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WO2025068031A1 - Appareil et procédé de récupération de pièces d'article inhalateur - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé de récupération de pièces d'article inhalateur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2025068031A1
WO2025068031A1 PCT/EP2024/076310 EP2024076310W WO2025068031A1 WO 2025068031 A1 WO2025068031 A1 WO 2025068031A1 EP 2024076310 W EP2024076310 W EP 2024076310W WO 2025068031 A1 WO2025068031 A1 WO 2025068031A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
article
inhaler
recovery station
rotating drum
dry powder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2024/076310
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ivan Prestia
Valerio D'AMBROGI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Philip Morris Products SA
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products SA filed Critical Philip Morris Products SA
Publication of WO2025068031A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025068031A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/06—Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F42/00—Simulated smoking devices other than electrically operated; Component parts thereof; Manufacture or testing thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0028—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up
    • A61M15/003—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up using capsules, e.g. to be perforated or broken-up
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0028—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up
    • A61M15/0045—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up using multiple prepacked dosages on a same carrier, e.g. blisters
    • A61M15/0053—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up using multiple prepacked dosages on a same carrier, e.g. blisters characterized by the type or way of disposal
    • A61M15/006—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up using multiple prepacked dosages on a same carrier, e.g. blisters characterized by the type or way of disposal the used dosages being discarded out of the inhaler's housing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/36—Removing papers or other parts from defective cigarettes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F42/00—Simulated smoking devices other than electrically operated; Component parts thereof; Manufacture or testing thereof
    • A24F42/20—Devices without heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F42/00—Simulated smoking devices other than electrically operated; Component parts thereof; Manufacture or testing thereof
    • A24F42/80—Manufacture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/10—General characteristics of the apparatus with powered movement mechanisms
    • A61M2205/103—General characteristics of the apparatus with powered movement mechanisms rotating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/10—General characteristics of the apparatus with powered movement mechanisms
    • A61M2205/106—General characteristics of the apparatus with powered movement mechanisms reciprocating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3306—Optical measuring means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2207/00—Methods of manufacture, assembly or production
    • A61M2207/10—Device therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
    • A61M2209/04—Tools for specific apparatus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an object recovery station for an apparatus for processing inhaler articles.
  • the present invention further relates to an apparatus for processing inhaler articles.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for processing inhaler articles.
  • Inhaler articles are known in the art, for example dry powder inhalers.
  • an object such as a dry powder capsule
  • the open distal end is at least partly closed, for example by folding the distal end of the tubular element inwardly.
  • the object may be securely retained within the article.
  • a semi-finished or finished inhaler article shows a defect and therefore is to be rejected. It may then be desired to recycle parts of the defective article, for example parts which are potentially reusable such as an intact powder capsule contained in the tubular element of the defective article.
  • an object recovery station for an apparatus for processing inhaler articles.
  • the object recovery station may comprise an article holder means for holding an inhaler article.
  • the object recovery station may comprise an object ejecting means configured for ejecting an object out of a tubular element of the inhaler article.
  • an object recovery station for an apparatus for processing inhaler articles.
  • the object recovery station comprises an article holder means for holding an inhaler article.
  • the object recovery station comprises an object ejecting means configured for ejecting an object out of a tubular element of the inhaler article.
  • An apparatus and a method for processing inhaler articles with reduced waste may be provided.
  • An apparatus and a method for processing inhaler articles which allow to recover an object contained in a semi-finished or finished inhaler article may be provided.
  • An apparatus and a method for processing inhaler articles which allow to recover an intact object contained in a semi-finished or finished inhaler article without damaging the object may be provided.
  • An apparatus and a method for processing inhaler articles which allow to recover an intact object contained in a semi-finished or finished inhaler article without or with only little damaging of the remainder of the inhaler article may be provided.
  • An apparatus and a method for processing inhaler articles which allow to recover an intact object contained in a semi-finished or finished inhaler article at sufficiently high speed may be provided.
  • the object ejecting means may be configured for ejecting a capsule out of the tubular element of the inhaler article.
  • the object ejecting means may be configured for ejecting a dry powder capsule out of the tubular element of the inhaler article.
  • the object ejecting means may be configured for pushing the object out of the tubular element.
  • the object ejecting means may be configured for pushing the object out of the tubular element such that the object exits the inhaler article out of a distal end of the article.
  • Pushing the object out of the distal end may reduce the risk of damaging the object. It may thereby be avoided to push the object through a mouthpiece element, for example a filter plug, located at the proximal end of the inhaler article.
  • a mouthpiece filter may be firmly held in position by an outer wrapper such that more ejection force might be required to push the object out of the proximal end.
  • the object ejecting means may comprise a plunger configured for pushing the object out of the tubular element.
