Method and apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles. The apparatus includes a processing line for processing inhaler articles, the processing line extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. The apparatus includes a closure station configured to at least partially close open ends of the inhaler articles, the closure station being positioned downstream of the upstream end of the processing line. The apparatus includes a conveyor belt configured to transport the inhaler articles in a downstream direction along the processing line. The conveyor belt includes a flat portion disposed parallel to the downstream direction, the flat portion configured to linearly transport the inhaler articles downstream along the processing line through the closure station. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing inhaler articles.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an inhaler article.The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an inhaler article.The present invention further relates to an inhaler article obtained by the method. [Background technology]

[0002] Inhaler articles are well known in the art, for example, powder inhalers. In the field of inhaler article manufacturing, it is known to provide a deformable tubular element and to close the distal end of the deformable tubular element, for example, by folding the distal end of the tubular element inward, thereby ensuring that an object previously inserted into the tubular element, such as a powder capsule, is retained within the article.

[0003] It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing inhaler articles at a sufficiently high speed. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing inhaler articles that allow the articles to be filled with different types of materials. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing inhaler articles that allow the articles to be filled with loose materials. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing inhaler articles that allow the articles to be filled with gel materials. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing inhaler articles that improves the accurate positioning of an object inserted into the article. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing inhaler articles that can simplify the manufacturing process. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing inhaler articles that can simplify the process of closing both opposing ends of the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing inhaler articles that can simultaneously fill and close both ends of a double-length article. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles is provided. The apparatus may include a processing line for processing the inhaler articles. The processing line may extend from an upstream end to a downstream end. The apparatus may include a closure station configured to at least partially close an open end of the inhaler articles. The closure station may be positioned downstream of the upstream end of the processing line. The apparatus may include a conveyor belt configured to transport the inhaler articles downstream along the processing line. The conveyor belt may include a flat portion disposed parallel to the downstream direction. The flat portion may be configured to linearly transport the inhaler articles downstream along the processing line through the closure station.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles is provided. The apparatus includes a processing line for processing inhaler articles. The processing line extends from an upstream end to a downstream end. The apparatus includes a closure station configured to at least partially close open ends of the inhaler articles. The closure station is positioned downstream of the upstream end of the processing line. The apparatus includes a conveyor belt configured to transport the inhaler articles downstream along the processing line. The conveyor belt includes a flat portion disposed parallel to the downstream direction. The flat portion is configured to linearly transport the inhaler articles downstream along the processing line through the closure station.

[0006] An apparatus is provided for manufacturing inhaler articles at a sufficiently high speed. An apparatus is provided that can enable articles to be filled with different types of materials. An apparatus is provided that can enable articles to be filled with loose materials. An apparatus is provided that can enable articles to be filled with gel materials. An apparatus is provided that can improve correct positioning of objects inserted into articles. An apparatus is provided that can enable a simplified manufacturing process. An apparatus is provided that can enable a simplified process for closing both opposing ends of an inhaler article. An apparatus is provided that can enable filling and closing both ends of a double length article simultaneously.

[0007] The closure station may be static with respect to the downstream direction. At least a portion of the closure station may be movable in a direction perpendicular to the downstream direction. At least a portion of the closure station may be movable toward an end of an inhaler article being transported on the conveyor belt to at least partially close the end of the article.

[0008] As used herein, the term "linearly conveyed" refers to conveying an article along a substantially straight line.

[0009] As used herein, the term "transported by station" refers to the transport of articles along the processing line from a location upstream of the respective station to a location downstream of the respective station.

[0010] As used herein, the term "processing an article" refers to one or more steps during the manufacture of an inhaler article. The term "inhaler article" can refer to a finished or unfinished article. The term "inhaler article precursor" refers to an unfinished article. The unfinished inhaler article may comprise a deformable tubular element that forms the open end of the article. Generally, the unfinished inhaler article is provided at the upstream end of the processing line. The inhaler article received at the downstream end of the processing line may be a finished inhaler article or may require further processing to ultimately receive a finished article.

[0011] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" herein refer to the processing direction of the inhaler articles and inhaler article precursors. Generally, the articles are processed or conveyed in a downstream direction from the upstream end of the processing line to the downstream end. The terms "processing direction" and "downstream direction" may be used interchangeably.

[0012] As used herein, the term "perpendicular" is not necessarily limited to an angle of exactly 90 degrees, but in some embodiments may include angles that deviate somewhat from a perpendicular angle. For example, deviations of about 15 degrees or less, or about 10 degrees or less, or about 5 degrees or less, or about 2 degrees or less, or about 1 degree or less may be acceptable. For example, the angle between the downstream direction and the perpendicular direction may be between 75 degrees and 90 degrees, between 80 degrees and 90 degrees, between 85 degrees and 90 degrees, between 88 degrees and 90 degrees, or between 89 degrees and 90 degrees. The term "perpendicular" may be limited to an angle of about 90 degrees. The term "perpendicular" may be limited to an angle of 90 degrees.

[0013] As used herein, the term "parallel" is not necessarily limited to an angle of exactly 0 degrees, but in some embodiments may include angles that deviate somewhat from strictly parallel. For example, deviations of about 15 degrees or less, or about 10 degrees or less, or about 5 degrees or less, or about 2 degrees or less, or about 1 degree or less may be acceptable. For example, the angle between the downstream direction and the perpendicular direction may be between 0 degrees and 15 degrees, between 0 degrees and 10 degrees, between 0 degrees and 5 degrees, between 0 degrees and 2 degrees, or between 0 degrees and 1 degree. The term "parallel" may be limited to an angle of about 0 degrees. The term "parallel" may be limited to an angle of 0 degrees.

[0014] The flat portion of the conveyor belt may be configured to transport the inhaler articles linearly such that the longitudinal axes of the inhaler articles are disposed in a horizontal plane. The flat portion of the conveyor belt may be configured to transport the inhaler articles linearly in a horizontal direction.

