SAMPLE COLLECTOR FOR RECEIVING A BREATH GAS SAMPLE AND GAS SAMPLE TESTING DEVICE

Abstract

A sample collector is provided for receiving a breath gas sample and a gas sample testing device is provided with such a sample collector. The sample collector is configured for receiving from a person a breath gas sample to be investigated. The sample collector includes an inflow part (2) with an inflow opening (IO) and an outflow part (13) with an outflow opening (OO). The sample collector provides a flow duct guiding a gas sample from the inflow opening (IO) to the outflow opening (OO). The inflow part (2) is rigidly connected with the outflow part (13). The inflow part (2) and the outflow part (13) together form a housing which gas-tightly surrounds the flow duct. The inflow part (2) tapers in a direction towards the outflow opening (OO). The outflow part (13) tapers in a direction towards the inflow opening (IO).

Claims

1. A sample collector for receiving a breath gas sample to be investigated, the sample collector comprising: an inflow part with an inflow opening; and an outflow part with an outflow opening, wherein: the sample collector provides a flow duct guiding a gas sample from the inflow opening to the outflow opening; the inflow part and the outflow part together form a housing which gas-tightly surrounds the flow duct; the inflow part tapers in a direction towards the outflow opening; and the outflow part tapers in a direction towards the inflow opening.

2. A sample collector according to claim 1, wherein: a maximal dimension of the inflow opening is at least 4 cm; and a maximal dimension of the outflow opening is at least at least 4 cm.

3. A sample collector according to claim 1, wherein: the inflow part comprises an inflow part transition aperture and tapers in a direction from the inflow opening towards the inflow part transition aperture; and the outflow part comprises an outflow part transition aperture and tapers in a direction from the outflow opening towards the outflow part transition aperture.

4. A sample collector according to claim 3, wherein: a maximal dimension of the inflow part transition aperture is no more than 3 cm; and a maximal dimension of the outflow part transition aperture is no more than 3 cm.

5. A sample collector according to claim 3, wherein: the outflow part comprises an outflow part protrusion surrounding the outflow part transition aperture; a section of the inflow part engages into the outflow part transition aperture; and the outflow part protrusion encircles the engaging section of the inflow part.

6. A sample collector according to claim 3, wherein: the inflow part comprises an inflow part protrusion surrounding the inflow part transition aperture; a section of the outflow part engages into the inflow part transition aperture; and the inflow part protrusion encircles the engaging section of the outflow part.

7. A sample collector according to claim 1, further comprising a collector outlet with at least one outlet aperture, wherein the collector outlet guides a gas sample, which sample has passed the flow duct, towards the at least one outlet aperture.

8. A sample collector according to claim 1, further comprising a collector casing, wherein the collector casing surrounds the housing formed by the inflow part and the outflow part such that a dead space is provided between the collector casing and the housing.

9. A sample collector according to claim 8, wherein: the outflow part comprises a separator element and a supporting element; the separator element bridges a distance between the housing and the collector casing and forms one wall of the dead space; and the supporting element engages an inner side of the collector casing.

10. A sample collector according to claim 8, further comprising a collector outlet with at least one outlet aperture, wherein: the collector outlet guides a gas sample, which sample has passed the flow duct, towards the at least one outlet aperture; and the collector casing mechanically connected with the collector outlet.

11. A gas sample testing device comprising: a sample collector for receiving a breath gas sample to be investigated, the sample collector comprising: an inflow part with an inflow opening; and an outflow part with an outflow opening, wherein the sample collector provides a flow duct guiding a gas sample from the inflow opening to the outflow opening, the inflow part and the outflow part together form a housing which gas-tightly surrounds the flow duct, the inflow part tapers in a direction towards the outflow opening, and the outflow part tapers in a direction towards the inflow opening; and a base body, the base body comprising a gas sensor, wherein: the sample collector is mechanically connected with the base body; the outflow opening of the sample collector points towards the base body; the sample collector is configured to guide a received gas sample towards the base body; and the gas sensor is configured to detect at least one substance in a received gas sample.

12. A gas sample testing device according to claim 11, wherein: the sample collector further comprises a collector outlet with at least one first outlet aperture and at least one second outlet aperture; the collector outlet is configured to guide a gas sample that has passed the flow duct towards the at least one first outlet aperture and the at least one second outlet aperture; and the collector outlet is configured to distribute the gas sample to the first and second outlet apertures; the at least one first outlet aperture is configured to lead a gas sample to the gas sensor; and the at least one second outlet aperture is configured to lead a gas sample into an environment of the gas sample testing device.

13. A gas sample testing device according to claim 11, wherein: the sample collector is configured to receive a gas breath sample from a person to be tested on alcohol or a further mind-altering substance; and the gas sensor is configured to detect alcohol or the further mind-altering substance in a received breath sample.

14. A gas sample testing device according to claim 11, wherein: the inflow part comprises an inflow part transition aperture and tapers in a direction from the inflow opening towards the inflow part transition aperture; and the outflow part comprises an outflow part transition aperture and tapers in a direction from the outflow opening towards the outflow part transition aperture.

15. A gas sample testing device according to claim 14, wherein: the outflow part comprises an outflow part protrusion surrounding the outflow part transition aperture; a section of the inflow part engages into the outflow part transition aperture; and the outflow part protrusion encircles the engaging section of the inflow part.

16. A gas sample testing device according to claim 14, wherein: the inflow part comprises an inflow part protrusion surrounding the inflow part transition aperture; a section of the outflow part engages into the inflow part transition aperture; and the inflow part protrusion encircles the engaging section of the outflow part.

17. A gas sample testing device according to claim 11, wherein: the sample collector comprises a collector outlet with at least one outlet aperture; the collector outlet guides a gas sample, which sample has passed the flow duct, towards the at least one outlet aperture.

18. A gas sample testing device according to claim 11, further comprising a collector casing, wherein the collector casing surrounds the housing formed by the inflow part and the outflow part such that a dead space is provided between the collector casing and the housing.

19. A gas sample testing device according to claim 18, wherein: the outflow part comprises a separator element and a supporting element; the separator element bridges a distance between the housing and the collector casing and forms one wall of the dead space; and the supporting element engages an inner side of the collector casing.

20. A gas sample testing device according to claim 18, wherein: the sample collector comprises a collector outlet with at least one outlet aperture; the collector outlet guides a gas sample, which sample has passed the flow duct, towards the at least one outlet aperture; and the collector casing is mechanically connected with the collector outlet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In the drawings:

[0045] FIG. 1a is a side view of the testing device;

[0046] FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of the testing device taken perpendicular to the view of FIG. 1a along line A-A of FIG. 1a;

[0047] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the collector device with the sample inlet not inserted;

[0048] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view the collector device with the sample inlet inserted;

[0049] FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of the sample collector with a flat outflow part;

[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view the first embodiment with the parts assembled together;

[0051] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view the first embodiment with the assembled parts wherein a longer axis (corresponding to a longer dimension) is in the drawing plane;

[0052] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view the first embodiment with the assembled parts wherein a shorter axis (corresponding to a shorter dimension) is in the drawing plane;

[0053] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view the first embodiment with the assembled parts wherein the longer axis is in the drawing plane;

[0054] FIG. 9 is a side view the first embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inflow part and the outflow part;

[0056] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the outflow part;

[0057] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the sample collector with a curved outflow part;

[0058] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view the second embodiment with the assembled parts wherein the longer axis is in the drawing plane;

[0059] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view the second embodiment with the assembled parts wherein the shorter axis is in the drawing plane;

[0060] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view a third embodiment with an integrally formed core sample collector;

[0061] FIG. 16 is a view showing the inflow opening and the inflow part transition aperture wherein the viewing direction is parallel to the flow direction.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0062] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1a and 1b show a breath alcohol testing device 100 from two different viewing directions being perpendicular to each other. FIGS. 1a and 1b further show the area 7 surrounding the testing device 100. This testing device 100 serves as the gas sample testing device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0063] The testing device 100 has approximately the form of a cuboid with two larger surfaces and two smaller surfaces. FIG. 1a shows the testing device 100 in a side view; FIG. 1b shows it in a cross-sectional view in the plane A-A of FIG. 1a. The testing device 100 comprises a sample collector 1 and a base body 9. The sample collector 1 can be removably connected with the base body 9. Some fastening elements 8 fasten the sample collector 1 at the base body 9, cf. FIG. 2.

[0064] A person can blow a gas sample into the sample collector 1 without touching the sample collector 1, i.e., contactlessly (in a contactless manner), and therefore with a distance between the person's face and the testing device 100. The flow direction in which the gas sample flows into the sample collector 1 is shown by an arrow FD.

[0065] The base body housing of the base body 9 surrounds a power supply unit 20 and a control unit 4. Several gripping elements 25 at the base body 9 make it easier for a person to carry the base body 9 and thereby the testing device 100. A display unit 5 in the base body housing can display measurement or test results in a human-perceptible form. A part of the injected (blown in) gas sample is guided through the gas duct 21 to an alcohol sensor 16 in the interior of the base body 9. This alcohol sensor 16 measures the alcohol concentration in the inserted gas sample. At least the measurement results of the alcohol sensor 16 enable an automatic decision whether or not the breath alcohol is above or below a given threshold. The alcohol sensor 16 can be an electro-chemical or an optical sensor, in particular an infrared sensor. Preferably the gas duct 21 guides the gas sample into a measuring chamber in the interior of the base body 9.

[0066] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show the sample collector 1. The sample collector 1 comprises an inflow part 2 with a guiding element 11, an outflow part 13, an optional collector outlet 3, and an optional collector casing 22 with an outer wall 12. The inflow part 2 is rigidly or releasably connected with the outflow part 13. The two parts 2, 13 together form the core sample collector. The core sample collector 2, 13 can be inserted into the collector casing 22 and can be removed from the collector casing 22. The collector casing 22 holds the core sample collector 2, 13, e.g. by means of a click-stop connection. FIG. 2 shows, in a perspective view, the sample collector 1 with the parts 2, 13 not yet being inserted, FIG. 3 in a cross-sectional view the sample collector 1 with the parts 2, 13 being inserted.

[0067] Several fastening elements 14 fasten the inserted inflow part 2 at the inner side of the outer wall 12 of the collector casing 22. In one implementation every fastening element is a protrusion which engages a corresponding aperture in the outer wall 12. Several gripping elements 17 make it easier for a person to grasp and hold the collector casing 22.

[0068] In one embodiment described below the outflow part 13 between the guiding element 11 and the collector casing 22 implements an abrupt change in the cross section, cf. FIG. 2 and the first embodiment described below.

[0069] In one application, the core sample collector 2, 13 is used for taking one sample and is afterwards replaced with a new one. It is also possible to reuse the core sample collector 2, 13 several times, i.e. for several gas samples.

[0070] The elliptic inflow part 2 provides an elliptic inflow opening IO through which a gas sample can flow into the device 100, cf. FIG. 16. The inflow part 2 further provides an inflow part transition aperture 32 which is opposite to the inflow opening IO. The guiding element 11 tapers in a direction toward the inflow part transition aperture 32. As can be seen, the inflow part 2 tapers in a parabolic manner, i.e. the reduction of the cross-sectional area decreases towards the inflow part transition aperture 32. Preferably the guiding element 11 has the form of a cone or hopper.

[0071] The elliptic outflow part 13 provides an elliptic outflow opening OO through which a gas sample can flow towards the collector outlet 3. The outflow part 13 further provides an outflow part transition aperture 26 which is opposite to the outflow opening OO. The core sample collector 2, 13 of the embodiments therefore provides a kind of nozzle for guiding the gas sample along a flow duct.

[0072] The core sample collector 2, 13 forms the housing for a main flow duct 10. A gas sample from a person to be tested is injected through the inflow opening IO and flows through the main flow duct 10 towards the outflow opening OO and through the outflow opening OO into the collector outlet 3. Gas can only “enter” into or “escape” from the core sample collector 2, 13 through the inflow opening IO or through the outflow opening OO.

