FR3107038A1 - SELECTIVE SEALING CARTRIDGE - Google Patents

Abstract

Cartridge sealing selective Cartridges are configurable between a closed state and an open state. The cartridges include a cartridge body and a reservoir disposed within the cartridge body. The cartridge body has an external locking member, and the reservoir has a rotational locking member. In the closed state, the outer locking member engages the rotating locking member so that the reservoir cannot be rotated out of a first rotational position relative to the cartridge body in which a discharge of reservoir fluid is not in fluid communication with a fluid discharge from the cartridge body. In the open state, the outer locking member of the cartridge body does not engage the rotational locking member of the reservoir, and the reservoir is in a second rotational position relative to the cartridge body such that the fluid discharge from the reservoir is in fluid communication with the fluid discharge from the cartridge body. Figure for the abstract: none

Description

SELECTIVE SEAL CARTRIDGE

Summary

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a cartridge configurable between a closed state and an open state. The cartridge includes a cartridge body and a reservoir disposed in the cartridge body. The cartridge body has an external locking element, and the reservoir has a rotational locking element. In the closed state, the outer locking element engages the rotational locking element such that the reservoir cannot be rotated out of a first rotational position relative to the cartridge body in which a discharge of Reservoir fluid is not in fluid communication with a cartridge body fluid outlet. In the open state, the outer locking element of the cartridge body does not engage the rotational locking element of the reservoir, and the reservoir is in a second rotational position relative to the cartridge body such that the reservoir fluid delivery is in fluid communication with the cartridge body fluid delivery.

In some embodiments, the reservoir rotational locking member is configured to be moved in a releasing direction (eg, a radially inward releasing direction) to the point of disengaging the locking member in rotation of the external locking element. In some embodiments, the rotational locking element is biased to a radially outward position. In some embodiments, the reservoir rotation locking element is a finger extending in an axial direction from an outer wall of the reservoir. In some embodiments, the outer locking element is an opening through an outer wall of the cartridge body. In some embodiments, the cartridge body forms an interior channel (eg, between an outer wall and a collar of the cartridge body) configured to receive the rotational locking element of the reservoir. In some embodiments, the rotational locking element is configured to move within the interior channel during movement between the closed state and the open state. In some embodiments, a neck portion of the reservoir is disposed within a cylindrical collar of the cartridge body. In some embodiments, in the closed state, the fluid discharge from the reservoir forms a fluid tight seal with an interior surface of the cylindrical collar. In some embodiments, the fluid discharge from the reservoir is disposed on the neck portion. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a cartridge cap disposed over the cartridge body and the reservoir. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes an identifier configured to transmit formulation or cartridge information to a device. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a formulation stored in the reservoir. In some embodiments, the cartridge body includes an alignment structure (eg, a concave outer surface of the cartridge body) configured to align the cartridge with a device. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a coupling structure configured to couple with a complementary coupling structure of a device. In some embodiments, a difference between the first rotational position and the second rotational position is between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides systems including a device (eg, a nebulizer) and a cartridge configured for reversible coupling with the device. The cartridge is configurable between a closed state and an open state, and includes a cartridge body and a reservoir disposed within the cartridge body. The cartridge body has an external locking element. The reservoir is configured to store a formulation, and includes a rotation locking element. In the closed state, the outer locking element of the cartridge body engages the rotational locking element of the reservoir such that the reservoir cannot be rotated out of a first rotational position relative to the body of the cartridge. cartridge in which a reservoir fluid outlet is not in fluid communication with a cartridge body fluid outlet. In the open state, the outer locking element of the cartridge body does not engage the rotational locking element of the reservoir, and the reservoir is in a second rotational position relative to the cartridge body such that the reservoir fluid delivery is in fluid communication with the cartridge body fluid delivery.

Brief description of the various views of the drawings

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the subject matter claimed will be readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a top left perspective view of a system in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 shows a partially exploded top left perspective view of the system of Figure 1.

Figure 3A shows an exploded left elevational view of a cartridge in a closed condition in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3B shows an exploded front elevational view of the cartridge of Figure 3A.

Figure 4 shows a left side sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 3A in a closed condition.

Figure 5A shows a left side sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 3A in an open condition.

