Fluid sampling device

Abstract

A fluid sampling device includes a port adapter configured to be coupled to a fluid conduit external to the fluid sampling device. The port adapter includes a housing that defines a first fluid conduit with an inlet and an outlet and a sidewall extending therebetween. A second fluid conduit extends through the sidewall of the housing into the first fluid conduit and is in fluid communication therewith. A collection adapter is detachably coupled to the port adapter via the second fluid conduit and a hose is coupled to the collection adapter and extends through the second fluid conduit into the first fluid conduit.

Description

TITLE

[0001] Fluid Sampling DeviceCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 530,221 filed August 1, 2023 entitled “Waste Water Collection And Surveillance Device”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to devices for obtaining fluid samples and, in some embodiments, to a fluid sampling device configured to detachably connect to an external fluid conduit and collect a fluid sample therefrom.SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment there is a fluid sampling device including a port adapter configured to be coupled to a fluid conduit external to the fluid sampling device, the port adapter including a housing defining a first fluid conduit having an inlet and an outlet and a sidewall extending therebetween, and a second fluid conduit extending through the sidewall of the housing into the first fluid conduit and in fluid communication therewith, a collection adapter detachably coupled to the port adapter via the second fluid conduit, and a hose coupled to the collection adapter and extending through the second fluid conduit into the first fluid conduit.

[0005] In some embodiments, the hose extends through a hose aperture in the collection adapter and the collection adapter includes a hose clamp configured to compress the hose and restrict the flow of fluid therethrough. In some embodiments, the hose clamp includes a fixed jaw positioned within the hose aperture and an adjustable jaw fixed to a lever rotatably coupled to the collection adapter. In some embodiments, the collection adapter includes a latch configured to engage with the lever and retain the hose clamp in a clamped configuration in which the hose is compressed between the fixed and adjustable jaws. In some embodiments, the latch includes a latch arm engaged with a biasing element biasing the latch towards an upright position and an angled foot fixedly coupled to the latch arm and configured to prevent rotation of the latch from the upright position towards the lever of the hose clamp.

[0006] In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device further includes a fluid container coupled to the collection adapter and in fluid communication with the hose, and the hose clamp ispositioned between the second fluid conduit and the fluid container. In some embodiments, the fluid container is detachably coupled to the collection adapter. In some embodiments, the inlet of the first fluid conduit includes an inlet coupler configured to fluidly couple the port adapter to the external fluid conduit, and the outlet of the first fluid conduit includes an outlet coupler configured to fluidly couple the port adapter to the external fluid conduit or another external fluid conduit. In some embodiments, the port adapter includes a handle coupled to the sidewall of the housing and extending outwardly therefrom.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second fluid conduit includes an outlet positioned at an exterior surface of the sidewall of the housing and protruding outwardly therefrom away from the first fluid conduit, and an inlet positioned at an interior surface of the sidewall of the housing and protruding therefrom into the first fluid conduit. In some embodiments, the inlet of the second fluid conduit is positioned between the inlet and outlet of the first fluid conduit and faces the inlet of the first fluid conduit. In some embodiments, the second fluid conduit includes an outlet connector positioned at the outlet thereof and detachably coupling the collection adapter to the port adapter. In some embodiments, the outlet connector includes a lip and plurality of grooves extending through the lip, and the collection adapter includes a plurality of teeth that align with the plurality of grooves when the collection adapter is in an unlocked position and that abut the lip of the outlet connector when the collection adapter is in a locked position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the collection adapter includes a plunger movable between an extended position and a retracted position and biased towards the extended position, the outlet connector includes a receptacle sized to receive the plunger while in the extended position, and when received within the receptacle of the outlet connector, the plunger prevents the collection adapter from being decoupled from the port adapter. In some embodiments, the inlet of the second fluid conduit is disposed on a support wall integrally formed with the interior surface of the sidewall and protruding therefrom into the first fluid conduit. In some embodiments, the support wall includes a drain in fluid communication with the first and second fluid conduits.

[0009] In another embodiment, there is a port adapter for a fluid sampling device including a housing including a sidewall extending between an inlet and an outlet of a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit having an inlet positioned within the first fluid conduit and an outlet at an exterior surface of the sidewall, the second fluid conduit extending through the sidewall and in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit, and a support wall positioned on an interior surface of the sidewall and protruding into the first fluid conduit, the support wall defining the inlet of the second fluid conduit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support wall includes a drain in fluid communication with the first and second fluid conduits. In some embodiments, the inlet of the first fluid conduit includes an inlet coupler configured to fluidly couple the port adapter to an external fluid conduit, and the outlet of the first fluid conduit includes an outlet coupler configured to fluidly couple the port adapter to the external fluid conduit or another external fluid conduit.

[0011] In another embodiment, there is a method of collecting a fluid sample including gripping a collection adapter having a hose coupled thereto and protruding from a proximal end thereof, the hose being in fluid communication with a fluid container detachably coupled to a distal end of the collection adapter, coupling the collection adapter to a port adapter that includes a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit such the proximal end of the collection adapter couples to the second fluid conduit and a portion of the hose extends through the second fluid conduit and into the first fluid conduit, the inlet of the first fluid conduit of the port adapter being coupled to an external fluid conduit and in fluid communication therewith, flowing a fluid from the external fluid conduit into the first fluid conduit such that a portion of the fluid flows through the hose and into the fluid container, compressing the hose via a hose clamp of the collection adapter such that fluid is prevented from flowing from the hose into the fluid container, decoupling the port adapter from the external fluid conduit, releasing the hose clamp such that the hose is not compressed by the hose clamp, and decoupling the collection adapter from the port adapter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the fluid sampling device, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0013] In the drawings:

[0014] Fig. l is a perspective view of a fluid sampling device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Fig. 2 is a partial exploded view of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1;

[0016] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1 showing an inlet coupler thereof;

[0017] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1 showing an outlet coupler thereof;J

[0018] Fig. 5 is a side-cross sectional view of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1 illustrating a fluid flow therethrough;

[0019] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the collection adapter and hose of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1 with the port adapter omitted;

[0020] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a hose for use with the collection adapter of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1;

[0021] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1 showing the collection adapter and the hose;

[0022] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1 illustrating the collection adapter and the hose positioned proximate to the port adapter;

[0023] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1 illustrating the collection adapter and the hose when coupled to the port adapter;

[0024] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the port adapter of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1;

[0025] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1 illustrating the collection adapter coupled to the port adapter;

[0026] Figs. 13-16 are perspective views of a portion of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1 illustrating the collection adapter and hose being coupled to the port adapter;

[0027] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the fluid sampling device of Fig. 1 while a plug is coupled to the port adapter;

[0028] Fig. 18 is a rear perspective view of the plug of Fig. 17;

[0029] Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of collecting a fluid sample in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 20 is a side view of a fluid sampling device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and illustrated as coupled to an external fluid conduit;

[0031] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of the fluid sampling device of fig. 20; and

[0032] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a fluid sampling device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Fluids such as water, and especially wastewater, can be used to passively surveil pathogen presence, trends and evolution. Accordingly, fluid sampling devices are used to safely and securely collect water samples across a variety of locations for analysis. However, conventionaldevices are cumbersome, operationally complex, ineffective and / or expensive. Fluid from systems such as pipelines in fixed structures (e.g., houses, municipal building, sewage treatment facilities, recycling facilities), and those used in transit (e.g., airplanes, coach busses, recreational vehicles, campers, and boats) may be sampled for pathogens, viruses or markers or indicators (e.g., compounds, chemicals, small molecules, proteins or nucleic acids) of disease vectors, contaminants, pollutants, etc. In certain industries, such as, but not limited to, the aviation industry, wastewater sampling is done by extracting wastewater via access ports on the exterior of the aircraft. However, conventional fluid sampling devices are not suitable for use with said access ports, are time consuming and / or are cumbersome to use. Therefore, there is a need for a fluid sampling device that is mobile, easy to operate, scalable to various use cases, and cost effective.