[0073] A gas sample can leave the core sample collector 2, 13 into the collector outlet 3. The gas sample can leave the collector outlet 3 and therefore the sample collector 1 [0074] through a central opening 24 into the gas duct 21, cf. FIG. 1b, [0075] through lateral openings 15 on the bottom side of the collector outlet 3 into the environment 7 or [0076] through outflow openings 6 in the collector casing 22 into the environment 7.

[0077] Two small openings 6 are formed at the short side of the collector casing 22 and two large openings 6 at the longer side of the collector casing 22. Several stiffeners form slotted apertures 23 in the large openings 6. The gas duct 21 leads into the interior of the base body 9. The guiding element 11 provides the main flow duct 10 and prevents any large amount of gas flowing back towards the inlet opening IO of the inflow part 2. A dead space 18 is formed between the core sample collector 2, 13 and the collector casing 22.

[0078] FIG. 4 to FIG. 11 show a first embodiment of the sample collector 1 wherein the outflow part 13 has a flat plane and flat top surface. FIG. 10 shows the core sample collector 2, 13. FIG. 11 shows the outflow part 13 of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 show a second embodiment of the sample collector 1 wherein the outflow part 13 has a curvilinear plane and curved top surface. FIG. 15 shows a third embodiment wherein the core sample collector 2, 13 is integrally formed, i.e. made as one piece, and wherein the outflow part 13 also has a curvilinear plane.

[0079] The inflow part 2 has the following parts: [0080] the guiding element 11 providing the inflow opening IO, [0081] the protruding fastening elements 14 near the inlet opening IO of the inflow part 2 each forming a bulge engaging a corresponding groove in the inner side of the outer wall 12, and [0082] further protrusions 28 each engaging a corresponding aperture 29 in the outer wall 12.

[0083] The outflow part 13 has the following parts: [0084] a flat separator element 30 (first embodiment) or curved separator element 30 (second and third embodiment), [0085] a supporting element 31 engaging the inner side of the outer wall 12 in a laminar manner and providing the outflow opening OO, [0086] the elliptic outflow part transition aperture 26 in the separator element 30 and [0087] a protrusion 27 surrounding the outflow part transition aperture 26.

[0088] In the third embodiment according to FIG. 15 the transition apertures 26 and 32 coincide. The inflow part 2 and the outflow part 13 form one unit. In FIG. 10 and FIG. 15 the optional collector casing 22 is not shown.

[0089] The optional collector casing 22 is rigidly connected with the collector outlet 3 and has the following parts: [0090] the outer wall 12 with the gripping elements 17, [0091] several apertures 29 each being engaged by a further protrusion 28, [0092] two small openings 6 and two large openings 6 and [0093] optional further openings (not shown) between the inflow opening IO and the separator element 30 providing a fluid connection between the dead space 18 and the environment 7.

[0094] The collector outlet 3 comprises the central opening 24 and the lateral openings 15. A rectangular aperture is formed between the collector casing 22 and the collector outlet 3.

[0095] The guiding element 11 projects into the elliptic outflow part transition aperture 26. The protrusion 27 surrounds the projecting section of the guiding element 11 in a manner that the connection between the guiding element 11 and the outflow part 13 is a gas-tight one. The connection between the inflow part 2 and the collector casing 22 provided by means of the fastening elements 14 is in one implementation also gas tight. The outer surface of the supporting element 31 contacts the inner surface of the collector casing 22 in a gas-tight manner.

[0096] Therefore, no gas which is blown or otherwise injected into the inflow part 2 and flow through the flow duct 10 can enter the dead space 18. In contrast, the collector casing 22 on the outer side and the separator element 30 and the guiding element 11 on the inner side surround the dead space 18 in a gas-tight manner. In particular, the separator element 30 separates the dead space 18 from the outflow openings 6. It is possible that a fluid connection between the dead space 18 and the environment 7 is established.

[0097] As can be seen from the exploded view, the inflow part 2, the separator part 13 and the collector casing 22 can be manufactured separately, in particular by using different materials, and can be assembled later.

