EP4652109A2

EP4652109A2 - Method and apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles

Info

Publication number: EP4652109A2
Application number: EP24701149.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Antonio CONSOLANTE
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2023-01-20
Filing date: 2024-01-16
Publication date: 2025-11-26
Also published as: KR20250136816A; WO2024153633A2; WO2024153633A3; CN120513204A

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles. The apparatus comprises a processing line for processing inhaler articles, the processing line extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. The apparatus comprises a closing station configured for at least partly closing open ends of the inhaler articles, the closing station being positioned downstream of the upstream end of the processing line. The apparatus comprises a conveyer belt configured for transporting the inhaler articles in a downstream direction along the processing line. The conveyer belt comprises a flat portion arranged in parallel to the downstream direction, the flat portion being configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles by the closing station in the downstream direction along the processing line. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing inhaler articles.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING INHALER ARTICLES

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing inhaler articles. The present invention further relates to an inhaler article obtained by the method.

Inhaler articles are known in the art, for example dry powder inhalers. In the field of manufacturing inhaler articles, it is known to provide a deformable tubular element and to close a distal end of the deformable tubular element, for example by folding the distal end of the tubular element inwardly. Thereby, an object which has been inserted into the tubular element before, such as a powder capsule, may be securely retained within the article.

It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing inhaler articles at sufficiently high speed. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing inhaler articles which allow to fill the article with different types of materials. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing inhaler articles which allow to fill the article with loose material. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing inhaler articles which allow to fill the article with gel material. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing inhaler articles which improve a correct positioning of an object inserted into the article. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing inhaler articles which allow a simplified manufacturing process. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing inhaler articles which allow a simplified process of closing both opposite ends of an inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing inhaler articles which allow filling and closing of both ends of a double-length article simultaneously.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles. The apparatus may comprise a processing line for processing inhaler articles. The processing line may extend from an upstream end to a downstream end. The apparatus may comprise a closing station configured for at least partly closing open ends of the inhaler articles. The closing station may be positioned downstream of the upstream end of the processing line. The apparatus may comprise a conveyer belt configured for transporting the inhaler articles in a downstream direction along the processing line. The conveyer belt may comprise a flat portion arranged in parallel to the downstream direction. The flat portion may be configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles by the closing station in the downstream direction along the processing line.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles. The apparatus comprises a processing line for processing inhaler articles. The processing line extends from an upstream end to a downstream end. The apparatus comprises a closing station configured for at least partly closing open ends of the inhaler articles. The closing station is positioned downstream of the upstream end of the processing line. The apparatus comprises a conveyer belt configured for transporting the inhaler articles in a downstream direction along the processing line. The conveyer belt comprises a flat portion arranged in parallel to the downstream direction. The flat portion is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles by the closing station in the downstream direction along the processing line.

An apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles at sufficiently high speed is provided. An apparatus which may allow to fill the article with different types of materials is provided. An apparatus which may allow to fill the article with loose material is provided. An apparatus which may allow to fill the article with gel material is provided. An apparatus which may improve a correct positioning of an object inserted into the article is provided. An apparatus which may allow a simplified manufacturing process is provided. An apparatus which may allow a simplified process of closing both opposite ends of an inhaler article is provided. An apparatus which may allow filling and closing of both ends of a double-length article simultaneously is provided.

The closing station may be static with respect to the downstream direction. At least a portion of the closing station may be movable with respect to a direction perpendicular to the downstream direction. At least a portion of the closing station may be movable towards an end of an inhaler article being transported on the conveyer belt to at least partly close an end of the article.

As used herein, the term “linearly transporting” refers to the transport of an article along a substantially straight line.

As used herein, the term “transporting by a station” refers to the transport of an article along the processing line all the way from a position upstream of the respective station to a position downstream of the respective station.

As used herein, the term “processing an article” refers to one or more steps during manufacturing the inhaler article. The term “inhaler article” may refer to a finished or an unfinished article. The term “inhaler article precursor” refers to an unfinished article. The unfinished inhaler article may comprise a deformable tubular element forming an open end of the article. Generally, unfinished inhaler articles are provided at the upstream end of the processing line. The inhaler article received at the downstream end of the processing line may be a finished inhaler article or may require further treatment to finally receive the finished article. With the terms “upstream” or “downstream”, reference is herein made to the processing direction of the inhaler articles and inhaler article precursors. Generally, the articles are processed or transported in a downstream direction from the upstream end towards the downstream end of the processing line. The terms “processing direction” and “downstream direction” may be used synonymously.

As used herein, the term “perpendicular” is not necessarily limited to an angle of exactly 90 degrees, but may in some embodiments include angles deviating to some extent from a right angle. For example, a deviation of about 15 degrees or less, or about 10 degrees or less, or about 5 degrees or less, or about 2 degrees or less, or about 1 degree or less may be allowable. For example, an angle between the downstream direction and a perpendicular direction may be between 75 degrees and 90 degrees, between 80 degrees and 90 degrees, between 85 degrees and 90 degrees, between 88 degrees and 90 degrees, or between 89 degrees and 90 degrees. The term “perpendicular” may be limited to an angle of about 90 degrees. The term “perpendicular” may be limited to an angle of 90 degrees.

As used herein, the term “parallel” is not necessarily limited to an angle of exactly 0 degrees, but may in some embodiments include angles deviating to some extent from a strict parallel direction. For example, a deviation of about 15 degrees or less, or about 10 degrees or less, or about 5 degrees or less, or about 2 degrees or less, or about 1 degree or less may be allowable. For example, an angle between the downstream direction and a parallel direction may be between 0 degrees and 15 degrees, between 0 degrees and 10 degrees, between 0 degrees and 5 degrees, between 0 degrees and 2 degrees, or between 0 degrees and 1 degree. The term “parallel” may be limited to an angle of about 0 degrees. The term “parallel” may be limited to an angle of 0 degrees.

The flat portion of the conveyer belt may be configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles such that longitudinal axes of the inhaler articles are arranged within a horizontal plane. The flat portion of the conveyer belt may be configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles in a horizontal direction.