[0034] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-18 a fluid sampling device, generally designated 100, and referred to as fluid sampling device 100 for short, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 100 is configured to be easily coupled to and / or decoupled from a fluid conduit external to the fluid sampling device (e g., an access port of an aircraft, a pipeline system in a municipal building). In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 100 is configured to enable a user to retrieve a fluid sample with a single hand. In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 100 is configured to detachably receive a hose such that it may be disposed of after use and replaced with a new hose between uses to reduce the risk of cross contamination and / or reduce operational complexity when compared to conventional sampling devices. In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 100 is configured to receive a detachable collection device for collecting a fluid sample. In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 100 is configured to assist a user in properly aligning the collection device for collection of a fluid sample. In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 100 is configured to reduce the risk of clogs. In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 100 is configured to provide a closed system for collecting a fluid sample. In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 100 is configured to be coupled to and in fluid communication with a plurality of different fluid conduits external to the fluid sampling device 100. In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 100 is configured to be coupled to and in fluid communication with two external fluid conduits simultaneously.

[0035] Referring to Figs. 1-2, the fluid sampling device 100 may include a port adapter 102 configured to be coupled to a fluid conduit external to the fluid sampling device 100 and a collection adapter 104 for collecting a fluid sample. The fluid conduit external to the fluid sampling device 100may be any conduit, or portion thereof, included in a fluid system for storing and / or transporting a fluid (e.g., potable water, wastewater). For example, and without limiting the generality of the preceding statement, the external fluid conduit may be the access port of a wastewater system. As a further example, the external fluid conduit may be a pipe for transporting potable or wastewater in a plumbing system. For sake of brevity, aspects of the present disclosure are described in relation to wastewater systems external to the fluid sampling device 100 for which wastewater sampling is desired. However, it should be understood that the fluid sampling device 100 may be used to collect fluid samples from a plurality of different external fluid storage and / or transport systems containing a fluid for which sampling is desired. Some examples of external fluid systems may include those included in, but not limited to: municipal buildings, airplanes, recreational vehicles, seafaring vessels, residential buildings, public buildings, commercial buildings, etc.

[0036] In some embodiments, the port adapter 102 is configured to mechanically and fluidly couple to an external fluid conduit such that a fluid (e.g., wastewater) may flow from the external fluid conduit and into the port adapter 102. The port adapter 102 may include a housing 106 defining a first fluid conduit 108 and a second fluid conduit 110. The first fluid conduit 108 may include an inlet 112, an outlet 114 and a sidewall 116 extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the second fluid conduit 110 extends through the sidewall 116 of the housing 106 and into the first fluid conduit 108 such that it is in fluid communication therewith. For example, the second fluid conduit 110 may extend from an exterior surface 118 of the sidewall to an interior surface 120 (see Fig. 3) thereof such that the first and second fluid conduits 108, 110 are in fluid communication with one another.

[0037] Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, in some embodiments, the port adapter 102 is configured to be coupled to the external fluid conduit at the inlet 112 of the first fluid conduit 108. The inlet 112 of the first fluid conduit 108 may include an inlet coupler 124 configured to fluidly couple the port adapter 102 to the external fluid conduit. In some embodiments, the inlet coupler 124 is configured to mechanically and fluidly couple the port adapter 102 to an external fluid conduit. The inlet coupler 124 may be an adapter (e.g., a pipe adapter) having a first end 123 configured to couple to an external fluid conduit and a second end 125 configured to couple to the housing 106. The second end 125 of the inlet coupler 124 may define a lip 126 configured to engage with a collar 128 positioned between the interior surface 120 of the housing 106 and the second end 125 of the inlet coupler 124. One or more fasteners 130 extending through the sidewall 116 of the housing 106 may detachably couple the inlet coupler 124 to the housing 106.

[0038] The fasteners 130 may be translatable along apertures 132 extending through the sidewall 116 to engage with and exert a force on the collar 128. For example, the fasteners 130 may be threaded bolts or screws that abut against and exert a force on a chamfered surface 129 of the collar 128. The vertical component of said force on the collar 128 may cause the collar 128 to abut against the lip 126 and exert a force thereon causing the lip 126 to press against a gasket 134 positioned below the lip 126. The downward force on the lip 126 caused by the collar 128 forcing it against the gasket 134 may form a watertight seal and mechanical connection between the inlet coupler 124 and housing 106. When the fasteners 130 are engaged with the collar 128, the inlet coupler 124 may be coupled to the housing 106 and generally fixed in position relative thereto. In some embodiments, the inlet coupler 124 may conform to an industry standard fluid conduit access port such that it may be detachably coupled thereto. The inlet coupler 124 may include ridges and / or other mating features corresponding to the mating features of an industry standard access port thereby allowing the inlet coupler 124 to be coupled thereto.

[0039] In some embodiments, the port adapter 102 is configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of different inlet couplers 124 that may correspond to different external fluid conduits. The first end 123 of the inlet coupler 124 may be sized, shaped and / or include mating features corresponding to an external fluid conduit to which the port adapter 102 is intended to be coupled to. For example, the first end 123 of the inlet coupler 124 illustrated in the Figures corresponds to the size and shape of an aircraft wastewater access port such that it may be detachably secured to the access port forming a mechanical and fluid coupling therebetween. However, external fluid conduits, including those used in wastewater systems, vary in size, shape and the mating features included therewith. Accordingly, different inlet couplers 124 may include differently sized and / or shaped first ends 123 corresponding to the desired external fluid conduit. The second end 125 may remain substantially the same for different inlet couplers 124. For example, two inlet couplers 124 each having differently sized first ends 123 may have the same size and shape second end 125 such that both may be interchangeably coupled to the housing 106 in the same manner as described above.

[0040] In some embodiments, the port adapter 102 is configured to receive an inlet coupler having attachment features that are different from those of inlet coupler 124. For example, an inlet coupler 124 different from what is illustrated in Fig. 3 may not include the lip 126 at the second end 125 thereof and may instead include a threaded surface. Further to this example, in one instance the collar 128 and / or fasteners 130 may be omitted from the port adapter 102 and the interior surface 120 of the port adapter 102 may include a corresponding threaded surface. In another instance, thecollar 128 and / or fasteners 130 may be included in the port adapter 102 and instead an inlet coupler 124 may be coupled to the port adapter 102 via an intermediate adapter configured to mechanically and fluidly couple the inlet coupler 124 and port adapter 102. In some embodiments, the inlet coupler 124 includes a camlock and the port adapter 102 is configured to couple the inlet coupler 124 thereto.

[0041] In some embodiments, the inlet coupler 124 at least partially defines the first fluid conduit 108. For example, the inlet 112 is formed at a top surface of the first end 123 and an interior surface 127 of the inlet coupler 124 defines a proximal portion of the first fluid conduit 108. In some embodiments, the first and second ends 123, 125 of the inlet coupler 124 are a unitary construct. In some embodiments, the first end 123 has an inner diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the second end 125. In some embodiments, the first end 123, second end 125, lip 126 and / or collar 128 extend circumferentially around a central axis C passing longitudinally through the housing 106.

[0042] Referring to Figs. 1 and 4, the port adapter 102 may be configured to couple to an external fluid conduit at the outlet 114 of the first fluid conduit 108. The outlet 114 may include an outlet coupler 136 configured to fluidly couple the port adapter 102 to the external fluid conduit or another external fluid conduit. For example, the outlet coupler 136 may be an adapter configured to fluidly and mechanically couple the outlet 114 of the first fluid conduit 108 to an external fluid conduit. In some embodiments, the outlet coupler 136 is coupled to the housing 106 at a distal end thereof via one or more fasteners 138. The fasteners 138 may extend through the housing 106 and detachably couple the outlet coupler 136 thereto. In some embodiments the fasteners 138 are threaded bolts or screws extending through threaded apertures in the housing 106 and / or the outlet coupler 136. In some embodiments, the outlet coupler 136 includes a gasket 140 disposed within a channel 142 of the housing 106 forming a fluid seal between the housing 106 and outlet coupler 136. For example, the gasket 140 abuts both the housing 106 within the channel 142 and outlet coupler 136 forming a fluid seal between the housing and outlet coupler 136 such that fluids traveling through the first fluid conduit 108 are prevented from leaking out of the joint between the housing 106 and outlet coupler 136.

