EP3342486A2 - Device and method for aerosol exposure - Google Patents

Abstract

Aerosol dosing arrangement (2) having a dosing container holder (30) for arranging an actuatable aerosol dosing container (32) for the metered dispensing of aerosol by actuation of the aerosol dosing container (32), an actuating device for actuating the aerosol dosing container (32) , and a controllable moving device to move the aerosol metering container (32) under control. Also disclosed are aerosol dosing containers (32), aerosol dosing system and aerosol dispensing methods.

Description

The present invention relates to aerosol delivery devices and methods, for example in the context of biological sample assays that are to be exposed to an aerosol.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the context of the assessment of health risks, the biological effect and activity of airborne substances, gases, mixtures, etc. (hereinafter referred to as aerosols) on biological cells, for example in the human or animal respiratory system, examined. This can be done by exposing a biological sample to be examined, for example, to an aerosol disposed on a membrane.

TASK

It is an object of the present invention to provide solutions which simplify and improve investigations in which a sample is exposed to an aerosol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This object is solved by the subject matters according to the independent claims. The dependent claims describe variants thereof.

• einen zur Aufnahme von Aerosol vorgesehenen Aerosol-Behälter, der einen Aerosol-Aufnahmeraum definiert und eine Aerosol-Behälter-Öffnung aufweist,
• einen zum fluiddichten Verschließen der Aerosol-Behälter-Öffnung vorgesehenen Behälter-Verschluss, der ein betätigbares Dosierventil zur dosierten Abgabe von im Aerosol-Aufnahmeraum enthaltenen Aerosol,
• wenigstens ein sich im Aerosol-Aufnahmeraum erstreckendes Rührelement, welches relativ zu im Aerosol-Aufnahmeraum enthaltenem Aerosol bewegbar ist, um dieses zu verrühren.

Thus, an aerosol dosing container for metered delivery of aerosol is disclosed. The aerosol dosing container may include:

• an aerosol container for receiving aerosol which defines an aerosol receiving space and has an aerosol container opening,
• a container closure provided for fluid-tight closing of the aerosol container opening, which contains an actuatable metering valve for the metered dispensing of aerosol contained in the aerosol receiving space,
• at least one stirring element extending in the aerosol receiving space, which is movable relative to the aerosol contained in the aerosol receiving space in order to stir it.

The stirring element can be movable in the aerosol receiving space relative to the aerosol container, wherein a movement of the stirring element can lead to a relative movement between the stirring element and the aerosol.

Alternatively, the stirring element can be connected to the aerosol container or the container closure, wherein a movement of the aerosol dosing container can lead overall to a relative movement between the stirring element and the aerosol.

The at least one stirring element may have at least one stirring element extending in a direction parallel and / or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol container.

The at least one stirring element may be arranged on an inner side of the aerosol container and / or on the container closure.

The at least one stirring element may comprise at least two stirring elements, which may be arranged on an inner side of the aerosol closure and / or may extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol container.

The at least one stirring element may be formed on an insert arranged in the aerosol receiving space.

The at least one stirring element may comprise a magnetic stirring fish movably arranged in the aerosol receiving space.

The magnetic stirring fish may be formed as a stirring bar, cross stirrer, triangular stirrer or tablet stirrer or the like.

On an outside of the aerosol container, a positive and / or frictional drive element may be arranged to move the aerosol dosing relative to aerosol contained therein.

The drive member may comprise an annular and / or elongated member which may have a serrated exterior.

A ring-shaped element with a toothed outside can e.g. a gear or toothed ring.

An elongated member with a toothed outside may e.g. a rack to move the dosing in the direction of its longitudinal axis (up / down).

Furthermore, an aerosol dosing arrangement is disclosed.

• eine Dosierbehälter-Halterung zur Anordnung eines betätigbaren Aerosol-Dosierbehälter zur dosierten Abgabe von Aerosol durch Betätigung des Aerosol-Dosierbehälters,
• einen Betätigungsvorrichtung zur Betätigung des Aerosol-Dosierbehälters,
• eine steuerbare Bewegungsvorrichtung, um den Aerosol-Dosierbehälter gesteuert zu bewegen.

The aerosol dosing arrangement may comprise:

• a dosing container holder for arranging an actuatable aerosol dosing container for dosed delivery of aerosol by actuation of the aerosol dosing container,
• an actuating device for actuating the aerosol dosing container,
• a controllable movement device to move the aerosol dosing controlled.

The aerosol dosing container may be an aerosol dosing container disclosed hereinabove.

The movement device can comprise a positive and / or frictional output element which can serve for operative connection with the positive and / or frictional drive element of the aerosol dosing container.

The output member may comprise an annular and / or elongate member which may have a toothed outside.

An annular member having a toothed outer surface may be a gear that is engageable with the gear ring or the rack of the metering container.

An elongate member with a serrated outer surface may be a rack which may cooperate with the gear ring or the rack of the metering container

The actuator may include a movable actuator that may be movable in a direction toward a bottom of an aerosol dosing container disposed in the dosing container holder.

The aerosol dosing assembly may include a fluid supply means which may serve to supply fluid in aerosol dispensed from the aerosol dosing container.

The aerosol dosing arrangement may comprise at least one heating and / or cooling device.

A heating and / or cooling device can be arranged in a region below the dosing container holder.

A heating and / or cooling device can be arranged in and / or on the dosing container holder.

As the heating and / or cooling device, a device using heated and / or cooled fluid (e.g., water, air) and / or an electrically operating device may be used.

Further, an aerosol dosing system is disclosed.

• eine Aerosol-Dosieranordnung, und
• ein Expositionsmodul mit einem Sedimentationsrohr, um von der Aerosol-Dosieranordnung abgegebenes Aerosol einer Probe zuzuführen, wobei
• das Sedimentationsrohr eine Absaugöffnung zum Absaugen von Fluid aus dem Sedimentationsrohr aufweist.

The aerosol dosing system may include:

• an aerosol dosing arrangement, and
• an exposure module having a sedimentation tube for supplying aerosol delivered from the aerosol dosing arrangement to a sample, wherein
• the sedimentation tube has a suction opening for sucking fluid out of the sedimentation tube.

Further disclosed is a method for mixing aerosol components in an aerosol dosing container with at least one stirring element extending in an aerosol receiving space of the aerosol dosing container.

• Bereitstellen des Aerosol-Dosierbehälters mit einem im Aerosol-Aufnahmeraum enthaltenen Aerosol,
• Bewegen des wenigstens einen Rührelements relativ zum Aerosol, um dadurch dessen Bestandteile zu Vermischen.

The method may include:

• Providing the aerosol dosing container with an aerosol contained in the aerosol receiving space,
• Moving the at least one stirring element relative to the aerosol to thereby mix its constituents.

The at least one stirring element may be connected to the aerosol metering container. In this case, for moving the at least one stirring element relative to the aerosol, the aerosol metering container can be moved.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the at least one stirring element to be movably arranged in the aerosol receiving space. In this case, for moving the at least one stirring element relative to the aerosol, the at least one stirring element can be moved in the aerosol receiving space.

A predetermined amount of aerosol may be dispensed from the aerosol dosing tank.

The step of delivering a predetermined amount of aerosol from the aerosol dosing container may be performed after or prior to the step of moving at least one stirring element relative to the aerosol.

The steps of delivering a predetermined amount of aerosol from the aerosol dosing tank and moving the at least one agitating element relative to the aerosol may be repeated in this order or in reverse or alternating order at least twice at predetermined and / or different time intervals.

A predetermined amount of fluid may be supplied to the aerosol dispensed from the aerosol dosing container.

