Patent Publication Number: US-2021186744-A1

Title: Fluid collection devices, related systems, and related methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/665,297 filed on 1 May 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     An individual may have limited or impaired mobility such that typical urination processes are challenging or impossible. For example, the individual may have surgery or a disability that impairs mobility. In another example, the individual may have restricted travel conditions such as those experience by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Additionally, fluid collection from the individual may be needed for monitoring purposes or clinical testing. 
     Bed pans and urinary catheters, such as a Foley catheter, can be used to address some of these circumstances. However, bed pans and urinary catheters have several problems associated therewith. For example, bed pan can be prone to discomfort, spills, and other hygiene issues and urinary catheters be can be uncomfortable, painful, and can cause urinary tract infections. 
     Thus, users and manufacturers of fluid collection devices continue to seek new and improved devices, systems, and methods to collect urine. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments disclosed herein are related to devices, systems, and methods of using fluid collection devices. In an embodiment, a fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier that at least partially defines a chamber. The fluid impermeable barrier also defines an opening extending therethrough. The opening is configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra or have a male urethra positioned therethrough. The fluid collection device also includes a conduit at least partially disposed in the chamber. The conduit defines at least one aperture that allows an interior of the conduit to be in fluid communication with the chamber. The fluid collection device further includes a valve. The valve includes a first aperture coupled to the conduit and a second aperture that is fluid couplable to at least one of an air source, a vacuum source, or a fluid storage container. The valve is configured to selectively control gas flow through the conduit responsive to actuation of the valve. 
     In an embodiment, a system to collect and transport fluid is disclosed. The system includes a vacuum source or a gas source. The system also includes a fluid storage container configured to collect a fluid. The fluid storage container is in fluid communication with the vacuum source or the air source. Additionally, the system includes a fluid collection device positioned upstream from the fluid storage container. The fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defining a chamber. The fluid impermeable barrier also defines an opening extending therethrough. The opening is configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra or have a male urethra positioned therethrough. The fluid collection device also includes a conduit at least partially disposed in the chamber. The conduit defines at least one aperture therein that allows an interior of the conduit to be in fluid communication with the chamber. The fluid collection device further includes a valve including a first aperture coupled to the conduit and a second aperture that is configured to be in fluid communication with at least one of the gas source, the vacuum source, or the fluid storage container. The valve is configured to selectively control fluid flow through the conduit responsive to actuation of the valve. 
     In an embodiment, a method to collect fluid is disclosed. The method includes positioning an opening of a fluid collection device adjacent to a female urethra or around a male urethra. The opening is defined by a fluid impermeable barrier of the fluid collection device. The method also includes receiving fluid from the female urethra or the male urethra into a chamber of the fluid collection device, the chamber of the fluid collection device at least partially defined by the fluid impermeable barrier. Additionally, the method includes switching a valve between a first state and a second state. The valve is in fluid communication with a conduit that is at least partially disposed in the chamber. The conduit defines at least one aperture that allows an interior of the conduit to be in fluid communication with the chamber. The valve permits a flow of a gas through the conduit when the valve is in the first state and restricts the flow of the fluid of the fluid through the conduit when the valve is in the second state. 
     Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 2B and 2C  are schematic cross-sectional views of the valve in first and second states, respectively, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of male fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device that is configured to be coupled to a gas source, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a method to use any of the fluid collection devices and/or fluid collection systems disclosed herein, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments disclosed herein are related to devices, systems, and methods of using fluid collection devices. In an example, a fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier that at least partially defines a chamber. The fluid impermeable barrier also defines an opening extending therethrough. The opening is configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra or have a male urethra positioned therethrough. The fluid collection device also includes a conduit at least partially disposed in the chamber. The conduit defines at least one aperture that allows an interior of the conduit to be in fluid communication (e.g., fluidly coupled) with the chamber. The fluid collection device further includes a valve. The valve includes a first aperture coupled to the conduit and a second aperture that configured to be in fluid communication, directly (e.g., directly attached to or at least partially disposed in) and/or indirectly (e.g., via at least one tube), to at least one of an air source, a vacuum source, or a fluid storage container. The valve is configured to control fluid flow through the conduit responsive to direction from a user. 
     The fluid collection devices disclose herein are configured to collect fluids from an individual. The fluids collected by the fluid collection devices include urine. The fluids collected by the fluid collection devices can also include vagina discharge, penile discharge, reproductive fluids, blood, sweat, or other bodily fluids. 
