Volatile organic compound capture device

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for capturing compounds, such as volatile organic compounds, in a gas sample on a capture tube, such as a thermal desorption tube, for subsequent analysis, such as for disease diagnosis (e.g., cancer diagnosis).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of capturing compounds in general, for example, the field of capturing volatile organic compounds. [Background technology]

[0002] Compounds such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be analyzed for a variety of purposes. For example, VOCs can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers in assays for health checkups and disease detection (e.g., cancer detection). To accurately analyze captured compounds, it is necessary to capture them efficiently. [Overview of the project]

[0003] summary A first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for capturing one or more compounds in a gaseous sample, comprising: one or more apparatus inlets for mounting one or more gaseous sample capture tubes; an apparatus outlet; a pump connected to one or more apparatus inlets for drawing in a gaseous sample or a portion thereof through one or more apparatus inlets and discharging the contents or a portion thereof of the gaseous sample through the apparatus outlet; one or more sensors connected to the apparatus inlets, pumps, and / or apparatus outlets via one or more air tubes; a user interface; non-temporary memory configured to store executable instructions; and a microcontroller communicating with the pumps, one or more sensors, the user interface, and the non-temporary memory, wherein the microcontroller receives a selected gaseous sample capture flow rate and a selected gaseous sample capture time, receives input to proceed, and operates the pump to transfer the contents or a portion thereof in a gaseous sample collection container through one or more gaseous sample capture tubes from the apparatus via the apparatus outlet and back to the apparatus via the apparatus inlets at a selected gaseous sample capture flow rate during a selected gaseous sample capture time, thereby capturing one or more compounds or a portion thereof of the contents in the gaseous sample collection container on one or more gaseous sample capture tubes.

[0004] In some embodiments, the pump is an electric pump. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a display. In some embodiments, the gas sample collection container is a gas sample collection bag. In some embodiments, the microcontroller is further programmed by executable instructions that cause the display to show a default gas sample capture flow rate and a default gas sample capture time. In some embodiments, the microcontroller is further programmed by executable instructions that cause the display to show a message instructing the user to attach one or more gas sample capture tubes to one or more device inlets and gas sample collection bags. In some embodiments, the microcontroller is further programmed by executable instructions that cause the display to show a message instructing the user to collect a gas sample through the bag inlet of the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time. In some embodiments, the microcontroller is further programmed by executable instructions that cause the display to show a countdown of the remaining gas sample collection time on the display.

[0005] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a device for capturing one or more compounds in a gaseous sample. In some embodiments, the device comprises one or more device inlets for mounting one or more gaseous sample capture tubes. The device may also comprise a device outlet. The device may also comprise an electric pump connected to one or more device inlets for aspirating the gaseous sample or a portion thereof through one or more device inlets and for discharging the contents or a portion thereof of the gaseous sample through the device outlet. The device may also comprise one or more sensors connected to the device inlets, electric pumps, and / or device outlets via one or more air tubes. The device may include a display. The device may include non-temporary memory configured to store executable instructions. The device may include a microcontroller communicating with the electric pumps, one or more sensors, the display, and the non-temporary memory. The microcontroller may be programmed by executable instructions to display a default gaseous sample capture flow rate and a default gaseous sample capture time on the display. The microcontroller may also be programmed by executable instructions to receive a selected gaseous sample capture flow rate and a selected gaseous sample capture time. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to display a message on the display prompting the attachment of one or more gas sample capture tubes to one or more instrument inlets and gas sample collection bags. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to receive input for further action. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to display a message on the display prompting the collection of gas samples through the bag inlet of the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to display a countdown of the remaining gas sample collection time on the display.The microcontroller operates an electric pump to transfer the contents or a portion of the gas sample collection bag through one or more gas sample capture tubes from the device via the device outlet to the device via one or more device inlets at a selected gas sample capture flow rate during a selected gas sample capture time, thereby capturing one or more compounds or a portion of the collected compounds in the gas sample collection bag onto one or more gas sample capture tubes. In some embodiments, one or more device inlets are identical. One or more device inlets can be adjacent to one another.

[0006] In some embodiments, at least one or more sensors are connected to the electric bump and the device outlet via at least one or more air tubes. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more sensors is connected to at least one of the one or more device inlets and the electric bump via at least one of the one or more air tubes.

[0007] In some embodiments, the microcontroller is programmed with executable instructions that perform the generation of sample identification information. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions that perform the display of sample identification information. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions that perform the receiving of input for further action. In some embodiments, the microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions that perform the display of a message requesting sample identification information. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions that perform the receiving of sample identification information.

[0008] In some embodiments, the microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to receive sensor information from one or more sensors when operating an electric pump to transfer the contents of a gas sample collection bag through one or more gas sample capture tubes. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to display the sensor information or a portion thereof on a display. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to generate a link relationship between the sensor information and sample identification information. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to store the sensor information or a portion thereof, sample information, and / or the link relationship in non-temporary memory and / or removable memory. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to transmit the sensor information or a portion thereof, sample information, and / or the link relationship to a computing device.

[0009] In some embodiments, two or more of the sensors from one or more sensors are connected sequentially. In some embodiments, two or more of the sensors from one or more sensors are connected in parallel. In some embodiments, each sensor of one or more sensors is connected to another sensor from one or more sensors. In some embodiments, each sensor of one or more sensors other than the sensor connected to the electric pump and the sensor connected to the device outlet is connected to two sensors from one or more sensors.

[0010] In some embodiments, one or more sensors include a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor, a humidity sensor, or a combination thereof. A sensor connected to an electric pump may include a flow sensor.

[0011] In some embodiments, one or each of the air tubes is rigid, semi-rigid, or elastic. In some embodiments, the material of one or each of the air tubes is latex, rubber, silicone, or a combination thereof.

[0012] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises one or more valves that communicate with a microcontroller. Each of the one or more valves in an open state can allow a gas sample to enter the apparatus through one or more of the one or more apparatus inlets controlled by the valve. Each of the one or more valves in a closed state can prevent a gas sample from entering the apparatus through one or more of the one or more apparatus inlets controlled by the valve. One or more valves can be kept closed if the microcontroller is programmed by an executable command that performs the action of displaying a message on the display requesting that a gas sample be collected through the bag inlet of the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time. In some embodiments, the one or more valves include one or more solenoid valves. Each of the one or more valves can be connected to a different apparatus inlet among the one or more apparatus inlets.

[0013] In some embodiments, the display comprises a dot matrix display. In some embodiments, the display comprises a touch screen display for receiving an input. In some embodiments, the device comprises one or more input keys for receiving an input. The one or more input keys can comprise one or more membrane keys. In some embodiments, the device comprises a battery connected to a microcontroller to supply power to the microcontroller. The device can comprise a power circuit connected to the battery to charge the battery. The power circuit can be connected to the microcontroller to supply power to the microcontroller. The device can comprise a power input connected to the power circuit to connect the battery charging circuit to an external power source.

[0014] In some embodiments, causing the display to display a message to attach one or more gas sample capture tubes to one or more device inlets and a gas sample collection bag comprises causing the display to display a message to attach each first tube opening of the one or more gas sample capture tubes to a different device inlet of the one or more device inlets and each second tube opening of the one or more gas sample capture tubes to a different bag outlet of the one or more bag outlets of the gas sample collection bag.

[0015] In some embodiments, the microcontroller is programmed by executable instructions to cause a display to show a message regarding removing any gas sample capture tubes attached to one or more device inlets from the one or more device inlets. The microcontroller is programmed by executable instructions to receive an input for continuing. The microcontroller is programmed by executable instructions to activate an electric pump at a purge flow rate during a purge time. The microcontroller can be programmed by executable instructions to cause a display to show a countdown of the remaining purge time.

[0016] In some embodiments, the default gas sample capture flow rate is from about 5 ml / min to about 2000 ml / min. The selected gas sample capture flow rate can be from about 5 ml / min to about 2000 ml / min. The purge flow rate can be from about 5 ml / min to about 2000 ml / min.

[0017] In some embodiments, the default gas sample capture time is from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes. The selected gas sample capture time is from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes. The purge time is from about 10 seconds to 60 seconds. In some embodiments, the gas sample collection time is from about 5 seconds to 20 seconds.

[0018] In some embodiments, the amount of gas sample expected to be collected in the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time is about 2.5 liters. The amount of gas sample collected in the gas sample collection bag can be about 2.5 liters. The volume of the gas sample collected in the gas sample collection bag passing through one or more gas sample capture tubes can be about 2 liters.

[0019] In some embodiments, the gaseous sample comprises one or more volatile organic compounds (VOCs). One or more VOCs, or a portion thereof, of the contents in the collected gaseous sample collection bag can be captured on one or more gaseous sample capture tubes. In some embodiments, the gaseous sample comprises a subject's breath sample. Displaying a message on the display requesting the subject to collect the gaseous sample through the bag inlet of the gaseous sample collection bag during the gaseous sample collection time may include displaying a message on the display requesting the subject to blow into the bag inlet of the gaseous sample collection bag during the gaseous sample collection time. In some embodiments, the gaseous sample comprises an air sample.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of one or more gas sample capture tubes comprises a first tube opening for attachment to one of one or more device inlets and a second tube opening for attachment to one of one or more bag outlets of a gas sample collection bag. One or each of the one or more bag outlets may be perpendicular to the bag inlet. In some embodiments, the gas sample collection bag comprises a bag body. The bag inlet may comprise an inlet assembly comprising a threaded inlet pipe, an inlet sealing washer, and an inlet snap ring. The threaded inlet pipe can be attached to the inlet hole of the bag body by the inlet sealing washer and the inlet snap ring. Each of the bag outlets may comprise an outlet assembly comprising a threaded outlet pipe, an outlet sealing washer, and an outlet snap ring. The threaded outlet pipe can be attached to the outlet hole of the bag body by the outlet sealing washer and the outlet snap ring. The inlet assembly may comprise an inlet cap for preventing gas samples from entering or leaving the gas sample collection bag. The outlet assembly may include an outlet cap to prevent gaseous samples from entering or leaving the gaseous sample collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more bag outlets are identical. One or more bag outlets may be adjacent to one another. One or more bag outlets and bag inlets may be identical. In some embodiments, one or more gaseous sample capture tubes include one or more thermal desorption tubes.

[0021] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a system for capturing one or more compounds (e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) in a gaseous sample. In some embodiments, the system comprises an apparatus for capturing one or more compounds from the gaseous sample of this disclosure, and an external power supply. The system comprises instructions for operating the apparatus.

[0022] Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods for capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In some embodiments, the method comprises using an apparatus for capturing one or more compounds of a gaseous sample according to the Disclosure, or a system for capturing one or more compounds of a gaseous sample according to the Disclosure.

[0023] Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods for capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In some embodiments, the method comprises displaying a default volatile organic compound (VOC) sample capture flow rate and a default VOC capture time. The method may also comprise receiving a selected VOC capture flow rate and a selected VOC capture time. The method may also comprise displaying a message for attaching one or more VOC capture tubes to one or more device inlets and VOC collection bags of a device for capturing VOCs. The method may also comprise receiving input for proceeding. The method comprises operating an electric pump of the device to transfer the contents of a VOC collection bag through one or more VOC capture tubes from the device via a device outlet to the device via one or more device inlets at a selected capture flow rate during a selected capture time, thereby capturing one or more VOCs in the contents of the VOC collection bag onto one or more VOC capture tubes. In some embodiments, the contents of the VOC collection bag comprise a breath sample collected from a subject or patient. In some embodiments, the contents of the VOC collection bag comprise an environmental VOC sample.

[0024] Disclosed herein are embodiments of gas sample collection bags. In some embodiments, the gas sample collection bag comprises a bag body having an inlet hole and one or more outlet holes. The gas sample collection bag may have a bag inlet. The gas sample collection bag may have one or more bag outlets. The bag inlet may comprise an inlet assembly comprising a threaded inlet pipe, an inlet sealing washer, and an inlet snap ring. The threaded inlet pipe can be attached to the inlet hole of the bag body by the inlet sealing washer and the inlet snap ring. Each of the one or more bag outlets may comprise an outlet assembly comprising a threaded outlet pipe, an outlet sealing washer, and an outlet snap ring. The threaded outlet pipe can be attached to one of the one or more outlet holes of the bag body by the outlet sealing washer and the outlet snap ring.