[0098] FIG. 16 shows the inflow opening IO and the inflow part transition aperture 26 wherein the viewing direction is parallel to the flow direction FD. The openings IO, 26 extend in the drawing plane of FIG. 16. The following dimensions are shown: [0099] L1.IO maximal dimension of the inflow opening IO; [0100] L2.IO dimension of the inflow opening I0 in a perpendicular direction; [0101] L1.32 maximal dimension of the inflow part transition aperture 32; [0102] L2.32 dimension of the inflow part transition aperture 32 in a perpendicular direction.

[0103] Preferred values for these parameters are: [0104] L1.IO: at least 4 cm, preferably no more than 7 cm, [0105] L2.IO: at least 2.5 cm, preferably no more than 5 cm, [0106] L1.32: no more than 4 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, [0107] L2.32: no more than 3 cm, preferably at least 1.5 cm.

[0108] Preferably L1.IO is larger than L1.32 and L2.IO is larger than L2.32 such that gas is collected in the inflow part 2. In a further preferred implementation L1.32 is between 35% and 60% of L1.IO. Preferably L2.32 is between 35% and 60% of L2.IO. L1.IO may be above 4 cm, even above 7 cm.

[0109] It is also possible that the inflow opening IO has the form of a circle. The diameter of this circle is preferably between 3 cm and 6 cm. The inflow part transition aperture 32 may also be circular, preferably with a diameter between 1.5 cm and 4 cm. Preferably the diameter of the inflow part transition aperture 32 is between 35% and 60% of the diameter of the inflow opening IO.

[0110] Preferably the dimension of the outflow opening OO in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction FD is in every direction less than the inflow opening IO, in particular no more than 10% less.

[0111] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0112] 1 sample collector, can be removably connected with the base body 9, comprises the inflow part 2, the outflow part 13, the collector casing 22 and the collector outlet 3 [0113] 2 inflow part, comprises the guiding element 11 and the fastening elements, provides the inflow opening IO [0114] 3 collector outlet, rigidly connected with the collector casing 22 [0115] 4 control unit [0116] 5 display unit [0117] 6 outflow openings in the collector casing 22 [0118] 7 area surrounding the testing device 100 [0119] 8 fastening elements for fastening the sample collector 1 at the base body 9 [0120] 9 base body, contains the control unit 4 and the power supply 20 [0121] 10 main flow duct, provided by the guiding element 11 of the inflow part 2, guides from the inflow opening IO to the outflow opening OO [0122] 11 guiding element of the inflow part 2, provides the main flow duct 10, has the form of a hopper or cone [0123] 12 outer wall of the collector casing 22 [0124] 13 outflow part, comprises the separator element 30 and the supporting element 31, provides the outflow opening OO [0125] 14 fastening elements near the inlet opening of the inflow part 2, can be inserted into a corresponding groove for removably fastening the inflow part 2 at the collector casing 22 [0126] 15 lateral outlets at the end of the main flow duct 10 [0127] 16 alcohol sensor [0128] 17 gripping elements at the collector casing 22 [0129] 18 dead space in the inflow part 2, formed around the guiding element 11 [0130] 20 power supply [0131] 21 gas duct, leads from the sample collector 1 to the alcohol sensor 16 [0132] 22 collector body of the sample collector 1, carries and surrounds the inflow part 2 [0133] 23 slotted apertures in the openings 6 [0134] 24 central opening on the bottom side of the collector outlet 3, leads into the gas duct 21 [0135] 25 gripping elements of the base body 9 [0136] 26 elliptic outflow part transition aperture, provided by the outflow part 13, surrounded by the protrusion 27 [0137] 27 protrusion surrounding the outflow part transition aperture 26 [0138] 28 protrusion near the inflow opening of the inflow part 2 [0139] 29 protrusion at the collector casing 22 [0140] 30 flat separator element (first embodiment) or curved separator element (second embodiment) providing an abrupt change, belongs to the outflow part 13 [0141] 31 supporting element engaging the inner side of the outer wall 12, belongs to the outflow part 13 [0142] 32 elliptic inflow part transition aperture, provided by the outflow part 13 [0143] 100 breath alcohol testing device, comprises the sample collector 1 and the base body 9 [0144] FD flow direction of gas through the flow duct [0145] IO inflow opening, provided by the inflow part 2 [0146] OO outflow opening, provided by the outflow part 13