[0043] The outlet coupler 136 may include one or more attachment elements configured to engage with an external fluid conduit such that the fluid conduit is mechanically coupled to the outlet coupler 136 and in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit 108. The outlet coupler 136 may one or more mating features configured to engage with an external fluid conduit. In some embodiments, the port adapter 102 is configured to interchangeably couple a plurality of differentoutlet couplers 136 thereto. For example, similar to the inlet coupler 124 described above, a plurality of different outlet couplers 136 each configured to be detachably coupled to the housing 106 may be provided. The different outlet couplers 136 may be sized, shaped and / or include mating features corresponding to that of different external fluid conduits. Accordingly, an outlet coupler 136 corresponding to the desired external fluid conduit may be coupled to the housing 106. In some embodiments, a hose clamp may be used to couple the outlet coupler 136 to an external fluid conduit. For example, a hose may be coupled to the outlet coupler 136 such that it surrounds the outlet coupler 136 and a hose clamp may be coupled thereto such that the hose is clamped between the hose clamp and outlet coupler 136. In some embodiments, the outlet coupler 136 includes a hose clamp coupled thereto.

[0044] In some embodiments, the outlet coupler 136 may be configured to couple to an external fluid conduit different from one that the inlet coupler 124 is configured to couple to. For example, the inlet coupler 124 couples to a wastewater access port on an aircraft while the outlet coupler 136 couples to the hose of a wastewater drainage system external to the aircraft. In other embodiments, the inlet and outlet couplers 124, 136 are configured to couple to the same fluid conduit. For example, in some instances the port adapter 102 is configured to be coupled inline with the pipe of a fluid system (e.g., a plumbing system). In such instances, a portion of the pipe may be removed and the port adapter 102 may be installed therein such that the inlet 112 is upstream of the outlet 114. Further to this example, both of the inlet and outlet couplers 124, 136 engage with the pipe such that the port adapter 102 is coupled to the pipe and the first fluid conduit 108 is in fluid communication therewith.

[0045] Referring back to Figs. 1 -2, in some embodiments, the inlet 112 and outlet 114 are aligned with one another along the central axis C. The port adapter 102 may be generally cylindrical in shape and the inlet 112 and outlet 114 may extend circumferentially around a common axis. For example, inlet coupler 124 and outlet coupler 136 are generally cylindrical in shape extending circumferentially around the central axis C and each of which defining the corresponding inlet 112 and outlet 114 extending circumferentially around the central axis C. In other embodiments, the port adapter 102 includes a curve or bend between the inlet 112 and outlet 114 such that they are positioned along intersecting axes. For example, and not illustrated in the figures, the housing 106 may be curved similar to an elbow pipe such that the inlet 112 and outlet 114 each extend circumferentially around respective axes that intersect one another.

[0046] In some embodiments, the port adapter 102 includes a handle 144 coupled to the sidewall 116 of the housing 106 and extending outwardly therefrom. The handle 144 may be fixedly coupledto the housing 106 such that a user may grip the handle 144 and maneuver the port adapter 102 as desired. In some embodiments, the handle 144 enables a user to easily grip and position the port adapter 102 at a desired external fluid conduit for fluid sampling.

[0047] Referring to Figs. 2 and 5, in some embodiments the fluid sampling device 100 is configured to direct a fluid sample through the collection adapter 104 and into a container 146 coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the collection adapter 104 is detachably coupled to the port adapter 102. The collection adapter 104 may be configured to collect a fluid sample from a fluid flowing through the first fluid conduit 108. In some embodiments, the port adapter 102 is configured to fluidly couple an external fluid conduit to the collection adapter 104. For example, the port adapter 102 is coupled to a first external fluid conduit 10a at the inlet 112 of the first fluid conduit 108 via inlet coupler 124, as discussed above. The port adapter 102 may also be coupled to a second external fluid conduit 10b at the outlet 114 thereof. For example, a second external fluid conduit 10b is mechanically and fluidly coupled to the port adapter 102 via the outlet coupler 136.

[0048] In some embodiments, the collection adapter 104 is configured to position a hose 148, or the like, within the first fluid conduit 108 to extract a fluid sample therefrom. For example, and as illustrated by the arrows in Fig. 5 representing a fluid flow, a fluid enters the first fluid conduit 108 through the inlet 112 (e.g., from the first external fluid conduit 10a) and flows toward the outlet 114. As the fluid flows through the first fluid conduit 108 a portion is diverted through the hose 148 extending through the second fluid conduit 110 such that it flows through the hose 148 and into the container 146. Further to this example, the remaining portion of the fluid flows through the outlet 114 and into the second external fluid conduit 10b coupled thereto. The hose 148 may be coupled to the collection adapter 104 and extend through the second fluid conduit 110 into the first fluid conduit 108. In some embodiments, the collection adapter 104 is sized to easily be maneuvered by a user with a single hand.

[0049] Referring to Figs. 6-8, the hose 148 may define a fluid pathway for fluid to flow into the container 146. The hose 148 may extend through a hose aperture 150 in the collection adapter 104. In some embodiments, the hose aperture 150 defines a cavity within the collection adapter 104 that extends between a proximal end 152 and a distal end 154 thereof. The hose 148 may extend substantially through the cavity and protrude outwardly from the proximal and distal ends 152, 154 of the collection adapter 104. In some embodiments, the hose 148 includes a sampling end 156 coupled to a body 157 of the hose 148 and configured to be positioned within the first fluid conduit

[0050] In some embodiments, the hose 148 is comprised of a generally flexible material (e.g., silicone rubber). In some embodiments, the hose 148 is comprised of two or more materials comolded to one another. For example, the sampling end 156 may be comprised of a first material comolded to a second material that forms the body 157. Further to this example, the first material may have a higher rigidity than the second material such that the sampling end 156 is generally rigid while the body 157 is generally flexible. The body 157 of the hose 148 may be generally cylindrical in shape when not flexed or bent. The sampling end 156 may be curved so as to be oriented towards the inlet 112 of the first fluid conduit 108 when in use, as illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0051] In some embodiments, the hose 148 is a disposable hose intended to be replaced with a new hose 148 between uses of the fluid sampling device 100. The hose 148 may be detachably coupled to the collection adapter 104 via the hose aperture 150 and / or a connector 153. While the body 157 of the hose 148 extends through the hose aperture 150 it may be at least partially retained therein via engagement of the hose aperture 150 with the outer surface of the body 157. For example, the body 157 may abut against sidewalls of the hose aperture 150. In some embodiments, the hose 148 includes a collar 158 protruding outwardly from the body 157. The collar 158 may be configured to engage with the connector 153 of the collection adapter 104. In some embodiments, by providing a disposable hose 148 detachably coupled to the collection device 104, the hose 148 may easily be discarded after use, which may reduce the time required to sanitize the collection device 104 between different uses.

[0052] In some embodiments, engagement of the collar 158 with the connector 153 causes the hose 148 to be retained in a fixed orientation relative to the collection adapter 104. The collar 158 may include one or more teeth 159 configured to engage with grooves 155 in the connector 153. For example, when coupling a hose 148 to the collection adapter 104, the body 157 of the hose 148 is inserted through the hose aperture 150. Further to this example, the hose 148 is translated relative to the collection adapter 104 such that the collar 158 moves toward the connector 153 until the collar158 abuts the connector 153 and the teeth 159 are engaged with the grooves 155. While the teeth159 are engaged with the grooves 155 the sampling end 156 of the hose 148 may be retained in a predetermined orientation relative to the collection adapter 104. The predetermined orientation of the sampling end 156 may be one in which the sampling end 156 faces towards the inlet 112 of the first fluid conduit 108 when the collection adapter 104 is coupled to the port adapter 102, as illustrated in, for example, Fig. 5. In some embodiments, the collar 158 includes a gasket 161 for establishing a watertight seal between the hose 148 and port adapter 102 when coupled thereto. Insome embodiments, the gasket 161 includes two or more ridges to aid in forming a seal with less pressure required to do so when compared to a gasket having a single ridge.