Figure 5B shows a front side cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 3A in the open state.

Figure 6A shows a schematic cartridge in a closed state, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6B shows the schematic cartridge of Figure 6A transitioning from a closed state to an open state, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6C shows the schematic cartridge of Figure 6A in the opened state, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 shows a left side elevation cross-sectional view of a system having a cartridge in a closed state, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 shows a left side elevational cross-sectional view of the system of Figure 7, in which the cartridge is in an open state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

detailed description

The present disclosure provides cartridges configured to be selectively and reversibly opened and closed. In a representative application, the inventive cartridges are part of a system configured to deliver a formulation (eg, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or dermatological formulation) as an aerosol to the skin. For example, in one embodiment, the cartridge is a consumable subassembly configured for use with a device such as a nebulizer. Representative nebulizers include those described in United States Patent Application ^No. 15/942304. However, the inventive cartridges are useful both alone and in conjunction with additional devices besides nebulizers. In some embodiments, the cartridges of the present system are adapted for other devices, for example, refillable soap/hand sanitizer/shampoo devices, flavored beverage devices, soft drink fountains, and Other Fluid Dispensing Systems.

The inventive cartridges are configured to be reversibly and selectively opened and closed (i.e., sealed), and formulation remaining in the cartridge does not leak from the cartridge when the cartridge is uncoupled from a device and/or or closed. Additionally, exposure of the formulation within the cartridge to the ambient environment is minimized or entirely prevented when the cartridge is closed, thereby preserving the formulation.

In the following description, numerous specific details are spelled out in order to provide a complete understanding of one or more embodiments of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of this disclosure. Further, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate a system 100 in accordance with a representative embodiment of the disclosure. System 100 includes a device (in this embodiment, a nebulizer 102) and a cartridge 104 that can be reversibly coupled. As used herein, cartridge 104 is reversibly coupled to nebulizer 102 when securely coupled to nebulizer 102, but can be removed without damaging nebulizer 102 or cartridge 104. Further, nebulizer 102 is configured to fluidly couple with a formulation contained within cartridge 104 such that nebulizer 102 can selectively discharge an aerosol comprising the formulation. For example, in a representative method of use, a user activates a switch 106, which activates one or more valves and circuitry of a nebulizer assembly contained within the nebulizer 102, thereby causing the nebulizer 102 to discharge an aerosol. Features of the nebulizer 102 and cartridge 104 which enable fluid coupling are described in detail below. Nebulizer 102 can be used in a system with any of the cartridges described herein.

The coordinate system 108 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 is used consistently throughout the disclosure, including to characterize cross-sectional views.

As shown in Figure 2, cartridge 104 is configured for insertion into an opening 110 of nebulizer 102. The location of opening 110 is representative. In some embodiments, aperture 110 is located on another portion of nebulizer 102. Cartridge 104 is reversibly coupled within nebulizer 102 such that it can be securely coupled to and selectively released from nebulizer 102 one or more times. To facilitate this selective coupling, exemplary cartridge 104 includes at least one coupling structure 112 disposed on an outer surface thereof. Accordingly, the nebulizer 102 includes at least one complementary coupling structure 112. In Figure 1, the coupling structures 112 include a notch and a recess. In some embodiments, nebulizer 102 and cartridge 104 include other cooperatively coupled structures, such as threads, latches, magnets, and the like. To facilitate properly aligned insertion of the cartridge104 into the nebulizer102 such that a fluid discharge116 from the cartridge104 has the correct orientation relative to the nebulizer102, the cartridge104 and nebulizer102 include complementary alignment structures114. In the representative embodiment of Figure 2, alignment structure 114 of cartridge 104 includes a concave outer surface, which is sized and dimensioned to complement a convex inner portion of nebulizer 102 (see, e.g., Figure 2). alignment structure 706 of Figure 7). In some embodiments, the alignment structures include other structures, such as track and channel, notch and recess, and/or the like.

Figures 3A-5 show different views of a representative cartridge 300 configured for selective and reversible coupling with a device, such as the nebulizer 102 in Figure 1. Cartridge 300 is configurable between an open state and a closed state. In the closed state, the cartridge 300 is configured to prevent dispensing or leakage of a formulation. In the open state, the cartridge 300 is configured to deliver the formulation, for example to a device such as the nebulizer 102 of Figure 1. To regulate the movement between the closed state and the open state, the cartridge 300 includes a rotational locking system, which is described in detail below.

