Container having wall protrusion and sensor region

Abstract

A container having at least one wall protrusion for mounting at least one sensor from the outside for sensing at least one variable of a medium contained in a container interior is provided. The wall protrusion can be arranged on a container wall and configured to at least partly extend around the container interior and the medium. The wall protrusion can include at least one sensor region that is configured so that the at least one variable can be sensed through the sensor region by means of the sensor.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a container wall; a container interior; and at least one wall protrusion element for attaching at least one sensor from an outer side of the container for sensing at least one variable of a medium contained in the container interior, wherein the wall protrusion element comprises a wall protrusion and a wall bulge, and the wall bulge comprises a shape that is substantially spherical, substantially hemispherical, a section of an ellipsoid, or a spherical section that does not correspond to a hemisphere, wherein the wall protrusion is arranged on the container wall and at least partly surrounds the container interior and the medium, and wherein the at least one wall protrusion element comprises at least one sensor region through which a variable of the medium can be determined using a sensor device that does not contact the medium.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wall protrusion has a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis encloses an angle with a normal of an imaginary contour line for defining a sample volume of −45° to 45° and/or a width axis of the at least one wall protrusion encloses an angle of −45° to 45° with a width axis of the container.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor region comprises an optical element that includes a window.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wall protrusion comprises two protrusion walls, the two protrusion walls being parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other by a sample layer thickness, wherein the protrusion walls have a protrusion length such that the wall protrusion surrounds a slit-shaped volume, wherein at least one of the protrusion walls comprises the sensor region.

5. The container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wall protrusion comprises a diffusely scattering surface, and wherein the sensor device comprises an optical fiber and the variable is determined by transflection or double transmission by means of reflection at the diffusely scattering surface.

6. The container according to claim 4, wherein the two protrusion walls each comprise a window and the windows are arranged so that the variable can be determined by the sensor device through a transmissive beam path arrangement.

7. The container according to claim 1, comprising a sensor attaching device for attaching the sensor device relative to the at least one wall protrusion.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein the sensor attaching device comprises at least one receiving device configured to receive an additional optical element, wherein the additional optical element comprises at least one lens, mirror, prism, pinhole, or combination thereof.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is disposable bioreactor container.

10. The container according to claim 1, wherein the wall protrusion element has at least one access point, wherein the at least one access point is configured to receive a pH electrode to determine a pH value of the medium through the at least one access point.

11. The container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wall protrusion comprises protrusion walls, which at least in sections each have an extension protruding into a container inner side or wherein the wall protrusion comprises protrusion walls protruding into the container inner side.

12. The container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wall protrusion comprises a channel, wherein the channel is at least partly surrounded by a channel guide and/or a guide section, and wherein the channel is configured to guide a moving medium from a channel inlet to a channel outlet in one flow direction.

13. A wall protrusion element for fastening on a container wall of a container, the wall protrusion element comprising: a wall protrusion and a wall bulge, wherein the wall bulge comprises a shape that is substantially spherical, substantially hemispherical, a section of an ellipsoid, or a spherical section that does not correspond to a hemisphere, wherein the wall protrusion is configured to receive at least one sensor from an outer side of the container for sensing at least one variable of a medium contained in a container interior, wherein the wall protrusion is configured to at least partly surround the container interior and to extend outwardly from a container wall contour of the container wall; and wherein the wall protrusion element comprises at least one sensor region configured so that the variable can be sensed through the sensor region by means of the at least one sensor.

14. The wall protrusion element according to claim 13, wherein the wall protrusion element is configured for removable attachment of the wall protrusion element to the container wall.

15. The wall protrusion element according to claim 13, wherein the wall protrusion element is configured to be permanently fixedly to the container wall.

16. The wall protrusion element according to claim 13, wherein the wall protrusion has a longitudinal axis along which it extends, and wherein the longitudinal axis encloses an angle of −45° to 45° with a normal of an imaginary contour line for defining a sample volume.

17. The wall protrusion element according to claim 13, wherein the wall protrusion element is sterilized.

18. The wall protrusion element according to claim 13, wherein a wall protrusion comprises protrusion walls, which at least in sections have an extension that protrudes onto a container inner side or wherein a wall protrusion comprises protrusion walls, which protrude onto the container inner side.

19. The wall protrusion element according to claim 13, wherein the wall protrusion comprises a channel, which is at least partly surrounded by a channel guide and/or a guide section, and the channel is designed to guide a moving medium from a channel inlet to a channel outlet in one flow direction.

20. A method for providing a sensing of at least one variable of a medium contained in a container interior of a container, comprising the steps of: arranging a wall protrusion element comprising a wall protrusion and a wall bulge on a container wall of the container so that the wall bulge extends outwardly from a container wall contour of the container wall, wherein the wall bulge comprises a shape that is substantially spherical, substantially hemispherical, a section of an ellipsoid, or a spherical section that does not correspond to a hemisphere; at least partly surrounding the container interior and the medium by the wall protrusion; providing at least one sensor region on the wall protrusion; attaching from an outer side of the container at least one sensor relative to at least one wall protrusion; and sensing the variable of the medium through the sensor region by means of the at least one sensor.

Description

(1) The invention is explained in more detail in the following on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Individual features shown in the figures can be combined with other exemplary embodiments to the extent that they are not mutually exclusive. Identical reference signs indicate identical or similar components of the embodiments. The following are shown:

(2) FIG. 1 a schematic side view of a bioreactor with a wall protrusion and an optical measuring device according to one embodiment;

(3) FIG. 2a a schematic side view of the cross-section of a bioreactor with a wall protrusion and an optical measuring device according to an additional embodiment;

(4) FIG. 2b a schematic enlarged side detailed view of the cross-section of the wall protrusion on a container wall in accordance with FIG. 2a;

(5) FIG. 3a a schematic detailed view of a wall protrusion with two sensor regions and a transmissive beam path arrangement;

(6) FIG. 3b a schematic detailed view of a wall protrusion with a sensor region and a reflective beam path arrangement;

(7) FIG. 3c a schematic detailed view of a wall protrusion with a sensor region, a reflective beam path arrangement, an access point and a pH sensor;

(8) FIG. 4 a schematic cross-section of a bioreactor with a stirring element, a wall protrusion, a wall bulge and an optical measuring device according to one embodiment;

(9) FIG. 5 a schematic cross-section of a disposable bag or disposable bioreactor with a wall protrusion, a wall bulge and an optical measuring device according to one embodiment;

(10) FIG. 6 a schematic cross-section of a disposable bag or disposable bioreactor with a stirring element, a wall protrusion, a wall bulge and an optical measuring device according to one embodiment;

(11) FIG. 7a a detailed section of a side view of a wall protrusion element with a wall protrusion, a wall bulge and a sensor attaching device according to one embodiment;

(12) FIG. 7b a schematic cross-section of a side view of a wall protrusion element with a wall protrusion, a wall bulge and a sensor attaching device according to one embodiment as well as a connection point between a container wall and a wall protrusion element according to one embodiment;

(13) FIG. 8 a schematic frontal view of a bioreactor with a wall protrusion inclined with respect to the width axis of the container and a wall bulge according to one embodiment;

(14) FIG. 9 a schematic detailed view of a wall protrusion with two sensor regions and a transmissive beam path arrangement as well as an extension of the protrusion walls of the wall protrusion according to one embodiment;

(15) FIG. 10a a perspective view of a wall protrusion element with a guide plate according to one embodiment;

(16) FIG. 10b a view from the inner side of the wall protrusion element of FIG. 10a with a guide plate according to one embodiment;

(17) FIG. 10c a view of a section along the line A-A through the wall protrusion element with a guide plate of FIG. 10b according to one embodiment from above;

(18) FIG. 11a a perspective view of a wall protrusion element with a channel guide according to one embodiment;

(19) FIG. 11b a view from the inner side of the wall protrusion element of FIG. 11a with a channel guide according to one embodiment;

(20) FIG. 11c a view of a section along the line A-A through the wall protrusion element with a channel guide of FIG. 11b according to one embodiment from above.

(21) FIG. 1 is a side view of a container 1, which is a component of a bioreactor, according to one embodiment (as an exemplary embodiment of a container with at least one wall protrusion for attaching or receiving or mounting or fixing at least one sensor) with a mixing system or a stirring element 3. Preferably, at least the container 1 is designed for disposable use and the container is in particular a disposable bag. Alternatively, the container 1 can also be a reusable container, for example a steel tank. Furthermore, the container does not necessarily have to be a component of a bioreactor.

(22) In addition to the container 1 and the stirring element 3, which can be understood as a mixing system or a stirring device, the bioreactor also comprises a three-phase motor 10 as a three-phase machine for the stirring element 3. The stirring element 3 is designed to mix and agitate a medium 8 in the container 1. The medium 8 can comprise a fluid, in particular a liquid and/or a solid and/or a gas, and can in particular be in the form of a fluid mixture and/or a solid mixture or mixture of solids, or also in the form of a mixture of at least one fluid and at least one solid.

(23) The container 1 according to the embodiment shown is penetrated by a stirring shaft 9 of the stirring element 3, which is arranged on the container inner side I of the container 1 and completely penetrates the container 1 from one end to an opposite end, i.e., from a container top 1″ to a container bottom 1′, along the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1.

(24) The longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1 extends substantially along or in parallel to the height of the container from the container bottom 1′ to the container top 1″ and in parallel to the z axis of the coordinate system shown.

