US20210113783A1 - Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith - Google Patents
Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210113783A1 US20210113783A1 US17/075,679 US202017075679A US2021113783A1 US 20210113783 A1 US20210113783 A1 US 20210113783A1 US 202017075679 A US202017075679 A US 202017075679A US 2021113783 A1 US2021113783 A1 US 2021113783A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- view
- bladder
- cartridge
- filled cartridge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 185
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 101
- 239000002105 nanoparticle Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 55
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 239000007908 nanoemulsion Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 238000005538 encapsulation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 230000029058 respiratory gaseous exchange Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- CYQFCXCEBYINGO-UHFFFAOYSA-N THC Natural products C1=C(C)CCC2C(C)(C)OC3=CC(CCCCC)=CC(O)=C3C21 CYQFCXCEBYINGO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 38
- CYQFCXCEBYINGO-IAGOWNOFSA-N delta1-THC Chemical compound C1=C(C)CC[C@H]2C(C)(C)OC3=CC(CCCCC)=CC(O)=C3[C@@H]21 CYQFCXCEBYINGO-IAGOWNOFSA-N 0.000 claims description 38
- 229960004242 dronabinol Drugs 0.000 claims description 38
- QHMBSVQNZZTUGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Trans-Cannabidiol Natural products OC1=CC(CCCCC)=CC(O)=C1C1C(C(C)=C)CCC(C)=C1 QHMBSVQNZZTUGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 37
- QHMBSVQNZZTUGM-ZWKOTPCHSA-N cannabidiol Chemical compound OC1=CC(CCCCC)=CC(O)=C1[C@H]1[C@H](C(C)=C)CCC(C)=C1 QHMBSVQNZZTUGM-ZWKOTPCHSA-N 0.000 claims description 37
- 229950011318 cannabidiol Drugs 0.000 claims description 37
- ZTGXAWYVTLUPDT-UHFFFAOYSA-N cannabidiol Natural products OC1=CC(CCCCC)=CC(O)=C1C1C(C(C)=C)CC=C(C)C1 ZTGXAWYVTLUPDT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 37
- PCXRACLQFPRCBB-ZWKOTPCHSA-N dihydrocannabidiol Natural products OC1=CC(CCCCC)=CC(O)=C1[C@H]1[C@H](C(C)C)CCC(C)=C1 PCXRACLQFPRCBB-ZWKOTPCHSA-N 0.000 claims description 37
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 claims description 33
- 239000002502 liposome Substances 0.000 claims description 23
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 19
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N (-)-Nicotine Chemical compound CN1CCC[C@H]1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N 0.000 claims description 18
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 18
- 229960002715 nicotine Drugs 0.000 claims description 18
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N nicotine Natural products CN1CCCC1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000008393 encapsulating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000693 micelle Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000244 polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 235000010482 polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 11
- 229920000053 polysorbate 80 Polymers 0.000 claims description 11
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000006200 vaporizer Substances 0.000 description 118
- 239000004480 active ingredient Substances 0.000 description 62
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 55
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 48
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 description 46
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 41
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 36
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 32
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 description 28
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 23
- 235000021178 picnic Nutrition 0.000 description 22
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 20
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 19
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 18
- 210000004072 lung Anatomy 0.000 description 18
- 241000220225 Malus Species 0.000 description 17
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 14
- 230000002685 pulmonary effect Effects 0.000 description 14
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 13
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 13
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 13
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 13
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 13
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 11
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 10
- 235000013351 cheese Nutrition 0.000 description 9
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 9
- 150000002632 lipids Chemical class 0.000 description 9
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000010419 fine particle Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000012387 aerosolization Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000003571 electronic cigarette Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000003995 emulsifying agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000839 emulsion Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000011049 filling Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000012669 liquid formulation Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 6
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 6
- BLUGYPPOFIHFJS-UUFHNPECSA-N (2s)-n-[(2s)-1-[[(3r,4s,5s)-3-methoxy-1-[(2s)-2-[(1r,2r)-1-methoxy-2-methyl-3-oxo-3-[[(1s)-2-phenyl-1-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)ethyl]amino]propyl]pyrrolidin-1-yl]-5-methyl-1-oxoheptan-4-yl]-methylamino]-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-3-methyl-2-(methylamino)butanamid Chemical compound CN[C@@H](C(C)C)C(=O)N[C@@H](C(C)C)C(=O)N(C)[C@@H]([C@@H](C)CC)[C@H](OC)CC(=O)N1CCC[C@H]1[C@H](OC)[C@@H](C)C(=O)N[C@H](C=1SC=CN=1)CC1=CC=CC=C1 BLUGYPPOFIHFJS-UUFHNPECSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 208000007934 ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia Diseases 0.000 description 5
- 230000000711 cancerogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 229930003827 cannabinoid Natural products 0.000 description 5
- 239000003557 cannabinoid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 231100000357 carcinogen Toxicity 0.000 description 5
- 239000003183 carcinogenic agent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 5
- -1 for example Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000002539 nanocarrier Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229940068968 polysorbate 80 Drugs 0.000 description 5
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 5
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 208000016709 aortopulmonary window Diseases 0.000 description 4
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 240000004308 marijuana Species 0.000 description 4
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000011785 micronutrient Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000013369 micronutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000006199 nebulizer Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000035807 sensation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 235000019615 sensations Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 4
- WSFSSNUMVMOOMR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Formaldehyde Chemical compound O=C WSFSSNUMVMOOMR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000013543 active substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229940065144 cannabinoids Drugs 0.000 description 3
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000010405 clearance mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001246 colloidal dispersion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000003085 diluting agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009713 electroplating Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 231100000824 inhalation exposure Toxicity 0.000 description 3
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003698 laser cutting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000003595 mist Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 3
- WTJKGGKOPKCXLL-RRHRGVEJSA-N phosphatidylcholine Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@H](COP([O-])(=O)OCC[N+](C)(C)C)OC(=O)CCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC WTJKGGKOPKCXLL-RRHRGVEJSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 3
- KILNVBDSWZSGLL-KXQOOQHDSA-N 1,2-dihexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@H](COP([O-])(=O)OCC[N+](C)(C)C)OC(=O)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCC KILNVBDSWZSGLL-KXQOOQHDSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CIWBSHSKHKDKBQ-JLAZNSOCSA-N Ascorbic acid Chemical compound OC[C@H](O)[C@H]1OC(=O)C(O)=C1O CIWBSHSKHKDKBQ-JLAZNSOCSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 2
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 206010028980 Neoplasm Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 229920000954 Polyglycolide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000331 Polyhydroxybutyrate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001213 Polysorbate 20 Polymers 0.000 description 2
- IYFATESGLOUGBX-YVNJGZBMSA-N Sorbitan monopalmitate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@@H](O)[C@H]1OC[C@H](O)[C@H]1O IYFATESGLOUGBX-YVNJGZBMSA-N 0.000 description 2
- HVUMOYIDDBPOLL-XWVZOOPGSA-N Sorbitan monostearate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@@H](O)[C@H]1OC[C@H](O)[C@H]1O HVUMOYIDDBPOLL-XWVZOOPGSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003963 antioxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000006708 antioxidants Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 208000006673 asthma Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 208000010668 atopic eczema Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 201000011510 cancer Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 125000002915 carbonyl group Chemical group [*:2]C([*:1])=O 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004581 coalescence Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000013583 drug formulation Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000012388 gravitational sedimentation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000008240 homogeneous mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003434 inspiratory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009545 invasion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 2
- WSFSSNUMVMOOMR-NJFSPNSNSA-N methanone Chemical compound O=[14CH2] WSFSSNUMVMOOMR-NJFSPNSNSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000003204 osmotic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001139 pH measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- TZMFJUDUGYTVRY-UHFFFAOYSA-N pentane-2,3-dione Chemical group CCC(=O)C(C)=O TZMFJUDUGYTVRY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000035479 physiological effects, processes and functions Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000005015 poly(hydroxybutyrate) Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001610 polycaprolactone Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004632 polycaprolactone Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004633 polyglycolic acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000256 polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000010486 polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000010483 polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000000249 polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000001818 polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000010989 polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000000197 pyrolysis Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000002345 respiratory system Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004062 sedimentation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002123 temporal effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N (+)-Neomenthol Chemical compound CC(C)[C@@H]1CC[C@@H](C)C[C@@H]1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N 0.000 description 1
- WRIDQFICGBMAFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N (E)-8-Octadecenoic acid Natural products CCCCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCC(O)=O WRIDQFICGBMAFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NRJAVPSFFCBXDT-HUESYALOSA-N 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@H](COP([O-])(=O)OCC[N+](C)(C)C)OC(=O)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC NRJAVPSFFCBXDT-HUESYALOSA-N 0.000 description 1
- IIZPXYDJLKNOIY-JXPKJXOSSA-N 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@H](COP([O-])(=O)OCC[N+](C)(C)C)OC(=O)CCC\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/CCCCC IIZPXYDJLKNOIY-JXPKJXOSSA-N 0.000 description 1
- UPLPHRJJTCUQAY-WIRWPRASSA-N 2,3-thioepoxy madol Chemical compound C([C@@H]1CC2)[C@@H]3S[C@@H]3C[C@]1(C)[C@@H]1[C@@H]2[C@@H]2CC[C@](C)(O)[C@@]2(C)CC1 UPLPHRJJTCUQAY-WIRWPRASSA-N 0.000 description 1
- LQJBNNIYVWPHFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 20:1omega9c fatty acid Natural products CCCCCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC(O)=O LQJBNNIYVWPHFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QSBYPNXLFMSGKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 9-Heptadecensaeure Natural products CCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC(O)=O QSBYPNXLFMSGKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000005653 Brownian motion process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 244000025254 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000012766 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000012765 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. spontanea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000223760 Cinnamomum zeylanicum Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010011224 Cough Diseases 0.000 description 1
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N DL-menthol Natural products CC(C)C1CCC(C)CC1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 201000004624 Dermatitis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- QSJXEFYPDANLFS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diacetyl Chemical group CC(=O)C(C)=O QSJXEFYPDANLFS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000006679 Mentha X verticillata Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002899 Mentha suaveolens Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000001636 Mentha x rotundifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000061176 Nicotiana tabacum Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000005642 Oleic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Oleic acid Natural products CCCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC(O)=O ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 206010058667 Oral toxicity Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229920001219 Polysorbate 40 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001214 Polysorbate 60 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000297 Rayon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000021355 Stearic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229930003779 Vitamin B12 Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000172 allergic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001093 anti-cancer Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002528 anti-freeze Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004599 antimicrobial Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000021016 apples Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000012736 aqueous medium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008346 aqueous phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010323 ascorbic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011668 ascorbic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960005070 ascorbic acid Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000004556 brain Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000000621 bronchi Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000003123 bronchiole Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000005537 brownian motion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006172 buffering agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003139 buffering effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000017803 cinnamon Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- FDJOLVPMNUYSCM-WZHZPDAFSA-L cobalt(3+);[(2r,3s,4r,5s)-5-(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-3-yl] [(2r)-1-[3-[(1r,2r,3r,4z,7s,9z,12s,13s,14z,17s,18s,19r)-2,13,18-tris(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-7,12,17-tris(3-amino-3-oxopropyl)-3,5,8,8,13,15,18,19-octamethyl-2 Chemical compound [Co+3].N#[C-].N([C@@H]([C@]1(C)[N-]\C([C@H]([C@@]1(CC(N)=O)C)CCC(N)=O)=C(\C)/C1=N/C([C@H]([C@@]1(CC(N)=O)C)CCC(N)=O)=C\C1=N\C([C@H](C1(C)C)CCC(N)=O)=C/1C)[C@@H]2CC(N)=O)=C\1[C@]2(C)CCC(=O)NC[C@@H](C)OP([O-])(=O)O[C@H]1[C@@H](O)[C@@H](N2C3=CC(C)=C(C)C=C3N=C2)O[C@@H]1CO FDJOLVPMNUYSCM-WZHZPDAFSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005094 computer simulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000021615 conjugation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000433 cytotoxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000001472 cytotoxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007123 defense Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012377 drug delivery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940126534 drug product Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013373 food additive Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002778 food additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013355 food flavoring agent Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000037406 food intake Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000021472 generally recognized as safe Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008266 hair spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010460 hemp oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036512 infertility Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002664 inhalation therapy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000968 intestinal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000000622 irritating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007794 irritation Effects 0.000 description 1
- QXJSBBXBKPUZAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N isooleic acid Natural products CCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCCC(O)=O QXJSBBXBKPUZAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 210000000867 larynx Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 235000010445 lecithin Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000787 lecithin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940067606 lecithin Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000018773 low birth weight Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 231100000533 low birth weight Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010297 mechanical methods and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002483 medication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002609 medium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940041616 menthol Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000011987 methylation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007069 methylation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000003278 mimic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012768 molten material Substances 0.000 description 1
- QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Natural products CCCCCCCC(C)CCCCCCCCC(O)=O OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-N oleic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 231100000418 oral toxicity Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000546 pharmaceutical excipient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000825 pharmaceutical preparation Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008363 phosphate buffer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000008105 phosphatidylcholines Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005498 polishing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004626 polylactic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940068977 polysorbate 20 Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229940101027 polysorbate 40 Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229940113124 polysorbate 60 Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003755 preservative agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005180 public health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000241 respiratory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000391 smoking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- PPASLZSBLFJQEF-RKJRWTFHSA-M sodium ascorbate Substances [Na+].OC[C@@H](O)[C@H]1OC(=O)C(O)=C1[O-] PPASLZSBLFJQEF-RKJRWTFHSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 235000010378 sodium ascorbate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229960005055 sodium ascorbate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- PPASLZSBLFJQEF-RXSVEWSESA-M sodium-L-ascorbate Chemical compound [Na+].OC[C@H](O)[C@H]1OC(=O)C(O)=C1[O-] PPASLZSBLFJQEF-RXSVEWSESA-M 0.000 description 1
- 235000011071 sorbitan monopalmitate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000001570 sorbitan monopalmitate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940031953 sorbitan monopalmitate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000001587 sorbitan monostearate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011076 sorbitan monostearate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940035048 sorbitan monostearate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 208000000995 spontaneous abortion Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000008117 stearic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000021 stimulant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000024891 symptom Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000008685 targeting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001225 therapeutic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004797 therapeutic response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000699 topical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000027 toxicology Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 231100000041 toxicology testing Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000003053 toxin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000765 toxin Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 108700012359 toxins Proteins 0.000 description 1
- UFTFJSFQGQCHQW-UHFFFAOYSA-N triformin Chemical compound O=COCC(OC=O)COC=O UFTFJSFQGQCHQW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002525 ultrasonication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000019163 vitamin B12 Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011715 vitamin B12 Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019154 vitamin C Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011718 vitamin C Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019165 vitamin E Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011709 vitamin E Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000341 volatile oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
- A61K31/045—Hydroxy compounds, e.g. alcohols; Salts thereof, e.g. alcoholates
- A61K31/05—Phenols
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
- A61M11/001—Particle size control
- A61M11/003—Particle size control by passing the aerosol trough sieves or filters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
- A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
- A24B15/10—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
- A24B15/16—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of tobacco substitutes
- A24B15/167—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of tobacco substitutes in liquid or vaporisable form, e.g. liquid compositions for electronic cigarettes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
- A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
- A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
- A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
- A24B15/281—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed
- A24B15/283—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed by encapsulation of the chemical substances
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/05—Devices without heating means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
- A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
- A61K31/335—Heterocyclic compounds having oxygen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. fungichromin
- A61K31/35—Heterocyclic compounds having oxygen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. fungichromin having six-membered rings with one oxygen as the only ring hetero atom
- A61K31/352—Heterocyclic compounds having oxygen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. fungichromin having six-membered rings with one oxygen as the only ring hetero atom condensed with carbocyclic rings, e.g. methantheline
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
- A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
- A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
- A61K31/435—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom
- A61K31/44—Non condensed pyridines; Hydrogenated derivatives thereof
- A61K31/4427—Non condensed pyridines; Hydrogenated derivatives thereof containing further heterocyclic ring systems
- A61K31/4439—Non condensed pyridines; Hydrogenated derivatives thereof containing further heterocyclic ring systems containing a five-membered ring with nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. omeprazole
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
- A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
- A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
- A61K31/435—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom
- A61K31/465—Nicotine; Derivatives thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
- A61K31/658—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients o-phenolic cannabinoids, e.g. cannabidiol, cannabigerolic acid, cannabichromene or tetrahydrocannabinol
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
- A61K47/02—Inorganic compounds
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
- A61K47/06—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite
- A61K47/26—Carbohydrates, e.g. sugar alcohols, amino sugars, nucleic acids, mono-, di- or oligo-saccharides; Derivatives thereof, e.g. polysorbates, sorbitan fatty acid esters or glycyrrhizin
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
- A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
- A61K9/007—Pulmonary tract; Aromatherapy
- A61K9/0073—Sprays or powders for inhalation; Aerolised or nebulised preparations generated by other means than thermal energy
- A61K9/0078—Sprays or powders for inhalation; Aerolised or nebulised preparations generated by other means than thermal energy for inhalation via a nebulizer such as a jet nebulizer, ultrasonic nebulizer, e.g. in the form of aqueous drug solutions or dispersions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
- A61K9/10—Dispersions; Emulsions
- A61K9/107—Emulsions ; Emulsion preconcentrates; Micelles
- A61K9/1075—Microemulsions or submicron emulsions; Preconcentrates or solids thereof; Micelles, e.g. made of phospholipids or block copolymers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
- A61K9/10—Dispersions; Emulsions
- A61K9/127—Liposomes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
- A61M11/001—Particle size control
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
- A61M11/005—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes using ultrasonics
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0085—Inhalators using ultrasonics
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/06—Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
- B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
- B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
- B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
- B05B17/0653—Details
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
- B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
- B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
- B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
- B05B17/0653—Details
- B05B17/0676—Feeding means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B9/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour
- B05B9/03—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material
- B05B9/04—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump
- B05B9/047—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump supply being effected by follower in container, e.g. membrane or floating piston, or by deformation of container
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2202/00—Special media to be introduced, removed or treated
- A61M2202/04—Liquids
- A61M2202/0468—Liquids non-physiological
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/02—General characteristics of the apparatus characterised by a particular materials
- A61M2205/0272—Electro-active or magneto-active materials
- A61M2205/0294—Piezoelectric materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/12—General characteristics of the apparatus with interchangeable cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
- A61M2205/583—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by visual feedback
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
- A61M2205/587—Lighting arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
- A61M2205/8206—Internal energy supply devices battery-operated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
- B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
- B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
- B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
- B05B17/0638—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers spray being produced by discharging the liquid or other fluent material through a plate comprising a plurality of orifices
- B05B17/0646—Vibrating plates, i.e. plates being directly subjected to the vibrations, e.g. having a piezoelectric transducer attached thereto
Definitions
- readme.txt contains instructions for extracting information from “files1.txt” and “files2.txt”.
- files1.txt” and “files2.txt” collectively represent a compressed binary file that has been converted to ascii format.
- These files can be converted back to a compressed .zip archive utilizing an assembly conversion program source code for which is contained in “ascify.txt”.
- the readme file includes instructions for compiling and running this conversion program, and instructions for converting the other text files to a compressed, binary file.
- This compressed, binary file includes eDrawings files for a computer model illustrating aspects and features in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments, as well as a .pdf file illustrating aspects and features in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments.
- the invention generally relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for producing an aerosol for inhalation by a person, whether intended for personal or recreational use, or for the administration of medicines.
- Vaping has been rapidly increasing in popularity, primarily because vaping provides a convenient, discreet, and presumably benign way to self-administer nicotine, cannabis , drugs or other micronutrients. Indeed, there is a common belief that vaping is healthier than smoking cigarettes; vaping purportedly lets smokers avoid dangerous chemicals inhaled from regular cigarettes while still getting nicotine. Vaping also can be used for cannabis.
- a vaporizer includes a vape pen or a cigarette style vape, referred to by many as an e-cigarette or “eCig”.
- a vape pen generally is an elongate, thin, and stylized tube that resembles a fancy pen.
- an e-cigarette resembles an actual cigarette.
- the e-cigarette is usually small in size (usually smaller and more discreet than vape pens), easily portable, and easy to use.
- a common vaporizer comprises a container, which may be a tank—which is typically refillable, or a cartridge—which is typically single-use and not refillable.
- the tank or cartridge holds a liquid often referred to as an e-liquid or e-juice.
- Tanks are made out of polycarbonate plastic, glass, or stainless steel.
- the vaporizer also includes a mouthpiece for inhaling by a person through the mouth; an atomizer comprising a tiny heating element that converts the liquid into tiny, airborne droplets that are inhaled; and a controller for turning on the atomizer.
- Many vape pens are mouth-activated and turn on automatically when a person inhales. Others vape pins are button activated and require the person to push a button to activate the atomizer.
- Vaporizers are electrically powered using one or more batteries.
- the batteries typically are lithium ion batteries that are rechargeable and primarily are used to heat the heating element of the atomizer.
- a charger usually accompanies a vaporizer when purchased for charging the batteries.
- the charger may be a USB charger, car charger, or wall charger, and such chargers are generally similar to phone chargers.
- the battery-powered vaporizer produces vapor from any of a variety of liquids and liquid mixtures, especially those containing nicotine or cannabinoids. Many different types and flavors are available. Moreover, the liquids can be non-medicated (i.e., containing no nicotine or other substances—just pure vegetable glycerin and flavoring), or the liquids can contain nicotine or even in some instances if and where legal, the liquids can contain THC/CBD. The liquids also may contain one or more of a variety of flavors as well as micronutrients such as, for example, vitamin B12. A person can mix the liquids for use with a vape pen. E-cigarettes typically are purchased with prefilled cartridges.
- the heating element turns the contents of the liquids into an aerosol—the vapor—that is inhaled into the lungs and then exhaled by the person.
- the vapor that is inhaled into the lungs and then exhaled by the person.
- the “JUUL” is a small, sleek device that resembles a computer USB flash drive.
- Propylene glycol vegetable glycerin and combinations or methylations thereof, are chemicals that are often mixed with nicotine, cannabis , or hemp oil for use in vaporizers. Propylene glycol is the primary ingredient in a majority of nicotine-infused e-cigarette liquids. Unfortunately, at high temperatures propylene glycol converts into tiny polymers that can wreak havoc on lung tissue. In particular, scientists know a great deal about propylene glycol. It is found in a plethora of common household items—cosmetics, baby wipes, pharmaceuticals, pet food, antifreeze, etc. The U.S.