[0015] As used herein, the term "horizontal" refers to a direction or plane that is substantially perpendicular to the center of gravity, for example, when the apparatus is set up in a production hall.

[0016] The conveyor belt may comprise a plurality of receiving means. The receiving means may be configured to receive exactly one inhaler article. The receiving means may comprise a groove for receiving a single one of the inhaler articles. The groove may have a size and shape configured to be able to receive only one single inhaler article.

[0017] The receiving means may comprise a vacuum channel. The vacuum channel may comprise a retaining portion for securely attaching the inhaler article to the receiving means.

[0018] The vacuum channel may comprise a supply portion. The supply portion may be fluidly connected to a vacuum supply. The supply portion may be fluidly connectable to a vacuum supply. The supply portion may be fluidly connectable to a vacuum supply via a one-way valve.

[0019] The vacuum channel may comprise a connecting portion. The connecting portion may be fluidly connected to the supply portion. The connecting portion may be fluidly connected to each connecting portion of the vacuum channel of an adjacent receiving means. The connecting portion may be fluidly connectable to each connecting portion of the vacuum channel of an adjacent receiving means. The connecting portions of adjacent receiving means may be fluidly connectable via a one-way valve.

[0020] The apparatus may comprise a mechanism configured to releasably attach the individual receiving means to the conveyor belt. The mechanism for releasably attaching the individual receiving means to the conveyor belt may be a clip-on spring mechanism.

[0021] The device may comprise one or more removable blocking elements, each of which is removably received within the receiving means to block reception of the inhaler article by the receiving means.

[0022] The conveyor belt may include a bend portion. The bend portion may be configured to convey the inhaler articles around the bend portion. The bend portion may subtend an angle of approximately 180 degrees.

[0023] The conveyor belt may have two opposing flat portions and two opposing curved portions that result in a stadium-shaped cross section.

[0024] The apparatus may include a rotating drum configured to guide the conveyor belt around the bend.

[0025] The apparatus may include a vacuum supply. The vacuum supply may include one or more vacuum sources. The one or more vacuum sources may be one or more of a vacuum pump and a vacuum reservoir. The vacuum supply may include a drum vacuum system. The drum vacuum system may include one or more vacuum supply channels in the rotating drum. The one or more vacuum supply channels in the rotating drum may be configured to provide a fluid connection between the vacuum source and the conveyor belt.

[0026] The vacuum supply may comprise an exit station vacuum system. The exit station vacuum system may be provided downstream of the drum vacuum system. The exit station vacuum system may comprise one or more vacuum supply channels. The one or more vacuum supply channels of the exit station vacuum system may be configured to provide a fluid connection between a vacuum source and the conveyor belt.

[0027] The device may include an air injection system, which may be provided at the downstream end, and which may be configured to eject the inhaler articles from the conveyor belt.

[0028] The device may include an encoder. The encoder may be configured to detect the presence of one or more of the inhaler articles at the closure station. The encoder may include an optical sensor.

[0029] The encoder may be an incremental rotary encoder. The incremental rotary encoder may use optical technology. It may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a code disk, and a photodetector assembly. The incremental rotary encoder may be configured such that, during operation, a light beam emitted from the LED passes through the code disk. The code disk may be patterned with opaque lines. As the encoder shaft rotates, the light beam from the LED may be blocked by the opaque lines on the code disk before being captured by the photodetector assembly. This may generate a pulse signal: on for light, off for no light. The signal may be sent to a counter or controller, which then transmits the signal to generate a desired function.

[0030] The apparatus may include a controller coupled to both the encoder and the closing station, The controller may be configured to control operation of the closing station based on signals received from the encoder.

[0031] The apparatus may be configured to transport the inhaler articles along the flat portion of the conveyor belt at a speed of between 50 meters / minute and 1500 meters / minute, preferably between 100 meters / minute and 1000 meters / minute, more preferably between 200 meters / minute and 500 meters / minute.

[0032] The apparatus may include a hopper / dispenser configured to supply the inhaler article precursor to the conveyor belt, the hopper / dispenser being provided at the upstream end of the processing line.

[0033] The device may include a filling station. The filling station may be configured to insert objects into the open ends of the inhaler articles. The filling station may be configured to insert one object into each open end of the inhaler articles.

[0034] The filling station may be positioned upstream of the closure station. A flat portion of the conveyor belt may be configured to transport the inhaler articles linearly along the processing line through the filling station and the closure station. The filling station may include a vibratory feeder bowl. The vibratory feeder bowl may be configured to be fed with a bulk of the objects and to output individual objects in-line. The vibratory feeder bowl may be configured to feed the objects to a plunger means. The plunger means may then force the objects into the open ends of the inhaler articles.

[0035] The device may comprise a vibration system configured to impart local vibration to the conveyor belt after insertion of the object into the inhaler article, whereby the object may be positioned at a desired position by the local vibration.

[0036] The object may be a capsule. The object may be a dry powder capsule.

[0037] The apparatus may be configured to process a single length of inhaler article. The apparatus may include an additional closing station provided upstream of the filling station. The additional closing station may be configured to close an open end on one side of each of the inhaler articles.

[0038] The apparatus may be configured to process double-length inhaler articles. The apparatus may include a cutting station. The cutting station may be configured to cut the double-length inhaler articles in half. The cutting station may be provided downstream of the closing station.

[0039] The closure station may include one or more closure caps. The one or more closure caps may be configured to at least partially close the open ends of the inhaler articles. The closure caps may be arranged in sequence along the downstream direction. The one or more closure caps may be configured to at least partially close the open ends of the inhaler articles by one or both of flanging, folding, and rounding. The closure caps may be arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt to close both opposing ends of the inhaler articles.