As used herein, the term “horizontal” refers to a direction or plane being substantially perpendicular to the center of gravity, for example when the apparatus is set up in a production hall.

The conveyer belt may comprise a plurality of receiving means. The receiving means may be configured for receiving exactly one inhaler article. The receiving means may comprise a groove for receiving a single one of the inhaler articles. The groove may have a size and shape configured for being capable of receiving only one single inhaler article.

The receiving means may comprise a vacuum channel. The vacuum channel may comprise a holding portion for securely attaching the inhaler article to the receiving means. The vacuum channel may comprise a supply portion. The supply portion may be in fluid connection to a vacuum supply. The supply portion may be fluidly connectable to a vacuum supply. The supply portion may be fluidly connectable to the vacuum supply via a one-way valve.

The vacuum channel may comprise a connection portion. The connection portion may be in fluid connection to the supply portion. The connection portion may be in fluid connection to respective connection portions of the vacuum channels of neighbouring receiving means. The connection portion may be fluidly connectable to respective connection portions of the vacuum channels of neighbouring receiving means. The connection portions of neighbouring receiving means may be fluidly connectable via one-way valves.

The apparatus may comprise a mechanism configured for detachably attaching individual receiving means to the conveyer belt. The mechanism for detachably attaching individual receiving means to the conveyer belt may be a clipping spring mechanism.

The apparatus may comprise one or more detachable blocking elements, each of the one or more detachable blocking elements being detachably received in a receiving means to block receiving of an inhaler article by the receiving means.

The conveyer belt may comprise a bent portion. The bend portion may be configured for transporting the inhaler articles around a bend. The bend may describe an angle of about 180 degrees.

The conveyer belt may comprise two opposing flat portions and two opposing bent portions resulting in a stadium shape-like cross-section.

The apparatus may comprise a rotating drum configured for guiding the conveyer belt around a bend.

The apparatus may comprise a vacuum supply. The vacuum supply may comprise one or more vacuum sources. The one or more vacuum sources may be one or more of a vacuum pump and a vacuum reservoir. The vacuum supply may comprise a drum vacuum system. The drum vacuum system may comprise one or more vacuum supply channels of the rotating drum. The one or more vacuum supply channels of the rotating drum may be configured for providing a fluid connection between a vacuum source and the conveyer belt.

The vacuum supply may comprise an exit station vacuum system. The exit station vacuum system may be provided downstream of the drum vacuum system. The exit station vacuum system may comprise one or more vacuum supply channels. The one or more vacuum supply channels of the exit station vacuum system may be configured for providing a fluid connection between a vacuum source and the conveyer belt. The apparatus may comprise an air jet system. The air jet system may be provided at the downstream end. The air jet system may be configured for discharging the inhaler articles from the conveyer belt.

The apparatus may comprise an encoder. The encoder may be configured for detecting presence of one or more of the inhaler articles at the closing station. The encoder may comprise an optical sensor.

The encoder may be an incremental rotary encoder. The incremental rotary encoder may use optical technology. The incremental rotary encoder may comprise a light emitting diode (LED), a code disk, and a photodetector assembly. The incremental rotary encoder may be configured such that, during operation, a beam of light emitted from the LED passes through the code disk. The code disk may be patterned with opaque lines. As the encoder shaft rotates, the light beam from the LED may be interrupted by the opaque lines on the code disk before being picked up by the photodetector assembly. This may produce a pulse signal: light = on; no light = off. The signal may be sent to a counter or controller, which will then send the signal to produce the desired function.

The apparatus may comprise a controller connected to both the encoder and the closing station. The controller may be configured to control operation of the closing station based on a signal received form the encoder.

The apparatus may be configured for transporting the inhaler articles along the flat portion of the conveyer belt at a speed of between 50 meters per minute and 1500 meters per minute, preferably between 100 meters per minute and 1000 meters per minute, more preferably between 200 meters per minute and 500 meters per minute.

The apparatus may comprise a hopper-and-dispenser. The hopper-and-dispenser may be configured for feeding the conveyer belt with inhaler article precursors. The hopper-and- dispenser may be provided at the upstream end of the processing line.

The apparatus may comprise a filling station. The filling station may be configured for inserting objects into open ends of the inhaler articles. The filling station may be configured for inserting one object into each open end of the inhaler articles.

The filling station may be positioned upstream of the closing station. The flat portion of the conveyer belt may be configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles by the filling station and by closing station along the processing line. The filling station may comprise a vibratory feeder bowl. The vibratory feeder bowl may be configured to be fed with a bulk of objects and to output individual objects in line. The vibratory feeder bowl may be configured to provide the objects to plunger means. The plunger means may then push the objects into open ends of the inhaler articles. The apparatus may comprise a vibration system. The vibration system may be configured for providing a localized vibration of the conveyer belt after object insertion into the inhaler articles. Thereby, the object may be brought into a desired position by means of the localized vibration.

The objects may be capsules. The objects may be dry powder capsules.

The apparatus may be configured for processing single-length inhaler articles. The apparatus may comprise an additional closing station provided upstream of the filling station. The additional closing station may be configured for closing an open end on one side of each of the inhaler articles.

The apparatus may be configured for processing double-length inhaler articles. The apparatus may comprise a cutting station. The cutting station may be configured for cutting the double-length inhaler articles into halves. The cutting station may be provided downstream of the closing station.

The closing station may comprise one or more closing caps. The one or more closing caps may be configured for at least partly closing open ends of the inhaler articles. The closing caps may be arranged in sequence along the downstream direction. The one or more closing caps may be configured for at least partly closing open ends of the inhaler articles by means of one or both of flanging, folding, and curling. The closing caps may be arranged at both sides of the conveyer belt so as to close both opposing ends of the inhaler articles.

The one or more closing caps may comprise one or more folding heads for folding inwards an open tubular end of the inhaler article. The folding head may be configured for folding the deformable tubular element inwards by at least 90 degrees. The one or more closing caps may comprise a pre-folding head and an end-folding head.