- propylene glycol safe for human ingestion and topical application. But exposure by inhalation is another matter. Many things are safe to eat but dangerous to breathe. Because of low oral toxicity, propylene glycol is classified by the FDA as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use as a food additive, but this assessment was based on toxicity studies that did not involve heating and breathing propylene glycol. Indeed, a 2010 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health concluded that airborne propylene glycol circulating indoors can induce or exacerbate asthma, eczema, and many allergic symptoms. Children were said to be particularly sensitive to these airborne toxins. An earlier toxicology review warned that propylene glycol, ubiquitous in hairsprays, could be harmful because aerosol particles lodge deep in the lungs and are not respirable.
- GRAS generally recognized as safe
- clearance mechanisms of the lung like all major points of contact with the external environment, have evolved to prevent the invasion of unwanted airborne particles from entering the body. Airway geometry, humidity and clearance mechanisms contribute to this filtration process.
- the invention also generally relates to apparatus, systems, formulations, and methods pertaining to liquids that are aerosolized and inhaled by persons using electronic devices, whether intended for personal or recreational use, or for the administration of medicines.
- Inhalation delivery systems now play an increasing role in the targeted delivery of active ingredients to the human pulmonary system. This is true both for medical purposes, such as the targeted delivery of anti-cancer medications to the lungs, as well as for recreational/personal purposes, such as vaping, in which a liquid that includes the active ingredient is vaporized using heating so that the active ingredient can be inhaled into the human body.
- inhalation delivery systems using heating have increased in prominence, concerns about their short and long term safety have come into focus. This is particularly true for vaping where there exist ongoing concerns about the possible presence of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in the inhaled vapor.
- HPHCs harmful and potentially harmful constituents
- inhalation delivery systems are often unable to provide the desired effect to a user. This may be attributable to the pre-vaporized liquid becoming unstable over time or the active ingredient itself not being properly sized or dispersed for deposition in the alveolar lung.
- the invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of vaping, the invention is not limited to use only in such context. Indeed, depending on the context of use, the electronic device of the invention may be considered a vaporizer and may be in the form of a vape pen or e-cigarette. Indeed, those who vape may come to refer to embodiments of the invention as a vape pen even though heat is not utilized to create the aerosol that is inhaled.
- embodiments of the invention In the delivery of pharmaceuticals, patients may come to refer to embodiments of the invention as a nebulizer even though a gas transport (e.g., compressed gas) is not utilized and even though the aerosol that is produced in accordance with the invention may have a smaller particle size than the mist produced by common nebulizers.
- a gas transport e.g., compressed gas
- aerosol that is produced in accordance with the invention may have a smaller particle size than the mist produced by common nebulizers.
- Other separate and distinct contexts of use of embodiments of the invention may similarly result in different nomenclature of the embodiments of the invention. Nonetheless, while the appearance and form factor of embodiments of the invention may vary depending on such contexts of use, the basic components and operation remain the same, except where otherwise described below.
- Some embodiments in accordance with aspects and features of the present invention preferably utilize a bladder for supplying the liquid to the mesh assembly, the piezoelectric material of which aerosolizes the liquid for inhalation by a person.
- the bladder may be used in replacement of the “liquid container” of Applicant's '831, '732, and '755 applications, with the bladder preferably forming a part of a disposable cartridge.
- the bladder preferably is formed from a self-healing material such as silicone and is filled with the fluid by injection. The injection process preferably occurs during the manufacture of the cartridge after the bladder has been formed and installed into the cartridge.
- the injection site of the bladder preferably is the end of the bladder distally located to the port of the mouthpiece through which the aerosol is inhaled.
- the injection site of the bladder may be located to a side of the bladder.
- Various shapes and sizes of bladders are disclosed in the current application, including collectively the drawings and the eDrawings and PDF files of the computer program listing, which is incorporated herein by reference and which forms part of the disclosure of the present application.
- aspects of the invention also comprises using an electronic device of the present invention to produce an aerosol for inhalation by a person using such electronic device.
- a liquid-filled cartridge for use with an electronic device for delivery of a substance into a body through respiration comprises: a liquid container; and (b) a liquid contained within the container for aerosolizing and inhaling by a person using the electronic device, the liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles in a nanoemulsion, each nanoparticle comprising an encapsulation of the substance to be delivered into the body through respiration.
- the liquid is an oil-in-water nanoemulsion.
- each nanoparticle is a micelle.
- each nanoparticle is a liposome.
- the substance is encapsulated by a polymer.
- the substance is encapsulated by a surfactant.
- the surfactant preferably comprises high purity polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate.
- the encapsulated substance comprises tetrahydrocannabinol.
- the encapsulated substance comprises cannabidiol.
- the encapsulated substance comprises tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.
- the encapsulated substance comprises a pharmaceutical compound.
- the encapsulated substance comprises nicotine.
- the nanoparticles are suspended within an aqueous solution.
- the aqueous solution preferably comprises a saline; the aqueous solution preferably comprises sodium chloride; and, the nanoparticles preferably are suspended within an aqueous solution of 0.9% sodium chloride.
- a pH of the liquid is between about 5.5 and about 8.
- a pH of the liquid is between about 6.5.
- a molecular ratio of the encapsulated substance to an encapsulating agent of the nanoparticle between about 0.1:1 to about 10:1.
- a polydispersity index measurement of the liquid is less than 0.3.
- the cartridge is a single-use, disposable cartridge.
- the cartridge is refillable.
- a method of manufacturing cartridges for use with an electronic device for delivery of a substance into a body through respiration comprises filling a liquid container of the cartridge with a liquid for aerosolizing and inhaling by a person using the electronic device, the liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles in a nanoemulsion, each nanoparticle comprising an encapsulation of the substance to be delivered into the body through respiration.
- the method further comprises a preliminary step of producing the nanoemulsion by processing the substance to be delivered together with the encapsulating agent using a microfluidizing machine.
- the method further comprises operating the microfluidizing machine such that a temperature of the processing does not exceed 65° C. while producing the nanoemulsion.
- the method further comprises the step of adjusting pH of the nanoemulsion so as to be between about 5.5 and 8.
- the method further comprises the step of chemically bonding the substance to be encapsulated with another molecule prior to processing the substance with the encapsulating agent using the microfluidizing machine.
- the polydispersity index measurement of the nanoemulsion after processing using the microfluidizing machine preferably is less than 0.3.
- a method of manufacturing a liquid for aerosolizing and inhaling by a person using an electronic device for the delivery of a substance to the body of the person through respiration comprising producing a liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles in a nanoemulsion by processing the substance together with an encapsulating agent using a microfluidizing machine such that the plurality of nanoparticles of the liquid comprises the encapsulated substance.
- the method further comprises operating the microfluidizing machine such that a temperature of the processing does not exceed 65° C. while producing the liquid.
- the method further comprises adjusting pH of the nanoemulsion so as to be between about 5.5 and 8.
- the method further comprises the step of chemically bonding the substance to be encapsulated with another molecule prior to processing the substance with the encapsulating agent using the microfluidizing machine.
- a polydispersity index measurement of the nanoemulsion after processing using the microfluidizing machine is less than 0.3.
- the liquid formulation includes an aqueous solution, one or more encapsulating agents, and an active ingredient.
- the active ingredient is encapsulated by one or more encapsulating agents to form a nanoparticle.
- the nanocarrier comprises a liposome.
- the nanocarrier comprises a micelle.
- the nanoparticles have an average diameter of less than 1,000 nanometers.
- the one or more encapsulating agents comprise a polymer. In another feature of this aspect, the one or more encapsulating agents comprise a surfactant. In still another feature of this aspect, the surfactant comprises a high purity polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, such as “SUPER REFINED Polysorbate 80”.
- the aqueous solution comprises a saline solution.
- the saline solution comprises a 0.9% saline solution.
- the active ingredient comprises tetrahydrocannabinol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises cannabidiol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises nicotine. In still another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises a pharmaceutical compound.
- a ratio of the one or more encapsulating agents to the active ingredient is between about 0.1:1 to about 10:1.
- a pH measurement of the liquid formulation is between about 5.5 and about 8. In another feature of this aspect, a pH measurement of the liquid formulation is about 6.5.
- a polydispersity index measurement of the liquid formulation is less than 0.3.
- the active ingredient is chemically bonded to another molecule.
- Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of preparing a liquid formulation for aerosolization.
- the method comprises the steps of mixing nanoparticles that include an active ingredient in a solution to form a liquid mixture and processing the liquid mixture with a microfluidizer.
- a temperature of the liquid mixture does not exceed 65° C. during the processing step.
- the method further comprises the step of adjusting the pH of the liquid mixture.
- the method further comprises the step of chemically bonding the active ingredient with another molecule.
- nanoparticles of the microfluidized liquid mixture have an average diameter less than 1,000 nanometers.
- a polydispersity index measurement of the microfluidized liquid mixture is less than 0.3.
- the solution comprises an aqueous solution.
- the aqueous solution comprises a 0.9% saline solution.
- the nanoparticles comprise encapsulated nanoparticles.
- the active ingredient is contained within the encapsulated nanoparticles.
- the nanocarrier comprises a liposome.
- the nanocarrier comprises a micelle.
- the active ingredient comprises tetrahydrocannabinol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises cannabidiol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises nicotine. In still another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises a pharmaceutical compound.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a vaporizer in accordance with one or more aspect and features of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a partial view of the vaporizer of FIG. 1 showing in closeup a counter, battery indicator, and mouthpiece thereof.
- FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the vaporizer of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is still yet another perspective view of the vaporizer of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the other side of the vaporizer seen in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of two opposite ends of the vaporizer of FIG. 1 , which illustrated end comprises the mouthpiece of the vaporizer.
- FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the vaporizer of FIG. 1 .
- the bladder can be seen illustrated in blue with the piezo mesh disk and electrical contacts attached to form the mesh assembly.
- the mesh assembly is retained within a body of the cartridge, which cartridge is seen to have a perforated band in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 8 is a vapor cloud that is produced by a push of the button of the vaporizer of FIG. 1 , which vapor cloud preferably has a known quantity of the substance to be inhaled per push of the button/aerosolizing cycle of the vaporizer.
- FIG. 9 a is a solid, perspective view of an end of a second preferred embodiment of a vaporizer in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.
- FIG. 9 b is another solid, perspective view of the vaporizer of FIG. 9 a.
- FIG. 9 c is a solid, perspective view of an end of the vaporizer opposite to the end shown in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b.
- FIG. 10 a is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 a.
- FIG. 10 b is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 b.
- FIG. 10 c is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 c.
- FIG. 11 a is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 a.
- FIG. 11 b is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 b.
- FIG. 11 c is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 c.
- FIG. 12 a is a solid, perspective view of the opposite end of the second preferred embodiment, which end is the subject of focus in FIG. 9 c.
- FIG. 12 b is another solid, perspective view of the end of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a.
- FIG. 12 c is another solid, perspective view of the end of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a.
- FIG. 13 a is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 a.
- FIG. 13 b is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 b.
- FIG. 13 c is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 c.
- FIG. 14 a is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 a.
- FIG. 14 b is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 b.
- FIG. 14 c is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 c.
- FIG. 15 a is a solid, perspective view of a side of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a , which side includes the button.
- FIG. 15 b is a solid, plan view of a top end of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a.
- FIG. 15 c is a solid, plan view of the bottom end of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a.
- FIG. 16 a is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 15 a.
- FIG. 16 b is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 15 b.
- FIG. 16 c is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 15 c.
- FIG. 17 a is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 15 a.
- FIG. 17 b is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 15 b.
- FIG. 17 c is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 15 c.
- FIG. 18 a is a solid perspective view of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a.
- FIG. 18 b is another solid side view of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a.
- FIG. 19 a is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 18 a.
- FIG. 19 b is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 18 b.
- FIG. 20 a is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 18 a.
- FIG. 20 b is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 18 b.
- FIGS. 21 a , 21 b , and 21 c illustrate filling of a bladder of the cartridge after the bladder has been installed in the cartridge by injecting fluid directly into the bladder using a needle.
- FIGS. 21 d , 21 e , 21 f , 21 g , 21 h , and 21 i illustrate mounting of the cartridge to a base of the vaporizer of FIGS. 1-8 .
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a self-healing, silicone bladder after injection molding thereof in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.
- the bladder of FIG. 22 has a capacity of about 2.5 milliliters. In other embodiments, the volume of the bladder is as much as 0.35 milliliters.
- FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of an end of a preferred embodiment of a vaporizer in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention, which end comprises a mouthpiece of the vaporizer.
- FIG. 24 a is a view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 23 wherein the mouthpiece has been removed to reveal a piezo mesh disk of FIG. 23 . As seen in FIG. 24 a , the piezo mesh disk is received with a cartridge body.
- FIG. 24 b is a transparent view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 24 a , which reveals a bladder and the mesh assembly including the piezo mesh disk contained within a cartridge body in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.
- FIG. 25 is a perspective front view of the end of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 24 a , wherein the cartridge body and a main body casing have been removed to reveal the bladder secured to a mounting plate of the cartridge that, in turn, is secured to a main body chassis of the vaporizer.
- FIG. 26 is another view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 24 a , wherein the piezo mesh disk has been removed to reveal a mouth of the bladder.
- FIG. 27 a is another view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 26 , wherein just the cartridge body and bladder are shown.
- FIG. 27 b is a bottom plan view of the cartridge as seen in FIG. 27 a.
- FIG. 27 c is a perspective view of the bladder of the cartridge of FIG. 27 a , which bladder is seen secured to the cartridge mounting plate.
- FIG. 27 d is a perspective view of just the cartridge mounting plate as seen in FIG. 27 c.
- FIG. 28 a is a perspective back view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 25 .
- FIG. 28 b is an elevational front view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 28 a.
- FIG. 28 c is an elevational first side view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 28 a.
- FIG. 28 d is an elevational back view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 28 a. ⁇
- FIG. 28 e is an elevational second side view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 28 a.
- FIG. 29 a is a bottom perspective view of the bladder and mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge by which the mounting plate is secured to the main body chassis.
- FIG. 29 b is a top perspective view of the bladder and mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge seen in FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 29 c is a back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 29 d is a perspective elevational view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 29 e is another back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 29 f is a back elevational view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 30 a is a front perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly of FIG. 29 a without the cartridge mounting plate and magnets.
- FIG. 30 b is a bottom perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly of FIG. 30 a.
- FIG. 30 c is a back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly of FIG. 30 a.
- FIG. 30 d is a back perspective view of the mesh assembly of FIG. 30 a without the bladder.
- FIG. 30 e is a back perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 30 a without the mesh assembly.
- FIG. 30 f is a bottom plan view of the bladder of FIG. 30 e.
- FIG. 30 g is a side elevational view of the bladder of FIG. 30 e.
- FIG. 30 h is a bottom perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 30 e.
- FIG. 30 i is a top plan view of the bladder of FIG. 30 a.
- FIG. 31 a is a bottom perspective view of an alternative bladder secured to the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 31 b is an exploded view of the alternative bladder and mounting plate of FIG. 31 a.
- FIG. 31 c is yet another alternative bladder secured to the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a , which view is a shaded line drawing.
- FIG. 31 d is a solid view of the view of FIG. 31 c.
- FIG. 32 a is a top perspective view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 32 b is a bottom perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 32 a.
- FIG. 32 c is a top perspective view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 32 d is a bottom perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 32 c.
- FIG. 32 e is a top perspective view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 32 f is a bottom perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 32 e.
- FIG. 33 a is a top plan view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 33 b is a bottom perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 33 a.
- FIG. 33 c is a top plan view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 33 d is a bottom perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 33 c.
- FIG. 33 e is a top plan view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 33 f is an elevational side view of the bladder of FIG. 33 e.
- FIG. 33 g is a top plan view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a.
- FIG. 33 h is a bottom perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 33 g.
- FIG. 34 a is a wire frame illustration of a vaporizer illustrating in solid view use of the bladder of FIG. 31 a.
- FIG. 34 b is a transparent, top perspective view of a cartridge body including mesh assembly illustrating in solid view use of the bladder of FIG. 31 a.
- FIG. 34 c is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 34 b.
- FIG. 34 d is a bottom perspective view of a cartridge illustrating in solid view use of the bladder of FIG. 31 c.
- FIG. 34 e is a top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 34 d.
- FIG. 35 a is a perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.
- FIG. 35 b is a perspective view of the other side of the cartridge of FIG. 35 a.
- FIG. 35 c is a side elevational view of the cartridge of FIG. 35 a.
- FIG. 35 d is a perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.
- FIG. 35 e is a view of the cartridge of FIG. 35 d without the mechanism of FIG. 35 d.
- FIG. 35 f is another view of the cartridge of FIG. 35 e from a side opposite to the side of the view of FIG. 35 e.
- FIG. 36 a is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.
- FIG. 36 b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 36 a. ⁇
- FIG. 36 c is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.
- FIG. 36 d is a bottom perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.
- FIG. 36 e is a top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 36 d without the mechanism of FIG. 36 d.
- FIG. 36 f is a top perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.
- FIG. 37 a is an elevational view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a bladder thereof.
- FIG. 37 b is a top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 37 a.
- FIG. 37 c is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 37 a.
- FIG. 37 d is a bottom perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a bladder thereof which is similar to the bladder of FIG. 37 a , but which includes a radial arm for side filling of liquid through injection.
- FIG. 37 e is a top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 37 d. ⁇
- FIG. 38 a is top perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, and bladder thereof.
- FIG. 38 b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 38 a.
- FIG. 38 c is top perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, and bladder thereof.
- FIG. 38 d is another top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 38 c.
- FIG. 38 e is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 38 c.
- FIG. 39 a is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view piezoelectric materials, mesh material, and bladder thereof.
- FIG. 39 b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 39 a.
- FIG. 40 a is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and foam inserts.
- FIG. 40 b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 40 a.
- FIG. 41 additionally sets forth other potential means for causing the liquid to contact the mesh material, which are shown in contrast to gravity fed systems.
- FIG. 42 additionally illustrates four additional low pressure bladder concepts that are contemplated for use in some preferred embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of a micelle in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of a liposome carrying an active ingredient within a bilayer in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of a liposome carrying an active ingredient in a hydrophilic core in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.
- any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.
- a picnic basket having an apple is the same as “a picnic basket comprising an apple” and “a picnic basket including an apple”, each of which identically describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside an apple.
- a picnic basket having a single apple describes “a picnic basket having only one apple”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside an apple.
- a picnic basket consisting of an apple has only a single item contained therein, i.e., one apple; the picnic basket contains no other item.
- picnic basket having cheese or crackers When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.
- reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside cheese and crackers.
- picnic basket having cheese and crackers When used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list”.
- a picnic basket having cheese and crackers describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers”, as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside cheese and crackers.
- “at least one” followed by a list of items joined by “and” denotes an item of the list but does not require every item of the list.
- “at least one of an apple and an orange” encompasses the following mutually exclusive scenarios: there is an apple but no orange; there is an orange but no apple; and there is both an apple and an orange. In these scenarios if there is an apple, there may be more than one apple, and if there is an orange, there may be more than one orange.
- the phrase “one or more” followed by a list of items joined by “and” is the equivalent of “at least one” followed by the list of items joined by “and”.
- Liquid means a substance that flows freely but is of constant volume, generally having a consistency like that of water (lower viscosity) or oil (higher viscosity). Liquid is generic to and encompasses a solution, a suspension, and an emulsion.
- Solution means a homogeneous mixture of two or more components.
- the dissolving agent is the solvent.
- the substance that is dissolved is the solute.
- the components of a solution are atoms, ions, or molecules, and the components are usually a nanometer or less in any dimension.
- An example of a solution is sugar mixed with water.
- “Suspension” means a mixture of components that can be evenly distributed by mechanical methods such as shaking or stirring, but that will eventually settle out over an extended period of time.
- the components in a suspension are generally larger than those in solutions.
- An example of a suspension is oil mixed with water.
- Colloidal dispersion means a heterogenous liquid mixture in which a component is dispersed in another component and does not tend to settle out over an extended period of time.
- the dispersed components generally is larger than components of a solution and smaller than components of a suspension.
- “Aerosol” means a colloidal dispersion of a solid or liquid in a gas.
- Emmulsion means a colloidal dispersion of a liquid in a liquid.
- An example of an emulsion is milk.
- Nanoemulsion means an emulsion in which the dispersed component comprises nanoparticles.
- Nanoparticle means a molecule has—or aggregate of molecules have—having no dimension greater than about a micrometer (1,000 nanometers). In accordance with preferred embodiments of aspects and features of the invention, nanoparticles preferably have a dimension of between about 50 and about 200 nanometers.
- “Micelle” means a vesicle having a layer of molecules that encapsulate and transport a substance to cells of a body.
- the encapsulating molecules in a micelle may be surfactants or polymers, for example.
- a typical micelle in an aqueous solution forms an aggregate with the hydrophilic “head” regions in contact with the surrounding solvent, creating a hydrophobic tail region in the interior of the aggregate.
- Liposome means a vesicle having at least one bilayer of molecules that encapsulates and transports a substance to cells of a body.
- Microfluidizing machine means an apparatus that uses microreactor technology to make nanoemulsions through the interaction of liquid streams in defined microchannels. Such technology is described, for example, in U.S. patent application publications 2012/0236680 and 2019/0299171, each incorporated herein by reference. Microfluidizing machines principally utilize high shear forces and impact to emulsify a liquid-liquid system, dispersing one immiscible liquid into another within an interaction chamber.
- a “Y” chamber preferably is used and may be single-slotted or multi-slotted.
- microreactor technology comprises a large pump that forces a formulation through a very small orifice (i.e., microchannel) at pressures ranging from as low as 3.4 MPa (500 psi) to as high as 275 MPa (40,000 psi).
- Preferred microfluidizing machines correspond to the processors manufactured, sold, or distributed by Mircofluidics of Newton or Westwood, Mass., under the registered trademark MICROFLUIDIZER, and any and all other apparatus that have the same or equivalent structure for performing the same or equivalent function with the same or equivalent result.