(25) The bioreactor also has a drive device 2, which is arranged outside the container 1. The stirring element 3 or the stirring shaft 9 is coupled to the drive device 2. The stirring shaft 9 of the stirring element 3 is substantially rod-shaped. The stirring shaft 9 is substantially completely arranged inside (on the container inner side I) of the container 1. In the embodiment, the stirring shaft 9 is mounted on a bearing 6 on the drive side and on a counter bearing 7. The bearing 6 on the drive side is arranged immediately adjacent to the drive device 2, while the counter bearing 7 is arranged on the side of the container 1 opposite the drive device 2. Several stirring extensions 5 are formed on the stirring shaft 9 and are designed to move around an axis of rotation of the stirring element 3 when the stirring shaft 9 rotates, and to mix the medium 8 if the container 1 is filled with a medium 8. The container interior 22 on the inner side I of the container 1 can be completely or partly filled with a medium 8. In particular, the container 1 can be at least partly filled with a medium 8 at the time of a measurement.

(26) The container 1 of a bioreactor 1 and/or the bioreactor can alternatively also be designed without a stirring element 3, a stirring shaft 9, a drive device 2, a bearing 6 on the drive side and a counter bearing 7, in particular without any element that can serve to mix the medium 8.

(27) A wall protrusion 20, which extends over a length L, is located on the container wall 4 of the container 1. The length L of the wall protrusion 20 extends substantially along a longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 of the wall protrusion 20, which, in the embodiment, has an angle α of substantially 90° to the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1. The longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 also extends substantially in parallel to the y axis of the coordinate system shown.

(28) Preferably, the container 1 with the wall protrusion 20 is formed in two combined or assembled or glued or welded pieces of the container 1 and the wall protrusion element 20′. In this case, the two pieces comprising respectively the container 1 and the wall protrusion 20 or the wall protrusion element 20′ can be combined, assembled, glued and/or welded together with the wall protrusion 20, provided that they have not already been combined to form one object. The wall protrusion element 20′ comprises the wall protrusion 20 as well as a section 20b for attaching the wall protrusion element 20′ to the container 1. The wall protrusion element 20′ is arranged or attached or attachable to the container 1 or to the container wall 4 of the container 1 by means of section 20b for attaching the wall protrusion element 20′. The container wall 4 has an opening or a hole that is sealed and covered by attaching the wall protrusion element 20′ or the wall protrusion 20. The opening in the container wall 4 allows the entire container interior 22, i.e., the sample volume V, to be connected and in contact with the rest of the container interior 22. Thus, a material exchange or an exchange of a medium 8 can take place in both partial spaces of the container interior 22.

(29) The wall protrusion 20 can, for example, be of the same strength or layer thickness as the container wall 4 and can at least partly surround at least a part of the container interior 22. The wall protrusion 20 can also be formed in a different strength or wall thickness or layer thickness than the rest of the container wall 4. For example, the wall protrusion 20 can substantially have, at least in part, a thinner wall thickness or strength than the rest of the container wall 4, for example one-half or one-third less. Alternatively, the wall protrusion 20 can also substantially have a wall thickness or strength that is at least partly thicker than the rest of the container wall 4, for example one-half or one-third thicker. The wall protrusion element 20′ comprising the wall protrusion 20 can also substantially have a wall that is at least partly or in sections reinforced and/or thicker than the container wall 4.

(30) The wall protrusion 20 at least partly surrounds a sample volume. In the embodiment shown, the sample volume V is designed as a slit S or a slit-shaped volume. The wall protrusion 20 protrudes away from the container wall 4 in the direction of the outer side A. In this case, the wall protrusion 20 and its two protrusion walls 28 protrude substantially at a right angle to the container wall 4 and also at a right angle to the walls of the section 20b for attaching the wall protrusion element 20′ to the container 1. In this case, the two protrusion walls 28 extend in parallel to the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 of the wall protrusion 20, wherein the container wall 4 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1.

(31) A curved arrow on the wall protrusion 20 on the container inner side I indicates that a medium 8 can flow or run at least partly through the sample volume V, in particular the slit S. In other words, the specific design ensures that a medium 8 (in particular liquid and/or gas) located in the container 1 can flow into and/or out of the sample volume V.

(32) The container interior 22 contains the sample volume V and is connected to it, in particular via an opening. The container interior 22 without the sample volume V is referred to as the “rest of the container interior 22.” If the container interior 22 is sufficiently filled with the medium 8, the medium 8 is also located in the sample volume V, in particular in the slit-shaped sample volume V, in such a manner that the wall protrusion 20 also at least partly surrounds or at least partly encloses a part of the medium 8. In other words, the medium 8 can fill a sample volume V, in particular a slit S, or flow into a slit S. In particular in the case in which the medium 8 is substantially mixed, for example by means of the stirring element 3, in the container interior 22, a flow or stream of the medium 8 can also flow or run through the sample volume V. Thus, a medium 8 in the sample volume V, in particular in the slit S, can be exchanged substantially temporarily or constantly or continuously with a medium 8 from the rest of the container interior 22. If a process, in particular a chemical, biological and/or biochemical process, takes place within the container 1, it can therefore be ensured that a representative part of the medium 8 from the container interior 22 is also present within the sample volume V and that a spatially inhomogeneous process can be substantially avoided.

(33) The wall protrusion 20 shown in FIG. 1 comprises two sensor regions 23, wherein each sensor region 23 is attached to one of the two parallel long protrusion walls 28 so that the sensor regions 23 also face each other in a substantially parallel manner. From at least one of the two sides of the protrusion walls 28, a measuring access point (in particular optical access point) can thus be provided by means of the sensor regions 23 to the medium 8 in the container interior 22, in particular in the sample volume V and preferably a slit-shaped sample volume V. The sensor region 23 or measurement access point (for example, an optical access point) is or comprises an optical element, preferably a window 23′. Alternatively, a window 23′ could generally be replaced by another optical element, such as a lens, prism, filter, iris and/or pinhole. The window 23′ is substantially given by its at least partial transparency to light or electromagnetic waves with a certain or determinable wavelength spectrum and is not substantially limited to transparency to visible light. It is also possible that a sensor region 23 is not transparent to visible light but is transparent substantially to light of another non-visible wavelength (for example, in the infrared range). This can be advantageous, for example, if the process or the medium 8 in the container 1 is sensitive to visible light but nevertheless variables, in particular physical and/or chemical and/or biological variables of the medium 8, are to be measured by means of optical measurements. In this case, for example, a sensor region 23 can be at least partly made of silicon, which is transparent to infrared radiation but substantially non-transparent to visible radiation or has a significantly reduced transparency or permeability (for example, less than approximately 10%). However, it is also possible that the sensor region 23, in particular the window 23′, is at least partly transparent to light of a substantially visible spectrum and at least partly transparent to light of a substantially invisible spectrum. The term “window 23’” accordingly comprises a flat element that is substantially transparent and has a correspondingly translucent surface. Two windows 23′, in particular opposite windows 23′, can be designed and/or manufactured as two separate elements. Alternatively, two windows 23′ can also be made in one piece, i.e., in one continuous element. In other words, two or more windows 23′ do not have to be manufactured separately from each other but can consist of one piece. In particular, the wall protrusion 20 can be substantially made of a transparent material and thus naturally have the characteristics of the windows.

(34) Preferably, as mentioned above, the term “sensor region 23” refers to a window 23′ if it is a sensor region 23 for sensing optical variables by means of an optical sensor device 21. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor region 23 can also comprise or represent an access point and/or an opening.

(35) Relative to the wall protrusion 20 shown in FIG. 1, a sensor or sensor device 21 is attached or can be attached from the outer side A or from the outside. In the embodiment, the sensor device 21 comprises a light conductor 24 or a fiber optic cable or an optical fiber, a light conductor incoupling section 24a as well as a sensor unit, which is represented in FIG. 1 by a spectrometer 25. In this respect, it can be assumed that a light conductor 24 or fiber optic cable substantially corresponds to an optical fiber. An optical beam path or a light path or a path followed by a light through the sensor regions 23 and the sample volume filled with at least a part of the medium 8 is shown in FIG. 1 as a transmissive beam path arrangement T. On a side opposite the sensor device 21, a light conductor outcoupling section 24b with an additional light conductor 24, also called a fiber optic cable, is shown in accordance with the embodiment as shown in the drawing. This light conductor outcoupling section 24b can, for example, serve as a light source through which light of a predetermined or predeterminable spectrum is decoupled and sent into or through the sensor region 23 and the sample volume. For example, the light can interact at least partly with the medium 8 in the sample volume V in such a manner that it is at least partly absorbed, in particular by excitation of the molecules of the medium 8.

(36) Preferably, a light or a (preferably collinear) light beam runs substantially along or at least partly in parallel to a beam path axis SG through the sample volume V, as indicated in FIG. 1. A beam path axis SG can be defined by the course of a light beam, wherein the beam path axis SG runs substantially in the middle or centrally within the cross-sectional area of the light beam substantially along the propagation direction of the light beam. An example of such a beam path axis SG is shown in FIG. 1 to indicate the possible course or propagation axis or propagation directions of a light beam. For this purpose, the light conductor incoupling and outcoupling sections 24a, 24b are arranged on the wall protrusion 20 in such a manner that a light beam that emerges from the light conductor outcoupling section 24b is propagated or runs substantially along or at least in parallel to the beam path axis SG through the sample volume V or the slit S and the sensor regions 23 or the window 23′ in order to then be at least partly sensed or captured or picked up by the light conductor incoupling section 24a or to be coupled into the light conductor incoupling section 24a. Essentially, the beam path axis SG and thus the direction of propagation of a light beam runs substantially in parallel on the outer side A to an adjacent container wall 4 of the container 1.

