DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EXTRACTING AND ASPIRATING ACTIVE SUBSTANCES, ESPECIALLY FROM THE CANNABIS PLANT

Abstract

The invention relates to a capsule for use in a vaporizer, having at least one first cavity formed at least in part by a lid, side walls and bottom of the capsule, and a vaporizable active substance accommodated in the first cavity of the capsule, wherein the side walls and/or the bottom are at least in sections double-walled with an inner wall facing the first cavity of the capsule and an outer wall facing the outside of the capsule, so that at least one second cavity is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall of the capsule, inner wall facing the first cavity of the capsule and an outer wall facing the outside of the capsule, so that at least one second cavity is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein an auxiliary substance, preferably a further active substance, a chemical reactant and/or a flavoring agent is accommodated in the second cavity. A corresponding vaporizer as well as a corresponding vaporizer system are further described.

Claims

1. A capsule for use in a vaporizer, having at least one first cavity formed at least partially by a lid, side walls and a bottom of the capsule, and a vaporizable active substance accommodated in the first cavity of the capsule, wherein the side walls and/or the bottom are designed to be double-walled at least in sections, with an inner wall facing the first cavity of the capsule and an outer wall facing the outside of the capsule, so that at least one second cavity is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein an excipient, preferably a further active substance, a chemical reaction agent and/or a flavoring agent is accommodated in the second cavity.

2. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall, the lid and the bottom are air impermeable, so that the first and/or the second cavity is hermetically sealed against an environment of the capsule.

3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the first and/or the second cavity is either evacuated or at least partially filled with an inert gas.

4. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall of the side wall arranged between the first and second cavities is perforable, porous and/or semi-permeable and/or has predetermined breaking points.

5. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the lid is perforable and/or has predetermined breaking points and/or valves.

6. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient and/or the excipient is or comprises a cannabis flower, a cannabis oil, a cannabinoid, a cannabis extract or the like.

7. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the capsule comprises, at least on its outer side, at least partially a material, preferably a metal, having a higher thermal conductivity compared to the material of the side wall.

8. The capsule according to any claim 1, wherein the lid and/or the bottom on an inner side facing the cavity and/or the inner wall at least partially comprises a coating, the coating preferably comprising a chemical reactant, a UV filter and/or a thermochromic material.

9. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein one or more grinding balls for grinding the active substance are accommodated in the first cavity, wherein the grinding balls comprise a ferromagnetic material.

10. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall and/or the outer wall consists of or comprises, at least in sections, a glass and/or a transparent plastic.

11. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein a heating coil is arranged in the first cavity and/or the second cavity.

12. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein on the outside of the lid and/or the bottom of the capsule there is a code, preferably a QR code, an alphanumeric code, a barcode and/or a pictogram, and/or an RFID chip.

13. A vaporizer for vaporizing active substances, having a mouthpiece and a vaporizer unit, wherein the vaporizer has a capsule receptacle for receiving a capsule according to claim 1, the capsule receptacle having a first capsule opening device and being fluidically connected to the mouthpiece via the first capsule opening device, so that, when the capsule is accommodated, a fluidic connection between a cavity of the capsule and the mouthpiece can be provided by the first capsule opening device, wherein the vaporizer unit is arranged for vaporizing an active substance located in the cavity of the capsule when the capsule is accommodated.

14. The vaporizer according to claim 13, wherein the vaporizer unit is or comprises a heating plate in the capsule receptacle, such that when the capsule is accommodated, the heating plate contacts an outside, preferably a bottom of the capsule.

15. The vaporizer of claim 13, wherein the vaporizer unit is or comprises a reservoir for containing a fluid, the reservoir being fluidically connected to the capsule receptacle via a second capsule opening device such that, when the capsule is received, fluidic communication can be provided between a cavity of the capsule and the reservoir by the second capsule opening device; and a. one or more heating wires in the reservoir and/or fluidically between the reservoir and the capsule receptacle for heating the fluid and/or b. the fluid is received in the reservoir, the fluid being or comprising a chemical reactant such that heat is released by a chemical reaction of the chemical reactant with a complementary chemical agent.

16. The vaporizer of claim 13, wherein the vaporizer unit is or comprises a microwave generator.

17. The vaporizer of claim 13, wherein the vaporizer unit is or comprises a heating coil in the capsule receptacle.

18. The vaporizer of claim 13, wherein the vaporizer comprises an actuator, the first and/or with reference to claim 12 b) optionally the second capsule opening device a. having flaps which are opened when the actuating element is actuated and/or b. being moved in the direction of the capsule receptacle when the actuating element is actuated.

19. The vaporizer according to claim 13, wherein the vaporizer comprises a cooling unit fluidically arranged between the capsule receptacle and the mouthpiece, such that active substance vaporized by the vaporizer is cooled, preferably to a temperature of 10-30° C., particularly preferably to a temperature of 15-25° C.

20. The vaporizer of claim 13, wherein the vaporizer comprises a reservoir fluidically upstream of the mouthpiece, in which reservoir active substance vaporized by the vaporizer can be collected.

21. The vaporizer of claim 13, wherein the mouthpiece comprises an atomizer for atomizing vaporized active agent into droplets.

22. The vaporizer according to claim 13, wherein the mouthpiece, the atomizer and/or the first and/or, with reference to claim 12 b), the second capsule orifice device is or comprises a venturi nozzle and/or has a hyperbolic cross-section in the flow direction.

23. The vaporizer of claim 12, wherein the vaporizer comprises at least one filter fluidically upstream of the mouthpiece, the filter preferably being disposed on the mouthpiece.

24. The vaporizer according to claim 13, wherein the vaporizer comprises a control and/or regulation unit and at least one sensor, preferably a temperature sensor, for controlling and regulating the temperature of the vaporizer unit.

25. The vaporizer of claim 13, wherein the atomizer comprises a labyrinthine channel having at least one breakaway edge such that droplets flowing through the channel can be separated larger than a maximum droplet size.

26. The vaporizer according to claim 13, comprising a fingerprint sensor, wherein the fingerprint sensor is preferably arranged such that when the vaporizer is used with one hand, particularly preferably with reference to claim x when the actuating element is operated with one hand, the fingerprint sensor detects a fingerprint.

27. The vaporizer according to claim 13, which has a reading unit, the reading unit being set up to detect and/or read a code, preferably a QR code, an alphanumeric code, a barcode and/or a pictogram, and/or RFID chip, applied to an outer side of the capsule when the capsule is inserted, the reading unit preferably being arranged in the capsule receptacle.

28. A vaporizer system for vaporizing an active ingredient, comprising a vaporizer according to claim 13 and a capsule according to claim 1 received in the capsule receptacle of the vaporizer.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0061] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] The invention is further explained with reference to the following figures. Thereby shows:

[0063] FIG. 1 an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

[0064] FIG. 2 another embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

[0065] FIG. 3 still another embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

[0066] FIG. 4 another embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

[0067] FIG. 5 a vaporizer system with a vaporizer according to the invention and a capsule according to the invention received in the capsule receptacle;

[0068] FIG. 6 another vaporizer system with a vaporizer according to the invention and a capsule according to the invention received in the capsule receptacle;

[0069] FIG. 7 still another vaporizer system with a vaporizer according to the invention and a capsule according to the invention received in the capsule receptacle;

[0070] FIG. 8 still another vaporizer system with a vaporizer according to the invention and a capsule according to the invention received in the capsule receptacle;

[0071] FIG. 9 still another vaporizer system with a vaporizer according to the invention and a capsule according to the invention received in the capsule receptacle;

[0072] FIG. 10 still another vaporizer system in perspective view with a vaporizer according to the invention and a capsule according to the invention received in the capsule receptacle; and

[0073] FIG. 11a schematic representation of the control and/or regulation unit and the components connected to it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a capsule 1 according to the invention. The capsule 1 has a lid 2, side walls 3 and a bottom 4. The inner walls 7 of the side walls 3 and the inside of the lid 2 and the bottom 4 form a first cavity 5 in the interior of the capsule 1. The side walls 3 are of double-walled design, with an inner wall 7 facing the first cavity 5 and an outer wall 8 forming the outside of the side wall 3. A second cavity 9 is formed at least in sections between the inner wall 7 and the outer wall 8. The bottom 4 can also be of double-walled design, so that a second cavity 9 can also be formed at least in sections in the bottom. An active substance 6 is accommodated in the first cavity 5. An excipient 10 is accommodated in the second cavity. The inner wall 7 may be at least partially coated with a coating 11. Alternatively or additionally, the inside of the lid 2 and/or the bottom 4 may also be coated. The bottom 4 may, at least in sections, comprise or have a material that has a high thermal conductivity compared to the material of the side wall. The active ingredient 6 may be a plant-based active ingredient. Preferably, the active ingredient 6 is or comprises a cannabinoid. For example, the active ingredient 6 may be or comprise a cannabis flower, a cannabis extract, or a cannabis oil. The excipient 10 may have an active ingredient identical to the active ingredient 6. For example, both the active ingredient 6 and the excipient 10 may be or comprise ground cannabis flowers. However, the excipient 10 may also have an active ingredient that is different from the active ingredient 6, which may interact with the active ingredient 6 to produce a new effect, for example, or which may enhance or modify the effect of the active ingredient 6. The excipient 10 may comprise a chemical reactant. The chemical reactant may be adapted to react exothermically with a complementary chemical agent. The excipient 10 may comprise a flavoring agent, for example, to impart a fruit flavor to the vaporized active agent 6. However, the excipient 10 may alternatively or additionally be or comprise a food additive or dietary supplement.

[0076] The inner wall 7 can be semi-permeable, perforable and/or porous or have predetermined breaking points, at least in sections. In this way, a fluidic connection between the first and second cavities 5, 9 can be or is established. If the side wall 3 has one or more intermediate walls, the intermediate walls can also be semi-permeable, perforable and/or porous at least in sections or have predetermined breaking points.

[0077] The capsule 1 may have a coating 11 on an inner surface, for example of the inner wall 7 or the lid 2 or the bottom 4, at least in sections. The coating 11 may comprise, for example, a complementary chemical agent capable of reacting exothermically with the chemical reactant. It may also be provided that the inner surfaces of the first and/or second cavities 5, 9 comprise, at least in sections, a coating 11. In at least one embodiment, at least one inner side of the first cavity 5 has, at least in sections, a coating comprising a complementary chemical agent, wherein the excipient 10 comprises a chemical reaction agent in the second cavity 9 and a propellant gas is received in the second cavity 9. If the second cavity 9 is opened to the first cavity 5, for example by perforating the inner wall 7, the chemical reaction agent can be introduced into the first cavity 5 by the propellant gas and can react exothermically there with the complementary chemical agent, so that the active substance 6 is heated and vaporized.

[0078] Preferably, the capsule 1 may be impermeable to air, i.e., when the lid 2 is closed, the first and/or the second cavity 5, 9 may be fluidically separated from an environment of the capsule so that, for example, no air from the environment can enter the respective cavities. The lid 2 may be perforable. Alternatively, the lid 2 may be porous and/or semi-permeable. However, it may also be that the lid 2 comprises predetermined breaking points and/or valves. Thus, a fluidic connection of the first and/or second cavity 5, 9 through the lid 2 to the environment of the capsule 1 can be established.

[0079] The capsule 1, in particular the side walls 3 and/or the inner wall 7 and/or the outer wall 8, can at least partially consist of or comprise glass and/or a transparent plastic. This allows, for example, the state of the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10 to be visible or examined from the outside without opening the capsule 1. It may be provided that the inner wall 7, the outer wall 8, the lid 2 and/or the bottom 4 comprise viewing windows. If both the inner wall 7 and the outer wall 8 have viewing windows, these may be arranged overlapping in a radial direction as viewed from a capsule axis, so that the first cavity 5 can be visible from the outside through the second cavity 9. It may be provided that the outside of the capsule, in particular any viewing windows that may be present, is at least partially coated with a UV filter. The outside of the capsule 1 may also be at least partially coated with a thermochromic material.

[0080] The capsule may be substantially cylindrical, conical, prismatic, truncated pyramidal, truncated pyramidal, cubic, cuboid, paraboloid, or the like.

[0081] FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a capsule 1 according to the invention. Compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the capsule has one or more grinding balls 12. The grinding balls 12 may be made of a ferromagnetic material so that they can be selectively moved by electromagnets, for example. As a result, the active substance 6 accommodated in the first cavity 5 of the capsule 1 can be comminuted by the movements of the grinding balls 12. It may also be provided that the grinding balls 12 may be heated, for example by induction, to vaporize or assist in vaporization of the active ingredient 6. The grinding balls 12 may have cut edges or the like.

[0082] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a capsule 1 according to the invention. Compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the capsule has one or more heating coils 13. The heating coil 13 may be as shown in the figure, for example, spiral or wound. However, the heating coil 13 can also be a hot wire or a metal foil. When an electric current flows through the heating coil 13, it may heat up and thus vaporize the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10. The capsule 1 may have contacts on an outer surface, for example on the bottom 4, for passing an electric current through the heating coil 13. It may be provided that the vaporizer 100 has contacts corresponding thereto in the capsule receptacle 103, so that when the capsule 1 is inserted, an electrical contact can be made and a current can flow through the heating coil 13.