  • a tip of the plunger may be configured for being inserted into the tubular element of the inhaler article.
  • the tip of the plunger may be configured not to exceed 2 millimeters in diameter in a direction orthogonal to an insertion direction.
  • the tip of the plunger may be configured to be between 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters in diameter in a direction orthogonal to an insertion direction.
  • the tip may be thin enough t be insertable into an open center at the proximal end of the inhaler article.
  • the tip of the plunger may be thick enough not to exert excessive pressure onto the object.
  • An end face of the plunger configured for contacting the object may comprise a concave indentation. Thereby, the pressure exerted onto the object may be reduced.
  • the object ejecting means may be configured for applying a force of less than 110 Newtons, preferably less than 100 Newtons, more preferably less than 80 Newtons, more preferably less than 50 Newtons, more preferably less than 30 Newtons, more preferably less than 20 Newtons, more preferably less than 15 Newtons onto the object when pushing the object to eject the object from the tubular element.
  • the object ejecting means may comprise means for positioning the plunger such that it may be pushed precisely into the center of the proximal end of the article.
  • the object ejecting means may comprise means for positioning the plunger such that it may be pushed precisely along the longitudinal central axis of the article.
  • the means for positioning the plunger may comprise one or more of a controller and a servo motor.
  • the object ejecting means may comprise an inner air channel configured for applying compressed air onto the object. Thereby, the object may be more gently ejected.
  • the apparatus may easily be adapted for ejecting different objects from different inhaler articles which may require different ejection forces.
  • the article holder means may comprise one or more rotating drums.
  • the article holder means may comprise an upstream rotating drum.
  • the upstream rotating drum may be arranged upstream of the object ejecting means.
  • the upstream rotating drum may comprise a plurality recesses.
  • the recesses may be arranged circumferentially around a rotational axis of the upstream rotating drum.
  • Each recess may be configured for receiving a single inhaler article such that a longitudinal axis of the inhaler article received in the recess is arranged in parallel to a rotational axis of the upstream rotating drum.
  • the article holder means may comprise a vacuum system configured for adhering the inhaler articles within the recesses.
  • the vacuum system may comprise a vacuum source and a fixed shell.
  • the fixed shell may be fixed with respect to the rotational movement of the upstream rotating drum.
  • the fixed shell may extend over less than a complete turn of the upstream rotating drum.
  • the fixed shell may be configured for selectively providing a fluid connection between the vacuum channels of the recesses and the vacuum source in dependence of a rotational position of a respective recess.
  • the vacuum source may comprise a vacuum pump or low-pressure reservoir to generate a pressure which is lower than ambient pressure.
  • the upstream rotating drum may comprise a plurality of removably attached first shell halves.
  • the first shell halves may be arranged circumferentially around the rotational axis of the upstream rotating drum.
  • the recesses may be provided in the first shell halves such that each first shell half comprises one recess.
  • the article holder means may comprise a downstream rotating drum.
  • the downstream rotating drum may be arranged directly downstream of the upstream rotating drum.
  • the downstream rotating drum may comprise a plurality of removably attached second shell halves.
  • the second shell halves may be arranged circumferentially around a rotational axis of the downstream rotating drum.
  • the removable first and second shell halves may be configured such that a first shell half may be attached onto a second shell half to firmly hold an inhaler article received in the recess of the first shell half between the respective first and second shells halves.
  • the first and second shell halves, together, may form an auto-coupling fixture.
  • the auto-coupling fixture may firmly hold the inhaler article between the two shell halves. Once the auto-coupling fixture is formed, the first shell half may be released from the upstream rotating drum such that the auto-coupling fixture holding the inhaler article between the two shell halves may be transported on the downstream rotating drum.
  • the object recovery station may be configured such that the object is ejected from the inhaler article when the inhaler article is received between the first and second shell halves.
  • the first shell half may be attached onto the second shell half by means of a magnetic coupling, preferably an electromagnetic coupling.
  • the magnetic coupling may be established by means of magnets of opposing polarity placed within each shell half.
  • the magnets are electromagnets that can be turned on when the coupling is to be established and turned off when the two shell halves are to be decoupled.
  • the object recovery station may comprise an auto-locking mechanism configured for releasably attaching the removable first and second shell halves on the respective drum in dependence of a rotational position of the respective removable shell half on the respective drum.
  • the auto-locking mechanism may be a mechanical locking mechanism.
  • the mechanical locking mechanism may comprise one or more of engagement pins, hooks, or latches.
  • the auto-locking mechanism may include a pneumatic or hydraulic clamping, a spring- loaded mechanism, or vacuum.
  • the auto-locking mechanism may comprise magnetic locking means.