(37) Instead of a bioreactor as shown in FIG. 1, it could also be a food tank, a pellet tank, a storage tank, a mixing tank or other container.

(38) FIG. 2a shows a side view of an embodiment of a bioreactor with its container 1, wherein the bioreactor is a disposable bioreactor and the container 1 is a “single use” or disposable bag or disposable container. The bioreactor thus comprises a container 1 and a mixing system for at least partial disposable use. The bioreactor comprises a stirring element 3, a stirring shaft 9 and a stirring extension 5. In this case, the stirring device or stirring element 3 can, for example, also be at least partly suitable for reusable use, whereas the container 1 and substantially the outer skin or the container wall 4 is suitable and/or intended for disposable use. It is also possible that the stirring device or stirring element 3 is also completely designed for one-time use or usage. The disposable container 1 can substantially be a plastic bag that can, for example, be stored and/or suspended inside another rigid container, such as a tank and/or a frame.

(39) In other words, at least the outer skin or container wall 4 of the bioreactor, which at least partly shields or delimits or separates the container interior 22 or the container inner side I from the outer side A, can at least partly comprise a plastic, in particular a soft plastic or a particularly flexible plastic. In particular conceivable are soft PVC, polyolefin, polyethylene, polycarbonate, cyclo olefin copolymer, co-polyester and/or polystyrene. Furthermore, the container 1 can be made of a single-layer or multi-layer plastic material, which is particularly resistant or stable against beta or gamma radiation. In general, the container interior 22 of a container 1 can constitute a closed system, which can be preferred in particular for anaerobic processes and/or where light irradiation is excluded. Furthermore, to the exclusion of light irradiation, the container wall 4 can be partly and substantially non-transparent (for example, with less than approximately 10% transparency) to light in all spectral ranges or at least to light of a certain spectral range and can filter out or absorb at least a part of the wavelength spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, in particular the visible spectrum.

(40) A disposable container 1 can be quite sensitive or delicate to mechanical influences under certain circumstances. For example, an attempt to take a sample and/or monitor a process by means of a measurement can result in damage to the disposable container 1, for example by accidental crushing and/or puncturing. A wall protrusion 20, as shown schematically in FIG. 2a, for attaching a sensor or detector, a sensor device 21 or several sensor devices 21 can be particularly advantageous for handling a disposable container 1 and its medium 8 contained in the container interior 22, if variables, in particular physical and/or chemical and/or biological variables of the medium 8, are to be sensed. In particular, the substantially non-invasive process control, which is made possible thereby, results in the medium 8 in the container interior 22 substantially not being contaminated, for example with substances from outside that are harmful to the process flow, in particular microbiological substances and/or oxygen.

(41) A disposable container or disposable bag 1, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2a, can be formed in such a manner that the outer skin or container wall 4 at least partly curves outward or toward the outer side A, if the container interior 22 is at least partly filled with a medium 8.

(42) The container wall 4 can at least behave flexibly and/or in an extensible manner and/or like a sack when the contained medium 8 is filled and/or emptied. By sensing the variables of the medium 8, this characteristic makes handling particularly difficult when monitoring a process running in the container interior 22. For this reason, it is particularly preferred that a rigid or dimensionally stable wall protrusion 20 is attached to or arranged on or fastened to the container wall 4. The wall protrusion 20 can, for example, be a part of a wall protrusion element 20′, and/or can be attached to or arranged on a wall protrusion element 20′. The wall protrusion element 20′ is preferably rigid or dimensionally stable. The wall protrusion element 20′, which comprises the wall protrusion 20, can therefore be attached to or arranged on, in particular glued to and/or welded to, the container wall 4 of a disposable container. For this purpose, the wall protrusion element 20′ can comprise a section that at least partly mimics or specifies a shape of the container wall 4 so that a transition between the container wall 4 and the wall protrusion element 20′ which is continuous in terms of shape is produced after attaching. It is preferable that the wall protrusion element 20′ is formed in one piece with the wall protrusion 20, for example by welding, casting and/or 3D printing techniques. Alternatively, the disposable container 1 can also as a whole be constructed in one piece with the wall protrusion 20.

(43) The wall protrusion element 20′ and in particular the wall protrusion 20′ is preferably at least partly molded from a so-called hard plastic or from a stiffer or more dimensionally stable plastic, in particular from a (meltable) thermoplastic or from a (non-meltable) thermoset, for example a synthetic resin. In particular, the plastic can be sterilized, for example by means of beta or gamma radiation. In general, the material used to manufacture a container 1 or to make a reusable or disposable bioreactor can be sterilized by means of thermal sterilization, by means of steam sterilization, by means of hot air sterilization, by means of chemical and/or physical sterilization (for example, beta or gamma irradiation).

(44) The dimensionally stable formation of the wall protrusion 20 ensures that a sample volume V, which can be filled with the medium 8 from the container interior 22, always maintains a substantially constant value. This facilitates the comparison of variables or parameters that are measured continuously or sporadically over a longer period of time since no corrections due to a (possibly unknown) change in layer thickness have to be considered. In this manner, a background measurement or calibration that can be regarded as valid over the entire period of data acquisition can be carried out at the beginning of data recording or the sensing of variables in particular.

(45) As shown schematically in FIG. 2a in accordance with the embodiment shown, the disposable container or disposable bag 1 has a shape which is curved outward or toward the outer side A and is not strictly predefined, whereas the wall protrusion 20 has an at least partly well-defined contour or shape. It is easy to imagine how cumbersome it can be to handle such a container 1 without a wall protrusion 20 when sensing variables of the content or the medium 8. In particular, an exact reproducible alignment of optical elements can be cumbersome or even impossible for a disposable container 1 without a wall protrusion 20 but with an optical system mounted in a weld-in port since weight forces would act on such a weld-in port due to the medium 8 contained. Such a weld-in port could, for example, comprise a bulge which is directed toward the container inner side I and which comprises an opening or access point for a sensor or for taking samples. This would lead to a bulging of the weld-in port, which in turn could affect the beam path. For this reason, the wall protrusion 20 has many advantages over a weld-in port with optical elements. As already described for the container 1 in FIG. 1 and not further explained here, an identical sensor device 21 as in FIG. 1 is attached to the wall protrusion 20 on the outer side A, wherein process monitoring can be carried out by means of an optical method by means of a transmissive beam path arrangement T through two sensor regions 23. Thus, the proposed embodiment with an outward extending wall protrusion 20 is advantageous since it can be designed to be particularly stable, in particular dimensionally stable, with respect to weight forces of the medium 8 within a container 1. In this manner, it can substantially be prevented that a volume or sample volume V to be examined changes, in particular with regard to its variable and/or shape, or bulges and/or deforms due to forces. For this reason, the described embodiment can substantially ensure or make possible that a sample volume V can be repeatedly examined, in particular optically, under particularly constant conditions. This can, for example, require and be ensured by the embodiment in particular that an optical beam path or an optical path or a path taken by a light, for example a laser beam, in particular along the beam path axis SG through the sample volume V, is particularly stable or constant. Furthermore, the outward bulge ensures in particular that the (direct or indirect) coupling or attaching of the sensor device 21 is easily ensured. A corresponding measurement is ensured in a particularly simple manner, in particular by the one or more sensor regions 23 that are accessible from the outside or from the side and that are windows 23′ in the embodiment.

(46) The wall protrusion element 20′ can be generally understood as a port or comprise a port, wherein a port is characterized in that it comprises elements that are suitable as means for attaching or mounting or fastening a sensor attaching device 30 relative to the wall protrusion 20. Preferably, a wall protrusion 20 has a bearing clearance in an attached state.

(47) Thus, the optical path or the optical beam geometry is substantially defined only by the sensor attaching device 30 and by the geometry and composition of the wall protrusion 20 and is almost independent of forces acting on the port. This can be an advantage for convenient, simple and proper use if a manufacturer can make the adjustment prior to the sale of a sensor attaching device 30 and the user only needs to attach the sensor attaching device 30 to the wall protrusion element 20′ or relative to the wall protrusion 20 in order to carry out or undertake a measurement.

(48) In particular, the process of attaching the sensor attaching device 30 to the wall protrusion element 20′ can prove to be particularly uncomplicated and simple in this case. The adjustment of the optics or the beam geometry on the sensor attaching device 30 can be done prior to attaching. In particular, a light conductor incoupling or outcoupling section 24a, 24b can be simply clipped or clamped to the port or wall protrusion element 20′, preferably by means of the sensor attaching device 30. Moreover, the attachment of the light conductor 24 or the light conductor incoupling or outcoupling sections 24a, 24b to the sensor attaching device 30 can be carried out prior to or after the attaching of the sensor attaching device 30 to the container 1.