[0053] The collar 158 of the hose 148 and connector 1 3 of the collection adapter 104 may enable a user to easily and repeatably couple a hose 148 to the collection adapter 104 in the same orientation. Accordingly, a user may be able to easily and repeatably couple hoses 148 to the collection adapter 104 and ensure they are in the desired orientation for collection of fluid samples. In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 100 may be provided with a plurality of disposable hoses 148 each being generally the same as the hose 148. By providing a collection adapter 104 configured to receive disposable hoses 148, the fluid sampling device 100 may substantially reduce the risk of cross-contamination and reduce the time required to sanitize the fluid sampling device 100 between uses.

[0054] Referring to Figs. 5, 6 and 8, and as discussed above, the hose 148 is configured to direct a fluid sample into the container 146. The container 146 may be a receptacle used to contain a fluid sample for testing (e g., for detecting pathogens, microbes, viruses or markers for diseases, contaminants, pollutants, etc.). In some embodiments, the collection adapter 104 is configured to detachably couple the container 146 thereto. The collection adapter 104 may include a container connector 162 at the distal end 154 thereof. The container connector 162 may be configured to detachably couple the container 146 to the collection adapter 104.

[0055] For example, the container 146 may be a bottle with a threaded neck that engages with a corresponding threaded surface of the container connector 162. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the container 146 may be screwed onto the container connector 162 and retained therein while obtaining a fluid sample, and unscrewed therefrom once a desired volume of the fluid sample is obtained. In some embodiments, a diameter of the container connector 162 corresponds to that of a container 146 to which it is intended to couple to the collection adapter 104. For example, the diameter of the interior surface of the container connector 162 is sized to allow the neck of the container 146 to be positioned therein and engage with the threaded surface. In other embodiments, the container connector 162 is configured to couple a container 146 thereto via a pressure fit. For example, the container connector 162 may include a clamp and / or a bottle stopper configured to couple a corresponding container 146 to the collection device 104.

[0056] By providing a container connector 162 configured to couple the container 146 to the collection adapter 104, the fluid sampling device 100 may act as a closed system for obtaining fluid samples. For example, the container 146 and container connector 162 may be configured to form a watertight seal when engaged with one another to prevent spillage of a fluid sample while it is beingcollected. In some embodiments, a portion of the body 157 of the hose 148 is positioned within the container 146 when the container 146 is coupled to the collection adapter 104. For example, the distal end of the hose 148 is disposed within the container 146 while the container 146 is coupled to the container connector 162. In some embodiments, the container 146 is comprised of a generally transparent material such that a user may be able to visually determine when an adequate volume of a fluid sample has been obtained. In some embodiments, the container 146 may include markings or indicia indicating volume measurements (e.g., a fdl line, fill volume values).

[0057] Referring to Figs. 6 and 8, the collection adapter 104 may be configured to selectively restrict the flow of fluid to the container 146. The collection adapter 104 may include a hose clamp 164 configured to compress the hose 148 and restrict the flow of fluid therethrough. The hose clamp 164 may include a fixed jaw 165 positioned within the hose aperture 150 and an adjustable jaw 166 fixed to a lever 167 that is rotatable relative to the hose aperture 150 of the collection adapter 104. The hose clamp 164 may be positioned upstream of the container 146 such that it may restrict the flow of fluids thereto. In some embodiments, the hose clamp 164 is positioned between the second fluid conduit 110 and the container 146 when the collection adapter 104 is coupled to the port adapter 102. The fixed jaw 165 and / or the adjustable jaw 166 may be positioned between the proximal and distal ends 152, 154 of the collection adapter 104. For example, the fixed jaw 165 and adjustable jaw 166 are positioned between the sampling end 156 of the hose 148 and the container connector 162 of the collection adapter 104.

[0058] In some embodiments, the hose clamp 164 is configured to transition between clamped and unclamped configuration. The lever 167 may be rotatably coupled to a sidewall 168 of the collection adapter 104 and configured to transition the hose clamp 164 between the clamped and unclamped configurations. In the unclamped configuration, an example of which is illustrated in Fig. 8, the lever 167 protrudes outwardly away from the hose 148 and the hose 148 remains generally uncompressed. While the hose clamp 164 is in the unclamped configuration, fluid flow between the hose 148 and container 146 may remain substantially unrestricted. For example, flow of a fluid sample to the container 146 from the hose 148 is not prevented by the hose clamp 164 when in the unclamped configuration.

[0059] In the clamped configuration, an example of which is illustrated in Fig. 6, the hose 148 is compressed between the fixed and adjustable jaws 165, 166. For example, a portion of the hose 148 proximate the adjustable jaw 166 is displaced towards the fixed jaw 165 thereby compressing it. While compressed between the adjustable jaw 166 and fixed jaw 165 fluid flow through the hose 148 may be restricted such that fluid is substantially prevented from flowing into the container 146.In some embodiments the lever 167 engages with a latch 169 to retain the hose clamp 164 in the clamped configuration. For example, and as illustrated in Fig. 6, the latch 169 engages with a distal end 170 of the lever 167 to retain the hose clamp 164 in the clamped configuration.

[0060] In some embodiments, the distal end 170 of the lever 167 includes a chamfered surface at a bottom edge thereof and configured to interface with the latch 169. The chamfered surface of the distal end 170 may enable the lever 167 to more easily slide against and displace the latch 169 when transitioning from the unclamped to the clamped configurations. In some embodiments, there is a ridge 167r protruding upwardly from the lever 167 and configured to reduce the risk of accidental or unintended disengagement from the latch 169. The ridge 167r may be positioned between the distal end 170 and the adjustable jaw 166. In some embodiments the ridge 167r is spaced from the distal end 170. When a user grips the collection device 104 while in the clamped configuration, the ridge 167r may act as a stopper to prevent a user’s thumb or fingers from accidentally sliding toward and disengaging the latch 169 from the lever 167.

[0061] In some embodiments, there is a first biasing element 171 engaged with the lever 167 and biasing it towards the unclamped configuration. The first biasing element 171 may be a spring (e.g., a torsional spring) positioned within the cavity defined by the hose aperture 150 that abuts the lever 167 and biases it away from the hose 148. In some embodiments, the first biasing element 171 may be integrally formed with the lever 167, adjustable jaw 166 and / or the fixed jaw 165. For example, the lever 167 and jaws 165, 166 may be a unitary construct with the first biasing element 171. In some embodiments, there is a second biasing element 172 engaged with the latch 169 and biasing it towards the lever 167. The second biasing element may be a spring (e.g., a torsional spring) positioned within the cavity defined by the hose aperture 150 that abuts against the latch 169. The second biasing element 172 may apply a force to a latch arm 173 coupling the latch 169 to the collection adapter 104. In some embodiments, the force applied by the second biasing element 172 substantially retains the latch 169 against the lever 167 while the hose clamp 164 is in the clamped configuration. By providing the hose clamp 164 with the lever 167 and jaws 165, 166, the collection adapter 104 may be easily operated by a user to control the flow of fluid to the container 146.

[0062] In some embodiments, the collection device 104 includes a recessed surface 105 distal of the latch 169 such that a user may easily interact with the latch 169 when disengaging it from the lever 167. In some embodiments, the latch arm 173 includes an angled foot 173f configured to maintain the latch arm 173 in an upright position, illustrated in Fig. 8, when acted on by the second biasing element 172. For example, when the latch arm 173 is in the upright position the secondbiasing element 172 exerts a force thereon biasing it towards the lever 167. Further to this example, the angled foot 173f acts as a stopper or wedge abutting the collection device 104 to prevent the biasing element 172 from being displaced further towards the lever 167. In some embodiments, the angled foot 173f is fixedly coupled to the latch arm 173. In some embodiments, the angled food 173f and latch arm 173 are integrally formed.