- the appendix includes a user guide from 2014 for MICROFLUIDIZER processors distributed by Microfluidics, which appendix is incorporated herein by reference.
- a vibrating mesh for aerosolizing a liquid without smoldering.
- the aerosolized liquid preferably is in the form of a vapor cloud similar to what a person or observer would surmise to be “vapor” when vaping.
- such preferred devices of the invention therefore are believed to produce an aerosol that is carcinogen free.
- vaporizers used today to aerosolize e-liquids by heating the e-liquids and desired compounds contained therein (e.g., nicotine) or supplements such as B12, THC/CBD and other drugs or stimulants.
- these vaporizers produce toxic byproducts like formaldehyde, a recognized Group 1 carcinogen for caner, which toxic byproducts then are unfortunately inhaled by a person using the vaporizer.
- toxic byproducts like formaldehyde, a recognized Group 1 carcinogen for caner, which toxic byproducts then are unfortunately inhaled by a person using the vaporizer.
- the liquids when the liquids are heated, the liquids undergo a thermochemical reaction producing unwanted emissions. The unwanted emissions of the toxic byproducts may cause bodily harm from extended inhalation exposure.
- preferred electronic devices in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention produce an aerosol without using heat and thus advantageously avoid such toxic byproducts created by the vaporizes currently on the market.
- the electronic devices thereby advantageously produce a carcinogen free aerosol free of harmful emission byproducts.
- the residual aerodynamic particle size distribution (“APSD”) of the aerosolized drug product.
- the residual APSD is characterized by the residual mass median aerodynamic diameter (“MMAD”) and the geometric standard deviation (“GSD”).
- MMAD signifies the aerodynamic diameter at which half of the aerosolized drug mass lies below the stated diameter.
- MMADR MMDI ⁇ m
- CNV mass median diameter
- pI and pR are the densities (g/cm3) of the formulation and the residual particles, respectively.
- the vibrating mesh may be configured and arranged to produce an aerosol for various applications.
- the arrangement and geometry of various features of the vibrating mesh such as the design of the vibrating mesh and more specifically the design of the aperture holes of the vibrating mesh, may be adapted to produce an aerosol with various particle sizes, flow properties, and fine particle fractions.
- the size (e.g., diameter), shape (e.g., oval, circular, triangular, etc.), spacing (e.g., distance between aperture holes, aperture hole density), etc. of the aperture holes may be configured and modified to adjust the size of the aerosol particles for specific applications.
- the thickness of the mesh especially when in the form of a plate, may also be configured to optimize aerosol properties.
- the thickness of the plate may impart different properties and characteristics to the aerosol.
- the holes may taper with a chamfer such that the entrance and/or exit diameter is larger than the bore diameter of the aperture hole.
- the aperture holes may have a constant diameter without a taper.
- the rigidity of the mesh assembly may be configured to prevent oscillations of varying amplitude across the surface of the mesh, which could result in inconsistent aerosolization performance.
- the thickness, geometry, and material selection for the vibrating mesh material may enhance the rigidity to prevent unwanted oscillations thereof.
- the mesh material may be constructed from a metal alloy, to provide adequate rigidity, mass, durability and inert chemical properties for the aerosolization of different drug formulations. Indeed, the design and dimensions of the mesh material may be selected to optimize the device based on the intended application or use case.
- the vibrating mesh may be configured to adjust the MMADR, fine particle fraction, air/particle velocity, etc. Additionally, the mesh material may also determine the resulting particle properties such as volume diameter, bulk density, tap density, shape, charge, etc.
- the aperture holes may be electro formed or laser formed. It should be appreciated that other manufacturing methods may be used to form the aperture holes.
- Example methods for mesh production include electroplating and laser cutting, which may be used to produce a tapered hole.
- a tapered hole may optimize mesh performance by amplifying flow at the nozzle while reducing viscose losses.
- the electroplating method makes use of a lithographic plate and the eventual size of the mesh holes may be determined by the duration of the electroplating process. The holes become smaller as the metal is deposited on the edge of the hole over time.
- Laser cutting involves the use of a laser beam to cut the mesh holes into a thin sheet of metal or polymer material. Laser cutting metal may result in molten material being deposited around the hole, which may be removed by polishing.
- the liquid delivery system may be adapted for a specific liquid.
- viscosity may be a controlling variable in the size of the aperture holes of the vibrating mesh.
- Some preferred liquids comprise nicotine, which is less viscous than a cannabinoid derivative (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) and cannabidiol (“CBD”)), which has a higher viscosity.
- THC tetrahydrocannabinol
- CBD cannabidiol
- Other considerations may include water solubility, surface tension, acidity and/or basicity, and whether the liquid contains a liquid carrier.
- Some preferred liquids indeed comprise liquid carriers and, in particular, liposomal carriers.
- Various liquids and formulations may be used to form aerosols from electronic devices of the invention.
- formulations may have widely different physiochemical properties, such as surface tension, density, viscosity, characteristics of intramolecular forces within the formulation and whether the formulation is a pure liquid or a suspension of particles within a liquid.
- physiochemical properties may affect the functionality, consistency, efficacy, and end properties of the resulting aerosol or vapor cloud.
- the liquid delivery system also may be designed to provide different flow rates.
- the pump may be an active pump or a passive pump. Additionally, in some preferred embodiments the output rate, pressure supplied by the pump, or both, may be adjusted to provide different flow rates.
- the geometry of the mesh may be the form of a dome-like structure.
- the mesh may be flat and may be in the form of a plate. Other orientations and geometries also are contemplated within the scope of the invention.
- the vibrating mesh assembly may include a single layer oscillating piezoelectric material to aerosolize the liquid.
- the mesh assembly may have a double or multi-layer structure, and multiple mesh membranes may be arranged to induce an optimum MMAD and/or APSD for the aerosolized liquid.
- a plurality of vibrating meshes also may be used in the mesh assembly in some embodiments; FIG. 22 for example illustrates a mesh assembly that includes two separate vibrating meshes spaced apart from one another.
- the mesh assembly may be constructed from one or more different piezoelectric materials to optimize the MMAD and/or APSD.
- the arrangement and design of the mesh assembly e.g., placement of the holes, angstrom size
- hygroscopic effects of the lungs may be considered for optimum deposition and diffusion into the bloodstream.
- the electronic device is configured to create a fine particle low velocity aerosol.
- the resulting aerosol or vapor cloud may be configured to reduce or soften the potential irritation of the airways and lungs.
- the encapsulation techniques may create the ideal person experience.
- the lungs have clearance mechanisms to prevent invasion of unwanted airborne particles from entering the body.
- the electronic device and/or formulation may be adapted such that an aerosol is produced that eludes the lung's various lines of defense.
- the lung has a relative humidity of approximately 99.5%.
- the addition and removal of water can significantly affect the particle size of a hygroscopic aerosol and thus deposition itself.
- Drug particles are known to be hygroscopic and grow or shrink in size in high humidity, such as in the lung.
- a hygroscopic aerosol that is delivered at relatively low temperature and humidity into one of high humidity and temperature may increase in size when inhaled into the lung.
- the rate of growth may be a function of the initial diameter of the particle.
- particles may be deposited by inertial impaction, gravitational sedimentation or diffusion (Brownian motion) depending on their size. While deposition occurs throughout the airways, inertial impaction usually occurs in the first ten generations of the lung, where air velocity is high and airflow is turbulent.
- Deposition by gravitational sedimentation may typically predominate in the last five to six generations of airways (smaller bronchi and bronchioles), where air velocity is low. Due to the low velocity, large volume aerosol that is produced in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, the aerosol may be less irritating to a person.
- Targeting the aerosol to conducting or peripheral airways may be accomplished by altering the particle size of the aerosol and/or the inspiratory flow rate.
- aerosols with a MMAD of approximately 5 micrometers to 10 micrometers may be deposited in the large conducting airways and oropharyngeal region.
- Particles ranging from approximately 1 micrometer to 5 micrometers in diameter may be deposited in the small airways and alveoli with more than 50% of the particles having a diameter of three micrometers being deposited in the alveolar region.
- the electronic device includes a piezoelectric crystal that vibrates at a high frequency when electrical current is applied.
- the vibration may be in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 MHz. and more specifically within the range of 1.2 to 2.4 MHz.
- the vibration of the crystal is transmitted to a transducer horn that is in contact with the liquid to be aerosolized. Vibrations transmitted by the transducer horn cause upward and downward movement of a mesh in the form, for example, of a plate, and the liquid passes through the apertures in the mesh plate to form an aerosol.
- the mesh plate consists of a plurality of tapered holes (e.g., 500 holes; 1,000 holes; 6,000 holes).
- Each tapered hole may have a diameter of approximately 3 micrometers. In other examples, larger or smaller diameters may be appropriate for different liquids or applications.
- the aperture holes advantageously amplify the vibration of the transducer horn throughout the liquid and reduce the amount of power required to generate the aerosol. For example, using a low frequency of vibration with a mesh plate containing numerous minute holes allows efficient generation of a fine particle mist.
- aqueous liquids may be more suitable to generating an aerosol with electronic devices of the invention when compared to other more viscous liquids.
- the aqueous liquids may include ethanol, which itself may be a primary liquid carrier of the liquid.
- ultrasonicated a liposomal nanoemulsions comprises the liquid carrier of the liquid delivery system.
- Nanoemulsions may be sonicated where liposomes work as carriers for active agents.
- liposomes may be prepared and formed (e.g., by ultrasound) for the entrapment of active agents.
- emulsifiers are added to the liposomal dispersions to stabilize higher amounts of lipids; however, additional emulsifiers may cause a weakening on the barrier affinity of a liquid (e.g., phosphatidylcholine).
- Nanoparticles e.g., nanoparticles composed of phosphatidylcholine and lipids
- nanoparticles are used that preferably are formed by an oil droplet that is covered by a monolayer of phosphatidylcholine. It is believed that the use of nanoparticles allows formulations which are capable of absorbing more lipids and which remain stable whereby additional emulsifiers may not be needed.
- ultrasonication is a method for the production of nanoemulsions and nanodispersions.
- an intensive ultrasound supplies the power needed to disperse a liquid phase (dispersed phase) in small droplets in a second phase (continuous phase).
- imploding cavitation bubbles cause intensive shock waves in the surrounding liquid and result in the formation of liquid jets of high liquid velocity.
- emulsifiers surface active substances, surfactants
- stabilizers are added to the emulsion.
- efficiently stabilizing emulsifiers may be used to maintain the final droplet size distribution at a level that is equal to the distribution immediately after the droplet disruption in the ultrasonic dispersing zone.
- Some liposomal dispersions may lack in stability against oxidation.
- the stabilization of the dispersion can be achieved by antioxidants, such as by a complex of vitamins C and E.
- antioxidants such as by a complex of vitamins C and E.
- the entrapment of the essential oil in liposomes may increase the oil stability.
- the vibrating mesh is configured to create a fine particle low velocity aerosol which is well suited for central and deep lung deposition.
- a fine particle, low velocity aerosol one or more preferred electronic devices of the invention advantageously can produce an aerosol that is adapted to target small airways in the management of asthma and COPD.
- a pump system is utilized to pump or push the liquid to be aerosolized into contact with the vibrating mesh whereby droplets of the liquid are created on the other side of the vibrating mesh on the order of 1 to 4 microns.
- a capillary pump may be used (wherein the liquid is drawn into contact with the mesh material through capillary action)
- electronic devices of the invention also may preferably comprise a pump system that is powered by an electrical power source of the device, such as batteries and, preferably, rechargeable batteries.
- Such a pump system preferably comprises a piezoelectric motor.
- an active pump system is not used, and the liquid may be gravity-fed to a vibrating mesh or other vibrating structure.
- a gravitational pump may be used in such embodiments.
- This is particularly contemplated when an electronic device of the invention is used in a generally upright position as a nebulizer for drug delivery.
- the electronic device is orientation-agnostic and generally works as intended in any orientation relative to the directional forces of gravity.
- FIGS. 1-8 a preferred embodiment of an electronic device in the form of a “vaporizer” is illustrated in accordance with one or more aspect and features of the invention.
- Other forms of an electronic device in accordance with the present include vapes, vape pens, and nebulizers.
- Other terminology may be given to electronic devices of the present invention.
- electronic devices of the present invention produce an aerosol for inhalation whatever commercial or consumer name may be given.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a vaporizer 10 in accordance with one or more aspect and features of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a partial view of the vaporizer 10 of FIG. 1 showing in closeup a counter, battery indicator, and mouthpiece thereof
- FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the vaporizer 10 of FIG. 1
- FIG. 4 is still yet another perspective view of the vaporizer 10 of FIG. 1
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the other side of the vaporizer 10 seen in FIG. 1
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of two opposite ends of the vaporizer 10 of FIG. 1 , which illustrated end comprises the mouthpiece 12 of the vaporizer
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two opposite ends of the vaporizer 10 of FIG. 1 , which illustrated end comprises the mouthpiece 12 of the vaporizer
- FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the vaporizer 10 of FIG. 1 .
- the bladder 14 can be seen illustrated in blue with the piezo mesh disk 16 and electrical contacts 18 attached to form the mesh assembly 20 .
- the mesh assembly is retained within a body of the cartridge 22 , which cartridge is seen to have a perforated band in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 8 is a vapor cloud that is produced by a push of the button of the vaporizer 10 of FIG. 1 , which vapor cloud preferably has a known quantity of the substance to be inhaled per push of the button/aerosolizing cycle of the vaporizer.
- FIGS. 9 a -20 b Another preferred embodiment of an electronic device in the form of a vaporizer 30 is illustrated in FIGS. 9 a -20 b .
- FIG. 9 a is a solid, perspective view of an end of a second preferred embodiment of a vaporizer in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention
- FIG. 9 b is another solid, perspective view of the vaporizer of FIG. 9 a
- FIG. 9 c is a solid, perspective view of an end of the vaporizer opposite to the end shown in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b
- FIG. 10 a is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 a
- FIG. 10 b is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 b
- FIG. 10 c is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 c ;
- FIG. 11 a is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 a ;
- FIG. 11 b is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 b ;
- FIG. 11 c is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 9 c ;
- FIG. 12 a is a solid, perspective view of the opposite end of the second preferred embodiment, which end is the subject of focus in FIG. 9 c ;
- FIG. 12 b is another solid, perspective view of the end of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a ;
- FIG. 12 c is another solid, perspective view of the end of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a ;
- FIG. 13 a is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 a
- FIG. 13 b is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 b
- FIG. 13 c is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 c
- FIG. 14 a is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 a
- FIG. 14 b is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 b
- FIG. 14 c is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 12 c
- FIG. 15 a is a solid, perspective view of a side of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a , which side includes the button;
- FIG. 15 a is a solid, perspective view of a side of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a , which side includes the button;
- FIG. 15 b is a solid, plan view of a top end of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a
- FIG. 15 c is a solid, plan view of the bottom end of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a
- FIG. 16 a is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 15 a
- FIG. 16 b is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 15 b
- FIG. 16 c is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 15 c
- FIG. 17 a is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 15 a
- FIG. 17 b is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 15 b
- FIG. 17 c is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG.
- FIG. 18 a is a solid perspective view of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a
- FIG. 18 b is another solid side view of the vaporizer of FIG. 12 a
- FIG. 19 a is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 18 a
- FIG. 19 b is a solid line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 18 b
- FIG. 20 a is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 18 a
- FIG. 20 b is a line drawing of the view seen in FIG. 18 b.
- FIGS. 21 a -21 c collectively illustrate filling of a bladder 32 of the cartridge after the bladder has been installed in the cartridge by injecting fluid directly into the bladder using a needle 34 of an injector 36 . Thereafter, the cartridge is secured to the main body chassis 38 of the vaporizer, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 d -21 i . This may be accomplished by an end-user when replacing a depleted cartridge with a new cartridge included in a pack of disposable cartridges purchased by the user, or during assembly of a vaporizer for sale to a user during manufacture and assembly of the vaporizer.
- the injection site when filling the bladder preferably is at a distal end of the bladder relative to a mouth of the bladder where a liquid is maintained in contact with the mesh material; however, alternative injection sites are contemplated.
- the bladder of FIGS. 37 d and 37 e illustrates a radial arm by which the bladder is filled from a side of the bladder rather than bottom of the bladder.
- FIGS. 21 d -21 i collectively illustrate mounting of the cartridge to a base of the vaporizer of FIGS. 1-8 .
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a self-healing, silicone bladder 40 after injection molding thereof in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.
- the bladder of FIG. 22 has a capacity of about 2.5 milliliters. In other embodiments, the volume of the bladder is as much as 0.35 milliliters.
- FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of an end of a preferred embodiment of a vaporizer in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention, which end comprises a mouthpiece 44 of the vaporizer;
- FIG. 24 a is a view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 23 wherein the mouthpiece has been removed to reveal a piezo mesh disk 46 .
- the piezo mesh disk is received with a cartridge body 48 ;
- FIG. 24 b is a transparent view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG.
- FIG. 24 a which reveals a bladder 50 and the mesh assembly including the piezo mesh disk contained within the cartridge body in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention
- FIG. 25 is a perspective front view of the end of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 24 a , wherein the cartridge body and a main body casing have been removed to reveal the bladder secured to a mounting plate of the cartridge that, in turn, is secured to a main body chassis of the vaporizer.
- An LED panel secured to the main body chassis of the vaporizer also is revealed in FIG. 25 .
- the main body casing preferably is translucent, at least in the area covering and extending over the LED panel, whereby lighting from the LED panel passes through the main body casing for reading of the LED display but whereby the LED panel itself is otherwise concealed and hidden from sight, as represented for example in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 26 is another view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 24 a , wherein the piezo mesh disk has been removed to reveal a mouth of the bladder;
- FIG. 27 a is another view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 26 , wherein just the cartridge body and bladder are shown;
- FIG. 27 b is a bottom plan view of the cartridge as seen in FIG. 27 a ;
- FIG. 27 c is a perspective view of the bladder of the cartridge of FIG.
- FIG. 27 a which bladder is seen secured to the cartridge mounting plate
- FIG. 27 d is a perspective view of just the cartridge mounting plate as seen in FIG. 27 c
- FIG. 28 a is a perspective back view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 25
- FIG. 28 b is an elevational front view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 28 a
- FIG. 28 c is an elevational first side view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 28 a
- FIG. 28 d is an elevational back view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 28 a
- FIG. 28 e is an elevational second side view of the vaporizer as seen in FIG. 28 a
- FIG. 29 a is a bottom perspective view of the bladder and mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge by which the mounting plate is secured to the main body chassis;
- FIG. 29 b is a top perspective view of the bladder and mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge seen in FIG. 29 a ;
- FIG. 29 c is a back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge of FIG. 29 a ;
- FIG. 29 d is a perspective elevational view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge of FIG. 29 a ;
- FIG. 29 e is another back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge of FIG.
- FIG. 29 a is a front perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly of FIG. 29 a without the cartridge mounting plate and magnets
- FIG. 30 b is a bottom perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly of FIG. 30 a
- FIG. 30 c is a back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly of FIG. 30 a
- FIG. 30 d is a back perspective view of the mesh assembly of FIG. 30 a without the bladder
- FIG. 30 e is a back perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 30 a without the mesh assembly
- FIG. 30 f is a bottom plan view of the bladder of FIG. 30 e ;
- FIG. 30 g is a side elevational view of the bladder of FIG. 30 e ;
- FIG. 30 h is a bottom perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 30 e ;
- FIG. 30 i is a top plan view of the bladder of FIG. 30 a.
- FIG. 31 a is a bottom perspective view of an alternative bladder 62 secured to the cartridge mounting plate 64 of FIG. 29 a ; and FIG. 31 b is an exploded view of the alternative bladder 62 and mounting plate 64 of FIG. 31 a.
- FIG. 31 c is yet another alternative bladder 62 secured to the cartridge mounting plate 64 of FIG. 29 a , which view is a shaded line drawing; and FIG. 31 d is a solid view of the view of FIG. 31 c.
- FIG. 32 a is a top perspective view of another alternative bladder 66 for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a ;
- FIG. 32 b is a bottom perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 32 a ;
- FIG. 32 c is a top perspective view of another alternative bladder 68 for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a ;
- FIG. 32 d is a bottom perspective view of the bladder 68 of FIG. 32 c ;
- FIG. 32 e is a top perspective view of another alternative bladder 70 for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a ;
- FIG. 32 f is a bottom perspective view of the bladder 70 of FIG. 32 e.
- FIG. 33 a is a top plan view of another alternative bladder 72 for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a ;
- FIG. 33 b is a bottom perspective view of the bladder 72 of FIG. 33 a ;
- FIG. 33 c is a top plan view of another alternative bladder 74 for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a ;
- FIG. 33 d is a bottom perspective view of the bladder 74 of FIG. 33 c ;
- FIG. 33 e is a top plan view of another alternative bladder 76 for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a ;
- FIG. 33 f is an elevational side view of the bladder 76 of FIG. 33 e ;
- FIG. 33 g is a top plan view of another alternative bladder 78 for use with the cartridge mounting plate of FIG. 29 a ; and
- FIG. 33 h is a bottom perspective view of the bladder 78 of FIG. 33 g.
- FIG. 34 a is a wire frame illustration of the vaporizer illustrating in solid view use of the bladder of FIG. 31 a .
- FIG. 34 b is a transparent, top perspective view of a cartridge body 82 including mesh assembly illustrating in solid view use of the bladder of FIG. 31 a ; and
- FIG. 34 c is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge body 82 of FIG. 34 b.
- FIG. 34 d is a bottom perspective view of a cartridge 84 illustrating in solid view use of the bladder of FIG. 31 c .
- FIG. 34 e is a top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 34 d.
- FIGS. 35 a through 40 b Different various methodologies for supplying liquid to the mesh assembly at a generally uniform pressure and so as to keep the liquid in continuous contact with the mesh material are disclosed in the alternative embodiments of cartridges seen in FIGS. 35 a through 40 b .
- FIG. 41 additionally sets forth other potential means for causing the liquid to contact the mesh material, which are shown in contrast to gravity fed systems.
- FIG. 42 additionally illustrates four additional low pressure bladder concepts that are contemplated for use in some preferred embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 35 a is a perspective view of an alternative cartridge 90 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing;
- FIG. 35 b is a perspective view of the other side of the cartridge of FIG. 35 a ;
- FIG. 35 c is a side elevational view of the cartridge of FIG. 35 a.
- FIG. 35 d is a perspective view of an alternative cartridge 92 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.
- FIG. 35 e is a view of the cartridge of FIG. 35 d without the mechanism of FIG. 35 d ; and
- FIG. 35 f is another view of the cartridge of FIG. 35 e from a side opposite to the side of the view of FIG. 35 e.
- FIG. 36 a is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge 94 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.
- FIG. 36 b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 36 a.
- FIG. 36 c is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge 96 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.
- FIG. 36 d is a bottom perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge 98 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.
- FIG. 36 e is a top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 36 d without the mechanism of FIG. 36 d.
- FIG. 36 f is a top perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge 100 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.
- FIG. 37 a is an elevational view of an alternative cartridge 102 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a bladder thereof.
- FIG. 37 b is a top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 37 a ; and
- FIG. 37 c is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 37 a .
- the bladder which folds or collapses in an accordion-like fashion, preferably comprises folds lines and is made of silicone.
- FIG. 37 d is a bottom perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge 104 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a bladder thereof which is similar to the bladder of FIG. 37 a , but which includes a radial arm for side filling of liquid through injection at an injection site that is on a side of the cartridge rather than at the bottom of the cartridge.
- FIG. 37 e is a top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 37 d.
- FIG. 38 a is top perspective view of an alternative cartridge 106 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, and bladder thereof; and FIG. 38 b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 38 a .
- the bladder of these figures has a large volume is shown open or exposed.
- a mechanism for pressing against the bladder for expelling or driving the liquid therein into constant contact with the mesh material of the piezo mesh disk is preferably utilized, such mechanism being any of those disclosed herein.
- FIG. 38 c is top perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge 108 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, and bladder thereof.
- FIG. 38 d is another top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 38 c ; and
- FIG. 38 e is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 38 c .
- the bladder of this cartridge is the same as that of FIGS. 38 a -38 b with the exception that the bladder is contained within a chamber the conforms to the filled shape of the bladder.
- the chamber is open at the bottom, as seen in FIG. 38 e .
- Use of a chamber facilitates use of a fluid, such as a gas or a secondary liquid, to be used for pressuring and collapsing the bladder.
- FIG. 39 a is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge 110 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view piezoelectric materials, mesh material, and bladder thereof; and FIG. 39 b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 39 a .
- the cartridge in these figures comprises a piezoelectric array located around the bladder. Each member of the array preferable is actuated in a sequence that drives the liquid toward the mouth of the bladder into contact with the mesh material of the piezo mesh disk. For example, the sequence of actuation can constrict the bladder beginning at the distal end with the constriction working its way toward the mouth, similar to intestinal movement.
- FIG. 40 a is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge 112 for use with the vaporizer of FIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and foam inserts or blocks.
- FIG. 40 b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 40 a .
- This cartridge comprises foam that is compressed when the bladder is filled. The compression of the foam preferable will pressure the bladder and drive liquid into constant contact with the mesh material of the piezo mesh disk.
- the foam may be an open cell foam.
- the liquid preferably is supplied to the vibrating mesh at a generally constant pressure whereby a generally uniform aerosol is produced. This is preferably done regardless of the orientation of the electronic device.
- the electronic device also preferably comprises a reservoir for the liquid.
- the reservoir is an anti-pyrolysis vape reservoir with no smoldering and no combustion.
- the liquid of the device features a thermostable liquid carrier.
- Circuitry shown in the form of a printed circuit board or “PCB” in FIG. 28 d preferably is included in each electronic device for controlling actuation of the vibrating mesh.
- a printed circuit board may comprise an application specific integrated circuit.
- the actuation and resulting vibrations/oscillations preferably are consistent for consistently generating the aerosol, with minimal variations or fluctuations in frequency and amplitude.
- the circuitry also preferably controls actuation of the mechanism—when an active mechanism—for pushing the liquid into contact with the vibrating mesh at a generally constant pressure.
- a microcontroller also may be included.
- the mesh material preferably has opening diameters of 1-2 microns, or 1,000-2,000 nanometers; when actuated, the flow rate of the liquid from the bladder to the vibrating mesh material is preferably about 0.25 milliliters per minute; preferred overall dimensions of a vaporizer are about 16 millimeters by 25 millimeters by 110 millimeters; and a vibrating mesh preferably remains in direct contact with the liquid for consistent production of the aerosol.
- the bladder preferably physically contacts and forms a seal with the piezo mesh desk so that liquid from the bladder does not leak from the bladder.
- a top flange of the bladder preferably services as a gasket or glad seal to the underside of the piezo mesh disk.
- the bottom end of the bladder preferably comprises the fill site and also serves to anchor and mechanically hold bladder in its position within the cartridge.
- the bladder preferably contains the volume of liquid behind the mesh at a relatively low pressure regardless of orientation as the volume is depleted with use.
- the seal is believed to fail at pressures above about 0.3 psi and, therefore, the liquid preferably is driven from the bladder into contact with the mesh material at less than 0.3 psi. The pressure at which the liquid is supplied to the mesh material therefore has been found to be very low.
- the liquid When the liquid is an aqueous mixture (e.g., water or saline), the liquid preferably contacts the mesh material at a pressure less than about 0.3 psi. It is believed that higher pressure will lead to leaking and failure of the mesh material to produce a desired aerosol consistent with a vapor cloud. Higher pressure indeed may likely lead to the fluid flowing through perforations of the mesh material and flooding or wetting the other side of the mesh material causing the mesh material to not function correctly in producing the desired aerosol until dry. Higher pressure also may result in stretching and deformation of the wall so the bladder, resulting in mechanical failure.
- aqueous mixture e.g., water or saline
- the bladder also preferably acts as a capillary pump in addition to serving as a reservoir for the liquid.
- Many preferred electronic devices of the invention are orientation agnostic, meaning that the desired aerosol is produced regardless of the direction an electronic device is held when used relative to the forces of gravity.
- Disposable cartridges in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention each comprises a mesh assembly including aperture plate and electronic contacts, a bladder, and a mouthpiece.
- the bladder has a hardness of about 40 durometer.
- the bladder is believed to be the simplest mechanism and therefore is preferred.
- the bladder preferably is formed from a self-healing silicone material and can be filled with a syringe without injecting air into the bladder. This process preferably is automated and occurs during assembly of cartridges and/or vaporizers.
- the bladder comprises corrugated walls and is formed from a flexible material and has flexibility such that the bladder changes volume without initially stretching of the material from which it is formed.
- the volume of the bladder preferably is extremely low of nothing when the bladder is in a natural, fully relaxed (or collapsed) state.
- the bladder When fully collapsed, the bladder preferably provides some capillary benefit to extract the last amount of liquid from the bladder. To this end, it is believed that the vibrating mesh is able to create a light vacuum which is instrumental in fully evacuating the bladder of the liquid contained therein.
- the electronic device comprises a vibrating mesh nebulizer coupled with a capillary-effect/vacuum pump system (corrugated silicone bladder), that acts as an orientation agnostic “liquid drive”, whereby the vaporizer is able to be held in any direction and still function properly.
- a vibrating mesh nebulizer coupled with a capillary-effect/vacuum pump system (corrugated silicone bladder), that acts as an orientation agnostic “liquid drive”, whereby the vaporizer is able to be held in any direction and still function properly.
- the corrugated bladder acts both as the capillary/vacuum pump as well as the liquid reservoir, ensuring that the liquid is in constant contact with the vibrating mesh, without disturbing the oscillations of the mesh material when the piezoelectric material is actuated.
- Bladders disclosed also are believed to provide a range of interior surface areas relative to volume and pressure for desired supply of the liquid to the mesh material and proper operation of the vaporizer. Indeed, other shapes and geometries may not enable the capillary action of the bladder, the orientation-agnostic character of the operation of the vaporizer, and the proper oscillation of the mesh material (i.e., too much pressure and leaking of the fluid can mute oscillations of the mesh material, inhibiting aerosolizing of the liquid in a vaping form). Flexibility of design also allows corrugated walls and flexibility of the material the bladder allows changes in volume without initially stretching the material, which is preferred. Thus, in at least some preferred embodiments, the volume of a natural state or relaxed state of the bladder is basically zero. When all fully collapses some capillary benefit should be obtained in order to extract last amount of liquid from the bladder, especially when combined with the light vacuum provided by the vibrating mesh.
- top flange of the bladder serves as a gasket or glad seal to the underside of the mesh
- bottom distal end or “post” of the bladder that preferably serves the fill sight also mechanically holds the bladder in position when secured to the mounting plate of the cartridge.
- a preferred active ingredient delivery system for inhalation is contemplated to be capable of accommodating and delivering a range of different types of active ingredients to the body through the pulmonary system.
- Active ingredients capable of delivery using one or more delivery systems described herein include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical compounds, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and nicotine.
- active ingredient delivery systems largely within the context of delivering THC and/or CBD, but it should be understood that active ingredient delivery systems described herein are also usable for delivery of nicotine, pharmaceuticals, micronutrients, and other types of active ingredients by inhalation and are not limited to delivery of THC/CBD.
- THC and CBD are two of several different cannabinoids found in plants of the Cannabis genus. Using extraction techniques, THC and CBD can be isolated from the plant matrix for medicinal and/or recreational use. THC and CBD interact with different receptors in the human brain and, thus, cause a different treatment or effect in the user.
- THC and CBD may be referenced together as “THC/CBD.” It should be understood that, as used herein, “THC/CBD” refers to a cannabinoid-based active ingredient that includes both THC and CBD, THC without CBD, or CBD without THC.
- THC and CBD are hydrophobic molecules that do not readily mix with aqueous solutions like water.
- THC/CBD molecules are encapsulated into nanoparticles comprising oil droplets of the THC/CBD active ingredient surrounded by one or more encapsulation agents, such as surfactants or emulsifiers, which shield the oil droplets from the surrounding aqueous environment.
- the shielded oil droplets can then mix into aqueous solutions.
- One example of such a mixture is a nanoemulsion, where the oil phase includes the hydrophobic THC/CBD molecules shielded by one or more surfactants from the surrounding aqueous phase.
- FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of a micelle 810 in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.
- the hydrophobic droplet 812 comprised of oil containing THC/CBD molecules is surrounded by a monolayer 814 of one or more encapsulation agents, which forms an aggregate.
- the monolayer 814 is a lipid-based monolayer. Molecules forming the monolayer 814 include hydrophilic heads 816 that are in contact with the surrounding aqueous solution 840 and hydrophobic tails 818 that extend toward the micelle center.
- the hydrophilic heads 816 form the boundary of the monolayer 814 that facilitates isolation of the hydrophobic component, including the hydrophobic active ingredient 860 , to permit mixing of the micelle 810 into the aqueous solution 840 .
- the micelle 810 is largely spherical in shape, although non-spherical shapes are also possible.
- the micelle 810 and the aqueous solution 840 are contained within a cartridge 800 .
- FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of a liposome 820 carrying an active ingredient 860 within a bilayer in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.
- the oil component resides in a hydrophobic area 822 of the liposome 820 between a bilayer of one or more encapsulation agents.
- the bilayer is a lipid-based bilayer.
- Molecules that form the outer layer 824 of the bilayer include hydrophilic heads 828 that are in contact with the surrounding aqueous solution 850 and hydrophobic tails 830 that extend into the hydrophobic area 822 between the layers 822 , 824 .
- Lipid molecules that form the inner layer 826 of the bilayer include hydrophilic heads 832 that are in contact with the aqueous solution 852 at the center of the liposome 820 and hydrophobic tails 834 that extend into the hydrophobic area 822 of the bilayer.
- the hydrophilic heads 828 , 832 form the boundaries of the bilayer that facilitate isolation of the hydrophobic area, which includes the hydrophobic active ingredient 860 .
- the liposome 820 can be mixed into the surrounding aqueous solution 850 .
- the liposome 820 is largely spherical in shape, although non-spherical shapes are also possible.
- the liposome 820 and the surrounding aqueous solution 850 are contained within a cartridge 800 .
- Liquid mixtures that include active ingredient delivery nanoparticles in accordance with FIG. 43 or 44 include an active ingredient, an encapsulation agent, and an aqueous solution.
- active ingredient includes THC/CBD molecules, although a wide range of other active ingredients are contemplated to be deliverable to the human pulmonary system in accordance with the invention, including, but not limited to, pharmaceutical compounds, micronutrients, and nicotine.
- Encapsulation agents to encapsulate hydrophobic active ingredient molecules are compounds with a hydrophobic region and a hydrophilic region. It is contemplated that encapsulation agents include, but are not limited to, lipids, polymers, and surfactants. Encapsulation agents can be used singly or in combination with each other.
- the aqueous solution is a medium that can be selected and formulated to achieve an osmotic balance with respect to human physiology.
- the aqueous solution is a 0.9% saline solution, which is understood to provide a preferred osmotic balance with human physiology of the lungs.
- a 0.9% saline solution as the aqueous medium facilitates a safer user experience, particularly when the liquid mixture is aerosolized.
- polymers include, but are not limited to, poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).
- PLGA poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid
- PLA polylactic acid
- PGA polyglycolic acid
- PCL polycaprolactone
- PHB polyhydroxybutyrate
- surfactants include, but are not limited to: high purity polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (also known by its trade name, SUPER REFINED® Polysorbate 80); polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate; (also known by its trade name, TWEEN® Polysorbate 80); polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (also known by its trade name TWEEN® Polysorbate 60); polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate (also known by its trade name TWEEN® Polysorbate 40); polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (also known by its trade name TWEEN® Polysorbate 20); lecithin; dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC); 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC); sorbitan monostearate (also known by its trade name SPAN 60); and sorbitan monopalmitate (also known by its trade name SPAN
- a ratio of surfactant combinations is determined by hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values inherent to each surfactant.
- HLB hydrophilic-lipophilic balance
- the combination of surfactants yields a weighted average HLB value that can be used to match the target application in order to enhance or optimize mixing of nanoparticles containing the active ingredient into the aqueous solution. For example, an HLB value measuring from approximately 8 to approximately 16 is satisfactory for oil-in-water emulsions.
- the encapsulating agent includes a high purity or high-grade surfactant, which is understood to enhance the shelf-life of the resulting mixture as well as to improve the efficacy and safety of the resulting mixture.
- a high purity surfactant that can be used in the formulation is high purity polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, which is also known by its trade name, SUPER REFINED® Polysorbate 80.
- SUPER REFINED® Polysorbate 80 is manufactured and sold by Croda International Plc of the United Kingdom.
- a ratio of the surfactant relative to the active ingredient affects the size of the resulting nanoparticles (e.g., micelles and/or liposomes that contain the active ingredient).
- the surfactant-to-active-ingredient ratio can range from approximately 0.1:1 to approximately 10:1. Size of the resulting nanoparticles that contain the active ingredient affects a variety of characteristics of the final product, including pulmonary deposition of the active ingredient, absorption of the active ingredient, and the product shelf-life.
- a process for producing a liquid mixture that includes active-ingredient nanocarriers in accordance with FIGS. 43-45 is accomplished using a microfluidics approach.
- Microfluidics involves utilizing a network of channels having very small dimensions to process the liquid mixture in order to achieve homogeneous mixture with consistently-sized nanoparticles.
- a microfluidizer is utilized to achieve the desired nanoparticle dispersal and uniform mixture with consistently-sized nanoparticles.
- a temperature of the liquid mixture does not exceed a temperature threshold of 65° C.
- processing the liquid mixture using a microfluidizer facilitates processing without the use of chemical solvents, which further reduces the risk of generating harmful HPHCs in the final liquid mixture.
- use of a microfluidics approach helps to maintain sterility in the materials used to produce the final liquid mixture, which also enhances consumer safety.
- the processed liquid includes nanoparticles of a uniformly small size and a low polydispersity index (PDI) value.
- PDI polydispersity index
- THC/CBD nanoparticles in the final liquid mixture have an average diameter less than 1,000 nanometers or, alternatively, have a dimension that is no larger than 1,000 nanometers. It is believed that nanoparticles of this scale provide enhanced pulmonary deposition of the active ingredient into the alveolar lung region, which facilitates increased pulmonary absorption. Furthermore, nanoparticles of this scale enhance the stability of the final liquid mixture, which increases its shelf-life. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, it is contemplated that the final liquid mixture has a PDI value measuring less than 0.3.
- the PDI value provides a measurement of the broadness of size distribution.
- a low PDI value is indicative of a high level of particle size uniformity in a mixture.
- the PDI value is 0.3 or less, which is believed to indicate a liquid mixture with increased stability and enhanced shelf-life.
- a PDI measurement scale assigns a value of 0.0 to a population of particles where the particles have a perfectly uniform size and a value of 1.0 to a highly polydisperse population of particles with multiple size populations.
- the pH of the final liquid mixture can be adjusted to accommodate a specific objective.
- a pH value of the final liquid mixture that is greater than approximately 3 and less than approximately 10 can improve the inhalation experience for the user by reducing a cough reaction.
- the final liquid mixture includes many THC/CBD-encapsulated nanoparticles that are uniformly suspended in an aqueous solution for downstream aerosolization by an aerosolizing device for inhalation.
- aerosolizing devices may include, for example, vaporizers and nebulizers.
- the encapsulated molecules are chemically bonded to other molecules in a conjugated system. Establishing a conjugated system with chemical bonds between the active ingredient molecules and other molecules facilitates more efficient encapsulation of the active ingredients via the techniques described herein. In some contemplated embodiments, then THC/CBD molecules are chemically bonded with molecules of stearic acid and/or oleic acid. Establishing a conjugated system, as described herein, is understood to enhance or optimize encapsulation of THC/CBD molecules as well as other drugs or pharmaceutical compounds.
- formulations and methods as described herein can be applied to hydrophobic drugs or compounds other than THC/CBD. It is further contemplated that formulations and methods as described herein can be applied to hydrophilic drugs or compounds with modifications.
- One such modification includes encapsulating the hydrophilic drug or compound into a hydrophilic core of a liposomal nanoparticle.
- Another such modification includes conjugation of the hydrophilic drug or compound to a hydrophobic molecule (such as by chemical bonding) in order to achieve an overall hydrophobic compound capable of being encapsulated in the manner as set forth in FIGS. 43 and 44 .
- FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of a liposome 920 carrying a hydrophilic active ingredient 960 in a hydrophilic core 958 in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.
- the hydrophobic component resides in a hydrophobic area 922 of the liposome 920 between a bilayer of one or more encapsulation agents.
- the bilayer is a lipid-based bilayer.
- Molecules that form the outer layer 924 of the bilayer include hydrophilic heads 928 that are in contact with the surrounding aqueous solution 950 and hydrophobic tails 930 that extend into the hydrophobic area 922 of the bilayer.
- Lipid molecules that form the inner layer 926 of the bilayer include hydrophilic heads 932 that are in contact with the aqueous solution 952 at the core 958 of the liposome 920 and hydrophobic tails 934 that extend into the hydrophobic area 922 of the bilayer.
- the hydrophilic heads 928 , 932 form the barriers of the bilayer that facilitate isolation of the hydrophobic area 922 .
- the hydrophilic active ingredient 960 is contained within the hydrophilic core 958 .
- the liposome 920 can be mixed into the surrounding aqueous solution 950 .
- the liposome 920 is largely spherical in shape, although non-spherical shapes are also possible.
- the liposome 920 and the surrounding aqueous solution 950 are contained within a cartridge 800 .
- the aqueous solution of the product can be buffered to mitigate pH over time.
- a saline solution can be converted to a phosphate buffer saline solution. Buffering the solution with the addition of a buffering agent can enhance consistency of the product, increase the shelf-life, and enhance the consumer experience when the product is aerosolized during use.
- additives can be included in the aqueous solution of the product.
- Contemplated additives include, but are not limited to antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, or others) and preservatives (such as antimicrobials).
- antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, or others
- preservatives such as antimicrobials.
- additives can provide a safer consumer experience when the product is aerosolized during use.
- additives can enhance the shelf-life of the product.
- Additives can also be used to enhance or complement the user experience.
- additives can be included to enhance or complement the smell/taste during inhalation of the aerosolized product.
- Additives to enhance or complement the smell/taste during inhalation include, but are not limited to, menthol and mint.
- additives can be included to enhance or complement the inhalation sensation during inhalation of the aerosolized product.
- An additive that enhances or complements the inhalation sensation might mimic a throat hit sensation commonly associated with nicotine inhalation or the sensation might trigger a feeling of smoothness for the consumer.
- a carrier or diluent solution is used in connection with the active ingredient to increase stability of the resulting product. Additionally, a carrier or diluent solution can enhance manufacturing process efficiency with respect to the ability to encapsulate the active ingredient when forming the nanoparticles.
- One contemplated carrier or diluent solution includes a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil.
- Electronic devices of the invention can be utilized to deliver liquids comprising supplements, drugs, or therapeutically effective amounts of pharmaceuticals using an aerosol having particles of a size that can easily be inhaled.
- the aerosol can be used, for example, by a patient within the bounds of an inhalation therapy, whereby the liquid containing a supplement, therapeutically effective pharmaceutical, or drug reaches the patient's respiratory tract upon inhalation.
- Desired compounds such as nicotine, flavoring, and supplements like B12, can be received by a person through inhalation without the toxic byproducts like formaldehyde—a recognized Group 1 Carcinogen for caner—that is currently being created during heating in conventional vapes.
- Electronic devices of the invention further can be used in the marijuana industries, but only where legal, for delivery of cannabinoids and CBD oils and the like.
- many embodiments and adaptations of the invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention.