(49) FIG. 2a also indicates a beam path axis SG, along which a light beam substantially propagates. Preferably, this beam path axis SG runs substantially in parallel on or to the outer side A to the adjacent container wall 4, although it is also possible that the container wall 4, as indicated in FIG. 2a, has an outward bulge, which results in the beam path axis SG not being parallel to the container wall 4, at least in sections. Nevertheless, it is preferred that the beam path axis SG and thus the direction of propagation of a light beam is substantially perpendicular to and/or through the slit S, the protrusion walls 28 and the sensor regions 23 or the windows 23′. As already mentioned, one advantage of this embodiment is therefore in particular that a wall protrusion 20 is particularly dimensionally stable, whereas the container wall 4 can deform and/or bulge. This has the effect that a beam path axis SG can be set to be stable and/or reversible and that particularly stable measuring conditions can be given.

(50) FIG. 2b is an enlarged detailed view of the wall protrusion 20. The wall protrusion element 20′ comprises the wall protrusion 20 and a section 20b for attaching the wall protrusion element 20′ to the container 1. The section 20b can preferably adapt to the shape of the container wall 4 or has a substantially rigid shape that is already adapted to the container wall 4. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2a and 2b, the wall protrusion 20 comprises two sensor regions 23, which are windows 23′.

(51) The wall protrusion 20 with the sample volume V is substantially outside the radius of curvature of the disposable bag or the bulged disposable container 1. In other words, the sample volume V or the slit S and thus the wall protrusion 20 protrudes outward from the container wall 4. The wall protrusion 20 at least partly surrounds the sample volume V, which is designed in the form of a slit S. The sample volume V is the volume or space of the container interior 22, which is largely surrounded by the wall protrusion 20. The sample volume V is delimited from the other part of the container interior 22, which is substantially surrounded by the container wall 4, by an imaginary contour line IK.sub.1 (dotted line in FIG. 2b). The imaginary contour line IK.sub.1 is substantially the extension of the container wall contour or the connecting line between the lines of the container wall contour, wherein the container wall contour is the contour of the container wall without a wall protrusion 20. Thus, the container wall contour does not comprise the contour of the wall protrusion 20. As mentioned above, this defines the sample volume V, which is located outside the imaginary contour line IK.sub.1.

(52) If a wall protrusion element 20′ comprises a wall bulge 20a, the imaginary contour line IK.sub.1 is however defined by the contour of the wall bulge 20a. The imaginary contour line IK.sub.1 is then substantially the extension of the contour of the wall bulge 20a or the connecting line between the contour lines of the wall bulge 20a, wherein the contour of the wall bulge 20a does not comprise the contour of the wall protrusion 20.

(53) A wall protrusion element 20′ always comprises a wall protrusion 20. The wall protrusion element 20′ can also comprise a wall bulge 20a. In addition, the wall protrusion element 20′ can comprise a section 20b for attaching the wall protrusion element 20′ to the container 1. In particular, a wall protrusion element 20′ and preferably a section 20b for attaching can also comprise a part of an element connection EV. For example, a part of the element connection EV can be a thread that can be screwed into a compatible thread on the container wall 4.

(54) In other words, the sample volume V is that volume of the container interior 22 that extends from the imaginary contour line IK.sub.1 (dotted line in FIG. 2b) of the contour or imaginary contour line of the container wall 4 or the contour or imaginary contour line of the wall bulge 20a over a length L along the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 with the sample layer thickness D.sub.1 of the wall protrusion 20.

(55) An alternative embodiment to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, which is not explicitly shown here, comprises, instead of two opposite windows 23′, one window 23′ and, opposite thereto, a combination of a window 23′ and a mirror or reflector. For example, the upper wall of the wall protrusion 20, in particular with respect to the z direction shown, or the upper protrusion wall 28 can comprise a window 23′, and the lower protrusion wall 28 can comprise a window 23′ and a mirror and/or reflector. For example, the surface of a window 23′ could be at least partly overlapped by the surface of a reflector, wherein the reflective side of the reflector points in the direction of the opposite window 23′. In this case, measurements under transmission and reflection can be performed simultaneously. This means that both a transmissive beam path arrangement T and a reflective beam path arrangement R can be used at the same time. In particular, this allows several types of spectroscopy with different optical geometries to be used.

(56) Preferably, the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 of a wall protrusion 20, as indicated in FIG. 2b, has a substantially right angle to the beam path axis SG. This applies to a transmissive beam path arrangement T in the same way as to a reflective beam path arrangement R. Preferably, the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 of the wall protrusion 20, as indicated in FIG. 2b, also has a substantially right angle to the imaginary contour line IK.sub.1. Thus, the imaginary contour line IK.sub.1 is substantially parallel to the beam path axis SG, at least in places.

(57) FIGS. 3a to 3c show schematic and detailed side views of three different embodiments of the wall protrusions 20, which are attached to a container wall 4. Individual features of different embodiments can be combined with each other as long as they are not mutually exclusive. Such wall protrusions 20 can be attached to any container 1, for example to the container wall 4 of a reusable container 1 of a reusable bioreactor or to the container wall 4 of a disposable container 1 of a disposable bioreactor or to the container wall 4 of a barrel, a canister, a tank, a food tank, a transport container and/or to a container other than those already mentioned.

(58) The wall protrusion 20 of all embodiments, as is already the case for other embodiments, at least partly surrounds a sample volume V, which is defined, among other things, by a sample layer thickness D.sub.1 and a protrusion length L and is in contact or fluid exchange with the rest of the container interior 22 or is a part thereof. In this manner, a medium 8 can flow into the sample volume V during filling into the slit S and, in particular, can be exchanged with the medium 8 from other positions of the container interior 22. However, there can also be a shutter device (not shown here) that can be operated from the outside and that isolates and/or separates the sample volume from the rest of the container interior 22 by operation. This can be particularly advantageous if a measurement or sensing of variables is not to be disrupted by processes within the container 1, for example by a stirring process. This also prevents a process on the container inner side I beyond the sample volume V from being disrupted by the incidence of light through the windows 23′.

(59) The wall protrusion 20 shown in FIG. 3a comprises two sensor regions 23, which are also designed as a window 23′ and which are correspondingly at least partly transparent or translucent to electromagnetic radiation. In the examples in FIGS. 3b and 3c, the wall protrusion 20 respectively comprises only a single window 23′. The wall protrusion 20 shown in FIG. 3a comprises two protrusion walls 28, which are substantially parallel to each other and have a length that substantially corresponds to the protrusion length L if the layer thickness of the wall of the wall protrusion 20 is disregarded.

(60) The two protrusion walls 28 and/or sensor regions 23 and/or windows 23′ can alternatively also be aligned to not be parallel to each other. The advantage of a substantially parallel alignment, in particular of the windows 23′, is the avoidance of scattered light or the reduction of scattered light that would occur if light were not to pass through perpendicularly, i.e., if the beam path axis SG would enclose a (substantially) smaller angle than 90° with the surface of at least one window 23b.

(61) FIG. 3a shows, in a schematic detailed side view, a particular embodiment of a wall protrusion 20 to which an optical sensor device 21, in particular a light conductor incoupling section 24a and a light conductor outcoupling section 24b, for the application of an optical method, are attached from the outer side A by means of a sensor attaching device 30.

(62) The sensor attaching device 30 preferably has a dimensionally stable or rigid frame or framework or attaching device body, which in particular is formed at least partly from a metal and/or a dimensionally stable plastic. The sensor attaching device 30 can preferably be reversibly attached to or removed from the wall protrusion 20 in such a manner that the same sensor attaching device 30 can be attached several times or reusably to a wall protrusion 20 and/or to wall protrusions 20 and/or container walls 4 of different containers 1.

(63) Alternatively, the sensor attaching device 30 can be permanently attached to or relative to a section of the wall protrusion 20 and/or to or relative to the container wall 4. In particular, the sensor attaching device 30 can in this case preferably be fixed or firmly connected to the container wall 4 by means of a composite material and/or by means of a screw connection and/or by means of a weld seam.

(64) The sensor attaching device 30 preferably comprises the optical elements of the sensor device 21, in particular comprising optical lenses and/or prisms and/or mirrors and/or particularly preferably light conductors or optical fibers and/or other beam guiding elements. If the sensor attaching device 30 does not comprise the mentioned optical elements, it can at least be designed to receive or mount or fix such optical elements. The sensor attaching device 30 and the optical elements, if comprised or mounted, substantially define the beam geometry of the optical elements of the sensor device 21. In particular, the sensor attaching device 30, along with the optical elements, defines the beam path axis SA or the geometry of the light beam through the sample volume.

(65) The sensor attaching device 30 can, in particular, mount a sensor or a sensor device 21, in particular an optical measuring device, relative to a wall protrusion 20 in such a manner that, as shown in FIG. 3a, one or more variables can be sensed by means of a transmissive beam path arrangement T. For example, by means of a light conductor outcoupling section 24b or by means of another light source, a light or electromagnetic radiation, for example in a wavelength spectrum that includes infrared radiation, can be sent or radiated from outside through a sensor region 23 into the container interior 22, in particular at least into a section of the sample volume V.

(66) The sensor attaching device 30 has a recess 33 that is at least partly filled with the wall protrusion 20 and the sample volume V when the sensor attaching device 30 is mounted on the container 1 and/or the wall protrusion 20. In other words, the sensor attaching device 30 can be mounted or attached relative to the wall protrusion 20 such that at least one section of the wall protrusion 20 and of the sample volume V, which can be at least partly filled with a medium 8, can be located within a recess 33 of the sensor attaching device 30. In other words, a wall protrusion 20 and a sample volume V can be at least partly surrounded by a wall of a recess 33 of a sensor attaching device 30.

