Rotary valve assemblies and methods of use for breath sample cartridge systems

Inventors

Lynn, Michael Scott • Heanue, Joseph A. • LIMTAO, Kevin M. • Schuster, Jeffrey A. • Holst, Peter A.

Assignees

HOUND LABS II, LLC

Abstract

An example breath collection and sampling device disclosed herein comprises a cartridge housing having a breath capture module, and a rotary valve operatively coupling a mouthpiece with the breath capture module. The rotary valve can have an open position where breath of a user can pass through the rotary valve, across capture sites of the breath capture module, and into a vacuum port, and a closed position for sealing the breath capture module from fluid passing through the rotary valve, while allowing the breath capture module to be exposed to a reagent for subsequent analysis of contents within the captured breath.

Core Innovation

The invention relates to rotary valve assemblies for breath sample cartridge systems. A cartridge housing includes a breath capture module and a rotary valve operatively coupling a mouthpiece with the breath capture module. The rotary valve has a valve body with a central aperture and is coupled to the cartridge housing via a spring to move between an open position and a closed position.

In the open position, breath of a user passes through the rotary valve, across capture sites of the breath capture module, and into a vacuum port. This configuration establishes communication of breath into the breath capture module through the valve body central aperture and directs breath across capture sites toward the vacuum port.

In the closed position, sealing surfaces of the rotary valve seal the breath capture module from fluid passing through the rotary valve while allowing the breath capture module to be exposed to a reagent. The sealing behavior is implemented with sealing surface(s) that create a seal against at least a portion of an upper surface of the breath capture module and prevent breath flowing into the breath capture module when closed.

The described rotary valve includes a spring-coupled movable valve portion that translates and rotates in the cartridge housing, with radial tabs or ledges acting to move between open and closed positions. Sealing interfaces include a gasket between the valve body and a rotary valve receiver, and sealing of impaction ports and exhaust ports using compliant seal members, including closed-cell foam, to retain captured droplets and prevent leakage during elution or fluidic manipulation.

Claims Coverage

The partial content includes two independent claims. Across these claims, the coverage centers on open-position breath communication into a breath capture module through capture sites to a vacuum port, and closed-position sealing of the breath capture module from breath/fluid while allowing exposure to a reagent, implemented using a spring-coupled rotary valve with a central aperture and sealing surfaces.

The independent claims collectively require a rotary valve that routes user breath through capture sites to a vacuum port when open, and seals against the breath capture module when closed to prevent breath from flowing into the module while allowing exposure to a reagent, with a central aperture and spring-coupled translation/rotation within a cartridge housing.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications