanding of the invention, and it is not to be construed as
limiting the invention. It should be noted that changes or
improvements of the invention may be made without departing from
the scope of the invention. The equivalents still fall within the
scope of the invention.
[0119] Although in the above-described embodiment, hydrogen
peroxide gas is used as sterilization gas, the invention is not
limited thereto. For example, ozone or the like may be used.
* * * * *