[0083] FIG. 4 shows the lid 2 of a further embodiment of a capsule 1 according to the invention in a plan view. The lid 2 may be substantially circular, rectangular, elliptical or polygonal. A code 14, for example an alphanumeric code, a QR code, a barcode and/or a pictogram, is arranged on the lid 2. The code 14 may, for example, have or contain information relating to the contents of the capsule 1, for example relating to the composition and/or amount of the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10 The code 14 may alternatively or additionally contain information relating to the vaporization process, for example a vaporization temperature and/or a temperature profile over time. Alternatively or additionally, the code 14 may contain information regarding a vaporizer type, an individual vaporizer, and/or a user, such that a particular capsule can only be used with a matching vaporizer type and/or an individual vaporizer and/or only by a particular user. Alternatively or additionally, the respective information may be stored on an RFID chip, RFID transponder or the like arranged on the outside of the lid 2 of the capsule 1. The vaporizer 100 may comprise a corresponding reading unit 120. The reading unit 120 may, for example, be arranged in the capsule receptacle 103 in such a way that, when the capsule 1 is inserted, the code 14 and/or the RFID chip can be detected or read. The reading unit 120 may detect the respective information, for example, optically or electromagnetically. The reading unit 120 may be connected to the control and/or regulation unit 116 of the vaporizer 100 for data exchange. This allows the control and/or regulation unit 116 to adjust, for example, the evaporation temperature and/or its variation over time based on the information detected by the reading unit 120. If, for example, deviations of the vaporizer type, the individual vaporizer and/or the user from the information contained in the code 14 or the RFID chip are detected by the control and/or regulating unit 116, it may be provided that the control and/or regulating unit 116 does not control or actuates the vaporizer unit 102, so that the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10 is not vaporized or is only partially vaporized, and/or does not establish a fluidic connection between the first and/or second cavity 5, 9 and the mouthpiece 101. It may also be provided, for example, that the control and/or regulating unit 116 matches information contained in the code or RFID transponder relating to the active substance 6 and/or excipient 10 with an authorization control database connected to or associated with the control and/or regulating unit 116. In particular, in the medical application, this can be used to prevent an incorrect dosage or an overdose. In particular, this can also ensure that a patient can only vaporize or inhale the dosage, mixture and/or active ingredients intended for him.

[0084] FIG. 5 shows a partial section of an vaporizer 100 according to the invention with a capsule 1 according to the invention inserted in the capsule receptacle 103. In the embodiment example shown in FIG. 5, the lid 2 of the capsule 1 is perforated or pierced by the first capsule opening device 104 and the second capsule opening device 107. The capsule opening devices 104, 107 of FIG. 5 correspond to end pieces of connecting lines 121. Through the first capsule opening device 104, the first cavity 5 of the capsule 1 is fluidically connected via the cooling device 112 to the reservoir 113 and thus indirectly to the mouthpiece 101 not shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the first cavity 5 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 106 through the second capsule opening device 107. The capsule opening devices 104, 107 may, for example, have a cutting edge or be beveled to facilitate perforation of the lid 2. It may be provided that the first and/or second capsule opening devices 104, 107 are stationarily arranged in the vaporizer. Thereby, when the capsule 1 is inserted into the capsule receptacle 103, the movement of the capsule 1 relative to the first and/or second capsule opening device 104, 107 may cause the lid 2 to be perforated by the first and/or second capsule opening devices 104, 107. However, it may also be provided that the first and/or second capsule opening devices 104, 107 are movably arranged in the vaporizer 100 so that they are movable against the capsule 1 inserted in the capsule receptacle 103, so that the movement of the first and/or second capsule opening devices 104, 107 in the direction of the capsule 1 inserted in the capsule receptacle 103 perforates the lid 2. It may be provided that the movement of the first and/or second capsule opening device 104, 107 in the direction of the capsule receptacle 103 is initiated by an actuation of the actuation element 110 and/or occurs when the actuation element 110 is actuated.

