Abstract:
A breath tester housing assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a housing having a base to be gripped by an operator, a display oriented to be in line with an operator&#39;s direct line of view while gripping the base, and a mouthpiece interface for interfacing with a removable mouthpiece so that when a subject blows into the mouthpiece, the display is not in the direct line of view of the subject. The assembly further comprises a mouthpiece for engaging to the mouthpiece interface. The mouthpiece comprises a body having a substantially planar surface.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/462,122 filed on Apr. 10, 2003 and 60/525,423 filed on Nov. 26, 2003, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to breath testing devices, and more specifically, to a housing for a handheld breath tester. 
   Breath testing devices typically are used by police officers when assessing whether a driver has consumed an amount of alcohol in excess of the legal limit in that particular jurisdiction. Police officers have several concerns when performing an alcohol breath test, including safety. For safety reasons, an officer typically would prefer positioning himself in a sideways stance relative to the subject, and hold the breath testing device in one hand, i.e., hold the device using only his non-weapon hand outstretched towards the subject. In this position, a potentially belligerent subject is kept at arm&#39;s length and at the opposite side of the officer&#39;s weapon, so the subject cannot grab the officer or any of his equipment. Also, the officer&#39;s other hand is kept free and accessible to his gun or other non-lethal weapons that may be needed. 
   When in this position, the officer also can keep his face comfortably turned on the subject to observe the subject throughout the entire test. Specifically, there are generally subject-blowing cues on the display that the officer needs to observe while also observing the subject. 
   Further, during a test, a subject should not be able to view the device display. If the subject can view the display during a test, the subject may try to manipulate the manner of blowing, which may diminish the ability of the officer to get the best breath test result. Also, the subject&#39;s discard breath should not be directed at the officer for health reasons. 
   Breath testing devices typically include a removable mouthpiece. For health reasons, a new mouthpiece is used for each subject. Since much alcohol breath testing is done at night under less than ideal lighting conditions, the mouthpiece should mount to the housing in an easy and intuitive manner. Traditionally, mouthpieces have holes in the side of them, which are required to align with ports on the instrument housing. One port is provided so that breath is drawn into the internal fuel cell sensor and another port may be used to measure pressure in the mouthpiece for flow measurement of the breath. These ports mate with the holes in the mouthpiece with an airtight seal for proper instrument performance. Before starting a test, a clean mouthpiece must be oriented and lined up so the holes align properly with the ports and then pushed straight on. This is not always easily done under less than ideal lighting conditions. Also, the manner in which the mouthpiece is mounted is not necessarily intuitive and may require the officer&#39;s close observation. 
   Traditionally, handheld breath testers have the entire operator interface, including the display, on a broad face of the instrument. The interface also typically includes actuator buttons necessary for instrument operation, e.g., a “manual” sample button. The natural grip on these instruments is such that the officer can hold the unit in his hand and read the display and operate the buttons. The mouthpiece generally mounts on the top of the instrument such that the subject breath travels from left to right as one faces the display. 
   With many known handheld breath testers, the mouthpiece is parallel to the top of the instrument housing, which has a rectangular shape. No matter how the instrument is held by the officer, the display is substantially flat and is viewed at right angles to the run of the mouthpiece so that during use, the display and the mouthpiece are at roughly the same elevation with respect to the officer. Due to the straight mouthpiece, the mouthpiece extends from the subject&#39;s mouth perpendicular to the plane of the subject&#39;s face. This relative positioning works against natural viewing of the display by the officer and makes it more difficult for the officer to watch both the display and the subject easily and naturally. 
   With known breath testers, and to maintain the display in view of the officer, the officer typically stands to the side of the subject. In this position, the officer compromises his ability to keep the subject in plain view in front of him and is positioned less than a full arm&#39;s length from the subject. The subject also has some opportunity to view the display. If the officer moves away from the subject, this compromises the officer&#39;s view of the display and the subject&#39;s discard breath may be directed towards the officer. 
   Some known devices provide a mouthpiece that swivels on the top of the device housing so that the officer can stand in front of the subject, however, the officer is not able to stand in a sideways stance relative to the subject. Further, in this position, the subject&#39;s discard breath is directed toward officer. Other known devices direct the subject&#39;s breath out the back of the instrument, however, such devices do not enable an officer to directly view the display while in a sideways stance. 
   Also, known handheld breath testers generally are designed to be held in the right hand of the officer with the subject blowing into the mouthpiece from the left. Left-handed officers generally hold the instrument in their right hand. If the officer holds the device in his left hand, it is nearly impossible for the officer to view the display while the subject has opportunity to view the display. 
   Some known devices provide that the mouthpiece can be mounted to the top of the device housing in two ways to facilitate left or right hand use. However, neither mounting allows the officer to stand in a sideways stance while viewing of subject and display nor directs the subject&#39;s discard breath away from the officer while the officer tries to administer the test in a sideways stance. Further, it is not necessarily intuitive as to how to mount the mouthpiece for best left or right hand use. 
   Some known breath testers allow an officer to take a manual sample instead of an automatic sample. Specifically, a manual sample is taken by the officer depressing a button on the device rather than having the device automatically determine a time at which to take the sample. A manual sample may be taken if a subject has a lung impairment or is being belligerent. To effectively take a manual sample, the officer must be keenly observing the subject and the instrument display in order to judge the situation so that in real time, he may make the decision to take the sample. If the officer does not select an appropriate time to take the sample, the officer may lose his best opportunity to get a reading at all. Known instruments do not enable both manual and automatic samples with officer standing in the position described above. 
   BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In one aspect, a breath tester housing is provided. The housing comprises a base to be gripped by an operator, a display oriented to be in line with an operator&#39;s direct line of view while gripping the base, and a mouthpiece interface for interfacing with a removable mouthpiece so that when a subject blows into the mouthpiece, the display is not in the direct line of view of the subject. 
   In another aspect, a mouthpiece for a breath tester is provided. The mouthpiece includes a first end, a second end, and a body extending therebetween. The body has a substantially D-shaped cross-sectional shape. One of the body first end and second end is closed, and the remaining body end is open to enable a subject being tested to blow air into the tube. The body includes at least one port for channeling air blown into the mouthpiece therethrough. 
   In yet another aspect, a breath tester housing assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a housing having a base to be gripped by an operator, a display oriented to be in line with an operator&#39;s direct line of view while gripping the base, and a mouthpiece interface for interfacing with a removable mouthpiece so that when a subject blows into the mouthpiece, the display is not in the direct line of view of the subject. The assembly further comprises a mouthpiece for engaging to the mouthpiece interface. The mouthpiece comprises a body having a substantially planar surface. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a hand-held breath testing device housing assembly, including a housing and a mouthpiece coupled to the housing in a testing position; 
       FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the housing assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a rear view of the housing assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of the housing assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the housing shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the mouthpiece shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective top view of the mouthpiece shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the mouthpiece shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective bottom view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of a mouthpiece that may be used with the housing shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective top view of the portion of the mouthpiece shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a passive sampling cup that may be used with the housing shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of an alternative housing that may be used with the breath testing housing assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   An exemplary embodiment of a breath testing device housing assembly  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . Assembly  10  includes a mouthpiece  12  and a housing  14 . Specifically,  FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of breath testing device housing  14  including a mouthpiece  12  coupled thereto in a testing position, and  FIG. 2  is an opposite rear perspective view of housing assembly  10 .  FIG. 3  is a rear view of housing assembly  10 , and  FIG. 4  is a front view of housing assembly  10 .  FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of housing  14 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  are perspective bottom and top views, respectively, of mouthpiece  12 , and  FIG. 8  is a side view of mouthpiece  12 . 
   Breath testing device housing  14  includes a mouthpiece interface  16 . Housing  14  is symmetrically-formed and includes a pair of opposed sidewalls  20  and  22  that are connected together along a front edge  24  and an axially-spaced rear edge  26 , such that a cavity is defined therebetween. Electronic components of the breath testing device are housed within housing  14 . Sidewalls  20  and  22  form a base  28  for housing  14  and each extends radially between a top surface  30  and a bottom surface  32 . In the exemplary embodiment, housing base  28  has a substantially elliptical cross-sectional profile. In alternative embodiments, housing base  28  has a non-elliptical cross-sectional profile. 
   The elliptical profile of housing base  28  facilitates housing assembly  10  being gripped in an operator&#39;s hand such that a thumb of the operator or officer performing the breath test is positioned generally against front edge  24 , while the remaining fingers of the operator are positioned generally against rear edge  26 . Moreover, because housing  14  is symmetrical, housing assembly base  28  accommodates both right- or left-handed operator use. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, each sidewall  20  and  22  extends arcuately between front and rear edges  24  and  26 . Moreover, bottom surface  32  is substantially planar, and extends substantially perpendicularly between sidewalls  20  and  22 , and between front and rear edges  24  and  26 , respectively. Top surface  30  also extends between sidewalls  20  and  22 , and extends obliquely between edges  24  and  26  with respect to bottom surface  32 . Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, front edge  24  has a height h 1  measured between top and bottom surfaces  30  and  32 , respectively, that is less than a height h 2  of rear edge  26 . In an alternative embodiment, rear edge  24  and front edge  26  each have approximately the same height. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, mouthpiece interface  16  is defined within top surface  30  and includes a pair of opposed sidewalls  40  and  42  that are spaced apart such that a receiver or channel  44  is defined therebetween. In alternative embodiments, mouthpiece interface  16  may have other cross-sectional profiles or configurations that enable mouthpiece interface  16  to receive a mouthpiece  12  in sealing contact such that mouthpiece  12  and mouthpiece interface  16  function as described herein. Channel  44  is also bordered by a bottom surface  46  and a rear wall  48  that each extend between channel sidewalls  40  and  42 . Bottom surface  46  is substantially planar and includes a pair of ports  50  and  52 . In alternative embodiments, bottom surface  46  is non-planar and has a contour that substantially conforms to at least a portion of mouthpiece  12 , as described in more detail below. Ports  50  and  52  extend radially into breath tester housing  14  for channeling air towards the breath testing device components housed within housing  14 . Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, port  52  provides airflow into, for example, a fuel cell for sampling, and port  50  provides airflow to a flow sensor. The sensor may be, but is not limited to being, a flow meter, a pressure sensor and/or a thermistor. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, mouthpiece interface  16  also includes a lens  56  in at least one channel sidewall  40  and/or  42  that enables light to pass from an interior of housing  14  into channel  44  to partially illuminate channel  44 . In other embodiments, mouthpiece interface  16  includes an opening rather than lens  56 , and light simply passes through the opening into channel  44 . Of course, more than one lens  56  or more than one opening can be used to illuminate channel  46 . In another alternative embodiment, mouthpiece interface  16  includes a light source (not shown) that may be selectively activated to illuminate at least a portion of channel  44 . In a further alternative embodiment, any of sidewalls  40  or  42 , rear wall  48 , and/or bottom surface  46  may be formed with a lens, an opening, and/or with a light source. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, mouthpiece interface  16  is positioned such that channel bottom surface  46  is obliquely oriented with respect to housing bottom surface  32 . In other embodiments, mouthpiece interface is positioned to receive channel bottom surface  46  in other orientations with respect to housing  14 , such as for example, parallel to top surface  30 . More specifically, as described in more detail below, when looking at the broad face of housing sidewall  22 , mouthpiece interface channel bottom surface  46  rises from left to right. 
   Channel rear wall  48  extends arcuately between channel sidewalls  40  and  42  such that rear wall  48  forms a rounded inner wall, or dead end, that facilitates receiving and aligning mouthpiece  12  within channel  44 , as is described in more detail below. Channel  44  has a width W and a length L, and is substantially centered between housing sidewalls  20  and  22 . In the exemplary embodiment, channel width W is sized approximately the same as, or slightly smaller than, a corresponding width W 1  of mouthpiece  12 , and length L is approximately the same length as a corresponding length L 1  of a coupling portion  60  of mouthpiece  12 . Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, channel  44  is sized to receive mouthpiece  12 , as described in more detail below, in a “snap-fit”, and in a proper orientation, such that once mouthpiece  12  is removably coupled within channel  44 , sealing contact is created between mouthpiece  12  and channel bottom surface  46 . 