From the aerosol dispensed from the aerosol dispenser, a predetermined amount of fluid can be removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1a und 1b

zeigen schematische Ansichten eines Aerosol-Dosiersystems mit einer Aerosol-Dosieranordnung in geschlossenem Zustand und einem Expositionsmodul;

Fig. 2a und 2b

zeigen schematische Ansichten des Aerosol-Dosiersystems von Fig. 1 mit der Aerosol-Dosieranordnung in geöffnetem Zustand ;

Fig. 3

zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht des Aerosol-Dosiersystems von Fig. 1;

Fig. 4a und 4b

zeigen eine schematische Ansicht im Bereich eines Sedimentationsrohres des Expositionsmoduls von Fig. 1 mit Absaugung;

Fig. 4c

zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Absaugung in einem Sedimentationsrohr;

Fig. 5

zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht der Aerosol-Dosieranordnung von Fig. 1;

Fig. 6

zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht der Aerosol-Dosieranordnung von Fig. 1 im Bereich einer Dosierbehälter-Halterung;

Fig. 7

zeigt eine weitere schematische Schnittansicht der Aerosol-Dosieranordnung von Fig. 1;

Fig. 8

zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht einer Heiz- und/oder Kühlvorrichtung;

Fig. 9 bis 16

zeigen schematische Darstellungen von Aerosol-Dosierbehältern mit unterschiedlichen Rührelementen.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1a and 1b

show schematic views of an aerosol dosing system with an aerosol dosing arrangement in the closed state and an exposure module;

Fig. 2a and 2b

show schematic views of the aerosol dosing of Fig. 1 with the aerosol dosing in the open state;

Fig. 3

shows a schematic sectional view of the aerosol dosing of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4a and 4b

show a schematic view in the region of a sedimentation tube of the exposure module of Fig. 1 with suction;

Fig. 4c

shows a schematic representation of a suction in a sedimentation tube;

Fig. 5

shows a schematic sectional view of the aerosol dosing of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6

shows a schematic sectional view of the aerosol dosing of Fig. 1 in the area of a dosing container holder;

Fig. 7

shows a further schematic sectional view of the aerosol dosing of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8

shows a schematic sectional view of a heating and / or cooling device;

Fig. 9 to 16

show schematic representations of aerosol dosing with different stirring elements.

On drawings that contain several representations marked with a drawing number and lowercase letters (eg Fig. 1 ), can be summarized with the respective drawing number.

In the drawings, at least substantially functionally identical elements have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, statements made for various embodiments also apply to all other embodiments, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, reference will be made in the following to all drawings as a whole, unless otherwise stated or to refer to certain drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The drawings show an aerosol metering assembly, generally designated 2, and an exposure module, generally designated 4.

exposure module

The exposure module 4 has one or more sample receiving areas 6, in which, for example, by means of so-called inserts 8 (for example, inserts designated as Transwell®), biological samples 10 to be examined can be arranged. In the sample receiving areas 6, e.g. below the inserts 8 nutrient solution 12 for the samples 10 may be present.

The sample receiving areas 6 are each assigned a sedimentation tube 14, each defining a sedimentation channel 16 extending between a sedimentation channel outlet 18 opposite the respective sample 10 and a sedimentation channel inlet 20 located at the end opposite the sedimentation channel outlet 18 lies. Via the sedimentation tubes 14 or through the sedimentation channels 16, aerosol can be supplied to the respective samples 10.

The sedimentation tubes 16 may each have a suction opening 22 which provides a fluid connection to the respective sedimentation channel 16. Via the suction openings 22, gaseous constituents which for example should not pass to the samples can be removed from the respective sedimentation channel 16 flowing through and / or sinking into the aerosol. For this purpose, the suction openings 22 may each be connected to a suction line 24, which in turn lead to a suction device 26 (eg a pump). (please refer Fig. 4a )

About the suction openings 22 may also be a suction tube 28 (see Fig. 4b and 4c ) are introduced into the respective sedimentation channel 16. In this way, 16 fluid can be sucked / removed, for example, at a predetermined location or area in the sedimentation channel. The suction tube 28 can be guided down (just) over the surface of a sample 10. As a suction tube 28 may be like a cannula.

Aerosol dosing

The aerosol dosing arrangement 2 comprises one or more dosing container holders 30, in each of which an aerosol dosing container 32 can be arranged. Preferably corresponds the number of dosing container holders 30 of the number of sample receiving areas 6. Hereinafter, a dosing container holders 30 and components of the aerosol dosing arrangement 2 used therewith will be described. The statements made with respect to a Dosierbehälter holders 30 apply mutatis mutandis to each other, unless otherwise specified.

The dosing container holder 30 comprises a sleeve 34 in which an aerosol dosing container 32 can be accommodated. To position an aerosol dosing tank 32 in a sleeve 34, and e.g. To prevent slipping, a frictional operative connection between the outside of the aerosol dosing 32 and the inside of the sleeve 34 may be provided. This can be done for example by means of an O-ring 36 at the top end of the sleeve 34 as shown.

The dosing container holder 30 further has in each case a drive device 38 which according to the drawings comprises a sleeve 40 arranged on the outside of the sleeve 34 and a drive element 42 arranged on the outside of the sleeve 40. In further variants, the drive element 42 may be arranged directly on the sleeve 34.

The drive element 42 has an outer circumferential surface 44, which is designed for a non-positive and / or positive operative connection with a correspondingly configured output element 46, which will be described below.

The outer peripheral surface 44 may have a serrated surface to transmit forces and / or movements of a likewise toothed driven member 46 therefrom to the drive member 42 to move the drive member 42 (e.g., rotationally and / or translationally). In such cases, the drive member 42 may also be referred to as a gear.

The outer peripheral surface 44 may have a surface that is suitable, for example, by coating and / or due to its material, so that forces and / or movements of an output element 46 on the drive member 42 and thus the drive device 38 can be transmitted by traction to move them ( eg rotational and / or translational). In such cases, the drive element 42 may also be referred to as a friction wheel. In all cases, it is provided that movements of the drive device 38 can be transmitted to the sleeve 34 and an aerosol metering container 32 arranged therein.

Opposite a holder main body 48 of the dosing container holder 30, the drive device 38 and thus the sleeve 34 and a disposed therein aerosol dosing 32 supported by means 50 and movably mounted. The device 50 may, as shown, comprise one or more ball bearings 50 whose outer ring is connected to the holder main body 48 and whose inner ring is connected to the sleeves 34 and / or the sleeve 40.

The aerosol dosing arrangement 2 further comprises a drive device 52 which has an output element 46 provided for operative connection with the drive device 38 and serves to drive the drive device 38.

The output element 46 has an outer peripheral surface 54, which is designed for a non-positive and / or positive operative connection with a correspondingly designed drive element 42 (see above).

The outer peripheral surface 42 may have a toothed surface. In such cases, the output member 46 may also be referred to as a gear.

The outer peripheral surface 54 may have an area, e.g. by coating and / or by virtue of its material, so that forces of the output element 46 can be transmitted to a drive element 42 and thus to a drive device 38 by means of adhesion in order to move it (for example rotationally and / or translationally). In such cases, the output member 46 may also be referred to as a friction wheel.

The drive device 52 comprises a controllable drive 56, for example an electric motor, which is preferably designed or can be operated as a stepper motor. The output shaft 58 of the drive 56 may be connected directly or by means of a translation / transmission to the output element 46 in order to transmit rotations of the output shaft 58 1: 1 or over- or underdriven to the output element 46.

The drive 56 is connected via a wired and / or wireless connection V to a controller ST. The connection V may also be configured to power the drive 56. Alternatively, a separate power supply or a power supply can be provided, which is arranged in or on the aerosol dosing arrangement 2.

In the above variants of the drive devices 38 and 52, forces and / or motions can be transmitted to an aerosol dosing container 32 to rotate with respect to its longitudinal axis according to the representation.

In other variants, the drive devices 38 and 52 may be configured to translate an aerosol dosing container 32 in a direction substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis as depicted.

