Method and apparatus for manufacturing a dispensing system for swallowable objects, dispensing system, and drinking cup system for dispensing swallowable objects.
An automated method and apparatus for manufacturing swallowable object administration systems, using a housing and object container connected by a retaining element loop, address the complexity and cost issues of existing systems, enabling efficient and secure administration of swallowable active ingredient films.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LTS LOHMANN THERAPIE SYST AG
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing administration systems for swallowable objects, particularly those involving active ingredient films, are manufactured partially by hand and are complex and costly.
An automated method and apparatus for manufacturing an administration system for swallowable objects, including a method for manufacturing an administration system for swallowable active ingredient film capsules, utilizing a housing and object container connected by a retaining element loop, secured by clamping without additional fastening devices, and a drinking cup system for administering these objects.
The method and apparatus provide a cost-effective and efficient automated process for manufacturing administration systems, reducing complexity and cost while ensuring secure attachment and administration of swallowable objects.
Smart Images

Figure 2026524677000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an administration system for a swallowable object, an apparatus for manufacturing an administration system for a swallowable object, an administration system for administering a swallowable object, and a drinking cup system for administering a swallowable object.
Background Art
[0002] New concepts for drug administration involve an active ingredient film that is swallowed and releases the active ingredient into the esophagus. For this purpose, the active ingredient film is connected to a thread and rolled up inside a capsule. When the capsule is swallowed, the active ingredient film unfolds and adheres to the esophagus. The thread is fixed to the active ingredient film on one side and, on the other side outside the patient's body, is fixed to, for example, a cup device for application. By the fixation, the active ingredient film is held, and thus the unfolding of the active ingredient film is promoted.
[0003] Such concepts are described, for example, in International Publication No. 2016 / 102067 and International Publication No. 2020 / 183005. An administration system for this purpose is described, for example, in International Publication No. 2020 / 183003. The prior art products, particularly the manufacturing processes of the administration systems, are described in International Publication No. 2022 / 243524 and International Publication No. 2022 / 243516.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Patent Document ۳
Patent Document 4
[0005] In terms of technology, these products, especially the administration systems, are manufactured, at least partially, primarily by hand. Furthermore, the products and / or manufacturing processes are complex and costly.
[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an automated administration system for swallowable objects, an apparatus for manufacturing an administration system for swallowable objects, an administration system for administering swallowable objects, and a drinking cup system for administering swallowable objects. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] This objective is achieved, according to the present invention, by the method of manufacturing an administration system for swallowable objects according to claim 1, the apparatus for manufacturing an administration system for swallowable objects according to claim 17, the administration system for administering swallowable objects according to claim 9, and the drinking cup system for administering swallowable objects according to claim 16.
[0008] A method according to the present invention for manufacturing an administration system for a swallowable object is, in particular, a method for manufacturing an administration system for a swallowable active ingredient film capsule. Preferably, the swallowable object is an active ingredient film capsule for delivering an active ingredient to the esophagus. The method comprises the following steps, which are preferably performed in the order listed. A particularly first step of the method is a1) to prepare an object container for the swallowable object. A particularly second step of the method is a2) to prepare a housing for holding the object container. A further step of the method, for example a third step, is e2) to fix a retaining element loop between the object container and the housing, the retaining element loop having at least one, particularly filamentous, retaining element designed to be fixed to the swallowable object. In particular, the step of preparing the object container and / or housing is optional. In particular, the housing is designed to at least partially, preferably completely, house the object container. In particular, the object container can be housed at least partially, preferably completely, within the housing. The housing and / or object container is, in particular, a hollow body, preferably a hollow cylinder. Preferably, the housing and / or object container has a cross-section that is essentially circular, elliptical, rectangular, or square. The housing and / or object container may preferably be tapered, and thus form a hollow frustum shape that is especially preferably having a cross-section that is essentially circular, elliptical, rectangular, or square. The housing and / or object container is designed in two parts. In particular, the object container has a dispensing opening for the object to be swallowed.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining element loop is secured by clamping it between the object container and the housing. When the retaining element loop is clamped, it is preferably attached to the housing and / or object container by pressure fitting. In particular, securing the retaining element loop between the object container and the housing by clamping can conveniently be achieved, preferably, that the dispensing system, e.g., the object container and / or housing, does not require separate fastening devices such as hooks for securing the retaining element loop and / or retaining element.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of connecting the object container to the housing, preferably by fitting, particularly when fixing the retaining element loop between the object container and the housing. The fitting connection of the object container to the housing is achieved, in particular, by inserting and / or sliding the housing into the object container. Insertion and / or pushing means, in particular, the relative movement of the elements toward each other, and therefore, in addition to or instead of the above, it is also possible, for example, to insert and / or push the object container into the housing. Preferably, the housing and the object container are connected axially, in particular toward each other. The fitting connection includes, in particular, fixing between the object container and the housing, preferably in a morph-fit and / or press-fit manner. In particular, the housing and / or object container are arranged and / or designed to be coaxial and / or centered toward each other.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of d) wrapping the retaining element loop around the side of the object container, in particular before securing the retaining element loop between the object container and the housing. During wrapping, the retaining element loop is in particular a taut state. Preferably, the retaining element loop is wrapped around the side several times. Wrapping is performed in particular by rotating the object container and / or guiding the retaining element loop around the object container. Wrapping is preferably performed in particular by a turntable to rotate the object container. Preferably, the object container is connected to the turntable in a particularly detachable manner. The connection between the turntable and the object container is made, for example, via a gripping device of the turntable that grips the inside of the object container, for example, a jaw that grips the inside.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes, in particular, step b) positioning, in particular, guiding the retaining element loop along the end face of the object container, preferably above or below the object container, before fixing the retaining element loop between the object container and the housing. Preferably, the retaining element loop is positioned and in particular guided radially with respect to the object container. Preferably, the retaining element loop is positioned and in particular guided in such a manner that it is positioned or guided parallel to the end face and / or positioned or guided in contact with the end face. In particular, the sides are positioned perpendicular to the end face. The end face of the object container is in particular the base surface of the object container. The end face of the housing is in particular the base surface of the housing.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of c) guiding a retaining element loop along the side of the object container, starting from the end face of the object container, and particularly along a side that curves away from the end face. Curving means, in particular, that the side is positioned perpendicular to the end face.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining element loop is guided by a guide device, particularly one having eyelets. The retaining element loop is preferably held loosely, in a manner that allows it to slide within the guide device. The retaining element loop is preferably housed within the guide device throughout one or more steps of the method, and especially throughout all steps.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of, during or before guiding the retaining element loop, a3) securing a first portion of the retaining element loop, particularly an end, to one side of the object container, preferably in a releasable manner. The securing is carried out in particular by a securing device having a gripping device and / or clamp jaws.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of g) joining, in particular welding and / or bonding, a retaining element loop to an active ingredient film or an active ingredient film web comprising several active ingredient films. Prior to this joining, it is preferable to loosen a first portion of the retaining element loop. During joining, in particular a portion of the retaining element loop is joined to the active ingredient film or active ingredient film web on the opposite side of the first portion to the area of the retaining element loop fixed between the object container and the housing. In particular, joining may further include sealing the retaining element loop with the active ingredient film or active ingredient film web. Joining can be performed in particular by temperature and / or moisture. During joining, the retaining element loop is pressed against the active ingredient film or active ingredient film web, preferably with temperature and / or moisture introduced. When joined and in particular pressed, the retaining element loop is preferably guided on the active ingredient film or active ingredient film web. Guiding is preferably performed by a joining device, in particular a driver of the joining device for pulling, for example hooking, and guiding the retaining element loop. The area to be joined or joined in the active ingredient film or active ingredient film web is, in particular, the joint. Preferably, the active ingredient film web has, in particular, several active ingredient films in a single unit, preferably for several objects to be swallowed. In particular, the active ingredient film is endless. The active ingredient film web has, for example, at least two active ingredient films, preferably at least ten active ingredient films, and particularly preferably at least 100 active ingredient films.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes, in particular after joining, step h) securing a second portion of the retaining element loop, wherein the region of the retaining element loop to be joined or the joined region, in particular the joint, is located between this second portion of the retaining element loop and the region of the retaining element loop wrapped around the side. This securing is performed in particular with the same securing device as the securing of the first portion, in particular the securing described above. In particular, the second portion is the portion corresponding to the first portion in a preferred subsequent execution of the method according to the present invention. Thus, step h) is step a3), in particular when the method is performed again.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the method preferably includes the step of separating the retaining element from the retaining element loop after bonding, j1) the separated retaining element including a portion of the retaining element loop fixed between the object container and the housing. The separation is performed particularly at the separation point of the retaining element loop, and therefore the bonded portion is located between the separation point and the region fixed between the object container and the housing. After separation, it is preferable that the separated retaining element remains integrated with the portion of the retaining element loop bonded to the active ingredient film. The separated retaining element is particularly preferably a thread-like portion designed to be attached to a swallowable object as a component of the active ingredient film capsule to be manufactured. A further preferred step of the method is j2) separating the active ingredient film for the active ingredient film capsule from the active ingredient film web, the separated active ingredient film corresponding to the addition or bonding region of the active ingredient film web.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining element loop has several preferably integral retaining elements. In particular, the retaining element loop is an endless retaining element loop. In particular, each of the plurality of retaining elements is a retaining element for a swallowable object to be manufactured, preferably an active ingredient film capsule. In particular, the retaining element loop has several retaining elements separated from the retaining element loop, such that several retaining elements of the retaining element loop are formed, in particular, by separation. In particular, the retaining element is a part of the retaining element loop. The retaining element loop is preferably a thread, in particular a soluble thread. By endless is meant, in particular, that the retaining element loop has several retaining elements, preferably integrally. For example, the retaining element loop has at least two retaining elements, preferably at least ten retaining elements, particularly preferably at least one hundred retaining elements.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises, in particular, after fixing the retaining element loop between the object container and the housing, the step of i) accommodating an active ingredient film, in particular a retaining element joined to the active ingredient film, in the capsule. Preferably, at least partial absorption of the active ingredient film and the retaining element occurs within the capsule.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises, in particular, after fixing the retaining element loop between the object container and the housing, the step of k) introducing the capsule into the object container, in particular dropping it.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the further step of l) closing the object container and / or the housing with a cover. In particular, the cover is pushed into or screwed onto the object container.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the method is carried out several times. The steps are preferably performed in ascending order from a) to l). In particular, it is not necessary to execute all steps a) to l). a) corresponds particularly to steps a1) to a3), e) corresponds to steps e1) and e2), and j) corresponds to steps j1) and j2). Steps a1) to a3) are particularly executed in one of the following orders:
[0024] · a1), then a2), then a3), or · a1), then a3), then a2), or · a2), then a1), then a3), or · a2), then a3), then a2), or · a3), then a1), then a2), or · a3), then a2), then a1), or two or three of these steps simultaneously.
[0025] Steps e1) and e2) are particularly performed in one of the following orders: e1), then e2), or e2), then e1), or simultaneously. Steps j1) and j2) are particularly performed in one of the following orders: j1), then j2), or j2), then j1), or simultaneously. Preferably, step j1) and / or step j2) may be executed before step g).
[0026] The administration system for swallowable objects of the present invention is, in particular, an administration system for swallowable active ingredient film capsules. The administration system is manufactured, in particular, by a method having one or more features of the method according to the present invention. The administration system has an applicator comprising a housing and an object container for swallowable objects. In particular, the object container is located inside the housing and is preferably connected to the housing in a fixed manner, for example. Furthermore, the administration system has retaining elements, particularly filamentous elements, that are attached to the swallowable objects. The retaining elements are fixed between the housing and the object container, in particular by clamping. In particular, the housing and / or object container have one or more features of the housing and / or object container described in the context of the method according to the present invention. In particular, the retaining elements are filaments, preferably dissolvable filaments.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining element extends to the front of the object container and is particularly clamped. In particular, the retaining element extends below or above the end face of the object container. Preferably, the retaining element extends parallel to the end face of the object container.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining element extends along the base surface of the object container and is wrapped around the side of the object container, particularly in a helical manner.
[0029] In a preferred design, the retaining element is clamped to the contact area between the housing and the object container. Preferably, the retaining element is fixed to the connection point and / or contact surface between the housing and the object container. In particular, the retaining element is clamped between the housing and the object container.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the connection and / or contact area between the housing and the object container is located on the base surface of the object container, particularly the outer base surface, and / or the base surface of the housing, particularly the inner base surface.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the connection between the object container and the housing is achieved by fitting, particularly by press-fitting, and / or by shape coupling between the object container and the housing.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the connection between the object container and the housing is achieved by sliding the housing onto the object container, and in particular by sliding the housing onto the side of the object container opposite to the dispensing opening of the object container. Preferably, the slides are relative nests.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the administration system includes an active ingredient film that is at least partially rolled up inside a capsule. In particular, the active ingredient film is connected on one side to a retaining element, which is also preferably at least partially housed inside the capsule and, for example, rolled up. In particular, the capsule also has a weight that facilitates swallowing. The active ingredient film and the retaining element are joined, preferably welded and / or bonded.
[0034] The drinking cup system according to the present invention for administering swallowable objects is, in particular, a drinking cup system for administering active ingredient film capsules. The drinking cup system has an administration system having one or more features of the administration system according to the present invention. Furthermore, the drinking cup system has a drinking cup, and the administration system is connected to the liquid dispensing opening of the drinking cup, in particular in the manner of carrying liquid. The term drinking cup also includes, in particular, a drinking bottle.
[0035] An apparatus according to the present invention for manufacturing a drug delivery system is, in particular, an apparatus designed to carry out a method having one or more features of the method according to the present invention. Preferably, the apparatus is designed to manufacture a system having one or more features of the drug delivery system according to the present invention. The apparatus has a guide device for guiding a retaining element loop comprising at least one retaining element of the drug delivery system. In particular, the guide device has an eyelet. The retaining element loop is preferably loosely held in a manner that it slides within the guide device. The guide device is designed to guide the retaining element loop along the end face of the object container of the drug delivery system, preferably above or below the object container.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one of the following devices: a rotating device, in particular a turntable, for rotating the object container to wrap the retaining element loop around the object container; or a bonding device, in particular a temperature application and / or wetting device, for bonding the retaining element loop to the active substance film of the dispensing system; or a fixing device, in particular a releaseable fixing device, for fixing the retaining element loop. In particular, the bonding device comprises a welding device. The bonding device is preferably designed to be movable, in particular pivotable. The fixing device has a gripping device in particular. Preferably, the bonding device has a driver for guiding the retaining element loop in a pulling manner, such as a hook.
[0037] Each of the methods, administration systems, manufacturing apparatus, and / or drinking cup systems according to the present invention is preferably complemented by one or more features of other subjects according to the present invention. The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, by preferred embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0038] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an element of one embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 2]This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an element of one embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an element of one embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an element of one embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an element of one embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figures 1 to 5 show schematic cross-sectional views of elements of one embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Figures 1 to 5 show schematic cross-sectional views of elements of one embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an element of one embodiment of a drinking cup system according to the present invention having the administration system shown. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0039] In the figures, similar or identical components or elements are identified by the same reference number or its variations (e.g., 16 and 16'). In particular, for clarity, it is preferable that elements already identified are not assigned reference numbers in all figures.
[0040] Figure 1 shows preferred embodiments of the housing 12 and the object container 14 for a preferred embodiment of the administration system 10 according to the present invention.
[0041] The housing 12 has a tapered hollow cylindrical shape, particularly a circular shape. Therefore, the shape of the housing 12 is, in particular, a hollow frustoconical shape. The (particularly circular) base 15 of the housing 12 is partially closed and has a central passage 19 for allowing, for example, the passage of liquid. The partially closed base 15 is provided with a stepped portion 13, particularly for connection (preferably by morph-fit) with the object container 14 (see Figure 6). The base surface 15 is particularly the end face of the housing 12.
[0042] The object container 14 has a hollow cylindrical shape, particularly circular in shape, and therefore has a base surface and side surfaces 27, which are particularly circular. The base surface of the object container 14 corresponds to the end surface 17 of the object container 14. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows preferred embodiments of the steps of the method according to the present invention, for example, a1) the step of preparing an object container 14 for a swallowable object 110, and a2) the step of preparing a housing 14 for holding the object container 12.
[0043] Figures 2 to 4 show the object container 14 from Figure 1 to illustrate a preferred embodiment of the process steps of the method according to the present invention.