[0063] In some embodiments, the latch 169 includes an interface surface 169i configured to aid a user in interacting with the latch 169. For example, the interface surface 169i may extend upwardly away from the latch arm 173 towards the distal end 154 of the collection device 104 such that a user may easily interact with the interface surface 169i when disengaging the latch 169 from the lever arm 167. In some embodiments the interface surface 169i is integrally formed with the latch 169 and / or latch arm 173. In some embodiments, the latch 169 is a slidable lock configured to slide along the sidewalls 168 between the proximal and distal ends 152, 154 of the collection adapter 104. For example, a sliding collar may be coupled to the collection device 104 and may be slidable relative to the sidewall 168 towards the sampling end 156 of the hose 148 and / or towards the container 146. In such embodiments, a user may interact with the sliding collar to slide it towards the distal end 170 of the lever 167 and retain the hose clamp 164 in the clamped configuration and away from the distal end 170 to allow the hose clamp 164 to transition from the clamped configuration to the unclamped configuration.

[0064] Referring to Figs. 9-10, and as discussed above, the collection adapter 104 may be configured to detachably couple to the port adapter and position the hose 148 within the first fluid conduit 108 to obtain a fluid sample therefrom. In some embodiments, the collection adapter 104 is configured to detachably couple to the second fluid conduit 110 of the port adapter 102. The second fluid conduit 110 may include an outlet 174 positioned at the exterior surface 118 of the sidewall 116 of the housing 106 and protruding outwardly therefrom away from the first fluid conduit 108. For example, the outlet 174 is accessible at the exterior surface 118 of the sidewall 116 such that the collection adapter 104 may be coupled thereto.

[0065] The second fluid conduit 110 may include an inlet 175 positioned at an interior surface 120 of the sidewall 116 of the housing 106 and protruding therefrom into the first fluid conduit 108. In some embodiments, the inlet 175 of the second fluid conduit 110 is disposed on a support wall 176 that protrudes from the sidewall 116 into the first fluid conduit 108. The support wall 176 may protrude from the interior surface 120 of the sidewall 116 into the first fluid conduit 108. In some embodiments, the support wall 176 and housing 106 are integrally formed. For example, the support wall 176 and sidewall 116 may be a unitary construct.

[0066] The support wall 176 may be configured to substantially retain the position of the hose 148 within the first fluid conduit 108 while a fluid is flowing therethrough. For example, movement of the sampling end 156 of the hose 148 when positioned within the second fluid conduit 110 may be substantially prevented by engagement of the hose 148 with the support wall 176. In some embodiments, the support wall 176 includes a drain 177 in fluid communication with the first and second fluid conduits 108, 110. The drain 177 may be positioned between the inlet 175 and outlet 174 of the second fluid conduit 110. In some embodiments, the drain 177 is configured to allow fluid to drain from the second fluid conduit 110 and into the first fluid conduit 108 when the hose 148 is not positioned within the second fluid conduit 110. For example, fluid flowing from the first fluid conduit 108 through the inlet 175 of the second fluid conduit 110 may flow through the drain177 and back into the first fluid conduit 108.

[0067] Referring to Figs. 11, the inlet 175 of the second fluid conduit may be positioned between the inlet 112 and outlet 114 of the first fluid conduit 108 and face towards the inlet 112. For example, the inlet 175 of the second fluid conduit 110 is directed upwards towards the inlet 112 of the first fluid conduit 108. In some embodiments, the inlets 112, 175 of the first and second fluid conduits 108, 110 are generally parallel with and spaced apart from one another. For example, each of the inlets 112, 175 lie along planes that are substantially parallel with and separate from one another. In other embodiments, the inlet 175 of the second fluid conduit 110 faces towards the inlet 112 and is not parallel thereto. For example, the inlet 175 may lie along a plane that intersects the plane upon which the inlet 112 lies along. In some embodiments, the second fluid conduit 110 is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the first fluid conduit 108. For example, the second fluid conduit 110 extends generally along an axis A that is at an oblique angle 0 relative to the central axis C, which the first fluid conduit 108 extends along. In some embodiments, the axis A may be an axis that is normal to the plane along which the outlet 174 of the second fluid conduit 110 extends. In some embodiments, the angle 0 is between about 10° to about 80°. In some embodiments, the angle 0 is between about 30° to about 70°. In some embodiments, the angle 0 is about 60°.

[0068] Referring to Figs. 9 and 12, the port adapter 102 may include an outlet connector 178 positioned at the outlet 174 of the second fluid conduit 110 and configured to detachably couple the collection adapter 104 to the port adapter 102. In some embodiments, the outlet connector 178 is a generally disc shaped plate coupled to the outlet 174 via one or more fasteners. The outlet connector178 may define an opening 178a through which the outlet 174 is accessible. For example, the hose 148 may extend through the opening 178a of the outlet connector 178 and into the second fluid conduit 110 when the collection adapter 104 is coupled to the port adapter 102.

[0069] The outlet connector 178 may include one or more alignment features and / or one or more attachment features configured to engage with corresponding features of the connector 153 of the collection adapter 104. The outlet connector 178 may include a lip 179 and a plurality of grooves 180 extending through the lip 179. The collection adapter 104 may include a plurality of teeth 181 configured to align with the grooves 180 when the collection adapter 104 is in an unlocked position, as illustrated in Fig. 15, and that abut the lip 179 when the collection adapter 104 is in a locked position (e.g., shown in Fig. 12). In some embodiments, the teeth 181 are protrusions formed along portions of the connector 153. In some embodiments, the outlet connector 178 and connector 153 are made of a metal material (e.g., steel, stainless steel).

[0070] In the unlocked configuration, the collection adapter 104 may be coupled to or decoupled from the port adapter 102. For example, in the unlocked configuration, the teeth 181 may pass freely through the grooves 180 to couple the collection adapter 104 to or decouple it from the port adapter 102. The teeth 181 may be spaced along the connector 153 to align with the grooves 180 such that they may pass freely therethrough. For example, the teeth 181 protrude outwardly from the connector 153 at locations that correspond to the position of the grooves 180 in the lip 179 of the outlet connector 178. In the locked configuration the collection adapter 104 may be retained in position relative to the port adapter 102. In the locked configuration, the teeth 181 may be positioned between the outlet 174 and the outlet connector 178 and abut the lip 179.

[0071] In some embodiments, the outlet connector 178 and / or connector 153 of the collection adapter 104 include one or more alignment features configured to ensure the collection adapter 104 is in a desired orientation when being coupled to the port adapter 102. The collection adapter 104 may include a keyed protrusion 182 configured to align with a corresponding alignment aperture 183 in the outlet connector 178. In some embodiments, the keyed protrusion 182 is integrally formed with one of the teeth 181 of the connector 153 and the alignment aperture 183 is formed in a corresponding one of the grooves 180 of the outlet connector 178. The keyed protrusion 182 and alignment aperture 183 may prevent a user from coupling the collection adapter 104 to the port adapter 102 in an incorrect orientation, as discussed in more detail below.

[0072] In some embodiments, the collection adapter 104 includes a plunger 184 configured to releasably lock the collection adapter 104 to the port adapter 102. The plunger 184 may be movable between an extended position, illustrated in Fig. 9, and a retracted position and biased towards the extended position. For example, there may be a biasing element 185 (e.g., a coil spring) engaged with the plunger 184 and a plunger mount 186 that biases the plunger 184 to an extended position. The plunger mount 186 may couple the plunger 184 to the collection adapter 104 and define aplunger axis P along which the plunger 184 is translatable. The plunger 184 may translate along the plunger axis P towards the port adapter 102 when moving from the retracted position to the extended position. The plunger 184 may translate along the plunger axis P away from the port adapter when moving from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0073] In some embodiments, a plunger lever 187 is rotatably coupled to the plunger mount 186 and configured to move the plunger 184 from the extended position to the retracted position. The plunger lever 187 may include a cammed surface 188 engaged with the plunger 184. In some embodiments, the plunger 184 includes a shaft 189 fixedly coupled thereto and engaged with the cammed surface 188 of the plunger lever 187. The cammed surface 188 may engage with a plunger bearing 188b coupled to the shaft 189. When the lever 187 is rotated relative to the plunger mount 186 towards the collection adapter 104 the engagement of the cammed surface 188 with shaft 189 may cause the plunger 184 to translate along the plunger axis P away from the port adapter 102.