[0040] The one or more closure caps may comprise one or more folding heads for folding inward the open tubular end of the inhaler article. The folding heads may be configured to fold the deformable tubular element inward at least 90 degrees. The one or more closure caps may comprise a front folding head and a rear folding head.

[0041] The front folding head may be concave for folding the deformable tubular element inward at an angle less than 90 degrees. The final folding head may be flat for folding the deformable tubular element inward at an angle of about 90 degrees. The final folding head may also be convex for folding the deformable tubular element inward at an angle greater than 90 degrees.

[0042] The one or more closure caps may include one or more rounding heads for rounding the open tubular end of the inhaler article. The rounding head may include a longitudinal central axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the rounding head. The rounding head may include a circular opening located centrally at the proximal end and defining a recess toward the distal end. The recess may be arranged for insertion of the open tubular end of the inhaler article into the recess. At least a portion of a sidewall of the recess may be arranged as a rounding surface. The rounding surface may include a concave curvature. The rounding head may include a rounding mechanism configured to linearly advance the rounding head along the longitudinal central axis and simultaneously rotate the rounding head about the longitudinal central axis. The rounding mechanism may be driven by one or more motors. The rounding mechanism may include means for transmitting power from the one or more motors to the rounding head.

[0043] The rounding mechanism may be configured to treat the open end of the article such that the rounded end includes a rounded edge surrounding the central opening. The rounded edge may be a rounded edge.

[0044] The closure station may include one or more pre-treatment means for pre-treating the open end of the deformable tubular element of the inhaler article to obtain a pre-treated portion with reduced structural stability. The pre-treatment means may be disposed upstream of the one or more closure caps. The pre-treatment means may be configured to crimp the edge of the open end of the deformable tubular element. The pre-treatment means may be configured to cut the edge of the open end of the deformable tubular element along one or more lines extending substantially parallel to the axial direction of the inhaler article. The pre-treatment means may be configured to score the edge of the open end of the deformable tubular element along one or more lines extending substantially parallel to the axial direction of the inhaler article. When scored, the deformable element may be provided with discontinuous cut lines. The pre-treatment means may include a processing head for creasing, cutting, or scoring the open end of the deformable tubular element. The processing head of the pre-treatment station may define a substantially cylindrical recess having an inner dimension corresponding to the outer diameter of the open end of the deformable tubular element. The processing head of the pre-processing station may further include a plurality of processing blades extending from the open sidewall of the recess in the processing head toward the interior volume of the processing head. The processing blades may extend in a funnel shape toward the interior volume of the processing head. The processing blades may be equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the recess.

[0045] The treatment blades may each have an engaging edge that contacts the open end of the deformable tubular element during the pre-treatment step. The treatment blades may be configured to crease, cut, or score the open end of the deformable tubular element during the pre-treatment step. The number of treatment blades determines the number of creases, cuts, or scores provided in the open end of the deformable tubular element during the pre-treatment step.

[0046] One or more of the processing head, folding head and rounding head of the pre-processing means may be configured to be axially movable towards the open ends of the inhaler articles provided on the conveyor belt.

[0047] The apparatus may be configured to produce double-length inhaler articles. To this end, the processing head, folding head, and rounding head of the pre-processing means may be configured so that the double-length inhaler article is held in a central portion and a head is provided at either end of the double-length inhaler article. Processing of the open ends of the double-length inhaler articles may be as described above. An additional processing station may be provided to cut the double-length inhaler article into two regular-length inhaler articles. Processing double-length inhaler articles may allow for increased production speed.

[0048] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an inhaler article is provided. The method may include providing a processing line for processing the inhaler article. The processing line may extend from an upstream end to a downstream end. The method may include providing an inhaler article precursor to the upstream end. The inhaler article precursor may include one or both of an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end. The method may include linearly conveying the inhaler article precursor downstream along the processing line. The method may include at least partially closing at least one of the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed.

[0049] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an inhaler article. The method includes providing a processing line for processing inhaler articles. The processing line extends from an upstream end to a downstream end. The method includes providing an inhaler article precursor to the upstream end. The inhaler article precursor includes one or both of an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end. The method includes linearly conveying the inhaler article precursor downstream along the processing line. The method includes at least partially closing at least one of the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed. The steps of the method may be performed sequentially according to the order described above.

[0050] A method is provided for manufacturing inhaler articles at a sufficiently high speed. A method is provided that may allow the article to be filled with different types of materials. A method is provided that may allow the article to be filled with loose materials. A method is provided that may allow the article to be filled with gel materials. A method is provided that may improve the correct positioning of an object inserted into the article. A method is provided that may allow a simplified manufacturing process. A method is provided that may allow a simplified process for closing both opposing ends of an inhaler article. A method is provided that may allow both ends of a double length article to be filled and closed simultaneously.

[0051] The inhaler article precursor may be conveyed linearly such that the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article precursor lies in a horizontal plane. Linearly conveying the inhaler article precursor may be linearly conveying the inhaler article precursor horizontally.

[0052] The inhaler article precursor may be a single length of inhaler article precursor including both an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end, and the method may include at least partially closing the open tubular proximal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed, then inserting an object into the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor, and then at least partially closing the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed to obtain a finished inhaler article. The method may include inserting an object into the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed.

[0053] The inhaler article precursor may be a double-length inhaler article precursor including both an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end, and the method may include inserting each object into the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor, and then at least partially closing both the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed to obtain the finished inhaler article. The method may include inserting each object into the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed. The method may include simultaneously inserting each object into the open tubular distal end and the open tubular proximal end of the double-length inhaler article precursor. The method may include simultaneously at least partially closing both the open tubular distal end and the open tubular proximal end of a double-length inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed, and then cutting the inhaler article precursor into two halves to obtain a finished inhaler article.

[0054] The open tubular end of the inhaler article treated by the device and method of the present invention may comprise or consist of a cellulosic material, such as paper or cardboard. The open tubular end of the inhaler article may comprise or consist of wrapping paper.

