INTEGRATED GAS DELIVERY/REMOVAL SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a device for controlling a gaseous mixture comprised in a portable enclosure as well as an enclosure comprising such device and a monitoring system comprising at least one corresponding enclosure. Accordingly, a device (1) for controlling a gaseous mixture (2) comprised in a portable enclosure (10) is suggested, which comprises a gas delivery device (3) for the delivery of at least one gaseous component (20, 22) to the gaseous mixture (2) and/or a gas removal device (4) for the removal of at least one gaseous component (20, 22) from the gaseous mixture (2), a gas monitor device (5) configured to detect at least one parameter (50) relating to the gaseous mixture (2), and a control unit (6) in communication with the gas monitor device (5) to receive the detected parameter and configured to determine an information (60) relating to the gaseous mixture (2) based on the received parameter (50). Furthermore, the control unit (6) is configured to actuate the gas delivery device (3) and/or the gas removal device (4) based on the determined information (60) to control the amount of the gaseous component (20, 22) in the gaseous mixture (2).

Claims

1. Device (1) for controlling a gaseous mixture (2) comprised in a portable enclosure (10), preferably a transportation enclosure, the device comprising: a gas delivery device (3) for the delivery of at least one gaseous component (20, 22) to the gaseous mixture (2) and/or a gas removal device (4) for the removal of at least one gaseous component (20, 22) from the gaseous mixture (2); a gas monitor device (5) configured to detect at least one parameter (50) relating to the gaseous mixture (2); and a control unit (6) in communication with the gas monitor device (5) to receive the detected parameter (50) and configured to determine an information (60) relating to the gaseous mixture (2) based on the received parameter (50); wherein the control unit (6) is configured to actuate the gas delivery device (3) and/or the gas removal device (4) based on the determined information (60) to control the amount of the gaseous component (20, 22) in the gaseous mixture (2), and wherein the gas monitor device (5) comprises a sensor configured for the detection of a volatile organic compound.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the parameter (50) comprises a molecular composition of the gaseous mixture (2), wherein the control unit (6) is preferably configured to determine an information (60) relating to a degradation product and/or metabolic waste product based on said parameter (50).

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the gas monitor device (5) further comprises a sensor (52) in communication with the control unit (6) and configured to measure a temperature, pressure and/or humidity as a parameter, wherein the control unit (6) is configured to actuate the gas delivery device (3) and/or the gas removal device (4) based on the measured temperature, pressure and/or humidity.

4. Device (1) according to claim 1 wherein the device (1) comprises a gas removal device (4), wherein the gas removal device (4) comprises at least one of a scavenger filter (42), a pump and/or valve arrangement (44), and a storage container, and/or is configured to release at least a part of the gaseous mixture (2) in the atmosphere.

5. Device (1) according to claim 1 wherein the device (1) comprises a gas delivery device (3), wherein the gas delivery device (3) is configured to provide the gaseous component (20, 22) to provide, inhibit, or catalyze a chemical or molecular reaction in the gaseous mixture (2), wherein the gas delivery device (3) preferably comprises a gas cylinder (32) and/or is in fluid communication with an external gas source to provide the gaseous component.

6. Device (1) according to claim 1 wherein the gas delivery device (3) and/or the gas removal device (4) are configured to maintain, provide, or control the gaseous mixture (2), wherein the control unit (6) is preferably configured to actuate the gas delivery device (3) and/or the gas removal device (4) based on a received information (30, 40) related to an activation status from the gas delivery device (3) and/or the gas removal device (4).

7. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, claim 1 wherein the control unit (6) comprises an evaluation unit (62) and is configured to actuate the gas delivery device (3) and/or the gas removal device (4) based on a comparison of the determined information (60) with a predefined threshold provided in the control unit (6), based on a detected change of the determined information (60), and/or based on a predefined schedule and/or sequence, wherein the control unit (6) is preferably furthermore configured to provide said actuation in a predefined interval and/or with a predefined gas flow.

8. Device (1) according to claim 1 wherein the device (1) furthermore comprises a communication device (7) in communication with the control unit (6) and configured to receive and communicate the detected parameter (50), the determined information (60), and/or an actuation status and/or actuation log of the gas delivery device (3) and/or the gas removal device (4) to a second device (1B) or external monitoring device (8).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (6) is furthermore configured to actuate the gas delivery device (3) and/or the gas removal device (4) based on an input received from a second device (1B) or external monitoring device (8) via the communication device (7).