   More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, mouthpiece interface  16  is formed from molded plastic, such that as mouthpiece  12  is inserted within channel  44 , sidewalls  40  and  42  flex outwardly, and are then returned to their original position around the rounded profile of mouthpiece  12 . Accordingly, a spring-like force induced by sidewalls  40  and  42  facilitates retaining mouthpiece  12  within interface  16 . In an alternative embodiment, sidewalls  40  and  42  are substantially rigid and rather at least a portion of mouthpiece interface  16  is flexible and deformable during insertion of mouthpiece  12  within channel  44 . To facilitate additional retention of mouthpiece  12  within interface, in the exemplary embodiment, sidewalls  40  and  42  are formed slightly rounded such that each extends arcuately upward from channel bottom  46 . Alternatively, other cross-sectional profiles may be defined by channel sidewalls  40  and  42 , and bottom surface  46 . 
   Housing  14  also includes at least one actuator  70  and a display  72 . More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, housing  14  includes a light illumination actuator  74  and a manual sample actuator  76 . In the exemplary embodiment, actuators  70 ,  74 , and  76  are depressible buttons. In an alternative embodiment, actuator  74  may be positioned immediately below and adjacent to display  72 . Manual sample actuator  76  is centered along housing rear edge  26 , and display  72  is centered opposite sample actuator  76  and along front edge  24 . Alternatively, either actuator  70  and/or display  72  may be offset from a respective housing edge  26  or  24 . It should also be noted that in alternative embodiments, optics or other technology could be used to place the effective display as described, whereas the true display may be remote from that location. Moreover, in another embodiment, actuators  70  may be positioned along sidewalls  20  and/or  22 . In the exemplary embodiment, depressing manual sample actuator  76  enables an operator performing a breath test to take a manual sample, rather than an automatic sample. Display  72  enables the results of breath testing to be visually displayed to the operator during the breath testing. Depressing light illumination actuator  74  causes display  72  to be internally illuminated during a breath test, and also causes at least a portion of channel  44  to be at least partially illuminated when mouthpiece  12  is being coupled within interface  16 . In an alternative embodiment, mouthpiece interface  16  does not include lens  56 , and rather, light at least partially illuminates channel  44  through any of sidewalls  40  or  42 , rear wall  48 , and/or bottom surface  46 , or through interfaces defined adjacent walls  40 ,  42 ,  48 , or  46  within channel  44 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, mouthpiece  12  is a hollow tube that includes coupling portion  60 , an insertion portion  80 , and a substantially cylindrical portion  81  extending therebetween. Alternatively, mouthpiece  12  may be any configuration or device, and is not limited to being a tubular configuration, that facilitates channeling a subject&#39;s breath into housing  14  and towards a sensor, as described herein. As described above, coupling portion length L 1  enables mouthpiece  12 , as described in more detail below, to be fully inserted within interface  16 . Insertion portion  80  is hollow and provides an airflow passage that is inserted in a person&#39;s mouth being tested. In the exemplary embodiment, a stop  84  extends radially outward from an outer surface  85  of mouthpiece  12  and limits the amount of mouthpiece  12  that may be inserted within the person&#39;s mouth. More specifically, insertion portion  80  extends from stop  84  to an inlet end  86  of mouthpiece  12 . In the exemplary embodiment, insertion portion  80  has a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. In alternative embodiments, mouthpiece  12  does not include stop  84 . It should be noted that mouthpiece insertion portion  80  is not limited to having a substantially circular cross-sectional profile, but rather, insertion portion  80  may be any shape or configuration that facilitates channeling air from the subject towards coupling portion  80 , such as, but not limited to a reed-like configuration, and/or a non-circular cross-sectional profile. 