[0055] Inhaler articles manufactured by the devices and methods of the present invention may include capsules. The capsules may include one or more nicotine salts. The capsules may include pharmaceutically active particles. For example, the pharmaceutically active particles may include nicotine. The pharmaceutically active particles may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 0.5 micrometers to about 4 micrometers, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers. The capsules may include one or more nicotine salts.

[0056] The capsule may contain nicotine particles containing nicotine (also referred to as "nicotine powder" or "nicotine particles") and, optionally, particles containing a flavor (also referred to as "flavor particles"). The capsule may contain a predetermined amount of nicotine particles and optional flavor particles. The capsule may contain sufficient nicotine particles to provide at least two inhalations or "puffs," or at least about five inhalations or "puffs," or at least about 10 inhalations or "puffs." The capsule may contain sufficient nicotine particles to provide about 5 to about 50 inhalations or "puffs," or about 10 to about 30 inhalations or "puffs." Each inhalation or "puff" may deliver about 0.1 mg to about 3 mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or about 0.2 milligrams to about 2 milligrams of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or about 1 milligram of nicotine particles to the user's lungs.

[0057] The nicotine particles may have any useful concentration of nicotine, depending on the particular formulation used. The nicotine particles may have at least about 1 weight percent nicotine up to about 30 weight percent nicotine, or about 2 weight percent to about 25 weight percent nicotine, or about 3 weight percent to about 20 weight percent nicotine, or about 4 weight percent to about 15 weight percent nicotine, or about 5 weight percent to about 13 weight percent nicotine. Preferably, about 50 to about 150 micrograms of nicotine can be delivered to the user's lungs with each inhalation or "puff."

[0058] 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 between about 5 milligrams and about 300 milligrams of nicotine particles, or between about 10 milligrams and about 200 milligrams of nicotine particles.

[0059] When flavor particles are blended or combined with the nicotine particles in the capsule, the flavor particles may be present in an amount that provides the desired flavor for each inhalation or "puff" delivered to the user.

[0060] The nicotine particles may have any useful size distribution for preferential inhalation delivery to the user's lungs. The capsule may contain particles other than nicotine particles. The nicotine particles and other particles may form a powder system.

[0061] A capsule may hold or contain at least about 5 milligrams of dry powder (also referred to as a powder system), or at least about 10 milligrams of dry powder. A capsule may hold or contain less than about 900 milligrams of dry powder, or less than about 300 milligrams of dry powder, or less than about 150 milligrams of dry powder. A capsule may hold or contain between about 5 milligrams and about 300 milligrams of dry powder, or between about 10 milligrams and about 200 milligrams of dry powder, or between about 25 milligrams and about 100 milligrams of dry powder.

[0062] The dry powder or powder system may have at least about 40 percent by weight, or at least about 60 percent by weight, or at least about 80 percent by weight of the powder system consisting of nicotine particles having a particle size of about 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 5 micrometers.

[0063] The nicotine-containing particles may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 0.5 micrometers to about 4 micrometers, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers, or in the range of about 1.5 micrometers to about 2.5 micrometers. The mass median aerodynamic diameter is preferably measured using a cascade impactor.

[0064] The flavor-containing particles may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 20 micrometers or more, or about 50 micrometers or more, or in the range of about 50 to about 200 micrometers, or in the range of about 50 to about 150 micrometers. The mass median aerodynamic diameter is preferably measured using a cascade impactor.

[0065] The dry powder may have a median particle size of about 60 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 40 micrometers, or in the range of about 1.5 micrometers to about 25 micrometers. The mean particle size refers to the average particle size per mass, and is preferably measured by laser diffraction, laser diffusion, or electron microscopy.

[0066] The nicotine in the powder system or in the nicotine particles may be pharmaceutically acceptable free base nicotine, or nicotine salt or nicotine salt hydrate.Useful nicotine salt or nicotine salt hydrate includes, for example, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine citrate, nicotine aspartate, nicotine lactate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine salicylate, nicotine fumarate, nicotine mono-pyruvate, nicotine glutamate, or nicotine hydrochloride.The compound that combines with nicotine to form a salt or salt hydrate may be selected based on its expected pharmacological effect.

[0067] Preferably, the nicotine particles comprise an amino acid. Preferably, the amino acid may be leucine, such as L-leucine. By providing nicotine-containing particles with an amino acid such as L-leucine, the adhesive force of the nicotine-containing particles may be reduced, and the attractive force between nicotine particles may be reduced, and therefore the aggregation of nicotine particles may be reduced.

[0068] Similarly, the adhesive force to the flavor-containing particles may also be reduced, and therefore the agglomeration of the nicotine particles with the flavor particles is also reduced. Thus, the powder systems described herein may be free-flowing materials and may have stable relative particle sizes of each powder component, even when the nicotine and flavor particles are combined.

[0069] Preferably, the nicotine may be a surface-modified nicotine salt, in which case the nicotine salt particles include coated particles or composite particles. A preferred coating material or composite material may be L-leucine. One particularly useful nicotine particle may be nicotine penta-tartrate with L-leucine.

[0070] The powder system may comprise a population of flavor particles, which may have any useful size distribution, selectively for inhalation delivery to the user's mouth or oral cavity.

[0071] The powder system may have a powder flavor particle population of at least about 40 percent, or at least about 60 percent, or at least about 80 percent by weight of particles having a particle size of about 20 micrometers or greater. The powder system may have a powder flavor particle population of at least about 40 percent, or at least about 60 percent, or at least about 80 percent by weight of particles having a particle size of about 50 micrometers or greater. The powder system may have a powder flavor particle population of at least about 40 percent, or at least about 60 percent, or at least about 80 percent by weight of particles having a particle size in the range of about 50 micrometers to about 150 micrometers.