10. Device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the communication device (7) is configured to communicate wirelessly with the second device (1B) or external monitoring device (8), preferably via WLAN, Wi-Fi, RFID, Bluetooth, Zigbee, near-field communication, more preferably to a remote location.

11. Enclosure (10) configured for providing a controlled gaseous atmosphere within said enclosure (10), wherein the enclosure (10) is configured as a portable enclosure (10) and comprises a device (1) for controlling a gaseous mixture (2) according to claim 1.

12. Enclosure (10) according to claim 11, wherein the device (1) for controlling a gaseous mixture (2) is arranged within the enclosure (10), preferably as an integral part, or is arranged at least partially outside of the enclosure (10), and wherein the enclosure (10) is preferably configured as an air-tight container.

13. Enclosure (10) according to claim 11, wherein the enclosure (10) is configured to store and/or transport an object (12), wherein the device (1) for controlling a gaseous mixture (2) is configured to preserve or conserve said object (12), said object (12) preferably being a food product or comprising animal tissue.

14. Enclosure (10) according to claim 11, wherein the enclosure (10) furthermore comprises a humidity controller and/or temperature controller in communication with the control unit (6).

15. Monitoring system (100) comprising a communication network (120), preferably a wireless communication network, said monitoring system (100) preferably comprising a computer system (140) and/or database, wherein the monitoring system (100) comprises at least one enclosure (10) according to claim 11, said enclosure (10) comprising a communication device (7) in communication with the control unit (6) and configured to receive and communicate the detected parameter (50), the determined information (60), and/or an actuation status and/or actuation log of the gas delivery device (3) and/or the gas removal device (4) to the monitoring system (100) via the communication network (120).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The present disclosure will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when being considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0057] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a device for controlling a gaseous mixture having a gas delivery device and a gas removal device;

[0058] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary arrangement of a device for controlling a gaseous mixture with an enclosure;

[0059] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a device for controlling a gaseous mixture integrated in an enclosure;

[0060] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a device for controlling a gaseous mixture in communication with an external monitoring device; and

[0061] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a monitoring system with a plurality of devices for controlling a gaseous mixture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0062] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the Figures, like elements are denoted by identical reference numerals and repeated description thereof may be omitted in order to avoid redundancies.

[0063] In FIG. 1 a device 1 for controlling a gaseous mixture is shown having a gas delivery device 3 and a gas removal device 4. The device 1 may be coupled to an enclosure (not shown), such that a gaseous mixture within said enclosure may be accordingly controlled.

[0064] The gas delivery device 3 is fluidly coupled, e.g. via an outlet or conduit, to the exterior of the device 1, such that a first gaseous component 20 may be provided. By the same token, the gas removal device 4 is fluidly coupled to the exterior of the device 1, such that a second gaseous component 22 may be received.

[0065] The first gaseous component 20 and the second gaseous component 22 preferably are different gaseous components, such that e.g. desirable gaseous components may be delivered to an enclosure while at the same time undesirable, e.g. toxic components or metabolic waste products, may be removed from the gaseous mixture in the enclosure. However, it may optionally be provided that the first gaseous component 20 and the second gaseous component 22 are the same, e.g. when a volume of the gas is to be remained constant and/or a gaseous component 20, 22 is to be provided at a predefined yet varying concentration for different time points.

[0066] The gas delivery device 3 and the gas removal device 4 are actuated by a control unit 6, which is indicated by the arrows and dashed lines in the embodiment according to FIG. 1. Accordingly, the gas delivery device 3 and the gas removal device 4 may be automatically controlled and regulated. However, it may optionally be provided that the actuation of the respective device may be provided by means of a manual override, for example, by a respective activation and/or deactivation button on the device 1, or simply by means of a power switch.

[0067] The control unit 6 actuates the gas delivery device 3 and the gas removal device 4 depending on a determined information based on the parameter 50 received from or provided by a gas monitor device 5. For example, the control unit 6 may determine a relevant information 50 within a plurality of information provided to the control unit 6 by the gas monitor device 5. Alternatively, the gas monitor device 5 only provides the detected parameter 50 or corresponding value to the control unit 6, wherein the information is determined on the control unit 6 level.