  • the auto-locking mechanism may include magnetic engagement, preferably using electromagnetism which can couple the rotating drum to a corresponding magnet in the respective shell half.
  • the auto-locking mechanism design may be configured to be sufficiently strong to overcome the forces exerted on the shell during rotation.
  • the auto-locking mechanism may be configured to be capable of supporting approximately 1600 Newtons.
  • the auto-locking mechanism may be configured to be capable of supporting approximately 170 kilograms.
  • the auto-locking mechanism may be configured such that the coupling can withstand forces of between 20 and 4000 Newtons, preferably between 30 and 2500 Newtons.
  • the object recovery station may comprise an article opening means for opening an at least partly closed end of the inhaler article before ejecting the object from the tubular element via said end of the article.
  • the article opening means may comprise a cutting tool configured to cut open an at least partly closed end of the inhaler article before ejecting the object.
  • the article opening means may comprise a knife element configured to cut open an at least partly closed end of the inhaler article before ejecting the object.
  • the knife element may comprise a rotating knife.
  • the knife element may be a tobacco cutting knives as those known in the art for cutting cigarette filter rods into tips.
  • a knife element or other cutting tool may be beneficial to add to open the closed end in order to be able to eject the object without damage.
  • the object ejecting means may be configured to eject the object from the tubular element by applying compressed air to the object. This may reduce a risk of damaging the object.
  • the object recovery station may comprise at least two object ejecting means arranged on opposing sides of the article holder means.
  • the object recovery station may be configured such that the inhaler articles are provided to the object recovery station in a random orientation. For example, there may be two random orientations for the distal end.
  • the object recovery station may comprise a sensor for detecting an orientation of the inhaler article received by the article holder means.
  • the sensor may be an optical sensor.
  • the sensor may be adapted to analyse the orientation of the inhaler article at high speed.
  • the sensor may be laser-based.
  • the sensor may comprise a photodiode.
  • the sensor may comprise a high-speed vision system.
  • the sensor may comprise a fibre optic.
  • the object recovery station may comprise two opposing object ejecting means.
  • the object recovery station may be configured to decide which of the two opposing object ejecting means to be used for ejecting the object from the tubular element based on an information received from the sensor.
  • an apparatus for processing inhaler articles comprises an object recovery station as disclosed herein.
  • the apparatus may be an apparatus for processing inhaler articles.
  • the apparatus may be an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles.
  • the apparatus may comprise a feed hopper for supplying inhaler articles.
  • the feed hopper may be arranged upstream of the object recovery station.
  • the feed hopper may be angled in order to reduce the risk of sticks becoming clogged within the hopper feed system.
  • a method for recovering an object from an inhaler article comprises providing an inhaler article comprising a tubular element and an object received within the tubular element.
  • the method comprises ejecting the object out of the tubular element.
  • the step of ejecting the object out of the tubular element may comprise, providing an object recovery station as disclosed herein and ejecting the object out of the tubular element by the object recovery station.
  • the step of ejecting the object out of the tubular element may comprise pushing the object out of the tubular element.
  • upstream or downstream
  • downstream reference is herein made to the processing direction of the inhaler articles.
  • the articles are processed or transported in a downstream direction from the upstream end towards the downstream end of the processing line.
  • the objects may be capsules, preferably dry powder capsules.
  • the inhaler article processed 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • flavour 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 processed 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.
  • 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.
  • Example E1 An object recovery station for an apparatus for processing inhaler articles, the object recovery station comprising an article holder means for holding an inhaler article; and an object ejecting means configured for ejecting an object out of a tubular element of the inhaler article.
  • Example E2 The object recovery station according to Example E1 , wherein the object ejecting means is configured for ejecting a capsule out of the tubular element of the inhaler article, preferably a dry powder capsule.
  • Example E3 The object recovery station according to Example E1 or Example E2, wherein the object ejecting means is configured for pushing the object out of the tubular element, preferably wherein the object ejecting means is configured for pushing the object out of the tubular element such that the object exits the inhaler article out of a distal end of the article.
  • Example E4 The object recovery station according to Example E3, wherein the object ejecting means comprises a plunger configured for pushing the object out of the tubular element.
  • Example E5 The object recovery station according to Example E4, wherein a tip of the plunger configured for being inserted into the tubular element of the inhaler article does not exceed 2 millimeters in diameter in a direction orthogonal to an insertion direction.
  • Example E6 The object recovery station according to Example E4 or Example E5, wherein an end face of the plunger configured for contacting the object comprises a concave indentation.