[0044] In Figure 2, the retaining element loop 15, in particular an endless loop, is positioned near the object container 14. The retaining element loop 15 has several retaining elements 16, 16'' in particular for several swallowable objects 110. Further (in particular an endless) paths of the retaining element loop 15 beyond the illustrated portion 31 are shown only schematically by dashed lines. In particular, the retaining element loop 15 has at least one further retaining element 16'' therefor for further swallowable objects. In particular, the retaining element loop 15 is a thread. The retaining element loop 15 and / or retaining elements 16 are not shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 1 to 5.
[0045] The first portion 20 of the retaining element loop 15 is preferably removably fixed to one side of the object container 14, for example, by a fixing device 30 (not shown). The first portion 20 is, in particular, the end of the retaining element loop 15 and / or the end of the retaining element 16 for the first object 110 to be swallowed (see Figure 7). Thus, Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a step of the method according to the present invention, namely a3) fixing the first portion 20 of the retaining element loop 15, in particular the end, to one side of the object container 15, preferably removably.
[0046] The retaining element loop 15 is guided by a guide device 26, which in particular has eyelets, so that the retaining element loop 15 can be moved relative to the object container 14. Preferably, further portions or regions of the retaining element loop 15 are retracted for (particularly loose) guidance of the retaining element loop 15 by the guide device 26.
[0047] Figure 3 shows the guidance of the retaining element loop 15 along the end face 18 of the object container 14 by the guide device 26, which is a preferred embodiment of the step of the method according to the present invention, namely b) positioning and especially guiding the retaining element loop 15 along the end face 18 of the object container 14, preferably below the object container 14.
[0048] Figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment of a step of the method according to the present invention, namely b) guiding the retaining element loop 15 along the side surface 27 of the object container 14, starting from the end surface 18 of the object container 14 and bending particularly away from the end surface 17. Thus, a deflected connection between the retaining element loop 15 and the side surface 27 is achieved in particular in the bending region 25 of the retaining element loop 15.
[0049] In Figure 4, when the retaining element loop 15 is guided, the retaining element loop 15 is also partially, and in particular, wrapped around the side surface 27 up to halfway, resulting in a half-wrap 23 of the (particularly helical) wrap 24 (see Figure 5) of the side surface 27 by the retaining element loop 15. Guidance is performed in particular by the guiding device 26.
[0050] Figure 5 shows the object container 14 of Figure 4, in which the retaining element loop 15 is wrapped several times around the side 27, resulting in a wrapping 24 with several wraps 23. This wrapping 24 is carried out particularly by a preferred embodiment of the step of the method according to the present invention, namely step d) wrapping the retaining element loop 15 around the side 27 of the object container 14. Wrapping can be carried out particularly, preferably by fixing the retaining element loop 15 to the object container 14 and rotating the object container (see arrow 28). The fixing of the retaining element loop 15 is a loose fixation in particular so that further areas of the retaining element loop 15 can be tightened during rewrapping. The object container 14 is rotated in particular by a turntable (not shown) connected to the object container 14. Alternatively, or in addition to this, wrapping can be carried out by guiding the retaining element loop 15 around the object container 14, particularly by a guide device 26.
[0051] Figure 6 shows the object container 14 of Figure 5 with the retaining element loop 15 wrapped around it, and the object container 14 is connected to the housing 12, particularly in a fitted manner, within the housing 12. The housing corresponds in particular to the housing of Figure 1. Figure 6 shows a preferred embodiment of the administration system 10 according to the present invention. The connection to the housing 12 is made particularly preferably in the region of the stepped portion 13 by shape coupling and / or friction coupling between the housing 12 and the object container 14. In particular, the object container 14 is connected to the stepped portion 13 by fitting, preferably press-fitting.
[0052] The connection between the housing 12 and the object container 14 is made, in particular, by attaching and / or sliding the housing 14 into the object container 14. This connection step is a preferred embodiment of the step of the method according to the present invention, namely e1) the step of connecting the object container 14 into the housing 12. During the connection between the housing 12 and the object container 14, the retaining element loop 15 is fixed between the object container 14 and the housing 12, and in particular, clamped. Thus, the retaining element loop 15 is fixed without any additional fastening devices. This fastening step is a preferred embodiment of the step of the method according to the present invention, namely e2) the step of fixing the retaining element loop 15 between the object container 14 and the housing 12.