[0068] Said gas monitor device 5 may be fluidly coupled to or be integrated in an enclosure and is configured to detect a parameter 50 relating to the gaseous mixture comprised within an enclosure. In the present embodiment, the gas monitor device 5 comprises a sensor, which is configured for the detection of a volatile organic compound, wherein the parameter 50 hence comprises a molecular composition of the gaseous mixture. Accordingly, the information, which is determined by the control unit 6 relates to a degradation product and/or metabolic waste product.

[0069] Accordingly, the device 1 may control e.g. a process or a condition within a coupled enclosure by means of the detected parameter 50 and the corresponding determined information and the actuation of both the gas delivery device 3 and the gas removal device 4.

[0070] An exemplary arrangement of a device 1 for controlling a gaseous mixture 2 with an enclosure 10 is schematically depicted in FIG. 2. The device 1 generally resembles the device 1 according to FIG. 1, such that the general functioning of the device is not described in further detail. The device 1 is arranged at an exterior side of the enclosure 10, wherein the gas delivery device 3 and the gas removal device 4 are fluidly coupled to the interior of the enclosure 10 by means of respective connectors and/or valves (not shown). Accordingly, a first gaseous component 20 may be delivered and a second gaseous component 22 may be removed by the respective actuation of the gas delivery device 3 and the gas removal device 4, depending on the determined information.

[0071] By the same token, the gas monitor device 5 is also fluidly connected to the enclosure 10 by similar means. However, it may optionally be provided that the gas monitor device 5 comprises a detection unit such as e.g. a sensor in form of an electrode arrangement, which is arranged within the interior of the enclosure 10 and wherein the gas monitor device 5 is only electrically coupled to the said detection unit by means of e.g. a plug and socket or electromagnetic coupling.

[0072] By the same token, it may be optionally provided that at least one of the components of the device 1 is arranged within the enclosure 10, as described in further detail in the below embodiments.

[0073] Within the enclosure 10 an object 12 is stored, such that the gaseous atmosphere surrounding the object 12 may be accordingly controlled by actuation of the gas delivery device 3 and the gas removal device 4. The object 12 may generally comprise any object 12 to be stored and/or requiring a specific gaseous atmosphere, however, preferably comprises a food good or animal tissue. According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the object 12 is an organ. Hence, other components may also be provided, such as e.g. a cooling or temperature controller and/or perfusion device (not shown). In general, the enclosure 10 is hence configured to be transportable and portable, such that the combined device 1 and enclosure 10 may be carried by a person.

[0074] The arrangement of the device 1 at the exterior of the enclosure 10 may be particularly advantageous when transporting animal tissue such as an organ, which need to be kept in a fully sterile environment yet may require a manual override or exchange of components during transportation. Accordingly, the separate arrangement facilitates both the maintenance of the sterile environment while at the same time allowing a modification of the device 1. However, organs or animal tissue may obviously be also stored in an enclosure 10 having a different arrangement of a coupled device 1. An arrangement of the device 1 outside of the enclosure 10 furthermore facilitates that the enclosure 10 may be kept relatively simple and the device 1 may be adapted to various enclosures, thereby increasing the versatility.

[0075] In FIG. 3 a device 1 for controlling a gaseous mixture 2 in an enclosure 10 is schematically shown, wherein the device 1 is integrated in the enclosure 10. As outlined in the above in view of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the actuation of the gas delivery device 3 and the gas removal device 4 is provided by the control unit 6, depending on the determined information from the received parameter 50 from the gas monitor device 5.

[0076] In addition, the gas delivery device 3 comprises a gas cylinder 32, which may provide the first gaseous component 20 required for the gaseous mixture 2 in the enclosure 10. The gas cylinder 32 is arranged at an outer surface of the device 1, such that the gas cylinder 32 may be easily replaced and/or different gas cylinders 32 may be coupled to the device 1, depending on the requirements of the enclosure 10. Accordingly, the gas cylinder 32 may be configured as a gas cartridge or canister, which comprises e.g. a connector or valve arrangement for fluid coupling with the gas delivery device 3 and the interior of the enclosure 10. The gas delivery device 3 may e.g. be configured to provide a predefined volume and/or may comprise a pump to deliver the first gaseous component 20.