     The conduit can be in indirect fluid communication to a gas source or a vacuum source, for example, via at least one tube or the valve. The gas source causes at least a gas (e.g., atmospheric gas, oxygen, etc.) to flow away from the gas source and through the interior of the conduit. The vacuum source causes at least a gas to flow towards the vacuum source and through the interior of the conduit. In an embodiment, the gas source or the vacuum source is configured to continuously flow a gas through the interior of the conduit. The continuous flow of the gas through the interior of the conduit can provide discomfort to an individual that uses the fluid collection device (e.g., the fluid collection device positioned adjacent to or around the individual&#39;s urethra). In an example, the continuous flow of the gas through the interior of the conduit can cause a gas to flow around the urethra of the individual thereby cooling the urethra of the individual. In an example, the continuous flow of the gas through the interior can cause a vacuum to be applied to portions of the individual that are proximate to the fluid collection device, thereby causing capillaries of the individual to burst (e.g., form a hickey). As such, it can be beneficial to limit the gas flow through the interior of the chamber to only when a fluid needs to be collected from the individual. 
     However, in some embodiments, it can be difficult to stop the continuous gas flow through the interior of the conduit. For example, the gas source or the vacuum source can be spaced from the individual using the fluid collection device. It can be difficult for the individual using the fluid collection device to turn the gas source or the vacuum source on or off since the individual may have limited mobility. In another example, the gas source or the vacuum source can be coupled to a network of tubes that allows the gas source or the vacuum source to supply the gas or vacuum to a variety of locations. In such an example, it can be impractical to turn the gas source or the vacuum source on or off merely for the comfort of a single individual since the other locations may need to use the gas source or the vacuum source. 
     The valve of the urine collection device improves the comfort of the individual using the fluid collection device because it allows the individual to control the gas flow (e.g., flow of atmospheric air, oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) through the conduit. For example, the valve can be switchable between a first state and a second state. The valve at least partially (e.g., completely) restricts and at least partially allows the gas flow through the conduit when the valve is in the first state and the second state, respectively. In other words, the valve allows more gas flow through the interior of the conduit when the valve is in the second state than when the valve is in the first state. The individual using the fluid collection device can manipulate an actuator that is coupled to or integrally formed with the valve thereby selectively and controllably switching the valve between the first and second states depending on the needs of the individual. For example, the individual can manipulate the actuator to switch the valve from the first state to the second state when the individual is about to urinate or otherwise requires fluids to be removed from the individual. In an embodiment, after the fluid collection device has collected at least some of the fluids, the individual can manipulate the actuator thereby switching the valve from the second state to the first state thereby increasing the comfort of the individual using the fluid collection device. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device  100  according to an embodiment. The fluid collection device  100  is an example of a female fluid collection device  100  that is configured to receive fluids from a female. The fluid collection device  100  includes a fluid impermeable barrier  102 . The fluid impermeable barrier  102  at least partially defines a chamber  104  and an opening  106 . The opening  106  extends through the fluid impermeable barrier  102  thereby enabling fluids to enter the chamber  104 . The opening  106  can be configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra. The fluid collection device  100  also includes a conduit  108  (e.g., tube) that is at least partially disposed in the chamber  104 . The conduit  108  defines at least one aperture  110  therein that allows an interior  112  of the conduit  108  to be in fluid communication with the chamber  104 . In some examples, the conduit  108  may include one or more portions that are resilient, such as to have one or more of a diameter or wall thickness that allows the conduit to be flexible. In some examples, the conduit  108  may be frosted or opaque (e.g., black) to obscure the visibility of the fluids therein. The fluid collection device  100  also includes a valve  114  that is proximate to and spaced from the chamber  104 . The valve  114  is positioned downstream from the aperture  110 . The valve  114  is configured to selectively control the gas flow through the conduit  108  responsive to direction from an individual (e.g., responsive to an individual manipulating an actuator  138 ). For example, the valve  114  can control a gas flow through the interior  112  of the conduit  108  which, in turn, can control the flow of fluids through the conduit  108 . The valve  114  includes a first aperture  116  that is couplable to (e.g., fluidly coupled and/or attachable to) the conduit  108 . The valve  114  also includes a second aperture  118  that is configured to be in fluid communication, directly and/or indirectly to at least one of a vacuum source (e.g., vacuum source  670  of  FIG. 6 ) or a fluid storage container (e.g., fluid storage container  668  of  FIG. 6 ). For example, the second aperture  118  of the valve  114  may be in fluid communication with at least one of the vacuum source, or the fluid storage container. 
