CN103841957A

CN103841957A - Aerosolizing particles

Info

Publication number: CN103841957A
Application number: CN201280033551.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·A·爱德华兹; J·曼; J·J·卡姆莱尔; M·布勒蒂约
Original assignee: Aerodesigns Inc
Current assignee: Aerodesigns Inc
Priority date: 2011-07-06
Filing date: 2012-07-06
Publication date: 2014-06-04
Also published as: EP2729122A2; JP2014522839A; AU2012278801A1; WO2013006809A3; WO2013006809A2

Abstract

A composition comprising: caffeine, vitamin, and a sweetener.

Description

Aerosolized particles

Technical field

The present invention relate generally to aerosolization product and for its hold, aerosolization and/or the equipment sent.

Background technology

The research person of entering in the past has proved that aerosol particles can be for the different parts to health by substance delivery.Having proposed some is designed for and utilizes these granules to carry out drug delivery.

Summary of the invention

In the time that thereby suction enough gently can enter the granule in oral cavity, must solve these granules arrives rear portion or the lung in oral cavity and causes the risk of cough or other adverse events, especially for example, when target is that () provides taste and/or nutrition, while wherein relating to oral cavity, tongue etc.

Therefore, for via air borne approach by material delivery to the method in oral cavity to a great extent (if not exclusive) focus on breath actuated sending guiding, non-, wherein the power of air-flow and the size of granule are that particle trajectories is mainly limited in oral cavity.

We have developed a kind of method, by described method random or compulsory respiratory movement (as normal suction) can make food, beverage and/or various other granule be delivered to oral cavity, wherein these granules are restricted to the rear portion of throat with to the conveying of lung together with moving air.By controlling the inertia of described granule and gravity and by guiding deposition power, we can make sending of described granule concentrate towards the surface in oral cavity, and do not arrive rear portion and the lung of throat.

There are 2 practical aspects in our method:

1. granular size is very important for our delivery system, described granule need enough little to keep air borne in voluntary breathing process, and enough greatly so that directed and major sedimentary, in oral cavity, limits throat and lung and deposits simultaneously.

2. simultaneously, aerosol particles is by device and be directed away from varying degrees throat rear portion from mouthpiece typical path out.

The combination of the air path of suitable granular size and device guiding makes granule major sedimentary in oral cavity (and on tongue, palate etc.) rather than at the rear portion of throat or further to respiratory tract.

On the one hand, compositions comprises: caffeine, vitamin, sweeting agent and sodium bicarbonate; The mean particle size of wherein said compositions is to be greater than 10 microns and be less than 500 microns.

On the one hand, compositions comprises: caffeine, vitamin and sweeting agent, the mean particle size of wherein said compositions is between 18 and 70 microns.

The embodiment of these aspects can comprise one or more in following characteristics.

In some embodiments, compositions also comprises: citric acid.In some cases, the citric acid that compositions comprises is more than sodium bicarbonate, and particularly wherein the weight ratio of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate is between 45 to 38 and 1 to 1.

In some embodiments, sweetener packets is containing thaumatin (thaumatin) and stevioside (stevia).In some cases, the weight ratio of thaumatin and stevioside is between 11 to 4 and 9 to 6.In some cases, the weight ratio of caffeine and thaumatin and stevioside combination is between 25 to 2 and 90 to 17.

In some embodiments, compositions also comprises: flavoring agent, particularly natural flavouring.

In some embodiments, compositions also comprises: mineral supplements, particularly wherein vitamin comprises at least one in nicotinic acid, pyridoxol (pyridoxine) and cyanocobalamin (cyanocobalamin).

In some embodiments, the mean particle size of compositions is between 18 and 70 microns.

On the one hand, delivery apparatus comprises: aerosol generator; And contain can expendable material reservoir, described can comprising by expendable material: caffeine, vitamin and sweeting agent; Described reservoir is connected to described aerosol generator to can be delivered to described aerosol generator by expendable material by described.

In some embodiments, can further comprise sodium bicarbonate and citric acid by expendable material, the citric acid that particularly wherein compositions comprises is more than sodium bicarbonate, and more particularly wherein the weight ratio of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate is between 45 to 38 and 1 to 1.

In some embodiments, sweetener packets is containing thaumatin and stevioside, and particularly wherein the weight ratio of thaumatin and stevioside is between 11 to 4 and 9 to 6.In some cases, wherein the weight ratio of caffeine and thaumatin and stevioside combination is between 25 to 2 and 90 to 17.

In some embodiments, can further comprise by expendable material: flavoring agent, particularly natural flavouring.

In some embodiments, can further comprise by expendable material: mineral supplements, particularly wherein vitamin comprises at least one in nicotinic acid, pyridoxol and cyanocobalamin.

In some embodiments, mean particle size that can expendable material is between 18 and 70 microns.

On the one hand, particle delivery equipment comprises: for the aerosol delivery apparatus (it can also be aerosol generator) that aerosolization product is discharged along vertical haply axis generally; Be attached to the container of described aerosol delivery apparatus.Described container defines: the first chamber, described the first chamber be hydraulically connected to described aerosol delivery apparatus with the vertical Axis Extension that makes described delivery apparatus and discharge granule along it in described the first chamber and the granule of at least the first size tend to rise and decline along described vertical axis haply; And the second chamber contiguous and that lead to described the first chamber and/or be communicated with described the first chamber, described the second chamber is from the outside horizontal-extending of described the first chamber, to make the granule that is less than described the first size tend to disperse to enter described the second chamber from described the first chamber, described the second chamber has and the isolated outlet of described the first chamber.

Embodiment can comprise one or more in following characteristics individually or in combination.

In some embodiments, aerosol delivery apparatus comprises the fluid reservoir with supersonic generator.In some embodiments, aerosol delivery apparatus comprises piezo-electric device.In some cases, the Free Surface of the fluid in fluid reservoir is exposed to the first chamber of container.

In some embodiments, the lower surface of the second chamber tilts, to make to drop on liquid inclination on the lower surface of described the second chamber in flowing towards fluid reservoir.

The surface of the first chamber can comprise extend across described in haply the surface of vertical axis so that advancing of the granule that restriction is advanced along described vertical axis haply.

Described equipment can be to comprise the desk-top or standalone unit that is configured to container to be stably supported on the base on stayed surface.

Container can define and extend through the aperture of described container to internal cavities, in the time that described delivery device is positioned for operating described in aperture be offset from aerosol delivery apparatus in vertical direction.In some cases, container defines the aperture of leading to the second chamber from above and/or being communicated with the second chamber.In some cases, container comprises the closable outlet in the lateral side surfaces that is placed in described container.

In some embodiments, closable side outlet can comprise that aperture and biasing are to close the lid in described aperture.In some cases, equipment comprises and is placed to the elastic component that makes lid biasing cover described aperture.In some cases, the weight of lid makes described lid setover to cover described aperture.

On the one hand, delivery device comprises: for discharging the aerosol delivery apparatus of aerosolization product.Described aerosol delivery apparatus comprises: define the mouthpiece of first fluid flow channel, described first fluid flow channel extends between mouthpiece entrance and mouthpiece outlet; With the isolated deflection component of plane of described mouthpiece outlet, described deflection component is oriented to and the mobile phase pair of aerosolization product along the axis of described mouthpiece outlet; The capsule that contains aerosolization product, described capsule is defined in the second fluid flow channel extending between capsule entrance and capsule outlet, described capsule is attached to described mouthpiece to make in the primary importance of described mouthpiece, described mouthpiece seals described capsule outlet haply, and in the second position of described mouthpiece, described capsule outlet fluid is connected to described mouthpiece entrance; And define the end cap of at least one inlet channel, described inlet channel extends through described end cap, described end cap is attached to described capsule, to make in the primary importance of described end cap, described end cap seals described capsule entrance haply, and in the second position of described end cap, described capsule inlet fluid is connected to the inlet channel of described end cap.

In some embodiments, capsule comprises aerosol generator.In some cases, aerosol generator comprises grid.

In some embodiments, to be configured to be interchangeable to capsule.

In some embodiments, to be configured to be multiple dose to equipment.

In some embodiments, equipment is configured to provide the forever attached of end cap and mouthpiece and capsule.

In some embodiments, equipment is hand-held.

On the one hand, the disclosure relates to sends size and is enough to major sedimentary in oral cavity and enters in respiratory tract limitedly, and size is enough little to allow to be suspended in airborne aerosolized particles.On the other hand, the disclosure relates to a kind of equipment, described equipment and have product, for cause described product aerosolization aerosol generator and by described aerosolization product with the delivery apparatus that is suitable for sucking or the form of material of deposition and picked-up is subsequently sent.On the other hand, the air flow guide element that the disclosure relates to the equipment for send product by aerosol or installs.In the time that aerosol cloud is delivered to oral cavity, by controlling gravity, inertia and other power relevant to described cloud, these elements make haply described aerosol cloud be diverted to surperficial in oral cavity and reduce that described cloud can proceed to throat and further to the degree in respiratory tract.

Our equipment representative is for the novel device to the oral cavity of humans and animals by particle delivery.In fact, described equipment be designed to produce size be enough to be deposited in oral cavity and be not substantially exposed to respiratory tract or enter in respiratory tract and size enough little to allow to be suspended in airborne aerosolized particles.

In some embodiments, our equipment produces the aerosol cloud of granule, described aerosol cloud combines to send (with machinery by suction, body kinematics and/or aerosol motion or its, using appliance) usual manner and the different mode of usual manner of the mechanical digestion (, by chewing or sucking) of food enter human or animal's oral cavity.For example, simple suction can be for causing that these particle depositions are in experimenter's digestive tract (comprising oral cavity).

Alternatively or in combination, experimenter can make themselves physically be exposed to the granule that slave unit discharges by simple body kinematics (as walking or inclination), to make described experimenter's oral cavity be exposed to described granule, thereby cause being deposited in oral cavity.Alternatively or in combination, experimenter can be made themselves physically be exposed to slave unit release or be carried the granule of the small containers release of aerosol from user by simple aerosol motion (as air-flow carries aerosol), to make described experimenter's oral cavity be exposed to described granule, thereby cause being deposited in oral cavity.

In our outfit of equipment, comprise product and aerosol generator.In some embodiments, equipment comprises product, aerosol generator and inlet channel.In some embodiments, equipment comprises mouthpiece.In some embodiments, equipment is only made up of mouthpiece.Equipment can start by the suction at described mouthpiece place, thereby causes product to be exposed to the aerosolization subsequently of aerosol generator and described product.Suction is further used for aerosolization product to be delivered to experimenter's oral cavity.