  • Example E7 The object recovery station according to any of Examples E3 to E6, wherein the object ejecting means is configured for applying a force of less than 110 Newtons, preferably less than 100 Newtons, more preferably less than 80 Newtons, more preferably less than 50 Newtons, more preferably less than 30 Newtons, more preferably less than 20 Newtons, more preferably less than 15 Newtons onto the object when pushing the object to eject the object from the tubular element.
  • the object ejecting means is configured for applying a force of less than 110 Newtons, preferably less than 100 Newtons, more preferably less than 80 Newtons, more preferably less than 50 Newtons, more preferably less than 30 Newtons, more preferably less than 20 Newtons, more preferably less than 15 Newtons onto the object when pushing the object to eject the object from the tubular element.
  • Example E8 The object recovery station according to any of Examples E3 to E7, wherein the object ejecting means comprises an inner air channel configured for applying compressed air onto the object.
  • Example E9 The object recovery station according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the article holder means comprises one or more rotating drums.
  • Example E10 The object recovery station according to Example E9, wherein the article holder means comprises an upstream rotating drum, preferably wherein the upstream rotating drum is arranged upstream of the object ejecting means.
  • Example E11 The object recovery station according to Example E10, wherein the upstream rotating drum comprises a plurality recesses, wherein the recesses are arranged circumferentially around a rotational axis of the upstream rotating drum, and wherein each recess is configured for receiving a single inhaler article such that a longitudinal axis of the inhaler article received in the recess is arranged in parallel to a rotational axis of the upstream rotating drum.
  • Example E12 The object recovery station according to Example E11 , wherein the article holder means comprises a vacuum system configured for adhering the inhaler articles within the recesses.
  • Example E13 The object recovery station according to Example E12, wherein the vacuum system comprises a vacuum source and a fixed shell, wherein the fixed shell is fixed with respect to the rotational movement of the upstream rotating drum, wherein the fixed shell extends over less than a complete turn of the upstream rotating drum, and wherein the fixed shell is configured for selectively providing a fluid connection between the vacuum channels of the recesses and the vacuum source in dependence of a rotational position of a respective recess.
  • Example E14 The object recovery station according to any of Examples E11 to E13, wherein the upstream rotating drum comprises a plurality of removably attached first shell halves, wherein the first shell halves are arranged circumferentially around the rotational axis of the upstream rotating drum, and wherein the recesses are provided in the first shell halves such that each first shell half comprises one recess.
  • Example E15 The object recovery station according to Example E14, wherein the article holder means comprises a downstream rotating drum arranged directly downstream of the upstream rotating drum, wherein the downstream rotating drum comprises a plurality of removably attached second shell halves, wherein the second shell halves are arranged circumferentially around a rotational axis of the downstream rotating drum, and wherein the removable first and second shell halves are configured such that a first shell half may be attached onto a second shell half to firmly hold an inhaler article received in the recess of the first shell half between the respective first and second shells halves.
  • Example E16 The object recovery station according to Example E15, wherein the first shell half is attached onto the second shell half by means of a magnetic coupling.
  • Example E17 The object recovery station according to Example E15 or Example E16, comprising an auto-locking mechanism configured for releasably attaching the removable first and second shell halves on the respective drum in dependence of a rotational position of the respective removable shell half on the respective drum.
  • Example E18 The object recovery station according to Example E17, wherein the auto-locking mechanism comprises magnetic locking means.
  • Example E19 The object recovery station according to any of the preceding examples, comprising an article opening means for opening an at least partly closed end of the inhaler article before ejecting the object from the tubular element via said end of the article.
  • Example E20 The object recovery station according to Example E19, wherein the article opening means comprises a knife element configured to cut open an at least partly closed end of the inhaler article before ejecting the object.
  • the article opening means comprises a knife element configured to cut open an at least partly closed end of the inhaler article before ejecting the object.
  • Example E21 The object recovery station according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the object ejecting means is configured to eject the object from the tubular element by applying compressed air to the object.
  • Example E22 The object recovery station according to any of the preceding examples, comprising at least two object ejecting means arranged on opposing sides of the article holder means.
  • Example E23 The object recovery station according to any of the preceding examples, comprising a sensor, preferably an optical sensor, for detecting an orientation of the inhaler article received by the article holder means.
  • Example E24 The object recovery station according to a combination of Example E22 and Example E23, wherein the object recovery station is configured to decide which of the two opposing object ejecting means to be used for ejecting the object from the tubular element based on an information received from the sensor.
  • Example E25 An apparatus for processing inhaler articles, the apparatus comprising an object recovery station according to any of the preceding examples.
  • Example E26 The apparatus for processing inhaler articles according to Example E25, wherein the apparatus is an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles.
  • Example E27 The apparatus according to Example E25 or Example E26, comprising a feed hopper for supplying inhaler articles, the feed hopper being arranged upstream of the object recovery station.