[0085] It may be provided that the first and/or second capsule opening device 104, 107 is shaped or set up in such a way that, when the capsule 1 is inserted into the capsule receptacle 103, the inner wall 7 is opened by the first and/or second capsule opening device 104, 107 in such a way that a fluidic connection between the first cavity 5 and the second cavity 10 results. For example, the inner wall 7 may have predetermined breaking points suitable for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, the inner wall 7 may be at least partially semi-permeable so that, for example, the vaporized auxiliary material 10 can pass through the inner wall in the direction of the first cavity 5 or can enter the cavity through the semi-permeable inner wall 7.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the vaporizer unit 2 comprises the reservoir 106. The reservoir 106 may have a chemical reactant stored therein. The capsule inner wall 7, the inner side of the lid 2 and or the bottom 4 and/or the connecting line between the first cavity 5 and the reservoir 106 may be coated in such a way that the chemical reactant reacts exothermically with the coating so that heat is released. The released heat may vaporize the active agent 6 and/or or the excipient 10 received in the first cavity 5 and/or received in the second cavity 9. The vaporized active ingredient 6 and/or the vaporized excipient 10 may be transferred to the reservoir 113 through the first capsule opening device 104, and may be cooled by the cooling device 112. The connecting lines 121 may include flaps 111 and/or valves to close or release fluidic communication between the interior of the capsule and the reservoir 113 and/or the reservoir 106. The flaps 111 and/or the valves may be controlled by a control and/or regulation unit 116. For example, it may be provided that after an actuation of an actuating element 110, the control and/or regulating unit 116 opens the flaps 111. Of course, the respective flaps 111 can be controlled individually by the open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit 116, e.g. opened and/or closed with a time delay.

[0087] For example, the reservoir 106 may be a replaceable cartridge. However, the reservoir 106 can also be a tank or container that is permanently installed in the vaporizer 100, preferably one that can be filled from the outside. The introduction of the fluid stored in the reservoir 106 through the second capsule opening device 107 into the capsule may, for example, be effected by gravity, optionally with the flap 111 open. However, it may also be provided to create or assist the introduction by positive pressure, for example by a pump, compressor or the like not shown in FIG. 5. It may also be provided to generate the overpressure, for example, by a compressed air impingement, a propellant gas or the like. For example, compressed air or a propellant gas can be introduced into the reservoir 106 via a further connection line 126 as indicated in FIG. 5, whereby the further connection line 126 can also have a flap 111 which can be controlled by the control and/or regulating unit 116. However, it can also be provided that no chemical reaction agent is stored in the reservoir, but for example compressed air or a propellant gas. In this case, the reservoir 106 is preferably a replaceable compressed air cartridge. By means of a hot wire 108, the compressed air or the propellant gas may be heated and, after being introduced into the capsule 1, may be arranged to vaporize the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10. In this regard, the hot wire 108 may be arranged in the reservoir 106, the connecting line 121 and/or the second capsule opening device 107. Preferably, the compressed air is heated in such a way that its temperature is below the combustion temperature of the active substance 6 and/or of the excipient 10. This allows the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10 to vaporize, but not to burn despite the supply of air. In addition to air, however, other suitable fluids and/or gases may also be used. If air is used, it may be envisaged that it is not held or provided in a reservoir 106, but is taken from the environment and/or drawn in from the environment and/or introduced into the vaporizer 100. For this purpose, the vaporizer 100 may comprise a fan or the like . . . . The ambient air may then be heated by the hot wire 108 and introduced into the capsule 1 via the second capsule opening device 107.

[0088] The cooling device 112 may be or include a cooling coil. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling device 112 may have cooling fins. It may also be provided that the cooling device 112 comprises a fan, for example a fan. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling device 112 may comprise evaporative cooling. It may be provided that the cooling device 112 is controllable by the control and/or regulation unit 116 so that the cooling capacity is variable or adjustable and can be regulated or controlled.

[0089] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of an vaporizer 100 according to the invention with a capsule 1 according to the invention received in the capsule receptacle 103. The vaporizer unit 102 has a reservoir 106 with a chemical reactant described with reference to FIG. 5 above. In addition, the vaporizer unit 102 comprises a heating plate 105 contacting the bottom 4 of the capsule 1. The bottom 4 of the capsule 1 is preferably made of a material with a high thermal conductivity, so that heat can be conducted from the heating plate 105 to the inner side of the bottom 4 facing the interior of the capsule, so that the active ingredient 6 and the excipient 10 not shown in FIG. 6 can be vaporized. The heating plate 105 can be controlled by the control and/or regulation unit 116, so that the temperature of the heating plate 105 can be controlled and/or regulated. The heating plate 105 may be arranged in the capsule receptacle 103 such that it contacts the outer wall 8, the lid 2 or the bottom 4 of the capsule 1 when the capsule 1 is inserted.