[0053] In further steps not shown, portion 22 of the retaining element loop 15 is connected to a preferably wound active ingredient film 112, such as an active ingredient film web 114 (see Figure 7). Preferably, portion 22 is joined to the active ingredient film 112, for example, by welding and / or bonding.
[0054] The retaining element loop 15 can be separated from the portion 20 located behind the joint so that the retaining element 16 for the swallowed object 110 is separated from the retaining element loop 15 after connection, especially after joining. Alternatively, the retaining element 16 can be separated before connection (especially joining), and the active ingredient film 112 can be joined to the separated retaining element 16.
[0055] This separation step is a preferred embodiment of the step of the method according to the present invention, namely the step of separating the retaining element 16 from the retaining element loop 15 (j1).
[0056] Next, this connection step, in particular the joining step, is a preferred embodiment of the step of the method according to the present invention, namely g) joining, in particular welding and / or bonding, the retaining element loop 15 to the active ingredient film 112 or the active ingredient film web 114 comprising a plurality of active ingredient films 112.
[0057] Figure 7 shows a housing 12 to which an object container 14 having the outer surface 27 of Figure 6 around which the retaining element 16 is wrapped is connected. The retaining element 16 wrapped around the side surface 27 is hidden in Figure 7 (see Figure 6).
[0058] The object to be ingested, 110, is contained within the object container 14 in the form of an active ingredient film capsule. The object to be swallowed, 110, has a capsule 109 containing an active ingredient film 112, which is rolled up.
[0059] The rolled-up active ingredient film 112 inside the capsule 109, preferably an external portion of the active ingredient film 112, particularly preferably an end portion, is connected to and, for example, joined to the retaining element 16. A portion of the retaining element 16, particularly at least the portion of the retaining element 16 connected to the active ingredient film 112, is also positioned inside the capsule 109, preferably protruding into the capsule 109 through the lateral opening 113 of the capsule 109. In particular, this portion is the joint 120 between the retaining element 16 and the active ingredient film 112.
[0060] In particular, the capsule 109 is loosely held within the object container 14 so that it can escape from the object container 14 during application, for example, by falling out and / or being washed away. The capsule can be flushed out, in particular, by the flow of liquid through the passage 19 and the hollow shape of the object container 14 (see Figure 8).
[0061] For example, when the capsule 109 is swallowed, or when the capsule 109 leaves the object container 14, for example, when it comes out of the object container 14, the retaining element 16 is preferably pulled until the wrapping around the side 27 is completely released, and is held securely between the housing 12 and the object container 14, and is in particular clamped. Furthermore, especially thereafter or during this process, the active ingredient film 112 may curl up in the area of the patient's esophagus, for example, and at this time the attached retaining element 16 ensures retention, and as a result allows the active ingredient film 112 to curl up.
[0062] The embodiment shown in Figure 7 corresponds in particular to a further preferred embodiment of the administration system 10 according to the present invention. Figure 8 shows a preferred embodiment of the drinking cup system 100 according to the present invention for administering a swallowable object 110. The drinking cup system 100 has a drinking cup 101 consisting of a container 104, to which a head element 102 is connected, in particular, to the container 104 by screwing. The administration system 10, in particular the administration system 10 shown in Figure 7, is connected to the head element 102.
[0063] The housing 12 of the administration system 10 is shown closed at the exit region with a removable cover 117, which is, for example, screwed in and / or pressed in. Container 104 is filled with a liquid 106, such as water.
[0064] For example, when the drinking cup 101 is tilted, the liquid 106 can exit through the outlet 115 of the drinking cup 101 and enter the passage 19 of the administration system 10. Thus, when the cover 117 is open, the capsule 109 can exit the administration system 10 for administration, as shown in Figure 7, for example (see arrow 108 for capsule release). The drinking cup 100 is specifically a drinking bottle.
[0065] Figures 9 to 20 show (in plan view) further preferred embodiments of the method according to the present invention in a further embodiment of the administration system 10 according to the present invention.