Figures 3A and 3B show exploded views of cartridge 300 in a closed state. The 300 cartridge includes three main components: a 302 cartridge body, a 304 reservoir, and a 306 cartridge cap. In some embodiments, reservoir 304 and cartridge cap 306 are formed as a single component. The rotational locking system, described below, generally regulates a relative rotational movement of the reservoir304 and the cartridge cap306 about an axis308 with respect to the cartridge body302, between a first position of rotation and a second position of rotation. .

The cartridge body 302 houses and protects the reservoir 304 and the formulation stored therein, and also provides elements of the twist lock system. The cartridge body 302 has a hollow open ended shape with a first end 310 and a second end 312, the first end 310 being configured for insertion into a device before the second end 312. As used herein, the first end 310 and the second end 312 can be used to direct a description of other aspects of the cartridge 300, not just the cartridge body 302. The second end 312 is through and configured to be enclosed by a cartridge cap 306 which mates with the cartridge body 302. In some embodiments, cartridge body 302 is formed from a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like. Representative materials are resistant to fatigue fracture, have high creep strength, and have relatively high mechanical strength.

In the representative embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, cartridge body 302 is generally cylindrical to facilitate insertion into a cylindrical device (eg, nebulizer 102 of Figure 1). Accordingly, the cartridge body 302 has an annular outer wall 314. The annular outer wall 314 includes features that are part of the rotational locking system, including an outer locking element (see outer locking element 342 shown in Figure 4). In some embodiments, cartridge body 302 is of another shape, such as rectangular, conical, oval, and the like. In the representative embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, the outer wall 314 includes a concave alignment structure 316 located near the first end 310, to facilitate alignment of a fluid discharge 318 with a corresponding fluid discharge or nozzle. a device. A fluid control valve (e.g., a diaphragm-type valve, such as may be formed from silicone, rubber, or the like) is fitted into the fluid outlet 318 of the cartridge body 302. In some embodiments, alignment structure 316 is located near second end 312 or at an intermediate position along cartridge body 302. In some embodiments, the alignment structure 316 has a different shape or size than that shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

Reservoir 304 is a substantially hollow body disposed within (i.e., nested within) cartridge body 302, and is configured to store a formulation (eg, a liquid cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or dermatological formulation). Accordingly, reservoir 304 includes an outer wall 320 having a smaller diameter than outer wall 314 of cartridge body 302. In some embodiments, reservoir 304 is configured to store about 5mL to about 50mL of a liquid formulation, for example about 15mL or any other volume within that range.

The reservoir 304 includes a main portion 322 and a neck portion 324, both of which are substantially hollow, in fluid communication with each other, and are configured to store the formulation. The main portion 322 has an open ended shape which is configured to be enclosed by the cartridge cap 306. The main portion 322 also includes engagement members 326 which are configured to retain the cartridge cap 306 on the reservoir 304, and to facilitate rotation of the reservoir 304 within the cartridge body 302 by rotation of the cartridge cap 306. The neck portion 324 has a narrower diameter than the main portion 322, and is configured to fit within (and rotate within) a cylindrical collar of the cartridge body 302 (described below). The neck portion 324 includes a fluid outlet 328 which, in some embodiments, is equipped with a fluid control valve (e.g., a diaphragm-type valve, such as may be formed from silicone, rubber , or similar). In some embodiments, neck portion 324 is equipped with an optional gasket or liner 348 to form a fluid-tight seal with cartridge body 302. In the closed state, the reservoir 304 is in a first rotational position relative to the cartridge body 302 in which the fluid discharge 328 of the reservoir 304 is not in fluid communication with the fluid discharge 318 of the cartridge body 302, and therefore, no formulation can be dispensed from the 300 cartridge. In some embodiments, the fluid discharge 328 of the cartridge body 302 forms a fluid tight seal with an interior surface of the collar in the closed state. Further, in the open state, cartridge body 302 is in a second rotational position relative to reservoir 304 such that fluid outlet 328 of reservoir 304 is in fluid communication with fluid outlet 318 of cartridge body 302, such so that a formulation can be dispensed from cartridge 300. Reservoir 304 is substantially integrally formed (eg, an injection molded thermoplastic part), but may be formed from two or more parts in some embodiments.