     The fluid collection device  100  is configured to receive the fluids into the chamber  104  via the opening  106 . For example, the opening  106  can exhibit an elongated shape that is configured to extend from a first location below the urethral opening (e.g., at or near the anus or the vaginal opening) to a second location above the urethral opening (e.g., at or near the clitoris or the pubic hair). The opening  106  can exhibit an elongated shape since the space between the legs of a female is relatively small when the legs of the female are closed thereby only permitting the flow of the fluids along a path that corresponds to the elongated shape of the opening  106 . The opening  106  can exhibit a width that is measured transverse to the longitudinal direction that is at least about 10% of the circumference of the fluid collection device  100 , such as about 25% to about 50%, about 40% to about 60%, about 50% to about 75%, about 65% to about 85%, or about 75% to about 100% of the circumference of the fluid collection device  100 . In some embodiments, the opening  106  may be vertically oriented (e.g., having a major axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device  100 ). In some embodiments, (not shown), the opening  106  may be horizontally oriented (e.g., having a major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device  100 ). In an example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  can be configured to be attached to the individual, such as adhesively attached (e.g., with a hydrogel adhesive) to the individual. According to an embodiment, a suitable adhesive is a hydrogel layer, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0189225, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The fluid impermeable barrier  102  is also configured to temporarily store the fluids in the chamber  104 . For example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  can be formed of any suitable fluid impermeable materials, such as a fluid impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, a polycarbonate, etc.), a metal film, another suitable material, or combinations thereof. As such, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  substantially prevents the fluids from exiting the portions of the chamber  104  that are spaced from the opening  106 . In an example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  can be air permeable and fluid impermeable. In such an example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  can be formed of a hydrophobic material that defines a plurality of pores. In an example, at least one or more portions of an outer surface of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  can be formed from a soft and/or smooth material thereby reducing chaffing. The fluid impermeable barrier  102  may include markings thereon, such as one or more markings to aid a user in aligning the device  100  on the wearer. For example, a line on the fluid impermeable barrier  102  (e.g., opposite the opening  106 ) may allow a healthcare professional to align the opening  106  over the urethra of the wearer. In an example, the markings may include one or more of alignment guide or an orientation indicator, such as a stripe or hashes. Such markings may be positioned to align the device  100  to one or more anatomical features, such as a pubic bone. 
     The fluid collection device  100  can include a fluid permeable membrane  120  disposed in the chamber  104 . The fluid permeable membrane  120  can cover at least a portion (e.g., all) of the opening  106 . The fluid permeable membrane  120  can be configured to wick any fluid away from the opening  106  thereby preventing the fluid from escaping the chamber  104 . The permeable properties can have wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as “permeable” and/or “wicking.” Such “wicking” may not include absorption into the wicking material. The fluid permeable membrane  120  can also wick the fluid generally towards an interior of the chamber  104 . The fluid permeable membrane  120  can include any material that can wick the fluid. For example, the fluid permeable membrane  120  can include fabric, such as a gauze (e.g., a silk, linen, or cotton gauze), another soft fabric, or another smooth fabric. Forming the fluid permeable membrane  120  from gauze, soft fabric, and/or smooth fabric can reduce chaffing caused by the fluid collection device  100 . 
     The fluid collection device  100  can include a fluid permeable support  122  disposed in the chamber  104 . The fluid permeable support  122  is configured to support the fluid permeable membrane  120  since the fluid permeable membrane  120  can be formed from a foldable, flimsy, or otherwise easily deformable material. For example, the fluid permeable support  122  can be positioned such that the fluid permeable membrane  120  is disposed between the fluid permeable support  122  and the fluid impermeable barrier  102 . As such, the fluid permeable support  122  can support and maintain the position of the fluid permeable membrane  120 . The fluid permeable support  122  can be formed from any fluid permeable material that is less deformable than the fluid permeable membrane  120 . For example, the fluid permeable support  122  can include spun plastic fibers. In an example, the fluid permeable support  122  can be omitted from the fluid collection device  100 . 
     In an embodiment, the fluid permeable membrane  120  and the fluid permeable support  122  can at least substantially completely fill the portions of the chamber  104  that are not occupied by the conduit  108 . In an embodiment, the fluid permeable membrane  120  and the fluid permeable support  122  does not substantially completely fill the portions of the chamber  104  that are not occupied by the conduit  108 . In such an embodiment, the fluid collection device  100  includes a reservoir  124  disposed in the chamber  104 . The reservoir  124  is a substantially unoccupied portion of the chamber  104 . The fluids that are in the chamber  104  can flow through the fluid permeable membrane  120  and/or fluid permeable support  122  to the reservoir  124 . The reservoir  124  can store at least some of the fluids therein. 
     In an example, the reservoir  124  can be located at the end of the chamber  104  that is closest to the aperture  110 . However, the reservoir  124  can be located at different locations in the chamber  104 . For example, the reservoir  124  can be located at the first end of the chamber  104  that is closest to the outlet  128 . In another example, fluid collection device  100  can include multiple reservoirs, such as a first reservoir that is located at the end of the chamber  104  that is closest to the aperture  110  and a second reservoir that is located at the end of the chamber  104  that is closest to the outlet  128 . In another example, the fluid permeable support  122  is spaced from at least a portion of the conduit  108  and the reservoir  124  can be the space between the fluid permeable support  122  and the conduit  108 . In some embodiments (not shown), the conduit  108  may enter the second end and the at least one aperture  110  of the conduit  108  may be disposed in the second end region (e.g., in the reservoir  124 ). In such examples, the first end may be substantially sealed. 
     Other examples of fluid impermeable barriers, fluid permeable membranes, fluid permeable supports, and chambers are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/260,103 filed on Sep. 8, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference. 