[0066] Figure 9 shows a thread-shaped retaining element loop 15, with the first portion 20 fixed to the area of the turntable 32 by a fixing device 30 having a gripping device. The object container 14 is connected to the turntable 32 and fixed in particular from above. The retaining element loop 15 is guided by a guide device 26, which in particular has eyelets. Furthermore, Figure 9 shows an active ingredient film web 114 having an active ingredient film 112. Regions of the active ingredient film 112, such as the rolled region or the region to be rolled 113, are located behind (not shown or hidden from) the illustrated portion 31 in particular. The bonded region 111 of the active ingredient film 112 is positioned above the opposing pressure plate 116, in particular for the bonding process.
[0067] At least part of the step movements in Figures 9 to 20 are indicated by arrow 34.
[0068] Figure 10 shows that the retaining element loop 15 is guided by the guide device 26 to the other side of the turntable 32. This movement is performed in such a manner that, in particular, the retaining element loop 15 extends below the object container 14, preferably along the end face 18 of the object container 14, after this movement. Next, as shown in Figure 11, the retaining element loop 15 is guided laterally along the side surface 27 of the object container 14, and the guide device 26 is returned to its forward position. Figure 12 shows how the object container 14 rotates due to the movement of the turntable 32, and thus wraps the holding element loop 15 around the side 27.
[0069] Next, as shown in Figure 13, the housing 12 of the administration system 10 is preferably pushed into the object container 14 from below and connected to the object container 14 in the middle. The connection is made by fitting, in particular, between the object container 14 and the housing 12. The retaining element loop 15 is clamped between the object container 14 and the housing 12. When connecting, it is preferable that the guide device 26 is also moved in the direction of the central axis of the administration system 10. Furthermore, Figure 13 schematically illustrates a joining device 118, preferably one that has an active sealing function, for example, by humidification and / or temperature, and in particular a pivotable joining device. After connecting the object container 14 and the housing 12, and thus fixing the retaining element loop 15, the fixing device 30 is released, and therefore the first part 20 is released.
[0070] Figure 14 shows the bonding device 118 moved above the region 111 of the active ingredient film 114 to be bonded. Here, it is preferable that the bonding device 118 guides the retaining element loop 15 above the region 111 of the additional active ingredient film web 114, for example, by a driver (not shown). The retaining element loop 15 is bonded to the active ingredient film web 114 by the bonding device 118, in particular by pressing against the counter-pressure plate 116, and / or by the application of temperature and / or liquid.
[0071] Figure 15 shows the joint 120 between the retaining element loop 15 and the active ingredient film web 114. It can also be seen how the joining device 118 rotates back to its starting position, particularly releasing the holding element loop 15 from the driver. Furthermore, the guide device 26 is also returned to its initial position.
[0072] Figure 16 shows that the active ingredient film web 114 is followed by a bonded retaining element loop 15. Furthermore, the retaining element loop 15 is fixed to the fixing device 30.
[0073] Figure 17 shows the separation of the retaining element loop 15 in the region of the fixing device 30, with the first portion 20" of the separated retaining element loop 15 remaining clamped to the fixing device 30 for an additional retaining element 16" for further swallowed objects 110"". Furthermore, the retaining element loop 15 is separated in the region of the joint 120 opposite to the region of the retaining element loop 15 fixed between the housing 12 and the object container 14, and this region of the retaining element loop 15 corresponds to the retaining element 16 of the administration system 10 for the object to be swallowed 110. This separation of the retaining element loop 15 and the aforementioned separation result in an excluded region 35 of the retaining element loop 15 in particular.
[0074] Furthermore, the active ingredient film 114 is separated in the region behind the joint 120, so that the active ingredient film 112 with the joint 120 is left for the object 110 to be swallowed. On the other side, there is the next active ingredient film 112" of the active ingredient film web 114 for further (not shown) objects 110" to be swallowed. The separation is carried out, in particular, by one or more separation devices 122. The separation of the active ingredient film web 114 and the retaining element loop 15 in the region of the joint 120 can be performed, in particular, in a single common separation step, in particular, in a single common cut, and / or with the same separation apparatus.
[0075] Figure 18 shows the active ingredient film 112, which is preferably rolled up and contained within the capsule 109, and in particular includes a portion of the joint 120.