[0090] The capsule 1 can be fixed in the capsule receptacle 103 by a pivotable plate 123 shown in FIG. 6. To insert the capsule 1 into the capsule receptacle 103, the plate 123 can be pivoted downward from the position shown in FIG. 6 and the capsule receptacle 103 can be opened. Alternatively or additionally, the plate 123 may be displaceable to open the capsule receptacle 103. The interlocking and/or displacement may be performed manually and/or by a swivel drive 124. Once the capsule 1 is inserted into the capsule receptacle 103 in its final position, the plate 123 may close the capsule receptacle 103 and form the bottom of the capsule receptacle 103. The heating plate 105 may be arranged on the plate 123 such that when the capsule receptacle 103 is closed, the heating plate 105 contacts the bottom 4 of the capsule 1, compare e.g. FIG. 6.

[0091] The cooling device 112 may include a fan, blower, or the like, as shown, for example, in FIG. 6. The vaporizer 100 may comprise a reservoir 113, an atomizer 114, and a mouthpiece 101. In the storage 113, already vaporized active substance 6 and/or vaporized auxiliary substance 10 can be kept in stock. Thus, vaporized active substance 6 and/or auxiliary substance 10 can also be provided during the “cold start” of the vaporizer. In addition, it can be provided, for example, that a sensor for measuring the concentration of the vaporized active ingredient 6 and/or auxiliary substance 10 is arranged by a flap 111 arranged upstream of the flap 111 arranged in the connecting line between the first capsule receptacle 104 and the reservoir 113, and the flap 111 is or is opened by the control and/or regulating unit 116 only if a predetermined concentration is or is exceeded. In this way, it can be ensured that a minimum concentration of active substance 6 and/or auxiliary substance 110 is always available at the mouthpiece 101. In this context, the storage 113 can be provided to buffer the active ingredient 6 and/or excipient 10 with a predetermined concentration, i.e., for example, to bridge supply gaps to lower concentrations, i.e., for example, when the flap 111 is closed. The reservoir 113 can also be used to homogenize the concentration of the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10 before the mouthpiece. The accumulator 113 can also be heated and/or cooled.

[0092] An atomizer 114 is arranged between the mouthpiece 101 and the reservoir 113 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. A flap or valve or the like may be arranged between reservoir 113 and atomizer 114, so that a fluidic connection between reservoir 113 and atomizer 114 may be established or separated by the flap. Through the atomizer 114, the vaporized active ingredient 6 and/or excipient 10 may be dispersed into smaller droplets. The dispersed droplets may thereby have such a droplet distribution that they can, for example, penetrate well into the lungs of the user pulling or sucking on the mouthpiece 101 or are well passable through the lungs, which may result in a better absorption of the active substance 6 and/or the excipient 10 by the user. The vaporizer 100 may further comprise one or more filters 115.

[0093] The atomizer can atomize the vaporized active ingredient and/or excipient into intrathoracic (respirable) aerosol particles, where the particles can preferably have a diameter between about 0.5 and 5.5 μm.

[0094] By pulling the mouthpiece 101 and/or a positive pressure in the reservoir 113, a small concentrated amount of active ingredient 6 and/or excipient 10 can be aspirated and/or introduced into the atomizer 114 and/or the suction tube of the atomizer 114. The atomizer 114 and/or the suction tube may have a venturi nozzle and/or air channels, so that the venturi effect during suction dilutes and/or atomizes the concentrated aerosol accordingly. This can increase the proportion of the aerosol fraction that is respirable quite considerably. In order to filter large particles, it is conceivable to set the aspirated air in rotation so that the large particles are deposited on the porous wall of the suction tube or are filtered out and separated there. Appropriate filters can also be fitted in the suction tube, which also control the flow rate of the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10 by their density. The aerosol flow in the suction tube can be diverted around via a kind of labyrinth or labyrinth-like channel 118 with at least one additional breakaway edge, whereby droplets that are too large are separated not only as a result of gravity but also by their contact at such a baffle as a result of the detour.