- At least some preferred embodiments of the invention represent a portable, orientation-agnostic vibrating mesh nebulizer. It further will be appreciated from the foregoing that at least some preferred embodiments emit an aerosol that is—sensorially speaking—equivalent to vapor, i.e., not a mist but instead that which is generated by traditional vapes, thereby providing an enjoyable consumer product for those who are accustomed to vaping.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Anesthesiology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to each of U.S. provisional patent applications: 62/923,563, filed Oct. 20, 2019; 62/923,602, filed Oct. 20, 2019; 62/923,604, filed Oct. 20, 2019; 62/924,168, filed Oct. 21, 2019; and 62/924,171, filed Oct. 21, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application also incorporates by reference Applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 16/548,831; 16/657,732; and Ser. No. 16/657,755, and any U.S. patent application publication thereof and any U.S. patent issuing therefrom. Aspects and features of the invention are believed to be improvements and enhancements over the devices and methods of Applicant's '831, '732, and '755 applications.
- All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.
- Submitted concurrently herewith via the USPTO's electronic filing system, and incorporated herein by reference, are computer program files. A table setting forth the name and size of files included in this computer program listing is included below.
-
File Name Creation Date File Size (bytes) ascify.txt Oct. 20, 2019 20:33 37,473 readme.txt Oct. 20, 2019 11:55 2,741 files1.txt Oct. 20, 2019 20:41 22,478,505 files2.txt Oct. 20, 2019 20:59 11,960,834 - One of these files, “readme.txt”, contains instructions for extracting information from “files1.txt” and “files2.txt”. “files1.txt” and “files2.txt” collectively represent a compressed binary file that has been converted to ascii format. These files can be converted back to a compressed .zip archive utilizing an assembly conversion program source code for which is contained in “ascify.txt”. The readme file includes instructions for compiling and running this conversion program, and instructions for converting the other text files to a compressed, binary file.
- This compressed, binary file includes eDrawings files for a computer model illustrating aspects and features in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments, as well as a .pdf file illustrating aspects and features in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments.
- The invention generally relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for producing an aerosol for inhalation by a person, whether intended for personal or recreational use, or for the administration of medicines.
- Vaping has been rapidly increasing in popularity, primarily because vaping provides a convenient, discreet, and presumably benign way to self-administer nicotine, cannabis, drugs or other micronutrients. Indeed, there is a common belief that vaping is healthier than smoking cigarettes; vaping purportedly lets smokers avoid dangerous chemicals inhaled from regular cigarettes while still getting nicotine. Vaping also can be used for cannabis.
- Vaping is performed using a vaporizer. A vaporizer includes a vape pen or a cigarette style vape, referred to by many as an e-cigarette or “eCig”. A vape pen generally is an elongate, thin, and stylized tube that resembles a fancy pen. In contrast, an e-cigarette resembles an actual cigarette. The e-cigarette is usually small in size (usually smaller and more discreet than vape pens), easily portable, and easy to use.
- A common vaporizer comprises a container, which may be a tank—which is typically refillable, or a cartridge—which is typically single-use and not refillable. The tank or cartridge holds a liquid often referred to as an e-liquid or e-juice. Tanks are made out of polycarbonate plastic, glass, or stainless steel. The vaporizer also includes a mouthpiece for inhaling by a person through the mouth; an atomizer comprising a tiny heating element that converts the liquid into tiny, airborne droplets that are inhaled; and a controller for turning on the atomizer. Many vape pens are mouth-activated and turn on automatically when a person inhales. Others vape pins are button activated and require the person to push a button to activate the atomizer. Vaporizers are electrically powered using one or more batteries. The batteries typically are lithium ion batteries that are rechargeable and primarily are used to heat the heating element of the atomizer. A charger usually accompanies a vaporizer when purchased for charging the batteries. The charger may be a USB charger, car charger, or wall charger, and such chargers are generally similar to phone chargers.
- The battery-powered vaporizer produces vapor from any of a variety of liquids and liquid mixtures, especially those containing nicotine or cannabinoids. Many different types and flavors are available. Moreover, the liquids can be non-medicated (i.e., containing no nicotine or other substances—just pure vegetable glycerin and flavoring), or the liquids can contain nicotine or even in some instances if and where legal, the liquids can contain THC/CBD. The liquids also may contain one or more of a variety of flavors as well as micronutrients such as, for example, vitamin B12. A person can mix the liquids for use with a vape pen. E-cigarettes typically are purchased with prefilled cartridges. The heating element turns the contents of the liquids into an aerosol—the vapor—that is inhaled into the lungs and then exhaled by the person. Perhaps one of the most popular vaporizers today is known as the “JUUL”, which is a small, sleek device that resembles a computer USB flash drive.
- It is believed that while promoted as healthier than traditional cigarette use, vaping actually may be more dangerous. Propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and combinations or methylations thereof, are chemicals that are often mixed with nicotine, cannabis, or hemp oil for use in vaporizers. Propylene glycol is the primary ingredient in a majority of nicotine-infused e-cigarette liquids. Unfortunately, at high temperatures propylene glycol converts into tiny polymers that can wreak havoc on lung tissue. In particular, scientists know a great deal about propylene glycol. It is found in a plethora of common household items—cosmetics, baby wipes, pharmaceuticals, pet food, antifreeze, etc. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada have deemed propylene glycol safe for human ingestion and topical application. But exposure by inhalation is another matter. Many things are safe to eat but dangerous to breathe. Because of low oral toxicity, propylene glycol is classified by the FDA as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use as a food additive, but this assessment was based on toxicity studies that did not involve heating and breathing propylene glycol. Indeed, a 2010 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health concluded that airborne propylene glycol circulating indoors can induce or exacerbate asthma, eczema, and many allergic symptoms. Children were said to be particularly sensitive to these airborne toxins. An earlier toxicology review warned that propylene glycol, ubiquitous in hairsprays, could be harmful because aerosol particles lodge deep in the lungs and are not respirable.
- Moreover, when propylene glycol is heated, whether by a red-hot metal coil of a heating element of a vaporizer or otherwise, the potential harm from inhalation exposure increases. It is believed that high voltage heat transforms the propylene glycol and other vaping additives into carbonyls. Carbonyls are a group of cancer-causing chemicals that includes formaldehyde, which has been linked to spontaneous abortions and low birth weight. A known thermal breakdown product of propylene glycol, formaldehyde is an International Agency for Research on Cancer group 1 carcinogen!
- Prevalent in nicotine e-cig products and present in some vape oil cartridges, FDA-approved flavoring agents pose additional risks when inhaled rather than eaten. The flavoring compounds smooth and creamy (diacetyl and acetyl propionyl) are associated with respiratory illness when inhaled in tobacco e-cigarette devices. Another hazardous-when-inhaled-but-safe-to-eat flavoring compound is Ceylon cinnamon, which becomes cytotoxic when aerosolized.
- When a heating element gets red hot in a vaporizer, the liquid undergoes a process called “smoldering”, which is a technical term for what is tantamount to “burning”; while much of the liquid is vaporized and atomized, a portion of the liquid undergoes pyrolysis or combustion. In that sense, most of the vaporizers that have flooded the commercial market may not be true vaporizers.
- Additionally, clearance mechanisms of the lung, like all major points of contact with the external environment, have evolved to prevent the invasion of unwanted airborne particles from entering the body. Airway geometry, humidity and clearance mechanisms contribute to this filtration process.
- In view of the foregoing, it is believed that a need exists for a vaporizer that provides an aerosol of the desired chemicals without the harmful byproducts that arise from smoldering. It is also believed that a need exists for a vaporizer that effectively and efficiently produces a vapor cloud that is not inhibited by the body's natural filtration process. This and other needs are believed to be met by embodiments in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.
- Furthermore, the invention also generally relates to apparatus, systems, formulations, and methods pertaining to liquids that are aerosolized and inhaled by persons using electronic devices, whether intended for personal or recreational use, or for the administration of medicines.
- Inhalation delivery systems now play an increasing role in the targeted delivery of active ingredients to the human pulmonary system. This is true both for medical purposes, such as the targeted delivery of anti-cancer medications to the lungs, as well as for recreational/personal purposes, such as vaping, in which a liquid that includes the active ingredient is vaporized using heating so that the active ingredient can be inhaled into the human body.
- Unfortunately, as inhalation delivery systems using heating have increased in prominence, concerns about their short and long term safety have come into focus. This is particularly true for vaping where there exist ongoing concerns about the possible presence of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in the inhaled vapor. Moreover, inhalation delivery systems are often unable to provide the desired effect to a user. This may be attributable to the pre-vaporized liquid becoming unstable over time or the active ingredient itself not being properly sized or dispersed for deposition in the alveolar lung.
- Accordingly, a need exists for an active ingredient delivery system that enhances the shelf-life of the pre-vaporized liquid component and enhances the efficacy of the desired treatment/effect, while avoiding the presence of undesired HPHCs in the inhaled vapor. This, and other needs, are believed to also be addressed by one or more aspects and features of the invention.
- The invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of vaping, the invention is not limited to use only in such context. Indeed, depending on the context of use, the electronic device of the invention may be considered a vaporizer and may be in the form of a vape pen or e-cigarette. Indeed, those who vape may come to refer to embodiments of the invention as a vape pen even though heat is not utilized to create the aerosol that is inhaled. In the delivery of pharmaceuticals, patients may come to refer to embodiments of the invention as a nebulizer even though a gas transport (e.g., compressed gas) is not utilized and even though the aerosol that is produced in accordance with the invention may have a smaller particle size than the mist produced by common nebulizers. Other separate and distinct contexts of use of embodiments of the invention may similarly result in different nomenclature of the embodiments of the invention. Nonetheless, while the appearance and form factor of embodiments of the invention may vary depending on such contexts of use, the basic components and operation remain the same, except where otherwise described below.
- Some embodiments in accordance with aspects and features of the present invention preferably utilize a bladder for supplying the liquid to the mesh assembly, the piezoelectric material of which aerosolizes the liquid for inhalation by a person. The bladder may be used in replacement of the “liquid container” of Applicant's '831, '732, and '755 applications, with the bladder preferably forming a part of a disposable cartridge. Additionally, the bladder preferably is formed from a self-healing material such as silicone and is filled with the fluid by injection. The injection process preferably occurs during the manufacture of the cartridge after the bladder has been formed and installed into the cartridge. the injection site of the bladder preferably is the end of the bladder distally located to the port of the mouthpiece through which the aerosol is inhaled. Alternatively, the injection site of the bladder may be located to a side of the bladder. Various shapes and sizes of bladders are disclosed in the current application, including collectively the drawings and the eDrawings and PDF files of the computer program listing, which is incorporated herein by reference and which forms part of the disclosure of the present application.
- Aspects of the invention also comprises using an electronic device of the present invention to produce an aerosol for inhalation by a person using such electronic device.
- Additional features of the invention are set forth in any and each incorporated application of Applicant, including any incorporated U.S. patent application publication thereof and any incorporated U.S. patent issuing therefrom.
- In another aspect, a liquid-filled cartridge for use with an electronic device for delivery of a substance into a body through respiration comprises: a liquid container; and (b) a liquid contained within the container for aerosolizing and inhaling by a person using the electronic device, the liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles in a nanoemulsion, each nanoparticle comprising an encapsulation of the substance to be delivered into the body through respiration.
- In a feature, the liquid is an oil-in-water nanoemulsion.
- In a feature, each nanoparticle is a micelle.
- In a feature, each nanoparticle is a liposome.
- In a feature, the substance is encapsulated by a polymer.
- In a feature, the substance is encapsulated by a surfactant. The surfactant preferably comprises high purity polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate.
- In a feature, the encapsulated substance comprises tetrahydrocannabinol.
- In a feature, the encapsulated substance comprises cannabidiol.
- In a feature, the encapsulated substance comprises tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.
- In a feature, the encapsulated substance comprises a pharmaceutical compound.
- In a feature, the encapsulated substance comprises nicotine.
- In a feature, wherein the nanoparticles are suspended within an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution preferably comprises a saline; the aqueous solution preferably comprises sodium chloride; and, the nanoparticles preferably are suspended within an aqueous solution of 0.9% sodium chloride.
- In a feature, a pH of the liquid is between about 5.5 and about 8.
- In a feature, wherein a pH of the liquid is between about 6.5.
- In a feature, a molecular ratio of the encapsulated substance to an encapsulating agent of the nanoparticle between about 0.1:1 to about 10:1.
- In a feature, a polydispersity index measurement of the liquid is less than 0.3.
- In a feature, the cartridge is a single-use, disposable cartridge.
- In a feature, the cartridge is refillable.
- In another aspect, a method of manufacturing cartridges for use with an electronic device for delivery of a substance into a body through respiration comprises filling a liquid container of the cartridge with a liquid for aerosolizing and inhaling by a person using the electronic device, the liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles in a nanoemulsion, each nanoparticle comprising an encapsulation of the substance to be delivered into the body through respiration.
- In a feature, the method further comprises a preliminary step of producing the nanoemulsion by processing the substance to be delivered together with the encapsulating agent using a microfluidizing machine.
- In a feature, the method further comprises operating the microfluidizing machine such that a temperature of the processing does not exceed 65° C. while producing the nanoemulsion.
- In a feature, the method further comprises the step of adjusting pH of the nanoemulsion so as to be between about 5.5 and 8.
- In a feature, the method further comprises the step of chemically bonding the substance to be encapsulated with another molecule prior to processing the substance with the encapsulating agent using the microfluidizing machine. The polydispersity index measurement of the nanoemulsion after processing using the microfluidizing machine preferably is less than 0.3.
- In another aspect, a method of manufacturing a liquid for aerosolizing and inhaling by a person using an electronic device for the delivery of a substance to the body of the person through respiration, the method comprising producing a liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles in a nanoemulsion by processing the substance together with an encapsulating agent using a microfluidizing machine such that the plurality of nanoparticles of the liquid comprises the encapsulated substance.
- In a feature, the method further comprises operating the microfluidizing machine such that a temperature of the processing does not exceed 65° C. while producing the liquid.
- In a feature, the method further comprises adjusting pH of the nanoemulsion so as to be between about 5.5 and 8.
- In a feature, the method further comprises the step of chemically bonding the substance to be encapsulated with another molecule prior to processing the substance with the encapsulating agent using the microfluidizing machine.
- In a feature, a polydispersity index measurement of the nanoemulsion after processing using the microfluidizing machine is less than 0.3.
- Another aspect of the invention relates to a liquid formulation for aerosolization. The liquid formulation includes an aqueous solution, one or more encapsulating agents, and an active ingredient.
- In a feature of this aspect, the active ingredient is encapsulated by one or more encapsulating agents to form a nanoparticle. In another feature of this aspect, the nanocarrier comprises a liposome. In still another feature of this aspect, the nanocarrier comprises a micelle.
- In another feature of this aspect, the nanoparticles have an average diameter of less than 1,000 nanometers.
- In another feature of this aspect, the one or more encapsulating agents comprise a polymer. In another feature of this aspect, the one or more encapsulating agents comprise a surfactant. In still another feature of this aspect, the surfactant comprises a high purity polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, such as “SUPER REFINED
Polysorbate 80”. - In another feature of this aspect, the aqueous solution comprises a saline solution. In another feature of this aspect, the saline solution comprises a 0.9% saline solution.
- In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises tetrahydrocannabinol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises cannabidiol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises nicotine. In still another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises a pharmaceutical compound.
- In another feature of this aspect, a ratio of the one or more encapsulating agents to the active ingredient is between about 0.1:1 to about 10:1.
- In another feature of this aspect, a pH measurement of the liquid formulation is between about 5.5 and about 8. In another feature of this aspect, a pH measurement of the liquid formulation is about 6.5.
- In another feature of this aspect, a polydispersity index measurement of the liquid formulation is less than 0.3.
- In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient is chemically bonded to another molecule.
- Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of preparing a liquid formulation for aerosolization. The method comprises the steps of mixing nanoparticles that include an active ingredient in a solution to form a liquid mixture and processing the liquid mixture with a microfluidizer.
- In a feature of this aspect, a temperature of the liquid mixture does not exceed 65° C. during the processing step.
- In another feature of this aspect, the method further comprises the step of adjusting the pH of the liquid mixture.
- In another feature of this aspect, the method further comprises the step of chemically bonding the active ingredient with another molecule.
- In another feature of this aspect, nanoparticles of the microfluidized liquid mixture have an average diameter less than 1,000 nanometers.
- In another feature of this aspect, a polydispersity index measurement of the microfluidized liquid mixture is less than 0.3.
- In another feature of this aspect, the solution comprises an aqueous solution. In another feature of this aspect, the aqueous solution comprises a 0.9% saline solution.
- In another feature of this aspect, the nanoparticles comprise encapsulated nanoparticles. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient is contained within the encapsulated nanoparticles. In another feature of this aspect, the nanocarrier comprises a liposome. In still another feature of this aspect, the nanocarrier comprises a micelle.
- In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises tetrahydrocannabinol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises cannabidiol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. In another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises nicotine. In still another feature of this aspect, the active ingredient comprises a pharmaceutical compound.
- In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the invention, it should be noted that the invention further encompasses the various logical combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, claims in this or a divisional or continuing patent application or applications may be separately directed to any aspect, feature, or embodiment disclosed herein, or combination thereof, without requiring any other aspect, feature, or embodiment.
- One or more preferred embodiments of the invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a vaporizer in accordance with one or more aspect and features of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a partial view of the vaporizer ofFIG. 1 showing in closeup a counter, battery indicator, and mouthpiece thereof. -
FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the vaporizer ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is still yet another perspective view of the vaporizer ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the other side of the vaporizer seen inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of two opposite ends of the vaporizer ofFIG. 1 , which illustrated end comprises the mouthpiece of the vaporizer. -
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the vaporizer ofFIG. 1 . The bladder can be seen illustrated in blue with the piezo mesh disk and electrical contacts attached to form the mesh assembly. The mesh assembly is retained within a body of the cartridge, which cartridge is seen to have a perforated band inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 8 is a vapor cloud that is produced by a push of the button of the vaporizer ofFIG. 1 , which vapor cloud preferably has a known quantity of the substance to be inhaled per push of the button/aerosolizing cycle of the vaporizer. -
FIG. 9a is a solid, perspective view of an end of a second preferred embodiment of a vaporizer in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention. -
FIG. 9b is another solid, perspective view of the vaporizer ofFIG. 9 a. -
FIG. 9c is a solid, perspective view of an end of the vaporizer opposite to the end shown inFIGS. 9a and 9 b. -
FIG. 10a is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9 a. -
FIG. 10b is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9 b. -
FIG. 10c is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9 c. -
FIG. 11a is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9 a. -
FIG. 11b is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9 b. -
FIG. 11c is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9 c. -
FIG. 12a is a solid, perspective view of the opposite end of the second preferred embodiment, which end is the subject of focus inFIG. 9 c. -
FIG. 12b is another solid, perspective view of the end of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12 a. -
FIG. 12c is another solid, perspective view of the end of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12 a. -
FIG. 13a is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12 a. -
FIG. 13b is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12 b. -
FIG. 13c is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12 c. -
FIG. 14a is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12 a. -
FIG. 14b is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12 b. -
FIG. 14c is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12 c. -
FIG. 15a is a solid, perspective view of a side of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12a , which side includes the button. -
FIG. 15b is a solid, plan view of a top end of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12 a. -
FIG. 15c is a solid, plan view of the bottom end of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12 a. -
FIG. 16a is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15 a. -
FIG. 16b is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15 b. -
FIG. 16c is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15 c. -
FIG. 17a is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15 a. -
FIG. 17b is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15 b. -
FIG. 17c is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15 c. -
FIG. 18a is a solid perspective view of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12 a. -
FIG. 18b is another solid side view of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12 a. -
FIG. 19a is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 18 a. -
FIG. 19b is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 18 b. -
FIG. 20a is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 18 a. -
FIG. 20b is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 18 b. -
FIGS. 21a, 21b, and 21c illustrate filling of a bladder of the cartridge after the bladder has been installed in the cartridge by injecting fluid directly into the bladder using a needle. -
FIGS. 21d, 21e, 21f, 21g, 21h, and 21i illustrate mounting of the cartridge to a base of the vaporizer ofFIGS. 1-8 . -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a self-healing, silicone bladder after injection molding thereof in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention. The bladder ofFIG. 22 has a capacity of about 2.5 milliliters. In other embodiments, the volume of the bladder is as much as 0.35 milliliters. -
FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of an end of a preferred embodiment of a vaporizer in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention, which end comprises a mouthpiece of the vaporizer. -
FIG. 24a is a view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 23 wherein the mouthpiece has been removed to reveal a piezo mesh disk ofFIG. 23 . As seen inFIG. 24a , the piezo mesh disk is received with a cartridge body. -
FIG. 24b is a transparent view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 24a , which reveals a bladder and the mesh assembly including the piezo mesh disk contained within a cartridge body in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention. -
FIG. 25 is a perspective front view of the end of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 24a , wherein the cartridge body and a main body casing have been removed to reveal the bladder secured to a mounting plate of the cartridge that, in turn, is secured to a main body chassis of the vaporizer. -
FIG. 26 is another view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 24a , wherein the piezo mesh disk has been removed to reveal a mouth of the bladder. -
FIG. 27a is another view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 26 , wherein just the cartridge body and bladder are shown. -
FIG. 27b is a bottom plan view of the cartridge as seen inFIG. 27 a. -
FIG. 27c is a perspective view of the bladder of the cartridge ofFIG. 27a , which bladder is seen secured to the cartridge mounting plate. -
FIG. 27d is a perspective view of just the cartridge mounting plate as seen inFIG. 27 c. -
FIG. 28a is a perspective back view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 25 . -
FIG. 28b is an elevational front view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 28 a. -
FIG. 28c is an elevational first side view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 28 a. -
FIG. 28d is an elevational back view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 28 a.\ -
FIG. 28e is an elevational second side view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 28 a. -
FIG. 29a is a bottom perspective view of the bladder and mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge by which the mounting plate is secured to the main body chassis. -
FIG. 29b is a top perspective view of the bladder and mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge seen inFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 29c is a back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 29d is a perspective elevational view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 29e is another back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 29f is a back elevational view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 30a is a front perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly ofFIG. 29a without the cartridge mounting plate and magnets. -
FIG. 30b is a bottom perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly ofFIG. 30 a. -
FIG. 30c is a back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly ofFIG. 30 a. -
FIG. 30d is a back perspective view of the mesh assembly ofFIG. 30a without the bladder. -
FIG. 30e is a back perspective view of the bladder ofFIG. 30a without the mesh assembly. -
FIG. 30f is a bottom plan view of the bladder ofFIG. 30 e. -
FIG. 30g is a side elevational view of the bladder ofFIG. 30 e. -
FIG. 30h is a bottom perspective view of the bladder ofFIG. 30 e. -
FIG. 30i is a top plan view of the bladder ofFIG. 30 a. -
FIG. 31a is a bottom perspective view of an alternative bladder secured to the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 31b is an exploded view of the alternative bladder and mounting plate ofFIG. 31 a. -
FIG. 31c is yet another alternative bladder secured to the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29a , which view is a shaded line drawing. -
FIG. 31d is a solid view of the view ofFIG. 31 c. -
FIG. 32a is a top perspective view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 32b is a bottom perspective view of the bladder ofFIG. 32 a. -
FIG. 32c is a top perspective view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 32d is a bottom perspective view of the bladder ofFIG. 32 c. -
FIG. 32e is a top perspective view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 32f is a bottom perspective view of the bladder ofFIG. 32 e. -
FIG. 33a is a top plan view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 33b is a bottom perspective view of the bladder ofFIG. 33 a. -
FIG. 33c is a top plan view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 33d is a bottom perspective view of the bladder ofFIG. 33 c. -
FIG. 33e is a top plan view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 33f is an elevational side view of the bladder ofFIG. 33 e. -
FIG. 33g is a top plan view of another alternative bladder for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29 a. -
FIG. 33h is a bottom perspective view of the bladder ofFIG. 33 g. -
FIG. 34a is a wire frame illustration of a vaporizer illustrating in solid view use of the bladder ofFIG. 31 a. -
FIG. 34b is a transparent, top perspective view of a cartridge body including mesh assembly illustrating in solid view use of the bladder ofFIG. 31 a. -
FIG. 34c is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 34 b. -
FIG. 34d is a bottom perspective view of a cartridge illustrating in solid view use of the bladder ofFIG. 31 c. -
FIG. 34e is a top perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 34 d. -
FIG. 35a is a perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing. -
FIG. 35b is a perspective view of the other side of the cartridge ofFIG. 35 a. -
FIG. 35c is a side elevational view of the cartridge ofFIG. 35 a. -
FIG. 35d is a perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing. -
FIG. 35e is a view of the cartridge ofFIG. 35d without the mechanism ofFIG. 35 d. -
FIG. 35f is another view of the cartridge ofFIG. 35e from a side opposite to the side of the view ofFIG. 35 e. -
FIG. 36a is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing. -
FIG. 36b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 36 a.\ -
FIG. 36c is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing. -
FIG. 36d is a bottom perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing. -
FIG. 36e is a top perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 36d without the mechanism ofFIG. 36 d. -
FIG. 36f is a top perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing. -
FIG. 37a is an elevational view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a bladder thereof. -
FIG. 37b is a top perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 37 a. -
FIG. 37c is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 37 a. -
FIG. 37d is a bottom perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a bladder thereof which is similar to the bladder ofFIG. 37a , but which includes a radial arm for side filling of liquid through injection. -
FIG. 37e is a top perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 37 d.\ -
FIG. 38a is top perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, and bladder thereof. -
FIG. 38b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 38 a. -
FIG. 38c is top perspective view of yet another alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, and bladder thereof. -
FIG. 38d is another top perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 38 c. -
FIG. 38e is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 38 c. -
FIG. 39a is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view piezoelectric materials, mesh material, and bladder thereof. -
FIG. 39b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 39 a. -
FIG. 40a is a top perspective view of an alternative cartridge for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and foam inserts. -
FIG. 40b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 40 a. -
FIG. 41 additionally sets forth other potential means for causing the liquid to contact the mesh material, which are shown in contrast to gravity fed systems. -
FIG. 42 additionally illustrates four additional low pressure bladder concepts that are contemplated for use in some preferred embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of a micelle in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention; -
FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of a liposome carrying an active ingredient within a bilayer in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention; and -
FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of a liposome carrying an active ingredient in a hydrophilic core in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention. - Additional views of many of these cartridges and bladders, and alternative thereof, are disclosed in files of the computer program listing incorporated herein by reference. These files present three-dimensional interactive views using an eDrawing viewer and an Acrobat viewer.