In some embodiments, equipment comprises product, aerosol generator and force generating apparatus, for example, and air pump.Equipment can start by force generating apparatus, thus cause aerosolization subsequently that product is exposed to aerosol generator, described product with and from the injection of described device.

In some embodiments, equipment comprises product and aerosol generator, for example, and supersonic source.Equipment can start by described aerosol generator, and described aerosol generator can make described product atomization and/or aerosolization and spray described product from described device.

In some embodiments, equipment can and have delivery apparatus.

Delivery device can produce by the ultrasonication of liquid the aerosol cloud of edible material.When granular size is when enough large and cloud is inhaled into, these clouds can be inhaled into for picked-up, thereby avoid respiratory tract.

Ingestible aerosol cloud can and/or be avoided these problems and provide the alternate manner of many advantages to produce to sucking edible experience by ultrasonication.In some embodiments, delivery apparatus makes the source transverse shift of aerosol cloud with respect to described aerosol cloud, to make large granule rise in described source and decline, and pass through diffusion and convection current transverse movement compared with granule (the surface generation that particularly may be in close proximity to liquid in the transverse movement of cloud), thereby depart from the large drop declining.

Large with medium drop transverse convection, decline under action of gravity, if therefore laterally chamber be configured to comprise described cloud, can make so the cloud of meticulous aerosol particles become stable stop cloud.This cloud can be designed within the scope of required oral delivery, to have granule by the size of manipulation cloud container and the characteristic (comprising the surface tension of liquid) of liquid.It should be noted that and can the surfactant that produce excellent stop cloud aerosol, realize lower than the about surface tension of 73 dyne/cm in the case of using.In addition, aperture or tap be can provide, can, by described cloud impouring glass or other accepter, the aspect of edible material from soybeans and useful mode be come by suction thus.

Accompanying drawing explanation

By understanding better following described advantage of the present disclosure and other advantage of the present disclosure with reference to the description carried out by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1A and 1B are respectively the schematic diagrams of the embodiment of delivery device before using and in use.

Fig. 2 A and 2B are the perspective views of delivery apparatus.

Fig. 2 C and 2D are respectively decomposition diagram and the broken-open perspective views of the delivery apparatus of Fig. 2 A and 2B.

Fig. 2 E is the broken-open perspective view of the delivery apparatus of Fig. 2 A and 2B

Fig. 2 F and 2G are respectively the profiles of the profile of delivery apparatus of Fig. 2 A and 2B and a part for the delivery apparatus of Fig. 2 A and 2B.

Fig. 3 is schematic diagram and its sketch that uses and operate of the specific embodiments of delivery device.

Fig. 4 presents multiple views of the exemplary of mouthpiece 112.

Fig. 5 presents multiple views of the exemplary of end cap 114.

Fig. 6 presents multiple views of the exemplary of capsule 116

Fig. 7 A and 7B are respectively the schematic diagrams of delivery device before using and in use.

Fig. 8 is with the aerosol generation equipment that hands activates make the to dewater photo of mint particles aerosolization and release.

Fig. 9 A to 9D is respectively perspective view, top view, side view and the bottom view of delivery device.

Figure 10 A to 10D is respectively perspective view, top view, side view and the end-view of aerosol generator.

The photo of delivery device when Figure 11 is included in different operational phase.

Figure 12 A to 12G is respectively perspective view, top view, front view, rearview, left side view, right side view and the bottom view of delivery device.

The photo of delivery device when Figure 13 is included in different operational phase.

Figure 14 comprises the photo of delivery device in use.

Figure 15 carrys out the figure of the HELOS-RODOS grain size analysis of mentha leave self-desiccation, fragmentation and screening.

Figure 16 and 17 is photos of delivery apparatus.Described delivery apparatus comprise housing, therewith form mouthpiece, be attached to its air flow guide element, the lid that there is the capsule of air flue and grid and there is air flue and can snap together with described capsule and described housing via bridge joint.In some embodiments, described grid (being a part for described capsule at this) is as aerosol generator.

Figure 18 provides the explanation of the specific embodiments of delivery device.Described delivery device comprise housing, therewith form mouthpiece, be attached to its air flow guide element, the lid that there is the capsule of air flue and grid and there is air flue and can snap together with described capsule and described housing via bridge joint.

Figure 19 A and 19B are respectively perspective view and the profiles of the embodiment of delivery device.

Figure 19 C to 19L is the detailed view of the different piece of the embodiment of the delivery device shown in Figure 19 A and 19B.

Figure 20 A and 20B are respectively in the closed position and the perspective view of the embodiment of the delivery device of open position.

Figure 20 C to 20I is the detailed view of the different piece of the embodiment of the delivery device shown in Figure 20 A and 20B.

The specific embodiment

Our method is the realization of the food based on new model and the method and apparatus sent for it at least in part.More particularly, delivery technique and method relate to aerosolization product and be designed to produce this class product and described product be delivered to experimenter delivering method and equipment.This class device can be delivered to food matter in oral cavity by aerosol, wherein produce aerosol cloud and move and be delivered to oral cavity by natural aspiration, and the design of the mouthpiece of wherein said device can make airborne granule be diverted away from the rear portion of throat so that restriction enters respiratory system.

With reference to Figure 1A and 1B, delivery device 50 comprises aerosol generator, and the gentle aerosol of aerosolization that wherein sucks triggering product 52 is delivered to experimenter's oral cavity subsequently.Delivery device 50 comprises compartment 54, and described compartment 54 contains product 52 (for example, Powdered food).Compartment 54 has inlet channel 56 and is connected to mouthpiece 58.Inlet channel 56, compartment 54 and mouthpiece 58 allow air by with make by suck the air-flow producing make product 52 aerosolizations and by described aerosolization product transfer out compartment 54, by mouthpiece 58 and enter in the oral cavity of consumer.

With reference to figure 2A to 2F, delivery apparatus 100 comprises the housing 110 with mouthpiece 112 and detachable end 114.The size of delivery apparatus 100 is set so that user can easily grip described device with a hands, and operative installations 100 produces and send aerosolization product simultaneously.Use bridge joint 120 air-flow guiding or deflection component 118 to be placed in to one end place of mouthpiece 112.Bridge joint 120 is positioned at air-flow guiding elements 118 in the isolated position of plane with the outlet 122 of mouthpiece 112.End cap 114 is attached to the end of the mouthpiece relative with air-flow guiding elements 118 112.

As found out in Fig. 2 D, mouthpiece 112 defines the fluid flowing passage that extends to outlet 122 from the entrance 124 of mouthpiece 112.End cap 114 has the air flue 126 that extends to the opposite face of end cap 114 from the one side of end cap 114.In the time that end cap 114 is attached to mouthpiece 112 on the arrival end of mouthpiece 112, mouthpiece 112 defines by the flow path of housing 110 together with end cap 114.Therefore, in the time that user is placed on the outlet of mouthpiece 112 122 in his or her oral cavity and sucks, Air Flow by end cap 114, enter the entrance 124 of mouthpiece 112 and the outlet 122 to mouthpiece 112 by mouthpiece 112.Contact and make to flow out the air deflection of mouthpiece 112 with air-flow guiding elements 118.

In some embodiments, air flow guide element and/or deflection component can be taked any (the needing not to be the form of dish) in various ways, to the air-flow that leaves mouthpiece and enter oral cavity is turned to, away from the straight path towards throat and lung.For example, near the top of mouthpiece, can there are one or more openings, described opening can relative to each other be offset, on differing heights, there are different sizes, there is different area etc., described opening maintains the blocking-up substantially towards the direct linear path at rear portion, oral cavity, and conventionally makes air-flow and aerosol turn to make it in the direction of side direction more, to advance.

In some embodiments, air flow guide element is the thin dish having generally perpendicular to the axis of mouthpiece and the flat surfaces relative with general air flow direction in mouthpiece.In some cases, dish can be mounted to mouthpiece via one or more " bridge joints ", described bridge joint can (for example) by described dish keep slightly higher than, lower than the edge of described mouthpiece or at the level place identical with the edge of described mouthpiece, thereby allow the gentle aerosol of air to pass through around described dish.In different embodiments, dish can have the diameter of the opening that is less than, is equal to or greater than mouthpiece.In addition, dish can have any required shape, for example, oval or circular.Air flow guide element makes aerosol redirect to the side (for example, intraoral top surface, basal surface, left surface, right surface) in oral cavity, thereby restriction aerosol is towards the flowing of throat, and in throat, aerosol may cause coughre flex.On the contrary, aerosolization product is deposited on tongue and maybe can experiences and perceive in the other parts in oral cavity of described product, rather than is carried and is more deep in respiratory tract.In some embodiments, air flow guide element has difformity, size and/or design, but experiences to limit coughre flex and/or strengthen taste for being redirected aerosolization product similarly.The test of multiple dish size and position has shown that these two parameters can affect the probability of cough.For example, in preliminary test, find, diameter is substantially equal to the external diameter of mouthpiece and is placed near dish mouthpiece and is conventionally substantially equal to the internal diameter (therefore less) of mouthpiece and is placed on the dish of the distance farther from mouthpiece (leaving larger space passes for aerosol) more effective being redirected diameter group aspect aerosol and restriction cough.

In this embodiment, end cap 114 is to be made up of elastomeric material.The first end 128 of end cap 114 has size and is set and is configured to provide and the outer surface of the snap fit engagement of the inner surface of the corresponding end of mouthpiece 112.In some embodiments, replace snap fit engagement or except snap fit engagement also the joint by other form end cap 114 is attached to mouthpiece 112.For example, in some embodiments, end cap 114 there is screw thread with mouthpiece 112 and be threaded in together with.

Mouthpiece 112 (, housing) together with end cap 114 defines size and is set to the internal cavities of receive capsules 116 (for example, as the capsule 116 that contains powdery product (not shown)).Capsule 116 is configured to provide for example, fluid between content (, pulverous product) and the mouthpiece of capsule 116 to be communicated with or makes to be communicated with in fluid between the content of capsule 116 and mouthpiece in other mode.In this embodiment, capsule 116 has opening 130 and relative aerosol generation end 132.The opening 130 of capsule 116 is engaged in the first end 128 of end cap 114 and size is set and is configured to provide and the snap fit engagement of the inner surface of the first end 128 of end cap 114.In some embodiments, capsule can be fastened or is threaded in housing.In some embodiments, capsule comprise tegmentum cover (in certain embodiments, only some time) opening, described covering is for example by fastening or being threaded.In some embodiments, the arrival end of capsule defines air duct rather than opens.