The pre-folding head may be concavely shaped for folding the deformable tubular element inwards by an angle that is smaller than 90 degrees. The end-folding head may be a flat folding head for folding the deformable tubular element inwards by an angle of about 90 degrees. The end-folding head may also comprise be convexly shaped for folding the deformable tubular element inwards by an angle of more than 90 degrees.

The one or more closing caps may comprise one or more curling heads for curling an open tubular end of the inhaler article. The curling head may comprise a longitudinal center axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the curling head. The curling head may comprise a circular opening located centrally at the proximal end and defining a recess towards the distal end. The recess may be arranged for insertion of an open tubular end of an inhaler article into the recess. At least a portion of a sidewall of the recess may be arranged as a curling surface. The curling surface may comprise a concave curvature. The curling head may comprise a curling mechanism configured for linearly advancing the curling head along the longitudinal center axis and, simultaneously, rotating the curling head around the longitudinal center axis. The curling mechanism may be driven by one or more motors. The curling mechanism may comprise means for transmitting power from the one or more motors to the curling head.

The curling mechanism may be configured to treat the open end of the article such that the curled end comprises a curled edge circumscribing a central aperture. The curled edge may be a rounded edge.

The closing station may comprise one or more pre-treating means for pre-treating the opend end of the deformable tubular element of the inhaler article to obtain a pre-treated portion with reduced structural stability. The pre-treating means may be arranged upstream of the one or more closing caps. The pre-treating means may be configured for crimping the edge of the open end of the deformable tubular element. The pre-treating means may be configured for cutting the edge of the open end of the deformable tubular element along one or more lines running generally parallel to the axial direction of the inhaler article. The pre-treating means may be configured for scoring the edge of the open end of the deformable tubular element along one or more lines running generally parallel to the axial direction of the inhaler article. Upon scoring the deformable element may be provided with a discontinuous cutting line. The pre-treating means may include a processing head for creasing, cutting or scoring the open end of the deformable tubular element. The processing head of the pre-treating station may define a generally cylindrical recess, having an inner dimension that corresponds to the outer diameter of the open end of the deformable tubular element. The processing head of the pretreating station may further comprise a number of treatment blades that extend from the open side wall of the recess of the processing head towards the inner volume of the processing head. The treatment blades may extend funnel shaped towards the inner volume of the processing head. The treatment blades may be spaced equidistantly over the circumference of the recess.

The treatment blades may each have an engagement edge that contacts the open end of the deformable tubular element during the pre-treatment step. The treatment blades may be formed such as to crease, cut or score the open end of the deformable tubular element during the pre-treatment step. The number of the treatment blades determines the number of the creasing, cutting or scoring lines provided to the open end of the deformable tubular element during the pre-treatment step.

One or more of the processing heads of the pretreatment means, the folding heads and the curling heads may be configured to be axially movable towards an open end of the inhaler article provided on the conveyer belt. The apparatus may be configured for manufacturing double-length inhaler articles. For this purpose, the processing heads of the pretreatment means, the folding heads and the curling heads may be configured such that the double-length inhaler article is held at a central portion and the heads are provided at either end of the double-length inhaler article. T reatment of the open ends of the double-length inhaler article may be as described above. An additional processing station may be provided for cutting the double-length inhaler article into two normal length inhaler articles. Processing double-length inhaler articles may allow for increased manufacturing speed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for manufacturing inhaler articles. The method may comprise a step of providing a processing line for processing inhaler articles. The processing line may extend from an upstream end to a downstream end. The method may comprise a step of providing an inhaler article precursor at the upstream end. The inhaler article precursor may comprise one or both of an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end. The method may comprise a step of linearly transporting the inhaler article precursor in a downstream direction along the processing line. The method may comprise a step of at least partly closing at least one of the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for manufacturing inhaler articles. The method comprises a step of providing a processing line for processing inhaler articles. The processing line extends from an upstream end to a downstream end. The method comprises a step of providing an inhaler article precursor at the upstream end. The inhaler article precursor comprises one or both of an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end. The method comprises a step of linearly transporting the inhaler article precursor in a downstream direction along the processing line. The method comprises a step of at least partly closing at least one of the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported. The method steps may be conducted consecutively in accordance to the sequence of mentioning above.

A method for manufacturing inhaler articles at sufficiently high speed is provided. A method which may allow to fill the article with different types of materials is provided. A method which may allow to fill the article with loose material is provided. A method which may allow to fill the article with gel material is provided. A method which may improve a correct positioning of an object inserted into the article is provided. A method which may allow a simplified manufacturing process is provided. A method which may allow a simplified process of closing both opposite ends of an inhaler article is provided. A method which may allow filling and closing of both ends of a double-length article simultaneously is provided.

The inhaler article precursor may be linearly transported such that a longitudinal axis of the inhaler article precursor lies within a horizontal plane. Linearly transporting the inhaler article precursor may be linearly transporting the inhaler article precursor in a horizontal direction.

The inhaler article precursor may be a single-length inhaler article precursor comprising both an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end and the method may comprise: at least partly closing the open tubular proximal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported, then, inserting an object into the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor, and, then, at least partly closing the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported to obtain a finished inhaler article. The method may comprise: inserting an object into the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported.

The inhaler article precursor may be a double-length inhaler article precursor comprising both an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end and the method may comprise: inserting each an object into the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor, and, then, at least partly closing both the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported to obtain a finished inhaler article. The method may comprise inserting each an object into the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported. The method may comprise simultaneously inserting each an object into the open tubular distal end and the open tubular proximal end of the double-length inhaler article precursor. The method may comprise simultaneously at least partly closing both the open tubular distal end and the open tubular proximal end of the double-length inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported, and, then, cutting the inhaler article precursor into two halves to obtain a finished inhaler article.

The open tubular end of the inhaler article processed by the apparatus and method of the invention may comprise, or may consist of, a cellulose-based material, for example paper or cardboard. The open tubular end of the inhaler article may comprise, or may consist of, wrapping paper.