(67) If the sample volume V is at least partly filled with a medium 8, the electromagnetic radiation in the sample volume V can interact at least partly and substantially with the medium 8, in particular the molecules and/or atoms of the medium 8. In this manner, for example, electromagnetic radiation (or the irradiated light) can be at least partly absorbed and/or scattered by the medium 8. By means of a light conductor incoupling section 24a, the light that has entered through the medium 8 or has passed through the medium 8 can again be sensed. In the case of infrared spectroscopy, the concentration of a particular species of molecule, for example, can be determined in this way by absorbing light or electromagnetic radiation of certain wavelengths, in particular in the infrared spectrum. This can in turn give an indication of a stage of a process in which the medium 8 is located at the time of sensing the data or the variables or the parameters. Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one sensor region 23 has at least two electrical electrodes that can come into contact with the medium 8 in the container 1 so that a resistance measurement can be carried out between such electrodes in order to determine at least one property of the medium 8.

(68) FIG. 3b shows, in a schematic detailed side view, a particular embodiment of a wall protrusion 20 with only one single sensor region 23, to which a (particularly optical) sensor device 21, particularly a light conductor incoupling section 24a, can be attached from the outer side A by means of a sensor attaching device 30. In particular, this is a transmissive beam path arrangement T. In addition to the light conductor incoupling section 24a, a light source (not shown here) can also be attached to the wall protrusion 20 or the light conductor incoupling section 24a can be used for coupling out and coupling in light.

(69) In this manner, electromagnetic radiation can be irradiated through the sensor region 23 from outside into at least one section of the sample volume V. Alternatively or additionally, only one sensor of a sensor device 21 or a light conductor 24 of a sensor of a sensor device 21 can be attached relative to the sensor region 23, wherein the sensor of a sensor device 21 is designed, for example, to record a fluorescence of the medium 8. In this case, it is possible that it is substantially not necessary to irradiate light because a fluorescence can have been triggered, for example, by a chemical reaction in the container 1. The light of a fluorescent reaction can then pass at least partly through a window 23′ from the container interior 22 to the outer side A, where it can be sensed by a sensor of a sensor device 21.

(70) By means of reflection and/or scattering on at least one reflector 23b and/or scattering elements and/or scattering particles, light, provided it is not absorbed by the medium 8, can exit the container interior 22 or the sample volume V again through the sensor region 23 and can be sensed by the light conductor incoupling section 24a. For example, on the opposite side of the sensor region 23 on the opposite protrusion wall 28, a mirror or a reflector 23b or a scattering element, which can reflect light falling on it, can be attached on the container inner side I. By means of a light conductor 24, the sensed light can then be transmitted to a spectrometer 25, for example, where it can be broken down into its spectral components and analyzed by a computing unit and/or a user, for example. A scattering element can be a white surface or a diffractive element, such as a grating or other element that can scatter light.

(71) FIG. 3b also indicates a beam path axis SG. It is possible that an incident light or light beam runs or propagates substantially along or in parallel to this beam path axis SG. It is also possible that in particular a (back) reflected light or light beam runs or propagates substantially along or in parallel to this beam path axis SG on its way to a sensor of a sensor device 21. Moreover, at least one part of a (back) scattered light or light beam can substantially run or propagate along or in parallel to this beam path axis SG on its way to a sensor of a sensor device 21.

(72) Similar to FIG. 3b, FIG. 3c schematically represents on embodiment of the wall protrusion 20 with only one sensor region 23, one reflector 23b and one reflective beam path arrangement R. According to this schematic diagram, a light conductor incoupling section 24a is arranged relative to the wall protrusion 20 and in particular the sensor region 23. In this diagram, it is not clear how the attachment takes place since no sensor attaching device 30 is shown, but the attachment can still take place by means of the sensor attaching device 30. In addition to the sensor region 23, the wall protrusion 20 comprises an access point 26, which is designed so that a pH value of the medium 8 can be sensed from outside by means of a pH electrode. In particular, the pH electrode 27 can depend on or can be designed to ensure that there is contact between at least one section of the pH electrode 27 and the medium 8 in the container interior 22. This would be the case if at least one section of pH electrode 27 were to pass through the access point 26, in particular in the form of an opening, from the outer side A to the container inner side I, in particular into the sample volume V. In this manner, the pH electrode 27 can be attached temporarily or permanently to the wall protrusion 20 for the sensing of variables, in particular physical variables of the medium 8. The pH electrode 27 can comprise a line 29 or can be connected to a line 29, for example a power line and/or a data line.

(73) Alternatively, a wall protrusion 20 can also comprise more than two sensor regions 23 and/or more than one access point 26. By means of a sensor attaching device 30, only one or a plurality of sensors 21 and/or sections of sensor devices 21 can be attached relative to the wall protrusion 20.

(74) An additional embodiment, which is not explicitly shown here, substantially comprises a combination of the embodiments according to FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b or FIG. 3a and FIG. 3c. According to one embodiment, the wall protrusion 20 comprises a reflective element and/or a reflector and/or a mirror 23b and two sensor regions 23, each comprising a window 23′. The wall protrusion 20 is designed in this case so that a first variable or a first parameter can be sensed through a reflective beam path arrangement R by means of a first sensor device, which preferably comprises at least one first optical fiber 24, and a second variable or a second parameter can be sensed through a transmissive beam path arrangement T by means of a second sensor device, which preferably comprises a second optical fiber 24. The first variable can also be or comprise the second variable. This could be achieved by either making one window 23′ slightly smaller than the other window 23′ and instead having a reflector 23b take the place that the window 23′ would take. In addition, the surface of a window can also be overlaid or spatially overlapped with the surface of a mirror and/or reflector from the outside or inside.

(75) FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-section of a substantially dimensionally stable container 1, for example a bioreactor. It is a container with a stirrer and an attached or arranged fiber holder or sensor attaching device 30, wherein the fibers or light conductors 24 are aligned with respect to the wall protrusion 20 by means of the sensor attaching device 30 in such a manner that variables of the sample volume V can be recorded by the sensor device 21. In this embodiment as well, a container 1, in particular a disposable container, can be made, for example, from a material comprising PVC. However, the container 1 can alternatively be a reusable container, in particular of a fermenter, for example made of a material comprising steel and/or PVC. The bioreactor also comprises a stirring device or stirring element 3 with components that have already been described in more detail for other embodiments. A stirring shaft 9 extends from the container top 1″ to the container bottom 1′ substantially along the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1.

(76) The container 1 comprises a wall protrusion element 20′, which has a wall bulge 20a with a height D.sub.2 and a depth D.sub.3, and a wall protrusion 20, which extends outward over a length L. The height D.sub.2 of the wall bulge 20a extends substantially along an imaginary contour line IK.sub.2 as an extension of the container wall 4 and as a boundary to the wall bulge 20a. However, the depth D.sub.3 of the wall bulge 20a substantially extends from the imaginary contour line IK.sub.2 as an extension of the container wall 4 to the imaginary contour line IK.sub.1 for defining the sample volume V of the wall protrusion 20.

(77) The wall protrusion 20 further comprises two windows 23, which are arranged in parallel to each other substantially at the distance of the slit-like sample layer thickness D.sub.1.

(78) A sensor attaching device 30 is mounted on or attached to the wall protrusion 20 by means of an attaching device bar 32 and a receiving element 30′ for a sensor attaching device 30. The attaching device bar 32 comprises a guide channel through which a rail corresponding to the receiving element 30′ of the wall protrusion 20 can be guided. As mentioned above, however, the type of connection or mounting can also comprise a clamp connection, a press connection, a pressure connection, a clip connection and/or a screw connection.

(79) In the embodiment, the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 of the wall protrusion 20 forms a substantially right angle α with the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1. However, the angle α can alternatively be an angle that substantially deviates from 90°. The imaginary contour line IK.sub.1 for defining the sample volume V runs substantially in parallel to the imaginary contour line IK.sub.2 as an extension of the container wall 4 and as a boundary to the wall bulge 20. Alternatively, the two imaginary contour lines IK.sub.1, IK.sub.2 can also run not in parallel to each other. This would be the case, for example, if the angle α does not amount to 90°.

(80) FIG. 4 further indicates that the wall protrusion element 20′ is connected or attached to each other via an element connection EV or a connection between the section 20b for attaching the wall protrusion element 20′ to the container 1 and the container wall 4.

(81) The wall protrusion element 20′ and in particular the section 20b for attaching the wall protrusion element 20′ to the container 1 can comprise a part of an element connection EV, whereas another compatible part of the element connection EV can be located on the container wall 4. This element connection EV, for example, can comprise two threads that can be screwed into each other.

(82) Via the element connection EV, the wall protrusion element 20′ can be attached or will be attached directly or indirectly to the container wall 4. The diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 4 indicates a wall section 4′, which in turn is also attached to the container wall 4 and on which the element connection EV is positioned, which corresponds to indirect attachment or connection. The wall section 4′ for connection or attachment between the wall protrusion element 20′ and the container wall 4 can substantially be a reinforced section comprising a plastic and/or a metal. For example, the wall section 4′ for the connection or attachment between the wall protrusion element 20′ and the container wall 4 can be tightly glued and/or clamped and/or welded to the container wall. In this case, the wall protrusion element 20′ and the wall section 4′ can be understood as a two-part port. For example, an outer ring, which is welded to the container wall 4 (also to be understood as a bag wall), can be continuously and/or temporarily combined with or connected to or attached to an inner core, which corresponds to the wall protrusion element 20′. The connection of the wall protrusion element 20′ with the ring or wall section 4′ for the connection can comprise a bayonet lock, screws, clips, clamps, press or pressure connections and/or adhesive connections. In particular, the wall protrusion element 20′ can be mounted on and removed from the container wall 4.