- As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention may incorporate only one or a plurality of the aspects of the invention disclosed herein; only one or a plurality of the features disclosed herein; or combination thereof. As such, many embodiments are implicitly disclosed herein and fall within the scope of what is regarded as the invention.
- Accordingly, while the invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the invention in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
- Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.
- Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
- With regard to the construction of the scope of any claim in the United States, no claim element is to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to and should apply in the interpretation of such claim element. With regard to any method claim including a condition precedent step, such method requires the condition precedent to be met and the step to be performed at least once but not necessarily every time during performance of the claimed method.
- Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “comprising” is open-ended insofar as that which follows such term is not exclusive. Additionally, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” is the same as “a picnic basket comprising an apple” and “a picnic basket including an apple”, each of which identically describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside an apple. In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside an apple. In contrast, “a picnic basket consisting of an apple” has only a single item contained therein, i.e., one apple; the picnic basket contains no other item.
- When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside cheese and crackers.
- When used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list”. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers”, as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside cheese and crackers.
- The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of items joined by “and” denotes an item of the list but does not require every item of the list. Thus, “at least one of an apple and an orange” encompasses the following mutually exclusive scenarios: there is an apple but no orange; there is an orange but no apple; and there is both an apple and an orange. In these scenarios if there is an apple, there may be more than one apple, and if there is an orange, there may be more than one orange. Moreover, the phrase “one or more” followed by a list of items joined by “and” is the equivalent of “at least one” followed by the list of items joined by “and”.
- Additionally, as used herein unless context dictates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings.
- “Liquid” means a substance that flows freely but is of constant volume, generally having a consistency like that of water (lower viscosity) or oil (higher viscosity). Liquid is generic to and encompasses a solution, a suspension, and an emulsion.
- “Solution” means a homogeneous mixture of two or more components. The dissolving agent is the solvent. The substance that is dissolved is the solute. The components of a solution are atoms, ions, or molecules, and the components are usually a nanometer or less in any dimension. An example of a solution is sugar mixed with water.
- “Suspension” means a mixture of components that can be evenly distributed by mechanical methods such as shaking or stirring, but that will eventually settle out over an extended period of time. The components in a suspension are generally larger than those in solutions. An example of a suspension is oil mixed with water.
- “Colloidal dispersion” means a heterogenous liquid mixture in which a component is dispersed in another component and does not tend to settle out over an extended period of time. The dispersed components generally is larger than components of a solution and smaller than components of a suspension.
- “Aerosol” means a colloidal dispersion of a solid or liquid in a gas.
- “Emulsion” means a colloidal dispersion of a liquid in a liquid. An example of an emulsion is milk.
- “Nanoemulsion” means an emulsion in which the dispersed component comprises nanoparticles.
- “Nanoparticle” means a molecule has—or aggregate of molecules have—having no dimension greater than about a micrometer (1,000 nanometers). In accordance with preferred embodiments of aspects and features of the invention, nanoparticles preferably have a dimension of between about 50 and about 200 nanometers.
- “Micelle” means a vesicle having a layer of molecules that encapsulate and transport a substance to cells of a body. The encapsulating molecules in a micelle may be surfactants or polymers, for example. A typical micelle in an aqueous solution forms an aggregate with the hydrophilic “head” regions in contact with the surrounding solvent, creating a hydrophobic tail region in the interior of the aggregate.
- “Liposome” means a vesicle having at least one bilayer of molecules that encapsulates and transports a substance to cells of a body.
- “Microfluidizing machine” means an apparatus that uses microreactor technology to make nanoemulsions through the interaction of liquid streams in defined microchannels. Such technology is described, for example, in U.S. patent application publications 2012/0236680 and 2019/0299171, each incorporated herein by reference. Microfluidizing machines principally utilize high shear forces and impact to emulsify a liquid-liquid system, dispersing one immiscible liquid into another within an interaction chamber. A “Y” chamber preferably is used and may be single-slotted or multi-slotted. Fundamentally, such microreactor technology comprises a large pump that forces a formulation through a very small orifice (i.e., microchannel) at pressures ranging from as low as 3.4 MPa (500 psi) to as high as 275 MPa (40,000 psi). Preferred microfluidizing machines correspond to the processors manufactured, sold, or distributed by Mircofluidics of Newton or Westwood, Mass., under the registered trademark MICROFLUIDIZER, and any and all other apparatus that have the same or equivalent structure for performing the same or equivalent function with the same or equivalent result. The appendix includes a user guide from 2014 for MICROFLUIDIZER processors distributed by Microfluidics, which appendix is incorporated herein by reference.
- Referring now to the drawings, as well as to the drawings of the incorporated disclosures of Applicant's other applications, and any U.S. patent application publications thereof and U.S. patents issuing therefrom, one or more preferred embodiments in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.
- In accordance with electronic devices of the invention, a vibrating mesh is provided for aerosolizing a liquid without smoldering. The aerosolized liquid preferably is in the form of a vapor cloud similar to what a person or observer would surmise to be “vapor” when vaping. In the context of vaping, such preferred devices of the invention therefore are believed to produce an aerosol that is carcinogen free. This is in stark contrast to vaporizers used today to aerosolize e-liquids by heating the e-liquids and desired compounds contained therein (e.g., nicotine) or supplements such as B12, THC/CBD and other drugs or stimulants. As a result of using heating to aerosolize the e-liquids, these vaporizers produce toxic byproducts like formaldehyde, a recognized Group 1 carcinogen for caner, which toxic byproducts then are unfortunately inhaled by a person using the vaporizer. For example, when the liquids are heated, the liquids undergo a thermochemical reaction producing unwanted emissions. The unwanted emissions of the toxic byproducts may cause bodily harm from extended inhalation exposure.
- By utilizing a vibrating mesh, preferred electronic devices in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention produce an aerosol without using heat and thus advantageously avoid such toxic byproducts created by the vaporizes currently on the market. The electronic devices thereby advantageously produce a carcinogen free aerosol free of harmful emission byproducts.
- One of the primary performance metrics evaluated for aerosols is the residual aerodynamic particle size distribution (“APSD”) of the aerosolized drug product. The residual APSD is characterized by the residual mass median aerodynamic diameter (“MMAD”) and the geometric standard deviation (“GSD”). The MMAD signifies the aerodynamic diameter at which half of the aerosolized drug mass lies below the stated diameter.
- The MMADR=MMDI×pI×CNV⅓×pR ⅙, where MMADR (μm) 1 s the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the residual particles, MMDI (μm) is the mass median diameter (MMD) of the initial droplets, CNV (weight fraction) is the concentration of the non-volatile components (e.g., dissolved drug and excipients) in the formulation, and pI and pR are the densities (g/cm3) of the formulation and the residual particles, respectively.
- The vibrating mesh may be configured and arranged to produce an aerosol for various applications. For example, the arrangement and geometry of various features of the vibrating mesh, such as the design of the vibrating mesh and more specifically the design of the aperture holes of the vibrating mesh, may be adapted to produce an aerosol with various particle sizes, flow properties, and fine particle fractions. The size (e.g., diameter), shape (e.g., oval, circular, triangular, etc.), spacing (e.g., distance between aperture holes, aperture hole density), etc. of the aperture holes may be configured and modified to adjust the size of the aerosol particles for specific applications. Additionally, the thickness of the mesh, especially when in the form of a plate, may also be configured to optimize aerosol properties. For example, the thickness of the plate may impart different properties and characteristics to the aerosol. Depending on the thickness of the plate, the holes may taper with a chamfer such that the entrance and/or exit diameter is larger than the bore diameter of the aperture hole. In another example, the aperture holes may have a constant diameter without a taper.
- In another example, the rigidity of the mesh assembly may be configured to prevent oscillations of varying amplitude across the surface of the mesh, which could result in inconsistent aerosolization performance. For example, the thickness, geometry, and material selection for the vibrating mesh material may enhance the rigidity to prevent unwanted oscillations thereof. In some embodiments, the mesh material may be constructed from a metal alloy, to provide adequate rigidity, mass, durability and inert chemical properties for the aerosolization of different drug formulations. Indeed, the design and dimensions of the mesh material may be selected to optimize the device based on the intended application or use case. For example, the vibrating mesh may be configured to adjust the MMADR, fine particle fraction, air/particle velocity, etc. Additionally, the mesh material may also determine the resulting particle properties such as volume diameter, bulk density, tap density, shape, charge, etc.
- In addition to the mechanical aspects of the mesh material and its operation, it is believed that the material substrate from which the mesh is constructed and the way in which the holes are generated have important implications for the aerosolization of different drug formulations. In some embodiments, the aperture holes may be electro formed or laser formed. It should be appreciated that other manufacturing methods may be used to form the aperture holes. Example methods for mesh production include electroplating and laser cutting, which may be used to produce a tapered hole. A tapered hole may optimize mesh performance by amplifying flow at the nozzle while reducing viscose losses. The electroplating method makes use of a lithographic plate and the eventual size of the mesh holes may be determined by the duration of the electroplating process. The holes become smaller as the metal is deposited on the edge of the hole over time. Laser cutting involves the use of a laser beam to cut the mesh holes into a thin sheet of metal or polymer material. Laser cutting metal may result in molten material being deposited around the hole, which may be removed by polishing.
- In some embodiments, the liquid delivery system may be adapted for a specific liquid. For example, viscosity may be a controlling variable in the size of the aperture holes of the vibrating mesh. Some preferred liquids comprise nicotine, which is less viscous than a cannabinoid derivative (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) and cannabidiol (“CBD”)), which has a higher viscosity. Other considerations may include water solubility, surface tension, acidity and/or basicity, and whether the liquid contains a liquid carrier. Some preferred liquids indeed comprise liquid carriers and, in particular, liposomal carriers. Various liquids and formulations may be used to form aerosols from electronic devices of the invention. These formulations may have widely different physiochemical properties, such as surface tension, density, viscosity, characteristics of intramolecular forces within the formulation and whether the formulation is a pure liquid or a suspension of particles within a liquid. Each of the above-mentioned physiochemical properties may affect the functionality, consistency, efficacy, and end properties of the resulting aerosol or vapor cloud.
- The liquid delivery system also may be designed to provide different flow rates. For example, the pump may be an active pump or a passive pump. Additionally, in some preferred embodiments the output rate, pressure supplied by the pump, or both, may be adjusted to provide different flow rates.
- In some embodiments, the geometry of the mesh may be the form of a dome-like structure. In some embodiments, the mesh may be flat and may be in the form of a plate. Other orientations and geometries also are contemplated within the scope of the invention.
- Additionally, in electronic devices of the invention, the vibrating mesh assembly may include a single layer oscillating piezoelectric material to aerosolize the liquid. In an example, the mesh assembly may have a double or multi-layer structure, and multiple mesh membranes may be arranged to induce an optimum MMAD and/or APSD for the aerosolized liquid. A plurality of vibrating meshes also may be used in the mesh assembly in some embodiments;
FIG. 22 for example illustrates a mesh assembly that includes two separate vibrating meshes spaced apart from one another. - Additionally, the mesh assembly may be constructed from one or more different piezoelectric materials to optimize the MMAD and/or APSD.
- Additionally, the arrangement and design of the mesh assembly (e.g., placement of the holes, angstrom size) and hygroscopic effects of the lungs may be considered for optimum deposition and diffusion into the bloodstream.
- In some embodiments, the electronic device is configured to create a fine particle low velocity aerosol. The resulting aerosol or vapor cloud may be configured to reduce or soften the potential irritation of the airways and lungs. In some embodiments, the encapsulation techniques may create the ideal person experience. As mentioned above, the lungs have clearance mechanisms to prevent invasion of unwanted airborne particles from entering the body. To ensure that the fine particle, low velocity aerosol that achieves central and deep lung deposition, the electronic device and/or formulation may be adapted such that an aerosol is produced that eludes the lung's various lines of defense.
- For example, progressive branching and narrowing of the airways encourage impaction of particles. Larger the particle sizes, greater velocities of incoming air, and more abrupt bend angles of bifurcations and the smaller the airway radius increase the probability of deposition by impaction. In essence, the end person may sense/feel more or less impaction based on the above parameters.
- Additionally, the lung has a relative humidity of approximately 99.5%. The addition and removal of water can significantly affect the particle size of a hygroscopic aerosol and thus deposition itself. Drug particles are known to be hygroscopic and grow or shrink in size in high humidity, such as in the lung. A hygroscopic aerosol that is delivered at relatively low temperature and humidity into one of high humidity and temperature may increase in size when inhaled into the lung. For example, the rate of growth may be a function of the initial diameter of the particle. As it relates to size and diameter, particles may be deposited by inertial impaction, gravitational sedimentation or diffusion (Brownian motion) depending on their size. While deposition occurs throughout the airways, inertial impaction usually occurs in the first ten generations of the lung, where air velocity is high and airflow is turbulent.
- In the therapeutic/medical environment, most particles larger than 10 micrometers are deposited in the oropharyngeal region with a large amount impacting on the larynx, particularly when the drug is inhaled from devices requiring a high inspiratory flow rate (e.g., as with dry powder inhalers (“DPIs”)) or when the drug is dispensed from a device at a high forward velocity. The large particles are subsequently swallowed and contribute minimally, if at all, to the therapeutic response. In the tracheobronchial region, inertial impaction may also play a significant role in the deposition of particles, particularly at bends and airway bifurcations. Deposition by gravitational sedimentation may typically predominate in the last five to six generations of airways (smaller bronchi and bronchioles), where air velocity is low. Due to the low velocity, large volume aerosol that is produced in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, the aerosol may be less irritating to a person.
- In the alveolar region, air velocity is typically negligible, and thus the contribution to deposition by inertial impaction is typically nonexistent. Particles in this region may have a longer residence time and may be deposited by both sedimentation and diffusion. Particles not deposited during inhalation may be exhaled. Deposition due to sedimentation affects particles down to 0.5 micrometers in diameter, whereas below 0.5 micrometers, the main mechanism for deposition is by diffusion.
- Targeting the aerosol to conducting or peripheral airways may be accomplished by altering the particle size of the aerosol and/or the inspiratory flow rate. For example, aerosols with a MMAD of approximately 5 micrometers to 10 micrometers may be deposited in the large conducting airways and oropharyngeal region. Particles ranging from approximately 1 micrometer to 5 micrometers in diameter may be deposited in the small airways and alveoli with more than 50% of the particles having a diameter of three micrometers being deposited in the alveolar region.
- In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a piezoelectric crystal that vibrates at a high frequency when electrical current is applied. In some embodiments, the vibration may be in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 MHz. and more specifically within the range of 1.2 to 2.4 MHz. The vibration of the crystal is transmitted to a transducer horn that is in contact with the liquid to be aerosolized. Vibrations transmitted by the transducer horn cause upward and downward movement of a mesh in the form, for example, of a plate, and the liquid passes through the apertures in the mesh plate to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the mesh plate consists of a plurality of tapered holes (e.g., 500 holes; 1,000 holes; 6,000 holes). Each tapered hole may have a diameter of approximately 3 micrometers. In other examples, larger or smaller diameters may be appropriate for different liquids or applications. The aperture holes advantageously amplify the vibration of the transducer horn throughout the liquid and reduce the amount of power required to generate the aerosol. For example, using a low frequency of vibration with a mesh plate containing numerous minute holes allows efficient generation of a fine particle mist.
- In some embodiments, aqueous liquids may be more suitable to generating an aerosol with electronic devices of the invention when compared to other more viscous liquids. In some embodiments, the aqueous liquids may include ethanol, which itself may be a primary liquid carrier of the liquid.
- Additionally, in some preferred embodiments ultrasonicated a liposomal nanoemulsions comprises the liquid carrier of the liquid delivery system. Nanoemulsions may be sonicated where liposomes work as carriers for active agents. In some embodiments, liposomes may be prepared and formed (e.g., by ultrasound) for the entrapment of active agents. In some instances, emulsifiers are added to the liposomal dispersions to stabilize higher amounts of lipids; however, additional emulsifiers may cause a weakening on the barrier affinity of a liquid (e.g., phosphatidylcholine). Nanoparticles (e.g., nanoparticles composed of phosphatidylcholine and lipids) preferably are used to solve this. Thus, in some embodiments, nanoparticles are used that preferably are formed by an oil droplet that is covered by a monolayer of phosphatidylcholine. It is believed that the use of nanoparticles allows formulations which are capable of absorbing more lipids and which remain stable whereby additional emulsifiers may not be needed.
- As discussed above, ultrasonication is a method for the production of nanoemulsions and nanodispersions. In some embodiments, an intensive ultrasound supplies the power needed to disperse a liquid phase (dispersed phase) in small droplets in a second phase (continuous phase). In the dispersing zone, imploding cavitation bubbles cause intensive shock waves in the surrounding liquid and result in the formation of liquid jets of high liquid velocity. In order to stabilize the newly formed droplets of the disperse phase against coalescence, emulsifiers (surface active substances, surfactants) and stabilizers are added to the emulsion. As coalescence of the droplets after disruption influences the final droplet size distribution, efficiently stabilizing emulsifiers may be used to maintain the final droplet size distribution at a level that is equal to the distribution immediately after the droplet disruption in the ultrasonic dispersing zone.
- Some liposomal dispersions (e.g., those based on unsaturated phosphatidylcholine) may lack in stability against oxidation. The stabilization of the dispersion can be achieved by antioxidants, such as by a complex of vitamins C and E. For example, the entrapment of the essential oil in liposomes may increase the oil stability.
- In some embodiments, the vibrating mesh is configured to create a fine particle low velocity aerosol which is well suited for central and deep lung deposition. By producing a fine particle, low velocity aerosol, one or more preferred electronic devices of the invention advantageously can produce an aerosol that is adapted to target small airways in the management of asthma and COPD.