The inhaler article manufactured by the apparatus and method of the invention may comprise a capsule. The capsule may comprise one or more nicotine salts. The capsule may contain pharmaceutically active particles. For instance, the pharmaceutically active particles may comprise nicotine. The pharmaceutically active particles may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 5 micrometers or less, or in a range from about 0.5 micrometer to about 4 micrometers, or in a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers. The capsule may comprise one or more nicotine salts.

The capsule may contain nicotine particles comprising nicotine (also referred to as “nicotine powder” or “nicotine particles”) and optionally particles comprising flavour (also referred to as “flavour particles). The capsule may contain a predetermined amount of nicotine particles and optional flavour particles. The capsule may contain enough nicotine particles to provide at least 2 inhalations or “puffs”, or at least about 5 inhalations or “puffs”, or at least about 10 inhalations or “puffs”. The capsule may contain enough nicotine particles to provide from about 5 to about 50 inhalations or “puffs”, or from about 10 to about 30 inhalations or “puffs”. Each inhalation or “puff” may deliver from about 0.1 mg to about 3 mg of nicotine particles to the lungs of the user or from about 0.2 milligrams to about 2 milligrams of nicotine particles to the lungs of the user or about 1 milligram of nicotine particles to the lungs of the user.

The nicotine particles may have any useful concentration of nicotine based on the particular formulation employed. The nicotine particles may have at least about 1 weight- percent nicotine up to about 30 weight-percent nicotine, or from about 2 weight-percent to about 25 weight-percent nicotine, or from about 3 weight-percent to about 20 weight-percent nicotine, or from about 4 weight-percent to about 15 weight-percent nicotine, or from about 5 weight-percent to about 13 weight-percent nicotine. Preferably, about 50 to about 150 micrograms of nicotine may be delivered to the lungs of the user with each inhalation or “puff’.

The capsule may hold or contain at least about 5 milligrams of nicotine particles or at least about 10 milligrams of nicotine particles. The capsule may hold or contain less than about 900 milligrams of nicotine particles, or less than about 300 milligrams of nicotine particles, or less than 150 milligrams of nicotine particles. The capsule may hold or contain from about 5 milligrams to about 300 milligrams of nicotine particles or from about 10 milligrams to about 200 milligrams of nicotine particles.

When flavour particles are blended or combined with the nicotine particles within the capsule, the flavour particles may be present in an amount that provides the desired flavour to each inhalation or “puff” delivered to the user.

The nicotine particles may have any useful size distribution for inhalation delivery preferentially into the lungs of a user. The capsule may include particles other than the nicotine particles. The nicotine particles and the other particles may form a powder system.

The capsule may hold or contain at least about 5 milligrams of a dry powder (also referred to as a powder system) or at least about 10 milligrams of a dry powder. The capsule may hold or contain less than about 900 milligrams of a dry powder, or less than about 300 milligrams of a dry powder, or less than about 150 milligrams of a dry powder. The capsule may hold or contain from about 5 milligrams to about 300 milligrams of a dry powder, or from about 10 milligrams to about 200 milligrams of a dry powder, or from about 25 milligrams to about 100 milligrams of a dry powder.

The dry powder or powder system may have at least about 40 percent, or at least about 60 percent, or at least about 80 percent, by weight of the powder system comprised in nicotine particles having a particle size of about 5 micrometers or less, or in a range from about 1 micrometer to about 5 micrometers.

The particles comprising nicotine may have a mass median 5 aerodynamic diameter of about 5 micrometers or less, or in a range from about 0.5 micrometer to about 4 micrometers, or in a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers or in a range from about 1.5 micrometers to about 2.5 micrometers. The mass median aerodynamic diameter is preferably measured with a cascade impactor.

The particles comprising flavour may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 20 micrometers or greater, or about 50 micrometers or greater, or in a range from about 50 to about 200 micrometers, or from about 50 to about 150 micrometers. The mass median aerodynamic diameter is preferably measured with a cascade impactor.

The dry powder may have a mean diameter of about 60 micrometers or less, or in a range from about 1 micrometer to about 40 micrometers, or in a range from about 1.5 micrometers to about 25 micrometers. The mean diameter refers to the mean diameter per mass and is preferably measured by laser diffraction, laser diffusion or an electronic microscope.

Nicotine in the powder system or nicotine particles may be a pharmaceutically acceptable free-base nicotine, or nicotine salt, or nicotine salt hydrate. Useful nicotine salts or nicotine salt hydrates include nicotine pyruvate, nicotine citrate, nicotine aspartate, nicotine lactate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine salicylate, nicotine fumarate, nicotine mono-pyruvate, nicotine glutamate or nicotine hydrochloride, for example. The compound combining with nicotine to form the salt or salt hydrate may be chosen based on its expected pharmacological effect.

The nicotine particles preferably include an amino acid. Preferably, the amino acid may be leucine such as L-leucine. Providing an amino acid such as L-leucine with the particles comprising nicotine, may reduce adhesion forces of the particles comprising nicotine and may reduce attraction between nicotine particles and thus reduce agglomeration of nicotine particles. Similarly, adhesion forces to particles comprising flavour may also be reduced thus agglomeration of nicotine particles with flavour particles is also reduced. The powder system described herein thus may be a free-flowing material and possess a stable relative particle size of each powder component even when the nicotine particles and the flavour particles are combined.

Preferably, the nicotine may be a surface modified nicotine salt where the nicotine salt particle comprises a coated or composite particle. A preferred coating or composite material may be L-leucine. One particularly useful nicotine particle may be nicotine bi 5 tartrate with L- leucine.

The powder system may include a population of flavour particles. The flavour particles may have any useful size distribution for inhalation delivery selectively into the mouth or buccal cavity of a user.

The powder system may have at least about 40 percent, or at least about 60 percent, or at least about 80 percent, by weight of the population of flavour particles of the powder system comprised in particles having a particle size of about 20 micrometers or greater. The powder system may have at least about 40 percent or at least about 60 percent, or at least about 80 percent, by weight of the population of flavour particles of the powder system comprised in particles having a particle size of about 50 micrometers or greater. The powder system may have at least about 40 percent or at least about 60 percent, or at least about 80 percent, by weight of the population of flavour particles of the powder system comprised in particles having a particle size in a range from about 50 micrometers to about 150 micrometers.