For this, the drive element 42 may be e.g. be formed as extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 34 and an arranged therein aerosol dosing 32 extending elongated drive element. For example, an elongate rack and / or frictional engagement surface and / or coating extending along the outside of the sleeve 34 (or sleeve 40) may be used for this purpose.

As a drive element 46 can here also a gear or friction wheel are used, which can be controlled by means of the controlled drive 56 to move an aerosol dosing 32 in the desired manner translationally (as shown up and / or down).

In further variants, for a plurality of dosing container holders 30 or their drive devices 38 a common drive device 52 may be used, which may be e.g. a shared drive 56 and for the various dosing container holders 30 and their drive devices 38 each having an output element 46.

The aerosol dosing arrangement 2 has an actuating device 60, which comprises a selectively controllable, movable actuating element 62. Actuator 62 may be pneumatically actuated, for example, by means of an electric or hydraulic drive or, as shown, via pneumatic ports 64 and 66.

The actuator 62 may be moved in the direction of the arrow 68 toward an aerosol dosing tank 32 to contact it and thereby actuate, as explained below. By movement of the actuating element 62 against the direction of the arrow 68, the operative connection with the aerosol dosing 32 and thus its operation can be terminated.

The aerosol dosing arrangement 2 may have a cover 72 which can be assigned by means of a joint / swivel mechanism 70. When the lid 72 is open (see Fig. 2a and 2b ) aerosol container 32 can be inserted into Dosierbehälter holders 30 and removed therefrom. When the lid 72 is closed (see Fig. 1a and 1b ) arranged in the Dosierbehälter holders 30 aerosol dosing 32 can be actuated by means of the actuator 60 and moved by the drive means 38 and 52.

The aerosol dosing assembly 2 may include a heating and / or cooling device 74, which may include, for example, channels 76 through which heated and / or cooled fluid (e.g., heated / cooled water, air) may be passed.

The aerosol dosing arrangement 2 can comprise a further heating and / or cooling device, which is integrated, for example, in the dosing container holder 30 (arranged there in / on the sleeve 34), for example, around an aerosol dosing container 32 arranged there to a predetermined temperature or to bring or keep in a certain temperature range.

The aerosol dosing assembly 2 may include a fluid delivery device 78. The fluid supply device 78 can serve to introduce fluid, in particular air or another gas, into and / or into a sinking aerosol flowing through a sedimentation channel 16.

The fluid delivery device 78 has one or more supply lines 80 that can be connected to a preferably controllable fluid source 82 that can supply desired fluid and includes, for example, a pump. The fluid source 82 may also be used in common for a plurality of sedimentation tubes 14.

As shown, a fluid supply device 78 further comprises inlet channels 84 which extend from a corresponding one of the supply lines 80 to a sedimentation tube 14. Also as shown, the sedimentation tubes 14 have openings 86 adjacent to the respective sedimentation channel inlet 20. The free ends of the inlet channels 84, where fluid to be introduced into the sedimentation channels 16, can protrude into the openings 86 or are at least so slightly spaced from the openings 86 that fluid can be introduced into the openings 86 and thus into the sedimentation channels 16. Such variants make it possible to use the aerosol dosing arrangement 2 of different types of exposure modules. In further variants, the outlets of the inlet channels 84 and / or the sedimentation tubes 14 may be designed such that fluid can be introduced directly into the sedimentation channel inlets 20. at Further variants, the inlet channels 84 may be connected to the openings 86 or connected to these.

Aerosol dispensing container

An aerosol dosing container 32 includes an aerosol container 88 defining an aerosol receiving space 90 and having an aerosol container opening 92. The aerosol container 88 is closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a container closure 94 attached to the aerosol container opening 92.

The container closure 94 comprises a metering valve 96 which, when actuated, emits or passes a predetermined amount of aerosol contained in the aerosol container 88 via a movable valve outlet 98.

The metering valve 96 may be configured so that it is opened by an operation and automatically closes automatically after a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the metering valve 96 may be configured to be opened by actuation while remaining open as long as the actuation continues and closes only when the actuation is terminated.

