Patent Publication Number: US-2022236145-A1

Title: System and method for containment of aerosol particles

Description:
The present application claims the priority benefit from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/140,409, filed Jan. 22, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to a system configured to capture aerosolized particles from a gas and minimize user exposure to the particles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is generally appreciated that systems exist for the collection of aerosolized particles from air, examples of which are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,435,043; 6,769,316; 6,867,413; and 6,898,990, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. In general, the systems collect the aerosolized particles onto substrate material that then must be manually handled to remove for subsequent particle analysis. 
     It is also appreciated that some particles, particularly some types of biological material such as viral particles, may pose a health risk to individuals that come into contact with them. Further, manual contact with the substrate may add a source of contamination that will affect results intended to reflect to content of the particles in the sampled gas while also potentially exposing the system operator to hazardous materials. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a solution to remove and isolate the substrate material for particle analysis without the risk to the health of individuals as well as to sample integrity. 
     SUMMARY 
     Systems, methods, and products to address these and other needs are described herein with respect to illustrative, non-limiting, implementations. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents are possible. 
     An embodiment of a system is described that, comprises a containment assembly comprising a receptacle configured to hold a substrate, wherein the containment assembly is configured to extend the receptacle from a housing and retract receptacle into the housing; and an aerosol collector comprising a sample chamber, wherein the aerosol collector is configured to operatively couple to the containment assembly and receive the extended receptacle with the substrate in the sample compartment. 
     In some cases, the substrate is constructed of polyurethane foam and may be removeable from the receptacle. Also, the containment assembly may include a plunger mechanism configured to extend the receptacle from the housing and retract receptacle into the housing and may threadingly couple to the aerosol collector. In some instances, the housing can also threadingly couple to a cap. 
     The sample chamber may further be fluidically coupled to an inlet and an outlet, where the sample chamber is configured to receive a gas flow from the inlet and exhaust the gas flow through the outlet. The inlet may also direct the gas to an impactor, where the impactor focuses the gas flow on to the substrate. Further, the gas flow may have particles, that are captured on a substrate configured to capture the particles. In some cases, the particles are virus particles. 
     Also, an embodiment of a method is described that comprises unsealing a containment assembly; coupling the containment assembly to an aerosol collector; extending a receptacle comprising a substrate into a sample chamber in the aerosol collector; exposing the substrate to a sample gas flow, wherein the sample gas flow deposits particles on the substrate; retracting the substrate into the containment assembly; decoupling the containment assembly from the aerosol collector; and sealing the containment assembly. 
     In some cases, the substrate is constructed of polyurethane foam and may be removeable from the receptacle. Also, the containment assembly may include a plunger mechanism configured to extend the receptacle from the housing and retract receptacle into the housing and may threadingly couple to the aerosol collector. In some instances, the housing can also threadingly couple to a cap. 
     The sample chamber may further be fluidically coupled to an inlet and an outlet, where the sample chamber is configured to receive a gas flow from the inlet and exhaust the gas flow through the outlet. The inlet may also direct the gas to an impactor, where the impactor focuses the gas flow on to the substrate. Further, the gas flow may have particles, that are captured on a substrate configured to capture the particles. In some cases, the particles are virus particles. 
     The above embodiments and implementations are not necessarily inclusive or exclusive of each other and may be combined in any manner that is non-conflicting and otherwise possible, whether they are presented in association with a same, or a different, embodiment or implementation. The description of one embodiment or implementation is not intended to be limiting with respect to other embodiments and/or implementations. Also, any one or more function, step, operation, or technique described elsewhere in this specification may, in alternative implementations, be combined with any one or more function, step, operation, or technique described in the summary. Thus, the above embodiment and implementations are illustrative rather than limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and further features will be more clearly appreciated from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like structures, elements, or method steps and the leftmost digit of a reference numeral indicates the number of the figure in which the references element first appears (for example, element  110  appears first in  FIG. 1 ). All of these conventions, however, are intended to be typical or illustrative, rather than limiting. 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of an aerosol collector instrument, with a sampling system, and is in communication with a computer; 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified graphical representation of one embodiment of the aerosol collector and sampling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified graphical representation of one embodiment of the sampling system of  FIG. 2  with and impactor and an attached containment assembly with a receptacle; 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified graphical representation of one embodiment of the impactor positioned above the receptacle of  FIG. 3 , where the receptacle holds a substrate at a location under a nozzle of the impactor; 
         FIGS. 5A-C  are simplified graphical representations of one embodiment of the containment assembly of  FIG. 3 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a method for using aerosol collector instrument with a containment assembly to collect particle samples from the air while maintaining protecting a user from exposure. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     As will be described in greater detail below, embodiments of the described invention include a system configured to capture aerosolized particles from a gas and minimize user exposure to the particles. More specially the particles may include biological material such as viral particles or bacterial particles, and the gas may include ambient air, breath from a living organism, or other gas that may include aerosolized biological material. 
       FIG. 1  provides a simplified illustrative example of user  101  capable of interacting with computer  110  and aerosol collector  120  with sampling system  150 . Embodiments of aerosol collector  120  may include any commercially available instruments configured for collecting particles from a gas. Those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that aerosol collector  120  may include a number of elements such as one or more pumps to create a gas flow that draws in air from the environment surrounding aerosol collector  120 . Aerosol collector may also include control electronics and a variety of other components known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, aerosol collector  120  may include the ASAP 2800 or AEROSENSE instruments available from Thermo Fisher Scientific. 
       FIG. 1  also illustrates a network connection between computer  110  and aerosol collector  120 , however it will be appreciated that  FIG. 1  is intended to be exemplary and some embodiments of aerosol collector  120  may not require computer  110  or a network connection, or that additional or fewer network connections may be included. Further, the network connection between the elements may include “direct” wired or wireless data transmission (e.g. as represented by the lightning bolt) as well as “indirect” communication via other devices (e.g. switches, routers, controllers, computers, etc.) and therefore the example of  FIG. 1  should not be considered as limiting. 
     Computer  110  may include any type of computing platform such as a workstation, a personal computer, a tablet, a “smart phone”, one or more servers, compute cluster (local or remote), or any other present or future computer or cluster of computers. It will also be appreciated that the computer  110  may be integrated within the aerosol collector  120  rather than provided as a separate device. Computers typically include known components such as one or more processors, an operating system, system memory, memory storage devices, input-output controllers, input-output devices, and display devices. It will also be appreciated that more than one implementation of computer  110  may be used to carry out various operations in different embodiments, and thus the representation of computer  110  in  FIG. 1  should not be considered as limiting. 
     In some embodiments, computer  110  may employ a computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having control logic (e.g. computer software program, including program code) stored therein. The control logic, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform some or all of the functions described herein. In other embodiments, some functions are implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, a hardware state machine. Implementation of the hardware state machine so as to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts. Also in the same or other embodiments, computer  110  may employ an internet client that may include specialized software applications enabled to access remote information via a network. A network may include one or more of the many types of networks well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a network may include a local or wide area network that may employ what is commonly referred to as a TCP/IP protocol suite to communicate. A network may include a worldwide system of interconnected computer networks that is commonly referred to as the internet, or could also include various intranet architectures. Those of ordinary skill in the related art will also appreciate that some users in networked environments may prefer to employ what are generally referred to as “firewalls” (also sometimes referred to as Packet Filters, or Border Protection Devices) to control information traffic to and from hardware and/or software systems. For example, firewalls may comprise hardware or software elements or some combination thereof and are typically designed to enforce security policies put in place by users, such as for instance network administrators, etc. 
     As described herein, embodiments of the described invention include an automated solution to isolate substrate material from an instrument used to capture particles from a gas, and protect the user from contact with the isolated material. Importantly, the solution substantially eliminates human contact with the substrate, preserving the integrity of the collected sample and protecting individuals from potentially harmful pathogens. 
       FIG. 2  provides a simplified illustrative example of aerosol collector  120  with a portion of sampling system  150  extending from the top. For example, sampling system  150  may include inlet assembly  255  that has a chimney-like extension with a cap shape configured to provide separation for air intake from the main body of aerosol collector  120 . Also included in this example is a locking mechanism  260  to prevent unauthorized access to the system.  FIG. 3  provides a cutaway view from a side of sampling system  150  with inlet assembly  255 . 
       FIG. 3  further illustrates air inlet  323  configured to draw in ambient air from the environment surrounding aerosol collector  120  and into sample chamber  320 , where the air is directed as a flow of sample gas through impactor  350  towards receptacle  317  that is part of containment assembly  300 . Impactor  350  is located within sample chamber  320  and is configured to concentrate a flow of the sample gas, typically containing particles sampled from the ambient environment at a location.  FIG. 4  illustrates a close up view of impactor  350  looking from the end of containment assembly  300  and shows a positional relationship of nozzle  453  within sample chamber  320  and located above substrate  410  that is held in place by receptacle  317 . The flow of sample gas impacts with substrate  410 , depositing particles onto the surface of and/or into the material of substrate  410 , whereupon the flow of sample gas exits through vacuum port  325 , substantially without the particles. 