(83) Alternatively, the wall protrusion element 20′ can also be directly attached to or arranged on the container wall 4, which corresponds to a direct connection or attachment. In this case, it is accordingly an integral or one-piece port.

(84) The type of element connection EV between the wall protrusion element 20′ and the container wall 4 is described in more detail in FIG. 7b below.

(85) FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section of a container 1 that is substantially not dimensionally stable, for example a bioreactor and/or a bag without a stirrer with a port or a wall protrusion element 20′. This embodiment relates in particular to a disposable container or a disposable bag. The bioreactor does not comprise a stirring device or a stirring element 3 with the corresponding components. A longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1 substantially runs between the container top 1″ and the container bottom 1′. In particular, the container 1 can be a so-called rocking motion bag, which can be arranged or placed or fastened on an agitator or a shaker bench or a laboratory shaker or a fluctuating and/or vibrating base.

(86) Other features with respect to the wall protrusion element 20′ and the sensor attaching device 30 correspond to the corresponding features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

(87) FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section of a bioreactor container 1, which is substantially not dimensionally stable. It is a bag with a stirrer and an attached or arranged fiber holder or sensor attaching device 30, wherein the fibers or light conductors 24 are aligned with respect to the wall protrusion 20 by means of the sensor attaching device 30 in such a manner that variables of the sample volume V can be recorded by the sensor device 21. This embodiment relates in particular to a disposable container or a disposable bag. The bioreactor also comprises a stirring device or stirring element 3 with components that have already been described in more detail for other embodiments. A stirring shaft 9 extends from the container top 1″ to the container bottom 1′ substantially along the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1.

(88) Other features regarding the wall protrusion element 20′ and the sensor attaching device 30 correspond to the corresponding features of the embodiments shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

(89) FIG. 7a is a schematic side view (from the outside) of an embodiment of a wall protrusion element 20′ on a container wall 4 of a container 1, which is only shown here in sections. FIG. 7b corresponds to a section of the object shown in FIG. 7a. Furthermore, FIG. 7b shows a detailed view of a section 20b for attaching the wall protrusion element 20′ to the container 1 or the container wall 4 and a connection or element connection EV between the wall protrusion element 20′ and the container wall 4.

(90) FIGS. 7a and 7b are schematic representations of an embodiment of a wall protrusion element 20′, which is attached to a container wall 4 of a container 1. More precisely, the wall protrusion element 20′ is attached to the container 1 by means of an element connection EV shown in the detailed view in FIG. 7b. This element connection EV can be designed to connect the wall protrusion element 20′ to the container 1 permanently or over a longer period of time. For example, the element connection EV can comprise a part or a section located on the wall protrusion element 20′ and a part or a section located on the container wall 4.

(91) As shown in the detailed view of the area x, the connection EV can be designed in such a manner that the container wall 4 has a toothed or jagged structure or contour over the wall thickness or the thickness of the container wall 4 at one section, wherein the toothed or jagged structure or contour engages in particular with a corresponding complementary toothed or jagged structure or contour over the wall thickness of the wall protrusion element 20′ with a perfect fit. In this case, at least the meeting or contacting surfaces or surfaces of the interlocking structures of the wall protrusion element 20′ and the container wall 4 can be bonded and/or welded and/or sealed. For example, an adhesive and/or a resin and/or a two-component polymer mixture or other means can be used for permanent or at least temporary adhesive bonding.

(92) Alternatively, the connection EV can be designed so that the wall protrusion element 20′ can be easily mounted on and removed from the container wall 4. In this case, a Teflon or silicone grease and/or another inert or sluggishly reacting lubricant can be used for sealing. Additionally or alternatively, a Teflon tape or a Teflon film can be clamped or positioned or placed between the adjacent surfaces of the complementary interlocking structures of both elements to seal the interior 22 of the container 1.

(93) However, as mentioned above, the connection or mounting type of the element connection EV can also comprise a clamp connection and/or a press connection and/or a pressure connection and/or a clip connection and/or a screw connection, wherein a connecting piece is positioned on the section 20b for attaching the wall protrusion element 20′ to the container 1 or to the container wall 4, and a complementary connecting counterpart is positioned on the container wall 4. It can also be possible, for example, that the entire wall protrusion element 20′ can be screwed into a threaded counterpart of the container wall 4 by means of a thread along the circumference of the wall protrusion element 20′.

(94) The wall protrusion element 20′ comprises a substantially spherical wall bulge 20a. In particular, the wall bulge 20a substantially has the shape of a hemisphere, which is characterized by a depth D.sub.2, a height D.sub.3 and a width D.sub.4 (not shown here). The depth D.sub.2 corresponds in particular to the radius of the sphere, and the height D.sub.3 and the width D.sub.4 correspond in particular to the diameter of the sphere. Accordingly, the volume delimited or defined or surrounded by the wall bulge 20a and the two imaginary contour lines or contour surfaces has, in particular and substantially, the volume of a half sphere with the radius corresponding to the depth D.sub.2. The wall bulge 20a can alternatively also comprise other shapes, such as a section of an ellipsoid or a spherical section that does not correspond to a hemisphere.

(95) The wall protrusion element 20′ furthermore comprises a wall protrusion 20, which extends outward along the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 of the wall protrusion 20. In this case, in contrast to the other embodiments, the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 is inclined in an upward direction toward the container wall 4. This means that the angle α enclosed by the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 or its linear extension and the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1 is substantially less than 90°. For example, the angle α can be in a range between approximately 20° and approximately 80°, in particular between approximately 30° and approximately 70°, and preferably between approximately 40° and approximately 60°. The case in which the angle α takes a value of approximately 45° would be particularly preferred. In this case, the angle α lies in the plane represented by the y axis and z axis in the coordinate system indicated. Alternatively, it is also possible for the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 to be inclined in a downward direction toward the container wall 4. In this case, the angle α would be in a range between approximately 160° and approximately 100°, in particular between approximately 150° and approximately 110° and preferably between approximately 140° and approximately 120°. The case in which the angle α takes on a value of approximately 135° would be particularly preferred.

(96) In the embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 7a and 7b, the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 runs substantially in parallel to the container wall 4 and the imaginary contour line IK.sub.2 (as an extension of the container wall 4 along the z axis) along the direction corresponding to the z axis in the coordinate system indicated.

(97) The imaginary contour line IK.sub.2 (as an extension of the container wall 4 along the z axis) has a normal N.sub.2, which is an axis that is aligned perpendicularly to the imaginary contour line IK.sub.2 within the y-z planes (corresponding to the indicated coordinate system). If the angle α enclosed by the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 or its linear extension and the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1 amounts to 90°, the normal N.sub.2 of the imaginary contour line IK.sub.2 is on or at least parallel to a normal N.sub.1 of the imaginary contour line IK.sub.1 for defining the sample volume V. In the embodiment shown, the normal N.sub.1 of the imaginary contour line IK.sub.1 for defining the sample volume V corresponds to the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 of the wall protrusion 20. If the angle α deviates from 90°, the two normals N.sub.1 and N.sub.2 enclose the angle β corresponding to a value of (90°- α).

(98) The wall protrusion 20 can extend in a direction perpendicular to the y-z plane, at least in sections along the circumference of the wall bulge 20a. In particular, the wall protrusion can extend in a direction perpendicular to the y-z plane completely along the circumference or “across” the circumference of the wall bulge 20a. In particular, the length L of the wall protrusion 20, which extends over the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1, can be constant. Alternatively, the length L of the wall protrusion 20 can also vary at different positions along the circumference of the wall bulge 20a.

(99) A sensor attaching device 30 is arranged or mounted or attached to the wall protrusion 20 in such a manner that a beam path axis SA of an incident light runs perpendicularly to the window surface of a window 23′, in particular of two windows 23′. Accordingly, the sensor attaching device 30 is mounted in an inclined manner on the wall protrusion 20.

(100) In this embodiment, the sensor attaching device 30 does not comprise an attaching device bar 32 but a guide channel or a narrow channel or groove, through which a receiving element 30′ of the wall protrusion 20, in particular an elongated bar or protrusion, can be guided. In this manner, the sensor attaching device 30 can be secured or mounted or fixed substantially on the wall protrusion 20, in particular with a small bearing clearance. The position of the sensor attaching device 30 in relation to the elements of the wall protrusion 20 is in this case reversible after each removal and attachment. In particular, the beam path and the beam path axis, for example with regard to window 23′, can be reversibly occupied. For example, a position can be reversibly occupied if a magnetic alignment system is provided. Furthermore, a precision bearing can also ensure precise alignment.