In particular, a metering valve 96 is provided which can be actuated by providing for relative movement between metering valve 96 (and in particular its valve outlet 98) and aerosol container 88.

This can be achieved by means of the actuator 60 when its actuator 62 is moved towards the bottom 100 of the aerosol container 88 and contacts it, thereby exerting force on the aerosol dosing container 32. As a result, the aerosol container 88 is moved downward as shown. At this time, the valve outlet 98 of the metering valve 96 contacts the end of a sedimentation tube 14 with the sedimentation channel inlet 20 (or other element serving as a stopper), whereby the valve outlet 98 does not follow the movement of the aerosol container 88 Dosing valve 96 opens. By controlling the movement and positioning of the actuator 62, the duration of the opening of the metering valve 96 can be controlled.

Aerosol in the aerosol dosing tank 32 may include particles and gas, particularly propellant. During storage and also when arranged in a dosing container holder 30, it may be in the aerosol dosing 32 to sedimentation of particles contained in the aerosol come. This results in the aerosol in the aerosol dosing tank 32 not having a homogeneous uniform composition (more).

In order to avoid this or to eliminate the consequences of sedimentation in the aerosol dosing container 32, one or more stirring elements 102 are provided in the aerosol container 88.

One or more stirring elements 102 may be disposed on the inside of the container closure 94 and extending therefrom into the aerosol receiving space 90; preferably in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol container 88 and / or at a slight angle thereto. For example, three stirring elements of the same or different lengths, even with bevelled ends, can be used. (please refer Fig. 9-12 ).

Additionally or alternatively, one or more stirring elements 102 may be provided, which extend from the inside at the bottom 100 of the dosing container 88 inwardly into the aerosol receiving space 90 in; preferably in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol container 88 and / or at a slight angle thereto. Again, for example, three stirring elements of the same or different lengths, even with bevelled ends can be used. (please refer Fig. 13 ).

Additionally or alternatively, one or more stirring elements 102 may be provided, which, starting from an inner circumferential surface 104 of the dosing container 88, extend inwards into the aerosol receiving space 90; preferably transversely to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol container 88 and / or at a slight angle thereto. Again, for example, three stirring elements of the same or different lengths, even with bevelled ends can be used. (please refer Fig. 14 )

Additionally or alternatively, one or more stirring elements 102, which can move freely in the aerosol receiving space 90 (s. Fig. 15-16 ). Such stirring elements 102 may be partially magnetic.

Non-floating stirring elements 102 may be attached to the inside of the container closure 94 and / or the inside of the bottom 100 and / or the inside surface 104 of the dosing container 88.

As an alternative or in addition, freely movable stirring elements 102 can be attached to and / or formed on an insert E, which can be introduced into the metering container 88.

Alternatively or additionally, freely movable stirring elements 102 can be provided by corresponding formations of the inner sides of the dosing container 88.

The function of the stirring elements 102 is to stir in the aerosol or to mix its constituents, in particular to provide for sedimentation for a homogeneous mixture / distribution of aerosol constituents.

The mixing by means of the stirring elements 102 can be achieved by moving them relative to the aerosol contained in the aerosol container 88.

This can be achieved by moving an aerosol metering container 32 as a whole and thus also with stirring elements 102 connected to it, whereby due to the inertia of the aerosol or its constituents in the aerosol container 88, a relative movement to the stirring elements 102 is produced.

Such movement of an aerosol dosing tank 32 can be accomplished by manually moving the aerosol dosing tank 32.

When the aerosol dosing tank 32 is disposed in a dosing tank holder 30, the movement by means of the drive devices 38 and 52 can be achieved.

Additionally or alternatively, the mixing can be achieved by means of the stirring elements 102, if freely movable stirring elements 102 are present in the aerosol receiving space. Upon movement of an aerosol dosing container 32 (e.g., manually or by means of the drive devices 38 and 52), the free moving stirring elements 102 will (at least initially) not move, resulting in relative movement to the aerosol in the aerosol container 88 or its components.