The particles comprising flavour may include a compound to reduce adhesion forces or surface energy and resulting agglomeration. The flavour particle may be surface modified with an adhesion reducing compound to form a coated flavour particle. One preferred adhesion reducing compound may be magnesium stearate. Providing an adhesion reducing compound such as magnesium stearate with the flavour particle, especially coating the flavour particle, may reduce adhesion forces of the particles comprising flavour and may reduce attraction between flavour particles and thus reduce agglomeration of flavour particles. Thus, agglomeration of flavour particles with nicotine particles may also be reduced. The powder system described herein thus may possess a stable relative particle size of the particles comprising nicotine and the particles comprising flavour even when the nicotine particles and the flavour particles are combined. The powder system preferably may be free flowing.

Conventional formulations for dry powder inhalation contain carrier particles that serve to increase the fluidization of the active particles since the active particles may be too small to be influenced by simple airflow though the inhaler. The powder system may comprise carrier particles. These carrier particles may be a saccharide such as lactose or mannitol that may have a particle size greater than about 50 micrometers. The carrier particles may be utilized to improve dose uniformity by acting as a diluent or bulking agent in a formulation.

The powder system utilized with the nicotine powder delivery system described herein may be carrier-free or substantially free of a saccharide such as lactose or mannitol. Being carrier-free or substantially free of a saccharide such as lactose or mannitol may allow the nicotine to be inhaled and delivered to the user’s lungs at inhalation or airflow rates that are similar to typical smoking regime inhalation or airflow rates.

The nicotine particles and a flavour may be combined in a single capsule. As described above, the nicotine particles and a flavour may each have reduced adhesion forces that result in a stable particle formulation where the particle size of each component does not substantially change when combined. Alternatively, the powder system includes nicotine particles contained within a single capsule and the flavour particles contained within a second capsule. The nicotine particles and flavour particles may be combined in any useful relative amount so that the flavour particles are detected by the user when consumed with the nicotine particles. Preferably, the nicotine particles and flavour particles form at least about 90 weight-percent or at least about 95 weight-percent or at least about 99 weight-percent or 100 weight-percent of the total weight of the powder system.

The inhaler article manufactured by the apparatus and method of the invention may resemble a smoking article or cigarette in size and shape. The inhaler article may have an elongated body extending along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article. The inhaler body may have a substantially uniform outer diameter along the length of the elongated body. The inhaler article may have a circular cross-section that may be uniform along the length of the elongated body. The inhaler body may have an outer diameter in a range from about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 7 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or about 7 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, or about 7 millimeters to about 8 millimeters or about 7.3 millimeters. The inhaler article may have a length (along the longitudinal axis) in a range from about 40 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, or from about 40 millimeters to about 70 millimeters, or about 40 millimeters to about 50 millimeters, or about 48 millimeters.

The inhaler article may comprise a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be located proximal to the capsule cavity. The mouthpiece element may extend from the capsule cavity to the mouthpiece end of the inhaler article. The mouthpiece element may have a length in a range from about 10 millimeters to about 30 millimeters, preferably from about 15 millimeters to about 25 millimeters and more preferably from about 20 millimeters to about 22 millimeters. The mouthpiece element may have a diameter in a range from about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 7 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or about 7 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, or about 7 millimeters to about 8 millimeters or about 7.1 millimeters. The mouthpiece element may have a filtering function. The mouthpiece element may comprise a filter element. The filter element may extend substantially over the full length of the mouthpiece element.

The inhaler article may comprise a deformable tubular element which has been at least partly closed by the apparatus or method of the invention. The deformable element may be formed of cellulosic material. At least a portion of the deformable element may be formed of paper. The deformable element may provide a barrier to reduce or prevent contaminants or foreign material from entering the capsule cavity.

The inhaler article may comprise a body, a capsule cavity holding a capsule, a mouthpiece element and a deformable tubular element having an at least partly closed end.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components of the inhaler article or system. Inhaler articles, according to the invention have a proximal end. In use, the nicotine particles exit the proximal end of the inhaler article for delivery to a user. The inhaler article has a distal end opposing the proximal end. The proximal end of the inhaler article may also be referred to as the mouth end.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided an inhaler article as described herein, the inhaler article being manufactured by the method for manufacturing inhaler articles described herein.

Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example E1 : An apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles, the apparatus comprising: a processing line for processing inhaler articles, the processing line extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; a closing station configured for at least partly closing open ends of the inhaler articles, the closing station being positioned downstream of the upstream end of the processing line; and a conveyer belt configured for transporting the inhaler articles in a downstream direction along the processing line, the conveyer belt comprising a flat portion arranged in parallel to the downstream direction, the flat portion being configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles by the closing station in the downstream direction along the processing line.

Example E2: The apparatus according to Example E1 , wherein the flat portion of the conveyer belt is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles such that longitudinal axes of the inhaler articles are arranged within a horizontal plane. Example E3: The apparatus according to Example E1 or Example E2, wherein the flat portion of the conveyer belt is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles in a horizontal direction.

Example E4: The apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the conveyer belt comprises a plurality of receiving means, and wherein each receiving means is configured for receiving a single one of the inhaler articles.

Example E5: The apparatus according to Example E4, wherein each receiving means comprises a groove for receiving a single one of the inhaler articles.

Example E6: The apparatus according to Example E4 or Example E5, wherein each receiving means comprises a vacuum channel.

Example E7: The apparatus according to Example E6, wherein the vacuum channel comprises a holding portion for securely attaching the inhaler article to the receiving means.

Example E8: The apparatus according to Example E6 or Example E7, wherein the vacuum channel comprises a supply portion being fluidly connectable to a vacuum supply, preferably, wherein the supply portion is fluidly connectable to the vacuum supply via a oneway valve.

Example E9: The apparatus according to any of Examples E6 to E8, wherein the vacuum channel comprises a connection portion for fluidly connecting the vacuum channel to respective connection portions of the vacuum channels of neighbouring receiving means.

