Incubation system with low temperature enclosure

Incubation apparatus comprising, in combination:

• (a) an incubator, the incubator having an exterior and an interior and one or more access features on the exterior providing access to the interior of the incubator, the incubator further comprising a source of heat for maintaining the interior of the incubator at a nominal incubation temperature;
• and
• b) an insulated enclosure substantially enveloping the incubator, the enclosure defining a space between the exterior of the incubator and the enclosure for receiving cold air from a source, the space defining a region wherein air from the source at a temperature below the nominal incubation temperature may circulate over the exterior of the incubator.

Cool chamber apparatus for installation around an incubator, the incubator having one or more access features of obtaining access to the interior of the incubator placed on a front side of the incubator, the cool chamber apparatus comprising:

• an insulated enclosure specifically sized and shaped so as to substantially envelop the incubator and having a top panel and first, second and third side panels for covering the first, second and third side panels of the incubator and front side having an opening,
• wherein opening in the front side of the insulated enclosure exposes the access features of the incubator.

A method of modifying an incubator, comprising the steps of:

• a) obtaining a retrofit kit comprising (1) a base containing a machine generating a supply of cold air and (2) an insulated enclosure at a site where the incubator is located, the base having a first opening for egress of cold air and a second opening for return of air to the base;
• b) placing the incubator on the base such that the first opening and the second opening are positioned external to the incubator;
• c) placing the insulated enclosure on the base in a manner such that the insulated enclosure substantially surrounds the incubator, the insulated enclosure constructed so as to define a space between the exterior of the incubator and the enclosure, the insulated enclosure placed on the base such that the first and second openings in the base are positioned within the insulated enclosure in communication with the space such that cold air may emanate from the base, circulate on the exterior of the incubator, and return to the base in a closed loop.

The method of claim 22, wherein the insulated enclosure includes a void exposing an access feature of the incubator enabling direct access to the contents of the incubator while the incubator is substantially enveloped by the insulated enclosure.