- Additionally, some embodiments, a pump system is utilized to pump or push the liquid to be aerosolized into contact with the vibrating mesh whereby droplets of the liquid are created on the other side of the vibrating mesh on the order of 1 to 4 microns. While it is contemplated that a capillary pump may be used (wherein the liquid is drawn into contact with the mesh material through capillary action), electronic devices of the invention also may preferably comprise a pump system that is powered by an electrical power source of the device, such as batteries and, preferably, rechargeable batteries. Such a pump system preferably comprises a piezoelectric motor. In some embodiments, however, an active pump system is not used, and the liquid may be gravity-fed to a vibrating mesh or other vibrating structure. Thus, a gravitational pump may be used in such embodiments. This is particularly contemplated when an electronic device of the invention is used in a generally upright position as a nebulizer for drug delivery. In most preferred embodiments, however, the electronic device is orientation-agnostic and generally works as intended in any orientation relative to the directional forces of gravity.
- Turning now to the drawings,
FIGS. 1-8 , a preferred embodiment of an electronic device in the form of a “vaporizer” is illustrated in accordance with one or more aspect and features of the invention. Other forms of an electronic device in accordance with the present include vapes, vape pens, and nebulizers. Other terminology may be given to electronic devices of the present invention. In any event, electronic devices of the present invention produce an aerosol for inhalation whatever commercial or consumer name may be given. - Specifically,
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of avaporizer 10 in accordance with one or more aspect and features of the invention;FIG. 2 is a partial view of thevaporizer 10 ofFIG. 1 showing in closeup a counter, battery indicator, and mouthpiece thereof;FIG. 3 is another perspective view of thevaporizer 10 ofFIG. 1 ;FIG. 4 is still yet another perspective view of thevaporizer 10 ofFIG. 1 ;FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the other side of thevaporizer 10 seen inFIG. 1 ;FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of two opposite ends of thevaporizer 10 ofFIG. 1 , which illustrated end comprises themouthpiece 12 of the vaporizer; andFIG. 7 is an exploded view of thevaporizer 10 ofFIG. 1 . Thebladder 14 can be seen illustrated in blue with thepiezo mesh disk 16 andelectrical contacts 18 attached to form themesh assembly 20. The mesh assembly is retained within a body of the cartridge 22, which cartridge is seen to have a perforated band inFIG. 7 . - Furthermore,
FIG. 8 is a vapor cloud that is produced by a push of the button of thevaporizer 10 ofFIG. 1 , which vapor cloud preferably has a known quantity of the substance to be inhaled per push of the button/aerosolizing cycle of the vaporizer. - Another preferred embodiment of an electronic device in the form of a
vaporizer 30 is illustrated inFIGS. 9a-20b . Specifically,FIG. 9a is a solid, perspective view of an end of a second preferred embodiment of a vaporizer in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention;FIG. 9b is another solid, perspective view of the vaporizer ofFIG. 9a ;FIG. 9c is a solid, perspective view of an end of the vaporizer opposite to the end shown inFIGS. 9a and 9b ;FIG. 10a is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9a ;FIG. 10b is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9b ;FIG. 10c is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9c ;FIG. 11a is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9a ;FIG. 11b is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9b ;FIG. 11c is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 9c ;FIG. 12a is a solid, perspective view of the opposite end of the second preferred embodiment, which end is the subject of focus inFIG. 9c ;FIG. 12b is another solid, perspective view of the end of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12a ;FIG. 12c is another solid, perspective view of the end of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12a ;FIG. 13a is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12a ;FIG. 13b is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12b ;FIG. 13c is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12c ;FIG. 14a is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12a ;FIG. 14b is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12b ;FIG. 14c is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 12c ;FIG. 15a is a solid, perspective view of a side of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12a , which side includes the button;FIG. 15b is a solid, plan view of a top end of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12a ;FIG. 15c is a solid, plan view of the bottom end of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12a ;FIG. 16a is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15a ;FIG. 16b is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15b ;FIG. 16c is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15c ;FIG. 17a is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15a ;FIG. 17b is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15b ;FIG. 17c is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 15c ;FIG. 18a is a solid perspective view of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12a ;FIG. 18b is another solid side view of the vaporizer ofFIG. 12a ;FIG. 19a is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 18a ;FIG. 19b is a solid line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 18b ;FIG. 20a is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 18a ; andFIG. 20b is a line drawing of the view seen inFIG. 18 b. -
FIGS. 21a-21c collectively illustrate filling of abladder 32 of the cartridge after the bladder has been installed in the cartridge by injecting fluid directly into the bladder using aneedle 34 of aninjector 36. Thereafter, the cartridge is secured to themain body chassis 38 of the vaporizer, as illustrated inFIGS. 21d-21i . This may be accomplished by an end-user when replacing a depleted cartridge with a new cartridge included in a pack of disposable cartridges purchased by the user, or during assembly of a vaporizer for sale to a user during manufacture and assembly of the vaporizer. The injection site when filling the bladder preferably is at a distal end of the bladder relative to a mouth of the bladder where a liquid is maintained in contact with the mesh material; however, alternative injection sites are contemplated. Indeed, the bladder ofFIGS. 37d and 37e illustrates a radial arm by which the bladder is filled from a side of the bladder rather than bottom of the bladder. -
FIGS. 21d-21i collectively illustrate mounting of the cartridge to a base of the vaporizer ofFIGS. 1-8 . -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a self-healing,silicone bladder 40 after injection molding thereof in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention. The bladder ofFIG. 22 has a capacity of about 2.5 milliliters. In other embodiments, the volume of the bladder is as much as 0.35 milliliters. - A third preferred embodiment of an electronic device in the form of a
vaporizer 42 is illustrated inFIGS. 23-30 i. In particular,FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of an end of a preferred embodiment of a vaporizer in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention, which end comprises amouthpiece 44 of the vaporizer;FIG. 24a is a view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 23 wherein the mouthpiece has been removed to reveal apiezo mesh disk 46. As seen inFIG. 24a , the piezo mesh disk is received with acartridge body 48;FIG. 24b is a transparent view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 24a , which reveals abladder 50 and the mesh assembly including the piezo mesh disk contained within the cartridge body in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention;FIG. 25 is a perspective front view of the end of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 24a , wherein the cartridge body and a main body casing have been removed to reveal the bladder secured to a mounting plate of the cartridge that, in turn, is secured to a main body chassis of the vaporizer. An LED panel secured to the main body chassis of the vaporizer also is revealed inFIG. 25 . The main body casing preferably is translucent, at least in the area covering and extending over the LED panel, whereby lighting from the LED panel passes through the main body casing for reading of the LED display but whereby the LED panel itself is otherwise concealed and hidden from sight, as represented for example inFIG. 3 ;FIG. 26 is another view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 24a , wherein the piezo mesh disk has been removed to reveal a mouth of the bladder;FIG. 27a is another view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 26 , wherein just the cartridge body and bladder are shown;FIG. 27b is a bottom plan view of the cartridge as seen inFIG. 27a ;FIG. 27c is a perspective view of the bladder of the cartridge ofFIG. 27a , which bladder is seen secured to the cartridge mounting plate;FIG. 27d is a perspective view of just the cartridge mounting plate as seen inFIG. 27c ;FIG. 28a is a perspective back view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 25 ;FIG. 28b is an elevational front view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 28a ;FIG. 28c is an elevational first side view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 28a ;FIG. 28d is an elevational back view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 28a ;FIG. 28e is an elevational second side view of the vaporizer as seen inFIG. 28a ;FIG. 29a is a bottom perspective view of the bladder and mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge by which the mounting plate is secured to the main body chassis;FIG. 29b is a top perspective view of the bladder and mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge seen inFIG. 29a ;FIG. 29c is a back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge ofFIG. 29a ;FIG. 29d is a perspective elevational view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge ofFIG. 29a ;FIG. 29e is another back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge ofFIG. 29a ;FIG. 29f is a back elevational view of the bladder and the mesh assembly, the cartridge mounting plate, and magnets of the cartridge ofFIG. 29a ;FIG. 30a is a front perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly ofFIG. 29a without the cartridge mounting plate and magnets;FIG. 30b is a bottom perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly ofFIG. 30a ;FIG. 30c is a back perspective view of the bladder and the mesh assembly ofFIG. 30a ;FIG. 30d is a back perspective view of the mesh assembly ofFIG. 30a without the bladder;FIG. 30e is a back perspective view of the bladder ofFIG. 30a without the mesh assembly;FIG. 30f is a bottom plan view of the bladder ofFIG. 30e ;FIG. 30g is a side elevational view of the bladder ofFIG. 30e ;FIG. 30h is a bottom perspective view of the bladder ofFIG. 30e ; andFIG. 30i is a top plan view of the bladder ofFIG. 30 a. - Other alternatives to the cartridges and bladders disclosed above are contemplated within the scope of the present invention and, indeed, are contemplated as forming part of other preferred embodiments of electronic devices of the invention. For example,
FIG. 31a is a bottom perspective view of analternative bladder 62 secured to thecartridge mounting plate 64 ofFIG. 29a ; andFIG. 31b is an exploded view of thealternative bladder 62 and mountingplate 64 ofFIG. 31 a. -
FIG. 31c is yet anotheralternative bladder 62 secured to thecartridge mounting plate 64 ofFIG. 29a , which view is a shaded line drawing; andFIG. 31d is a solid view of the view ofFIG. 31 c. - Additionally,
FIG. 32a is a top perspective view of anotheralternative bladder 66 for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29a ;FIG. 32b is a bottom perspective view of the bladder ofFIG. 32a ;FIG. 32c is a top perspective view of anotheralternative bladder 68 for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29a ;FIG. 32d is a bottom perspective view of thebladder 68 ofFIG. 32c ;FIG. 32e is a top perspective view of anotheralternative bladder 70 for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29a ; andFIG. 32f is a bottom perspective view of thebladder 70 ofFIG. 32 e. - With particular regard to bladder shapes and geometries, including corrugated bladders,
FIG. 33a is a top plan view of anotheralternative bladder 72 for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29a ;FIG. 33b is a bottom perspective view of thebladder 72 ofFIG. 33a ;FIG. 33c is a top plan view of anotheralternative bladder 74 for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29a ;FIG. 33d is a bottom perspective view of thebladder 74 ofFIG. 33c ;FIG. 33e is a top plan view of anotheralternative bladder 76 for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29a ;FIG. 33f is an elevational side view of thebladder 76 ofFIG. 33e ;FIG. 33g is a top plan view of anotheralternative bladder 78 for use with the cartridge mounting plate ofFIG. 29a ; andFIG. 33h is a bottom perspective view of thebladder 78 ofFIG. 33 g. - An example of a
vaporizer 80 utilizing the bladder ofFIG. 31a is seen inFIG. 34a , which is a wire frame illustration of the vaporizer illustrating in solid view use of the bladder ofFIG. 31a . Furthermore,FIG. 34b is a transparent, top perspective view of acartridge body 82 including mesh assembly illustrating in solid view use of the bladder ofFIG. 31a ; andFIG. 34c is a bottom perspective view of thecartridge body 82 ofFIG. 34 b. -
FIG. 34d is a bottom perspective view of acartridge 84 illustrating in solid view use of the bladder ofFIG. 31c .FIG. 34e is a top perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 34 d. - Different various methodologies for supplying liquid to the mesh assembly at a generally uniform pressure and so as to keep the liquid in continuous contact with the mesh material are disclosed in the alternative embodiments of cartridges seen in
FIGS. 35a through 40b .FIG. 41 additionally sets forth other potential means for causing the liquid to contact the mesh material, which are shown in contrast to gravity fed systems.FIG. 42 additionally illustrates four additional low pressure bladder concepts that are contemplated for use in some preferred embodiments of the invention. - For example,
FIG. 35a is a perspective view of analternative cartridge 90 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing;FIG. 35b is a perspective view of the other side of the cartridge ofFIG. 35a ; andFIG. 35c is a side elevational view of the cartridge ofFIG. 35 a. -
FIG. 35d is a perspective view of analternative cartridge 92 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.FIG. 35e is a view of the cartridge ofFIG. 35d without the mechanism ofFIG. 35d ; andFIG. 35f is another view of the cartridge ofFIG. 35e from a side opposite to the side of the view ofFIG. 35 e. -
FIG. 36a is a top perspective view of analternative cartridge 94 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.FIG. 36b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 36 a. -
FIG. 36c is a top perspective view of analternative cartridge 96 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing. -
FIG. 36d is a bottom perspective view of yet anotheralternative cartridge 98 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing.FIG. 36e is a top perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 36d without the mechanism ofFIG. 36 d. -
FIG. 36f is a top perspective view of yet anotheralternative cartridge 100 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and a mechanism for driving fluid from the bladder to the mesh material for aerosolizing. -
FIG. 37a is an elevational view of analternative cartridge 102 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a bladder thereof.FIG. 37b is a top perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 37a ; andFIG. 37c is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 37a . The bladder, which folds or collapses in an accordion-like fashion, preferably comprises folds lines and is made of silicone. -
FIG. 37d is a bottom perspective view of yet anotheralternative cartridge 104 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a bladder thereof which is similar to the bladder ofFIG. 37a , but which includes a radial arm for side filling of liquid through injection at an injection site that is on a side of the cartridge rather than at the bottom of the cartridge.FIG. 37e is a top perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 37 d. -
FIG. 38a is top perspective view of analternative cartridge 106 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, and bladder thereof; andFIG. 38b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 38a . The bladder of these figures has a large volume is shown open or exposed. A mechanism for pressing against the bladder for expelling or driving the liquid therein into constant contact with the mesh material of the piezo mesh disk is preferably utilized, such mechanism being any of those disclosed herein. -
FIG. 38c is top perspective view of yet anotheralternative cartridge 108 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, and bladder thereof.FIG. 38d is another top perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 38c ; andFIG. 38e is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 38c . The bladder of this cartridge is the same as that ofFIGS. 38a-38b with the exception that the bladder is contained within a chamber the conforms to the filled shape of the bladder. The chamber is open at the bottom, as seen inFIG. 38e . Use of a chamber facilitates use of a fluid, such as a gas or a secondary liquid, to be used for pressuring and collapsing the bladder. -
FIG. 39a is a top perspective view of analternative cartridge 110 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view piezoelectric materials, mesh material, and bladder thereof; andFIG. 39b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 39a . The cartridge in these figures comprises a piezoelectric array located around the bladder. Each member of the array preferable is actuated in a sequence that drives the liquid toward the mouth of the bladder into contact with the mesh material of the piezo mesh disk. For example, the sequence of actuation can constrict the bladder beginning at the distal end with the constriction working its way toward the mouth, similar to intestinal movement. -
FIG. 40a is a top perspective view of analternative cartridge 112 for use with the vaporizer ofFIG. 23 illustrating in solid view a piezoelectric material, mesh material, bladder, and foam inserts or blocks. -
FIG. 40b is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge ofFIG. 40a . This cartridge comprises foam that is compressed when the bladder is filled. The compression of the foam preferable will pressure the bladder and drive liquid into constant contact with the mesh material of the piezo mesh disk. The foam may be an open cell foam. - Other contemplated ways of pumping, pushing, or otherwise forcing the liquid into contact with the vibrating mesh include using a solenoid pump, a capillary tube or plurality of capillary tubes, and a vacuum pump. Gravity may also be used when the electronic device is not intended to be orientation-agnostic in use, but such use is not preferred.
- In each instance regardless of the manner in which the liquid is pushed from the cartridge into contact with the vibrating mesh, the liquid preferably is supplied to the vibrating mesh at a generally constant pressure whereby a generally uniform aerosol is produced. This is preferably done regardless of the orientation of the electronic device. The electronic device also preferably comprises a reservoir for the liquid. In some embodiments, the reservoir is an anti-pyrolysis vape reservoir with no smoldering and no combustion. In some embodiments, the liquid of the device features a thermostable liquid carrier.
- Circuitry shown in the form of a printed circuit board or “PCB” in
FIG. 28d , for example, preferably is included in each electronic device for controlling actuation of the vibrating mesh. A printed circuit board may comprise an application specific integrated circuit. The actuation and resulting vibrations/oscillations preferably are consistent for consistently generating the aerosol, with minimal variations or fluctuations in frequency and amplitude. The circuitry also preferably controls actuation of the mechanism—when an active mechanism—for pushing the liquid into contact with the vibrating mesh at a generally constant pressure. A microcontroller also may be included. - Additionally, with regard to more aspects and features of the present invention, the mesh material preferably has opening diameters of 1-2 microns, or 1,000-2,000 nanometers; when actuated, the flow rate of the liquid from the bladder to the vibrating mesh material is preferably about 0.25 milliliters per minute; preferred overall dimensions of a vaporizer are about 16 millimeters by 25 millimeters by 110 millimeters; and a vibrating mesh preferably remains in direct contact with the liquid for consistent production of the aerosol.
- Furthermore, the bladder preferably physically contacts and forms a seal with the piezo mesh desk so that liquid from the bladder does not leak from the bladder. Specifically, a top flange of the bladder preferably services as a gasket or glad seal to the underside of the piezo mesh disk. The bottom end of the bladder preferably comprises the fill site and also serves to anchor and mechanically hold bladder in its position within the cartridge.
- Additionally, the bladder preferably contains the volume of liquid behind the mesh at a relatively low pressure regardless of orientation as the volume is depleted with use. The seal is believed to fail at pressures above about 0.3 psi and, therefore, the liquid preferably is driven from the bladder into contact with the mesh material at less than 0.3 psi. The pressure at which the liquid is supplied to the mesh material therefore has been found to be very low.
- When the liquid is an aqueous mixture (e.g., water or saline), the liquid preferably contacts the mesh material at a pressure less than about 0.3 psi. It is believed that higher pressure will lead to leaking and failure of the mesh material to produce a desired aerosol consistent with a vapor cloud. Higher pressure indeed may likely lead to the fluid flowing through perforations of the mesh material and flooding or wetting the other side of the mesh material causing the mesh material to not function correctly in producing the desired aerosol until dry. Higher pressure also may result in stretching and deformation of the wall so the bladder, resulting in mechanical failure.
- The bladder also preferably acts as a capillary pump in addition to serving as a reservoir for the liquid.
- Many preferred electronic devices of the invention are orientation agnostic, meaning that the desired aerosol is produced regardless of the direction an electronic device is held when used relative to the forces of gravity.
- Disposable cartridges in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention each comprises a mesh assembly including aperture plate and electronic contacts, a bladder, and a mouthpiece.
- In accordance with a feature of the invention, the bladder has a hardness of about 40 durometer.
- While alternatives such as pumps, drives, pistons, and wicking solutions are disclosed for causing the liquid in the bladder to be in contact with the mesh material, the bladder is believed to be the simplest mechanism and therefore is preferred. Furthermore, the bladder preferably is formed from a self-healing silicone material and can be filled with a syringe without injecting air into the bladder. This process preferably is automated and occurs during assembly of cartridges and/or vaporizers.
- In some preferred embodiments, the bladder comprises corrugated walls and is formed from a flexible material and has flexibility such that the bladder changes volume without initially stretching of the material from which it is formed. Moreover, the volume of the bladder preferably is extremely low of nothing when the bladder is in a natural, fully relaxed (or collapsed) state. When fully collapsed, the bladder preferably provides some capillary benefit to extract the last amount of liquid from the bladder. To this end, it is believed that the vibrating mesh is able to create a light vacuum which is instrumental in fully evacuating the bladder of the liquid contained therein.
- In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the electronic device comprises a vibrating mesh nebulizer coupled with a capillary-effect/vacuum pump system (corrugated silicone bladder), that acts as an orientation agnostic “liquid drive”, whereby the vaporizer is able to be held in any direction and still function properly.
- In at lease some preferred embodiments, the corrugated bladder acts both as the capillary/vacuum pump as well as the liquid reservoir, ensuring that the liquid is in constant contact with the vibrating mesh, without disturbing the oscillations of the mesh material when the piezoelectric material is actuated.
- Bladders disclosed also are believed to provide a range of interior surface areas relative to volume and pressure for desired supply of the liquid to the mesh material and proper operation of the vaporizer. Indeed, other shapes and geometries may not enable the capillary action of the bladder, the orientation-agnostic character of the operation of the vaporizer, and the proper oscillation of the mesh material (i.e., too much pressure and leaking of the fluid can mute oscillations of the mesh material, inhibiting aerosolizing of the liquid in a vaping form). Flexibility of design also allows corrugated walls and flexibility of the material the bladder allows changes in volume without initially stretching the material, which is preferred. Thus, in at least some preferred embodiments, the volume of a natural state or relaxed state of the bladder is basically zero. When all fully collapses some capillary benefit should be obtained in order to extract last amount of liquid from the bladder, especially when combined with the light vacuum provided by the vibrating mesh.
- Additionally, while the top flange of the bladder serves as a gasket or glad seal to the underside of the mesh, the bottom distal end or “post” of the bladder that preferably serves the fill sight also mechanically holds the bladder in position when secured to the mounting plate of the cartridge.
- With regard to additional aspects, features and embodiments of the invention, and with reference to
FIGS. 43-45 , a preferred active ingredient delivery system for inhalation is contemplated to be capable of accommodating and delivering a range of different types of active ingredients to the body through the pulmonary system. Active ingredients capable of delivery using one or more delivery systems described herein include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical compounds, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and nicotine. The following description of embodiments sets forth one or more active ingredient delivery systems largely within the context of delivering THC and/or CBD, but it should be understood that active ingredient delivery systems described herein are also usable for delivery of nicotine, pharmaceuticals, micronutrients, and other types of active ingredients by inhalation and are not limited to delivery of THC/CBD. - THC and CBD are two of several different cannabinoids found in plants of the Cannabis genus. Using extraction techniques, THC and CBD can be isolated from the plant matrix for medicinal and/or recreational use. THC and CBD interact with different receptors in the human brain and, thus, cause a different treatment or effect in the user. For purposes of the below discussion, THC and CBD may be referenced together as “THC/CBD.” It should be understood that, as used herein, “THC/CBD” refers to a cannabinoid-based active ingredient that includes both THC and CBD, THC without CBD, or CBD without THC.
- THC and CBD are hydrophobic molecules that do not readily mix with aqueous solutions like water. To facilitate delivery to the human body, THC/CBD molecules are encapsulated into nanoparticles comprising oil droplets of the THC/CBD active ingredient surrounded by one or more encapsulation agents, such as surfactants or emulsifiers, which shield the oil droplets from the surrounding aqueous environment. The shielded oil droplets can then mix into aqueous solutions. One example of such a mixture is a nanoemulsion, where the oil phase includes the hydrophobic THC/CBD molecules shielded by one or more surfactants from the surrounding aqueous phase.