[0077] Furthermore, the gas removal device 4 comprises a pump and valve arrangement 44 in order to remove a second gaseous component 22 from the gaseous mixture 2 and release said gaseous component to the atmosphere or to an external collection device (not shown). In order to provide a specificity of the second gaseous component 22, the gas removal device 4 furthermore comprises a filter 42, which is arranged to be in fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure 10, e.g. by a respective conduit. Accordingly, the filter 42 may provide that only a specific range of second gaseous components 22 may pass said filter, such that they may be accordingly removed by means of the coupled pump and valve arrangement 44. However, the filter 42 may also be optional, such that the gaseous mixture 2 in general is at least partly removed from the enclosure 10 by means of the gas removal device. In addition, it may also be provided that the filter 42 filters a second gaseous component 22, e.g. toxic components, prior to releasing the gaseous mixture 2 into the atmosphere. Accordingly, a variety of configurations are possible.

[0078] The integrated configuration of the device 1 in the enclosure 10 is particularly advantageous when storing an object 12 in form of a food product. However, other goods, both perishable and non-perishable, or animal tissue, such as organs, may be stored in the enclosure 10 with an integrated device 1, depending on the requirements.

[0079] By the same token, although the enclosure 10 is configured to be portable, it may also be configured to store or transport larger volumes or quantities of the object 12, such that the enclosure 10 may also assume larger dimensions.

[0080] A combination of the device 1 and an enclosure 10, wherein several components of the device 1 are arranged within the enclosure 10 is shown in an exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4. Hence, the device 1 may generally comprise any of the features according to any of the FIGS. 1 to 3 with the corresponding configuration and/or function.

[0081] According to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the device 1 comprises a gas delivery device 3, a gas removal device 4, and a gas monitor device 5, which are arranged within the enclosure 10. The respective components are in communication with the control unit 6, for example, by means of an electrical, electromagnetic, and/or mechanical coupling, such that the gas monitor device 5 may communicate the at least one parameter 50 or a set of information relating to the gaseous mixture 2 comprised within the enclosure 10 to the control unit 6.

[0082] By the same token, the gas delivery device 3 and the removal device 4 are in communication with the control unit 6, such that they can be individually actuated and deliver the first gaseous component 20 or remove the second gaseous component 22 from the gaseous mixture 2, respectively.

[0083] The control unit 6 furthermore comprises an evaluation unit 62, which is configured to compare the determined information 60 with a threshold stored in the evaluation unit 62 and/or may be configured to monitor the value of the information 60 in order to detect a change of the information 60. Accordingly, the control unit 6 may actuate the gas delivery device 3 and/or the gas removal device 4 only when the evaluation unit 62 detects that a threshold is exceeded or a change of the information 60 exceeds a predefined value. For example, the gas delivery device 3 may be actuated when a minimal concentration of a molecular compound is exceeded, indicating that an addition of the first gaseous component 20 is required. By the same token, a rapid change, i.e. a large change level, may indicate a malfunctioning or a developing condition, such that the control unit 6 may also anticipate any undesirable condition or process within the enclosure 10. Accordingly, the evaluation unit 62 provides a control logic for the control unit 6.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 6 is configured to receive an actuation status information 30 from the gas delivery device 3 and an actuation status information 40 from the removal device 4. This has the advantage that a feedback is provided, e.g. a current setting or level of a respective storage container or cylinder, while at the same time a monitoring of the respective device may be implemented.

[0085] By the same token, the device 1 comprises an additional sensor 52, e.g. a temperature sensor, arranged within the enclosure 10, which provides additional information or an additional parameter to the control unit 6, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 4. Said parameter or information may be provided to the control unit 6, or to the subunit of the control unit 6, i.e. the evaluation unit 62 directly, and may be accordingly evaluated in addition to the information 60 to actuate the gas delivery device 3 or gas removal device 4.

[0086] In addition, the device 1 comprises a communication device 7, which is in communication with the control unit 6 and allows a communication between the device 1 and an external monitoring device 8. Although various configurations may be provided, the communication device 7 according to the embodiment is provided as a wireless communication device using RFID for short-distance communication.

[0087] The external monitoring device 8 is configured as a hand-held device, preferably a PDA, notebook, or mobile phone, which comprises a display.

[0088] When the external monitoring device 8 is brought into proximity with the device 1, a communication is established between said device 1, preferably automatically. With the established communication, the device 1 is capable of communicating or transmitting various stored parameters 50 and information 30, 40, 60 from the control unit 6 to the external monitoring device 8 and may also receive an input from the external monitoring device 8 via the communication device 7, indicated exemplary in FIG. 4 by the dashed arrows and the information 60. Accordingly, a user may be provided with an overview of a current status of the device 1 and the enclosure 10 to monitor a condition or process of an object 12 stored in the enclosure 10 on the external monitor device 8, e.g. on a display. In case of a system error or an undesirable condition the communication device 7 may also trigger an alarm, such that a user may provide a corresponding input via the external monitor device, the communication device 7, and the control unit 6 to remedy the undesirable condition.