[0025] In some embodiments, the inlet assembly includes an inlet cap to prevent gaseous samples from entering or leaving the gaseous sample collection bag. The outlet assembly may include an outlet cap to prevent gaseous samples from entering or leaving the gaseous sample collection bag. One or more bag outlets may be identical. One or more bag outlets may be adjacent to one another. One or more bag outlets and bag inlets may be identical. In some embodiments, one or more outlet holes and / or one or each of the inlets are on or adjacent to the edge of the bag body. One or more outlets and / or inlets may be diagonally opposite the bag body or adjacent to the diagonal. In some embodiments, one or each of the bag outlets is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the bag inlet. One or each of the bag outlets and the bag inlet may be on different surfaces of the bag body. One or each of the outlets and the inlet may be on the same surface of the bag body.

[0026] In some embodiments, the bag body is rectangular or square in shape when shrunk. The bag body comprises a folded sheet. In some embodiments, the bag body is sealed (e.g., heat-sealed) on three sides. The bag body can be sealed (heat-sealed, etc.) on all sides except one. One or each of the heat-sealed sides of the bag body may be impermeable to one or more volatile organic compounds. In some embodiments, the material of the bag body comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and / or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The material of the bag body may be impermeable to one or more volatile organic compounds.

[0027] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described herein are shown in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, embodiments, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Neither this summary nor the following detailed description is intended to define or limit the scope of the subject matter of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1-1] Figures 1A–1D show an exemplary compound capture device and associated accessories, including an exemplary sample capture tube and sample collection bag. [Figure 1-2] Figures 1A–1D show an exemplary compound capture device and associated accessories, including an exemplary sample capture tube and sample collection bag. [Figure 2] Figures 2A–2H illustrate an exemplary compound capture process using the compound capture apparatus disclosed herein. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows a block diagram of an exemplary air compression component of the compound capture device. Figure 3B shows a block diagram of an exemplary electronic component of the compound capture device. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A shows a block diagram of an exemplary air compression component of the compound capture device. Figure 3B shows a block diagram of an exemplary electronic component of the compound capture device. [Figure 4A] Figures 4A-4D show exemplary sample collection bags. [Figure 4B] Figures 4A-4D show exemplary sample collection bags. [Figure 4C] Figures 4A-4D show exemplary sample collection bags. [Figure 4D] Figures 4A-4D show exemplary sample collection bags. [Figure 5A] Figures 5A and 5B show an exemplary inlet and outlet pipe assembly of a sample collection bag. [Figure 5B] Figures 5A and 5B show an exemplary inlet and outlet pipe assembly of a sample collection bag. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for capturing volatile organic compounds. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Detailed explanation The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings which form part of this specification. In the drawings, similar symbols generally identify similar components unless otherwise indicated in the context. The exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily apparent that the aspects of this disclosure generally described herein and shown in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly intended herein and form part of this disclosure.

[0030] All patents, published patent applications, other publications, sequences from Genbank, and other databases referenced herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference with respect to the relevant technology.

[0031] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a device for capturing one or more compounds in a gaseous sample. In some embodiments, the device comprises one or more device inlets for mounting one or more gaseous sample capture tubes. The device may also comprise a device outlet. The device may also comprise an electric pump connected to one or more device inlets for aspirating the gaseous sample or a portion thereof through one or more device inlets and for discharging the contents or a portion thereof of the gaseous sample through the device outlet. The device may also comprise one or more sensors connected to the device inlets, the electric pump, and / or the device outlet via one or more air tubes. The device may include a display. The device may include non-temporary memory configured to store executable instructions. The device may include a microcontroller communicating with the electric pump, one or more sensors, the display, and the non-temporary memory. The microcontroller may be programmed by executable instructions to display a default gaseous sample capture flow rate and a default gaseous sample collection time on the display. The microcontroller may also be programmed by executable instructions to receive a selected gaseous sample capture flow rate and a selected gaseous sample capture time. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to display a message on the display indicating that one or more gas sample capture tubes should be attached to one or more instrument inlets and gas sample collection bags. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to receive input to proceed. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to display a message on the display indicating that a gas sample should be collected through the bag inlet of the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to display a countdown of the remaining gas sample collection time on the display.The microcontroller operates an electric pump to transfer the contents or a portion of the contents in the gas sample collection bag through one or more gas sample capture tubes at a selected gas sample capture flow rate during a selected gas sample capture time, from the device outlet to the device via one or more device inlets, thereby capturing one or more compounds of the collected contents in the gas sample collection bag onto one or more gas sample capture tubes.

[0032] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a system for capturing one or more compounds (e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) in a gaseous sample. In some embodiments, the system comprises an apparatus for capturing one or more compounds from the gaseous sample of the Disclosure, and an external power supply. The system may include commands for operating the apparatus.

[0033] Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods for capturing VOCs. In some embodiments, the method comprises using an apparatus for capturing one or more compounds of a gaseous sample according to the Disclosure, or a system for capturing one or more compounds of a gaseous sample according to the Disclosure.

[0034] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for capturing VOCs. In some embodiments, the method comprises displaying a default volatile organic compound (VOC) sample capture flow rate and a default VOC capture time. The method may also comprise receiving a selected VOC capture flow rate and a selected VOC capture time. The method may also comprise displaying a message to attach one or more VOC capture tubes to one or more device inlets and a VOC collection bag of a device for capturing VOCs. The method may also comprise receiving input to proceed. The method operates an electric pump of the device to transfer the contents of the VOC collection bag from the device through one or more VOC capture tubes via a selected capture flow rate and a selected capture time, thereby capturing one or more VOCs in the contents of the VOC collection bag onto one or more VOC capture tubes.

[0035] Capture of volatile organic compounds Figures 1A–1D show an exemplary compound (e.g., volatile organic compound (VOC)) capture device and associated accessories, including an exemplary sample capture tube and sample collection bag. The VOC capture device may be compact and / or portable. The VOC capture device may include a rechargeable battery. The VOC capture device is used to capture VOCs for analysis and to detect physiological abnormalities such as lung disease and certain types of gastrointestinal cancer (GI). The VOC capture system may include a VOC capture device (see Figures 1A and 1D as an example), one or more VOC capture tubes (see, for example, Figures 1B and 1D), and one or more VOC sample collection bags (see, for example, Figures 1C and 1D). The VOC sample collection bag may be a disposable bag. The VOC capture tube may be a reusable VOC capture tube. The VOC capture tube may be a disposable VOC capture tube. The VOC capture tube may be a single-use VOC capture tube. Figure 1A shows an exemplary compound (e.g., volatile organic compound (VOC)) capture device and associated accessories, including an exemplary capture tube and sample collection bag.

[0036] Figures 2A-2H illustrate a compound (e.g., VOC) capture process using a compound (e.g., VOC) capture device. Once the device is activated, it can display an initial prompt for a period of 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or longer (see Figure 2A as an example). After the initial prompt, the device can prompt the user (e.g., subject, patient, or device operator) to remove disposable and reusable items (e.g., one or more sample capture tubes and VOC sample collection bags), even if they are attached to or connected to the device (see Figure 2B as an example). The motor within the device can be activated to remove or purge any remaining debris and / or VOCs within the device (see Figure 2C as an example). The device can generate a case number and display it to the user (see Figure 2D as an example). The user can select the flow rate (e.g., 50-200 ml / min) and VOC capture time (e.g., 60-300 seconds) (see Figure 2E as an example). The device may prompt the user to attach a VOC capture tube (e.g., a desorption tube such as a heat-desorption tube) and a VOC sample collection bag (e.g., see Figure 2F). The device may provide a subject with a VOC collection period (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds or longer) to inflate the VOC collection bag in order to collect VOCs, whether the subject is the user or not. The device may begin collecting VOC(s) from the VOC sample collection bag onto the VOC capture tube (e.g., see Figure 2H). The device may include sensors to determine the characteristics of the VOC sample after it has passed through the VOC capture tube, such as temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2), and relative humidity (RH).

[0037] Capture of compounds Figure 3A shows a block diagram of an exemplary air compression component of the compound (e.g., VOC) capture device 300. Figure 3B shows a block diagram of an exemplary electronic component of the compound capture device 300. The device 300 can be used to capture one or more compounds in a gaseous sample. The device 300 may be equipped with one or more device inlets 304a, 304b for mounting a gaseous sample capture tube 308a. The device 300 may be equipped with a device outlet 312. The device 300 may be equipped with an electric pump 316 connected to one or more device inlets 304a, 304b to draw in (or take in or aspirate) the gaseous sample or a portion thereof through one or more device inlets 304a, 304b and to release (move, blow out, discharge) the contents of the gaseous sample or a portion thereof through the device outlet 312. The device 300 may include one or more sensors 320a to 320e connected to the device inlets 304a and 304b, the electric pump 316, and / or the device outlet 312 via one or more air tubes 324 (e.g., elastic tubes).

[0038] In some embodiments, the device 300 may include a display 328. The device 300 may include non-temporary memory configured to store executable instructions. The device 300 may include an electric pump 316, one or more sensors 320a-320e, the display 328, and a microcontroller that communicates with the non-temporary memory. The microcontroller 332 may be programmed by executable instructions to display a default gas sample capture flow rate and a default gas sample collection time on the display 328. The microcontroller 332 may be programmed by executable instructions to receive a selected gas sample capture flow rate and a selected gas sample capture time. If a selected gas sample capture flow rate and / or a selected gas sample capture time are not received, the microcontroller 332 may be programmed by executable instructions to use the default VOC capture flow rate and / or the default VOC capture time as the selected VOC capture time.

[0039] The microcontroller 332 can be programmed by executable instructions to display a message on the display 328 indicating that one or more gas sample capture tubes 308a, 308b should be attached to one or more device inlets 304a, 304b and the gas sample collection bag 336. The microcontroller 332 can be programmed by executable instructions to receive input to continue. The microcontroller 332 can be programmed by executable instructions to display a message on the display 328 indicating that a gas sample should be collected through the bag inlet 340 (e.g., air inlet pipe) of the gas sample collection bag 336 during the gas sample collection period. The microcontroller 332 can be programmed by executable instructions to display a countdown of the remaining gas sample collection time on the display 328. The microcontroller 332 can be programmed by executable commands to operate an electric pump to transfer the contents or a portion of the contents of the gas sample collection bag 336 through one or more gas sample capture tubes 308a, 308b from the apparatus 3300 via the apparatus outlet 312 to the apparatus 300 via one or more apparatus inlets 304a, 304b at a selected gas sample capture flow rate during a selected gas sample capture time, thereby capturing one or more compounds (e.g., VOCs) or a portion of the collected contents of the gas sample collection bag 336 onto one or more gas sample capture tubes 308a, 308b. In some embodiments, one or more apparatus inlets 304a, 304b are identical. One or more apparatus inlets 304a, 304b can be adjacent to each other (e.g., immediately adjacent).

[0040] attachment In some embodiments, displaying a message on the display 328 to attach one or more gas sample capture tubes 308a, 308b to one or more device inlets 304a, 304b and gas sample collection bag 336 includes displaying a message on the display 328 to attach each first tube opening of one or more gas sample capture tubes 308a, 308b to different device inlets of one or more device inlets 304a, 304b, and each second tube opening of one or more gas sample capture tubes 308a, 308b to different bag outlets of one or more bag outlets 344a, 344b (e.g., air outlet pipes) of the gas sample collection bag 336.

[0041] removal In some embodiments, the microcontroller 332 can be programmed with executable instructions to display a message on the display 328 to remove any gas sample capture tubes attached to one or more device inlets 304a, 304b from one or more device inlets 304a, 304b. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to receive input to continue. The microcontroller can be programmed with executable instructions to operate the electric pump 316 at the purge flow rate during the purge period. The microcontroller 316 can be programmed with executable instructions to display a countdown of the remaining purge time on the display 328.

[0042] After clearing or removing any debris and / or compound residues (e.g., VOC residues) from previous use of the apparatus 300 within the apparatus 300, the air tube 324 can be filled with air before the gas sample capture tubes 308a, 308b (e.g., thermal desorption tubes) are connected. The purging process can ensure that compounds such as VODs that are not from the collection bag 336 do not enter the gas sample capture tubes 308a, 308b.

[0043] sensor In some embodiments, one or more sensors include a flow sensor 320a, a temperature sensor 320b, a pressure sensor, a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor 320c, a volatile compound (VOC) sensor 320d, a humidity sensor 320e, or a combination thereof. The sensor connected to the electric pump 316 may include the flow sensor 320a. The power output of the motor of the electric pump 316 can be adjusted using the reading of the flow sensor. In some embodiments, the power output of the motor of the electric pump 316 is determined based on a selected flow rate (e.g., predetermined). For example, the power output of the motor of the electric pump 316 is converted to a selected flow rate and directly determined using the selected flow rate. In some embodiments, the power output of the motor of the electric pump 316 is adjusted based on a selected flow rate and the reading of the flow sensor measured by the flow sensor 320a. For example, the initial power output of the motor of the electric pump 316 can be determined based on a selected flow rate. The power output of the motor of the electric pump 316 can be adjusted based on the reading of the flow sensor. If the flow rate reading measured by the flow sensor 320a is lower than the selected flow rate, the power output of the motor of the electric pump 316 may be increased (for example, relative to the initial power output or current power output) until the flow rate reading measured by the flow sensor 320a is equal to the selected flow rate (for example, within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10%). If the flow rate reading measured by the flow sensor 320a is higher than the selected flow rate, the power output of the motor of the electric pump 316 may be decreased (for example, relative to the initial power output or current power output) until the flow rate reading measured by the flow sensor 320a becomes the selected flow rate.