Additionally or alternatively, stirring elements 102 may be used, which are partly magnetic. Such more magnetic elements 102 can be moved by means of an externally applied magnetic field to stir in the aerosol or to mix its components, as with a magnetic stirrer. This can be done with aerosol metering container 32 per se, when applied to an aerosol dosing 32 corresponding magnetic field.

However, it is also intended to make this possible with an aerosol dosing container 32 arranged in the aerosol dosing arrangement 2. For such variants, the aerosol dosing arrangement comprises 2, a magnetic field generating device that can generate a magnetic field to move magnetic stirring elements 102 in an aerosol receiving space.

Exemplary method implementation

In the exposure module 4, samples 10 are arranged and the exposure module 4 is positioned below the aerosol dosing assembly as illustrated in the drawings.

For introducing aerosol dosing 32 in Dosierbehälter-holders 30 of the aerosol dosing 2 whose lid 72 is opened, whereby the aerosol dosing 32 can be placed in container holders 30 and held securely there. Thereafter, the lid 72 is closed. This positions the actuators 60 relative to the aerosol dosing containers 32 such that by means of the respective actuators 62 as described above, the respective metering valves 96 can be actuated.

To rotate the aerosol dosing containers 32, as described above, to mix constituents of aerosols contained in the respective aerosol containers 88 by means of stirring elements 102 contained therein, the drive device 52 is operated in a controlled manner so that the aerosol dosing containers 32 in FIG be rotated as desired. In this case, it is possible to specify in a controlled manner how long, how often, how fast and / or in which direction the rotation should take place in each case. This can be specified jointly or individually for the various aerosol dosing containers 32.

Such a mixing operation can be carried out prior to each delivery of aerosol from the aerosol dosing containers 32 by actuation of the respective dosing valve 96, even before the first time.

The mixing operations with respect to the various aerosol dosing containers 32 can take place simultaneously, with a time delay, overlapping, etc.

To pressurize individual, several or all samples with aerosol is or will be the corresponding aerosol dosing 32, as described above, operated by means of the respective actuator 60. In this case, it is possible to specify in a controlled manner how long, how often, and / or how fast an actuation should take place in each case. This can be specified jointly or individually for the various aerosol dosing containers 32.

As a result of the operation, the respective metering valve 96 discharges a certain amount of aerosol, which reaches the respective sample via a corresponding sedimentation channel.

In this case, but also before and after, fluid (for example air) can be introduced into the corresponding sedimentation channel via the respective (or possibly common) fluid supply device 78 in order, for example, to dilute the aerosol.

In this case, but also before and after, fluid (for example air, propellant gas) can be removed from the corresponding sedimentation channel via the respective suction opening 22 in order, for example, to prevent unwanted effects on the respective sample 10.

The aerosol delivery can be done once, several times and as long until no more aerosol is available or is no longer available in such an amount that the predetermined amount of aerosol can be delivered. One or more mixing operations ("rotating aerosol dosing containers") may be performed between each or after a predetermined number of aerosol deliveries.

To remove the aerosol dosing 32, the lid 72 is opened to remove the aerosol dosing 32 and optionally replaced by others. <B> LIST OF REFERENCES </ b> Aerosol dosing 2 exposure module 4 Sample-receiving region 6 insert 8th sample 10 broth 12 sedimentation 14 Sedimentationskanal 16 Sedimentationskanal outlet 18 Sedimentationskanal inlet 20 suction 22 suction 24 suction 26 suction tube 28 Metering container holder 30 Aerosol dispensing container 32 Sleeve for receiving an aerosol dosing 34 O-ring 36 Drive device (holder) 38 Sleeve of the drive device 40 driving element 42 Outer peripheral surface of the drive element 44 output element 46 Holder main body 48 Support / bearing device (ball bearing) 50 driving device 52 Outer peripheral surface of the output element 54 Drive of the drive device 56 Connection drive control V control ST Output shaft of the drive 58 actuator 60 actuator 62 pneumatic connection 64 pneumatic connection 66 Arrow (actuating direction of the actuating element) 68 Joint / swivel mechanism 70 cover 72 Heating and / or cooling device 74 Channels of the heating and / or cooling device 76 Fluid supply device 78 supply lines 80 fluid source 82 Einleitkanäle 84 Orifices at sedimentation channel inlet 86 Aerosol container 88 Aerosol-receiving space 90 Aerosol container opening 92 Container closure 94 metering valve 96 valve outlet 98 Bottom aerosol dosing tank 100 stirrer 102 Inner surface Aerosol dosing tank 104 commitment e

Claims (15)

Aerosol dosing container for the metered delivery of aerosol, comprising: an aerosol container intended to receive aerosol, which defines an aerosol receiving space and has an aerosol container opening, a container closure provided for the fluid-tight closing of the aerosol container opening and comprising an actuatable metering valve for the metered dispensing of aerosol contained in the aerosol receiving space, at least one stirring element extending in the aerosol receiving space, which is movable relative to the aerosol contained in the aerosol receiving space in order to stir it. An aerosol dosing container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one stirring element has at least one stirring element extending in a direction parallel and / or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol container. Aerosol metering container according to claim 2, wherein - The at least one stirring element is arranged on an inner side of the aerosol container and / or on the container closure, and / or - The at least one stirring element is formed on a arranged in the aerosol receiving space insert. Aerosol dosing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stirring element comprises a movable in the aerosol receiving space Magnetetrührfisch. Aerosol dosing container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on a outer side of the aerosol container, a positive and / or frictional drive element is arranged to move the aerosol dosing relative to aerosol contained therein. Aerosol dosing arrangement comprising: <- a dosing container holder for the arrangement of an actuatable aerosol dosing container for the metered delivery of aerosol by actuation of the aerosol dosing container, an actuating device for actuating the aerosol dosing container, - A controllable movement device to move the aerosol dosing controlled. An aerosol dosing arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the aerosol dosing container is an aerosol dosing container according to one of the claims 1 to 5. Aerosol dosing arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the aerosol dosing container is an aerosol dosing container according to claim 5, - The movement device comprises a positive and / or frictional driven element provided for operative connection with the positive and / or frictional drive element of the aerosol dosing. An aerosol dosing arrangement according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a fluid supply means for supplying fluid in aerosols dispensed from the aerosol dosing container. Aerosol dosing system comprising: - An aerosol dosing according to one of the claims 6 to 9, and an exposure module having a sedimentation tube for supplying aerosol emitted from the aerosol dosing arrangement to a sample, wherein - The sedimentation tube has a suction opening for sucking fluid from the sedimentation tube. A method for mixing constituents of an aerosol in an aerosol dosing container with at least one stirring element extending in an aerosol receiving space of the aerosol dosing container, comprising: Providing the aerosol dosing container with an aerosol contained in the aerosol receiving space, - Moving the at least one stirring element relative to the aerosol, thereby mixing the components thereof. The method of claim 11, wherein - The at least one stirring element is connected to the aerosol dosing and is moved to move the at least one stirring element relative to the aerosol of the aerosol dosing container; or - The at least one stirring element is arranged movably in the aerosol receiving space and for moving the at least one stirring element relative to the aerosol, the at least one stirring element is moved in the aerosol receiving space. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein a predetermined amount of aerosol is dispensed from the aerosol dosing container. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of delivering a predetermined amount of aerosol from the aerosol dosing vessel is performed after or prior to the step of moving at least one agitating element relative to the aerosol and repeating these steps at least twice at predetermined time intervals. Method according to one of the claims 11 to 14, wherein - In the aerosol dispensed from the aerosol dosing a predetermined amount of fluid is supplied, and / or - From the aerosol dispensed from the aerosol dispenser a predetermined amount of fluid is removed.

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