[0072] The flavor-containing particles may include a compound to reduce adhesion or surface energy and the resulting aggregation. The flavor particles may be surface-modified with an adhesion-reducing compound to form coated flavor particles. One preferred adhesion-reducing compound may be magnesium stearate. Providing flavor particles, particularly coating them, with an adhesion-reducing compound such as magnesium stearate may reduce the adhesion of the flavor-containing particles, reduce the attractive forces between flavor particles, and therefore reduce aggregation of the flavor particles. Therefore, aggregation of flavor particles with nicotine particles may also be reduced. Therefore, the powder system described herein may have a stable relative particle size of the nicotine-containing particles and the flavor-containing particles, even when nicotine particles and flavor particles are combined. The powder system may preferably be free-flowing.

[0073] Conventional formulations for dry powder inhalation contain carrier particles that function to increase the fluidization of active particles, because active particles may be too small to be affected by simple airflow through the inhaler.Powder system may also contain carrier particles.These carrier particles may be saccharides such as lactose or mannitol, which may have a particle size of more than about 50 micrometers.Carrier particles can be used in formulations to improve dose uniformity by acting as diluent or bulking agent.

[0074] The powder systems utilized in the nicotine powder delivery systems described herein may be carrier-free or substantially free of saccharides such as lactose or mannitol, which may allow the nicotine to be inhaled and delivered to the user's lungs at an inhalation volume or airflow rate similar to that of a typical smoking session.

[0075] Nicotine particles and flavors can be combined in a single capsule.As mentioned above, nicotine particles and flavors can each have reduced adhesive strength, which results in a stable particle formulation, and when nicotine particles and flavors are combined, the particle size of each component does not change substantially.Alternatively, the powder system includes nicotine particles contained in a single capsule and flavor particles contained in a second capsule.The nicotine particles and flavor particles can be combined in any useful relative amount so that the flavor particles are perceived by the user when consumed together with the nicotine particles.Preferably, the nicotine particles and flavor 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.

[0076] Inhaler articles produced by the devices and methods of the present invention may be similar in size and shape to smoking articles or cigarettes. The inhaler article may have an elongate 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 elongate body. The inhaler article may have a circular cross-section, which may be uniform along the length of the elongate body. The inhaler body may have an outer diameter within the range of about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or 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 the range of about 40 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, or about 40 millimeters to about 70 millimeters, or about 40 millimeters to about 50 millimeters, or about 48 millimeters.

[0077] The inhaler article may include 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 within a range of about 10 millimeters to about 30 millimeters, preferably about 15 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, and more preferably about 20 millimeters to about 22 millimeters. The mouthpiece element may have a diameter within a range of about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or 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 include a filter element. The filter element may extend substantially the entire length of the mouthpiece element.

[0078] The inhaler article may comprise a deformable tubular element at least partially closed by the device or method of the present invention. The deformable element may be formed of a cellulosic material. At least a portion of the deformable element may be formed of paper. The deformable element may provide a barrier to reduce or prevent contaminants or foreign objects from entering the capsule cavity.

[0079] The inhaler article may comprise a body, a capsule cavity for holding a capsule, a mouthpiece element, and a deformable tubular element having an at least partially closed end.

[0080] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used to indicate the relative positions of components or portions of components of an inhaler article or system. An inhaler article according to the present invention has a proximal end. In use, nicotine particles exit the proximal end of the inhaler article for delivery to a user. The inhaler article has a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of the inhaler article may also be referred to as the mouth end.

[0081] According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an inhaler article as described herein, wherein the inhaler article is manufactured by the method for manufacturing an inhaler article as described herein. [Example]