A rotation locking element 330 is disposed on the outer wall 320 of the tank 304, and forms part of the rotation locking system. In the representative embodiment of Figures 3A-5, rotational locking member 330 is a level--in this example, a finger extending in a straight line downward and generally parallel to axis 308 (i.e., d. in an axial direction). In some embodiments, the rotational locking element 330 is a knob, bump, lever, latch, or the like. The rotational locking element 330 is configured to selectively engage an outer locking element of the cartridge body 302, as described in more detail below. For example, the rotational locking member 330 of Figures 3A-5 is configured to engage the cartridge body outer locking member 302 when the cartridge 300 is in the closed state shown. That is, the rotational locking member 330 extends straight down and into the cartridge body outer locking member 302, as described below. Further, the rotational locking element is configured to flex radially inward and disengage the outer locking element from the cartridge body when the cartridge 300 is in the open state (as shown in Figure 5), c. i.e. , when the rotational locking element 330 is moved in a release direction 332 which, in this embodiment, is radially inward and substantially perpendicular to the axis 308. Thus, when the rotational locking element 330 is moved in the release direction 332 and disengages the outer locking element, the reservoir 304 can be rotated within the cartridge body 302 between the first rotational position and the second rotational position. In some embodiments, a difference between the first rotational position and the second rotational position is about 10 degrees to about 350 degrees, or about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the difference between the first rotational position and the second rotational position is about 60 degrees, about 90 degrees, about 120 degrees, or about 180 degrees.

The cartridge cap 306 is formed of a material similar to the cartridge body 302, and encloses a number of elements within the cartridge body 302, namely the reservoir 304 and the formulation (as shown in figure 4). Cartridge cap 306 also acts as a handle configured to rotate reservoir 304 within cartridge body 302, as described below. The cartridge cap306 has an annular outer wall that fits over the second open end312 of the cartridge body302 and the reservoir304. In some embodiments, the cartridge cap 306 is configured to fit within the second through-opening end 312 of the cartridge body 302, instead of, or in addition to fitting over it. The cartridge cap 306 and reservoir 304 include complementary engagement members 326 to retain the cartridge cap 306 on the reservoir 304, and facilitate the rotation of the reservoir 304 within the cartridge body 302 by rotating the cartridge cap 306. In some embodiments, cartridge cap 306 and reservoir 304 are configured to form a permanent assembly. In some embodiments, the engagement members 326 are configured such that the cartridge cap 306 can be selectively decoupled from the reservoir 304.

Figure 4 shows a sectional view in the Y-Z plane of the cartridge 300 of figure 3A, in the closed state. As can easily be seen, the cartridge cap 306 encloses the open ends of the cartridge body 302 and the reservoir 304. Furthermore, it can be seen that reservoir 304 stores a volume of formulation 336, which is shown schematically. It is evident that the cartridge 300 is in the closed state because the wall of the neck portion 324 blocks the fluid discharge 318 from the cartridge body 302, thereby indicating that the fluid discharge 318 from the cartridge body 302 is not in fluid communication with the fluid discharge328 from tank304. In this closed state, reservoir 304 is in the first rotational position relative to cartridge body 302.

