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Publication Number
US-12295554-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
A sample collection device including a collection tube at least partially defining a storage volume therein, a mouthpiece coupled to the collection tube, the mouthpiece defining a channel providing access to the storage volume, and a filter at least partially positioned within the channel, where the filter is configured to filter a sample as it passes through the channel and into the storage volume.
Core Innovation
The invention is an oral sample collection device that includes a collection tube defining a storage volume with an open end and a closed end. A filter is positioned within the storage volume to subdivide the storage volume between a first portion and a second portion, and the filter is configured to filter a sample as it passes between the first portion and the second portion.
The filter includes a perforated wall that defines a plurality of apertures, and a first surface facing the first portion, where the first surface is positioned closer to the closed end than to the open end. The perforated wall and the defined apertures remove debris and/or food particles from saliva as it passes into the storage volume, and the storage volume contains stabilizing buffer for receiving the filtered sample.
The invention also includes a filtering device for use with a collection tube, including a channel having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, an annular wall at least partially enclosing the channel, and a perforated wall enclosing the second end of the channel. The device includes at least one by-pass aperture formed in the annular wall, and by-pass apertures allow buffer to flow around the sample for mixing with the oral sample while the perforated wall filters material passing through.
The device includes features to reduce spatter during user spitting and includes a rest-angle feature to limit leakage when tipped. The filtering device can be retrofitted onto existing collection tubes, and an alternative embodiment couples the filter directly to the collection tube without a mouthpiece, while a primary configuration uses a coupling via a conical mouthpiece/channel.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims covering an oral sample collection device and a separate filtering device structure for use with a collection tube. Across these independent claims, the core inventive structure includes a perforated wall with apertures, a channel/annular wall arrangement, and at least one by-pass aperture, with the sample collection device further specifying a spatial relationship of a filter surface relative to open and closed ends.
Filter subdividing a tube storage volume between first and second portions
A collection tube at least partially defining a storage volume with an open end and a closed end opposite the open end, and a filter at least partially positioned within the storage volume to subdivide the storage volume between a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion extends between the filter and the open end and the second portion extends between the filter and the closed end.
Perforated wall defining apertures filtering a sample passing between portions
A filter configured to filter a sample as it passes between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the filter includes a perforated wall and the perforated wall defines a plurality of apertures therein.
Filter first surface positioned closer to the closed end than to the open end
A first surface of the filter facing the first portion, wherein the first surface is positioned closer to the closed end than to the open end.
Channel enclosed by an annular wall with a perforated wall at a channel end
A filtering device for use with a collection tube defining a storage volume therein, including a channel having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, an annular wall at least partially enclosing the channel and extending between the first end and the second end, and a perforated wall enclosing the second end of the channel, wherein the perforated wall defines a plurality of apertures therein.
At least one by-pass aperture formed in the annular wall
At least one by-pass aperture formed in the annular wall.
Claim coverage centers on an oral sample collection device where a filter with a perforated wall and apertures subdivides a tube storage volume into first and second portions for filtering, with the filter’s first surface positioned closer to the closed end than the open end. A second independent claim separately covers a filtering device with a channel enclosed by an annular wall, a perforated wall at a channel end with apertures, and at least one by-pass aperture formed in the annular wall.
Stated Advantages
The perforated wall and the defined apertures remove debris and/or food particles from saliva as it passes into the storage volume.
By-pass apertures allow buffer to flow around the sample for mixing with the oral sample while the perforated wall filters material passing through.
The device includes features to reduce spatter during user spitting.
The device includes a rest-angle feature to limit leakage when tipped.
The filtering device can be retrofitted onto existing collection tubes.
Documented Applications
An oral sample collection device.
A filtering device for use with a collection tube.
Use with existing collection tubes.
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