[0082] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0083] Example 1: 1. An apparatus for manufacturing an inhaler article, comprising: a processing line for processing the inhaler articles, the processing line extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; a closure station configured to at least partially close the open end of the inhaler article, the closure station being positioned downstream of the upstream end of the processing line; An apparatus comprising: a conveyor belt configured to transport inhaler articles downstream along a processing line, the conveyor belt having a flat portion arranged parallel to the downstream direction, the flat portion configured to linearly transport the inhaler articles downstream along the processing line through a closing station. Example 2: 2. The apparatus of example 1, wherein the flat portion of the conveyor belt is configured to transport the inhaler articles linearly such that the longitudinal axes of the inhaler articles are disposed in a horizontal plane. Example 3: The apparatus of example 1 or example 2, wherein the flat portion of the conveyor belt is configured to transport the inhaler articles in a horizontal linear manner. Example 4: 4. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the conveyor belt comprises a plurality of receiving means, each receiving means configured to receive a single one of the inhaler articles. Example 5: 5. The device of example 4, wherein each receiving means comprises a groove for receiving a single one of the inhaler articles. Example 6: The apparatus of example 4 or example 5, wherein each receiving means comprises a vacuum channel. Example 7: 7. The device of example 6, wherein the vacuum channel comprises a retaining portion for securely attaching the inhaler article to the receiving means. Example 8: The apparatus of example 6 or example 7, wherein the vacuum channel comprises a supply portion fluidly connectable to a vacuum supply, preferably the supply portion fluidly connectable to the vacuum supply through a one-way valve. Example 9: 9. The device of any of Examples 6-8, wherein the vacuum channel comprises a connecting portion for fluidly connecting the vacuum channel to a respective connecting portion of the vacuum channel of an adjacent receiving means. Example 10: 10. The device of example 9, wherein connecting portions of adjacent receiving means are fluidly connectable via a one-way valve. Example 11: 11. The apparatus of any of Examples 4-10, comprising a clip-on spring mechanism configured to removably attach each receiving means to the conveyor belt. Example 12: A device described in any of Examples 4 to 11, comprising one or more removable blocking elements, each of which is removably received within the receiving means to block reception of the inhaler article by the receiving means. Example 13: 13. The apparatus of any of Examples 1-12, wherein the conveyor belt comprises a curved portion configured to convey the inhaler articles around the curved portion. Example 14: 14. The apparatus of example 13, wherein the conveyor belt comprises two opposing flat portions and two opposing curved portions that result in a stadium-shaped cross section. Example 15: 15. The apparatus of example 13 or example 14, comprising a rotating drum configured to guide the conveyor belt around a curve. Example 16: 16. The apparatus of example 15, further comprising a vacuum supply, the vacuum supply comprising a drum vacuum system, the drum vacuum system comprising a vacuum supply channel in a rotating drum configured to provide a fluid connection between the vacuum source and the conveyor belt. Example 17: 17. The apparatus of example 16, wherein the vacuum supply comprises an exit station vacuum system, the exit station vacuum system being provided downstream of the drum vacuum system, the exit station vacuum system comprising a vacuum supply channel configured to provide a fluid connection between the vacuum source and the conveyor belt. Example 18: 18. The apparatus of any of Examples 1-17, further comprising an air injection system provided at the downstream end, the air injection system configured to remove the inhaler articles from the conveyor belt. Example 19: 19. The device of any of Examples 1-18, comprising an encoder configured to detect the presence of one or more inhaler articles at the closure station. Example 20: 20. The apparatus of example 19, wherein the encoder comprises an optical sensor. Example 21: 21. The apparatus of any of Examples 1-20, wherein the apparatus is configured to transport the inhaler articles along the flat portion of the conveyor belt at a speed of between 200 meters / min and 500 meters / min. Example 22: An apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, comprising a hopper / dispenser for supplying inhaler article precursors to the conveyor belt, the hopper / dispenser being provided at the upstream end of the processing line. Example 23: An apparatus as described in any of Examples 1 to 22, comprising a filling station configured to insert an object into the open end of the inhaler article, the filling station being positioned upstream of the closing station, and the flat portion being configured to transport the inhaler article linearly along the processing line through the filling station and the closing station. Example 24: 24. The apparatus of example 23, wherein the filling station comprises a vibratory feeder bowl. Example 25: An apparatus as described in example 23 or example 24, comprising a vibration system configured to provide local vibration of the conveyor belt after insertion of the object into the inhaler article, so that the local vibration enables positioning of the object at a desired position. Example 26: 26. The device of any one of Examples 23 to 25, wherein the object is a dry powder capsule. Example 27: An apparatus described in any of Examples 23 to 26, wherein the apparatus is configured to process a single length of inhaler article, and the apparatus comprises an additional closing station provided upstream of the filling station, the additional closing station configured to close the open end on one side of each of the inhaler articles. Example 28: 27. The device of any of Examples 1-26, wherein the device is configured to process double length inhaler articles. Example 29: 29. The apparatus of example 28, further comprising a cutting station configured to cut the double-length inhaler article in half, the cutting station being provided downstream of the closing station. Example 30: An apparatus described in any of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the closing station comprises a plurality of closing caps arranged consecutively along the downstream direction, and the closing caps are configured to at least partially close the open end of the inhaler article by one or both of flanging and rounding. Example 31: 31. The apparatus of example 30, wherein the closure caps are disposed on both sides of the conveyor belt. Example 32: 1. A method for manufacturing an inhaler article, comprising: providing a processing line for processing inhaler articles, the processing line extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; providing an inhaler article precursor to the upstream end, the inhaler article precursor including one or both of an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end; conveying the inhaler article precursor linearly downstream along a processing line; and At least partially closing at least one of an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly transported. Example 33: The method of Example 32, wherein the inhaler article precursor is conveyed linearly such that the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article precursor lies in a horizontal plane. Example 34: The method of Example 32 or Example 33, wherein linearly conveying the inhaler article precursor comprises linearly conveying the inhaler article precursor horizontally. Example 35: the inhaler article precursor is a single length of inhaler article precursor including both an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end, and the method comprises: at least partially closing the open tubular proximal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed; inserting the object into the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor, and then The method of any of Examples 31-34, comprising at least partially closing the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed to obtain a finished inhaler article. Example 36: the inhaler article precursor is a double-length inhaler article precursor including both an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end, and the method comprises: inserting each object into an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end of an inhaler article precursor, and then The method of any of Examples 31-34, comprising at least partially closing both the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed to obtain a finished inhaler article. Example 37: The method of Example 36, comprising simultaneously inserting each object into the open tubular distal end and the open tubular proximal end of the inhaler article precursor. Example 38: The method of Example 36 or Example 37, comprising simultaneously at least partially closing both the open tubular distal end and the open tubular proximal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is linearly conveyed, and then cutting the inhaler article precursor into two halves to obtain a finished inhaler article. Example 39: An inhaler article manufactured by the method of any of Examples 32-38.

[0084] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0085] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0086] [Figure 1] Figures 1a and 1b show an apparatus for manufacturing an inhaler article. [Figure 2] 2a and 2b show an apparatus for manufacturing an inhaler article. [Figure 3] 3a and 3b show an apparatus for manufacturing an inhaler article. [Figure 4] Figures 4a and 4b show details of the vacuum supply. [Figure 5] Figure 5a shows a detail of the vacuum supply, and Figure 5b shows the cutting station. [Figure 6] Figures 6a and 6b show an embodiment of the receiving means. [Figure 7] Figures 7a to 7c show a hopper and dispenser. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0087] 1a and 1b schematically illustrate an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles 10 in a top view (FIG. 1a) and a perspective view (FIG. 1b). The apparatus includes a processing line for processing inhaler articles 10. The processing line extends from an upstream end 12 to a downstream end 14. The articles 10 are processed in a downstream direction from the upstream end 12 to the downstream end 14. The apparatus includes a closure station 16 configured to at least partially close an open end of the inhaler article 10. The closure station 16 is positioned downstream of the upstream end 12 of the processing line. The apparatus includes a conveyor belt 20 configured to transport the inhaler articles 10 downstream along the processing line. The conveyor belt 20 includes a flat portion 22 disposed parallel to the downstream direction. The flat portion 22 is configured to linearly transport the inhaler articles 10 downstream along the processing line through the closure station 16.