[0074] In some embodiments, the outlet connector 178 includes a receptacle 190 sized to receive the plunger 184 while in the extended position. The receptacle 190 may be an aperture extending through the outlet connector 178. In some embodiments, when received within the receptacle 190, the plunger 184 prevents the collection adapter 104 from being decoupled from the port adapter 102. For example, while the plunger 184 is received within the receptacle 190, the collection adapter 104 may be prevented from rotating relative to the port adapter 102 such that the teeth 181 of the connector 153 are prevented from disengaging with the lip 179 of the outlet connector 178. In some embodiments, the lever 187 may allow a user to disengage the plunger 184 from the receptacle 190 such that the collection adapter 104 may be decoupled from the port adapter 102. For example, the lever 187 may be rotated towards the collection adapter 104 to cause the plunger 184 to translate along the plunger axis P away from the receptacle 190 such that it is no longer received therein.

[0075] In some embodiments, the outlet connector 178 includes a drain 191 configured to prevent fluid from being trapped between the housing 106 and outlet connector 178. The drain 191 may be positioned generally at the bottom of the outlet connector 178. In some embodiments, the outlet connector 178, the connector 153 of the collection adapter 104 and / or the hose 148 include one or more gaskets configured to form a watertight seal between the port adapter 102 and collection adapter 104 when coupled to one another.

[0076] Referring to Figs. 13-16 there is shown an example of coupling the collection adapter 104 to the port adapter 102. In Fig. 13, the collection adapter 104 is illustrated as being decoupled from the port adapter 102 and aligned with the outlet connector 178. For example, and as illustrated by the dash-dash lines in Fig. 13, the teeth 181 of the collection adapter 104 are aligned with thegrooves 180 in the outlet connector 178 and the keyed protrusion 182 is aligned with the alignment aperture 183. As illustrated by the arrow in Fig. 13, the collection adapter 104, while aligned with the outlet connector 178, is moved towards the port adapter 102 to the position illustrated in Fig. 14. As illustrated by the arrow in Fig. 14, the collection adapter 104, while still aligned with the outlet connector 178 is moved further towards the port adapter 102 to the position illustrated in Fig. 15.

[0077] In Fig. 15, the collection adapter 104 is shown in the unlocked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the teeth 181 may be positioned between the outlet connector 178 and the second fluid conduit 110 while aligned with the grooves 180 such that they may pass freely therethrough. In the unlocked configuration, the plunger 184 may not be engaged with the receptacle 190 in the outlet connector 178. The collection adapter 104 may be transitioned from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration by rotating the collection adapter 104 relative to the port adapter 102 such that the plunger 184 is received within the receptacle 190. For example, and as illustrated by the arrow in Fig. 15 denoting rotation of the collection adapter 104, the collection adapter 104 is rotated clockwise from the orientation illustrated in Fig. 15 to the orientation illustrated in Fig. 16. In some embodiments, the teeth 181 outlet connector 178 may include a chamfered surface to aid in rotation of the collection adapter 104 relative the port adapter 102. For example, the teeth 181 may include a chamfered surface that enables the teeth 181 to more easily slide over the lip 179 of the outlet connector 178 (e.g., requiring less torque) when compared to teeth having no chamfered or angled surface.

[0078] In Fig. 16, the collection adapter 104 is illustrated in the locked configuration in which the plunger 184 is received within the receptacle 190 and the teeth 181 are engaged with the lip 179 of the outlet connector 178. In some embodiments, the plunger 184 is configured to automatically engage with the receptacle 190 when the collection adapter 104 is transitioned from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. For example, in response to rotating the collection adapter 104 from the unlocked to the locked configuration, the biasing element 185 causes the plunger 184 to translate relative to the collection adapter 104 and extend into the receptacle 190. In some embodiments, translation of the plunger 184 into the receptacle 190 via the biasing element 185 may provide tactile feedback to the user gripping the collection adapter 104. The tactile feedback may act as a signal to the user that the collection adapter 104 is coupled to the port adapter 102 in the correct orientation and is ready for use in collecting a fluid sample.

[0079] In some embodiments, the collection adapter 104 may be transitioned from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by retracting the plunger 184 and rotating the collection adapter 104 relative to the port adapter 102. For example, while the collection adapter 104 is in thelocked configuration shown in Fig. 16, a user may press the plunger lever 187 towards the collection adapter 104 to cause the plunger 184 to translate to the retracted position and out of engagement with the receptacle 190. While the user continues to depress the plunger lever 187 thereby retaining plunger 184 in the retracted position, the user may rotate the collection adapter 104 to the unlocked configuration. For example, while the plunger 184 is not engaged with the receptacle 190 the user rotates the collection adapter counterclockwise from the locked configuration illustrated in Fig. 16 to the unlocked configuration illustrated in Fig. 15.

[0080] Referring to Figs. 17-18, in some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 100 includes a plug 192 configured to seal the second fluid conduit 110 when the collection adapter 104 is not coupled thereto. The plug 192 may be configured to detachably couple to the second fluid conduit 110 similar to the collection adapter 104. In some embodiments, the plug 192 is configured to detachably couple to the outlet connector 178. The plug 192 may include a body 193 configured to be gripped by a user and a plug connector 194 coupled thereto and configured to detachably couple the plug 192 to the second fluid conduit 110. In some embodiments, the plug 192 is configured to detachably couple to the outlet connector 178 in generally the same manner as the collection adapter 104. The plug connector 194 may include a plurality of teeth 195 substantially the same as the teeth 181 of the collection adapter 104 described above. For example, the teeth 195 of the plug connector 194 are sized, shaped and spaced from one another to align with and extend through the grooves 180 in the outlet connector 178.

[0081] The plug connector 194 may include a keyed protrusion 196 that is substantially the same as keyed protrusion 182 of the collection adapter 104. For example, the plug connector 194 includes a single keyed protrusion 196 extending outwardly from one of the teeth 195 and configured to align with the alignment aperture 183 of the outlet connector 178. In other embodiments, the plug connector 194 does not include a keyed protrusion 196. In some embodiments, the plug connector 194 includes a gasket 197 configured to engage with the second fluid conduit 110 and form a watertight seal therebetween. In some embodiments, the plug 192 includes a locking feature configured to releasably lock the position of the plug 192 relative to the port adapter 102. For example, in some instances, the plug 192 includes a plunger locking mechanism similar to the plunger 184 of the collection adapter 104.

[0082] The plug 192 may be coupled to and decoupled from the outlet connector 178 in generally the same manner as the collection adapter 104 as described above in relation to Figs. 13- 16. For example, the plug connector 194 may be inserted into the outlet connector 178 and rotatedone direction to cause the teeth 195 to engage with the outlet connector 178 and rotated the other direction to cause the teeth 195 to disengage from the outlet connector.

[0083] Referring to Fig. 19, there is shown a flowchart illustrating a method of collecting a fluid sample, generally designated 200, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 200 may include the step 202 of gripping a collection adapter having a hose coupled thereto and protruding from a proximal end thereof, the hose being in fluid communication with a fluid container detachably coupled to a distal end of the collection adapter. For example, a user may grip the collection adapter 104 while the hose 148 and container 146 are coupled thereto, as illustrated in, for example Fig. 6.

[0084] The method 200 may include the step 204 of coupling the collection adapter to a port adapter that includes a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit such the proximal end of the collection adapter couples to the second fluid conduit and a portion of the hose extends through the second fluid conduit and into the first fluid conduit, the inlet of the first fluid conduit of the port adapter being coupled to an external fluid conduit and in fluid communication therewith. For example, the collection adapter 104 may be coupled to the port adapter 102 as discussed above with reference to Figs. 13-16 while the port adapter 102 is coupled to an external fluid conduit.

[0085] In some embodiments, prior to the steps 202 and / or 204, the port adapter may be coupled to an external fluid conduit at the inlet and / or outlet of the first fluid conduit of the port adapter. For example, prior to coupling the collection adapter 104 to the port adapter 102, the port adapter 102 is coupled to external fluid conduits at the inlet 112 and outlet 114 of the first fluid conduit. Further to this example, the plug 192 may be coupled to and seal the second fluid conduit 110 prior to the collection adapter 104 being coupled thereto. The plug 192 may be decoupled from the second fluid conduit 110 such that the collection adapter 104 may be coupled thereto in step 202.

[0086] The method 200 may include the step 206 of flowing a fluid from the external fluid conduit into the first fluid conduit such that a portion of the fluid flows through the hose and into the fluid container. For example, fluid may flow from the external fluid conduit, into the first fluid conduit 108 of the port adapter 102 such that a portion flows through the hose 148 positioned within the second fluid conduit 110 and into the container 146 as illustrated in, for example, Fig. 5.

[0087] The method 200 may include the step 208 of compressing the hose via a hose clamp of the collection adapter such that fluid is prevented from flowing from the hose into the fluid container. For example, the hose clamp 164 may be transitioned from the unclamped configuration to the clamped configuration as described above with reference to Figs. 6 and 8 such that the hose clamp 164 compresses the hose 148 and restricts the flow of fluid therethrough to the container 146.

[0088] The method 200 may include the step 210 of decoupling the port adapter from the external fluid conduit. For example, while the hose clamp 164 is in the clamped configuration and the collection adapter 104 is coupled to the port adapter 102 the port adapter 102 may be decoupled from the external fluid conduit. The step 210 may occur after fluid flow from the external fluid conduit ceases.

[0089] The method 200 may include the step 212 of releasing the hose clamp such that the hose is not compressed by the hose clamp. For example, the hose clamp 164 may be transitioned from the clamped configuration to the unclamped configuration to allow any fluid retained within the hose 148 to flow into the container 146. The method 200 may include the step 214 of decoupling the collection adapter from the port adapter. For example, following collection of the fluid sample the collection adapter 104 may be decoupled from the port adapter 102 in generally the same manner as described above with reference to Figs. 13-16. In some embodiments, the container 146 is decoupled from the collection adapter 104 prior to performing step 214.

[0090] In some embodiments, the step 210 of the method 200 may be omitted. For example, fluid flow from the external fluid conduit may cease while the port adapter 102 remains coupled thereto. Further to this example, the steps 212 and 214 of method 200 may be performed while the port adapter 102 remains coupled to the external fluid conduit.

[0091] Referring to Figs. 20-21 there is shown a fluid sampling device, generally designated 300, and referred to as sampling device 300 for short, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The fluid sampling device 300 may be generally similar to the fluid sampling device 100 except that it may include a collection adapter 304 detachably coupled to the port adapter 302. The port adapter 302 may be substantially the same as the port adapter 102 of fluid sampling device 100. For example, the port adapter 302 includes a housing 306, first and second fluid conduits 308, 310 substantially the same as the housing 16 and the first and second fluid conduit 108, 110 of port adapter 102. The port adapter 302 may include an inlet coupler 312 and an outlet coupler 314 that are generally the same as inlet coupler 124 and outlet coupler 136 of the port adapter 102. For example, the inlet coupler 312 and outlet coupler 314 are configured to couple the port adapter 102 to an external fluid conduit in generally the same manner as described above with reference to the inlet and outlet couplers 124, 136.

[0092] In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 300 may be configured for use in obtaining a plurality of fluid samples over the course of a desired sampling period of time (e.g., hours, days, weeks, months) from an external fluid conduit 30. The fluid sampling device 300 may be configured to remain mechanically and fluidly coupled to the external fluid conduit 30 for theduration of the sampling period. For example, the inlet and outlet couplers 312, 314 mechanically and fluidly couple the port adapter 302 to the external fluid conduit 30. In Fig. 20, the fluid conduit 30 is illustrated as pipe, which may be part of, for example, a plumbing system and the port adapter 302 is fixedly coupled thereto such that it defines a continuous fluid pathway between and extending through the pipe 30 and port adapter 302. In some embodiments, a triturator is coupled to the pipe 30 downstream of the port adapter 302.

[0093] In some embodiments, the collection adapter 304 is configured to transport a plurality of fluid samples directly to a sample retention device over a period of time. The collection adapter 304 may be coupled to the port adapter 302 in generally the same manner as collection adapter 304 except that collection adapter 304 may not include the plunger 184. For example, the collection adapter 304 includes a connector having teeth and / or keyed features generally the same as teeth 181 and keyed protrusion 182 and / or those of the plug 192. In some embodiments, the collection adapter 304 may not include a hose clamp for restricting the flow of a fluid therethrough.

[0094] The collection adapter 304 may be configured to remain coupled to the port adapter 302 over an extended period of time and obtain a plurality of fluid samples therefrom. The fluid sampling device 300 may include an inlet hose 316 fluidly coupling the collection adapter 304 to the first and / or second fluid conduit 308, 310 of the port adapter 302. The inlet hose 316 may be configured to transport a portion of a fluid flowing through the port adapter 302 to the collection adapter 304. The inlet hose 316 may be coupled to the collection adapter 304 and extend through the second fluid conduit 310 into the first fluid conduit 308. In some embodiments, the inlet hose 316 is coupled to the collection adapter 304 via a hose barb fitting (not shown). In some embodiments, the inlet hose 316 is configured to remain within the port adapter 302 over the course of the sampling period. For example, the inlet hose 316 may remain coupled to the collection adapter 304 between the collection of two or more fluid samples obtained at different periods of time. In some embodiments, the inlet hose 316 extends from the collection adapter 304 downwards into the first fluid conduit 308 and rests along an internal surface thereof. For example, and as illustrated in Fig. 20, the inlet hose 316 is provided at a length such that it extends from the collection adapter 304 and rests against an internal surface of the sidewall of the housing 306.

[0095] In some embodiments, the fluid sampling device 300 is configured to transport a fluid sample to a fluid retention device 318 configured to receive and store a plurality of fluid samples over a period of time. For example, the retention device 318 may be an autosampler configured to receive and store fluid samples from the port adapter 302 via the collection adapter 304. The fluid retention device 318 may be fluidly coupled to the collection adapter 304 via an outlet hose 320extending from the collection adapter 304 to the fluid retention device 318. In some embodiments, the outlet hose 320 is mechanically and fluidly coupled to an outlet of the collection adapter 304 via a hose fitting 322 (e.g., a hose barb fitting). The outlet hose 320 may transport a triturated fluid sample from the collection adapter 304 to the retention device 318. In some embodiments, the retention device 318 is an autosampler coupled to one or more analytical instruments and configured to automatically provide fluid samples thereto for analysis.

[0096] In some embodiments, the collection adapter 304 is detachably coupled to the port adapter 302. The port adapter 302 may include an outlet connector 324 that is substantially the same as outlet connector 178 of the port adapter 102. For example, the outlet connector 324 is coupled to the outlet of the second fluid conduit 310 in substantially the same manner as the outlet connector 178 to the second fluid conduit 110 and includes a lip and grooves that are substantially the same as the lip 179 and grooves 180. The collection adapter 304 may include attachment features configured to couple to the outlet connector 34 in substantially the same manner as the plug 192 and / or collection adapter 104 described above. For example, the collection adapter 304 may include a connector (not shown) that includes teeth and / or a keyed protrusion that are substantially the same as teeth 181, 195 and keyed protrusion 182, 196 of the collection adapter 104 and plug 192. Accordingly, the collection adapter 304 may be coupled to and decoupled from the outlet connector 324 in generally the same manner as discussed above with reference to Figs. 13-16 and 17-18. In some embodiments, the collection adapter 304 includes one or more handles 326 to aid a user in rotating the collection adapter 304 relative to the outlet connector 324 when coupling the collection adapter 304 thereto or decoupling it therefrom.