[0076] Figure 19 shows how the housing 12 connected to the object container 14 guides the capsule 109 downward, and in particular how the capsule 109 is received in the object container 14, for example by dropping the capsule 109 into the object container 14. This is a preferred embodiment of the administration system 10 according to the present invention, in particular, which holds an swallowed object 110 in the form of an active ingredient film capsule in the object container 14, and the swallowed object 110 is connected to the housing 12 and the object container 14 by a retaining element 16.
[0077] Figure 20 essentially shows embodiments from Figure 9 for further execution of the method according to the present invention for manufacturing a further dosing system 10”, a further object container 14”, as well as a further retaining element 16”, and a further active ingredient film 112”, for this further dosing system 10”.
[0078] It is preferable that the process be executed at least one more time.
Claims
1. A method for manufacturing an administration system (10) for swallowable objects (110), particularly for active substance film capsules (109), The steps include preparing an object container (14) for the swallowable object, The steps include: preparing a housing (12) for accommodating the container of the object; The swallowable object is equipped with at least one retaining element (16) fixed to it, and in particular, the retaining element is a thread-like retaining element loop (15) fixed between the object container (14) and the housing (12). Methods that include...
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining element loop (15) is fixed by clamping the retaining element loop (15) between the object container (14) and the housing (12).
3. In particular, when fixing the retaining element loop (15) between the object container (14) and the housing (12), The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by including the step of connecting the object container (14) to the housing (12) preferably by fitting.
4. In particular, before fixing the retaining element loop (15) between the object container (14) and the housing (12), The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by including the step of wrapping the retaining element loop (15) around the side surface (27) of the object container (14).
5. In particular, before fixing the retaining element loop (15) between the object container (14) and the housing (12), The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by including the step of positioning, in particular guiding, the retaining element loop (15) along the end face (17) of the object container, preferably below or above the object container.
6. The step of joining, in particular welding and / or bonding, the retaining element loop (15) to the active ingredient film (112) or an active ingredient film web comprising several active ingredient films. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by including
7. Preferably after joining, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the step of separating a retaining element (16) from the retaining element loop (15), wherein the separated retaining element (16) includes the portion of the retaining element loop (15) fixed between the object container (14) and the housing (12).
8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the retaining element loop (15) preferably has a plurality of integrally designed retaining elements (16), and the retaining element loop (15) is particularly characterized in that it is an endless retaining element loop (15).
9. In particular, an administration system (10) for a swallowable object (110) manufactured by the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8, It comprises a housing (12) and an object container (14) for the swallowable object, the object container (14) having an applicator located inside the housing (12) and connected to the housing (12), In particular, it is in the form of a thread and comprises a retaining element (16) that is attached to the swallowable object. The holding element (16) is particularly clamped and fixed between the housing (12) and the object container (14) in the administration system (10).
10. The administration system (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the holding element (16) extends on the end face of the object container (14) in a particularly clamped manner.
11. The administration system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the retaining element (16) extends along the end face (17) of the object container (14), and starts from the end face (17) of the object container (14) and is wound particularly spirally around the side surface (27) of the object container (14).
12. The administration system (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the retaining element (16) is clamped and fixed in the contact area between the housing (12) and the object container (14).
13. The administration system (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the contact area between the housing (12) and the object container (14) is located on the particularly outer end face (17) of the object container (14) and / or on the particularly inner end face (17) of the housing (12).
14. The administration system (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the connection between the object container (14) and the housing (12) is achieved by fitting, in particular by non-shape fitting and / or shape fitting between the object container (14) and the housing (12).
15. The administration system (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the connection between the object container (14) and the housing (12) is achieved by sliding the housing (12) on the object container.
16. A drinking cup system (100) for administering swallowable objects (110), particularly active substance film capsules (109), An administration device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 15, It comes equipped with a drinking cup. The administration system (10) is a drinking cup system (100) connected to the liquid dispensing opening of the drinking cup.
17. Apparatus for manufacturing an administration system (10), In particular, it is designed to carry out the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8, The system has a guide device (26) for guiding a retaining element loop (15) which includes at least one retaining element (16) of the administration system (10), The guiding device (26) is designed to guide the retaining element loop (15) along the end face (17) of the object container (14) of the dispensing system (10), preferably above or below the object container (14).