[0044] In some embodiments, sensor readings, such as temperature sensor readings and CO2 sensor readings, can be used to determine whether a gaseous sample is actually the target sample (e.g., a sample of human breath). The device 300 may display a message to the user of the device 300 indicating that the gaseous sample appears to be the target sample, or a warning message indicating that the gaseous sample appears not to be the target sample.

[0045] In some embodiments, at least one of one or more sensors 320a-320e is connected to the electric bump 316 and the device outlet 321 via at least one of one or more air tubes 324. In some embodiments, at least one of one or more sensors 320a-320e is connected to at least one of one or more device inlets 304a, 304b and the electric bump 316 via at least one of one or more air tubes 324.

[0046] In some embodiments, two or more sensors of one or more sensors 320a-320e are connected sequentially as shown in Figure 3A. In some embodiments, two or more sensors of one or more sensors 320a-320e are connected in parallel.

[0047] In some embodiments, each of the one or more sensors 320a-320e is connected to another sensor of the one or more sensors 320a-320e. For example, the flow sensor 320a is connected to the temperature sensor 320b in Figure 3A. In some embodiments, each of the one or more sensors 320a-320e, other than the sensor connected to the electric pump (e.g., the flow sensor 320a in Figure 3A) and the sensor connected to the device outlet (e.g., the humidity sensor 320e), is connected to two sensors of the one or more sensors. For example, the temperature sensor 320b, CO2 sensor 320c, and VOC sensor 320d shown in Figure 3A are each connected to two sensors.

[0048] Sample information and sensor information In some embodiments, the microcontroller is programmed by executable instructions to generate sample information. The microcontroller can be programmed by executable instructions to display the sample information (e.g., sample identification information, subject identification information, sample collection time, and date and time of sample capture) on a display. The sample identification information may be a sample identification number, such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode (e.g., a Quick Response (QR) code). The microcontroller can be programmed by executable instructions to receive input for further action. In some embodiments, the microcontroller is programmed by executable instructions to display a message on a display requesting sample identification information. The microcontroller can be programmed by executable instructions to receive sample identification information.

[0049] In some embodiments, the microcontroller 332 is programmed by executable instructions to operate the electric pump 316 to transfer the contents of the gas sample collection bag 336 through one or more gas sample capture tubes 304a, 304b and to receive sensor information from one or more sensors 320a-320e. The microcontroller can be programmed by executable instructions to display the sensor information or a portion thereof on the display 328. The microcontroller 332 can be programmed by executable instructions to generate a link relationship between the sensor information of the gas sample and sample information (e.g., sample identification information, subject identification information, sample collection time, and date and time of sample capture). The microcontroller 332 can be programmed by executable instructions to store the sensor information or a portion thereof, sample information, any messages shown to the user of the device (e.g., whether the sample appears to be or does not appear to be the target sample), and / or the link relationship in non-temporary memory and / or removable memory (e.g., Secure Digital (SD) card storage 348). Alternatively or additionally, the microcontroller 332 may be programmed by executable instructions that perform the operation of sending sensor information, or a portion thereof, sample identification information, and / or link relationships of samples captured using an electronic pump device and / or other electronic pump devices to a computing device such as a remote computing device or a cloud computing device, in order to store sensor information, or a portion thereof, sample identification information, and / or link relationships of samples captured using an electronic pump device or other electronic pump device.

[0050] valve In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 includes one or more valves 352a, 352b (e.g., solenoid valves (SV)) that communicate with a microcontroller. Each of the one or more valves 352a, 352b in an open state can allow a gas sample to enter the apparatus 300 through one or more apparatus inlets 304a, 304b controlled by the valve. Each of the one or more valves 352a, 352b in a closed state can prevent a gas sample from entering the apparatus 300 through one or more apparatus inlets 304a, 304b controlled by the valve. One or more valves 352a, 352b can be closed if the microcontroller is programmed by an executable instruction that performs the action of displaying a message on the display requesting that a gas sample be collected through the bag inlet 340 of the gas sample collection bag 336 during the gas sample collection time. In some embodiments, one or more valves 352a, 352b include one or more solenoid valves. Each of the one or more valves 352a, 352b can be connected to one or more different device inlets 304a, 304b.

[0051] Device inputs and outputs In some embodiments, the display 328 comprises a dot matrix display. In some embodiments, the display 328 comprises a touchscreen display for receiving input (e.g., user input). In some embodiments, the device 300 comprises one or more input keys 356 for receiving input. One or more input keys 356 may comprise one or more membrane keys.

[0052] In some embodiments, the device 300 includes a microcontroller 332 and a battery 360 connected to the microcontroller 332 to supply power to the device 300. The device 300 may also include a power circuit 364 (e.g., a battery charging circuit) connected to the battery 360 to charge the battery 360. The power circuit 364 may be connected to the microcontroller 332 to supply power to the microcontroller 332 and the device 300. The device 300 may also include a power inlet 368 connected to the power circuit 364 to connect the power circuit 364 to an external power source 372 (e.g., a 12V power source).

[0053] flow rate The default gas sample capture flow rate (or any flow rate in this disclosure) may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the default gas sample capture flow rate (or any flow rate in this disclosure) may be 1 ml / min, 2 ml / min, 3 ml / min, 4 ml / min, 5 ml / min, 6 ml / min, 7 ml / min, 8 ml / min, 9 ml / min, 10 ml / min, 20 ml / min, 30 ml / min, 40 ml / min, 50 ml / min, 60 ml / min, 70 ml / min, 80 ml / min, 90 ml / min, 100 ml / min, 150 ml / min, 200 ml / min, 250 ml / min, 300 ml / min, 350 ml / min, 400 ml / min, 450 ml / min, 500 ml / min, 550 ml / min, 600 ml / min, 650 ml / min, or 700 ml / min. / min, 750ml / min, 800ml / min, 850ml / min, 900ml / min, 950ml / min, 1000ml / min, 1050ml / min, 1100ml / min, 1150ml / min, 1200ml / min, 1250ml / min, 1300ml / min, 1350ml / min, 1400ml / min, 1450ml / min, 1500ml / min, 1550ml / min, 1600ml / min, 1650ml / min, 1700ml / min, 1750ml / min, 1800ml / min, 1850ml / min, 1900ml / min, 1950ml / min, 2000ml / min, or a number or range between any two of these values.In some embodiments, the default gas sample capture flow rate (or any flow rate in this disclosure) is at least just, at least about, at most just, at most about 1 ml / min, 2 ml / min, 3 ml / min, 4 ml / min, 5 ml / min, 6 ml / min, 7 ml / min, 8 ml / min, 9 ml / min, 10 ml / min, 20 ml / min, 30 ml / min, 40 ml / min, 50 ml / min, 60 ml / min, 70 ml / min, 80 ml / min, 90 ml / min, 100 ml / min, 150 ml / min, 200 ml / min, 250 ml / min, 300 ml / min, 350 ml / min, 400 ml / min, 450 ml / min, 500 ml / min, 550 These are ml / min, 600 ml / min, 650 ml / min, 700 ml / min, 750 ml / min, 800 ml / min, 850 ml / min, 900 ml / min, 950 ml / min, 1000 ml / min, 1050 ml / min, 1100 ml / min, 1150 ml / min, 1200 ml / min, 1250 ml / min, 1300 ml / min, 1350 ml / min, 1400 ml / min, 1450 ml / min, 1500 ml / min, 1550 ml / min, 1600 ml / min, 1650 ml / min, 1700 ml / min, 1750 ml / min, 1800 ml / min, 1850 ml / min, 1900 ml / min, 1950 ml / min, or 2000 ml / min. For example, the default gas sample capture flow rate can range from approximately 50 ml / min to approximately 200 ml / min.

[0054] The selected gas sample capture flow rate (or any flow rate in this disclosure) may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the selected gas sample capture flow rate (or any flow rate in this disclosure) may be exactly or approximately 1 ml / min, 2 ml / min, 3 ml / min, 4 ml / min, 5 ml / min, 6 ml / min, 7 ml / min, 8 ml / min, 9 ml / min, 10 ml / min, 20 ml / min, 30 ml / min, 40 ml / min, 50 ml / min, 60 ml / min, 70 ml / min, 80 ml / min, 90 ml / min, 100 ml / min, 150 ml / min, 200 ml / min, 250 ml / min, 300 ml / min, 350 ml / min, 400 ml / min, 450 ml / min, 500 ml / min, 550 ml / min, 600 ml / min, 650 ml / min, 700ml / min, 750ml / min, 800ml / min, 850ml / min, 900ml / min, 950ml / min, 1000ml / min, 1050ml / min, 1100ml / min, 1150ml / min, 1200ml / min, 1250ml / min, 1300ml / min, 1350ml / min, 1400ml / min, 1450ml / min, 1500ml / min, 1550ml / min, 1600ml / min, 1650ml / min, 1700ml / min, 1750ml / min, 1800ml / min, 1850ml / min, 1900ml / min, 1950ml / min, 2000ml / min, or a number or range between any two of these values.In some embodiments, the selected gas sample capture flow rate (or any flow rate in this disclosure) is at least just, or at least about, at most just, or at most about 1 ml / min, 2 ml / min, 3 ml / min, 4 ml / min, 5 ml / min, 6 ml / min, 7 ml / min, 8 ml / min, 9 ml / min, 10 ml / min, 20 ml / min, 30 ml / min, 40 ml / min, 50 ml / min, 60 ml / min, 70 ml / min, 80 ml / min, 90 ml / min, 100 ml / min, 150 ml / min, 200 ml / min, 250 ml / min, 300 ml / min, 350 ml / min, 400 ml / min, 450 ml / min, 500 ml / min, 5 The flow rates are 50 ml / min, 600 ml / min, 650 ml / min, 700 ml / min, 750 ml / min, 800 ml / min, 850 ml / min, 900 ml / min, 950 ml / min, 1000 ml / min, 1050 ml / min, 1100 ml / min, 1150 ml / min, 1200 ml / min, 1250 ml / min, 1300 ml / min, 1350 ml / min, 1400 ml / min, 1450 ml / min, 1500 ml / min, 1550 ml / min, 1600 ml / min, 1650 ml / min, 1700 ml / min, 1750 ml / min, 1800 ml / min, 1850 ml / min, 1900 ml / min, 1950 ml / min, or 2000 ml / min. For example, the selected gas sample capture flow rate may range from approximately 50 ml / min to approximately 200 ml / min.

[0055] The purge flow rate (or any flow rate in this disclosure) may vary depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the purge flow rate (or any flow rate in this disclosure) may be just or about 1 ml / min, 2 ml / min, 3 ml / min, 4 ml / min, 5 ml / min, 6 ml / min, 7 ml / min, 8 ml / min, 9 ml / min, 10 ml / min, 20 ml / min, 30 ml / min, 40 ml / min, 50 ml / min, 60 ml / min, 70 ml / min, 80 ml / min, 90 ml / min, 100 ml / min, 150 ml / min, 200 ml / min, 250 ml / min, 300 ml / min, 350 ml / min, 400 ml / min, 450 ml / min, 500 ml / min, 550 ml / min, 600 ml / min, 650 ml / min, 700 ml / min It is a number or range between any two of these values, or 750 ml / min, 800 ml / min, 850 ml / min, 900 ml / min, 950 ml / min, 1000 ml / min, 1050 ml / min, 1100 ml / min, 1150 ml / min, 1200 ml / min, 1250 ml / min, 1300 ml / min, 1350 ml / min, 1400 ml / min, 1450 ml / min, 1500 ml / min, 1550 ml / min, 1600 ml / min, 1650 ml / min, 1700 ml / min, 1750 ml / min, 1800 ml / min, 1850 ml / min, 1900 ml / min, 1950 ml / min, 2000 ml / min.In some embodiments, the purge capture flow rate (or any flow rate in this disclosure) is at least just, or at least about, at most just, at most about 1 ml / min, 2 ml / min, 3 ml / min, 4 ml / min, 5 ml / min, 6 ml / min, 7 ml / min, 8 ml / min, 9 ml / min, 10 ml / min, 20 ml / min, 30 ml / min, 40 ml / min, 50 ml / min, 60 ml / min, 70 ml / min, 80 ml / min, 90 ml / min, 100 ml / min, 150 ml / min, 200 ml / min, 250 ml / min, 300 ml / min, 350 ml / min, 400 ml / min, 450 ml / min, 500 ml / min, 550 ml The rates are 600ml / min, 650ml / min, 700ml / min, 750ml / min, 800ml / min, 850ml / min, 900ml / min, 950ml / min, 1000ml / min, 1050ml / min, 1100ml / min, 1150ml / min, 1200ml / min, 1250ml / min, 1300ml / min, 1350ml / min, 1400ml / min, 1450ml / min, 1500ml / min, 1550ml / min, 1600ml / min, 1650ml / min, 1700ml / min, 1750ml / min, 1800ml / min, 1850ml / min, 1900ml / min, 1950ml / min, and 2000ml / min. For example, the purge flow rate can range from approximately 50 ml / min to approximately 200 ml / min.