Example E10: The apparatus according to Example E9, wherein the connection portions of neighbouring receiving means are fluidly connectable via one-way valves.

Example E11 : The apparatus according to any of Examples E4 to E10, comprising a clipping spring mechanism configured for detachably attaching individual receiving means to the conveyer belt.

Example E12: The apparatus according to any of Examples E4 to E11 , comprising one or more detachable blocking elements, each of the one or more detachable blocking elements being detachably received in a receiving means to block receiving of an inhaler article by the receiving means.

Example E13: The apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the conveyer belt comprises a bent portion configured for transporting the inhaler articles around a bend.

Example E14: The apparatus according to Example E13, wherein the conveyer belt comprises two opposing flat portions and two opposing bent portions resulting in a stadium shape-like cross-section.

Example E15: The apparatus according to Example E13 or Example E14, comprising a rotating drum configured for guiding the conveyer belt around a bend. Example E16: The apparatus according to Example E15, comprising a vacuum supply, wherein the vacuum supply comprises a drum vacuum system, and wherein the drum vacuum system comprises vacuum supply channels of the rotating drum configured for providing a fluid connection between a vacuum source and the conveyer belt.

Example E17: The apparatus according to Example E16, wherein the vacuum supply comprises an exit station vacuum system, wherein the exit station vacuum system is provided downstream of the drum vacuum system, and wherein the exit station vacuum system comprises vacuum supply channels configured for providing a fluid connection between a vacuum source and the conveyer belt.

Example E18: The apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, comprising an air jet system provided at the downstream end, the air jet system being configured for removing the inhaler articles off the conveyer belt.

Example E19: The apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, comprising an encoder configured for detecting presence of one or more of the inhaler articles at the closing station.

Example E20: The apparatus according to Example E19, wherein the encoder comprises an optical sensor.

Example E21 : The apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the apparatus is configured for transporting the inhaler articles along the flat portion of the conveyer belt at a speed of between 200 meters per minute and 500 meters per minute.

Example E22: The apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, comprising a hopper-and-dispenser for feeding the conveyer belt with inhaler article precursors, the hopper-and-dispenser being provided at the upstream end of the processing line.

Example E23: The apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, comprising a filling station configured for inserting objects into open ends of the inhaler articles, wherein the filling station is positioned upstream of the closing station, and wherein the flat portion is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles by the filling station and by closing station along the processing line.

Example E24: The apparatus according to Example E23, wherein the filling station comprises a vibratory feeder bowl.

Example E25: The apparatus according to Example E23 or Example E24, comprising a vibration system configured for providing a localized vibration of the conveyer belt after object insertion into the inhaler articles to allow positioning of the object at a desired position by means of the localized vibration.

Example E26: The apparatus according to any of Examples E23 to E25, wherein the objects are dry powder capsules. Example E27: The apparatus according to any of Examples E23 to E26, wherein the apparatus is configured for processing single-length inhaler articles, and wherein the apparatus comprises an additional closing station provided upstream of the filling station, the additional closing station being configured for closing an open end on one side of each of the inhaler articles.

Example E28: The apparatus according to any of Examples E1 to E26, wherein the apparatus is configured for processing double-length inhaler articles.

Example E29: The apparatus according to Example E28, comprising a cutting station configured for cutting the double-length inhaler article into halves, the cutting station being provided downstream of the closing station.

Example E30: The apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the closing station comprises a plurality of closing caps arranged in sequence along the downstream direction, the closing caps being configured for at least partly closing open ends of the inhaler articles by means of one or both of flanging and curling.

Example E31 : The apparatus according to Example E30, wherein the closing caps are arranged at both sides of the conveyer belt.

Example E32: A method for manufacturing inhaler articles, the method comprising providing a processing line for processing inhaler articles, the processing line extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; providing an inhaler article precursor at the upstream end, the inhaler article precursor comprising one or both of an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end; linearly transporting the inhaler article precursor in a downstream direction along the processing line; and at least partly closing at least one of the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported.

Example E33: The method according to Example E32, wherein the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported such that a longitudinal axis of the inhaler article precursor lies within a horizontal plane.

Example E34: The method according to Example E32 or Example E33, wherein linearly transporting the inhaler article precursor is linearly transporting the inhaler article precursor in a horizontal direction.

Example E35: The method according to any of Examples E31 to E34, wherein the inhaler article precursor is a single-length inhaler article precursor comprising both an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end, the method comprising at least partly closing the open tubular proximal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported; then, inserting an object into the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor; and then, at least partly closing the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported to obtain a finished inhaler article.

Example E36: The method according to any of Examples E31 to E34, wherein the inhaler article precursor is a double-length inhaler article precursor comprising both an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end, the method comprising inserting each an object into the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor; and then, at least partly closing both the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported to obtain a finished inhaler article.

Example E37: The method according to Example E36, comprising simultaneously inserting each an object into the open tubular distal end and the open tubular proximal end of the inhaler article precursor.

Example E38: The method according to Example E36 or Example E37, comprising simultaneously at least partly closing both the open tubular distal end and the open tubular proximal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported and then cutting the inhaler article precursor into two halves to obtain a finished inhaler article.

Example E39: An inhaler article manufactured according to the method of any of Examples E32 to E38.

Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figs. 1a and 1b show an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles;

Figs. 2a and 2b show apparatuses for manufacturing inhaler articles;

Figs. 3a and 3b show an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles;

Figs. 4a and 4b show details of a vacuum supply;

Fig. 5a shows details of a vacuum supply;

Fig. 5b shows a cutting station;

Figs. 6a and 6b show embodiments of the receiving means; and Figs. 7a to 7c show a hopper-and-dispenser.