With reference to figure 2F, in some embodiments, capsule 116 fastens to covering in 114 by the buckle mechanism of covering the complete annular on 114 inner side, and lid 114 fastens to mouthpiece 112 by the buckle mechanism of interrupting.Therefore device can be designed to make to cover 114 separate with capsule 116 conventionally than make to cover 114 and/or capsule 116 separate more difficult with mouthpiece 112.User then can be by capsule 116 and/or lid 114 are removed and easily replaced it from mouthpiece 112, and accidentally by capsule 116 from covering 114 least risks that disassemble.

Some embodiments can further strengthen by being incorporated to buckle mechanism, and described fastening machine is shaped with and helps the use of device and functional.For example, device can and have buckle mechanism to contribute to use as machine-processed mechanism described above, and described mechanism allows the opening and closing of air flue.For example, mouthpiece can be designed so that with capsule they can be connected by (or multiple) buckle mechanism, and capsule can be connected by two (or more) buckle mechanism with lid.For example, mouthpiece can be connected to capsule by a relatively weak buckle interface, and capsule can be connected to lid by two relatively strong buckle interfaces.In some embodiments, these buckle mechanism can: (1) by capsule fixing (or, more generally, by one end fixing of the equipment that contains food) to mouthpiece (or, more generally, to delivery device) (" buckle A "); (2) by capsule and lid fixing (or, more generally, by the parts of the equipment that contains food together fixing) in initial " closing " configuration, described configuration farthest reduces powder loss (especially relevant in the processes such as transportation, handling), and can for before use for the preservation of product provides shielded, airtight or approach airtight environment (" buckle B "); (3) after user intervention, reconnect capsule and lid (or, more generally, the parts of the equipment that contains food) to maintain new " opening " configuration, in described configuration, air can flow through equipment and realize the aerosolization subsequently (" buckle C ") of product.

Work in the functional of device with in using easiness for the each needed power that activates these buckles.They can be configured to allow following use: capsule/cover is attached to mouthpiece by (1) user.Buckle A is activated.Now, capsule is hidden in mouthpiece and Gai Nei.(2) user pulls back lid now, thereby removes buckle B.In the case of stronger buckle A, capsule keeps being connected to mouthpiece and lid slides off mouthpiece.This relative motion between capsule and lid allows air flue to open, as described earlier.(3) user continues to pull back lid until buckle C activated, thus by capsule and lid so that during so a kind of mode of air-passage opening is locked in the appropriate position.User can suck and make now product aerosolization and be delivered to oral cavity.Once product is consumed, the high strength of this buckle (C) allow user from mouthpiece pull out capsule/lid and with the replacement of new capsule/lid it, and (the capsule while is connected to mouthpiece and is connected to lid by buckle C via buckle A with covering the least risk separating by capsule; Because buckle C is designed to be better than buckle A, so the power that pulls in the opposite direction mouthpiece and lid being applied by user causes capsule and lid to be dismantled from mouthpiece as a unit conventionally, thereby remove buckle A).In some embodiments, buckle C is also important, and reason is that the ability that it makes user separate capsule and lid completely weakens to minimum, even after removing mouthpiece.In some cases, may wish to prevent that user from attempting to add his/her product, or the compartment of modifying product unilaterally or containing food in other mode.

In many cases, can design (in many cases) version of some embodiments in the case of not affecting the function of single unit system.For example, can (for example) for the cylindrical character of aesthetic effect modifier, entire length that equally can modifier.Or, or in addition, aerosol generator, for example interference in air flow element (as grid) can be incorporated in cylindrical mouthpiece unit.In some embodiments, aerosol generator can comprise more than one compartment.For example, the current path in grid and/or lid can play independent role in generation causes the turbulent flow of aerosolization, maybe may need the two.In general, can also exist the grid, current path, size etc. of multiple configuration to produce correct aerosolization air-flow.

In some embodiments, size that can selecting arrangement is to make, in the time preserving suitable Dynamic Characteristics of Gas Flow, standard medical capsule can directly be used as compartment, or can replace it to a certain extent front described capsule and/or lid, or simplify loading in another way, store and discharge the process of powder.

In some embodiments, capsule and/or lid have recessed inner space, and, powder is filled in them any one or the two in after, described two unit fasten or are threaded togather to form the internal chamber of closing substantially.Capsule or another parts of device should further comprise aerosol generator (for example interference in air flow " grid "), and air and flow of powder are by described aerosol generator, thereby generation is for delivery to the aerosol of user.Lid and/or capsule should generally include (for example) air flue in the respective end of closed compartment, to allow Air Flow to pass through in the time sucking.Design (size of for example air flue or shape) should provide enough air-flows, farthest reduces powder loss simultaneously.

In some embodiments, lid 114 and/or capsule 116 are designed to farthest reduce powder loss.For example, as shown at Fig. 1 E, air flue is outward-dipping towards side, rather than passes straight through to bottom, so that restriction powder is because gravity drops out, even in the time that device is vertically placed.When powder at capsule/lid inner and shake or other motion hour, powder can gather on the basal surface of described path, but seldom drops out by side path.

In some embodiments, can reach by realizing mechanism that air flue alternately opens or closes the needs of the balance between air-flow and the loss of minimum powder.For example, in some embodiments, capsule and cover can be combined together, but still can be against sliding over each other, to realize two kinds of configurations: in the configuration of closing, described two parts are close together, wherein at the air flue of the element blocking-up lid of the base position of capsule; Opening in configuration, capsule separates a little with lid, thereby allows Air Flow by the air flue in covering.

In some embodiments, mouthpiece, capsule and/or cover are designed for single and use (perhaps disposable), or, be designed to repeatedly use.For example, in some embodiments, capsule and lid can be disposable, and optionally, can have various powders available, and mouthpiece can be reusable.In certain embodiments, can use the capsule of pre-filled normal size, for example, gel capsule or blister pack.This class embodiment allows easier filling, substitutes, cleans and disposes.In addition, this class embodiment allows to manufacture multiple dose capsule.Before using, can for example, by the design element (, cusp, blade, pressurizing unit or recking means for cargo) in housing the pre-filled capsule of this class be bored a hole, tear, be cut or destroy.For example, therefore product can be released in chamber, and becomes the impact that is more subject to the air-flow producing in suction or start-up course; Or as another example, product may remain in original container haply, but be communicated with in fluid with the air-flow producing in suction and/or start-up course now, and be therefore subject to now the impact of described air-flow; Deng.After starting and using, can remove emptying capsule and dispose easily from compartment.Or capsule can be designed to repeatedly use.For example, capsule can recharge.

In some embodiments, housing is designed to allow to be incorporated at least 2, for example 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 or 10 capsules, thereby allows (for example) user as required with not commensurability mixing and the agent of coupling multi-condiment.In some embodiments, housing can be designed to allow to load one group of multiple capsule so that one of one-shot, thereby reduces the frequency of removing and replacing the capsule of using.

In some embodiments, device is designed to by least 2, and for example, 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 or 10 user use.For example, device can be designed to have multiple branch roads, and each branch road is designed to have air flow guide element, is used by multiple user to allow simultaneously.

In some aspects, device comprises housing, capsule and lid.In alternative aspect, device comprises housing and lid, and wherein said housing is all designed to use together with capsule with lid, and described capsule is for example the disposable capsule that maybe can recharge.In other side, device comprises the disposable capsule that maybe can recharge.In other side, device comprises the mouthpiece, aerosolization product source and/or the aerosolization product container that use together with multiple aerosolization product.

Should note in some embodiments, mouthpiece, capsule, lid, grid, mouthpiece dish etc. functional (, product holds, aerosol produces, aerosol is sent, air-flow (and aerosol) guides etc.) may be relevant from one or more potential different physical locations, maintain identical overall function simultaneously.For example, in some embodiments, can and there be all functions aspect single assembly unit.In some embodiments, mouthpiece can comprise aerosol generator, aerosol delivery apparatus and air-flow (and aerosol) guiding device, and product container can be independent.In some embodiments, as previously described, product can be included in capsule or lid, and aerosol generator can be a part for capsule, and there is the mouthpiece of air flow guide element can be for aerosol be delivered to user from described capsule/lid.

With reference to figure 3, user carrys out operating means 100 (step 200) by loading delivery apparatus 100; Device 100 is brought to the oral cavity (step 210) of user; And suck (step 212) by mouthpiece 112, thereby cause that air enters lid and capsule by air flue.Air forces the food powders being present in capsule 116 for example, by aerosol generator (, grid) aerosolization, and enters subsequently the oral cavity of described user via mouthpiece 112.

Fig. 4 presents multiple views of the exemplary of mouthpiece 112.

Fig. 5 presents multiple views of the exemplary of end cap 114.

Fig. 6 presents multiple views of the exemplary of capsule 116.

In some embodiments described above, aerosol produces at specific time point or in the little interval corresponding to concrete setting up procedure, and/or aerosol produces by the relevant step of user.For example, in some cases, aerosol produces relevant to one or more suction actions of user.In many these embodiments, product is in solid state, and can be the powder being dried haply.But our method also relates to other serial embodiment, wherein aerosol is to be produced by the source of more continuous source and/or user outside; For example, one or more piezoelectric ultrasonic vibrating disks, air pump or compressed air source.Some in these sources may be more suitable for by the product of solid haply and produce aerosol, and other may be more suitable for by the product of liquid haply and produces aerosol.

In some embodiments, product is in the state of liquid haply, and produces by the supersonic source being communicated with described product the atomization that aerosol relates to described liquid, also has the formation subsequently of aerosol cloud.For example, in some embodiments, piezoelectric vibration dish is placed in product liquid, and the ultrasonic vibration of described dish produces aerosol on described liquid surface.

Before many, in described embodiment, aerosol produces in housing, mouthpiece, capsule and/or lid, and is directly delivered to user via described housing and/or mouthpiece.Using haply, unconfined aerosol is (for example, aerosol cloud, as the aerosol cloud being produced by external source (as supersonic source)) embodiment in, may need to produce highly concentrated aerosol to cause the impression of significant taste in experimenter.But, highly concentrated aerosol has collision rate between larger granule, and passing in time, due to inertial impaction, diffusion etc., aerosol may become more and more dilution in the time that it is disseminated in surrounding air, or granule possibility coalescent (if for example it is liquid aerosol).Can select the concentration (for example) of other scope so that balance taste, aesthetics and the other factors relevant with the consumption of unconfined aerosolization product haply.Therefore, in some embodiments, aerosol cloud can be limited in tank or other (transparent, opaque or translucent) medium or container.In specific embodiments, lockedin air space can for restriction aerosol, thereby keep the aesthetics of " floating " aerosol (no matter its floating and/or container or bubble itself in container or bubble is floating), maintain higher aerosol concentration simultaneously and realize than via outdoor " eating " or the more effective aerosol of outdoor suction sending to oral cavity.Aerosol bubble or container itself can be edible in some cases.In some cases, bubble or container can be opened, thereby approaching aerosol is provided.

External source (for example supersonic source) can be placed in restricted medium or container.Not with the complete totally enclosed medium of external environment condition or container (for example, tank) in, wherein select the height of described medium or container for example, so that balance to preventing the needs of convection current, diffusion, inertial impaction and other power, wherein needs () via the top of opening, via little opening, via approaching aerosol at some pent opening of time etc.

With reference to figure 7A and 7B, delivery device 300 comprises the container 310 that contains product 312.Forcer 314 (for example, air pump or compressed air source) is attached to container 310.In the time starting, described forcer is by being released into subsequently through aerosolization parts 316 and product 312 aerosolization that triggers product 312 in external environment condition.Then the aerosol cloud 318 obtaining can for example, by () described cloud or experimenter's displacement or be consumed by suction.

With reference to figure 8, build prototype, described prototype comprises that manual pump is as forcer.Described prototype is carried out aerosolization with the aerosol generation equipment of manual activation and is discharged the mint particles of dehydration.

With reference to figure 9A to 9D, delivery device 350 comprises container 352, and described container 352 has and is configured to described container to be stably supported on for example, base 354 on stayed surface (, floor or workbench).Aerosol generator 356 is positioned in the internal cavities 358 of container 352.Aerosol generator 356 (illustrating in greater detail in Figure 10 A to 10D) comprises the transparent plastic box 360 with the top of opening, and described transparent plastic box 360 is received aerosol generator 362.Described aerosol generator can be (for example) ultrasonic or piezo-electric generator.

With reference to Figure 11, product can be positioned in the box 360 of aerosol generator 356 of delivery device 350.In the time that described generator is activated, product is aerosolized and in some cases, the top of opening of passing the box 360 of aerosol generator 356 enters in the internal cavities 358 of container 352.In some cases, aerosol mixture is enough fine and close in described aerosol mixture is remained in container 352 haply.Container 352 has and extends through described container to the upper opening of described internal cavities 358, in the time that delivery device 350 is placed in the situation that base 354 is shelved on stayed surface, described upper opening in vertical direction with described base skew.In some cases, the upper opening of described container can be closed with cover cap.

Delivery device can be formed has other external shape.With reference to figure 12A to 12G, similarly the container 410 of delivery device 400 dodecahedral shape is received aerosol generator 412.With reference to Figure 13, in use, can directly upwards orientation, settle delivery device 400 at the face of opening.With reference to Figure 14, in use, can in the case of open towards on the angled orientation of stayed surface settle delivery device 400.

Delivery mechanism can be for being carried into user by aerosol or part aerosol.In some embodiments, described delivery mechanism is made up of mouthpiece as described.Because can be individually produce aerosol from delivery apparatus, so described delivery apparatus can only be made up of the mouthpiece with air flow guide element, described air flow guide element guides to intraoral surface by aerosol as front being described in while sucking.In some embodiments, delivery apparatus should be longer, for example, do not disturb any aerosol restrictive or device to make more easily to approach aerosol.In some embodiments, delivery apparatus is elongated mouthpiece.In some embodiments, delivery apparatus is the mouthpiece that is connected to independent device, and described independent device is in fact for extending the length of described mouthpiece; For example, (in some cases, this device can allow user in the time using the length extension device identical with other user, to use his/her mouthpiece to hollow cylinder; This can be considered to be the method for tasting the health of aerosol for many people, and does not need to make the mouthpiece of multiple length, and the mouthpiece possibility cost of manufacturing multiple length is higher).In some embodiments, delivery apparatus is " food suction pipe ".

In some embodiments, can directly use delivery apparatus, and in other embodiments, can carry out other intermediate steps so as after aerosol to produce (in process) and sending before the further aerosol cloud of restriction smaller portions.In this arrangement help increase delivery apparatus, the concentrating part of aerosol cloud is approaching, thereby improves or make taste detectable and/or that can experience become possibility.Can also carry out partial response in the health concern about the single aerosol generator of common use (be no matter reality or imaginary) by described cloud being separated into independent " part " before consumption like this.

For example, in tank or other container, have aerosol generator (for example, at the ultrasonic unit in product liquid), aerosol cloud can be collected in smaller container, as glass, champagne glass, soup ladle etc., and then delivery apparatus (for example, mouthpiece) can use together with described smaller container.For example, mouthpiece can be placed in glass or other container, and by sucking, the cloud in described glass or container is delivered to the oral cavity of user.Air flow guide element in mouthpiece guides to granule intraoral surface and limits granule the degree that can continue further to enter respiratory tract by helping.

For example, in the embodiment of independent liquid aerosol generator (, using the liquid aerosol generator of piezoelectricity and/or supersonic source), conventionally there are a considerable amount of larger drops, described larger drop arrives the scope that far exceeds cloud.Therefore, consumption is conventionally encouraged to use from the trial of the product of cloud and is allowed consumer to avoid by the mechanism of these droplet impacts, for example, by blocking these drops, and/or rest on the distance away from described cloud, and/or use the delivery apparatus that farthest reduces consumer and be exposed to described drop.

In supersonic source, use the trial (wherein pore size is less than problematic larger drop and is greater than cloud drop) of grid in test, to be proved to be unsuccessful.Although cloud drop can coordinate by hole, do not there is as a whole enough kinetic energy and easily move through grid to produce large fine and close cloud.

A kind of effective solution is above cloud, to provide screen cloth or cover cap so that the larger drop of restriction outwards penetrates.In some embodiments, this cover cap concept can realize by place larger cover cap (for example, referring to, Figure 11) on overall container, and described cover cap took out immediately before using.In some embodiments, a side of independent surface or container can extend beyond the position of supersonic source to a certain extent, thereby blocks the drop of some ejaculations.In some embodiments, can approach cloud (for example, referring to, Figure 14) via side opening or space.In some embodiments, supersonic source can be placed with an angle, face a side of container or any part of not opening of whole device to make it, and therefore liquid is mainly penetrated to corresponding opposite side, rather than from out or from the side of opening out (for example, referring to, Figure 13) of opening.

Many equivalents of these embodiments are possible, comprise that container wherein has sizes with directed and/or wherein exist and have the Bu Tong system of the cover cap of size, shape and orientation, described cover cap can or can be not attached or be connected to the remainder of equipment.Generally, the existence that is any type of surface of solids is considered to the version about embodiment described herein, and the described surface of solids prevents that larger drop from penetrating, and is positioned at apart from the certain distance in described source and sentences and allow easily to produce cloud.

Alternative solution is to use the delivery apparatus allowing in a distance consumption.For example, can use the mouthpiece with air flow guide element.In some embodiments, mouthpiece can be elongated and be used as " suction pipe ", for sending longer distance.In some embodiments, elongated mouthpiece can be by two parts---mouthpiece and extension piece form.For example, mouthpiece can have air flow guide element, and can and have the cylinder with certain diameter and length.Extension piece can for example be connected (for example, coordinate, fasten, be threaded etc. to mouthpiece) with mouthpiece, and can have similar diameter, and has certain length.In this latter system, mouthpiece and extension piece can be replaced (for example each user can have a mouthpiece and use successively separately same extension piece) independently.

Sending of the startup of aerosolization and product

Aerosol generator is any device that can produce and have required feature the aerosol of (, granular size, air borne time/suspension persistent period, spray dosage etc.).Except aerosol generator, can there is realization, contribute to or optimize aerosol to the delivery apparatus of sending (as other air-flow restraint device) in experimenter's oral cavity, hold air duct, mouthpiece, air flow guide element or other device or structure in the restricted quarter, the inhaler of aerosol.For example, Fig. 2 A to 6 illustrates capsule and lid, and described capsule and lid are as product container and and have an aerosol generator (being mainly made up of grid) in many embodiments.In many embodiments, capsule and lid are connected to each other and are connected to the mouthpiece with air flow guide element, and wherein said mouthpiece will be as delivery apparatus.

By controlling gravity and inertia force, the air flow guide element of finding in some embodiments makes aerosol cloud substantially be delivered to intraoral surface rather than further down to respiratory tract.The multiple potential application height correlation of this aspect of described technology and aerosol.In fact, described this delivery apparatus can make the following possibility that becomes: the aerosol of the broad range producing in multiple different mode is delivered to consumer, farthest reduces or eliminates cough and the surperficial potential interaction with oral cavity respiratory system in addition simultaneously.

Any tendency that any device relevant to this technology or the design of structure it is also conceivable that and attempt to reduce cough, vomiting or in other mode, aerosol is adversely reacted.

These devices and relevant apparatus (as the device that contains food) can be implemented in a large amount of different modes.It is exemplary that device described herein is intended to.

Trigger the aerosolization of product and send subsequently obtained aerosolization product and can occur in several ways, described mode includes but not limited to, respiratory movement, device startups, health displacement, aerosol displacement with and combine.For example, this class action can comprise:

A) respiratory movement, for example, by sucking on mouthpiece, is delivered to oral cavity thereby cause product to be exposed to the gentle aerosol of aerosol generator; And/or

B) action that device starts, include but not limited to, opening of the perforation of the startup of the startup of supersonic source, the actuating of pump, compressed air source, the startup of impeller, container, air duct, described action cause at least in part or help to cause product aerosolization (therefore form aerosol can haply restriction space (for example, distance piece) in, or the space of opening haply (for example,, as " cloud " in air or in limiting structure)); And/or

C) respiratory movement, described action " act on " or " sensing " aerosol (for example, be included in spacer device as cloud free-floating or be included in the aerosol in larger structure), and can be by assisting with suction pipe, mouthpiece or miscellaneous equipment, thereby make to be substantially deposited in oral cavity; And/or

D) action of health displacement; as walking or inclination (possibility is in conjunction with placing particularly in a particular manner or oral cavity, location, tongue or other body part); described action makes experimenter's oral cavity be exposed to aerosol cloud or its part; thereby cause granule to be substantially deposited in oral cavity, and/or

The action of the aerosol displacement e) for example, being caused by () air-flow, heat or barometric gradient, inertial impaction, diffusion or gravity, described action brings to a position to make experimenter's oral cavity be exposed to described aerosol cloud by aerosol cloud or its part, thereby causes granule to be substantially deposited on (even if wherein aerosol displacement causes the dilution of granule density and described cloud to disperse) in oral cavity; And/or

F) the other action that device starts, installs use, space constraint, airflow limitation etc. or place or locate oral cavity, lip, tongue, jaw, head or other body part with concrete configuration, shape etc.; Or help to produce the suitable aerosolization of product and/or send and/or other other action of the sense of taste (for example, use food suction pipe, accommodating chamber opening/closing, promote tongue to air-flow is turned to etc.).This class action can be for the tendency that helps to reduce cough, vomiting or in other mode, product is adversely reacted.

Some marks of total amount or the part that can refer to equivalently powder, liquid, aerosol, cloud etc. mentioned to powder, liquid, aerosol, cloud, granule etc. herein.

Device itself can be designed to single and uses (for example, disposable) or repeatedly use, and for example, wherein replaces dose capsule or recharges dosage chamber.Or, or in addition, the part of device, for example mouthpiece, the equipment that contains food, capsule and/or lid can be disposable.In some embodiments, device can and strong generation mechanism (as pump or compressed air source) to make product aerosolization.In some embodiments, device can and have propellant.

In some embodiments, device can be designed to " single action ", " palikinesia ", or " continuous action " aerosolization and/or send, depend on it is that intention is single, short-term step (for example, suck the once suction on trigger equipment) in, in multiple discrete steps (for example, suck the repeatedly suction on trigger equipment) in or at long-term consecutive steps (for example, maintaining aerosol cloud opens wide) interior aerosolization and/or send product, wherein " step " can refer to simultaneously and/or any combination of sequential process, device is by described Process Gas atomization and/or send product.Including device be intended to once for the many factors being used by an experimenter or multidigit experimenter by help to determine for any specific embodiments these step order (if there is) which kind of be suitable.

Device can also comprise additive (as distance piece, lamp, valve etc.), to strengthen visual effect and/or the control to aerosol and/or dosage.These additives can also strengthen the experience of inhalation aerosol.

In some embodiments, the main body of whole equipment or the part of equipment can be manufactured by the edible/material that can take in, and described material is as cookie, crispbread, chocolate or sugar product etc.This by permission in aerosol delivery process or enjoy afterwards device, thereby strengthen overall experience.

In some embodiments, device can be similar with inhaler or suction apparatus, as Diskus (DPI) or metered dose inhaler (MDI); Hold supersonic source and limit to a certain extent " tank " of the aerosol cloud being produced by described source; " fountain " of injection and/or circulation aerosol; Hand-held pump installation; Blowing plant; Food suction tube device; Many people composite device; Desktop apparatus.Multiple material can be used to form device or its part, comprising: plastics (for example, relatively firm Merlon, polypropylene, acronitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyethylene etc.), various metal, glass, cardboard, cardboard etc.

In some embodiments, aerosolization product should have definite size, and size is enough to that restriction enters in respiratory tract but size is enough little is suspended in air to allow.In some embodiments, granular size may be pre-atomization, the manufacture requirement of the product of solid substantially, described product is for example placed on the capsule of some embodiment/cover inner product or be associated some desciccate using with air pump or compressed air source.In some embodiments, granular size may be for the requirement of the aerosol generator of only atomization in the time that aerosol produces (liquid substantially) product, and described product is for example associated with supersonic source and uses to produce the product of aerosol cloud.

In some embodiments, the predetermined mean size of aerosolization product is at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 75, 80, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235, 240, 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285, 290, 295, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 microns.In some embodiments, the predetermined mean size of aerosolization product is to be less than in size 500,450,400,350,325,300,275,250,245,240,235,230,225,220,215,210,205,200,195,190,185,180,175,150,140,130,120,110,100,90,80,70,60,50,40,30,20 or 10 microns.Scope (for example, approximately 50 microns to approximately 215 microns) between above cited centre is also intended that a part of this disclosure.For example, intention comprises that the combination that uses any above cited value is as the scope of the value of the upper limit and/or lower limit.

But especially not exclusively,, in some embodiments of taking in by suction, smallest particles size is the key character of this method.Aerosol particles is designed to substantially be delivered to and be deposited in oral cavity, for example, by gravity or inertial impaction power, but is for example substantially not easy to be further delivered to and is deposited on, in respiratory tract (trachea or lung).Therefore this class granule concentrates by having to be greater than the size (, being greater than approximately 10 microns) that infiltrates into the granule in lung.For example, if not the size (with the air flow guide element of delivery apparatus) of aerosol particles, the inhaler sampling device of respiratory promoter (device as shown in (a part or whole part) in Fig. 5 to Figure 17) will produce and will quite easily follow the air of suction towards the aerosol of pulmonary so.

But especially not exclusive, in the embodiment of for example, taking in by experimenter's displacement or the displacement of aerosol (, having aerosol cloud), the largest particles size is the key character of this method.In fact, aerosol cloud must keep being suspended in the time at least of short duration in air to make to enter the displacement in oral cavity.Therefore granule must can not be excessive to such an extent as to their sedimentations rapidly from air.This point will greatly depend on granule (will for example be remained on to airborne one or more power and/or one or more mechanism, by independent " nature " power, as inertia, diffusion etc., or by other power, as impeller, air-flow, convection current etc.).Therefore, in some embodiments, under typical suspending power and mechanism, granule should be less than approximately 500 microns.For example, the supersonic source in product liquid can produce the aerosol cloud of stop, and the aerosol cloud of described stop is as long as the minimum just energy of convection current balancing gravity, diffusion, inertial impaction and other power are suspended in air to keep.

The design parameter of equipment and absorption method will partly determine that experimenter is " suction " or " eating " in the time that aerosol is taken in generation.Whether this enter experimenter's oral cavity and/or throat (on physiology via the air sucking corresponding to (1) aerosol generally, in the time that air is guided to the trachea towards pulmonary by epiglottis) or aerosol whether enter experimenter's oral cavity by another kind of method (as the displacement of aerosol or experimenter's displacement), (2) whether experimenter's expection is that aerosol is (finally) a kind of food of being swallowed (on physiology, in the time that epiglottis is blocked the passage to trachea).Under any circumstance, should further notice after being deposited in oral cavity, product may finally be swallowed and in fact with any other typical product is the same is consumed.

In some cases, aerosol can carry via the air of suction that flows to pulmonary always (for example, the same with the suction that smoker may have, described suction is carried air and cigarette by medicated cigarette/enter pulmonary from medicated cigarette).In some cases, aerosol can be carried (more as the method using with beverage or together with cigar with typical suction pipe) by " sucking " air in oral cavity via " stopping ".(in some cases, the key element of two kinds of methods may all be applicable to.) this potential difference may be significant to aerosol device.For example, by directly proceeding to the air of pulmonary carries, prevent that particle deposition from too far entering respiratory tract physical parameter, the air-flows etc. that depend on described granule more at granule.Carrying by sucking to the air in oral cavity at granule, may likely carry mean size or there is the granule of other characteristic, described granule will allow them further to enter in respiratory system than desirable conventionally, but " stopped " before pulmonary by means of air-flow, in any case make them substantially fall into mouth.

In some embodiments of device that produce aerosol by suction, for example, the device shown in Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Figure 20, the pressed powder of relatively dry of a size suitable can be used as product.Preliminary test has shown in taste that the water solubility of used dried powder produces in the absorption by aerosolization product and potential coughre flex works.In the time that granule contacts with intraoral tongue and other surface, the powder (as the chocolate bars pulverizing or some powder based on chocolate) that tends to water-soluble more quickly granule produces the reaction of pleasant generally.In the case of the chocolate bars pulverizing, for example, in oral cavity, the effect of the chocolate of fusing is similar very rapidly with impression in described effect in some cases.The granule (as the powdered product of some cocoa based on pulverizing) that water dissolvable is lower is often considered to more coarse, and more may cause not the reaction of pleasant so, as xerostomia sensation or cough.But in some cases, the combination that is the powder of the two kinds of types of different proportion provides interesting flavor complexity.

In the device as shown in Fig. 9 A to Figure 14, produce in some embodiments of liquid aerosol, aerosol produces and delivery apparatus is had enough aerosol quality and/or concentration to cause that the needs of significant taste perception limit.Therefore in some embodiments, the density of aerosol cloud and once suck or other single delivery step in the amount of the aerosol that consumes must be on minimum threshold, this depends on the susceptibility of user to taste, product and many other conditions.

For example, use the supersonic source in product liquid to produce in some embodiments of liquid aerosol (), the granule (if for example liquid is colloidal state) floating on a liquid must be less than the size of the aerosol particles producing for described source generally to effectively produce aerosol.In addition, in some embodiments with liquid aerosol, for example in product liquid, have in some embodiments of supersonic source, surfactant can not play a crucial role (according to preliminary test in the required taste of generation, this is situation vinous), because aerosolization separates surfactant with the remainder of product, thereby in liquid, produce the surfactant of larger proportion, and therefore in cloud, the large percentage of other component is (for example, in situation vinous, acid larger material), other component of described larger proportion makes the authentic flavor distortion of product.

Product, comprises aerosol powder

Can be aerosolized by design that (granule much larger than 500 microns drops out rapidly from air, unless supported by external force) and still there is enough large granule (being greater than approximately 1,2,3,4,5,10,15 or 20 micron) to make food form little when air-breathing or that do not have granule to enter pulmonary, our technology makes to be deposited on and to be delivered in oral cavity.Ideally, granule (is set size) by being designed and is become to make (for example) at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 97% or can further extend in respiratory tract in oral cavity and not at least about 99% particle deposition.The design of granule also should be considered any tendency that reduces cough, vomiting or in other mode, aerosol is adversely reacted.

Dried powder granule can produce by multiple diverse ways.At first, product can dewater.Or or in addition, be that the higher or food based on liquid of ductility, first food can be frozen to contribute to grinding or chopping subsequently at food.Product can grind subsequently to form the suitably granule of size.Can be by carrying out the grinding of product with mortar and pestle.Or or in addition, can (for example) use machinery or electric grinder, cutter etc. that product is shredded.Can be by particle filtering obtained grinding or chopping for example, by filter screen (craft, make electricity consumption or mechanical vibration screening machine, by air classification system, by screening system etc.) to obtain suitable granular size.Another kind method is to use the powder mill that larger particles is milled to pre-sizing.Can also utilize spraying dry, wherein the mixture of water and material to be dried is forced to by nozzle and enters high temperature rotary drum, thereby evaporation is attached to the water droplet on material immediately.Except other, these methods also allow to produce can be aerosolized but large must be enough to can not be easily by oral cavity and throat and continue to enter the granule of the specific size in respiratory tract.

These dried powder granules can be from single diet or composition (as chocolate, coffee or Truffe) or from the combination results of multiple food or Multiple components, described combination for example, as represented the combination (, the fruit of mixing or meat and Rhizoma Solani tuber osi) of whole dish or meals.The in the situation that of chocolate, can use chocolate bars, chocolate powder, cocoa powder and other form and the kind of the food that obtained by cocoa plants.In addition, in some cases, can be individually or for example use in combination flavouring agent and other (natural or artificial) flavoring agent with this group food composition, to produce other taste or experience (, natural or artificial chocolate, Fructus Rubi, Fructus Mangifera Indicae, Herba Menthae, fragrant folder orchid, Cortex Cinnamomi, caramel and/or coffee flavoring agent).In addition, equipment can comprise the product of single dose or the product of multiple dose/part.In addition, they can be made up of the product of liquid substantially, the solid for example dissolving by extraction or use other solid constituent.In some embodiments, compared with normal picked-up, can in using less actual product, experience local flavor.In addition,, by mixing different powder, can produce new local flavor.

Aerosol can also be the liquid being aerosolized, for example, by the supersonic source being communicated with product liquid; Or by with similarly " spraying " mechanism of those mechanism of liquids and gases for aerosol can (" aerosol container ") or carburator.Can prepare this class I liquid I by several different methods, to make them be or to comprise the product of concentrate, additive, extract or other form, described product retains to a certain extent or strengthens and can send taste.

Can also produce liquid aerosol by ultrasonic unit, described ultrasonic unit is as being placed on the vibration piezoceramic disk in the container of product liquid.

Depend on one or more used products and one or more devices, product can be stored with the form of tablet or pill and/or be included in blister pack, in capsule, store and/or be included in bottle sample container and/or in pallet, case, container, thermos flask, bottle etc. as powder simply.

In some embodiments, likely, with suitably designing and suitably setting big or small granule and send abnormal smells from the patient, can independently or utilize described granule except embodiment described herein,, except sending aerosolization product, to strengthen aesthetic experience.

Please note that " product ", " aerosol ", " granule " and other similar term use in the whole literature, although and they may typically refer to the little solid particle obtaining from food, these terms can refer to any product that other is obtained by food described herein in some cases.

Other potential characteristic of aerosol

The humidity that passing that may be in time and/or space change or other ambient atmospheric conditions can in the agent of trigger gas mist and/or its initial sensation in one or more experimenters detect and relevant variation of time or position in conduction.These conditional trigger can cause granule to present the different sense of taste, olfactory sensation, aerodynamic, chemistry, physics, how much and/or other characteristic, described characteristic and then can change taste, quality, color, size, one-tenth aerosol and/or the other side of granule.

The object of this class conditional trigger is normally that one or more experimenters produce more interesting and dynamic experience.Trigger thing and may depend on arrival threshold value atmospheric condition (for example, being greater than 50% humidity) or the threshold value relevant to experimenter.Atmospheric condition may change aerosol particles itself and/or may allow them and experimenter's sensorium interacts by different way.For example, in low humidity air, aerosol may present a kind of chemical/physical state, and described state gives its first taste; And under high humidity, it may present different chemical/physical states, and described state gives its second taste.As another example, the aerosol of aerosolization may not have taste and/or abnormal smells from the patient at first, or initial taste and/or abnormal smells from the patient make people associate certain product (for example, described initial taste and/or abnormal smells from the patient can be detected by olfactory system by experimenter at first before taking in aerosol by oral cavity); And after passing through orally administer aerosol, the surrounding in oral cavity may trigger the variation in aerosol, and described variation gives aerosol with taste and/or abnormal smells from the patient and/or makes people associate new taste and/or the abnormal smells from the patient of different products.Passing in time but in the time that product is still in oral cavity, it may continue to develop, thereby arouses experimenter's difference sensation.Mechanism as these can, for generation of the impression of the different dishes of the edible meals of order, as antipasto, be then entree, is then dessert.

Time air borne/suspension time

Depend on specific embodiments, product can continue various durations length in aerosol form (air borne).For example, in the case of the device based on inhaler, product keeps air borne only to continue to suck and take in a period of time occurring conventionally, the described time for example can be, approximately 1/2 second at the most, approximately 1 second at the most, approximately 3 seconds at the most, approximately 5 seconds at the most, approximately 8 seconds at the most, approximately 10 seconds at the most, approximately 15 seconds or time period that may be longer at the most.Or, in the time that delivery apparatus operates by producing aerosol cloud, product can keep suspending and continue (for example) at least about 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,15,20,25,30 or 60 second in air, or at least 2,5,10,15,20,30,45,60,90,120 or 180 seconds.The time that the mechanical agitation (for example, by convection current) of aerosol cloud can suspend for increasing aerosol cloud.

Application

Equipment can convert the mode of experiencing food, thereby allows the aesthetic experience of the enhancing of food.For example, equipment can allow experimenter for example, to experience food by the room that is full of food cloud that themselves is exposed to (), chamber and the food suction pipe of submergence.In fact, shop, restaurant and nightclub can provide this class " food experience ".

In some embodiments, our technology can allow experimenter to experience food by themselves being exposed to aerosolization product via independent, hand-held and/or mancarried device.In some embodiments, can be under or smoking similar social background edible to confection and/or with described social background relevant our technology of use.For example, some embodiments can be carried out and use or used by multiple user simultaneously by the difference in a day.

In various other embodiments, our technology can allow multiple experimenters in the time experiencing aerosol, to have common experience, for example, in the embodiment being associated with multiple delivery apparatus at single aerosol generator, described delivery apparatus is as the tank sample container of confined liquid aerosol cloud, described liquid aerosol cloud is delivered to multiple experimenters by breath actuated, and described multiple experimenters use the independently mouthpiece device with air flow guide element separately.

In addition, equipment can be for providing nutrition to experimenter, and described experimenter is that can not to chew or send for it food be inconvenient experimenter.For example, delivery device goes for old people or child, and for old people or child, it is inconvenient chewing or taking food.In addition they can use certain embodiments of the present invention as the mode of again experiencing and taste food with the individuality of ad hoc fashion (for example,, by feeding tube or intravenous) feed, to suffer from medical conditions requirement.

Equipment can also be used for contributing to not have the absorption of the medicine of the taste of pleasant.For example, if be combined with sending of medicine (, oral), equipment can provide the other local flavor of the local flavor of sheltering described medicine.

Or the delivery device proposing can be alleviated application for Weight control or addiction.For example, delivery device can allow experimenter to consume product relatively little or negligible quantity or material that some is unsound or addicted, and be exposed to granule via described equipment the impression relevant with the consumption of the relatively large food of discussing or material or satisfied can be provided conventionally, thereby potential satisfied hunger or addiction urgency, and without (potential passiveness) consequence that in fact consumes relatively large described material.In some cases, this for example may be, due to the total amount with respect to product (, quality), and the surface area of product that is exposed to the surface (being for example exposed to taste receptors) in oral cavity is higher.In fact, delivery apparatus can form and go on a diet, Weight control and healthy feed plan (for example, by meeting serious hope to sweet food, greasiness food, chocolate and caffeine) and addiction therapy (for example, by satisfied to drinking, the urgency of smoking, medicine but with the less amount of the hazardness of much less) basis.

In addition, delivery device can be for the quality of making the life better, for example, and with respect to the individuality that stands special diet restriction.For example, delivery device can allow to suffer conventionally to stop anaphylaxis that they consume specific product (for example, seitan anaphylaxis) or other condition of illness is (for example, lactose intolerance) these products of the relatively little or negligible quantity of individuality consumption, and can not trigger anaphylactic reaction or somatic reaction, the while may provide conventionally the impression relevant with the consumption of the relatively large food of discussing or material or meet.

In addition, delivery device can be with acting on the device that in simple and effective mode, multiple article is carried out flavor tests.For example, client at the restaurant can carry out flavor tests to the different dish on menu before making one's options.In addition, cook can test the combination of food in the time of culinary art or design recipe with delivery device.Similarly, equipment can be as culinary art the auxiliary facilities in course, as experimenter's the world " have a dinner " experiences, as instructing child about the mode of the knowledge of food etc.

Other useful application of delivery device includes but not limited to hungry rescue (for example,, under the contingency condition of famine) and for animal feeding.

embodiment

Expection following examples are illustrative and do not limit the scope of claim.

Embodiment 1

In order to help to be identified for the ideal granule size from the aerosolization of single actuation Diskus, use the Herba Menthae powder sample of the approximate initial mean particle size with at least 140 microns.Mortar and pestle are for the Herba Menthae powder of mill-drying.Mean particle size is reduced to and is low to moderate approximately 11 microns, as used HELOS-RODOS granular size screening system to be measured.The granule of different sizes is placed in No. 3 independent capsules and is tested in hand held inhaler.

Result

Use has the sample of the mint particles of the approximate mean particle size of 140,111,72,40,18 and 11 microns and tests.Capsule (containing separately about Herba Menthae of 30 to 120mg) is placed in nebulizer and is bored a hole, and by inhaler activate in case by described particle release to air.Can see that most granule declines in 5 seconds after discharging, but this part is along with sample particle size reduces and reduces.It is relatively high in the test of approximate mean particle size with 140,111 and 72 microns, and relatively low in the test of approximate mean particle size with 40,18 and 11 microns.The test generation with the approximate mean particle size of 18 and 11 microns quite looks like plume mist and uniform, has still less visually obvious granule.

Figure 15 illustrates Density Distribution and the cumulative distribution from four tests of same sample.These data show, for this concrete sample, about 87% granule is greater than approximately 10 microns, and about 79% granule is greater than approximately 20 microns.These find that the product (mentha leave) that proves dehydration for example can be formed in while suction, by the aerosolized particles of a certain size (, between at least 18 and 70 microns) haply being conventionally deposited in oral cavity.

In meansigma methods greatly in the sample of the granule in this scope, the little granule that maybe can ignore part can enter throat and lung and still have quite most granule after A Single Intake by Inhalation device activates, to keep suspension at least 5 seconds.

Can use larger aerosolization power or more continuous aerosolization power (as the fan moving continuously or off and on) that obvious larger grain size aerosolization is continued to the long at least as far as possible time.

