Bioreactor chamber

Abstract

A bioreactor system includes a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen and a cover which can be placed on the chamber to enclose the specimen within the chamber. A first member is movable between (i) a closed position in which the member restricts the cover from being moved away from the chamber in a first direction, and (ii) an open position in which the member does not restrict the cover from being moved away from the chamber. When the first member is in the closed position there is a substantially liquid proof seal between the cover and the chamber.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A bioreactor system, comprising:
 a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen; and   a fluid reservoir container, secured to the chamber, from which fluid can be supplied to the chamber, the container being able to receive fluid which is exhausted from the chamber.   
     
     
         28 . The bioreactor system of  claim 27 , further including a cover which can be placed on the container and a first member which is movable between (i) a closed position in which the member restricts the cover from being moved away from the container, and (ii) an open position in which the member does not restrict the cover from being moved away from the chamber. 
     
     
         29 . The bioreactor system of  claim 28 , wherein the first member is elongated. 
     
     
         30 . The bioreactor system of  claim 28 , wherein the container includes at least one protrusion at both ends of the container which positions the cover in a certain direction. 
     
     
         31 . The bioreactor system of  claim 28 , wherein the container includes a lip which engages a portion of the cover along a side of the cover. 
     
     
         32 . The bioreactor system of  claim 27 , wherein the chamber and container are a unitary structure. 
     
     
         33 . The bioreactor system of  claim 28 , wherein the container includes a port which allows liquid to be inserted into the container, the container being positionable in (i) a first position in which a long axis of the container is substantially vertical, and (ii) a second position in which the long axis of the container is substantially horizontal, the port being located and oriented so that the container can be substantially filled with liquid via the port when the container is positioned in either of the first and second positions. 
     
     
         34 . A bioreactor system, comprising: a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen and a container for holding a fluid, the sample chamber and container having a channel for receiving a sealing member which can be engaged with a cover to provide a substantially fluid tight seal, the channel having a plurality of pinch features which are each a necked down portion of the channel that reduces a diameter of the sealing member across the channel and assists in retaining the sealing member in the channel. 
     
     
         35 - 36 . (canceled)