[0097] Referring to Fig. 22, there is shown a fluid sampling device, generally designated 400, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The sampling device 400 may be generally the same as the fluid sampling device 100 except that the collection adapter 404 is not detachably coupled to the port adapter 402. The port adapter 402 may be generally the same as the port adapter 102 except that the second fluid conduit 410 may be generally normal to the first fluid conduit 408. For example, the first fluid conduit 408 extends along the central axis C2 of the housing 406 and the second fluid conduit 410 extends along an axis A2 that is normal to and intersects the central axis C2.

[0098] The collection adapter 404 may be similar to the collection adapter 104 except that it is fixedly coupled to the second fluid conduit 410. The collection adapter 404 may define a fluid pathway from the second fluid conduit 410 to a container coupled to a container connector 412 at the distal end of the collection adapter 404. The container connector 412 may be substantially thesame as the container connector 162 of the collection adapter 104. In some embodiments, the collection adapter 404 includes a valve 414 disposed between the container connector 162 and the second fluid conduit 410. The valve 414 may be configured to restrict the flow of a fluid sample to a container connected to the collection adapter 404. For example, the valve 414 is in fluid communication with the fluid pathway defined by the collection adapter 404 such that it may be operated to selectively restrict the flow of a fluid sample therethrough.

[0099] The term “about” or “approximately” is used herein to provide literal support for the exact number that it precedes, as well as a number that is near to or approximately the number that the term precedes. In determining whether a number is near to or approximately a specifically recited number, the near or approximating unrecited number may be a number, which, in the context in which it is presented, provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited number. It should be appreciated that all numerical values and ranges disclosed herein are approximate values and ranges, whether “about” is used in conjunction therewith. It should also be appreciated that the term “about,” as used herein, in conjunction with a numeral refers to a value that may be ±0.01% (inclusive), ±0.1% (inclusive), ±0.5% (inclusive), ±1% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±2% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±3% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±5% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±10% (inclusive) of that numeral, or ±15% (inclusive) of that numeral. It should further be appreciated that when a numerical range is disclosed herein, any numerical value falling within the range is also specifically disclosed.

[0100] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

[0101] Specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. Finally, unless specifically set forth herein, a disclosed or claimed method should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be performed in any practical order.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A fluid sampling device comprising: a port adapter configured to be coupled to a fluid conduit external to the fluid sampling device, the port adapter comprising: a housing defining a first fluid conduit having an inlet and an outlet and a sidewall extending therebetween; a second fluid conduit extending through the sidewall of the housing into the first fluid conduit and in fluid communication therewith; a collection adapter detachably coupled to the port adapter via the second fluid conduit; and a hose coupled to the collection adapter and extending through the second fluid conduit into the first fluid conduit.

2. The fluid sampling device of claim 1, wherein the hose extends through a hose aperture in the collection adapter and the collection adapter includes a hose clamp configured to compress the hose and restrict a flow of fluid therethrough.

3. The fluid sampling device of claim 2, wherein the hose clamp includes a fixed jaw positioned within the hose aperture and an adjustable jaw fixed to a lever rotatably coupled to a sidewall of the collection adapter.

4. The fluid sampling device of claim 3, wherein the collection adapter includes a latch configured to engage with the lever and retain the hose clamp in a clamped configuration in which the hose is compressed between the fixed and adjustable jaws.

5. The fluid sampling device of claim 4, wherein the latch includes a latch arm engaged with a biasing element biasing the latch towards an upright position and an angled foot fixedly coupled to the latch arm and configured to prevent rotation of the latch from the upright position towards the lever of the hose clamp.

6. The fluid sampling device of claim 2 further comprising:a fluid container coupled to the collection adapter and in fluid communication with the hose, and wherein the hose clamp is positioned between the second fluid conduit and the fluid container.

7. The fluid sampling device of claim 6, wherein the fluid container is detachably coupled to the collection adapter.

8. The fluid sampling device of claim 1, wherein the inlet of the first fluid conduit includes an inlet coupler configured to fluidly couple the port adapter to the external fluid conduit, and wherein the outlet of the first fluid conduit includes an outlet coupler configured to fluidly couple the port adapter to the external fluid conduit or another external fluid conduit.

9. The fluid sampling device of claim 1, wherein the port adapter includes a handle coupled to the sidewall of the housing and extending outwardly therefrom.

10. The fluid sampling device of claim 1, wherein the second fluid conduit includes: an outlet positioned at an exterior surface of the sidewall of the housing and protruding outwardly therefrom away from the first fluid conduit; and an inlet positioned at an interior surface of the sidewall of the housing and protruding therefrom into the first fluid conduit.

11. The fluid sampling device of claim 10, wherein the inlet of the second fluid conduit is positioned between the inlet and outlet of the first fluid conduit and faces the inlet of the first fluid conduit.

12. The fluid sampling device of claim 10, wherein the second fluid conduit includes an outlet connector positioned at the outlet thereof and detachably coupling the collection adapter to the port adapter.

13. The fluid sampling device of claim 12, wherein the outlet connector includes a lip and plurality of grooves extending through the lip, andwherein the collection adapter includes a plurality of teeth that align with the plurality of grooves when the collection adapter is in an unlocked position and that abut the lip of the outlet connector when the collection adapter is in a locked position.

14. The fluid sampling device of claim 13, wherein the collection adapter includes a plunger movable between an extended position and a retracted position and biased towards the extended position, wherein the outlet connector includes a receptacle sized to receive the plunger while in the extended position, and wherein, when received within the receptacle of the outlet connector, the plunger prevents the collection adapter from being decoupled from the port adapter.

15. The fluid sampling device of claim 10, wherein the inlet of the second fluid conduit is disposed on a support wall integrally formed with the interior surface of the sidewall and protruding therefrom into the first fluid conduit.

16. The fluid sampling device of claim 15, wherein the support wall includes a drain in fluid communication with the first and second fluid conduits.

17. A port adapter for a fluid sampling device, the port adapter comprising: a housing including a sidewall extending between an inlet and an outlet of a first fluid conduit; a second fluid conduit having an inlet positioned within the first fluid conduit and an outlet at an exterior surface of the sidewall, the second fluid conduit extending through the sidewall and in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit; and a support wall positioned on an interior surface of the sidewall and protruding into the first fluid conduit, the support wall defining the inlet of the second fluid conduit.

18. The port adapter of claim 17, wherein the support wall includes a drain in fluid communication with the first and second fluid conduits.

19. The port adapter of claim 17, wherein the inlet of the first fluid conduit includes an inlet coupler configured to fluidly couple the port adapter to an external fluid conduit, andwherein the outlet of the first fluid conduit includes an outlet coupler configured to fluidly couple the port adapter to the external fluid conduit or another external fluid conduit.

20. A method of collecting a fluid sample comprising: gripping a collection adapter having a hose coupled thereto and protruding from a proximal end thereof, the hose being in fluid communication with a fluid container detachably coupled to a distal end of the collection adapter, coupling the collection adapter to a port adapter that includes a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit such the proximal end of the collection adapter couples to the second fluid conduit and a portion of the hose extends through the second fluid conduit and into the first fluid conduit, an inlet of the first fluid conduit of the port adapter being coupled to an external fluid conduit and in fluid communication therewith; flowing a fluid from the external fluid conduit into the first fluid conduit such that a portion of the fluid flows through the hose and into the fluid container; compressing the hose via a hose clamp of the collection adapter such that fluid is prevented from flowing from the hose into the fluid container; decoupling the port adapter from the external fluid conduit; releasing the hose clamp such that the hose is not compressed by the hose clamp; and decoupling the collection adapter from the port adapter.

Images