   Coupling portion  60  is also hollow and extends from body portion  81  to a radially inner end  90  of mouthpiece  12 . Inner end  90  is rounded and is sealed such that airflow entering inlet end  86  is channeled through a pair of ports  94  and  96  into channel ports  50  and  52  and into the breath testing device. Coupling portion  60  has a cross-sectional profile that substantially mirrors at least a portion of the cross-sectional profile defined within at least a portion of channel  44 . As such, coupling portion  60  is essentially “murphy-proofed” such that the cross-sectional profile of portion  60  facilitates mouthpiece  12  being received only in the proper orientation within channel  44 . Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, coupling portion  60  includes a radially inner surface  100  that is substantially planar, such that in the exemplary embodiment, coupling portion  60  has a substantially D-shaped cross-sectional profile. It should be noted that coupling portion  60  is not limited to having a substantially D-shaped cross-sectional profile, but rather, coupling portion  60  may have cross-sectional shape that enables coupling portion  60  to function as described herein, such as, but not limited to a substantially circular cross-sectional profile, and/or a frusto-conical cross-sectional profile. Specifically, the combination of the cross-sectional profiles of coupling portion  60  and channel  44 , and the substantially mating contours of coupling portion  60  and channel bottom surface  46 , facilitates sealing contact being maintained between coupling portion  60  and channel bottom surface  46  when mouthpiece  12  is coupled within interface  16 . In an alternative embodiment, mouthpiece  12  and channel bottom surface  46  are in contact such that sealing contact is created between sidewalls defining ports  50  and  52  and mouthpiece ports  94  and  96 , respectively. 
   Coupling portion  60  also includes a discard breath port  110  that discharges discarded breath from the breath testing device. More specifically, and as described in more detail below, the combination of channel  44  and coupling portion  60  enables mouthpiece  12  to be oriented such that the test subject&#39;s discarded breath is not discharged through port  110  towards the operator performing the breath testing. In an alternative embodiment, discard breath port  110  could be located, but is not limited to being located, anywhere along a side, top, or bottom of mouthpiece  12 . 
   During use, initially a detachable mouthpiece  12  is coupled to housing  14 . The method of mouthpiece insertion is intuitive to the operator without the use of a manifold and clearly snaps into a “home” or “testing” position with no ambiguity. The instrument mouthpiece receiver  44  is dead-ended, and the mouthpiece  12  itself has a blunt closed end  90 , which is simply placed against the dead end  48  of receiver  44 . Because channel  44  is rounded at wall  48 , as is mouthpiece end  90 , mouthpiece  12 , although D-shaped in cross section, can only be pivotally coupled within channel  44  in one orientation with respect to housing  14 . More specifically, because mouthpiece end  90  is rounded or “toe-shaped”, once mouthpiece  12  is coupled within receiver  44 , mouthpiece  12  can be rotated downward without end  90  coming out of channel  44 . In other words, once mouthpiece end  90  is coupled within receiver  44  and adjacent dead end  48 , mouthpiece end  90  is trapped in a loose, but effective pivot. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, lighting in receiver  44  facilitates reducing ambiguity in inserting mouthpiece  12  during testing in poorly illuminated ambient conditions. 
   Mouthpiece  12  is then pivoted downward towards housing channel  44 , such that ports  94  and  96  are aligned with, and engage channel ports  50  and  52  as mouthpiece  12  is coupled into housing channel  44 . More specifically, although the ports  50  and  52  on the housing mate with the mouthpiece ports  94  and  96  at an angle (due to the pivoting action), the substantially planar bottom surfaces of mouthpiece  12  and channel  44  facilitates sealing between the ports  50  and  94 , and between ports  52  and  96 . Moreover, since the mouthpiece  12  has a D-shaped cross-sectional profile, orientation is intuitive. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, because channel sidewalls  40  and  42  are rounded past center, when mouthpiece  12  nears the end of its pivoting motion, it forces sidewalls  40  and  42  outward, working against the spring force of the molded plastic sidewalls, and then snaps within channel  44 , walls  40  and  42  return to their original position and extend somewhat around the rounded mouthpiece  12 . In an alternative embodiment, sidewalls  40  and  42  are substantially rigid and rather mouthpiece insertion portion  80  is flexible and deformable during insertion of mouthpiece  12  within channel  44 . 
   When the mouthpiece  12  is in the subject&#39;s mouth, the mouthpiece  12  exits the mouth at a right angle to the plane of the subject&#39;s face, and as such the display  72  is tipped up towards the eyes of the officer. Thus, when the officer holds assembly  10  in the natural and intuitive manner in the subject&#39;s mouth, the officer is easily able to keep the subject in plain view while comfortably monitoring display  72  at the same time. Moreover, because housing  14  includes a display  72  and actuators  70  that are along the same axis, the display  72  and actuators  70  are also aligned with the operator&#39;s or officer&#39;s view while holding assembly  10  in the intuitive and natural position. Moreover, unlike other known devices, display  72  and actuators  70  are on the edges  24  and  26  of assembly. Accordingly, when assembly  10  is held in the natural and intuitive manner in an outstretched arm, display  72  is directly in the line-of-sight of the officer, and mouthpiece  12  points to the subject, thus accommodating the officer&#39;s need to be in the preferred position while administering the breath test. More specifically, the display  72  and subject being tested are both in line and in his view, one in front of the other. As such, the subject cannot see the display  72 , and the breath discharged from the mouthpiece  12  is channeled upward through discard breath port  110 , such that the subject&#39;s discard breath is not directed at the officer. 
   In addition, because housing  14  is symmetrical, housing  14  accommodates both right or left handed use. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of mouthpiece  12  and channel  44  enables mouthpiece  12  to only mount one way in an intuitive manner, whether housing  14  is grabbed with the operator&#39;s left or right hand. Accordingly, the natural and intuitive way to hold assembly  10  in either case is with the arm outstretched, mouthpiece  12  pointed toward the subject, and display  72  pointed towards the officer and tipped up towards the officer&#39;s eyes. 
   Manual sample actuator  76  is located on housing edge  26  and is opposite display  72 . It should be noted that alternatively, manual actuator  76  could be repositioned to be made to naturally operate with a finger other than the operator&#39;s forefinger. 
   Thus, while the officer is standing with subject and display  72  in his direct field of view, he may at any time press manual actuator  76  with his forefinger without compromising or slacking his grip in any way. This allows for a complete one-handed use that is natural and intuitive whether using the left or right hand to take a manual sample. The manual sample actuator  76 , and any other actuator  70 , can be located on either edge  24  or  26  of housing  14 , such that the actuators  70  are positioned to provide for a true right/left-handed use of the instrument. Of course, in alternative embodiments, the actuators and/or the functions associated with each actuator can vary from the example embodiment described herein. 
   When testing is completed, the mouthpiece  12  is removed and discarded. To facilitate removal of the mouthpiece  12  from housing  14 , in one embodiment, a mouthpiece ejector is utilized to displace the mouthpiece from the home position. For example, the mouthpiece ejector could be, but is not limited to being, spring loaded or biased with a release, that is selectively operable either manually, or by depressing an actuator. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, because mouthpiece  12  extends outwardly from housing  14 , mouthpiece inlet end  86  may be tapped against a generally solid surface, such as, for example, a roof of a car, a table, or a leg of the tester&#39;s leg, to forcibly eject mouthpiece  12  from housing  14  without requiring an operator to physically touch the unsanitary mouthpiece inlet end  86 . More specifically, when such an action is taken, mouthpiece  12  rotates out of position in a rotational direction that is opposite the direction of rotation of mouthpiece  12  during insertion of mouthpiece  12  within housing  14 , without inducing any undue pressure to inlets  50  and  52 , and without damaging housing  14 . 
     FIG. 9  is a perspective bottom view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of a mouthpiece  200  that may be used with housing  14 , and  FIG. 10  is a perspective top view of mouthpiece  200 . Mouthpiece  200  is substantially similar to mouthpiece  12  shown in  FIGS. 6-8  and components in mouthpiece  200  that are identical to components of mouthpiece  12  are identified in  FIGS. 9 and 10  using the same reference numerals used in  FIGS. 6-8 . Specifically, mouthpiece  200  includes insertion portion  80  that extends from mouthpiece inlet end  86  to a coupling portion  202 . Coupling portion  202  is substantially similar to coupling portion  60  (shown in  FIGS. 6-8 ) and has a substantially D-shaped cross-sectional profile. In alternative embodiments, coupling portion  202  has other cross-sectional profiles, such as, but not limited to, a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional profile. 
     FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a passive sampling cup  210  that may be used with housing assembly  10  (shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ). Portions of passive sampling cup  210  are substantially similar to portions of mouthpiece  12  shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . Passive sampling cup  210  is used for passive testing and includes a funnel portion  212  that extends outward from a coupling portion  214 . Coupling portion  214  is substantially similar to coupling portion  60  (shown in  FIGS. 6-8 ) and has a length L 1  that enables coupling portion  214  to be coupled within interface  16 . Similarly to coupling portion  60 , coupling portion  214  is also hollow and extends from funnel portion  212  to a radially inner end  216  of passive sampling cup  210 . Inner end  216  is rounded and is sealed such that airflow entering funnel portion  212  is channeled through a pair of ports  220  and  222  into channel ports  50  and  52  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and into the breath testing device. In addition, waster air is discharged from sampling cup  210  through a waste air port  224  that facilitates ensuring that a flow of sample air is maintained into funnel portion  212 . Coupling portion  214  also includes a radially outer surface  230  that facilitates a snap fit between passive sampling cup  210  and channel  44 . In alternative embodiments, coupling portion  214  is formed with other cross-sectional profiles. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, coupling portion  214  also includes an alignment tab  240  that facilitates orienting sampling cup  210  with respect to assembly  10 . More specifically, tab  240  ensures that cup  210  can only be coupled to assembly  10  such that ports  50  and  52  are properly aligned with respect to cup  210 . In the exemplary embodiment, when coupling portion  214  is coupled to assembly  10 , tab  240  extends along housing edge  26 . 
     FIG. 12  is a side view of an alternative housing  300  that may be used with breath testing housing assembly  10  (shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ) Housing  300  is substantially similar to housing  14  (shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ) and components in housing  300  that are identical to components of housing  14  are identified in  FIG. 12  using the same reference numerals used in  FIGS. 1-5 . Housing  300  is symmetrical and includes sidewalls  20  and  22  and a mouthpiece interface  302 . Sidewalls  20  and  22  extends radially between a top surface  304  and bottom surface  32 . Top surface  304  extends between sidewalls  20  and  22 , and extends obliquely between edges  24  and  26  with respect to bottom surface  32 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, mouthpiece interface  302  is positioned such that channel bottom surface  46  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) is obliquely oriented with respect to housing bottom surface  32 , and is substantially parallel to top surface  30 . More specifically, when looking at the broad face of housing sidewall  22 , mouthpiece interface channel bottom surface  46  rises from left to right. 
   Exemplary embodiments of breath testing housing assemblies are described above in detail. The assemblies are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each assembly may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. For example, there are a variety of ways to shape a mouthpiece such that it has a blunt, closed end that is easily oriented in a pivot, such that its movement is angular as it approaches the instrument ports, has a substantially planar surface around the mating holes, and snaps into the “home” position. Accordingly, the mouthpiece could be partially V-shaped in cross section for orientation during insertion into the pivot as well as to facilitate movement past the side walls of the mouthpiece receiver. Moreover, there could be a substantially planar area at the bottom of the “V” in order to facilitate sealing on the ports. In such an embodiment, the receiver walls may not extend arcuately from the receiver bottom surface. 
   In addition, although in the described embodiment, the angular movement of the mouthpiece is in a substantially vertical plane when the instrument is in the upright position, in alternative embodiments, the mouthpiece could be moved in a horizontal plane or at some other angular orientation as well. Furthermore, instead of the “toe” of the mouthpiece being the direct pivot point, alternate pivot points could be formed on the sides of the mouthpiece, and/or fitted to a shape on the receiver, in order to get the same type of angular mouthpiece movement. 
   Furthermore, although the mouthpiece is described has having only two ports, in alternative embodiments, the mouthpiece could have more or less than two ports depending on the desired application. Moreover, the second port does not have to be a pressure port, but rather the second port could be used to allow air to flow to a thermistor mounted to a pin that extends into the mouthpiece to measure flow, while remaining sealed around the pin. In addition, there could be similar ports for measuring breath temperature or some other relevant phenomenon. 
   While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.