[0056] time The default gas sample capture time (or any time as provided in this disclosure) may vary in different embodiments. For some configurations, the default gas sample capture time (or any time in this disclosure) is 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, 24 seconds, 25 seconds, 26 seconds, 27 seconds, 28 seconds, 29 seconds, 30 seconds, 31 seconds, 32 seconds, 33 seconds, 34 seconds, 35 seconds, 36 seconds, 37 seconds, 38 seconds, 39 seconds, 40 seconds, 41 seconds, 42 seconds, 43 seconds, 44 seconds, 45 seconds, 46 seconds, 47 seconds, 48 ​​seconds, 49 seconds, 50 seconds, 51 seconds, 52 seconds, 53 seconds, 54 seconds, 55 seconds, 56 seconds, 57 seconds, 58 seconds. 59 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes, 14 minutes, 15 minutes, 16 minutes, 17 minutes, 18 minutes, 19 minutes, 20 minutes, 21 minutes, 22 minutes, 23 minutes, 24 minutes, 25 minutes, 26 minutes, 27 minutes, 28 minutes, 29 minutes, 30 minutes, 31 minutes, 32 minutes, 33 minutes, 34 minutes, 3 5 minutes, 36 minutes, 37 minutes, 38 minutes, 39 minutes, 40 minutes, 41 minutes, 42 minutes, 43 minutes, 44 minutes, 45 minutes, 46 minutes, 47 minutes, 48 ​​minutes, 49 minutes, 50 minutes, 51 minutes, 52 minutes, 53 minutes, 54 minutes, 55 minutes, 56 minutes, 57 minutes, 58 minutes, 59 minutes, 60 minutes, or a number or range between any two of these values.In some operations, the default gas sample capture time (or any time in this disclosure) is at least just, at least about, and at most just, at most about 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, 24 seconds, 25 seconds, 26 seconds, 27 seconds, 28 seconds, 29 seconds, 30 seconds, 31 seconds, 32 seconds, 33 seconds, 34 seconds, 35 seconds, 36 seconds, 37 seconds, 38 seconds, 39 seconds, 40 seconds, 41 seconds, 42 seconds, 43 seconds, 44 seconds, 45 seconds, 46 seconds, 47 seconds, 48 ​​seconds, 49 seconds, 50 seconds, 51 seconds, 52 seconds, 53 seconds, 54 seconds, 55 seconds, 56 seconds, 57 seconds, 58 seconds, 59 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 11 minutes , 12 minutes, 13 minutes, 14 minutes, 15 minutes, 16 minutes, 17 minutes, 18 minutes, 19 minutes, 20 minutes, 21 minutes, 22 minutes, 23 minutes, 24 minutes, 25 minutes, 26 minutes, 27 minutes, 28 The time intervals are 1 minute, 29 minutes, 30 minutes, 31 minutes, 32 minutes, 33 minutes, 34 minutes, 35 minutes, 36 minutes, 37 minutes, 38 minutes, 39 minutes, 40 minutes, 41 minutes, 42 minutes, 43 minutes, 44 minutes, 45 minutes, 46 minutes, 47 minutes, 48 ​​minutes, 49 minutes, 50 minutes, 51 minutes, 52 minutes, 53 minutes, 54 minutes, 55 minutes, 56 minutes, 57 minutes, 58 minutes, 59 minutes, and 60 minutes. For example, the default gas sample capture time can range from approximately 1 minute to approximately 5 minutes.

[0057] The selected gas sample capture time (or any time in this disclosure) may vary in different embodiments. In some operations, the selected gas sample capture time (or any time in this disclosure) is just or about 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, 24 seconds, 25 seconds, 26 seconds, 27 seconds, 28 seconds, 29 seconds, 30 seconds, 31 seconds, 32 seconds, 33 seconds, 34 seconds, 35 seconds, 36 seconds, 37 seconds, 38 seconds, 39 seconds, 40 seconds, 41 seconds, 42 seconds, 43 seconds, 44 seconds, 45 seconds, 46 seconds, 47 seconds, 48 ​​seconds, 49 seconds, 50 seconds, 51 seconds, 52 seconds, 53 seconds, 54 seconds, 55 seconds, 56 seconds, 57 seconds seconds, 58 seconds, 59 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes, 14 minutes, 15 minutes, 16 minutes, 17 minutes, 18 minutes, 19 minutes, 20 minutes, 21 minutes, 22 minutes, 23 minutes, 24 minutes, 25 minutes, 26 minutes, 27 minutes, 28 minutes, 29 minutes, 30 minutes, 31 minutes, 32 minutes, 33 minutes, 34 A number or range between any two of these values: minutes, 35 minutes, 36 minutes, 37 minutes, 38 minutes, 39 minutes, 40 minutes, 41 minutes, 42 minutes, 43 minutes, 44 minutes, 45 minutes, 46 minutes, 47 minutes, 48 ​​minutes, 49 minutes, 50 minutes, 51 minutes, 52 minutes, 53 minutes, 54 minutes, 55 minutes, 56 minutes, 57 minutes, 58 minutes, 59 minutes, 60 minutes, or any number or range between these values.In some operations, the selected gas sample capture time (or any time in this disclosure) is at least just, at least about, at most just, or at most about 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, 24 seconds, 25 seconds, 26 seconds, 27 seconds, 28 seconds, 29 seconds, 30 seconds, 31 seconds, 32 seconds, 33 seconds, 34 seconds, 35 seconds, 36 seconds, 37 seconds, 38 seconds, 39 seconds, 40 seconds, 41 seconds, 42 seconds, 43 seconds, 44 seconds, 45 seconds, 46 seconds, 47 seconds, 48 ​​seconds, 49 seconds, 50 seconds, 51 seconds. , 52 seconds, 53 seconds, 54 seconds, 55 seconds, 56 seconds, 57 seconds, 58 seconds, 59 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes, 14 minutes, 15 minutes, 16 minutes, 17 minutes, 18 minutes, 19 minutes, 20 minutes, 21 minutes, 22 minutes, 23 minutes, 24 minutes, 25 minutes, 26 minutes, 27 minutes, 2 The time intervals are 8 minutes, 29 minutes, 30 minutes, 31 minutes, 32 minutes, 33 minutes, 34 minutes, 35 minutes, 36 minutes, 37 minutes, 38 minutes, 39 minutes, 40 minutes, 41 minutes, 42 minutes, 43 minutes, 44 minutes, 45 minutes, 46 minutes, 47 minutes, 48 ​​minutes, 49 minutes, 50 minutes, 51 minutes, 52 minutes, 53 minutes, 54 minutes, 55 minutes, 56 minutes, 57 minutes, 58 minutes, 59 minutes, and 60 minutes. For example, the selected gas sample capture time may range from approximately 1 minute to approximately 5 minutes.

[0058] The purge time (or any time as provided in this disclosure) may vary in different embodiments. In some operations, the purge time (or any time in this disclosure) is just or about 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, 24 seconds, 25 seconds, 26 seconds, 27 seconds, 28 seconds, 29 seconds, 30 seconds, 31 seconds, 32 seconds, 33 seconds, 34 seconds, 35 seconds, 36 seconds, 37 seconds, 38 seconds, 39 seconds, 40 seconds, 41 seconds, 42 seconds, 43 seconds, 44 seconds, 45 seconds, 46 seconds, 47 seconds, 48 ​​seconds, 49 seconds, 50 seconds, 51 seconds, 52 seconds, 53 seconds, 54 seconds, 55 seconds, 56 seconds, 57 seconds, 58 seconds. 59 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes, 14 minutes, 15 minutes, 16 minutes, 17 minutes, 18 minutes, 19 minutes, 20 minutes, 21 minutes, 22 minutes, 23 minutes, 24 minutes, 25 minutes, 26 minutes, 27 minutes, 28 minutes, 29 minutes, 30 minutes, 31 minutes, 32 minutes, 33 minutes, 34 minutes, 35 minutes, 36 minutes, 37 minutes, 38 minutes, 39 minutes, 40 minutes, 41 minutes, 42 minutes, 43 minutes, 44 minutes, 45 minutes, 46 minutes, 47 minutes, 48 ​​minutes, 49 minutes, 50 minutes, 51 minutes, 52 minutes, 53 minutes, 54 minutes, 55 minutes, 56 minutes, 57 minutes, 58 minutes, 59 minutes, 60 minutes, or any number or range between any two of these values.In some operations, the purge time (or any time in this disclosure) is at least just, or at least about, at most just, at most about 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, 24 seconds, 25 seconds, 26 seconds, 27 seconds, 28 seconds, 29 seconds, 30 seconds, 31 seconds, 32 seconds, 33 seconds, 34 seconds, 35 seconds, 36 seconds, 37 seconds, 38 seconds, 39 seconds, 40 seconds, 41 seconds, 42 seconds, 43 seconds, 44 seconds, 45 seconds, 46 seconds, 47 seconds, 48 ​​seconds, 49 seconds, 50 seconds, 51 seconds, 52 seconds, 53 seconds, 54 seconds, 55 seconds, 56 seconds, 57 seconds, 58 seconds, 59 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes, 14 minutes, 15 minutes, 16 minutes, 17 minutes, 18 minutes, 19 minutes, 20 minutes, 21 minutes, 22 minutes, 23 minutes, 24 minutes, 25 minutes, 26 minutes, 27 minutes, 28 minutes, The purge times are 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60 minutes. For example, the purge time can range from approximately 10 to 60 seconds.

[0059] In some embodiments, the gas sample collection time is approximately 5 to 20 seconds.

[0060] Collected and captured sample volume The expected volume of gaseous sample (e.g., subject's respiration or patient's respiration) collected in the gaseous sample collection bag during the gaseous sample collection period may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the expected volume of gaseous sample collected in the gaseous sample collection bag during the gaseous sample collection time (or any volume in this disclosure) may be just or about 0.5 liters, 0.6 liters, 0.7 liters, 0.8 liters, 0.9 liters, 1 liter, 1.1 liters, 1.2 liters, 1.3 liters, 1.4 liters, 1.5 liters, 1.6 liters, 1.7 liters, 1.8 liters, 1.9 liters, 2 liters, 2.1 liters, 2.2 liters, 2.3 liters, or 2.4 liters. 2.5 liters, 2.6 liters, 2.7 liters, 2.8 liters, 2.9 liters, 3 liters, 3.1 liters, 3.2 liters, 3.3 liters, 3.4 liters, 3.5 liters, 3.6 liters, 3.7 liters, 3.8 liters, 3.9 liters, 4 liters, 4.1 liters, 4.2 liters, 4.3 liters, 4.4 liters, 4.5 liters, 4.6 liters, 4.7 liters, 4.8 liters, 4.9 liters, 5 liters, or any number or range between any two of these values.In some embodiments, the expected volume (or any volume in this disclosure) of the gas sample collected in the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time is at least just, or at least about, at most just, or at most about 0.5 liters, 0.6 liters, 0.7 liters, 0.8 liters, 0.9 liters, 1 liter, 1.1 liters, 1.2 liters, 1.3 liters, 1.4 liters, 1.5 liters, 1.6 liters, 1.7 liters, 1.8 liters, 1.9 liters, 2 liters, 2.1 liters, 2.2 liters, 2. 3 liters, 2.4 liters, 2.5 liters, 2.6 liters, 2.7 liters, 2.8 liters, 2.9 liters, 3 liters, 3.1 liters, 3.2 liters, 3.3 liters, 3.4 liters, 3.5 liters, 3.6 liters, 3.7 liters, 3.8 liters, 3.9 liters, 4 liters, 4.1 liters, 4.2 liters, 4.3 liters, 4.4 liters, 4.5 liters, 4.6 liters, 4.7 liters, 4.8 liters, 4.9 liters, 5 liters, or a number or range between any two of these values. For example, the volume of a subject's exhaled breath collected in a gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time can be expected to be approximately 2.5 liters.

[0061] The volume of the gas sample (e.g., the subject's respiration or the patient's respiration) collected in the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the volume of the gas sample (or any volume in this disclosure) collected in the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection period may be just or about 0.5 liters, 0.6 liters, 0.7 liters, 0.8 liters, 0.9 liters, 1 liter, 1.1 liters, 1.2 liters, 1.3 liters, 1.4 liters, 1.5 liters, 1.6 liters, 1.7 liters, 1.8 liters, 1.9 liters, 2 liters, 2.1 liters, 2.2 liters, 2.3 liters, or 2.4 liters. 2.5 liters, 2.6 liters, 2.7 liters, 2.8 liters, 2.9 liters, 3 liters, 3.1 liters, 3.2 liters, 3.3 liters, 3.4 liters, 3.5 liters, 3.6 liters, 3.7 liters, 3.8 liters, 3.9 liters, 4 liters, 4.1 liters, 4.2 liters, 4.3 liters, 4.4 liters, 4.5 liters, 4.6 liters, 4.7 liters, 4.8 liters, 4.9 liters, 5 liters, or any number or range between any two of these values.In some embodiments, the volume of the gas sample collected in the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time (or any volume in this disclosure) is at least just, or at least about, up to just, up to about 0.5 liters, 0.6 liters, 0.7 liters, 0.8 liters, 0.9 liters, 1 liter, 1.1 liters, 1.2 liters, 1.3 liters, 1.4 liters, 1.5 liters, 1.6 liters, 1.7 liters, 1.8 liters, 1.9 liters, 2 liters, 2.1 liters, 2.2 liters, 2.3 liters. Torr, 2.4 liters, 2.5 liters, 2.6 liters, 2.7 liters, 2.8 liters, 2.9 liters, 3 liters, 3.1 liters, 3.2 liters, 3.3 liters, 3.4 liters, 3.5 liters, 3.6 liters, 3.7 liters, 3.8 liters, 3.9 liters, 4 liters, 4.1 liters, 4.2 liters, 4.3 liters, 4.4 liters, 4.5 liters, 4.6 liters, 4.7 liters, 4.8 liters, 4.9 liters, 5 liters, or a number or range between any two of these values. For example, the volume of a subject's exhaled breath collected in a gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time may be approximately 2.5 liters.

[0062] The volume of the gas sample (e.g., subject's respiration or patient's respiration) collected in the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time, passing through one or more gas sample capture tubes, may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the volume of the gas sample (or any volume in this disclosure) captured in the gas sample collection bag, passing through one or more gas sample capture tubes, may be just or about 0.5 liters, 0.6 liters, 0.7 liters, 0.8 liters, 0.9 liters, 1 liter, 1.1 liters, 1.2 liters, 1.3 liters, 1.4 liters, 1.5 liters, 1.6 liters, 1.7 liters, 1.8 liters, 1.9 liters, 2 liters, 2.1 liters, 2.2 liters, 2.3 liters, 2 liters, 2. 0.4 liters, 2.5 liters, 2.6 liters, 2.7 liters, 2.8 liters, 2.9 liters, 3 liters, 3.1 liters, 3.2 liters, 3.3 liters, 3.4 liters, 3.5 liters, 3.6 liters, 3.7 liters, 3.8 liters, 3.9 liters, 4 liters, 4.1 liters, 4.2 liters, 4.3 liters, 4.4 liters, 4.5 liters, 4.6 liters, 4.7 liters, 4.8 liters, 4.9 liters, 5 liters, or any number or range between any two of these values.In some embodiments, the volume of the gas sample collected in the gas sample collection bag, passing through one or more gas sample capture tubes (or any volume in this disclosure), is at least just, or at least about, up to just, up to about 0.5 liters, 0.6 liters, 0.7 liters, 0.8 liters, 0.9 liters, 1 liter, 1.1 liters, 1.2 liters, 1.3 liters, 1.4 liters, 1.5 liters, 1.6 liters, 1.7 liters, 1.8 liters, 1.9 liters, 2 liters, 2.1 liters, 2.2 liters, The values ​​are 2.3 liters, 2.4 liters, 2.5 liters, 2.6 liters, 2.7 liters, 2.8 liters, 2.9 liters, 3 liters, 3.1 liters, 3.2 liters, 3.3 liters, 3.4 liters, 3.5 liters, 3.6 liters, 3.7 liters, 3.8 liters, 3.9 liters, 4 liters, 4.1 liters, 4.2 liters, 4.3 liters, 4.4 liters, 4.5 liters, 4.6 liters, 4.7 liters, 4.8 liters, 4.9 liters, 5 liters, or any number or range between any two of these values. For example, the volume of a gas sample collected in a gas sample collection bag after passing through one or more gas sample capture tubes may be approximately 2 liters.

[0063] air tube In some embodiments, one or each of the one or more air tubes 324 is rigid, semi-rigid, and / or elastic. One or each of the one or more air tubes 324 may comprise a retractable low-durometer low-pressure tube. Non-limiting exemplary examples of the material for one or each of the air tubes 324 include latex, rubber, silicone, or combinations thereof.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electric pump 316 is a diaphragm pump. A diaphragm pump can produce a rippled but not perfectly smooth airflow. A motor of appropriate size can be selected to limit the ripple of the target flow rate. Since the device 300 can handle a wide range of flow rates, such as 50–200 ml / min, the electric pump 316 may include an elastic tube mounted after the electric pump 316 and before a first sensor (e.g., flow sensor 320a). When the electric pump 316 is operating, the air flowing into the elastic tube may have some ripple, but the air flowing out of the elastic tube may be constant (or more constant).

[0065] Sample collection bag Figures 4A–4D show exemplary sample collection bags. Figure 4A shows an example of a sample collection bag. Figure 4B shows the location of holes in an exemplary sample collection bag. Figures 4C and 4D show the sealing (e.g., heat sealing) of an exemplary sample collection bag. A gaseous sample collection bag 400 (e.g., a VOC collection bag) may comprise a bag body 404. The bag body 404 may be sealed (e.g., heat-sealed) on one or more sides, two or more sides, three or more sides, three sides (see Figures 4C and 4D for details), and four sides. The bag body 404 may be sealed (e.g., heat-sealed) on all sides except one. The bag body may comprise a sheet (e.g., a plastic sheet) that is folded and sealed (e.g., heat-sealed) on all sides except the folded side. The bag body 404 may be rectangular or square in shape before use or when shrunk. The bag body 404 may be transparent or opaque. The material of the bag body 404 may be high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and / or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The material of the bag body and / or the sealed side of the bag body may be airtight. The material of the bag body and / or the sealed side of the bag body may be impermeable to one or more volatile organic compounds.

[0066] The bag inlet 408 may comprise an inlet assembly 408a, which includes a threaded inlet pipe 408tp, an inlet sealing washer 408sw, and an inlet snap ring 408sr. The threaded inlet pipe 408tp can be attached to the inlet hole 408h of the gas sample collection bag 400 by the inlet sealing washer 408sw and the inlet snap ring 408sr. The inlet hole 408h may be on or adjacent to the edge of the gas sample collection bag 400 (see the left panel of Figures 4A-4B for details). The inlet hole 408h may be diagonally opposite or adjacent to the diagonal of the gas sample collection bag 400 (see the right panel of Figures 4A-4B for details). The inlet assembly 408a may comprise an inlet cap 408c to prevent the gas sample from entering or leaving the gas sample collection bag in several configurations (e.g., before sample collection and during sample capture).

[0067] Each bag outlet 412 may be equipped with an outlet assembly 412a comprising a threaded outlet pipe 412tp, an outlet sealing washer 412sw, and an outlet snap ring 412sr. The threaded outlet pipe 412tp can be attached to the outlet hole 412h of the gas sample collection bag 400a by the outlet sealing washer 412sw and the outlet snap ring 412sr. The outlet hole 412h may be on or adjacent to the edge of the gas bag body 404 (see the left panel of Figures 4A-4B for illustration). The outlet hole 408h may be diagonally opposite or adjacent to the bag body 404 (see the right panel of Figures 4A-4B for illustration). The outlet assembly 412a may be equipped with an outlet cap 412c to prevent the gas sample from entering or leaving the gas sample collection bag in some configurations (e.g., before sample collection, before expansion, or during contraction). In some embodiments, one or more bag outlets 412 are identical. One or more bag outlets 412 can be adjacent to each other.

[0068] One or more bag outlets 412 and bag inlets 408 may be identical. One or each of the one or more bag outlets 412 (or bag outlet assemblies 408a) may be perpendicular or nearly perpendicular (e.g., within 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, or 10°) to the bag inlet 408 (or bag inlet assembly 408a). One or more bag outlets 412 (or bag outlet assemblies 408a) and bag inlets 408 (or bag inlet assembly 408a) may be on different surfaces of the bag body 404. One or more bag outlets 412 (or bag outlet assemblies 408a) and bag inlets 408 (or bag inlet assembly 408a) may be on the same surface of the bag body 404.

[0069] The dimensions of the sample collection bag may vary depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the sample collection bag (e.g., width, depth, height, radius, diameter, or circumference) may be exactly or approximately 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm, 18 cm, 19 cm, 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm 100cm, 27cm, 28cm, 29cm, 30cm, 31cm, 32cm, 33cm, 34cm, 35cm, 36cm, 37cm, 38cm, 39cm, 40cm, 41cm, 42cm, 43cm, 44cm, 45cm, 46cm, 47cm, 48cm, 49cm, 50cm, 60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm, 100cm or a number or range between any two of these values. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the sample collection bag (e.g., width, depth, height, radius, diameter, or circumference) are at least just, at least about, at most just, or at most about 1cm, 2cm, 3cm, 4cm, 5cm, 6cm, 7cm, 8cm, 9cm, 10cm, 11cm, 12cm, 13cm, 14cm, 15cm, 16cm, 17cm, 18cm, 19cm, 20cm, 21cm, The sizes are 22cm, 23cm, 24cm, 25cm, 26cm, 27cm, 28cm, 29cm, 30cm, 31cm, 32cm, 33cm, 34cm, 35cm, 36cm, 37cm, 38cm, 39cm, 40cm, 41cm, 42cm, 43cm, 44cm, 45cm, 46cm, 47cm, 48cm, 49cm, 50cm, 60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm, or 100cm.In some embodiments, the dimensions of the sample collection bag (e.g., width, depth, height, radius, diameter, or circumference) are 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, 15 inches, 16 inches, 17 inches, 18 inches, 19 inches, 20 inches, 21 inches, 22 inches, 23 inches, 24 inches, 25 inches, 26 inches, 27 inches, 28 inches, 29 inches, 30 inches, 31 inches, 32 inches, 33 inches, 34 inches, 35 inches, 36 inches, 37 inches, 38 inches, 39 inches, 40 inches, 41 inches, 42 inches, 43 inches, 44 inches, 45 inches, 46 inches, 47 inches, 48 ​​inches, 49 inches, 50 inches, or a number or range between any two of these values. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the sample collection bag (e.g., width, depth, height, radius, diameter, or circumference) are at least exactly, at least about, at most exactly, at most about 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, 15 inches, 16 inches, 17 inches, 18 inches, 19 inches, 20 inches, 21 inches, 22 inches, 23 inches, 24 inches, 25 inches, 26 inches, 27 inches, 28 inches, 29 inches, 30 inches, 31 inches, 32 inches, 33 inches, 34 inches, 35 inches, 36 inches, 37 inches, 38 inches, 39 inches, 40 inches, 41 inches, 42 inches, 43 inches, 44 inches, 45 inches, 46 inches, 47 inches, 48 ​​inches, 49 inches, 50 inches. For example, a sample collection bag may have a width of 25 cm and a depth of 24 cm.

[0070] The volume of the gas sample collection bag may vary depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the volume of the gas sample collection bag (or any volume in this disclosure) may be just or about 0.5 liters, 0.6 liters, 0.7 liters, 0.8 liters, 0.9 liters, 1 liter, 1.1 liters, 1.2 liters, 1.3 liters, 1.4 liters, 1.5 liters, 1.6 liters, 1.7 liters, 1.8 liters, 1.9 liters, 2 liters, 2.1 liters, 2.2 liters, 2.3 liters, 2.4 liters, 2.5 liters, 2.6 liters. 1 liter, 2.7 liters, 2.8 liters, 2.9 liters, 3 liters, 3.1 liters, 3.2 liters, 3.3 liters, 3.4 liters, 3.5 liters, 3.6 liters, 3.7 liters, 3.8 liters, 3.9 liters, 4 liters, 4.1 liters, 4.2 liters, 4.3 liters, 4.4 liters, 4.5 liters, 4.6 liters, 4.7 liters, 4.8 liters, 4.9 liters, 5 liters, or any number or range between any two of these values. In some embodiments, the volume of the gas sample collection bag (or any volume in this disclosure) is at least just, at least about, and at most just, at most about 0.5 liters, 0.6 liters, 0.7 liters, 0.8 liters, 0.9 liters, 1 liter, 1.1 liters, 1.2 liters, 1.3 liters, 1.4 liters, 1.5 liters, 1.6 liters, 1.7 liters, 1.8 liters, 1.9 liters, 2 liters, 2.1 liters, 2.2 liters, 2.3 liters, 2.4 liters, and 2. The volume is 5 liters, 2.6 liters, 2.7 liters, 2.8 liters, 2.9 liters, 3 liters, 3.1 liters, 3.2 liters, 3.3 liters, 3.4 liters, 3.5 liters, 3.6 liters, 3.7 liters, 3.8 liters, 3.9 liters, 4 liters, 4.1 liters, 4.2 liters, 4.3 liters, 4.4 liters, 4.5 liters, 4.6 liters, 4.7 liters, 4.8 liters, 4.9 liters, 5 liters, or any number or range between any two of these values. For example, the volume of the VOC collection bag during gas sample collection time may be approximately 2.5 liters.

[0071] The inlet or outlet hole can be circular or elliptical. The dimensions of the inlet or outlet hole (e.g., radius, diameter, or circumference) may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the inlet or outlet hole are exactly or approximately 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, or any number or range between these values. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the inlet or outlet hole are at least just, at least about, at most just, or at most about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, or 25 mm. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the inlet or outlet hole are just, or about 0.1 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, 1 inch, or any number or range of these values. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the inlet or outlet hole are at least just, at least about, at most just, or at most about 0.1 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, or 1 inch.

[0072] Figures 5A-5B show exemplary inlet and outlet pipe assemblies of a sample collection bag. The inlet or outlet assembly 500a may comprise a threaded pipe 500tp, a sealing washer 500sw, and a snap ring 500sr. The threaded pipe 500tp may comprise an opening 500o. The threaded pipe 500tp can be fitted into the hole of the gas sample collection bag 504 by the sealing washer 500sw and the snap ring 500sr, as shown in Figure 5B. The inlet or outlet assembly 500 may comprise a cap 500c (e.g., a polycarbonate cap) to prevent gaseous samples from entering or leaving the gas sample collection bag in some configurations.

[0073] The opening of a threaded pipe can be circular or elliptical. The dimensions of the threaded pipe opening (e.g., radius, diameter, or circumference) may vary depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the threaded pipe opening are exactly or approximately 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, or any number or range between these values. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the opening of the threaded pipe are at least just, at least about, at most, or at most about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, or 25 mm. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the opening of the threaded pipe are just or about 0.1 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, 1 inch, or a number or range between any of these values. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the opening of the threaded pipe are at least just, at least about, at most just, at most about 0.1 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, or 1 inch.

[0074] Sample capture tube In some embodiments, each of the one or more gas sample capture tubes comprises a first tube opening for attachment to one of the one or more device inlets and a second tube opening for attachment to one of the one or more bag outlets of a gas sample collection bag. In some embodiments, the one or more gas sample capture tubes comprises one or more thermal desorption tubes.

[0075] sample In some embodiments, the gaseous sample comprises one or more volatile organic compounds (VOCs). One or more or a portion of the VOCs in the collected gaseous sample collection bag can be captured on one or more gaseous sample capture tubes.

[0076] In some embodiments, VOCs are C1-C3 aldehydes, C1-C3 alcohols, and / or C2-C3 alcohols. 10 The alkane is characterized by the first carbon atom being substituted with an =O group, and the second carbon atom being substituted with an -OH group, its analogues, or derivatives from the body sample from the test subject. VOCs are C1-C 20 Alkan, C4-C 10 Alcohols, C1-C6 carboxylic acids, and / or C4-C 20 The VOC may comprise an aldehyde, or an analog or derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the VOC is a C1-C3 aldehyde, a C1-C3 alcohol, or a C2-C3 alcohol. 10 It contains an alkane, with the first carbon atom substituted with an =O group and the second carbon atom substituted with an -OH group, its analogues, or derivatives. VOCs are C1-C 20 Alkan, C4-C 10 Alcohols, C1-C6 carboxylic acids, C4-C 20 The material may comprise an aldehyde, its analogues, or a derivative thereof.

[0077] In some embodiments, the VOC comprises formaldehyde, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetoin, or pentane, n-hexane, 1-butanol, propanoic acid, octanal, nonanal, decanal, undecanal, tetradecane, any analogues thereof, derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof. The VOC may also comprise alcohols, ketones, aromatics, organic acids, and / or gases (such as CO, CO2, NO, NO2, H2S, SO2, CH4, etc.).

[0078] In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C1-C3 aldehydes. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C1, C2, or C3 aldehydes. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises a C1 aldehyde, i.e., formaldehyde. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C1-C3 alcohols. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C1, C2, or C3 alcohols. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises a C1 alcohol (i.e., methanol) or a C3 alcohol (i.e., isopropyl alcohol).

[0079] In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C2-C 10 alkane, wherein the first carbon atom is substituted with an =O group and the second carbon atom is substituted with an -OH group. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, or C 10 comprises, wherein the first carbon atom is substituted with an =O group and the second carbon atom is substituted with an -OH group. In some embodiments, the carbon atom substituted with the =O group is not a terminal carbon atom. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C3-C6 alkanes. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises a C4 alkane, wherein the first carbon atom is substituted with an =O group and the second carbon atom is substituted with an -OH group, i.e., acetoin.

[0080] In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C1-C 20 alkanes. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C 10 、C 11 、C 12 、C 13 C 14 、C 15 、C 16 、C 17 、C 18 、C 19 、or C 20 alkanes. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C3-C 15 alkanes. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C5-C 14The VOC comprises an alcohol. For example, the VOC comprises a C5 alcohol, i.e., pentane. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises a C6 alcohol, i.e., hexane. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises a C14 alcohol, i.e., tetradecane.

[0081] In some embodiments, VOC is C4-C 10 It contains alcohol. In some embodiments, the VOCs are C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C 10 It comprises an alcohol. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises a C4-C7 alcohol, most preferably a C4 alcohol, i.e., butanol.

[0082] In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C1-C6 carboxylic acids. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6 carboxylic acids. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C2-C4 carboxylic acids. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises a C3 carboxylic acid, i.e., propanoic acid.

[0083] In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C4-C20 aldehydes. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C 10 , C 11 , C 12 , C 13 , C 14 , C 15 , C 16 , C 17 , C 18 , C 19 or C 20 It comprises an aldehyde. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises a C5-C15 aldehyde. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises a C7-C 13 It comprises an aldehyde. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises a C8 aldehyde, i.e., octanal. In some embodiments, the VOC comprises a C9 aldehyde, i.e., nonanal. In some embodiments, the VOC is C 10It comprises an aldehyde, namely decanal. In some embodiments, the VOC is C 11 It contains an aldehyde, namely undecanal.

[0084] In some embodiments, the gaseous sample comprises a breath sample from the subject. Displaying a message on the display requesting that the gaseous sample be collected through the bag opening of the gaseous sample collection bag during the gaseous sample collection time may include displaying a message on the display requesting that the subject blow into the bag opening of the gaseous sample collection bag during the gaseous sample collection time.

[0085] In some embodiments, the VOC may comprise formaldehyde, methanol, pentane, isopropyl alcohol, n-hexane, 1-butanol, acetoin, propanoic acid, octanal, nonanal, decanal, undecanal, tetradecane, or a combination thereof.

[0086] In some embodiments, the gaseous sample comprises an air sample. Displaying a message on the display requesting the user to collect the gaseous sample through the bag inlet of the gaseous sample collection bag during the gaseous sample collection time may include displaying a message on the display requesting the user to collect the gaseous sample through the bag inlet of the gaseous sample collection bag during the gaseous sample collection time.

[0087] system Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems for capturing one or more compounds (e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) in a gaseous sample. In some embodiments, the system comprises a device for capturing one or more compounds from the gaseous sample of the Disclosure, and an external power supply. The system may include instructions for operating the device.

[0088] Method for capturing volatile organic compounds Disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using an electric pump device, such as apparatus 300 described with reference to Figures 3A-3B. In some embodiments, the method comprises using an electric pump device for capturing VOCs, or a system comprising an electric pump device for capturing VOCs.

[0089] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 600 for capturing volatile organic compounds. Method 600 can be embodied in a set of executable program instructions stored in a machine-readable medium, such as one or more disk drives, of an electronic device equipped with an electric pump. For example, the apparatus 300 shown in Figures 3A-3B and described in more detail above can execute a set of executable program instructions to carry out Method 600. When Method 600 is initiated, the executable program instructions are loaded into memory, such as RAM, and can be executed by one or more processors (e.g., microcontrollers) of the apparatus 300. Method 600 is described with respect to the apparatus 300 shown in Figures 3A-3B, but this description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit it. In some embodiments, Method 600 or a part thereof may be executed sequentially or in parallel by multiple computing systems.

[0090] After Method 600 begins in block 604, Method 600 proceeds to block 608, where the electric pump device for capturing VOCs (e.g., the device 300 for capturing VOCs described with reference to Figures 3A-3B) displays a default VOC capture flow rate and a default VOC capture time. Method 600 proceeds from block 608 to block 612, where the electric pump device receives a selected VOC capture flow rate and a selected VOC capture time. If the electric pump device does not receive a user-selected VOC capture flow rate and / or user-selected VOC capture time after a default time (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds or longer), the electric pump device may use the default VOC capture flow rate as the selected VOC capture flow rate and / or the default VOC capture time as the selected VOC capture time.

[0091] Before or after block 604, the electric pump unit may display a message to remove any VOC capture tubes attached to one or more inlets from one or more inlets. The electric pump unit may receive input to continue. The electric pump unit may operate the electric pump at the purge flow rate during the purge period. The electric pump unit may display a countdown of the remaining purge time.

[0092] Before or after block 604, the electric pump device may generate sample identification information. The electric pump device may display the sample identification information. The electric pump device may receive input to continue. Alternatively or additionally, the electric pump device may display a message requesting sample identification information. The electric pump device may receive sample identification information.

[0093] Method 600 proceeds from block 612 to block 616, where the electric pump device displays a message to attach one or more VOC capture tubes to one or more device inlets and VOC collection bags of the electric pump device for capturing one or more VOCs. The electric pump device can then receive input to proceed.

[0094] The electronic pump device may display a message requesting that a VOC sample (e.g., a patient's VOC sample or a subject's VOC sample) be collected through the bag inlet of the VOC sample collection bag during the VOC collection time. The electronic pump device may display a message requesting that the subject blow into the bag inlet of the VOC collection bag during the VOC collection period. The electronic pump device may display a countdown of the remaining VOC collection time. The VOC sample may consist of a breath sample collected from the subject or patient. The VOC sample may consist of an environmental VOC sample.

[0095] Method 600 proceeds from block 616 to block 620, where the electric pump device operates the electric pump of the device to transfer the contents of the VOC collection bag from the device via the device outlet to the device via one or more device inlets through one or more VOC capture tubes at a selected capture flow rate during a selected capture time, thereby capturing one or more VOCs of the contents of the VOC collection bag onto one or more VOC capture tubes.

[0096] The electronic pump system can receive sensor information from one or more sensors while operating an electric pump to transfer VOC(s) from the contents of a VOC collection bag through one or more VOC capture tubes. The electronic pump system can display the sensor information or a portion of it. The electronic pump system can generate a link relationship between the sensor information and sample identification information. The electronic pump system can store the sensor information or a portion of it, sample identification information, and / or the link relationship in the electronic pump system's non-temporary memory and / or removable memory. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic pump system can transmit the sensor information or a portion of it, sample identification information, and / or the link relationship to a computing device such as a remote computing device or cloud computing device for storing the sensor information or a portion of it, sample identification information, and / or the link relationship of samples captured using the electronic pump system and / or other electronic pump systems.

[0097] Method 600 terminates at block 624.

[0098] Additional considerations In at least some of the embodiments described above, one or more elements used in the embodiment may be used interchangeably in another embodiment, unless such substitution is not technically feasible. Those skilled in the art will understand that various other omissions, additions, and modifications can be made to the methods and structures described above without departing from the subject matter of the claims. All such modifications and changes are intended to be within the scope of the subject matter defined by the appended claims.

[0099] Those skilled in the art will understand that, with respect to this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be performed in a different order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are provided only as examples, and some of the steps and operations are optional and can be combined with fewer steps and operations or extended into additional steps and operations without compromising the essence of the disclosed embodiments.

[0100] With regard to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art can substitute plurals for singulars and / or singulars for plurals as appropriate to the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural permutations may be explicitly shown herein. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein and in the appended claims include plural references unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Thus, phrases such as “configured devices” are intended to include one or more enumerated devices. One or more such enumerated devices may also be collectively configured to perform the stated enumeration. For example, a processor configured to perform descriptions A, B, and C may include a first processor configured to perform description A and to work in conjunction with a second processor configured to perform descriptions B and C. References to “or” herein are intended to include “and / or” unless otherwise specified.

[0101] In general, a person skilled in the art will understand that the terms used herein, and in particular in the appended claims (e.g., the text of the appended claims), are generally intended to be “open” terms (for example, the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but not limited to,” the term “has” should be interpreted as “has at least,” and the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but not limited to,” and so on). Where a particular number of claims introduced is intended, that intention is explicitly stated in the claim, and a person skilled in the art will understand that without such statement, such intention does not exist. For example, for the sake of understanding, the following appended claims may include the use of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce the claims. Even if the same claim includes the introductory phrase “one or more” or “at least one,” and an indefinite article such as “a” or “an” is interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more,” the introduction of a claim description by the indefinite article “a” or “an” should not be interpreted as meaning that a particular claim containing such introduced claim description is limited to embodiments containing only one such description; the same is true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim descriptions. Furthermore, even if a specific number of the introduced claim description is explicitly stated, a person skilled in the art will recognize that such description should be interpreted as meaning at least the stated number (for example, the literal description of “two descriptions” without other modifiers means at least two descriptions, or two or more descriptions). Furthermore, where conventions similar to "at least one of A, B, C, etc." are used, such configurations are generally intended to be understood by those skilled in the art (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or systems having A, B, and C together).Where conventions similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” are used, such configurations are generally intended to be understood by those skilled in the art (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or systems having A, B, and C together). It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that any descriptive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms in the specification, claims, or drawings should be understood to consider the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” is understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0102] Furthermore, where any feature or aspect of the present disclosure is described in relation to the Markush group, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure also describes any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0103] For all purposes, including providing written descriptions, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, all scopes disclosed herein also encompass all possible sub-scopes and combinations of sub-scopes. It will be readily apparent that the listed scopes are sufficiently described so that the same scope can be divided into at least half, one-third, one-quarter, one-fifth, one-tenth, etc. As a non-limiting example, each scope described herein can be readily broken down into the lower third, middle third, upper third, etc. Also, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, all terms such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” and “less than” include the number described and refer to a scope that can later be broken down into sub-scopes as described above. Finally, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, a scope includes individual members. Thus, for example, a group having 1 to 3 items refers to a group having 1, 2, or 3 items. Similarly, a group having 1 to 5 items refers to a group having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 items, and so on.

[0104] It should be understood that various embodiments of the Disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes only, and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the Disclosure. Therefore, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, and the true scope and spirit are shown by the following claims.

[0105] It should be understood that not all objectives or benefits are necessarily achieved according to the specific embodiments described herein. Therefore, for example, a person skilled in the art will recognize that a particular embodiment may be configured to achieve or optimize one or a group of benefits taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or benefits that may be taught or suggested.

[0106] All processes described herein are embodied in software code modules executed by a computing system comprising one or more computers or processors, and are fully automated through them. The code modules may be stored in any type of non-temporary computer-readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or all of these methods may be incorporated into dedicated computer hardware.

[0107] Many variations not described herein will become apparent from this disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, any particular operation, event, or function of any of the algorithms described herein may be executed in a different order, added, merged, or excluded entirely (for example, not all of the described actions or events are necessary for the execution of the algorithm). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, actions or events may be executed concurrently rather than sequentially, for example, through multithreading, interrupt handling, or through multiple processors or processor cores, or on other parallel architectures. Furthermore, different tasks or processes may be executed by different machines and / or computing systems that can work together.

[0108] Various exemplary logic blocks and modules described in connection with embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or run by processing units or processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor may be a microprocessor, but instead, the processor may be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, or a combination thereof. The processor may include electrical circuits configured to process instructions that the computer can execute. In another embodiment, the processor includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logical operations without processing instructions that the computer can execute. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors connected to a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although this specification primarily describes digital technologies, the processor may also primarily include analog devices. For example, some or all of the signal processing algorithms described herein can be implemented in analog circuits or mixed analog and digital circuits. Computing environments include, but are not limited to, any type of computer system based on a microprocessor, mainframe computer, digital signal processor, portable computing device, device controller, or in-device computing engine, to name a few.

[0109] Any description, element, or block of a process in the flowcharts described herein and / or shown in the accompanying figures should be understood as potentially representing a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or element in the process. Alternative implementations of an element or function, which may be omitted, performed in any order from those shown, or in substantially simultaneous or reverse order, are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, depending on the function involved.

[0110] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, and these elements should be understood to be found in other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0111] Clause A device for capturing one or more compounds in a gaseous sample, One or more apparatus inlets for attaching one or more gas sample capture tubes, The device outlet and An electric pump connected to one or more device inlets to draw in a gas sample or a portion thereof through one or more device inlets and to discharge the contents of the gas sample or a portion thereof through the device outlet, One or more sensors connected to the device inlet, electric pump, and / or device outlet via one or more air tubes, The display and Non-temporary memory configured to store executable instructions, The system comprises the electric pump, one or more sensors, the display, and a microcontroller that communicates with the non-temporary memory, The aforementioned microcontroller is The default gas sample capture flow rate and default gas sample capture time are displayed on the screen. The selected gas sample capture flow rate and selected gas sample capture time are received. A message is displayed on the screen instructing the user to attach one or more gas sample capture tubes to one or more device inlets and gas sample collection bags. We receive input to continue. During the gas sample collection time, display a message requesting that the gas sample be collected through the bag opening of the gas sample collection bag. The display shows a countdown of the remaining gas sample collection time. An apparatus that operates the electric pump to transfer the contents or a portion thereof in the gas sample collection bag through the one or more gas sample collection tubes from the apparatus via the apparatus outlet to the apparatus via the one or more apparatus inlets during the selected gas sample capture time, at the selected gas sample capture flow rate, thereby capturing one or more compounds or a portion thereof of the contents in the collected gas sample collection bag onto the one or more gas sample capture tubes.

[0112] 2. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein the gas sample comprises one or more volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and thereafter, one or more VOCs or a portion thereof of the contents in the collected gas sample bag are captured on one or more gas sample capture tubes.

[0113] 3. The apparatus described in any one of clauses 1 to 2, comprising a breath sample of the subject.

[0114] 4. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein the display shows a message requesting that the gas sample be collected through the bag opening of the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time, or the display shows a message requesting that the subject blow into the bag opening of the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time.

[0115] 5. The apparatus described in any one of clauses 1-2, wherein the gas sample is an air sample.

[0116] 6. The apparatus according to any one of the one or more sensors, wherein at least one of the one or more air tubes is connected to the electric bump and the apparatus outlet.

[0117] 7. The apparatus according to any one of the one or more sensors, wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is connected to at least one of the one or more apparatus inlets and the electric bump via at least one of the one or more air tubes.

[0118] 8. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 1-7, comprising one or more valves communicating with the microcontroller, wherein each of the one or more valves in an open state allows the gas sample to enter the apparatus through one or more of the one or more apparatus inlets controlled by the valve, and each of the one or more valves in a closed state prevents the gas sample from entering the apparatus through one or more of the one or more apparatus inlets controlled by the valve.

[0119] 9. The apparatus according to Clause 8, wherein one or more valves are closed when the microcontroller is programmed by an executable command to perform a display that causes a message to be displayed on the display requesting that the gas sample be collected through the bag inlet of the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time.

[0120] 10. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1-9, wherein displaying a message on the display for attaching one or more gas sample capture tubes to one or more device inlets and the gas sample collection bag comprises displaying a message on the display for attaching each first tube opening of one or more gas sample capture tubes to different device inlets of one or more device inlets, and attaching each second tube opening of one or more gas sample capture tubes to different bag outlets of one or more bag outlets of the gas sample collection bag.

[0121] 11. The apparatus according to any one of the clauses 1-10, wherein each of the one or more gas sample capture tubes comprises a first tube opening for attachment to one of the one or more apparatus inlets and a second tube opening for attachment to one of the bag outlets of the one or more bag outlets of the gas sample collection bag.

[0122] 12. The apparatus according to any one of the one or more bag outlets, wherein one or each of the bag outlets is perpendicular to the bag inlet.

[0123] 13. The gas sample collection bag comprises a bag body, The bag inlet comprises an inlet assembly comprising a threaded inlet pipe, an inlet sealing washer, and an inlet snap ring, wherein the threaded inlet pipe is attached to the inlet hole of the bag body by the inlet sealing washer and the inlet snap ring. Each of the one or more bag outlets comprises an outlet assembly comprising a threaded outlet pipe, an outlet sealing washer, and an outlet snap ring, wherein the threaded outlet pipe is attached to the outlet hole of the bag body by the outlet sealing washer and the outlet snap ring. Optionally, the inlet assembly may be provided with an inlet cap to prevent the gas sample from entering or leaving the gas sample collection bag. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 10-12, wherein the outlet assembly optionally comprises an outlet cap for preventing the gas sample from entering or leaving the gas sample collection bag.

[0124] 14. The apparatus according to any one of the clauses 10-13, wherein the one or more bag outlets are identical, the one or more bag outlets are adjacent to one another, the one or more bag outlets and bag inlets are identical, the one or more apparatus inlets are identical, and / or the one or more apparatus inlets are adjacent to one another.

[0125] 15. The apparatus according to any one of the clauses 1-14, wherein the one or more gas sample capture tubes comprises one or more thermal desorption tubes.

[0126] 16. Display a message on the display for removing any of the gas sample capture tubes attached to the one or more device inlets from the one or more device inlets. We receive input to continue. During the purge time, the electric pump is operated at the purge flow rate and the remaining purge time is displayed on the display. The apparatus as described in any one of the clauses 1-15, wherein the microcontroller is programmed with executable instructions to perform the following:

[0127] 17. Generate sample identification information, The sample identification information is displayed on the display. Receive input to continue The apparatus as described in any one of the clauses 1-16, wherein the microcontroller is programmed with executable instructions to perform the following:

[0128] 18. Display a message requesting sample identification information on the display. Receiving the aforementioned sample identification information The apparatus as described in any one of the clauses 1-16, wherein the microcontroller is programmed with executable instructions to perform the following:

[0129] 19. Operate the electric pump to transfer the contents in the gas sample collection bag through the one or more gas sample capture tubes. The sensor receives sensor information from one or more of the aforementioned sensors. Display the sensor information or a portion thereof on the display. The apparatus as described in any one of the clauses 1-18, wherein the microcontroller is programmed with executable instructions to perform the following:

[0130] 20. Generate a link relationship between the sensor information and the sample identification information. The sensor information, or a part thereof, the sample identification information, and / or link relationships are stored in non-temporary memory and / or removable memory, and / or The sensor information, or a portion thereof, the sample identification information, and / or the link relationship are transmitted to the computing device. The apparatus according to Clause 19, wherein the microcontroller is programmed with executable instructions to perform the following.

[0131] 21. The default gas sample flow rate is approximately 5 ml / min to approximately 2000 ml / min. The selected gas sample capture flow rate is approximately 5 ml / min to approximately 2000 ml / min, and / or The apparatus according to any one of clauses 1-20, wherein the purge flow rate is approximately 5 ml / min to approximately 2000 ml / min.

[0132] 22. The default gas sample capture time is approximately 1 to 5 minutes. The selected gas sample capture time is approximately 1 minute to approximately 5 minutes, and / or The apparatus as described in any one of Clauses 1-21, wherein the purging time is approximately 10 to 60 seconds.

[0133] 23. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1-22, wherein the volume of the gas sample collected in the gas sample collection bag is approximately 2.5 liters, and / or the volume of the gas sample collected in the gas sample collection bag passing through one or more gas sample capture tubes is approximately 2 liters.

[0134] 24. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 1-23, wherein the gas sample collection time is approximately 5 to 20 seconds.

[0135] 25. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1-24, wherein the volume of the gas sample collected in the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time is expected to be approximately 2.5 liters.

[0136] 26. The apparatus according to any one of the clauses 8-25, wherein one or more of the valves comprises one or more solenoid valves.

[0137] 27. The apparatus according to any one of the paragraphs 8-26, wherein each of the one or more valves is connected to a different apparatus outlet of the one or more apparatus outlets.

[0138] 28. The apparatus according to any one of the one or more air tubes, one or each of them, being rigid, semi-rigid, or elastic.

[0139] 29. The apparatus according to any one of the clauses 1-27, wherein the material of one or each of the one or more air tubes is latex, rubber, silicone, or a combination thereof.

[0140] 30. The apparatus described in any one of the one or more sensors, which are connected sequentially, as described in any one of the clauses 1-29.

[0141] 31. The apparatus according to any one of the clauses 1-30, wherein each of the one or more sensors is connected to another sensor of the one or more sensors.

[0142] 32. The apparatus according to any one of the one or more sensors, except for the sensor connected to the electric pump and the sensor connected to the outlet of the apparatus, is connected to two of the one or more sensors, as described in any one of the paragraphs 1-31.

[0143] 33. The apparatus according to any one of the clauses 1-32, wherein the one or more sensors comprises a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor, a humidity sensor, or a combination thereof.

[0144] 34. The device according to any one of clauses 1-32, wherein the sensor connected to the electric pump comprises a flow sensor.

[0145] 35. The apparatus according to any one of the clauses 1-34, wherein the display comprises a dot matrix display.

[0146] 36. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 1-34, wherein the display comprises a touchscreen display for receiving input.

[0147] 37. The apparatus described in any one of the clauses 1-36, comprising one or more input keys for receiving input.

[0148] 38. The apparatus according to Clause 37, wherein the one or more input keys comprise one or more membrane keys.

[0149] 39. A battery connected to the microcontroller for supplying power to the microcontroller, A power circuit connected to the battery for charging the battery, wherein the power circuit is optionally connected to the microcontroller for supplying power to the microcontroller. The apparatus according to any one of the clauses 1-38, comprising a power inlet connected to the power circuit for connecting the power circuit to an external power source.

[0150] 40. A system for capturing one or more compounds in a gaseous sample, comprising the apparatus described in any one of clauses 1-39 and an external power supply.

[0151] 41. The system described in Clause 40, comprising commands for operating the device.

[0152] 42. A method for capturing one or more compounds in a gaseous sample using the apparatus described in any one of clauses 1-39 or the system described in any one of clauses 40-41.

[0153] 43. Display the default volatile organic compound (VOC) capture flow rate and default VOC capture time. The selected VOC capture flow rate and selected VOC capture time are received. A message is displayed indicating that one or more VOC capture tubes should be attached to one or more device inlets and VOC collection bags of the device for capturing VOCs. We receive input to continue. A method for capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), wherein an electric pump of the apparatus is operated to transfer the contents of the VOC collection bag through one or more VOC capture tubes from the apparatus via the apparatus outlet to the apparatus via one or more apparatus inlets at a selected collection flow rate for a selected capture time, thereby capturing one or more VOCs in the contents of the VOC collection bag on the one or more VOC capture tubes.

[0154] 44. The method according to Clause 43, wherein the contents of the VOC collection bag comprise a breath sample collected from a patient.

[0155] 45. The contents of the VOC collection bag comprising an environmental VOC sample, as described in Clause 43.

[0156] 46. ​​A bag body having an entrance hole and one or more exit holes, The bag opening and It has one or more bag outlets, The bag inlet comprises an inlet assembly comprising a threaded inlet pipe, an inlet sealing washer, and an inlet snap ring, wherein the threaded inlet pipe is attached to the inlet hole of the bag body by the inlet sealing washer and the inlet snap ring, and / or A gas sample collection bag wherein each of the one or more bag outlets comprises an outlet assembly comprising a threaded outlet pipe, an outlet sealing washer, and an outlet snap ring, the threaded outlet pipe being attached to one of the one or more outlet holes of the bag body by the outlet sealing washer and the outlet snap ring.

[0157] 47. The inlet assembly is equipped with an inlet cap to prevent the gas sample from entering or leaving the gas sample collection bag, and / or The gas sample collection bag according to Clause 46, wherein the outlet assembly comprises an outlet cap for preventing the gas sample from entering or leaving the gas sample collection bag.

[0158] 48. A gas sample collection bag according to any one of the above clauses 46-47, wherein one or more bag outlets are identical.

[0159] 49. The gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 46-48, wherein one or more bag outlets are adjacent to each other.

[0160] 50. A gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 46-49, wherein the one or more bag outlets and the bag inlet are the same.

[0161] 51. The gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 46-50, wherein one or more outlet holes and / or one or each of the inlet holes are located on or adjacent to the edge of the bag body.

[0162] 52. The gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 46-51, wherein one or more outlet holes and / or one or each of the inlets are located diagonally across or adjacent to the bag body.

[0163] 53. A gas sample collection bag according to any one of the one or more bag outlets, wherein one or each of the bag outlets is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the bag inlet.

[0164] 54. A gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 46-53, wherein one or more bag outlets and one or each of the bag inlets are located on different surfaces of the bag body.

[0165] 55. A gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 46-54, wherein one or more outlets and one or each of the inlets are located on the same surface as the bag body.

[0166] 56. The gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 46-55, wherein the bag body is rectangular or square when contracted.

[0167] 57. The gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 46-56, wherein the bag body is heat-sealed on three sides.

[0168] 58. The gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 46-57, wherein the bag body is heat-sealed on all sides except one.

[0169] 59. A gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 57-58, wherein one or each of the heat-sealed sides of the bag body is impermeable to one or more volatile organic compounds.

[0170] 60. The bag body comprises a folded sheet, as described in any one of the clauses 46-58.

[0171] 61. The gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 46-60, wherein the material of the bag body comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and / or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

[0172] 62. The gas sample collection bag according to any one of the clauses 46-61, wherein the material of the bag body is impermeable to one or more volatile organic compounds.

Claims

1. A device, One or more apparatus inlets for attaching one or more gas sample capture tubes, The device outlet and To draw in a gas sample or a portion thereof through one or more device inlets, and to release the contents of the gas sample or a portion thereof through the device outlet, an electric pump connected to one or more device inlets, One or more sensors connected to the inlet of the device, the pump, and / or the outlet of the device via one or more air tubes, A user interface with a display, Non-temporary memory configured to store executable instructions, The system comprises the pump, one or more sensors, the user interface, and a microcontroller that communicates with the non-temporary memory, The aforementioned microcontroller is The default gas sample capture flow rate and default gas sample capture time are displayed on the display. The user interface receives the selected gas sample capture flow rate and the selected gas sample capture time. A message is displayed on the display indicating that one or more gas sample capture tubes are to be attached to one or more device inlets and gas sample collection containers. From the aforementioned user interface, input is received to proceed. The pump is activated to transfer the contents or a portion thereof from the gas sample collection container through the one or more gas sample capture tubes from the device via the device outlet to the device via the one or more device inlets at a gas sample capture flow rate selected for the selected gas sample capture time, thereby capturing one or more compounds or a portion thereof from the contents of the gas sample collection container on the one or more gas sample capture tubes. A device programmed by the aforementioned executable instructions to perform the action.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gas sample collection container is a gas sample collection bag.

3. The aforementioned microcontroller is A message is displayed on the display requesting that the gas sample be collected through the bag opening of the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time, and / or The display shows a countdown of the remaining gas sample collection time. The apparatus according to claim 2, further programmed by executable instructions that perform the same action.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the gas sample comprises one or more volatile organic compounds (VOCs), thereby capturing one or more or a portion of the VOCs in the contents of the collected gas sample collection bag onto the one or more gas sample capture tubes.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas sample comprises a breath sample of the subject.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas sample comprises an air sample.

7. The device comprises one or more valves that communicate with the microcontroller, Each of the one or more valves in the open state allows the gas sample to enter the apparatus through one or more of the one or more apparatus inlets controlled by the valve. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the one or more valves in a closed state prevents the gas sample from entering the apparatus through one or more of the one or more apparatus inlets controlled by the valve.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2-7, wherein each of the one or more gas sample capture tubes comprises a first tube opening for attachment to one of the one or more apparatus inlets and a second tube opening for attachment to one of the one or more bag outlets of the gas sample collection bag.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein one or each of the one or more bag outlets is perpendicular to the bag inlet.

10. The aforementioned gas sample collection bag comprises a bag body, The bag opening comprises an opening assembly comprising a threaded opening pipe, an opening sealing washer, and an opening snap ring, wherein the threaded opening pipe is attached to the opening hole of the bag body by the opening sealing washer and the opening snap ring. Each of the one or more bag outlets comprises an outlet assembly comprising a threaded outlet pipe, an outlet sealing washer, and an outlet snap ring, wherein the threaded outlet pipe is attached to the outlet hole of the bag body by the outlet sealing washer and the outlet snap ring. The inlet assembly includes an inlet cap to prevent the gas sample from entering or leaving the gas sample collection bag. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein the outlet assembly comprises an outlet cap for preventing the gas sample from entering or leaving the gas sample collection bag.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the one or more gas sample capture tubes comprises one or more thermal desorption tubes.

12. The aforementioned microcontroller is A message is displayed on the display to remove any of the gas sample capture tubes attached to the one or more device inlets from the one or more device inlets. We receive input to continue. During the purge time, the electric pump is operated at the purge flow rate, and the remaining purge time is displayed on the display. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3-11, which is programmed by the executable instructions that perform the action.

13. The aforementioned microcontroller is Generate sample identification information, The sample identification information is displayed on the display. I will receive input to continue. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3-12, which is programmed by the executable instructions that perform the action.

14. The aforementioned microcontroller is A message requesting sample identification information is displayed on the display. The sample identification information is received. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3-12, which is programmed by the executable instructions that perform the action.

15. The aforementioned microcontroller is The electric pump is operated to transfer the contents of the gas sample collection bag through one or more gas sample capture tubes. Receiving sensor information from one or more of the aforementioned sensors, The sensor information or a portion thereof is displayed on the display. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3-14, which is programmed by the executable instructions that perform the action.

16. The aforementioned microcontroller is A link relationship is generated between the sensor information and the sample identification information. The sensor information, or a part thereof, the sample identification information, and / or the link relationship are stored in the non-temporary memory and / or removable memory. The sensor information, or a part thereof, the sample identification information, and / or the link relationship are transmitted to the computing device. The apparatus according to claim 15, which is programmed by the executable instructions that perform the action.

17. The default gas sample capture flow rate is between 5 ml / min and 2000 ml / min. The selected gas sample capture flow rate is from 5 ml / min to 2000 ml / min, and / or The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the purge flow rate is from 5 ml / min to 2000 ml / min.

18. The default gas sample capture time is 1 to 5 minutes. The selected gas sample capture time is 1 to 5 minutes, and / or The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the purging time is 10 to 60 seconds.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2-18, wherein the volume of the gas sample collected in the gas sample collection bag is 2.5 liters, and / or the volume of the gas sample collected in the gas sample collection bag passing through one or more gas sample capture tubes is 2 liters.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein the gas sample collection time is 5 to 20 seconds.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2-20, wherein the volume of the gas sample collected in the gas sample collection bag during the gas sample collection time is expected to be 2.5 liters.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7-21, wherein the one or more valves comprises one or more solenoid valves.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein one or each of the one or more air tubes is rigid, semi-rigid, or elastic.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the material of one or each of the one or more air tubes is latex, rubber, silicone, or a combination thereof.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 or 24, wherein the sensors among the one or more sensors are connected sequentially.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 or 25, wherein each of the one or more sensors, other than the sensor connected to the electric pump and the sensor connected to the outlet of the apparatus, is connected to two of the one or more sensors.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the one or more sensors comprises a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor, a humidity sensor, or a combination thereof.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2-26, wherein the sensor connected to the electric pump is a flow sensor.

29. A method for capturing one or more compounds in a gaseous sample using the apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. A series of instructions are programmed into a microcontroller, The microcontroller is programmed by executable instructions to display the default volatile organic compound (VOC) capture flow rate and default VOC capture time on the display, and the microcontroller displays the default VOC capture flow rate and default VOC capture time on the display. The user interface receives the selected VOC capture flow rate and the selected VOC capture time. A message is displayed to attach one or more VOC capture tubes to one or more device inlets and VOC collection bags of a device for capturing VOCs, and the microcontroller is programmed by executable instructions to display the message on the display. The one or more VOC capture tubes are attached to the one or more device inlets and VOC collection bags. From the aforementioned user interface, input is received to proceed. The electric pump of the apparatus is operated to transfer the contents of the VOC collection bag through the one or more VOC capture tubes, from the apparatus via the apparatus outlet to the apparatus via the one or more apparatus inlets, at the selected collection flow rate and for the selected capture time, thereby capturing one or more VOCs of the contents of the VOC collection bag on the one or more VOC capture tubes. A method for capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that possess the following properties.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the contents of the VOC collection bag comprise a breath sample collected from a patient.

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein the contents of the VOC collection bag comprise an environmental VOC sample.

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