  • Example E28 A method for recovering an object from an inhaler article, the method comprising providing an inhaler article comprising a tubular element and an object received within the tubular element, and ejecting the object out of the tubular element.
  • Example E29 The method according to Example E28, wherein the step of ejecting the object out of the tubular element comprises, providing an object recovery station according to any of Examples E1 to E24, and ejecting the object out of the tubular element by the object recovery station.
  • Example E30 The method according to Example E28 or Example E29, wherein the step of ejecting the object out of the tubular element comprises, pushing the object out of the tubular element.
  • Figs. 1a to 1c show an inhaler article
  • Figs. 2a and 2b show an object recovery station
  • Figs. 3a and 3b show a plunger of an object recovery station
  • Figs. 4a and 4b show a recess for holding an inhaler article
  • Figs. 5a and 5b show a vacuum system of an object recovery station
  • Fig. 6 shows an object recovery station
  • Figs. 7a and 7b show inhaler article receiving means.
  • Figs. 1a to 1c show an inhaler article 10 suitable for use with the object recovery station of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1a shows the inhaler article 10 in a cross-sectional view.
  • the inhaler article 10 comprises a closed distal end 12 in form of a flanged front plug.
  • Fig. 1b shows an end view onto the flanged front plug at the distal end 12.
  • the inhaler article 10 comprises an outer wrapper 14.
  • the inhaler article 10 comprises a retention plug 16.
  • An inner diameter of the hollow tubular retention plug 16 may be about 2 millimeters.
  • the inhaler article 10 comprises a tipping paper 18.
  • the inhaler article 10 comprises a proximal end 20 in form of a curled mouth plug.
  • Fig. 1c shows an end view onto the curled mouth plug at the proximal end 20.
  • a diameter “d” of a center opening at the proximal end 20 may be about 2 millimeters.
  • the inhaler article 10 further comprises a tubular element 22.
  • the tubular element 22 hold an object 24, for example a capsule 24, preferably a dry powder capsule 24.
  • the inhaler article 10 extends along a longitudinal central axis 26 between the front plug at the distal end 12 and the mouth plug at the proximal end 20 of the inhaler article 10.
  • Figs. 2a and 2b schematically show an object recovery station for an apparatus for processing inhaler articles 10.
  • the object recovery station comprises an article holder means for holding the inhaler articles 10.
  • the article holder means comprises a rotating drum 30 holding the inhaler articles 10.
  • the rotating direction of the rotating drum 30 is indicated by a curved arrow in Figs. 2a and 2b.
  • the object recovery station comprises an object ejecting means.
  • the object ejecting means is configured for ejecting the object 24, preferably the capsule 24, out of the tubular element 22 of the inhaler article 10.
  • the object ejecting means is configured for pushing the object 24 out of the tubular element 22 such that the object 24 exits the inhaler article 10 out of the distal end 12 of the article 10.
  • the object ejecting means comprises a plunger 80 configured for pushing the object 24 out of the tubular element 22.
  • the object recovery station comprises two plungers 80 arranged on opposing sides of the rotating drum 30.
  • the object recovery station comprises at least one optical sensor 90 for detecting an orientation of the inhaler article 10 received by the article holder means.
  • the object recovery station is configured to decide which of the two opposing plungers 80 to be used for ejecting the object 24 from the tubular element 22 based on an information received from the sensor 90.
  • Fig. 2a shows the pushing movement of the plungers 80 .
  • Fig. 2b shows the plungers 80 having moved into the inhaler articles 10 via their proximal ends 20 to push the objects 24 out of the distal ends 12 of the inhaler articles 10.
  • the object recovery station may comprise an article opening means for opening the closed distal end 12 of the inhaler article 10 before ejecting the object 24 from the tubular element 22 via said distal end 12 of the article 10.
  • the article opening means may comprise a knife element 92 configured to cut open the closed distal end 12 of the inhaler article 10 before ejecting the object 24.
  • the object recovery station may comprise one or more further rotating drums located upstream of the rotating drum 30 and being configured for transporting the inhaler articles 10 to the rotating drum 30.
  • the object recovery station may comprise one or more further rotating drums located downstream of the rotating drum 30 and being configured for transporting the inhaler articles 10 away from the rotating drum 30.
  • Fig. 3a shows how the plunger 80 pushes the capsule 24 out of the inhaler article 10 of Fig. 1.
  • a tip of the plunger 80 is inserted into the tubular element 22 of the inhaler article 10 via its proximal end 20 along an insertion direction which matches the longitudinal central axis 26 of the inhaler article 10.
  • the tip of the plunger 80 does not exceed 2 millimeters in diameter in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.
  • the tip of the plunger 80 can easily enter via the 2 millimeter hole of the curled mouth plug at the proximal end 20 and can further travel through the 2 millimeter hole of the tubular retention plug 16.
  • Fig. 3b shows an optional embodiment of the plunger 80.
  • An end face of the plunger 80 configured for contacting the object 24 comprises a concave indentation 82. This may advantageously reduce the pressure exerted onto the object 24. This may particularly advantageously reduce the pressure exerted onto the object 24 when the object 24 is a capsule 24.
  • the plunger 80 comprises an inner air channel 84 configured for applying compressed air onto the object. This may advantageously reduce the pressure exerted onto the object 24. This may particularly advantageously reduce the pressure exerted onto the object 24 when the object 24 is a capsule 24.
  • Figs. 4a and 4b show a recess 50 for holding an inhaler article 10.
  • Fig. 4a shows the recess 50 in transparent in perspective view.
  • Fig. 4b shows two recesses 50 next to each other in a cross-sectional view along plane A-A’ as indicated in Fig. 4a.
  • Each recess 50 is configured for receiving a single inhaler article 10.
  • the recesses 50 may be arranged circumferentially around a rotational axis 32 of a rotating drum 30 such that a longitudinal axis 26 of the inhaler articles 10 received in the recesses 50 is arranged in parallel to a rotational axis 32 of the rotating drum 30 as shown in Fig. 2a.
  • the article holder means may comprise a vacuum system configured for adhering the inhaler articles 10 within the recesses 50.
  • Vacuum channels 52 may thus be comprised to connect the recesses 50 to a vacuum source as indicated by straight arrows in Fig. 4b.
  • Fig. 4a shows the embedded vacuum channels 52 as dotted lines. There are two vertical vacuum channels 52 going from the inside of recess 50, then connecting into one vertical vacuum channel 52 which goes toward the center of the rotating drum where a vacuum source may be provided.
  • Figs. 5a and 5b show a vacuum system of an object recovery station.
  • the vacuum system is configured for selectively holding an inhaler article 10 within a recess 50, or releasing the inhaler article from the recess 50 in dependence of the rotational position of the respective recess 50 on the rotating drum 30.
  • the rotating direction of the rotating drum 30 is indicated by a curved arrow in Fig. 5a.
  • the vacuum system comprises a vacuum source and a fixed shell 54.
  • the fixed shell 54 is fixed with respect to the rotational movement of the rotating drum 30.
  • the fixed shell 54 extends over less than a complete turn of the rotating drum 30.
  • the fixed shell 54 thus assumes a shape of a circle segment as shown in Fig. 5a.
  • the fixed shell 54 is configured for selectively providing a fluid connection between the vacuum channels 52 of the recesses 50 and the vacuum source in dependence of a rotational position of a respective recess 50.
  • Figs. 5a and 5b show how the vacuum system is managed so that the recesses 50 where the inhaler articles 10 are to be dismissed from the rotating drum 30, for example to be transmitted to a further rotating drum, are no more subjected to the vacuum. This may allow transfer of the inhaler article 10 from a recess 50 without vacuum on the rotating drum 30 to a recess 50 with vacuum on a target rotating drum.
  • Fig. 5a shows a front view indicating that the vacuum channels 52, 52’ connect the recesses 50,50’ to openings 56,56’ in the front center of the rotating drum 30.
  • the air-tight fixed shell 54 is covering some of these openings 56’, and is connected to a vacuum pump via a pipe 58.
  • the air channels openings 56’ which are covered by the fixed shell 54 and the corresponding air channels 52’ will be connected to the vacuum pump such that an inhaler article 10 will be adhered to the respective recesses 50’.
  • the air channels openings 56 not covered by the fixed shell 54 will not have suction force applied to their associated recess 50.
  • Each recess 50,50’ is fluidly connected to a vacuum channel 52,52’ which, in turn, is selectively connected to or disconnected from a vacuum source via the pipe 58 in dependence of the rotational orientation of the rotating drum 30 with respect to the fixed shell 54.
  • Fig. 5b is a side cut (AA’) as indicated in Fig. 5a and shows the inside of the rotating drum 30.
  • the upper recess 50’ in Fig. 5b is in fluid connection to the vacuum source, via its vacuum channel 52’ as indicated by straight arrows in Fig. 5b, whereas the lower recess 50 in Fig. 5b is not connected to the vacuum source.
  • Fig. 6 schematically shows an object recovery station for an apparatus for processing inhaler articles 10.
  • the article holder means of the object recovery station comprises an upstream rotating drum 34.
  • the upstream rotating drum 34 is arranged upstream of the object ejecting means of the object recovery station.