Figs. 1a and 1 b schematically show an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles 10 in top view (in Fig. 1a) and in perspective view (in Fig. 1 b). The apparatus comprises a processing line for processing inhaler articles 10. The processing line extends from an upstream end 12 to a downstream end 14. The articles 10 are processed in a downstream direction from the upstream end 12 to the downstream end 14. The apparatus comprises a closing station 16 configured for at least partly closing open ends of the inhaler articles 10. The closing station 16 is positioned downstream of the upstream end 12 of the processing line. The apparatus comprises a conveyer belt 20 configured for transporting the inhaler articles 10 in the downstream direction along the processing line. The conveyer belt 20 comprises a flat portion 22 arranged in parallel to the downstream direction. The flat portion 22 is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles 10 by the closing station 16 in the downstream direction along the processing line.

The flat portion 22 of the conveyer belt 20 is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles 10 such that longitudinal axes 24 of the inhaler articles 10 are arranged within a horizontal plane. In addition, the flat portion 22 of the conveyer belt 20 is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles 10 in a horizontal direction. Consequently, the inhaler articles are linearly transported along the flat portion 22 with their longitudinal axes 24 being arranged in perpendicular to the downstream direction. Thereby, open ends of the inhaler articles 10 may be closed by the closing station 16 without risking that objects inserted into the open ends might become dislocated or falling out of the article 10 due to the force of gravity.

Fig. 2a schematically shows an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles 10 in top view. The apparatus of Fig. 2a is configured for processing double-length inhaler articles 10. A hopper-and-dispenser 26 feeds the conveyer belt 20 with inhaler article precursors 10 having two open ends. The hopper-and-dispenser 26 is provided at the upstream end 12 of the processing line. The apparatus comprises a filling station 28 configured for simultaneously inserting objects into both open ends of the inhaler articles 10. The filling station 28 is positioned upstream of the closing station 16. The closing station 16 is configured for simultaneously closing both open ends of the inhaler articles 10. The flat portion 22 is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles 10 by the filling station 28 and by the closing station 16 along the processing line.

Fig. 2b schematically shows an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles 10 in top view. The apparatus of Fig. 2b is configured for processing single-length inhaler articles 10. A hopper-and-dispenser 26 feeds the conveyer belt 20 with inhaler article precursors 10 having two open ends. The hopper-and-dispenser 26 is provided at the upstream end 12 of the processing line. The apparatus comprises a filling station 28 configured for inserting objects into open ends on one side of each of the inhaler articles 10. The filling station 28 is positioned upstream of the closing station 16. The closing station 16 is configured for closing the open ends of the inhaler articles 10 on the side where the objects have been inserted. The apparatus comprises an additional closing station 30 provided upstream of the filling station 28. The additional closing station 30 is configured for closing an open end on the other side of each of the inhaler articles 10 where no objects are inserted. The flat portion 22 is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles 10 by both the additional closing station 30, the filling station 28, and the closing station 16 along the processing line.

Figs. 3a and 3b schematically show an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles 10 in perspective view (in Fig. 3a) and in sideview (in Fig. 3b).

The conveyer belt 20 comprises two opposing flat portions 22a, 22b and two opposing bent portions 32a, 32b, resulting in a stadium shape-like cross-section.

The bent portion 32a is located between the upstream end 12 to a downstream end 14 of the processing line and is configured for transporting the inhaler articles 10 around a bend. The bend angle is about 180 degrees. The apparatus comprises a rotating drum 34 configured for guiding the conveyer belt 20 around the bend. The apparatus further comprises an exit station 36 provided towards the downstream end 14. The articles 10 are first transported along a horizontal direction and are held by force of gravity on the conveyer belt 20 during their transport along the flat portion 22a. In order to further hold the inhaler articles 10 on the conveyer belt 20, the apparatus comprises a vacuum supply. The vacuum supply comprises a drum vacuum system to attach the inhaler articles 10 by vacuum during the transport along the bent portion 32a as indicated by reference numeral 40. The vacuum supply comprises an intermediate vacuum system to attach the inhaler articles 10 by vacuum after the transport along the bent portion 32a as indicated by reference numeral 42. The vacuum supply further comprises an exit station vacuum system, as indicated by reference numeral 44, arranged to attach the inhaler articles 10 by vacuum 44 before the articles 10 are being discharged from the conveyer belt 20 at the distal end 14 of the processing line.

Figs. 4a, 4b, and 5a show detailed embodiments of the vacuum supply suitable for the apparatus of Figs. 3a and 3b.

The conveyer belt 20 of the apparatus may comprise a plurality of receiving means 50. The receiving means 50 may comprise vacuum channels to form part of the vacuum supply.

Figs. 4a and 4b show an embodiment, wherein the conveyer belt 20 comprises a plurality of receiving means 50. Fig. 4a shows a single receiving means 50 in a semitransparent perspective view. Fig. 4b shows two identical neighbouring receiving means 50 in sideview. Each receiving means 50 comprises a groove 52 for receiving a single one of the inhaler articles 10 with its longitudinal axis 24 being arranged along a longitudinal axis of the groove 52. The receiving means 50 is attached to the conveyer belt 20 as indicated by arrow 54 such that the longitudinal axis 24 is arranged in perpendicular to the downstream direction. The downstream direction is indicated by a dotted arrow in Figs. 4a and 4b.

Each receiving means 50 comprises a vacuum channel. The vacuum channel comprises a holding portion 56 for securely attaching the inhaler article 10 within the groove 52 when the article 10 is not being transported along a horizontal direction. During transport in the horizontal direction, the article 10 may be held within the groove 52 by force of gravity. The vacuum channel comprises a supply portion 58 being fluidly connectable to a vacuum source via a one-way valve 60. The vacuum channel further comprises a connection portion 62 for fluidly connecting the vacuum channel to respective connection portions 62 of the vacuum channels of neighbouring receiving means 50. The connection portions 62 of neighbouring receiving means 50 are fluidly connected via one-way valves 64. Arrows in Fig. 4b indicate the direction of airflow via the one-way valves.

Fig. 5a schematically shows, in sideview, an embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, wherein the apparatus comprises the receiving means 50 of Figs. 4a and 4b. The downstream direction is indicated by a dotted arrow in Fig. 5a. Further arrows in Fig. 5a indicate the direction of airflow via the one-way valves 60, 64.