     The conduit  108  includes and extends between at least one aperture  110  and an outlet  128  that is couplable to the valve  114  (e.g., attachable and/or in fluid communication with the first aperture  116 ). The aperture  110  allows the interior  112  of the conduit  108  to be in fluid communication with the chamber  104 . For example, the aperture  110  allows a fluid to flow from the chamber  104  to the interior  112  of the conduit  108 . In an embodiment, the aperture  110  can be disposed in or adjacent to the reservoir  124  thereby preventing pooling of the fluids in the reservoir  124 . In an embodiment, the aperture  110  can be located at or near a gravimetrically low point of the fluid collection device  100  thereby preventing pooling of the fluids at the gravimetrically low point of the fluid collection device  100 . In an embodiment, the aperture  110  can be spaced from the reservoir  124 , such as adjacent to the fluid permeable membrane  120  and/or the fluid permeable support  122  thereby preventing fluid stagnation in the fluid permeable membrane  120  and/or the fluid permeable support  122 . In an embodiment, as shown, the conduit  108  only includes a single aperture  110 . In another embodiment, the conduit  108  can include a plurality of apertures. In such an embodiment, the conduit  108  can include at least one aperture disposed in or near the reservoir  124  and, optionally, at least one aperture that is spaced from the reservoir  124 . In some embodiments, the one or more portions of the conduit  108  and/or at least one tube connected to the conduit  108  is secured to a wearer&#39;s skin with a catheter securement device, such as a STATLOCK® catheter securement device available from C. R. Bard, Inc., including but not limited to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,117,163; 6,123,398; and 8,211,063, the disclosures of which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     As previously discussed, the valve  114  is spaced from the chamber  104 . As such, the conduit  108  includes a first portion  130  that is disposed in the chamber  104  and a second portion  132  that is spaced from the chamber  104 . For example, the second portion  132  can extend from the fluid impermeable barrier  102  to the valve  114 . The fluid impermeable barrier  102  can define a hole  134  that allows the conduit  108  to extend therethrough. The first portion  130  of the conduit  108  can define the aperture  110  and the second portion  132  can define the outlet  128 . 
     As previously discussed, the valve  114  includes a first aperture  116  and a second aperture  118 . The first aperture  116  is configured to be coupled to the outlet  128  of the conduit  108 . The second aperture  118  is configured to be coupled to at least one of the vacuum source or the fluid storage container. In an example, the second aperture  118  is indirectly coupled to the vacuum source or the fluid storage container via at least one tube  136 . 
     The fluid collection device  100  also includes at least one actuator  138  that is coupled to or integrally formed with the valve  114 . The actuator  138  is configured to be manipulated by a user of the fluid collection device  100 . Manipulating the actuator  138  by the individual can cause actuation of the valve  114  (e.g., switch the valve  114  between the first state and the second state). For example, manipulating the actuator may activate the actuator  138  which, in turn, controllably actuates the valve  114 . It is noted that the valve  114  can include at least one intermediate state that allows more gas to flow through the conduit  108  than when the valve  114  is in the first state and less gas to flow through the conduit  108  than when the valve  114  is in the second state and manipulating the actuator  138  can cause the valve  114  to controllably exhibit the intermediate state. 
     In an embodiment, as shown, the actuator  138  is a lever, a handle, a handwheel, or another suitable mechanical device that can be manipulated (e.g., manually manipulated) by the individual and is coupled to (e.g., disposed on or attached to) or integrally formed with the valve  114 . In such an embodiment manipulating the actuator  138  can create a mechanical force which switches the valve  114  between the first and second states. In an embodiment, the actuator  138  can include a button or electrical switch (e.g., an electrical switch in the form of a lever) that can be manipulated by the individual and an electric motor, hydraulic device, pneumatic device, etc. (collectively referred to as the “machine actuator”) that is activated by manipulating the button or electrical switch. Manipulating the button or electrical switch can cause the machine actuator to switch the valve  114  between the first and second states. In such an embodiment, the at least a portion of the actuator  138  can be coupled to the valve  114  and/or at least a portion of the actuator  138  can be spaced from the valve  114 . For example, the button or electrical switch can be spaced from the valve  114  while the machine actuator is disposed on, attached to (e.g., via a belt or chain), or integrally formed with the valve  114 . In such an example, the button or electrical switch and machine actuator can each include a transmitter (not shown) which allows the button or electrical switch to transmit electrical signals to the machine actuator instructing the machine actuator to switch the valve  114  between the first and second states responsive to direction from the individual. 
     The valve  114  can include any suitable valve. For example, the valve  114  can include a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a ceramic disc valve, a check valve, a choke valve, a diaphragm valve, a gate valve, a globe valve, a knife valve, a needle valve, or a pinch valve. It is noted that the type of valve can depend on several factors, such as the type of actuator  138  of the valve  114 , whether the actuator  138  is configured to generate a force or electrical signal that switches the valve  114  between the first and second states, whether the valve  114  includes one or more intermediate states, the requisite size of the valve  114 , etc. 
     In an example, one or more components of the fluid collection device  100  can include an antimicrobial material, such as an antibacterial material on any surface of the fluid collection device that may contact the wearer or the bodily fluid of the wearer. The antimicrobial material can include an antimicrobial coating, such as a nitrofurazone or silver coating. The antimicrobial material can inhibit microbial growth, such as microbial growth due to pooling or stagnation of the bodily fluids. In an example, one or more components (e.g., impermeable barrier  102 , conduit  108 , etc.) of the fluid collection device  100  can include an odor blocking or absorbing material such as a cyclodextrine containing material or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) polymer. 
       FIG. 2A  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device  200 , according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection device  200  can be the same as or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection devices disclosed herein. For example, the fluid collection device  200  can include a fluid impermeable barrier  202  that defines a chamber  204  and an opening  206 . The fluid collection device  200  can also include a fluid permeable membrane  220  and a fluid permeable support  222  disposed in the chamber  204 . The fluid collection device  200  also includes a valve  214  and a conduit  208  that allows the valve  214  to be in fluid communication with the chamber  204 . 
     The valve  214  includes a first aperture  216  that is couplable to the conduit  208  and a second aperture  218  that is couplable to at least one of a vacuum source or a fluid storage container. The second aperture  218  can be, for example, indirectly coupled to at least one of the vacuum source or the fluid storage container with a tube  236 . The fluid collection device  200  also includes an actuator  238  that can be manipulated by an individual using the fluid collection device  200  to selectively and controllably switch the valve  214  between the first and second states. 
     The valve  214  further includes at least one bleeder outlet  240  that is configured to enable a gas flow through the valve  214  (but not the conduit  208 ) when the valve  214  is in the first state. For example, the bleeder outlet  240  is configured to enable gas flow between the bleeder outlet  240  and the second aperture  218  of the valve  214  when the gas flow through the conduit  208  is partially and/or at least substantially completely restricted by the valve  214  (e.g., the valve  214  is in the first state). As such, the valve  214  is at least a three way valve (e.g., the valve  214  is a three way valve when the valve  214  includes a single bleeder outlet  240 , a four way valve when the valve  214  includes two bleeder outlets  240 , etc.). In an example, enabling the gas flow through the valve  214  when the valve  214  is in the first state can prevent a vacuum force from crimping the tube  236  when the second aperture  218  is coupled to a vacuum source. Crimping the tube  236  can impede gas and fluid flow through the tube  236  when the valve  214  is in the first state and/or cause damage to the tube  236  which can impede the gas and fluid flow through the tube  236  when the valve  214  is in the second state. In another example, enabling the gas flow through the valve  214  when the valve  214  is in the first state can prevent a pressure buildup in the tube  236  when the second aperture  218  is coupled to a gas source. The buildup of pressure can cause the tube  236  to rupture or otherwise deform. 
       FIGS. 2B and 2C  are schematic cross-sectional views of the valve  214  in a first and second states, respectively, according to an embodiment. The valve  214  shown in  FIGS. 2B-2C  is a three way ball valve. However, it is understood that the valve can include other types of valves, such as a four way ball valve, a butterfly valve, etc. The valve  214  includes a body  242  and a ball  244 . The body  242  defines the first aperture  216 , the second aperture  218 , and the bleeder outlet  240 . The body  242  also defines a hollow portion that includes the ball  244  moveably disposed therein. The ball  244  defines a passageway  246  therein. The passageway  246  can exhibit a generally straight path, a generally L-shape path, a generally T-shaped path, or any other suitable path.  FIG. 2B  illustrates the position of the ball  244  when the valve  214  is in the first state. For example, when the valve  214  is in the first state, the ball  244  is positioned such that the passageway  246  is in fluid communication with the second aperture  218  and the bleeder outlet  240 . As such, the bleeder outlet  240  allows gas to flow through the valve  214  but not the conduit  208 .  FIG. 2C  illustrates the position of the ball  244  when the valve  214  is in the second state. For example, when the valve  214  is in the second state, the ball  244  is positioned such that the passageway  246  is in fluid communication with the first and second apertures  216 ,  218  but not the bleeder outlet  240 . As such, the gas flows through the conduit  208 . 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device  300 , according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection device  300  is the same as or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection devices disclosed herein. For example, the fluid collection device  300  can include a fluid impermeable barrier  302  that defines a chamber  304  and an opening  306 . The fluid collection device  300  can also include a fluid permeable membrane  320  and a fluid permeable support  322  disposed in the chamber  304 . The fluid collection device  300  also includes a valve  314  and a conduit  308  that allows the valve  314  to be in fluid communication with the chamber  304 . The valve  314  includes a first aperture  316  and a second aperture  318  and. The fluid collection device  300  further includes an actuator  338 . 
     The valve  314  abuts the fluid impermeable barrier  302  but is not disposed in the chamber  304 . Positioning the valve  314  to abut the fluid impermeable barrier  302  can decrease the overall size of the fluid collection device  300 . For example, positioning the valve  314  to abut the fluid impermeable barrier  302  can cause the conduit  308  to be completely positioned in the chamber  304  thereby eliminating the need for a second portion (e.g., second portion  132  of  FIG. 1 ) of the conduit  308 . Decreasing the size of the fluid collection device  300  makes it easier to hide the presence of the fluid collection device  300 , such as hide the fluid collection device  300  under clothing (e.g., under the under garments of the individual). 
     In an embodiment, the valve  314  is distinct from the fluid impermeable barrier  302 . In an embodiment, the valve  314  is at least partially integrally formed with the fluid impermeable barrier  302 . In such an embodiment, the body  342  of the valve  314  is formed from the same material as the fluid impermeable barrier  302 . In an embodiment, the valve  314  at least partially defines the chamber  304 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device  400   a , according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection device  400   a  is the same as or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection devices disclosed herein. For example, the fluid collection device  400   a  can include a fluid impermeable barrier  402  that defines a chamber  404   a  and an opening  406 . The fluid collection device  400   a  can also include a fluid permeable membrane  420  and a fluid permeable support  422  disposed in the chamber  404   a . The fluid collection device  400   a  also includes a valve  414   a  and a conduit  408  that allows the valve  414   a  to be in fluid communication, indirectly, with the chamber  404   a . The valve  414   a  includes a first aperture  416  and a second aperture  418 . Further, the fluid collection device  400   a  includes an actuator  438 . 
     The valve  414   a  is at least partially disposed in the chamber  404   a . For example, the body  442  of the valve  414   a  is completely disposed in the chamber  404   a  while the actuator  438  of the valve  414   a  extends from the body  442  to location that is spaced from the chamber  404   a . As such, the actuator  438  is positioned in a location that an individual using the fluid collection device  400   a  can easily access. Since the valve  414   a  is at least partially disposed in the chamber  404   a , a tube  436  may need to be inserted into the chamber  404   a.    
     Since the valve  414   a  is disposed in the chamber  404   a , the valve  414  is exposed to the fluids. As such, the valve  414   a  can be formed from materials that can be exposed to the fluids without being damaged (e.g., rusted, corroded, etc.). For example, the valve  414   a  (e.g., the body  442  of the valve  414   a ) can be formed from stainless steel, copper or copper alloys, graphite, aluminosilicates, silica, zinc plated steel, plastic (e.g., polyfluoroethylene resin, or polyethylene, polystyrene), or other suitable material. In an example, the body  442  can form a substantially fluid tight seal with the conduit  408 , the tube  436 , and the actuator  438  such that the fluids do not enter one or more interior portions of the valve  414  that are not configured to receive the fluids since fluids entering these portions of the valve  114  can make it harder to operate the valve  414   a.    
     At least partially positioning the valve  414   a  in the chamber  404   a  can decrease the overall size of the fluid collection device  400   a . Additionally, at least partially positioning the valve  414   a  in the chamber  404   a  can reduce pooling and/or stagnation of the fluids in the chamber  404   a . For example, the presence of the valve  414   a  decreases the volume of the chamber  404   a  that can hold the fluids. While the valve  414   a  decreases the amount of fluids that the fluid collection device  400   a  can hold, it also causes more of the fluid to flow towards the reservoir  424  and/or the aperture  410  of the conduit  408  thereby reducing pooling or stagnation of the fluids in the chamber  404   a.    
       FIG. 4B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device  400   b , according to an embodiment. The fluid collection device  400   b  is the same as the fluid collection device  400   a  of  FIG. 4A  except that the valve  414   b  includes a bleeder outlet  440 . As such, the valve  414   b  can include a bleeder tube  448  that extends from the bleeder outlet  440   b  to a location that is spaced from the chamber  404   b . Without the bleeder tube  448 , the fluid collection device  400   b  would continue to cause discomfort to an individual using the fluid collection device  400   b  even when the valve  414   b  is in the first state. 
     The fluid collection devices shown in  FIGS. 1-4B  are examples of female fluid collection devices that are configured to collect fluids from females (e.g., collect urine from a female urethra). However, any of the fluid collection devices disclosed herein can be male fluid collection devices that are configure to collect fluids from males (e.g., collect urine from a male urethra).  FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of male fluid collection device  500 , according to an embodiment. 
     The fluid collection device  500  includes a receptacle  550  and a cup portion  552 . The receptacle  550  is configured to be coupled to skin that surrounds the male urethra and have the male urethra positioned therethrough. For example, the receptacle  550  can include an annular base  554  that defines a hole  556 . The annular base  554  is configured to be positioned around the male urethra (e.g., positioned around the penis) and the hole  556  can be configured to have the male urethra positioned therethrough. The annular base  554  can also be configured to be coupled (e.g., adhesively attached, such as with a hydrogel adhesive) to the skin around the male urethra. In an example, the annular base  554  can exhibit the general shape of the skin surface that the annular base  554  is configured to be coupled and/or can be flexible thereby allowing the annular base  554  to conform to the shape of the skin surface. The receptacle  550  also defines a hollowed region  558  that is configured to have the cup portion  552  disposed therein. For example, the receptacle  550  can include a flange  560  that extends upwardly from the annular base  554  that partially defines the hollowed region  558 . The hollowed region  558  is deep enough that the cup portion  552  is unlikely to be accidentally removed from the hollowed region  558  (e.g., the hollowed region  558  is at least 1 cm deep, at least 2 cm deep, or at least 5 cm deep). 
     The cup portion  552  includes a fluid impermeable barrier  502  that is sized and shaped to fit into the hollowed region  558  of the receptacle  550 . The fluid impermeable barrier  502  partially defines a chamber  504 . The fluid impermeable barrier  502  also defines an opening  506  extending through the fluid impermeable barrier  502  that is configured to have a male urethra positioned therethrough. The fluid impermeable barrier  502  can also define at least one passthrough  562  that allows the chamber  504  to remain substantially at atmospheric pressure. The cup portion  552  also include a conduit  508  that is at least partially disposed in the chamber  504 . The conduit  508  includes an aperture  510  that allows an interior  512  of the conduit  508  to be in fluid communication with the chamber  504 . The conduit  508  also includes an outlet  528  that is configured to be communicably coupled to a valve  514 . 
     In an example, the chamber  504  can be substantially empty due to the varying sizes and rigidity of the male penis. However, the outermost regions of the chamber  504  can include a porous material (not shown) configured to blunt a stream of urine from the male urethra thereby limiting splashing and/or to direct the fluids to a selected region of the chamber  504 . Since the chamber  504  is substantially empty (e.g., substantially all of the chamber  504  forms a reservoir), the fluids are likely to pool at a gravimetrically low point of the chamber  504 . The gravimetrically low point of the chamber  504  can be at an intersection of the skin of an individual and the fluid collection device  500 , a corner formed in the cup portion  552 , or another suitable location. The aperture  510  of the conduit  508  can be configured and positioned to be adjacent or proximate to the gravimetrically low point of the chamber  504 . In an example, the chamber  504  may include at least one of a fluid permeable membrane (not shown) or support (not shown) disposed therein that is similar to the fluid permeable membranes and supports, respectively, disclosed herein. 
     The fluid collection device  500  also includes a valve  514 . The valve  514  can include any of the valves disclosed herein. In an example, as illustrated, the valve  514  can be spaced from the chamber  504 . However, in other examples, the valve  514  can abut the fluid impermeable barrier  502  or can be at least partially disposed in the chamber  504 . 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of a fluid collection system  664 , according to an embodiment. The system  664  includes a fluid collection device  600 . The fluid collection device  600  can be the same as or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400   a ,  400   b , or  500  of  FIGS. 1-5 . The system  664  also include a fluid storage container  668  that is in indirect fluid communication with the fluid collection device  600  via a first tube  636 . The system  664  also includes a vacuum source  670  that is in indirect fluid communication with to the fluid storage container  668  via a second tube  672 . As such, the vacuum source  670  is in indirect fluid communication with the fluid collection device  600  via the first and second tubes  636 ,  672  and the fluid storage container  668 . During operation, the vacuum source  670  can supply a vacuum to the fluid collection device  600 . When the valve (not shown) of the fluid collection device  600  is in the second state, the vacuum pulls fluids from the fluid collection device  600  and deposits the fluids in the fluid storage container  668 . 
     The fluid collection devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400   a ,  400   b ,  500 , and  600  of  FIGS. 1-6  are configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. However, any of the fluid collection devices disclosed herein can be configured to be coupled to a gas source, such as a pump, a compressor, or a tank of compressed gas.  FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device  700  that is configured to be coupled to a gas source, according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection device  700  is the same as or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection devices disclosed herein. For example, the fluid collection device  700  includes a fluid impermeable barrier  702  that defines a chamber  704  and an opening  706 . The fluid collection device  700  can include a fluid permeable membrane  720  and a fluid permeable support  722  when the fluid collection device  700  is configured to collect fluids from a female. The fluid collection device  700  also includes a conduit  708  that is at least partially disposed in the chamber  704  and a valve  714 . In an embodiment, as illustrated, the valve  714  is spaced from the fluid impermeable barrier  702  and the chamber  704 . However, in other embodiments, the valve  714  can abut the fluid impermeable barrier  702  and/or be at least partially disposed in the chamber  704 . 
     The conduit  708  includes and extends between an inlet  774  and an outlet  728 . The inlet  774  is configured to be indirectly coupled to a gas source (e.g., gas source  876  of  FIG. 8 ) and the outlet  728  is configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to a fluid storage container (e.g., fluid storage container  868  of  FIG. 8 ). As such, the gas flow through the interior  712  of the conduit  708  flows from the inlet  774  to the outlet  728 . The conduit  708  can include at least one aperture  710  that allows the interior  712  of the conduit  708  to be in fluid communication with the chamber  704 . The valve  714  is positioned at a location that is upstream from the aperture  710  thereby allowing the valve  714  to regulate the gas flow before the gas reaches the aperture  710 . 
     In an embodiment, the conduit  708  is configured to not use suction to remove fluids from the chamber  704 . In such an embodiment, the conduit  708  substantially only influences the flow of the fluid when the fluid enters the conduit  708 . In an embodiment, the conduit  708  is configured to use suction to remove fluids from the chamber  704 . In such an embodiment, the conduit  708  can include a suction device that is configured to apply a suction force to the chamber  704 . Examples of suction devices that can actively remove fluids from the chamber  704 , along with additional examples of fluid collection devices that are configured to be coupled to a gas source, are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/665,331 filed on 1 May 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference. 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic of a fluid collection system  864 , according to an embodiment. The system  864  includes a fluid collection device  800 . The system  864  also includes a gas source  876  that is positioned upstream from the fluid collection device  800  and is coupled to the valve (not shown) the fluid collection device  800 . For example, the gas source  876  can be indirectly coupled to the valve via at least one first tube  836 . The system  864  also includes a fluid storage container  868  positioned downstream from the fluid collection device  800 . The fluid storage container  668  can be in fluid communication with the outlet of the conduit, such as indirect fluid communication with the outlet via a second tube  872 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a method  900  to use any of the fluid collection devices and/or fluid collection systems disclosed herein, according to an embodiment. The method  900  can include act  905 , which recites “positioning an opening of a urine collection device adjacent to a female urethra or around a male urethra.” Act  905  may be followed by act  910 , which recites “receiving fluids from the female urethra or the male urethra into a chamber of the fluid collection device.” Act  910  may be followed by act  915 , which recites “responsive to direction from an individual, switching a valve between a first state and a second state, wherein the valve at least partially restricts a flow of a gas through the conduit when the valve is in the first state and at least partially permits the flow of the gas through the conduit when the valve is in the second state.” 
     Acts  905 ,  910 , and  915  of the method  900  are for illustrative purposes. For example, the act  905 ,  910 , and  915  of the method  900  can be performed in different orders, split into multiple acts, modified, supplemented, or combined. In an example, one or more of the acts  905 ,  910 ,  915  of the method  900  can be omitted from the method  900 . 
     Act  905  recites “positioning an opening of a fluid collection device adjacent to a female urethra or around a male urethra.” In an example, act  905  can include positioning the opening of a female fluid collection device such that the fluid permeable membrane of the female fluid collection device abuts or is positioned proximate to the female urethra. In another example, act  905  can include positioned a receptacle of a male fluid collection device around the male urethra such that the male urethra is positioned through a hole of the receptacle. In such an example, act  905  can include positioning a cup portion of the male fluid collection device in a hollowed region defined by the receptacle such that the male urethra is positioned through an opening of the cup portion. 
     Act  910  recites “receiving fluids from the female urethra or the male urethra into a chamber of the fluid collection device.” For example, act  910  can include wicking the fluids away from the opening using a fluid permeable membrane and a fluid permeable support. In another example, act  910  can include receiving the fluids into the chamber of the cup portion of the male fluid collection device. In either example, act  910  can include flowing the fluid towards a portion of the chamber that is in fluid communication with an aperture of a conduit. For instance, act  910  can include flowing the fluids to a substantially unoccupied portion of the chamber (e.g., a reservoir), to a gravimetrically low point of the chamber, etc. 
     Act  915  recites “responsive to direction from an individual, switching a valve between a first state and a second state, wherein the valve at least partially restricts a flow of a gas through the conduit when the valve is in the first state and at least partially permits the flow of the gas through the conduit when the valve is in the second state.” For example, act  915  can include switching the valve between the first and second states by manually manipulating an actuator disposed on the valve, such as twisting a handle, a wheel, or another suitable actuator. In another example, act  915  can include switching the valve between the first and second states by electronically manipulating an actuator that is disposed on or spaced from the valve, such as by pressing a button or electronic switch which then activates a motor, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device, etc. In another example, act  915  can include flowing a gas through a bleeder outlet when the valve is in the first state. 
     In an example, act  915  can include switching a valve that is spaced from the chamber and the fluid impermeable barrier of the fluid collection device between the first and second state. In an example, act  915  can include switching a valve that abuts the fluid impermeable barrier between the first and second states. In an example, act  915  can include switching a valve that is at least partially disposed in the chamber between the first and second states. 
     While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiment disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.