[0088] The flat portion 22 of the conveyor belt 20 is configured to linearly transport the inhaler articles 10 such that the longitudinal axes 24 of the inhaler articles 10 are disposed in a horizontal plane. Furthermore, the flat portion 22 of the conveyor belt 20 is configured to linearly transport the inhaler articles 10 horizontally. As a result, the inhaler articles are transported linearly along the flat portion 22 with their longitudinal axes 24 disposed perpendicular to the downstream direction. Thereby, the open ends of the inhaler articles 10 can be closed by the closing station 16 without the risk of objects inserted in the open ends becoming dislodged or falling out of the articles 10 due to gravity.

[0089] FIG. 2a shows a schematic top view of an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles 10. The apparatus of FIG. 2a is configured to process double-length inhaler articles 10. A hopper / dispenser 26 supplies inhaler article precursors 10 having two open ends to a conveyor belt 20. The hopper / dispenser 26 is provided at the upstream end 12 of the processing line. The apparatus includes a filling station 28 configured to simultaneously insert objects into both open ends of the inhaler articles 10. The filling station 28 is positioned upstream of the closure station 16. The closure station 16 is configured to simultaneously close both open ends of the inhaler articles 10. The flat portion 22 is configured to linearly transport the inhaler articles 10 along the processing line through the filling station 28 and the closure station 16.

[0090] FIG. 2b shows a schematic top view of an apparatus for manufacturing inhaler articles 10. The apparatus of FIG. 2b is configured to process a single length of inhaler article 10. A hopper / dispenser 26 supplies inhaler article precursors 10 having two open ends to a conveyor belt 20. The hopper / dispenser 26 is provided at the upstream end 12 of the processing line. The apparatus includes a filling station 28 configured to insert an object into the open end on one side of each of the inhaler articles 10. The filling station 28 is positioned upstream of the closure station 16. The closure station 16 is configured to close the open end of the inhaler article 10 on the side into which the object has been inserted. The apparatus includes an additional closure station 30 provided upstream of the filling station 28. The additional closure station 30 is configured to close the open end on the other side of each of the inhaler articles 10 into which no object has been inserted. The flat portion 22 is configured to convey the inhaler articles 10 linearly along the processing line through both the filling station 28 and the closing station 16 as well as the additional closing station 30 .

[0091] 3a and 3b show schematically an apparatus for manufacturing an inhaler article 10 in perspective view (FIG. 3a) and side view (FIG. 3b).

[0092] The conveyor belt 20 includes two opposing flat portions 22a, 22b and two opposing curved portions 32a, 32b that provide a stadium-shaped cross section.

[0093] The bend section 32a is located between the upstream end 12 and the downstream end 14 of the processing line and is configured to transport the inhaler articles 10 around the bend. The bend angle is approximately 180 degrees. The apparatus includes a rotating drum 34 configured to guide the conveyor belt 20 around the bend. The apparatus further includes an exit station 36 provided toward the downstream end 14. The articles 10 are initially transported along the horizontal direction and are held by gravity on the conveyor belt 20 during transport along the flat section 22a. To further hold the inhaler articles 10 on the conveyor belt 20, the apparatus includes a vacuum supply. The vacuum supply includes a drum vacuum system, as indicated by reference numeral 40, for vacuum-attaching the inhaler articles 10 during transport along the bend section 32a. The vacuum supply includes an intermediate vacuum system, as indicated by reference numeral 42, for vacuum-attaching the inhaler articles 10 after transport along the bend section 32a. The vacuum supply further comprises an exit station vacuum system, as indicated by reference numeral 44, arranged to attach the inhaler articles 10 by vacuum 44 before the articles 10 are discharged from the conveyor belt 20 at the distal end 14 of the processing line.

[0094] Figures 4a, 4b and 5a show detailed embodiments of a vacuum supply suitable for the apparatus of Figures 3a and 3b.

[0095] The conveyor belt 20 of the apparatus may comprise a plurality of receiving means 50. The receiving means 50 may comprise a vacuum channel to form part of a vacuum supply.

[0096] Figures 4a and 4b show an embodiment in which the conveyor belt 20 comprises multiple receiving means 50. Figure 4a shows a single receiving means 50 in a semi-transparent perspective view. Figure 4b shows two identical adjacent receiving means 50 in a side view. Each receiving means 50 comprises a groove 52 for receiving a single one of the inhaler articles 10, with the longitudinal axis 24 of the inhaler article 10 aligned along the longitudinal axis of the groove 52. The receiving means 50 are attached to the conveyor belt 20, as indicated by arrow 54, with the longitudinal axis 24 aligned perpendicular to the downstream direction. The downstream direction is indicated by the dotted arrow in Figures 4a and 4b.

[0097] Each receiving means 50 comprises a vacuum channel. The vacuum channel comprises a retaining portion 56 for securely fixing the inhaler article 10 in the groove 52 when the article 10 is not being transported horizontally. During horizontal transport, the article 10 may be held in the groove 52 by gravity. The vacuum channel comprises a supply portion 58 fluidly connectable to a vacuum source via a one-way valve 60. The vacuum channel further comprises a connecting portion 62 for fluidly connecting the vacuum channel to a respective connecting portion 62 of the vacuum channel of an adjacent receiving means 50. The connecting portions 62 of adjacent receiving means 50 are fluidly connected via a one-way valve 64. The arrows in Figure 4b indicate the direction of airflow through the one-way valve.

[0098] Figure 5a shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the device comprising the receiving means 50 of Figures 4a and 4b. The downstream direction is indicated by the dotted arrow in Figure 5a. The other arrows in Figure 5a indicate the direction of airflow through the one-way valves 60, 64.