The articles 10 received in the grooves 52 of the receiving means 50 are first transported horizontally along the flat portion 22a in the downstream direction and are held within the grooves 52 by force of gravity. Then, the articles 10 are transported along the bent portion 32a. The rotating drum 34 comprises a drum vacuum system 35 to hold the articles 10 within the grooves 52 during the transport along the bent portion 32a. This passage is indicated by reference numeral 70. Then, the articles 10 are transported along the flat portion 22b. Directly after the bent portion 32a, the articles 10 are held within the grooves 52 by the lateral one-way valves 64 (see Fig. 4b). This passage is indicated by reference numeral 72. Then, the articles 10 are held within the grooves 52 by an exit station vacuum system 76. This passage is indicated by reference numeral 74. The exit station vacuum system 76 is connected to a vacuum pump 78. Finally, the articles 10 will be discharged by force of gravity at the downstream end 14.

Fig. 5b schematically shows, in perspective view, an embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, wherein the apparatus is configured for processing double-length inhaler articles 10. The apparatus comprises a cutting station 80 configured for cutting the double-length inhaler articles 10 into halves 10a, 10b. The cutting station 80 comprises a rotary cutter with its movement being indicated by a curved arrow in Fig. 5b. The cutting station 80 is provided downstream of the closing station 16 half-way along the bent portion 32a. The downstream direction is indicated by dotted arrows in Fig. 5b.

Fig. 6a shows, in perspective view, an embodiment of the receiving means 50 attached on the conveyer belt 20. The downstream direction is indicated by a dotted arrow in Fig. 6a. The embodiment of Fig. 6a comprises one or more detachable blocking elements 82, each of the one or more detachable blocking elements 82 being detachably receivable in a groove 52 of a receiving means 50 to block receiving of an inhaler article 10 by the receiving means 50.

Fig. 6b shows in sideview, an embodiment comprising a clipping spring mechanism 86 configured for detachably attaching individual receiving means 50 to the conveyer belt 20. The conveyer belt 20 comprises openings 88 for receiving the clipping spring mechanism 86. Fig. 6b shows, in a clockwise direction, a sequence of attaching the receiving means 50 with the clipping spring mechanism 86 onto the conveyer belt 20.

Figs. 7a to 7c schematically show, in side view, an embodiment comprising a hopper- and-dispenser 26 and receiving means 50 with grooves 52. The hopper-and-dispenser 26 is static, and the receiving means 50 are transported by the conveyer belt 20 (not shown in Figs. 7a to 7c) along the downstream direction. The downstream direction is indicated by dotted arrows in Figs. 7a to 7c.

After having passed the hopper portion (not shown), the inhaler articles 10 are provided in the dispenser portion 27 of the hopper-and-dispenser 26 for being inserted into the grooves 52 of the receiving means 50.

The geometry of the dispenser portion 27 and the grooves 52 is designed to make sure that exactly one inhaler article 10 per groove 52 is received. Figs. 7a to 7c show a sequence of the receiving means 50 moving along the downstream direction with respect to the dispenser portion 27.

Fig. 7a shows that the geometry prevents insertion of a second inhaler article 10 into a groove 52 which is already occupied by an inhaler article 10.

Fig. 7b shows, as indicated by two arrows, that a maximum distance between a bevelled surface of the dispenser portion 27 and a bevelled surface of the groove 52 is smaller than a diameter of the inhaler article 10. Thereby, the second inhaler article 10, which cannot be inserted into the already occupied groove 52 in Fig. 7b, can be moved to a next neighbouring groove 52 as shown in Fig. 7c.

Fig. 7c thus shows the correct insertion of the article 10 into the next groove 52.

Claims

1 . An apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles, the apparatus comprising: a processing line for processing inhaler articles, the processing line extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; a closing station configured for at least partly closing open ends of the inhaler articles, the closing station being positioned downstream of the upstream end of the processing line; and a conveyer belt configured for transporting the inhaler articles in a downstream direction along the processing line, the conveyer belt comprising a flat portion arranged in parallel to the downstream direction, the flat portion being configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles by the closing station in the downstream direction along the processing line.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flat portion of the conveyer belt is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles such that longitudinal axes of the inhaler articles are arranged within a horizontal plane.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flat portion of the conveyer belt is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles in a horizontal direction.

4. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyer belt comprises a plurality of receiving means, and wherein each receiving means is configured for receiving a single one of the inhaler articles.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each receiving means comprises a groove for receiving a single one of the inhaler articles.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein each receiving means comprises a vacuum channel, and wherein the vacuum channel comprises a holding portion for securely attaching the inhaler article to the receiving means.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the vacuum channel comprises a supply portion being fluidly connectable to a vacuum supply, preferably, wherein the supply portion is fluidly connectable to the vacuum supply via a one-way valve.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the vacuum channel comprises a connection portion for fluidly connecting the vacuum channel to respective connection portions of the vacuum channels of neighbouring receiving means, and wherein the connection portions of neighbouring receiving means are fluidly connectable via one-way valves.

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 8, comprising a clipping spring mechanism configured for detachably attaching individual receiving means to the conveyer belt.

10. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyer belt comprises a bent portion configured for transporting the inhaler articles around a bend, preferably wherein the conveyer belt comprises two opposing flat portions and two opposing bent portions resulting in a stadium shape-like cross-section.

11. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured for transporting the inhaler articles along the flat portion of the conveyer belt at a speed of between 200 meters per minute and 500 meters per minute.

12. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a filling station configured for inserting objects into open ends of the inhaler articles, wherein the filling station is positioned upstream of the closing station, and wherein the flat portion is configured for linearly transporting the inhaler articles by the filling station and by closing station along the processing line.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the objects are dry powder capsules.

14. A method for manufacturing inhaler articles, the method comprising providing a processing line for processing inhaler articles, the processing line extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; providing an inhaler article precursor at the upstream end, the inhaler article precursor comprising one or both of an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end; linearly transporting the inhaler article precursor in a downstream direction along the processing line; and at least partly closing at least one of the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor whilst the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported.

15. An inhaler article manufactured according to the method of claim 14.