Embodiment 2

Design as the aerosolization delivery apparatus of being described in Figure 16 to 18 to send aerosolization chocolate.Chocolate is chopped into fine granular, subsequently described fine granular is screened by size.It is found that in the time grinding, as long as note exceedingly not processing described granule (exceedingly process and cause their rapid meltings and melting), thereby many chocolate that can easily obtain just keep sufficiently dry aerosolization in described delivery apparatus.The aridity of commercially available chocolate or cocoa powder makes this class powder be applicable to produce different aerosol taste experience, makes described powder energy stable many (for example, being more not easy to fusing) simultaneously.Use filter screen, can select concrete magnitude range, and it is found that (may in other magnitude range), have a large amount of diameters greatly the sample of the granule in 125 to 180 micrometer ranges be suitable for strong taste and become aerosol.Even if also find to have before arriving darker respiratory system, some granule of the size dropping out (>10 micron) also may be caused to coughre flex from air, even when size reaches approximately 100 microns or when larger, but this point significantly reduces the in the situation that of air-flow guiding mouthpiece element.The water solubility of also finding granule may work in the probability that causes coughre flex, and water solubility probably affects other sense of taste aspect of taste, mouthfeel and experience.For example, in some cases, the flavoring agent of high water dissolvable granule is preferred, because described flavoring agent is perceived quickly and/or had a larger impact.Be greater than haply that the granule of 180 microns is more and more difficult to aerosolization and the chocolate that starts to taste as fritter is fallen on tongue simply.

In order to simplify filling work procedure, settle the standard No. 3 and chocolate powder that No. 4 capsules comprise the amount that is suitable for A Single Intake by Inhalation " dosage ".Therefore can prepare a large amount of this class dosage in order to be transferred to the powder compartment of delivery apparatus with standard manual capsule filling machine.

Embodiment 3

Design as the aerosolization delivery apparatus 500 of being described in Figure 19 A and 19B to send aerosolization beverage.The details of delivery apparatus 500 is shown in Figure 19 C to 19L.

As described above, the aerosol cloud of edible material can be made by the ultrasonication of liquid.When granular size is when enough large and cloud is inhaled into, these clouds can be inhaled into for taking in, thereby avoid respiratory tract.

But, use piezoquartz (for example, it produces this class cloud in liquid) may cause some shortcomings.The first, the cloud producing tends to make the aerosol particles of the size distribution with non-constant width to assemble.The characteristic that very large granule tends to carry secretly less granule and described cloud may be unsuitable for suction and the picked-up of edible material.Specifically, the cloud of these suctions tends to have the aerosolization quality of relative a small amount of, and is best suited for granular size (for example, 60 to the 300 microns) ratio of not preponderating of oral delivery.In addition, this arrangement produces the cloud of the splash character with fountain.

Have been found that ingestible aerosol cloud can and avoid these problems and provide the alternate manner of many advantages to produce to sucking edible experience by ultrasonication.Delivery apparatus 500 as shown in Figure 19 A and 19B make aerosol cloud with respect to as described in the source transverse shift of aerosol cloud, to make large granule rise in described source and decline, and compared with granule (surface 508 that particularly may be in close proximity to liquid in the transverse movement of cloud occur) by diffusion and convection current transverse movement, thereby depart from the large drop of decline.

Exemplary delivery device comprises the aerosol delivery device that aerosolization product is discharged along vertical axis 518 haply (referring to for example, Figure 19 B) generally., if therefore there is the horizontal chamber that can comprise described cloud, there is so the cloud of the meticulous aerosol particles that can be made into stable stop cloud in transverse convection, large and the medium drop that under action of gravity, decline.This cloud can be designed within the scope of required oral delivery, to have granule by the size of manipulation cloud container and the characteristic (comprising the surface tension of liquid) of liquid.It should be noted that and can the surfactant that produce excellent stop cloud aerosol, realize lower than the about surface tension of 72 dyne/cm in the case of using.

In exemplary delivery device 500, the container that is attached to described aerosol delivery apparatus defines the first chamber 520 and the second chamber 522.The first chamber 520 is hydraulically connected to described aerosol delivery apparatus and extends in the first chamber 520 and the granule of at least the first size tends to rise and decline along vertical haply axis 518 to make described delivery apparatus discharge the vertical axis 518 of granule along it.The second chamber 522 is contiguous and lead to the first chamber 520.The second chamber 522 is from the outside horizontal-extending of the first chamber 520, to make the granule that is less than described the first size tend to disperse to enter the second chamber 522 from the first chamber 520.

Described aerosol delivery apparatus comprises the fluid reservoir with supersonic generator.The Free Surface 508 of the fluid in described fluid reservoir is exposed to the first chamber 520 of described container.The lower surface of the second chamber 522 tilts, to make to drop on liquid inclination on the lower surface of the second chamber 522 in flowing towards fluid reservoir 524.The surface of described the first chamber can comprise that the surface that extends across vertical haply axis 518 is so that restriction advancing along vertical axis 518 is advanced haply granule.

Described container defines and extends through the aperture of described container to internal cavities.For example, in the time that described aerosol delivery device is positioned for operating, aperture 526 is in vertical direction from described delivery apparatus skew.Therefore, this container defines the aperture 526 of leading to the second chamber 522 from above.

In addition, aperture or tap 510 be can produce, in cloud impouring glass or other accepter, the convenience of edible material from soybeans and useful mode come by suction thus.This aperture can be the closable outlet 510 being placed in the lateral side surfaces of described container.Closable side outlet 510 can comprise that aperture and biasing are to close the lid in described aperture.In some cases, place elastic component to make lid biasing cover described aperture.In some cases, the weight of lid makes described lid setover to cover described aperture.

Described equipment is to comprise the desk-top or standalone unit that is configured to container to be stably supported on the base on stayed surface.For example, delivery apparatus 500 can comprise/be installed on the articles holding table as shown in Figure 19 A and 19B.Delivery apparatus 500 can also be directly placed on flat surfaces as on table top.

Embodiment 3A

The aerosolization food composition that is suitable for using in for example, delivery apparatus shown in () Figure 19 A and 19B can be taked different forms.Because described delivery device operates by producing aerosol from liquid conventionally, so the food composition that wherein used is in liquid form.Unless otherwise noted, otherwise can mixing simply, following listed composition forms haply liquid uniformly.

fructus Citri Limoniae is flogged

598 to 732mL (for example, 665mL) Fructus Citri Limoniae juice (for example, Andros brand squeezing Fructus Citri Limoniae juice, it is to buy in France).

301 to 369mL (for example, 335mL) water

58 to 72g (for example, 65g) sugar

9 to 11g (for example, 10g) liquid cookie flavoring agent (for example, can be from the Givaudan of Vernier, the QL38457 that Switzerland obtains)

fructus Fragariae Ananssae is flogged

0.9-to 1.1 (for example, 1L) water

180 to 220g (for example, 200g) Strawberry (for example,, from the Teisseire of Crolles, France buys)

11 to 13g (for example, 12g) liquid cookie flavoring agent (for example, can be from the Givaudan of Vernier, the DR04295 that Switzerland obtains)

anti-baked apple is flogged *

Sucus Mali pumilae (for example, for 360 to 440mL (for example, 400mL)

sucus Mali pumilae)

540 to 660mL (for example, 600mL) water

126 to 154 (for example, 140g) sugar

The liquid cookie flavoring agent of 10-12g (for example, 11g) (for example, can be from the Givaudan of Vernier, the DR04295 that Switzerland obtains)

The composition of * flogging for anti-baked apple should be prepared in the following manner:

60g sugar caramel should be changed into " golden yellow " (commitment/flavous)

It is used to water cooling/dilution

Add remaining sugar and other composition

Embodiment 4

Also design is if the another kind of aerosolization delivery apparatus 600 of being described in Figure 20 A and 20B is to send aerosolized particles.The details of delivery apparatus 600 is shown in Figure 20 C to 20G.

Delivery apparatus 600 comprises mouthpiece 610, lid 612 and can comprise the capsule 614 of granule.Delivery apparatus 600 and other embodiment are (for example, referring to Fig. 2 A to 2G) difference be that mouthpiece 610, lid 612 and capsule 614 have contacting between different relative entire length, dish size and capsule 614 and mouthpiece 610, thereby the top of permission mouthpiece 610 initial sealing capsules 614.Mouthpiece 610 is shorter, and capsule 614 is longer; Dish diameter increases and equals or no better than mouthpiece external diameter; And capsule 614 is initially at inside, and most of or whole length of extending mouthpiece 610.

Mouthpiece 610 is cylinder form substantially.Other cylinder 618 (referring to Figure 20 H and 20I) is below mouthpiece dish 616 and be engaged in the top of capsule 614 so that sealing grid (not shown), in the time that user is air-breathing by mouthpiece 610, aerosolized particles is discharged by described grid.The diameter of dish 616 is identical or almost identical with the external diameter of mouthpiece 610.In an exemplary, the external diameter of mouthpiece 610 is 0.64 inch.

Capsule 614 is also cylinder form substantially.The end that is engaged to the capsule 614 in mouthpiece 610 comprises annular ring 620, and described annular ring 620 is from the remainder of capsule 614 stretch out vertically (referring to Figure 20 G to 20I).Annular ring 620 sizes are set to the other cylinder 618 that is engaged in the time that capsule 614 is inserted in mouthpiece 610 completely below mouthpiece dish 616 around and engage described other cylinder 618.Therefore hole in grid (not shown) on the top of capsule 614 can be capped before starting drive 600.

Capsule 614 be included in capsule 614 bottom place buckle 622,623 (referring to Figure 20 G to 20I) and allow cover 612 in " opening air-flow " position (referring to Figure 20 A, 20D and 20H) or " closed gas flow " position (referring to Figure 20 B, 20F and 20I).Capsule 614 also comprises the buckle 624,625 at the top that approaches described capsule, and described buckle 624,625 and two other similar part are that buckle 624 allows mouthpiece 610 in lower " closed gas flow " position (referring to Figure 20 G to 20I) and higher " opening air-flow " position (referring to Figure 20 A, 20D and 20H).

Closed position buckle 622,625 need to be disengaged so that starting drive 600 and being designed to than a little less than open position buckle 623,624, and described open position buckle 623,624 need to be permanent (being difficult to remove).In some embodiments, the right closure strength of described buckle can be that identical or described open position buckle can be than a little less than the buckle of described closed position.