[0095] The nebulizer 114 may also be or include a nozzle nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, or a membrane nebulizer. In nozzle nebulizers, a strong stream of air creates a negative pressure at a nozzle, drawing droplets from a capillary system. As the droplets vary in size, a baffle plate holds back droplets that are too large. Ultrasonic nebulizers use a vibrating piezo crystal to generate ultrasound, which is responsible for the formation of the droplets. The higher the frequency is selected, the finer the droplets become. The frequency, for example, is 1-3 MHz. Membrane nebulizers are characterized by a very thin membrane consisting of a large number of micro-holes, which vibrates in the kHz range. Due to these oscillations, each microbore acts as a small pump and produces the finest droplets.

[0096] The vaporizer 100 may include an accumulator, not shown, that supplies electrical power to the control and/or regulating unit 116 and any other components housed within the vaporizer 100 that require power. The vaporizer 100 may include a connector on an exterior surface for a power cable to charge the accumulator. Alternatively or additionally, the accumulator may be replaceable. Alternatively or additionally, non-rechargeable batteries may be provided.

[0097] The vaporizer 100 may at least partially comprise or have a transparent plastic. Preferably, the vaporizer 100 may be made of or have a transparent plastic at least in the region of the capsule receptacle 103 and/or the capsule receptacle 103 itself, or at least be transparent so that a capsule 1 inserted into the capsule receptacle 103 is visible from outside the vaporizer 100.

[0098] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a vaporizer 100 according to the invention with a capsule 1 according to the invention received in the capsule receptacle 103. The vaporizer unit 102 has a reservoir 106 with a chemical reaction agent, wherein a pump 125 assists the penetration of the chemical reaction agent into capsule receptacle 103. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the vaporizer may be arranged such that the chemical reactant is not introduced into the interior of the capsule 1, but reacts outside the capsule 1 with the complementary chemical agent, which is present, for example, as a coating of the capsule receptacle 103 and/or the outside of the lid 2 of the capsule. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the second capsule opening device 107 does not serve as a fluidic connection, but as a heat conductor for transporting the heat generated by the chemical reaction and may be designed, for example, as a solid metallic body or as a heat pipe. The second capsule opening device 107 may be dimensioned or shaped such that, when the capsule is inserted, the second capsule opening device 107 preferably contacts or penetrates the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10 with its tip or an end portion. The second capsule opening device 107 may also be shaped or dimensioned such that, when the capsule is inserted by the second capsule opening device 107, the inner wall 107 is perforated and/or opened such that a fluidic connection is created between the first cavity 5 and the second cavity 10. However, it may alternatively or additionally be provided that the chemical reactant is guided in a heating coil not shown in FIG. 7 in the capsule receptacle 103, wherein the heating coil may be in contact with an outer surface of a capsule 1 inserted into the capsule receptacle 103. The heating coil may be tubular and coiled. The heating coil may be coated on its inner surface with a complementary chemical agent, such that the chemical reaction agent passed through the heating coil may react exothermically. The vaporizer unit 102 further comprises a heating plate 105 described with reference to FIG. 6. Further, the vaporizer unit 102 comprises a heating coil 109 disposed in the capsule receptacle 103, through which an electric current can flow and be heated. The heating coil 109 can heat and vaporize the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10 accommodated in the capsule.

[0099] The vaporizer unit 102 may alternatively or additionally comprise a microwave generator not shown in FIG. 7. Advantageously, in this case, the active ingredient 6 and or excipient 10 contained in the capsule is moistened so that the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10 can be heated and vaporized by the microwaves generated by the microwave generator.

[0100] FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of an vaporizer 100 according to the invention with a capsule 1 according to the invention inserted in the capsule receptacle 103. The vaporizer unit 102 here has a heating plate 105 described above. Furthermore, a heating coil 13 is arranged in the first cavity 5 of the capsule 1, which can be heated by an electric current as described with reference to FIG. 3. This allows the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10 not shown in FIG. 8 to be heated and vaporized. For example, the contacts of the heating coil 13 can be individually passed through the bottom 4 of the capsule and electrically conductively connected to corresponding contacts arranged on the plate.

[0101] The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 has only a first capsule opening device 104, but not a second capsule opening device. In this case, no external fluid is provided by the vaporizer unit 102 of the capsule 5. However, in some embodiments, a second capsule opening device may be provided as described above, and/or an external fluid, such as heated air from a reservoir or the environment may be provided into the capsule.

[0102] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a vaporizer unit 100 according to the invention and a capsule 1 according to the invention received in the capsule receptacle 103. The vaporizer unit 102 has a heating coil 109 arranged in the capsule opening 103 for heating the active substance 6 and/or the excipient 10 not shown in the figure received in the capsule. The vaporizer unit 102 also has a heating plate 105. The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 does not comprise a second capsule opening device. However, in some embodiments, a second capsule opening device may be provided as described above, and/or an external fluid, such as heated air from a reservoir or the environment, may be introduced into the capsule.

[0103] FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of an vaporizer 100 according to the invention and a capsule 1 according to the invention received in the capsule receptacle 103 in a perspective view. In the embodiment shown, ambient air is introduced into the vaporizer 100, heated and supplied to the capsule 1 via the second capsule device 107. Heat transfer of the heated air to the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10 vaporizes them. The vaporized active ingredient 6 and/or excipient 10 is passed through the second capsule opening device into the reservoir 113, where it is collected. The vaporized active ingredient 6 and/or excipient 10 is passed from the reservoir 113 through the atomizer 114, atomized in the atomizer 114, and then passed to the mouthpiece 101.

[0104] FIG. 11 schematically shows the control and/or regulation unit 116 and the elements or components connected thereto for data exchange. The term “connected for data exchange” can mean an exchange of information between the respective components. However, it can also be meant that the control and/or regulation unit 116 controls a respective component or transmits control commands. At least one sensor 117 is connected to the control and/or regulation unit 116. The open- and/or closed-loop control unit 116 may be or include a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, an FPGA, and/or a processor or the like. The control-and-or-regulation unit 116 may include a data memory in which information regarding, for example, the type of vaporizer, the individual vaporizer, and/or an individual user may be stored.

[0105] The at least one sensor 117 may be or comprise a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a sensor for measuring the flow velocity and/or a sensor for measuring the concentration of, for example, the active ingredient 6. At least one sensor 117 may be arranged in each of the first and/or second cavity 5, 9 of the capsule 1, the first and/or second capsule opening device 104, 107, the capsule receptacle 103, the reservoir 106, the respective connecting lines 121, the cooling unit 112, the reservoir 113, the atomizer 114, and/or the mouthpiece 101. The measured values measured by the at least one sensor 117 can be transmitted to the control and/or regulation unit 116 and evaluated by the latter. The actuating element 110, the reading unit 120 and/or the identification unit 119 may be connected to the control and/or regulation unit 116 and the acquired information, e.g. actuation of the actuating element, acquired code 14 or user identification information may be transmitted to and evaluated by the control and/or regulation unit 116. Preferably, the identification unit 119 may be or comprise a fingerprint sensor 119. The control and/or regulation unit 116 may control the vaporizer unit 102, the cooling unit 106, the flaps 111, and/or the atomizer 114.

[0106] The control may depend on the evaluation of the measured values and/or transmitted information and/or the information stored in the data memory performed by the control and/or regulation unit 116. If the code 14 contains, for example, information relating to the active ingredient 6, it may be provided that the open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit 116 determines an evaporation temperature from a database stored in its data memory and controls the evaporation unit 102 and/or the cooling unit 112 in such a way that the evaporation temperature is reached and/or maintained and/or not exceeded. Similarly, for example, the evaporating temperature may also be directly included in the code 14 and evaluated by the control and/or regulation unit 116. In some embodiments, for example, alternatively or additionally, information contained in the code 14 regarding the active agent 6 and/or the excipient 10 may be compared to the information of the individual user stored in the data memory to determine an authorization of the user to vaporize the active agent 6 and/or the excipient 10. If the user is not authorized, it may be provided that the control and/or regulation unit 116 does not control the vaporizer unit 102 and/or the flaps 111 so that the active agent 6 and/or the excipient 10 is not vaporized. For example, if the active ingredient 6 is or contains a drug to be vaporized, it can be ensured that the user does not ingest an incorrect or non-prescribed drug through the vaporizer 100 and/or that the dosage of the drug is the same as that prescribed. Similarly, the fingerprints captured by the fingerprint sensor 119 can be compared with information stored in the data memory regarding the individual user, so that the vaporizer can be used, for example, only by one or possibly several specific users. This may result in better hygiene in particular. It may be provided that the vaporizer 100 has a signal element, for example an LED, on an outer side, which signals unauthorized use or non-vaporization of the active ingredient 6 and/or the excipient 10. In some embodiments, the LED may also be configured to indicate, for example, a fill level of an accumulator of the vaporizer 100 or the like.

The features disclosed in the claims, the description, the figures and the abstract may be essential to the invention individually or in combination.

[0107] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.