-
FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of amicelle 810 in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention. InFIG. 43 , thehydrophobic droplet 812 comprised of oil containing THC/CBD molecules is surrounded by amonolayer 814 of one or more encapsulation agents, which forms an aggregate. In at least some embodiments, themonolayer 814 is a lipid-based monolayer. Molecules forming themonolayer 814 includehydrophilic heads 816 that are in contact with the surroundingaqueous solution 840 andhydrophobic tails 818 that extend toward the micelle center. The hydrophilic heads 816 form the boundary of themonolayer 814 that facilitates isolation of the hydrophobic component, including the hydrophobicactive ingredient 860, to permit mixing of themicelle 810 into theaqueous solution 840. As shown inFIG. 43 , themicelle 810 is largely spherical in shape, although non-spherical shapes are also possible. As shown inFIG. 43 , themicelle 810 and theaqueous solution 840 are contained within acartridge 800. -
FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of aliposome 820 carrying anactive ingredient 860 within a bilayer in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention. InFIG. 44 , the oil component resides in ahydrophobic area 822 of theliposome 820 between a bilayer of one or more encapsulation agents. In at least some embodiments, the bilayer is a lipid-based bilayer. Molecules that form theouter layer 824 of the bilayer includehydrophilic heads 828 that are in contact with the surroundingaqueous solution 850 andhydrophobic tails 830 that extend into thehydrophobic area 822 between thelayers inner layer 826 of the bilayer includehydrophilic heads 832 that are in contact with theaqueous solution 852 at the center of theliposome 820 andhydrophobic tails 834 that extend into thehydrophobic area 822 of the bilayer. The hydrophilic heads 828,832 form the boundaries of the bilayer that facilitate isolation of the hydrophobic area, which includes the hydrophobicactive ingredient 860. With thehydrophobic area 822 isolated, theliposome 820 can be mixed into the surroundingaqueous solution 850. As indicated inFIG. 44 , theliposome 820 is largely spherical in shape, although non-spherical shapes are also possible. As shown inFIG. 44 , theliposome 820 and the surroundingaqueous solution 850 are contained within acartridge 800. - Liquid mixtures that include active ingredient delivery nanoparticles in accordance with
FIG. 43 or 44 include an active ingredient, an encapsulation agent, and an aqueous solution. As described herein, one contemplated active ingredient includes THC/CBD molecules, although a wide range of other active ingredients are contemplated to be deliverable to the human pulmonary system in accordance with the invention, including, but not limited to, pharmaceutical compounds, micronutrients, and nicotine. Encapsulation agents to encapsulate hydrophobic active ingredient molecules are compounds with a hydrophobic region and a hydrophilic region. It is contemplated that encapsulation agents include, but are not limited to, lipids, polymers, and surfactants. Encapsulation agents can be used singly or in combination with each other. The aqueous solution is a medium that can be selected and formulated to achieve an osmotic balance with respect to human physiology. In at least some embodiments, the aqueous solution is a 0.9% saline solution, which is understood to provide a preferred osmotic balance with human physiology of the lungs. Furthermore, a 0.9% saline solution as the aqueous medium facilitates a safer user experience, particularly when the liquid mixture is aerosolized. - With respect to polymers as encapsulation agents, it is contemplated that polymers include, but are not limited to, poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).
- With respect to surfactants as encapsulation agents, it is contemplated that surfactants include, but are not limited to: high purity polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (also known by its trade name, SUPER REFINED® Polysorbate 80); polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate; (also known by its trade name, TWEEN® Polysorbate 80); polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (also known by its trade name TWEEN® Polysorbate 60); polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate (also known by its trade name TWEEN® Polysorbate 40); polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (also known by its trade name TWEEN® Polysorbate 20); lecithin; dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC); 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC); sorbitan monostearate (also known by its trade name SPAN 60); and sorbitan monopalmitate (also known by its trade name SPAN 40). When using one or more surfactants as an encapsulating agent, a ratio of surfactant combinations is determined by hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values inherent to each surfactant. The combination of surfactants yields a weighted average HLB value that can be used to match the target application in order to enhance or optimize mixing of nanoparticles containing the active ingredient into the aqueous solution. For example, an HLB value measuring from approximately 8 to approximately 16 is satisfactory for oil-in-water emulsions.
- In at least some embodiments, the encapsulating agent includes a high purity or high-grade surfactant, which is understood to enhance the shelf-life of the resulting mixture as well as to improve the efficacy and safety of the resulting mixture. One such high purity surfactant that can be used in the formulation is high purity polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, which is also known by its trade name, SUPER REFINED
® Polysorbate 80. SUPER REFINED® Polysorbate 80 is manufactured and sold by Croda International Plc of the United Kingdom. - A ratio of the surfactant relative to the active ingredient affects the size of the resulting nanoparticles (e.g., micelles and/or liposomes that contain the active ingredient). In various embodiments, it is contemplated that the surfactant-to-active-ingredient ratio can range from approximately 0.1:1 to approximately 10:1. Size of the resulting nanoparticles that contain the active ingredient affects a variety of characteristics of the final product, including pulmonary deposition of the active ingredient, absorption of the active ingredient, and the product shelf-life.
- In at least some embodiments, a process for producing a liquid mixture that includes active-ingredient nanocarriers in accordance with
FIGS. 43-45 is accomplished using a microfluidics approach. Microfluidics involves utilizing a network of channels having very small dimensions to process the liquid mixture in order to achieve homogeneous mixture with consistently-sized nanoparticles. In one such embodiment, a microfluidizer is utilized to achieve the desired nanoparticle dispersal and uniform mixture with consistently-sized nanoparticles. During a processing step using a microfluidizer, it is contemplated that a temperature of the liquid mixture does not exceed a temperature threshold of 65° C. By not exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold, the risk of generating harmful HPHCs in the mixture via heat is reduced, thereby enhancing consumer safety. Additionally, processing the liquid mixture using a microfluidizer facilitates processing without the use of chemical solvents, which further reduces the risk of generating harmful HPHCs in the final liquid mixture. Still further, use of a microfluidics approach helps to maintain sterility in the materials used to produce the final liquid mixture, which also enhances consumer safety. - Using a microfluidics approach, the processed liquid includes nanoparticles of a uniformly small size and a low polydispersity index (PDI) value. In at least some embodiments, it is contemplated that THC/CBD nanoparticles in the final liquid mixture have an average diameter less than 1,000 nanometers or, alternatively, have a dimension that is no larger than 1,000 nanometers. It is believed that nanoparticles of this scale provide enhanced pulmonary deposition of the active ingredient into the alveolar lung region, which facilitates increased pulmonary absorption. Furthermore, nanoparticles of this scale enhance the stability of the final liquid mixture, which increases its shelf-life. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, it is contemplated that the final liquid mixture has a PDI value measuring less than 0.3. The PDI value provides a measurement of the broadness of size distribution. A low PDI value is indicative of a high level of particle size uniformity in a mixture. In accordance with contemplated embodiments of the invention, the PDI value is 0.3 or less, which is believed to indicate a liquid mixture with increased stability and enhanced shelf-life. A PDI measurement scale assigns a value of 0.0 to a population of particles where the particles have a perfectly uniform size and a value of 1.0 to a highly polydisperse population of particles with multiple size populations.
- In at least some embodiments, it is contemplated that the pH of the final liquid mixture can be adjusted to accommodate a specific objective. For example, in some embodiments, a pH value of the final liquid mixture that is greater than approximately 3 and less than approximately 10 can improve the inhalation experience for the user by reducing a cough reaction. In preferred embodiments, a pH value of the final liquid mixture that is greater than approximately 5.5 and less than approximately 8, more preferably, is about 6.5, so as to match the pH of the human respiratory tract, improve consumer safety, enhance pulmonary absorption of the active ingredient, and enhance or optimize shelf-life of the liquid.
- The final liquid mixture includes many THC/CBD-encapsulated nanoparticles that are uniformly suspended in an aqueous solution for downstream aerosolization by an aerosolizing device for inhalation. Such devices may include, for example, vaporizers and nebulizers.
- In at least some embodiments, the encapsulated molecules are chemically bonded to other molecules in a conjugated system. Establishing a conjugated system with chemical bonds between the active ingredient molecules and other molecules facilitates more efficient encapsulation of the active ingredients via the techniques described herein. In some contemplated embodiments, then THC/CBD molecules are chemically bonded with molecules of stearic acid and/or oleic acid. Establishing a conjugated system, as described herein, is understood to enhance or optimize encapsulation of THC/CBD molecules as well as other drugs or pharmaceutical compounds.
- It is contemplated that formulations and methods as described herein can be applied to hydrophobic drugs or compounds other than THC/CBD. It is further contemplated that formulations and methods as described herein can be applied to hydrophilic drugs or compounds with modifications. One such modification includes encapsulating the hydrophilic drug or compound into a hydrophilic core of a liposomal nanoparticle. Another such modification includes conjugation of the hydrophilic drug or compound to a hydrophobic molecule (such as by chemical bonding) in order to achieve an overall hydrophobic compound capable of being encapsulated in the manner as set forth in
FIGS. 43 and 44 . - Regarding encapsulation of a hydrophilic drug or compound into a hydrophilic core of a liposomal nanoparticle, reference is made to
FIG. 45 , which is a schematic diagram of an active ingredient pulmonary delivery nanoparticle in the form of aliposome 920 carrying a hydrophilicactive ingredient 960 in ahydrophilic core 958 in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention. InFIG. 45 , the hydrophobic component resides in ahydrophobic area 922 of theliposome 920 between a bilayer of one or more encapsulation agents. In at least some embodiments, the bilayer is a lipid-based bilayer. Molecules that form theouter layer 924 of the bilayer includehydrophilic heads 928 that are in contact with the surroundingaqueous solution 950 andhydrophobic tails 930 that extend into thehydrophobic area 922 of the bilayer. Lipid molecules that form theinner layer 926 of the bilayer includehydrophilic heads 932 that are in contact with theaqueous solution 952 at thecore 958 of theliposome 920 andhydrophobic tails 934 that extend into thehydrophobic area 922 of the bilayer. The hydrophilic heads 928,932 form the barriers of the bilayer that facilitate isolation of thehydrophobic area 922. The hydrophilicactive ingredient 960 is contained within thehydrophilic core 958. With thehydrophobic area 922 isolated, theliposome 920 can be mixed into the surroundingaqueous solution 950. As indicated inFIG. 45 , theliposome 920 is largely spherical in shape, although non-spherical shapes are also possible. Also, theliposome 920 and the surroundingaqueous solution 950 are contained within acartridge 800. - In at least some embodiments, it is further contemplated that the aqueous solution of the product can be buffered to mitigate pH over time. In this respect, it is contemplated that a saline solution can be converted to a phosphate buffer saline solution. Buffering the solution with the addition of a buffering agent can enhance consistency of the product, increase the shelf-life, and enhance the consumer experience when the product is aerosolized during use.
- In at least some embodiments, it is further contemplated that additives can be included in the aqueous solution of the product. Contemplated additives include, but are not limited to antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, or others) and preservatives (such as antimicrobials). In some respects, additives can provide a safer consumer experience when the product is aerosolized during use. In other respects, additives can enhance the shelf-life of the product.
- Additives can also be used to enhance or complement the user experience. For example, additives can be included to enhance or complement the smell/taste during inhalation of the aerosolized product. Additives to enhance or complement the smell/taste during inhalation include, but are not limited to, menthol and mint. Furthermore, additives can be included to enhance or complement the inhalation sensation during inhalation of the aerosolized product. An additive that enhances or complements the inhalation sensation might mimic a throat hit sensation commonly associated with nicotine inhalation or the sensation might trigger a feeling of smoothness for the consumer.
- In at least some embodiments, it is further contemplated that a carrier or diluent solution is used in connection with the active ingredient to increase stability of the resulting product. Additionally, a carrier or diluent solution can enhance manufacturing process efficiency with respect to the ability to encapsulate the active ingredient when forming the nanoparticles. One contemplated carrier or diluent solution includes a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil.
- While many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of THC/CBD delivery systems, the invention is not limited to use only in pulmonary delivery of THC/CBD, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the invention.
- Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the invention has broad utility and application. Electronic devices of the invention can be utilized to deliver liquids comprising supplements, drugs, or therapeutically effective amounts of pharmaceuticals using an aerosol having particles of a size that can easily be inhaled. The aerosol can be used, for example, by a patient within the bounds of an inhalation therapy, whereby the liquid containing a supplement, therapeutically effective pharmaceutical, or drug reaches the patient's respiratory tract upon inhalation. Desired compounds such as nicotine, flavoring, and supplements like B12, can be received by a person through inhalation without the toxic byproducts like formaldehyde—a recognized Group 1 Carcinogen for caner—that is currently being created during heating in conventional vapes. Electronic devices of the invention further can be used in the marijuana industries, but only where legal, for delivery of cannabinoids and CBD oils and the like. Moreover, many embodiments and adaptations of the invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention.
- It further will be appreciated from the foregoing that at least some preferred embodiments of the invention represent a portable, orientation-agnostic vibrating mesh nebulizer. It further will be appreciated from the foregoing that at least some preferred embodiments emit an aerosol that is—sensorially speaking—equivalent to vapor, i.e., not a mist but instead that which is generated by traditional vapes, thereby providing an enjoyable consumer product for those who are accustomed to vaping.
- Accordingly, while the invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
Claims (23)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/075,679 US20210113783A1 (en) | 2019-10-20 | 2020-10-20 | Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith |
US18/072,656 US20230121005A1 (en) | 2019-10-20 | 2022-11-30 | Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201962923604P | 2019-10-20 | 2019-10-20 | |
US201962923602P | 2019-10-20 | 2019-10-20 | |
US201962923563P | 2019-10-20 | 2019-10-20 | |
US201962924168P | 2019-10-21 | 2019-10-21 | |
US201962924171P | 2019-10-21 | 2019-10-21 | |
US17/075,679 US20210113783A1 (en) | 2019-10-20 | 2020-10-20 | Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/072,656 Continuation US20230121005A1 (en) | 2019-10-20 | 2022-11-30 | Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210113783A1 true US20210113783A1 (en) | 2021-04-22 |
Family
ID=75492452
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/075,679 Pending US20210113783A1 (en) | 2019-10-20 | 2020-10-20 | Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith |
US18/072,656 Pending US20230121005A1 (en) | 2019-10-20 | 2022-11-30 | Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/072,656 Pending US20230121005A1 (en) | 2019-10-20 | 2022-11-30 | Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20210113783A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113951535A (en) * | 2021-11-16 | 2022-01-21 | 云南中烟工业有限责任公司 | Preparation method of polysaccharide liposome and application of polysaccharide liposome in cigarettes |
US11517685B2 (en) | 2019-01-18 | 2022-12-06 | Qnovia, Inc. | Electronic device for producing an aerosol for inhalation by a person |
WO2023056520A1 (en) * | 2021-10-07 | 2023-04-13 | Incannex Healthcare Limited | Oil-in-water emulsion for inhalation administration comprising cannabidiol (cbd) |
WO2023205385A1 (en) * | 2022-04-22 | 2023-10-26 | Qnovia, Inc. | Electronic devices for aerosolizing and inhaling liquid |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170143627A1 (en) * | 2014-06-25 | 2017-05-25 | Synergia Bio Sciences Private Limited | A pharmaceutical oil-in-water nano-emulsion |
EP3228345A1 (en) * | 2016-04-04 | 2017-10-11 | Nexvap SA | Inhaler and liquid composition |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3439724B1 (en) * | 2016-04-04 | 2023-11-01 | Nexvap SA | A mobile inhaler and a container for using therewith |
AU2017301874B2 (en) * | 2016-07-29 | 2022-09-01 | Pax Labs, Inc. | Methods and apparatuses for concentrate vaporization |
GB201717496D0 (en) * | 2017-10-24 | 2017-12-06 | British American Tobacco Investments Ltd | A cartridge for an aerosol provision device |
GB201808483D0 (en) * | 2018-05-23 | 2018-07-11 | Nicoventures Trading Ltd | Electronic vapour provision system with aerosolisable substrate material dispensing arrangement |
US11690963B2 (en) * | 2018-08-22 | 2023-07-04 | Qnovia, Inc. | Electronic device for producing an aerosol for inhalation by a person |
GB201815253D0 (en) * | 2018-09-19 | 2018-10-31 | Blick Kyoungwoo Kim | A dosing regulator and recommendations engine |
EP3628354A1 (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2020-04-01 | Ttp Plc. | Aerosol delivery system with perforate membrane |
EP3628355A1 (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2020-04-01 | Ttp Plc. | Cartridge for an aerosol delivery system |
US11207711B2 (en) * | 2019-08-19 | 2021-12-28 | Rai Strategic Holdings, Inc. | Detachable atomization assembly for aerosol delivery device |
US11889861B2 (en) * | 2019-09-23 | 2024-02-06 | Rai Strategic Holdings, Inc. | Arrangement of atomization assemblies for aerosol delivery device |
IL294000B (en) * | 2019-12-15 | 2022-09-01 | Shaheen Innovations Holding Ltd | Mist inhaler devices |
-
2020
- 2020-10-20 US US17/075,679 patent/US20210113783A1/en active Pending
-
2022
- 2022-11-30 US US18/072,656 patent/US20230121005A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170143627A1 (en) * | 2014-06-25 | 2017-05-25 | Synergia Bio Sciences Private Limited | A pharmaceutical oil-in-water nano-emulsion |
EP3228345A1 (en) * | 2016-04-04 | 2017-10-11 | Nexvap SA | Inhaler and liquid composition |
Non-Patent Citations (2)
Title |
---|
Arbain, N.H. et al., In vitro evaluation of the inhalable quercetin loaded nanoemulsion for pulmonary delivery, 14 March 2018, Drug Delivery and Translational Research, Vol. 9, 497-507 (Year: 2018) * |
Casanova, H. et al., Nicotine carboxylate insecticide emulsions: effect of the fatty acid chain length, 22 November 2005, Vol. 53, 9949-9953 (Year: 2005) * |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11517685B2 (en) | 2019-01-18 | 2022-12-06 | Qnovia, Inc. | Electronic device for producing an aerosol for inhalation by a person |
WO2023056520A1 (en) * | 2021-10-07 | 2023-04-13 | Incannex Healthcare Limited | Oil-in-water emulsion for inhalation administration comprising cannabidiol (cbd) |
CN113951535A (en) * | 2021-11-16 | 2022-01-21 | 云南中烟工业有限责任公司 | Preparation method of polysaccharide liposome and application of polysaccharide liposome in cigarettes |
WO2023205385A1 (en) * | 2022-04-22 | 2023-10-26 | Qnovia, Inc. | Electronic devices for aerosolizing and inhaling liquid |
US20230389605A1 (en) * | 2022-04-22 | 2023-12-07 | Qnovia, Inc. | Electronic devices for aerosolizing and inhaling liquid |
US11925207B2 (en) * | 2022-04-22 | 2024-03-12 | Qnovia, Inc. | Electronic devices for aerosolizing and inhaling liquid having diaphragm and a pressure sensor |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20230121005A1 (en) | 2023-04-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10888117B2 (en) | Apparatus for producing an aerosol for inhalation by a person | |
US11690963B2 (en) | Electronic device for producing an aerosol for inhalation by a person | |
US11517685B2 (en) | Electronic device for producing an aerosol for inhalation by a person | |
US20230121005A1 (en) | Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith | |
US20220338534A1 (en) | Electronic device for producing an aerosol for inhalation by a person | |
US7461649B2 (en) | Portable gas operating inhaler | |
EP3228345A1 (en) | Inhaler and liquid composition | |
Douafer et al. | Scope and limitations on aerosol drug delivery for the treatment of infectious respiratory diseases | |
Kumar et al. | Nanotechnology-assisted metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) for high-performance pulmonary drug delivery applications | |
EP4044838A1 (en) | Electronic devices for aerosolizing and inhaling liquid | |
US20220132919A1 (en) | Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith | |
US20230118045A1 (en) | Electronic device for producing an aerosol for inhalation by a person | |
Gangurde et al. | Approaches and devices used in pulmonary drug delivery system: a review | |
US20220132920A1 (en) | Electronic devices and liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling therewith | |
US20220305223A1 (en) | Olfactory Delivery Device, System and Method for the Delivery of a Variety of Pharmaceutical Agents | |
TWI842756B (en) | Electronic device for producing an aerosol for inhalation by a person | |
CN104853744B (en) | The administration of aerosolized iloprost | |
TW202218565A (en) | Electronic devices for aerosolizing and inhaling liquid | |
US20170348495A1 (en) | Modified nebulizer, method and system for delivering pharmaceutical products to an individual | |
EP1689474A2 (en) | Portable gas operating inhaler | |
TW202128132A (en) | Liquids for aerosolizing and inhaling using electronic devices | |
EP1110547A2 (en) | Helium and neon as means delivering drug in inhaler | |
Deshkar et al. | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES | |
Nazarzadeh et al. | Creating a Platform for Nebulisation of a Wide Range of Drug Types and Formulations | |
MXPA06006284A (en) | Portable gas operating inhaler |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RESPIRA TECHNOLOGIES, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CHENG, CHRISTOPHER KAR-HENG;REEL/FRAME:054117/0156 Effective date: 20191112 Owner name: RESPIRA TECHNOLOGIES, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WALSH, JOSEPH GENE;REEL/FRAME:054117/0175 Effective date: 20191112 Owner name: RESPIRA TECHNOLOGIES, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KOVACEVICH, IAN;REEL/FRAME:054117/0185 Effective date: 20191120 Owner name: RESPIRA TECHNOLOGIES, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HEINRICH, ANDREW;REEL/FRAME:054117/0190 Effective date: 20191120 Owner name: RESPIRA TECHNOLOGIES, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DANEK, MARIO;REEL/FRAME:054117/0180 Effective date: 20191129 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: APPLICATION DISPATCHED FROM PREEXAM, NOT YET DOCKETED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: QNOVIA, INC., VIRGINIA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:RESPIRA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:061410/0096 Effective date: 20220907 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |