Methods and systems for delivering formulations to users using modular device having removable cartridge
Inventors
Albert, Pradeep • Nichols, Christine • Condron, David J. • Artze, Brian • SABA, Fadi • Klein, Jesse • Vad, Vijay • Best, Shawn
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12156966-B2
Publication Date
2024-12-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods and systems for delivering formulations to users using modular device having atomizer and wick assembly are disclosed. A formulation delivery system that includes a mouthpiece with a first attaching structure at one end and a removable cartridge with a second attaching structure that connects to the mouthpiece. The removable cartridge houses an atomizer at its first end and features a wick assembly with a removable cap and a wick made from an absorbent material. The wick, which transports fluid to the atomizer, is connected at one end to the removable cap and at the other end abuts the atomizer. The system also includes a channel within the removable cartridge; this channel extends to the cartridge's first end and houses the wick, while the removable cap is located outside the channel. Additionally, the system incorporates electronics that maintain a removable electrical connection with the cartridge.
Core Innovation
The invention is a modular formulation delivery system that includes a mouthpiece and a removable cartridge with an atomizer disposed at a first end portion. The removable cartridge is removably attached to the mouthpiece using corresponding attaching structures, and the cartridge includes electronics in removable electrical communication with the removable cartridge.
A wick assembly includes a removable cap and a wick comprising absorbent material, where a first end of the wick is attached to the removable cap and a second end abuts the atomizer such that the wick transports fluid to the atomizer. The removable cartridge defines a channel extending to the first end portion, with the wick removably disposed within the channel and the removable cap disposed externally to the channel.
In a related embodiment, a base unit defines a receiving chamber in which a portion of the removable cartridge is disposed. The removable cartridge again includes the atomizer at the first end portion, and the base unit and cartridge arrangement retains removable electrical communication between the electronics and the removable cartridge.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims. Across these claims, the main inventive features are the removable cartridge-to-mouthpiece/base-unit architecture, the wick-in-channel fluid transport arrangement with an externally disposed removable cap, and removable electrical communication between electronics and the cartridge.
Removable cartridge attached to a mouthpiece
A mouthpiece having a first attaching structure at one end; and a removable cartridge having a second attaching structure, wherein the second attaching structure is removably attached to the first attaching structure of the mouthpiece.
Atomizer disposed in the removable cartridge with wick transport
The removable cartridge comprises an atomizer disposed at a first end portion of the removable cartridge; a wick assembly comprising a removable cap; and a wick comprising an absorbent material for absorbing a fluid, wherein a first end of the wick is attached to the removable cap, and a second end of the wick abuts the atomizer such that the wick is configured to transport the fluid to the atomizer.
Channel disposed within the removable cartridge with removable wick and externally disposed cap
A channel defined by the removable cartridge, the channel extending to the first end portion of the removable cartridge, wherein the wick is removably disposed within the channel, and the removable cap is disposed externally to the channel.
Electronics in removable electrical communication with the removable cartridge
Electronics, in removable electrical communication with the removable cartridge.
Base unit receiving chamber for removable cartridge
A base unit defining a receiving chamber; and a removable cartridge, wherein a portion of the removable cartridge is disposed within the receiving chamber of the base unit.
Removably disposed atomizer end portion within receiving chamber
The removable cartridge comprises an atomizer disposed at a first end portion of the removable cartridge, the first end portion being removably disposed within the receiving chamber of the base unit.
Both independent claims focus on a removable cartridge that carries an atomizer and a wick assembly for transporting fluid to the atomizer, with the wick removably disposed in a channel and a removable cap disposed externally to the channel. The claims further require removable electrical communication between the electronics and the cartridge, and one independent claim adds a base unit with a receiving chamber that removably receives a portion of the cartridge.
Stated Advantages
Reliable controlled delivery, as stated in the provided partial content.
A two-chamber capsule concept is described as eliminating mechanical pumps and improving stability and controlled release during transport.
Documented Applications
Aerosol delivery for veterinary administration to animal respiratory treatment, as described in the provided partial content.
Delivery of regenerative/biologic agents, including stem cells and exosomes, via aerosol delivery, as described in the provided partial content.
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