(101) The wall protrusion element 20′, also referred to as a port, can be in one piece or in multiple parts. If the wall protrusion element 20′ is in one piece, as indicated in FIG. 7b, in particular in the detailed section x, the wall protrusion element 20′ is arranged directly on the container wall 4 of the container 1. If the wall protrusion element 20′ is in two parts (not shown), the wall protrusion element 20′ is arranged indirectly on the container wall 4 of the container 1, namely by means of a wall section 4′ for connection between the wall protrusion element 20′ and the container wall 4. The wall section 4′ for the connection can preferably be considered as a component of the wall protrusion element 20′, which is why the wall protrusion element 20′ is then considered to consist of two parts. On the other hand, the wall section 4′ for the connection can alternatively also be considered as a component of the container wall 4.

(102) In addition to the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1, the contour of the container wall 4, which is directly adjacent to the wall protrusion element 20′, can also serve as a reference line for the inclination of the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 of the wall protrusion 20. In this case, the contour of the container wall 4 replaces the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1 in such a manner that the angle α between the contour line of the container wall 4 and the longitudinal axis LA.sub.1 of the wall protrusion 20 is enclosed.

(103) FIG. 8 is a schematic frontal view of a bioreactor and its container 1 with a wall protrusion 20 inclined with respect to a width axis A.sub.2 of the container 1 and the wall bulge 20a according to one embodiment.

(104) The container 1 according to one embodiment is now shown in FIG. 8 in a frontal view so that the section is accordingly in the x-z plane of the indicated coordinate system. The container 1 has a width B.sub.2 and a length L.sub.2.

(105) The bioreactor comprises container 1 and a stirring element. A direction of a possible flow of a medium 8 is indicated by means of an arrow in the diagram.

(106) Furthermore, the container 1 has a longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 and a width axis A.sub.2 along which a width B.sub.2 of the container can be measured. The container 1 also comprises a wall protrusion element 20′ comprising a wall protrusion 20 and a wall bulge 20a, which has the shape of a cut ellipsoid. The wall protrusion 20 substantially has a width B.sub.1 and a width axis BA.sub.1 along which the wall protrusion 20 extends. In the embodiment, the wall protrusion 20 is inclined in such a manner that the width axis BA.sub.1 encloses an angle γ with the width axis A.sub.2 of the container 1, which is substantially a value not equal to zero.

(107) The wall protrusion element 20′ in this embodiment can be in one or two parts. In FIG. 8, an arrow on the inner side I of the container 1 indicates a possible direction of rotation of the stirrer, by which the medium 8 is set into a rotary motion. Triggered by rotary motion, upward movement of the medium can occur substantially alongside the wall.

(108) A double arrow on the outer side A indicates a flow angle α t which the medium 8 in particular flows through the slot without great losses.

(109) FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a section of a container 1 with a wall protrusion 20, the protrusion walls 28 of which each comprise an extension 28′, which protrude on the inner side of the container 1 into the inner volume or container interior beyond the imaginary contour line IK.sub.2 for defining the sample volume V or, in a filled state, protrude into the medium 8. The extension 28′ has a length L.sub.1, which can vary. For example, the length L.sub.1 of the extension 28′ can be approximately 1 cm to 20 cm, in particular the length L.sub.1 of the extension 28′ can be approximately 2 cm to 10 cm and preferably the length L.sub.1 of the extension 28′ can be approximately 3 cm to 8 cm. For example, the length L.sub.1 of the extension 28′ can be approximately ½ to approximately 1/20 of the length L of the wall protrusion 20. In particular, the length L.sub.1 of the extension 28′ can be approximately ⅓ to approximately 1/10 of the length L of the wall protrusion 20. Preferably, the length L.sub.1 of the extension 28′ can be approximately ¼ to approximately ⅛ of the length L of the wall protrusion 20.

(110) The wall protrusion 20, the protrusion walls 28 of which each comprise an extension 28′, is a component of a wall protrusion element 20′ or a port. The wall protrusion element 20′ comprises a section 20b for attaching the wall protrusion element 20′ to the container 1. By means of the extension 28′ of the protrusion walls 28, the flow of the medium 8 can be influenced, in particular substantially along the inner side of the container wall 4. In other words, the wall flow can be slowed and/or deflected by the respective extension 28′ of the protrusion walls 28. This can also cause turbulent flows at the edges of the extensions 28′, for example. In FIG. 9, a possible flow profile of the medium 8 is indicated by three lines with arrows. The lines initially indicate a deflected laminar flow of the medium 8 along the container wall 4. However, as already mentioned, turbulent flows can also occur, in particular near the extensions 28′.

(111) In particular, it can be avoided that too strong a flow of the medium 8 occurs in the sample volume V or in the slit or slit-shaped sample volume. In other words, through the respective extension 28′, a volume of the medium 8 per time unit, which flows through the sample volume at least in sections, can be reduced or decreased. In particular, this allows almost a flow standstill to be achieved within the sample volume V. At least a flow of a medium through the sample volume V can be slowed down considerably.

(112) The embodiment of the wall protrusion 20 comprising the extension 28′ of the wall protrusion 20 can also be understood to mean that the wall protrusion itself protrudes into the interior beyond the imaginary contour line IK.sub.2 for defining the sample volume V.

(113) In the case that the wall protrusion element 20′ comprises a wall bulge 20a, it can also be that, in particular, an edge of the wall bulge 20a comprises an extension 28′, which protrudes on the inner side of the container 1 into the container interior beyond the imaginary contour line IK.sub.2, for defining the sample volume V or, in a filled state, protrudes into the medium 8.

(114) The respective extension 28′ of the protrusion walls 28 can have the shape given by the protrusion walls 28. Alternatively, the extension 28′ can deviate from a shape dictated by a protrusion wall 28. For example, the respective extensions 28′ of the protrusion walls 28 can also be directed toward and/or against each other so that they are bent or inclined in relation to the protrusion walls 28. In this manner, for example, a flow of the medium 8 can be particularly well-influenced, for example, slowed down near the sample volume V. The area in the sample volume V is therefore “calmed” compared to other areas in the container interior 22 of the container 1.

(115) In particular, the features regarding the orientation of the wall protrusion 20 can be combined from, for example, FIGS. 7a, 7b and 8. In general, it is possible to explicitly combine all features of different embodiments to the extent that they are not mutually exclusive.

(116) FIG. 10a is a perspective side view of a wall protrusion element 20′ according to a particular embodiment. The side view substantially relates to a view from the inner side I of the container 1 on the slit-like volume S of the wall bulge 20. At the slit S of the wall bulge 20 is arranged a guide plate or a guide section 34 designed to guide a medium, in particular a liquid, into a channel K or a channel-like volume K within the slit S. In other words, the guide section 34 at least partly forms a channel, which is designed to guide a medium substantially through the slit S and in particular the sample volume V.

(117) FIG. 10b is the frontal view of the wall protrusion element 20′ according to the embodiment of FIG. 10a from the inner side of a container 1. The guide plate or guide section 34 is arranged on the left side of the slit S. The guide plate or guide section 34 substantially encloses a part of the slit-shaped volume S and extends along the width axis B.sub.1 of the slit S from the left side LS to approximately the middle of the slit S. Alternatively, the guide plate or guide section 34 can also extend not quite to the middle along the width axis B.sub.1 of the slit S from the right RS and/or from the left LS.

(118) FIG. 10c is the view of a section through the wall protrusion element 20′ along the cut line B-B from FIG. 10b, which substantially corresponds to the width axis B.sub.1 of the slit S. The guide section 34 extends along the slit S from the left side LS to approximately the middle of the slit S in the direction of the right side RS. Furthermore, a flow of the medium 8 along a direction of rotation 36 and along a flow direction 37 through the channel K and out of the channel K is indicated by arrows. The medium 8 flows, for example driven by a stirring element 3, substantially clockwise through the container 1. A part of the medium 8 is fed into a channel inlet KE through the guide section 34 into the channel K and in the direction of the channel outlet KA. The channel K substantially runs in such a manner that it guides the medium 8 through the sample volume V and in particular through the section between two windows 23′ of the wall protrusion 20. In this manner, new medium 8 can always be flushed into the sample volume V. During a measurement, the flow of the medium 8 can be stopped to ensure a stable measurement.

(119) In the embodiment of FIGS. 10a-10c, the channel K ends in the sample volume V or in the slit S approximately at the middle of the width axis B.sub.1 of the slit S such that the medium 8, which is guided through channel K, exits channel K again and possibly causes turbulent flows in the slit S, substantially outside channel K.

(120) FIG. 11a is also a perspective side view of a wall protrusion element 20′ according to an additional particular embodiment. The side view substantially relates to a view from the inner side I of the container 1 on the slit-like volume S of the wall bulge 20. At the slit S of the wall bulge 20, a channel guide 35 is arranged, which is designed to guide a medium 8, in particular a liquid, into a channel K or a channel-like volume K within the slit S. In contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 10a-10c, the channel K according to this embodiment extends substantially over the entire width of the wall protrusion 20 or the slit along the width axis B.sub.1 of the slit S. In other words, the sample volume V and/or the slit S comprises a channel K, which has an opening substantially on both sides along the width axis B.sub.1. The channel K is substantially enclosed between the openings by channel guide 35.

(121) FIG. 11b is the frontal view of the wall protrusion element 20′ according to the embodiment of FIG. 11a from the inner side of a container 1. A channel inlet or outlet KE, KA of channel K is arranged on both sides of the wall protrusion element 20′. The channel guide 35 substantially encloses a part of the slit-shaped volume S and extends along the width axis B.sub.1 of the slit S from the left side LS to the right side RS of the slit S.