Additional features of cartridge 300 are apparent from the sectional view of Figure 4. For example, cartridge body 302 receives reservoir 304 in a nested configuration such that neck portion 324 of reservoir 304 is disposed within a cylindrical collar 338 of cartridge body 302. In the closed state, the fluid discharge328 of the cartridge body302 forms a fluid tight seal with an interior surface of the collar338. In addition, the reservoir304 fits on the second open end312 of the cartridge body302. In other words, the outer wall 320 of the reservoir 304 forms a track which receives the outer wall 314 of the cartridge body 302. Together, these features allow reservoir 304 to be rotated relative to cartridge body 302 while maintaining alignment between cartridge body 302 and reservoir 304. Further, the reservoir 304 includes a coupling structure 334 formed therein, to facilitate selective and secure coupling with a device such as the nebulizer 102 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 also shows additional features of the rotation locking system. One aspect is that the outer wall 314 and collar 338 of the cartridge body 302 form an interior channel 340 having a generally annular shape and extending around a portion of the cartridge body 302. The rotational locking element330 of the reservoir304 extends into this inner channel340 and, during rotation between the closed and open states, moves within this inner channel340 without obstruction by other aspects of the cartridge300 . The inner channel 340 determines the point to which the reservoir 304 can be rotated within the cartridge body 302, i.e., a difference between a first rotational position (closed state) and a second rotational position (open state ). In some embodiments, the difference between the first rotational position and the second rotational position is about 10 degrees to about 350 degrees, or about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the difference between the first rotational position and the second rotational position is about 60 degrees, about 90 degrees, about 120 degrees, or about 180 degrees. A stop can be located at one or more ends of the inner channel 340 to delimit this maximum angle of rotation.

Another aspect of the rotational locking system is an outer locking element 342 formed in the outer wall 314 of the cartridge body 302, near the first end 310. Generally, the outer locking member 342 is an opening, recess, stopper, or the like, which is formed in the cartridge body 302 and is configured to lockably receive the rotational locking member 330 of the cartridge body 302 in the closed state. In this representative embodiment, the outer locking element 342 is an opening formed in the outer wall 314 of the cartridge body 302. The rotational locking member 330 of the reservoir 304 is biased towards the straight downward/radially outward position shown in Fig. 4 (e.g., by its material properties), such that in the In the closed state shown, the rotational locking element 330 of the reservoir 304 extends through the outer locking element 342 of the cartridge body 302 (i.e., through the opening). In the representative non-limiting embodiment of Figures 3A-5, the rotational locking element 330 is formed of a thermoplastic polymer, the properties of which urge the rotational locking element 330 radially outward in the closed state, i.e., prevent the rotational locking member 330 from being pushed radially inward. Accordingly, the edges of the outer locking element 342 form abutments which block rotational movement of the rotational locking element 330 as long as it passes through it, thereby preventing rotational movement of the reservoir 304 relative to the body of the cartridge302. In some embodiments, the outer locking member 342 of the reservoir 304 may not be an opening, but instead is a stopper, shoulder(s), recess, or the like integrally formed with the outer wall 314 of the body. of cartridge 302 (for example an inner surface 344 of the outer wall 314). It is advantageous, however, for the outer locking member 342 to be formed as an aperture, because an external device (such as a nebulizer release member 102 of Figure 1) may extend through the aperture to move the member. rotation lock 330 out of the closed state. This functionality is described below with respect to Figure 7 and Figure 8.

Another aspect of the cartridge300 is the optional identifier346 located in the outer wall314 of the cartridge body302 near its first end310. The identifier 346 is configured to transmit information to a device (for example the nebulizer 102) on the formulation 336 stored within the cartridge 300. In figure 4, the identifier346 is an electronic component configured to output information relating to the formulation336, such as: the type of formulation, the date of manufacture, the expiry date, the volume of aerosol dispensing, and similar. In some embodiments, the identifier346 is a mechanical identifier having one or more mechanical features (e.g., one or more fingers or one or more bulging portions) that correspond to the formulation information336. For example, in some embodiments, a device includes one or more switches configured to receive the identifier346 and determine formulation information336 based on the one or more mechanical features. In some embodiments, the identifier 346 is located on another part of the cartridge 300, for example near its second end 312 or in the cartridge cap 306.

Figure 5A and Figure 5B show sectional views of the cartridge 300 of Figure 3A, in the open state, after the reservoir 304 has been rotated relative to the cartridge body 302 from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, by example in a sequence shown and described with respect to Figures 6A to 6C. To illustrate different aspects of cartridge 300, Figure 5A is taken in the Y-Z plane, while Figure 5B is taken in the X-Y plane. It is evident that the cartridge 300 is in the open state because the fluid discharge 318 of the cartridge body 302 is aligned and in fluid communication with the fluid discharge 328 of the reservoir 304, thus allowing the formulation 336 to exit the cartridge 300.

Taken together, Figure 5A and Figure 5B illustrate differences between the closed state and the open state. Referring to Figure 5A, it can be seen that the rotational locking element 330 of the reservoir 304 no longer extends through the outer locking element 342 of the cartridge body 302. The reason is that the rotational locking element 330 has been moved out of the way of the external locking element 342 and then rotated relative to the latter. Indeed, Figure 5B shows that the rotational locking element 330 is located at a circumferentially distant location within the inner channel 340. In the representative embodiment shown, the rotational locking element 330 bears against the inner surface 344 of the cartridge body 302, as it is biased toward the radially outward position shown in Figure 4. In some embodiments, the radially outward biasing force of the rotational locking member 330 is tuned to create a particular resistance and "feel" when moving the cartridge 300 between the closed state and the closed state. open. In some embodiments, the rotational locking element 330 does not contact the inner surface 344 of the cartridge body 302. Figure 5B also shows a shoulder 350 integrally formed with the cartridge body 302, which limits rotational movement of the rotational locking element 330 within the interior channel 340. In some embodiments, the shoulder 350 is part of the outer locking element 342.

Figures 6A through 6C show a schematic and method of transitioning the cartridge 300 from the closed state to the open state.

Figure 6A shows the cartridge 300 in the closed state (i.e., in the first rotational position relative to the cartridge body 302), in which no formulation can be dispensed from it. The closed state is evidenced by two characteristics. First, the fluid discharge318 of the cartridge body302 is not in alignment, or in fluid communication, with the fluid discharge328 of the reservoir304. Second, the external locking element 342 of the cartridge body 302 engages the rotational locking element 330 of the cartridge body 302, thereby preventing relative rotation of the cartridge body 302 and the reservoir 304.

Figure 6B shows activation of the rotational locking element 330 by a radially inward force F, which moves the rotational locking element 330 in a radially inward releasing direction such that it disengages the external locking element342. When the rotational locking element 330 disengages the outer locking element 342, the reservoir 304 can be rotated relative to the cartridge body 302. In embodiments where the outer locking member 342 is biased toward the radially outward position, rotation must be initiated while the radially inward force F is applied to the rotational locking member 330 and must be continued until the rotational locking element 330 is disengaged from the outer locking element 342 in the circumferential direction.

Figure 6C shows cartridge 300 in the open state (i.e., in the second rotational position relative to cartridge body 302), after cartridge body 302 has been rotated relative to reservoir 304 such that the fluid discharge 318 is aligned, and in fluid communication, with the fluid discharge 328. In this position, the rotational locking element 330 is located at a location circumferentially distant from the rotational locking element 330.

Figures 7 and 8 show cross-sectional views of the cartridge 300 of Figures 3A-5B coupled to a portion of a device (in this representative embodiment, a nebulizer 702 which is similar to the nebulizer 102 of Figure 1). In Figure 7, cartridge 300 is in the closed state. In Figure 8, cartridge 300 is in the open state. The nebulizer 702 includes a nebulizer assembly 704 that forms a reversible fluidic connection with the cartridge 300 such that when the cartridge 300 is in the open state, the nebulizer assembly 704 is configured to receive the formulation 336 from the cartridge 300 and discharge it as of aerosol from a nozzle708. In some embodiments, nebulizer 702 includes at least some features of nebulizer 102 of Figure 1. Nebulizer assembly 704 may be an electromechanical assembly having circuitry that is electrically connected to a power source.

Referring to Figure 7, cartridge 300 is reversibly and selectively coupled within a hollow cavity of nebulizer 702. The coupling structure 334 of the cartridge 300 engages a complementary coupling structure of the nebulizer 702. Likewise, the concave alignment structure 316 of the cartridge 300 is positioned adjacent to a complementary alignment structure 706 of the nebulizer 702, to facilitate alignment and fluid communication between the fluid discharges of the cartridge 300 with the nebulizer assembly 704 when the cartridge 300 is in the open state. The alignment structure 316 also keeps the cartridge body 302 stationary with respect to the nebulizer 702, such that the cartridge 300 can be moved between the closed state and the open state by rotation of the cartridge cap 306.

The nebulizer 702 includes an unlocking member 710 which is configured to disengage the rotation locking element 330 of the reservoir 304 from the external locking element 342 of the cartridge body 302. In the representative embodiment of Figure 7, the unlocking member 710 is a notch having a sloping tip. When the cartridge 300 is fully inserted into the nebulizer 702, the release member 710 extends through the outer locking member 342 of the cartridge body 302 (i.e., through the opening), and displaces the rotational locking element 330 in a radially inward releasing direction (due to its sloping tip) until the rotational locking element 330 disengages the outer locking element 342. Thus, as long as the cartridge 300 remains fully engaged in the nebulizer 702, the rotation locking element 330 is released from the external locking element 342 (by the unlocking member 710) and the cartridge 300 can be moved between the closed state and the open state. In some embodiments, the release member 710 is a probe, lever, or similar mechanical element configured to rotate the locking member 330 in the release direction. In some embodiments, the unlocking member 710 is a magnet or an electronic component configured to act on the rotating locking element 330 electronically.

Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7, except that the cartridge 300 is in the open condition, which is evident because the fluid delivery 328 from the reservoir 304, the fluid delivery 318 from the cartridge body 302, and the nozzle 708 are all aligned and in fluid communication. Cartridge 300 was moved from the closed state to the open state by a sequence as shown in Figures 6A through 6C. It can be seen that the rotational locking element 330 does not extend through the outer locking element 342 (i.e., the opening) of the cartridge body 302. It can also be seen that the unlocking member 710 of the nebulizer 702 is no longer in contact with the rotation locking element 330. In effect, the rotational locking element 330 has been rotated within the interior channel 340 of the cartridge body 302 to a circumferentially distant location. In this open state, the nebulizer 702 can withdraw the formulation 336 from the cartridge 300 and dispense an aerosol.

Thus, the cartridges of the present disclosure advantageously provide selective and reversible coupling with devices such as nebulizers, and further provide selective opening and closing, and thereby allow secure storage of formulations stored therein.

Embodiments disclosed herein may use circuitry to implement technologies and methodologies described herein, operatively connect two or more components, generate information, determine operating conditions, control an apparatus, device, or process , and/or the like. Circuitry of any type can be used. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes, among other things, one or more computing devices such as a processor (eg, microprocessor), central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), integrated circuit application-specific array (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, or any combination thereof, and may include discrete digital or analog circuit elements, or electronics, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more ASICs having a plurality of predefined logic components. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more FPGAs having a plurality of programmable logic components. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes hardware circuit implementations (eg, analog circuitry implementations, digital circuitry implementations, and the like, and combinations thereof). In one embodiment, the circuitry includes combinations of circuits and computer program products having software or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer-readable memories that cooperate to cause a device to perform one or more methodologies or technologies described here. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes circuits, such as, for example, microprocessors or microprocessor portions, which require software, firmware, and the like to operate. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes an implementation comprising one or more processors or portions thereof and related software, firmware, hardware, and the like. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit or similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, other network device, or other device computer science. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more remotely located components. In one embodiment, the remotely located components are operatively connected via wireless communication. In one embodiment, the remotely located components are operatively connected through one or more receivers, transmitters, transceivers, or the like.

One embodiment includes one or more data stores that, for example, store instructions or data. Non-limiting examples of the one or more data stores include volatile memory (eg, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or the like), non-volatile memory (eg, ROM (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or the like), persistent memory, or the like. Additional non-limiting examples of the one or more data stores include erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or the like. The one or more data stores may be connected, for example, to one or more computing devices by one or more instructions, data, or power buses.

In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more computer-readable media readers, connector interfaces, universal serial bus (USB) ports, memory card ports, or the like, and one or more input/output components such as as, for example, a graphical user interface, display, keyboard, numeric keypad, trackball, joystick, touchscreen, mouse, switch, dial, or the like, and any other device peripheral. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more user input/output components that are operatively connected to at least one computing device for controlling (electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented, firmware-implemented, or other , or combinations thereof) one or more aspects of the embodiment.

In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a computer-readable media reader or memory port configured to accept a signal medium (e.g., computer-readable memory media, computer-readable recording media, or similar). In one embodiment, a program for causing a system to perform any of the disclosed methods may be stored on, for example, a computer readable recording medium (CRMM), signal medium, or the like. . Non-limiting examples of signal media include recordable type media such as any form of flash memory, magnetic tape, floppy disk, hard disk drive, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), Blu-Ray, digital tape, computer memory, or the like, and a transmission-type medium such as a digital and/or analog communication medium (e.g., fiber optic cable, wave, a wired communication link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transceiver, transmit logic, receive logic, etc.) Additional non-limiting examples of signal carriers include, without limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-ROM, Super Audio CD, CD‑R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD -RW, Video CD, Super Video CD, flash memory, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disc, MiniDisc, non-volatile memory card, EEPROM, optical disc, optical storage, RAM, ROM, system memory, web server, or similar.

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like elements, is intended to be a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only modes of achievement. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely by way of example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any step described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, to achieve the same or substantially similar result. Generally, the embodiments disclosed herein are non-limiting, and the inventors contemplate that other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include structures and functionality for more than one specific embodiment shown in the figures. and described in the memoir.

In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a complete understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein can be practiced without incorporating all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of this disclosure. Further, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

This application may include references to directions, such as "vertical", "horizontal", "forward", "rear", "left", "right", "up" and "down", etc. These references, and other similar references in this application, are intended to aid in describing and understanding the particular embodiment (such as when the embodiment is positioned for use) and are not intended to limit this disclosure to these directions or locations.

This application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless specifically specified, these quantities and numbers should not be considered limiting, but exemplify possible quantities or numbers associated with this application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or a number. In this regard, the term "plurality" is assumed to be any number that is greater than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The term “about”, “approximately”, etc., means plus or minus 5% of the specified value. The expression “based on” means “based at least partially on”.

The principles, representative embodiments and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the preceding description. Nevertheless, aspects of this disclosure, which are intended to be protected, should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be appreciated that variations and changes may be practiced by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly understood that all such variations, changes, and equivalents are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as claimed.

Claims (10)

Cartridge configurable between a closed state and an open state, the cartridge comprising:
a cartridge body having an outer locking member disposed thereon; And
a reservoir disposed within the cartridge body and configured to store a formulation, the reservoir having a rotation locking member disposed thereon;
wherein, in the closed state, the outer locking member of the cartridge body engages the rotational locking member of the reservoir such that the reservoir cannot be rotated out of a first relative rotational position to the cartridge body in which a fluid discharge from the reservoir is not in fluid communication with a fluid discharge from the cartridge body,
wherein, in the open state, the outer locking member of the cartridge body does not engage the rotational locking member of the reservoir, and the reservoir is in a second rotational position relative to the cartridge body of such that the reservoir fluid discharge is in fluid communication with the cartridge body fluid discharge. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir rotational locking member is configured to be moved in a releasing direction to the point of disengaging the rotational locking member from the outer locking member. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir rotation locking element is a finger extending in an axial direction from an outer wall of the reservoir. A cartridge according to claim 1, in which the cartridge body forms an interior channel configured to receive the rotational locking element of the reservoir. A cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a cartridge cap disposed on the cartridge body and the reservoir. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes an identifier configured to convey formulation or cartridge information to a device. A cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising the formulation stored in the reservoir. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge body includes an alignment structure configured to align the cartridge with a device. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir includes a coupling structure configured to couple to a complementary coupling structure of a device. System, comprising: a device; and a cartridge configured for reversible coupling with the device, the cartridge being configurable between a closed state and an open state, the cartridge comprising:
a cartridge body having an outer locking member disposed thereon; And
a reservoir disposed in the cartridge body and being configured to store a formulation, the reservoir having a rotation locking element disposed thereon;
wherein, in the closed state, the outer locking member of the cartridge body engages the rotational locking member of the reservoir such that the reservoir cannot be rotated out of a first relative rotational position to the cartridge body in which a fluid discharge from the reservoir is not in fluid communication with a fluid discharge from the cartridge body,
wherein, in the open state, the outer locking member of the cartridge body does not engage the rotational locking member of the reservoir, and the reservoir is in a second rotational position relative to the cartridge body of such that the reservoir fluid discharge is in fluid communication with the cartridge body fluid discharge.