[0099] The article 10 received in the groove 52 of the receiving means 50 is first conveyed horizontally downstream along the flat portion 22a and held in the groove 52 by gravity. The article 10 then conveys along the curved portion 32a. The rotating drum 34 is equipped with a drum vacuum system 35 to hold the article 10 in the groove 52 during conveyance along the curved portion 32a. This path is designated by reference numeral 70. The article 10 then conveys along the flat portion 22b. Immediately after the curved portion 32a, the article 10 is held in the groove 52 by the lateral one-way valve 64 (see FIG. 4b). This path is designated by reference numeral 72. The article 10 is then held in the groove 52 by an exit station vacuum system 76. This path is designated by reference numeral 74. The exit station vacuum system 76 is connected to a vacuum pump 78. Finally, the article 10 is discharged by gravity at the downstream end 14.

[0100] Figure 5b shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figures 3a and 3b, configured to process double-length inhaler articles 10. The apparatus includes a cutting station 80 configured to cut the double-length inhaler articles 10 in half (10a, 10b). The cutting station 80 includes a rotary cutter, the movement of which is indicated by the curved arrow in Figure 5b. The cutting station 80 is provided midway along the bent portion 32a, downstream of the closure station 16. The downstream direction is indicated by the dotted arrow in Figure 5b.

[0101] Figure 6a shows in perspective view an embodiment of a receiving means 50 attached to a conveyor belt 20. The downstream direction is indicated by the dotted arrow in Figure 6a. The embodiment of Figure 6a comprises one or more removable blocking elements 82, each of which is removably receivable in a groove 52 of the receiving means 50 to block the receiving of an inhaler article 10 by the receiving means 50.

[0102] Figure 6b shows an embodiment in side view with a clip-on spring mechanism 86 configured to removably attach individual receiving means 50 to conveyor belt 20. Conveyor belt 20 includes openings 88 for receiving clip-on spring mechanisms 86. Figure 6b shows the sequence of attaching receiving means 50 with clip-on spring mechanisms 86 onto conveyor belt 20 in a clockwise direction.

[0103] Figures 7a-7c show, in side view, a schematic representation of an embodiment comprising a hopper and dispenser 26 and a receiving means 50 having a groove 52. The hopper and dispenser 26 is stationary and the receiving means 50 is transported by a conveyor belt 20 (not shown in Figures 7a-7c) along a downstream direction, which is indicated by a dotted arrow in Figures 7a-7c.

[0104] After passing through the hopper portion (not shown), the inhaler article 10 is provided in the dispenser portion 27 of the hopper and dispenser 26 for insertion into the groove 52 of the receiving means 50 .

[0105] The geometry of the dispenser portion 27 and the grooves 52 is designed so that exactly one inhaler article 10 is received per groove 52. Figures 7a to 7c show a sequence of movements of the receiving means 50 moving in a downstream direction relative to the dispenser portion 27.

[0106] FIG. 7a shows that the geometry prevents the insertion of a second inhaler article 10 into a groove 52 already occupied by an inhaler article 10. FIG.

[0107] Figure 7b shows, as indicated by the two arrows, that the maximum distance between the inclined surface of the dispenser portion 27 and the inclined surface of the groove 52 is less than the diameter of the inhaler article 10. Thereby, a second inhaler article 10 that cannot be inserted into the already occupied groove 52 in Figure 7b can be moved to the next adjacent groove 52, as shown in Figure 7c.

[0108] 7c thus shows the correct insertion of the article 10 into the next groove 52. FIG.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for manufacturing an inhaler article, comprising: a processing line for processing the inhaler articles, the processing line extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; a closure station configured to at least partially close an open end of the inhaler article, the closure station being positioned downstream of the upstream end of the processing line; and a conveyor belt configured to transport the inhaler articles in a downstream direction along the processing line, the conveyor belt having a flat portion arranged parallel to the downstream direction, the flat portion configured to linearly transport the inhaler articles in the downstream direction along the processing line through the closing station.

2. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the flat portion of the conveyor belt is configured to convey the inhaler articles linearly such that the longitudinal axes of the inhaler articles are disposed in a horizontal plane.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the flat portion of the conveyor belt is configured to transport the inhaler articles in a horizontal, linear manner.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor belt comprises a plurality of receiving means, each receiving means being configured to receive a single one of the inhaler articles.

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

6. 6. A device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein each receiving means comprises a vacuum channel, said vacuum channel comprising a retaining portion for securely attaching said inhaler article to said receiving means.

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

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the vacuum channel comprises a connecting portion for fluidly connecting the vacuum channel to a respective connecting portion of the vacuum channel of an adjacent receiving means, the connecting portions of adjacent receiving means being fluidly connectable via a one-way valve.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8, comprising a clip-on spring mechanism arranged to removably attach individual receiving means to the conveyor belt.

10. 10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor belt comprises a curved portion configured to transport the inhaler articles around a curve, preferably the conveyor belt comprises two opposing flat portions and two opposing curved portions resulting in a stadium-shaped cross section.

11. 11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to transport the inhaler articles along the flat portion of the conveyor belt at a speed of between 200 meters / minute and 500 meters / minute.

12. 12. The device of any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a filling station configured to insert an object into the open end of the inhaler article, the filling station being positioned upstream of the closing station, and the flat portion being configured to transport the inhaler article linearly along the processing line through the filling station and the closing station.

13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the object is a dry powder capsule.

14. 1. A method for manufacturing an inhaler article, comprising: providing a processing line for processing inhaler articles, said processing line extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; providing an inhaler article precursor to the upstream end, the inhaler article precursor including one or both of an open tubular proximal end and an open tubular distal end; conveying the inhaler article precursor linearly downstream along the processing line; and at least partially closing at least one of the open tubular proximal end and the open tubular distal end of the inhaler article precursor while the inhaler article precursor is being linearly transported.

15. 15. An inhaler article made by the method of claim 14.

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