  • the upstream rotating drum 34 comprises a plurality recesses 60.
  • the recesses 60 are arranged circumferentially around a rotational axis of the upstream rotating drum 34.
  • Each recess 60 is configured for receiving a single inhaler article 10.
  • the upstream rotating drum 34 comprises a plurality of removably attached first shell halves 36.
  • the first shell halves 36 are arranged circumferentially around the rotational axis of the upstream rotating drum 34.
  • the recesses 60 are provided in the first shell halves 36 such that each first shell half 36 comprises one recess 60.
  • Fig. 7a shows a top view of a first shell half 36 having an inhaler article 10 received in its recess 60.
  • Fig. 6 further shows that the article holder means comprises a downstream rotating drum 38 arranged directly downstream of the upstream rotating drum 34.
  • the downstream rotating drum 38 and the upstream rotating drum 34 rotate in opposite directions as indicated by curved arrows in Fig. 6.
  • the downstream rotating drum 38 comprises a plurality of removably attached second shell halves 40.
  • the second shell halves 40 are arranged circumferentially around a rotational axis of the downstream rotating drum 38.
  • the removable first and second shell halves 36, 40 are configured such that a first shell half 36 may be attached onto a second shell half 40 to firmly hold an inhaler article 10 received in the recess 60 of the first shell half 36 between the respective first and second shells halves 36, 40.
  • the first shell half 36 may be attached onto the second shell half 40 by means of a magnetic coupling.
  • Fig. 7b shows a pair of a first shell half 36 coupled to a second shell half 40 by means of coupling lugs 42.
  • the coupling is magnetic.
  • a cavity 44 is formed between the recesses of the coupled shell halves 36, 40 for holding the inhaler article 10.
  • the object recovery station may comprise an auto-locking mechanism configured for releasably attaching the removable first and second shell halves 36, 40 on the respective rotating drum 34, 38 in dependence of a rotational position of the respective removable shell half 36, 40 on the respective drum 34, 38.
  • the auto-locking mechanism comprises magnetic locking means.
  • each of the shell halves 36, 40 may comprise a magnet 46, the magnets 46 forming part of the magnetic locking means of the auto-locking mechanism and being configured to interact with corresponding magnets on the respective rotating drums 34, 38.
  • the article holder means comprises a vacuum system configured for adhering the inhaler articles 10 within the recesses 60 of the upstream rotating drum 34.
  • the vacuum system may be a vacuum system as explained in conjunction with Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.
  • Each of the first shell halves 36 may thus comprise a corresponding vacuum channel 62, as exemplarily shown in Fig. 6, for selectively connecting the recesses 60 to a vacuum source in dependence of a rotational position of the respective recess 60 on the rotating drum 34.
  • the object recovery station may comprise an article opening means for opening the closed distal end 12 of the inhaler article 10 before ejecting the object 24 from the tubular element 22 via said distal end 12 of the article 10.
  • the article opening means may comprise a knife element 92 configured to cut open the closed distal end 12 of the inhaler article 10 before ejecting the object 24.
  • the object recovery station may comprise at least one sensor 90 for detecting an orientation of the inhaler article 10 received by the article holder means.
  • Two plungers 80 are located on opposite sides of the rotating drums 34, 38. Depending on the orientation of the article 10, one of the two plungers 80 will be located on the correct side of the inhaler article 10 so as to push into the proximal end of the article.
  • the correct plunger 80 is chosen based on the information received from the sensor 90.
  • the object 24 can then be pushed out of the inhaler article 10 by means of the respective plunger 80 when the inhaler article 10 is firmly received within the coupled first and second shell halves 36, 40 on the downstream rotating drum 40.
  • the remainder of the inhaler article 10 contained between the coupled first and second shell halves 36, 40 may be further transported along a conveyer 72 arranged downstream of the downstream rotating drum 40 as indicated by a straight arrow in Fig. 6.
  • the removed objects for example a capsule 24 and/or a retention plug 16, may be stored in a bin 74 and may then be re-cycled.
  • the apparatus may comprise a feed hopper 70 for supplying inhaler articles 10.
  • the feed hopper 70 is arranged upstream of the object recovery station.
  • the feed hopper 70 is angled in order to reduce the risk of inhaler articles 10 becoming clogged within the hopper feed system.
  • each inhaler article 10 exits the feed hopper 70 individually.
  • the upstream rotating drum 34 picks up the inhaler article 10 within the recess 60 of the first shell half 36.
  • the inhaler article 10 may simultaneously be held in position via the vacuum system.
  • the upstream rotating drum 34 carries the inhaler article 10 via the first shell half 36 until it reaches a transfer point with downstream rotating drum 38 which is rotating in precisely the opposite direction to the upstream rotating drum 34.
  • the first shell half 36 meets with the second shell half 40 and is guided into position via the coupling lugs 42.
  • the two shell halves 36, 40 meet, they may be held in position by magnetism, preferably electromagnetism, created by magnets of opposing polarity placed within each shell half 36, 40.
  • the object recovery station may comprise two sensors 92, one sensor 92 arranged on each side of the auto-coupling fixture to inspect which end of the inhaler article 10 is facing in a particular direction.
  • the object recovery station may comprise two plungers 80 which are located either side of the downstream rotating drum 40 with their heads facing the corresponding end of the inhaler article 10.
  • the optical sensors 92 may identify which end of the inhaler article 10 is the proximal end, and then the appropriate plunger 80 may be chosen to enter the inhaler article and to push out the object 24 out of the distal end.
  • Each plunger 80 may be precisely designed such that its centre aligns precisely with the centre position of a mouthpiece of the inhaler article 10. In this way, the possibility of the plunger 80 colliding with the mouthpiece upon entry may be reduced.
  • a precise alignment with a centered opening of the mouthpiece may also allow for the plungers 80 to have the maximum diameter possible to allow entry and to therefore apply the minimum amount of pressure to the object 24.
  • the plungers 80 may be triggered to engage via a positioning signal from the optical sensors 92 linked to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) which may work with servo motors.
  • PLC Programmable Logic Controller
  • the servo motors may be attached to the rotating drums 34, 38 to enable accurate control of position, velocity, and torque. By using feedback from sensors, servo systems may synchronize the movements of multiple components or machines, ensuring precise coordination.
  • the force or pressure may be reduced by using plungers 80 with concave end faces.
  • the plungers 80 may comprise a hollow tube where the centre bore is capable of allowing compressed air to pass through. This may allow for additional flexibility in the design by applying additional air pressure to eject the object 24.
  • the remaining materials may be recovered into collection bins 74. Paper and plastic components may subsequently be recovered for recycling purposes. This may become even more relevant in future, as the long-term ambitions is to replace any plastic components with paper-based solutions, simplifying recyclability even further.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une station de récupération d'objets pour un appareil de traitement d'articles d'inhalateur. La station de récupération d'objets comprend un moyen de support d'article pour maintenir un article inhalateur, et un moyen d'éjection d'objet conçu pour éjecter un objet hors d'un élément tubulaire de l'article inhalateur. L'invention concerne également un appareil de traitement d'articles d'inhalateur. L'invention concerne en outre un procédé de traitement d'articles d'inhalateur.
PCT/EP2024/076310 2023-09-26 2024-09-19 Appareil et procédé de récupération de pièces d'article inhalateur Pending WO2025068031A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23199868 2023-09-26
EP23199868.3 2023-09-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025068031A1 true WO2025068031A1 (fr) 2025-04-03

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ID=88204362

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2024/076310 Pending WO2025068031A1 (fr) 2023-09-26 2024-09-19 Appareil et procédé de récupération de pièces d'article inhalateur

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WO (1) WO2025068031A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0745401A2 (fr) * 1995-06-01 1996-12-04 Unisia Jecs Corporation Inhalateur de médicaments
EP2730184A2 (fr) * 2012-11-08 2014-05-14 Köhl Maschinenbau AG Dispositif et procédé de récupération de parties de corps à partir d'articles à fumer
WO2014135913A1 (fr) * 2013-03-06 2014-09-12 Comas - Costruzioni Macchine Speciali - S.P.A. Procédé et dispositif pour récupérer le tabac de cigarettes avec filtre
US10806189B2 (en) * 2014-02-28 2020-10-20 Ayr Ltd. E-cigarette personal vaporizer
WO2022079668A1 (fr) * 2020-10-15 2022-04-21 Philip Morris Products S.A. Extraction d'élément chauffant de suscepteur

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0745401A2 (fr) * 1995-06-01 1996-12-04 Unisia Jecs Corporation Inhalateur de médicaments
EP2730184A2 (fr) * 2012-11-08 2014-05-14 Köhl Maschinenbau AG Dispositif et procédé de récupération de parties de corps à partir d'articles à fumer
WO2014135913A1 (fr) * 2013-03-06 2014-09-12 Comas - Costruzioni Macchine Speciali - S.P.A. Procédé et dispositif pour récupérer le tabac de cigarettes avec filtre
US10806189B2 (en) * 2014-02-28 2020-10-20 Ayr Ltd. E-cigarette personal vaporizer
WO2022079668A1 (fr) * 2020-10-15 2022-04-21 Philip Morris Products S.A. Extraction d'élément chauffant de suscepteur

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