     Importantly, sampling system  150  is enabled to maintain the flow of sample gas, and the particles contained therein, in isolation so that user  101  does not come into contact with the particles, particularly the concentrated particles, or the flow of sample gas. For example, containment assembly  300  is configured to reversibly introduce and extract receptacle  317  with substrate  410  from sampling system  150 . Containment assembly  300  includes front seal  311  and back seal  313  that creates a gas tight seal with sampling system  150  (e.g. “sealingly” engages with sampling system  150 ) when receptacle  317  is in an “extended” conformation (e.g. as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ), properly positioning substrate  410  in sample chamber  320  relative to nozzle  453  (e.g. as illustrated in  FIG. 4 ). Sampling system  150  also includes assembly interface  327  that engages with containment assembly  300  (e.g. a threaded engagement also referred to as “threadingly” engages, or other type of mechanical engagement known in the art) to promote the gas tight seal and proper position. For example, assembly interface  327  may be configured so that it only allows engagement with containment assembly  300  in a way that properly positions receptacle  317  and substrate  410  relative to nozzle  453 . 
     Substrate  410  may include a variety of materials configured to capture particles of interest and subsequently easily release the particles for analysis. Further, in some embodiments substrate  410  may include a substance or combination of substances configured to enhance capture and/or release of particles, stabilize biological particles, and/or enhance the viability of biological particles (e.g. the substance may be coated onto and/or impregnated into substrate  410 ). For example, substrate  410  may include polyurethane foam, porous polymers, “flocked swab”, glass or ceramic media, sintered material, electrically charged conductive media, or other substance known in the art. Also, the substance or combination of substances may include a liquid or gel disposed on the surface of substrate  410 , and/or impregnated into the material of substrate  410 , that may act to capture particles and improve the efficiency of processing and/or improve the biological viability of particles. 
       FIGS. 5A-C  provide illustrative examples of various positional conformations and elements associated with containment assembly  300 . For example,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a “retracted” conformation where substrate  410  (not shown) is retracted into and protected by housing  515 . Also, cap  520  is positioned to enclose the open end of housing  515 , isolating substrate  410  in a chamber within the interior of housing  515 .  FIG. 5A  additionally illustrates plunger mechanism  510  that may include ribs or other elements that act as a key that fits complementary structure on the end of housing  515  (not shown). Thus, the interaction between the key elements and complementary housing structure acts to properly orient receptacle  317  and substrate  410  relative to housing  515 . 
       FIG. 5B  provides an illustrative example of containment assembly  300  with housing  515  removed so that the positional arrangement of receptacle  317  and substrate  410  is shown along with back seal  313  and front seal  311 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that back seal  313  and front seal  311  sealingly engage with housing  515  in the retracted conformation creating a gas tight environment within the chamber within the interior of housing  515 . 
       FIG. 5C  provides an illustrative example of containment assembly  300  in an “extended” conformation where substrate  410  is extended outside of housing  515 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that cap  520  should first be removed from housing  515  before pressing plunger mechanism  510  while holding housing  515  to extend receptacle  317  and substrate beyond the end of housing  515 .  FIG. 5C  also illustrates thread  530  configured to engage with cap  520  as well as assembly interface  327 . 
       FIG. 6  provides an illustrative example of a method for using aerosol collector  120  with containment assembly  300  to collect particle samples from the air while maintaining isolation to protect user  101  from exposure. For example, in step  610 , user  101  unseals housing  515  by removing cap  520 , and threadingly couples housing  515  to assembly interface  327  of sampling system  150 . Next, in step  620  user  101  presses plunger mechanism  510  to extend receptacle  317  with substrate  410  into a conformation that properly positions substrate  410  relative to nozzle  453  for efficient collection of particles. Then, in step  630  user  101  activates aerosol collector  120  into a mode that draws air through air inlet  323 , into sample chamber  320 , past substrate  410  via impactor  350 , and out vacuum port  325 . Once aerosol collector  120  has run in the collection mode for a desired period of time, the operation mode is discontinued and user  101  pulls on plunger mechanism to retract receptacle  317  with substrate  410  into housing  515 , as illustrated in step  640 . Last, as illustrated in step  650 , user  101  decouples housing  515  from assembly interface  327  and seals housing  515  with cap  520  (e.g. thread cap  520  to housing  515 .). Substrate  410  can then be removed from receptacle  317  and analyzed for the particles by an appropriate method for particle detection (e.g. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for viral particles). 
     Having described various embodiments and implementations, it should be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that the foregoing is illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Many other schemes for distributing functions among the various functional elements of the illustrated embodiments are possible. The functions of any element may be carried out in various ways in alternative embodiments