(122) FIG. 11c is the view of a section through the wall protrusion element 20′ along the cut line A-A from FIG. 11b, which substantially corresponds to the width axis B.sub.1 of the slit S or extends along the width axis B.sub.1. The channel guide 35 stretches along the slit S or along the width axis B.sub.1 of the slit S from left side LS to right side RS of the slit S. Further on, a flow of the medium 8 along a direction of rotation 36 and along a flow direction 37 through the channel K and out of the channel K is indicated by arrows. The medium 8 also flows in this case, for example driven by a stirring element 3 substantially clockwise through the container 1. A part of the medium 8 is led into the channel inlet KE, which here for example is located on the left side LS, through the channel guide 35 into channel K and in the direction of the channel outlet KA, here on the right side RS. If the direction of rotation 36 is reversed, the channel inlet KE would be on the right side RS and the channel outlet KA would be on the left side LS. The channel K substantially runs in such a manner that it guides the medium 8 through the sample volume V and in particular through the section between two windows 23′ of the wall protrusion 20. In this manner, new medium 8 can always be flushed into the sample volume V.

(123) The channel K in general can have a round or angular cross-section, can widen or narrow in one direction.

(124) In the following, general dimensions that can apply to different embodiments and/or can be combined are listed. The information is general, exemplary and not restrictive.

(125) In general, the depth D.sub.2 of the wall bulge 20a can, for example, take on values between approximately 5 mm to approximately 30 cm, in particular between approximately 2 cm and approximately 10 cm and preferably between approximately 3 cm and approximately 5 cm. In general, the height D.sub.3 of the wall bulge 20a can, for example, take on values between approximately 1 cm to approximately 100 cm, in particular between approximately 2 cm and approximately 20 cm and preferably between approximately 3 cm and approximately 10 cm. In general, the width D.sub.4 of the wall bulge 20a can, for example, take on values between approximately 1 cm to approximately 100 cm, in particular between approximately 2 cm and approximately 20 cm and preferably between approximately 3 cm and approximately 10 cm. In general, the sample layer thickness D.sub.1 or the internal distance between the two substantially parallel protrusion walls 28 can, for example, be between approximately 20 μm and approximately 10 cm, in particular between approximately 500 μm and approximately 2 cm, preferably between approximately 1 mm and approximately 1 cm thick. In general, the protrusion length L can, for example, be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 20 cm, in particular between approximately 1 cm and approximately 10 cm and preferably between approximately 3 cm and approximately 8 cm. For example, the protrusion length L is at least approximately twice, in particular at least approximately five times and preferably at least approximately eight times as long or large as the sample layer thickness D.sub.1.

(126) In particular, the ratio of height to width, D.sub.3/D.sub.4, can correspond to a value of approximately 1. In this case, the wall bulge 20a, for example, would be substantially circular in a frontal view. It is also possible that the ratio of height to width, D.sub.3/D.sub.4, takes on values between approximately 0.2 and approximately 1, in particular between approximately 0.33 and approximately 0.8 and preferably between approximately 0.5 and approximately 0.75. Furthermore, the inverse ratio of width to height, D.sub.4/D.sub.3, can also take on values between approximately 0.2 and approximately 1, in particular between approximately 0.33 and approximately 0.8 and preferably between approximately 0.5 and approximately 0.75. For example, the ratio of depth to height, D.sub.2/D.sub.3, can take on a value of approximately 0.5. In this case, the wall bulge 20a, for example, could protrude circularly from the container inner side I to the outer side A. It is also possible that the ratio of depth to height, D.sub.2/D.sub.3, takes on values between approximately 0.05 and approximately 0.5, in particular between approximately 0.07 and approximately 0.4 and preferably between approximately 0.1 and approximately 0.3. Furthermore, the ratio of depth to height, D.sub.2/D.sub.3, can also, for example, take on a value that is greater than approximately 0.5. In this case, the wall bulge 20a would be particularly exposed and would come close to the shape of a slit. It is possible that the ratio of depth to protrusion length, D.sub.2/L, takes on values between approximately 0.1 and approximately 1, in particular between approximately 0.3 and approximately 0.9 and preferably between approximately 0.33 and approximately 0.75. Furthermore, the ratio of depth to protrusion length, D.sub.2/L, can also, for example, take on a value that is greater than approximately 1 and in particular lies between approximately 1.2 and approximately 1.5.

(127) The sample volume V, which is at least partly surrounded or enclosed by the wall protrusion 20, can, for example, take on values between approximately 100 μl and approximately 500 ml, in particular between approximately 200 μl and approximately 200 ml and preferably between approximately 300 μl and approximately 100 ml. The total inner volume or the container interior 22 of a container 1 including the sample volume can, for example, take on values between approximately 500 ml and approximately 2000 l, in particular between approximately 1 l and approximately 1000 l and preferably between approximately 2 l and approximately 500 l. For example, the total inner volume or the container interior 22 can be approximately 10 to approximately 25*10.sup.7 in particular approximately 1*10.sup.6 to approximately 1.5*10.sup.7 and preferably approximately 15*10.sup.6 to approximately 1*10.sup.7 times the sample volume V.

(128) In particular, it should be noted that a longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1 can also be replaced by the width axis A.sub.2 of the container 1 so that, for example, when defining the angle α, the width axis A.sub.2 or a width axis of the container 1 is used instead of the longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 of the container 1. This is the case, for example, if the container 1 is a bag resting on a surface and its longitudinal axis LA.sub.2 is substantially parallel to the surface on which the bag rests. This would be a similar case if the container 1 from FIG. 8 were rotated by 90°, assuming that the z axis of the indicated coordinate system corresponds to the opposite direction of gravity. Then, the height of bag 1 extends along the width axis BA.sub.2. Accordingly, it is also possible that a wall protrusion is arranged on the top 1″ of the container 1 or on the bottom 1′ of the container 1. In this case, the top 1″ of the container 1 and the bottom 1′ of the container 1 are defined by their position in relation to gravity. This means that, in the reference system of the earth, a container top 1″ is located “at the top” and a container bottom 1′ is located “at the bottom” in a container 1.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(129) 1 Container, in particular a disposable container

(130) 1′ Container bottom

(131) 1″ Container top

(132) 2 Drive device

(133) 3 Stirring element

(134) 4 Container wall

(135) 4′ Wall section for connection between wall protrusion element and container wall

(136) 5 Stirring extension

(137) 6 Bearing on the drive side

(138) 7 Counter bearing

(139) 8 Medium, in particular biological medium

(140) 9 Stirring shaft

(141) 10 Axial three-phase machine

(142) 20 Wall protrusion

(143) 20′ Wall protrusion element

(144) 20a Wall bulge

(145) 20b Section for attaching the wall protrusion element to the container

(146) 21 Sensor or sensor device or optical measuring device

(147) 22 Container interior or container inner volume

(148) 23 Sensor region

(149) 23′ Window

(150) 23b Reflective element and/or diffusely reflecting surface and/or mirror

(151) 24 Light conductor or optical fiber

(152) 24a Light conductor incoupling section

(153) 24b Light conductor outcoupling section

(154) 25 Spectrometer

(155) 26 Access point

(156) 27 PH electrode or pH sensor

(157) 28 Protrusion walls

(158) 28′ Extension of the protrusion walls of the wall protrusion

(159) 29 Line

(160) 30 Sensor attaching device

(161) 30′ Receiving element for a sensor attaching device

(162) 32 Attaching device bar

(163) 33 Recess

(164) 34 Guide plate or guide section

(165) 35 Channel guide

(166) 36 Direction of rotation of the medium

(167) 37 Flow direction of the medium

(168) A Outer side

(169) α Angle between the longitudinal axis of the wall protrusion and the longitudinal axis of the container

(170) β Angle between the longitudinal axis of the wall protrusion and the normal N2 of the

(171) imaginary contour line IK2

(172) B.sub.1 Width of the wall protrusion

(173) B.sub.2 Width of the container

(174) γ Angle between width axis of the wall protrusion and width axis of the container

(175) BA.sub.1 Width axis of the wall protrusion

(176) BA.sub.2 Width axis of the container

(177) D.sub.1 Sample layer thickness

(178) D.sub.2 Depth of the wall bulge

(179) D.sub.3 Height of the wall bulge

(180) D.sub.4 Width of the wall bulge

(181) EV Connection between the section for attaching the wall protrusion element to the container wall

(182) I Container inner side

(183) IK.sub.1 lmaginary contour line for defining the sample volume

(184) IK.sub.2 lmaginary contour line as an extension of the container wall and as a boundary to the wall bulge

(185) K Channel

(186) KE Channel inlet

(187) KA Channel outlet

(188) L Length of the wall protrusion

(189) L.sub.1 Length of the extension of the protrusion walls of the wall protrusion

(190) L.sub.2 Length of the container

(191) LA.sub.1 Longitudinal axis of the wall protrusion

(192) LA.sub.2 Longitudinal axis of the container

(193) LS Left side

(194) N.sub.1 Normal of the imaginary contour line IK1

(195) N.sub.2 Normal of the imaginary contour line IK2

(196) O Upper edge of the container

(197) R Reflective beam path arrangement

(198) RS Right side

(199) S Slit or slit-shaped volume

(200) SG Beam path axis

(201) T Transmissive beam path arrangement

(202) V Sample volume

(203) AV Volume of the wall bulge