Before filling, together with mouthpiece 610 is fastened on capsule 614.Cylindrical character 618 below mouthpiece dish 616 is aimed at the annular ring 620 on capsule 614 so that the top of seal capsule 614, thereby keeps granule to be loaded in capsule 614 inside.Then fill capsule-mouthpiece unit of combination.Then cover 612 by interpolation and close capsule 614 at opposite end place.Described closed protection granule is avoided environmental effect, and restriction air-flow (for example, in the situation that described three parts are in " closing " position, to/be blocked substantially on both sides from the air-flow of capsule 614).Device can be provided to consumer with this configuration (for example, referring to,, Figure 20 D).

In order to start, lid 610 is pulled down to (thereby allowing the air-flow from bottom) and then by buckle fixing (for example, referring to, Figure 20 E).Mouthpiece 610 is upwards drawn similarly and then by buckle fixing, thereby introduce space between the top of capsule 614 and mouthpiece dish 616, thereby allow air-flow to pass through described top (for example, referring to, Figure 20 F).This is " opening " position, and now can operative installations 600.

After using, can dispose or the whole device of recycling.In exemplary means 600, it is afterwards forever attached that mouthpiece 610, capsule 614 and lid 612 are formed at assembling.

Embodiment 4A

The aerosolization food composition being ready to use in for example, aerosolization delivery apparatus shown in () Figure 20 A and 20B and 2A to 2G or in other version of described device can comprise heterogeneity so that the requirement based on predetermined end user maybe needs to reach Different Results.Following table (is for example listed the dissimilar composition that may combine and/or be contained in aerosolization product, the composition of flavoring agent, vitamin, supplementary, sweeting agent, flavour enhancer, herbaceous plant extract and other type), comprise for using mentioned ratio at single aerosolization food dosage.In certain embodiments, composition can mix simply to form uniform mixture of powders haply.

Table 4-1

Table 4-1 (Continued)

Embodiment 4B

The aerosolization food composition being ready to use in for example, aerosolization delivery apparatus shown in () Figure 20 and 20A can be the form in aerosolization energy product.Be below the embodiment of the combination of composition, briefly discuss and carry out the different observed results of self-test about their object.In certain embodiments, composition can mix simply to produce compositions relatively uniformly.

The explanation of composition

In order to produce caffeine/lime flavored preparation, use caffeine (for example, 100% natural caffeine) as main component.Thaumatin, low calorie sweetener and local flavor regulator are as bitterness screening agent and sweeting agent.

can be from the Naturex of Avignon, the commercially available thaumatin that France obtains.

conventionally under 10% purity of mixing with 90% maltodextrin, sell (all right 100% purity obtains).Also be the PureVia from South Bend as the stevioside of sweeting agent ^tM, Indiana, USA, buys.Sugar (for example, confection sucrose) is also as sweeting agent.Add the main flavoring agent of Citrus aurantium Linn. flavoring agent as aerosolization product.Can be from the Givaudan of Vernier, Switzerland buys, the Citrus aurantium Linn. flavoring agent of reference number 96832-71 shown be applicable to and in current preparation, in maltodextrin, dilute.Citric acid and sodium bicarbonate combine to serve as effervescent.For optimum, the citric acid that described effervescent comprises is a little for example, more than sodium bicarbonate (, 3 parts of citric acids are to 2.8 parts of sodium bicarbonate).Different mixture preparation samples is provided in following table.

Table 4-2

Observed result

In some cases, that adds that more caffeine (for example, higher than 100mg) seems not to be to make us wishing for taste shelters normally difficulty of bitterness, but show in some cases and play a role fully.Although use

there is clearly effect to sheltering bitterness, but 50mg and 100mg or even 50mg and 200mg difference between (having separately 100mg caffeine) is always not obvious, and depends on to a great extent other composition.Even if test has shown when using with 1:1 or 2:1

the less amount providing with stevioside ratio

for example, when (, 5mg, 10mg or 20mg), also realize sufficient bitterness and shelter.We can use even still less in some cases in guess and still shelter fully bitterness.We guess shelter bitterness and in the time consuming earlier (for example, start in 2 to 3 seconds processes) increase aspect sweet taste better, and stevioside sweeting agent may be in consumption process (for example,, after 4 seconds) to increase sweet taste aspect better later.This point can further evaluation in the situation that of more tests.

Add effervescent (specifically citric acid) and seem to strengthen lime flavored, in some cases, than stronger by the Citrus aurantium Linn. flavoring agent that adds equivalent.Effervescent also seems to help to shelter bitterness or at least disperse the attention to bitterness conventionally.

We also have been found that adding flavoring agent may have neutralization and conventionally not help effervescent in some cases and improve taste and/or shelter bitterness to attempt to shelter bitterness.This point also can further evaluation in the situation that of more tests.

Embodiment 4C

In embodiment 4B, listed energy product, the energy product preparation being ready to use in for example, aerosolization delivery apparatus shown in () Figure 20 and 20A can also comprise various vitamin.Can make the compositions as aerosolization energy product for the treatment of that comprises vitamin according to the formula providing in following table.In certain embodiments, composition can mix simply to produce compositions relatively uniformly.

Table 4-3

For all preparations, taste, to also have the regulatory limits of the use to concrete product in the intended purpose of product or benefit (energy/high caffeine is provided, vitamin is provided, local flavor etc. is provided) and concrete compass of competency may be all the reason of used amount.

Embodiment 4D to 4I

Below list other possible preparation.

Embodiment 4D

Table 4-4

* in certain embodiments,, in order to combine citric acid and sodium bicarbonate is made effervescent, the ratio of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate should be that about 3 parts of citric acids are to 2.8 parts of sodium bicarbonate.

In certain embodiments, the composition shown in table 4-4 can combine in the following manner:

Blend A: sweeting agent (thaumatin and stevioside) is mixed with vitamin to form consistent and uniform mixture.

Blend B: caffeine, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate are mixed.

Blend C: take blend A and add flavoring agent to form uniform mixture by adding isopyknic aliquot with increment.

Final mixture: blend B and blend C (containing now blend A) are mixed to form uniform mixture by adding isopyknic aliquot.

Embodiment 4E

Table 4-5

In certain embodiments, the composition shown in table 4-5 can combine in the following manner:

Blend B: take blend A and add flavoring agent to form uniform mixture by adding isopyknic aliquot with increment.

Blend C: caffeine, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate are mixed.

Final mixture: blend B (containing now blend A) and blend C are mixed to form uniform mixture by adding isopyknic aliquot.

Embodiment 4F

Table 4-6

In certain embodiments, the composition shown in table 4-6 can combine in the following manner:

Blend B: caffeine, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate are mixed.

Embodiment 4G

Table 4-7

In certain embodiments, the composition shown in table 4-7 can combine in the following manner:

Blend C: caffeine, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate are mixed.

Attention: this specific flavoring agent material has shown fluffy and almost moist, rather than moistening.This fluffy state may be the naturalness due to the material due to the spray drying process producing in materials process.This fluffy state may be challenged to rapidoprint.

Embodiment 4H

Table 4-8

In certain embodiments, the composition shown in table 4-8 can combine in the following manner:

Blend B: caffeine, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate are mixed.

Embodiment 4I

Table 4-9

In certain embodiments, the composition shown in table 4-9 can combine in the following manner:

Blend B: caffeine, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate are mixed.

Claims

1. a compositions, it comprises:

Caffeine, vitamin, sweeting agent and sodium bicarbonate;

The mean particle size of wherein said compositions is to be greater than 10 microns and be less than 500 microns.

2. compositions as claimed in claim 1, it further comprises: citric acid.

3. compositions as claimed in claim 2, the citric acid that wherein said compositions comprises is more than sodium bicarbonate, and particularly wherein the weight ratio of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate is between 45 to 38 and 1 to 1.

4. compositions as claimed any one in claims 1 to 3, wherein said sweetener packets is containing thaumatin and stevioside.

5. compositions as claimed in claim 4, wherein the weight ratio of thaumatin and stevioside is between 11 to 4 and 9 to 6.

6. as claim 4 or compositions claimed in claim 5, wherein the weight ratio of caffeine and thaumatin and stevioside combination is between 25 to 2 and 90 to 17.

7. the compositions as described in any one in claim 1 to 6, it further comprises: flavoring agent, particularly natural flavouring.

8. the compositions as described in any one in claim 1 to 7, it further comprises: mineral supplements, particularly wherein said vitamin comprises at least one in nicotinic acid, pyridoxol and cyanocobalamin.

9. as compositions in any one of the preceding claims wherein, the mean particle size of wherein said compositions is between 18 and 70 microns.

10. a delivery apparatus, it comprises:

Aerosol generator; And

Contain can expendable material reservoir, described can comprising by expendable material: caffeine, vitamin and sweeting agent; Described reservoir is connected to described aerosol generator to can be delivered to described aerosol generator by expendable material by described.

11. delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein saidly can further comprise sodium bicarbonate and citric acid by expendable material, the citric acid that particularly wherein said compositions comprises is more than sodium bicarbonate, and more particularly wherein the weight ratio of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate is between 45 to 38 and 1 to 1.

12. delivery apparatus as described in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said sweetener packets is containing thaumatin and stevioside, and particularly wherein the weight ratio of thaumatin and stevioside is between 11 to 4 and 9 to 6.

13. delivery apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the weight ratio of caffeine and thaumatin and stevioside combination is between 25 to 2 and 90 to 17.

14. delivery apparatus as described in any one in claim 10 to 13, wherein said can further comprising by expendable material: flavoring agent, particularly natural flavouring.

15. delivery apparatus as described in any one in claim 10 to 14, wherein said can further comprising by expendable material: mineral supplements, particularly wherein said vitamin comprises at least one in nicotinic acid, pyridoxol and cyanocobalamin.

16. delivery apparatus as described in any one in claim 10 to 13, wherein said mean particle size that can expendable material is between 18 and 70 microns.

17. 1 kinds of compositionss, it comprises:

Caffeine;

Vitamin; And

Sweeting agent,

The mean particle size of wherein said compositions is between 18 and 70 microns.

18. compositionss as claimed in claim 17, it further comprises: citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, the citric acid that particularly wherein said compositions comprises is more than sodium bicarbonate, and more particularly wherein the weight ratio of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate is between 45 to 38 and 1 to 1.

19. compositionss as described in claim 17 or 18, it further comprises: flavoring agent, particularly natural flavouring.

20. compositionss as described in any one in claim 17 to 19, it further comprises: mineral supplements, particularly wherein said vitamin comprises at least one in nicotinic acid, pyridoxol and cyanocobalamin.