[0089] In FIG. 5 a schematic view of a monitoring system 100 with a plurality of devices 1A, 1B for controlling a gaseous mixture is shown.

[0090] The monitoring system 100 is depicted comprising a first device 1A and a second device 1B each coupled to a respective enclosure 10. The devices 1A, 1B and enclosures 10 may be configured according to any of the embodiments described in FIGS. 1 to 4, and may have alternative configurations as described in the general description. Furthermore, the monitoring system 100 may comprise more than two devices, e.g. a plurality of devices or even a large number of stacked devices.

[0091] To provide a monitoring, the system 100 comprises a computer system 140 having a storage in form of a database, optionally in the form of a cloud storage. Accordingly, the system 100 is provided with an overview of the respective devices 1A, 1B and configurations, such that the respective devices may be accordingly identified and compared with predefined conditions.

[0092] The devices 1A, 1B are in bi-directional communication with the computer system 140 via a wireless communication network 120, such that a seamless communication may be provided and may easily be extended according to the respective requirements. However, other communication networks using e.g. LAN may be provided. Accordingly, the computer system 140 may receive the determined information, and/or an actuation status and/or actuation log of the gas delivery device and/or the gas removal device to the monitoring system via the communication network 120.

[0093] By the same token, the computer system 140 of the monitoring system 100 may provide an input to the respective device 1A, 1B, e.g. to overrule an actuation status provided by the control unit 6.

[0094] In addition, an external monitoring device 8 is provided in the system 100, which is in communication with the second device 1B via e.g. RFID, preferably automatically, when being in proximity. Preferably, the external monitoring device 8 is configured as a hand-held device, e.g. a PDA. Accordingly, the established communication between the communication device of the second device 1B and the external monitoring device 8 allows that e.g. the information from the second device 1B may be transmitted to the external monitoring device 8. A user may identify the information via an indication on a display of the PDA, such that the user may decide whether an overrule of the respective control unit may be required.

[0095] Furthermore, the first device 1A is in communication with the second device 1B, wherein only the second device 1B is in communication with the PDA. Accordingly, the second device 1B may also communicate an information from the first device 1A to the PDA, such that a user may be provided with a respective overview. In case of an error or undesirable condition, the user may then provide a direct feedback to the computer system 140 via the communication network 120, such that the computer system 140 may provide a corresponding input to the first device 1A.

[0096] Such configuration has the advantage that the e.g. a periodic communication and monitoring of each device 1A, 1B is provided by means of the communication network 120 and the computer system 140, while at the same time an intermediate control or check-up may be provided via the external monitoring device 8 or PDA. However, the PDA may also be configured to only communicate with a subset of the respective devices, which corresponds to device 1B according to FIG. 5. Hence, the second device 1B may serve as an external monitoring device for a subset of devices, such that the PDA does not need to communicate with each device individually, but may automatically retrieve the information from the plurality of devices upon establishing a communication with the second device 1B. Obviously, other configurations may be provided, as outlined in the above.

[0097] It will be obvious for a person skilled in the art that these embodiments and items only depict examples of a plurality of possibilities. Hence, the embodiments shown here should not be understood to form a limitation of these features and configurations. Any possible combination and configuration of the described features can be chosen according to the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0098] 1 Device for controlling a gaseous mixture

[0099] 1A First device

[0100] 1B Second device

[0101] 10 Portable enclosure

[0102] 12 Object

[0103] 100 Monitoring system

[0104] 120 Communication network

[0105] 140 Computer system

[0106] 2 Gaseous mixture

[0107] 20 First gaseous component

[0108] 22 Second gaseous component

[0109] 3 Gas delivery device

[0110] 30 Information

[0111] 32 Gas cylinder

[0112] 4 Gas removal device

[0113] 40 Information

[0114] 42 Pump and valve arrangement

[0115] 44 Filter

[0116] 5 Gas monitor device

[0117] 50 Parameter

[0118] 52 Additional sensor

[0119] 6 Control unit

[0120] 60 Information

[0121] 62 Evaluation unit

[0122] 7 Communication device

[0123] 8 External monitoring device