Microwave heating unit and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microwave heating method and unit (1) for heating an aerosol-forming sample (2) by microwave absorption by a material (102) of said sample (2), in particular for emitting at least one aerosol by or from said sample (2) upon heating of said sample (2), in particular in or as an inhalation, vaporizer and / or smoking product or device (1'), in particular for medical and / or pulmonary drug delivery applications. The microwave heating unit (1) comprises: (i) a sample holding and exposing unit (10) configured to receive and hold a sample (2) in a holding and exposing space (15) and expose the sample (2) to a microwave radiation field (25) in the holding and exposing space (15); (ii) a microwave radiation generating and / or emitting unit (20) configured to emit the microwave radiation field (25) into the holding and exposing space (15); and (iii) an impedance matching unit (30) configured to achieve impedance matching between the holding and exposing space (15) and the microwave radiation field (25).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is particularly configured to heat an aerosol-forming sample by microwave absorption by the material of the sample, and in particular, thereby, upon heating the sample, to release at least one aerosol from or by the sample and / or is particularly configured within and / or as inhalers, vaporizers and / or smoking products or devices for medical and / or pulmonary drug delivery applications.

Background Art

[0002] There are devices known as consumer products, such as electronic cigarettes, configured to release an aerosol from a sample by heating. However, these known devices have problems that the heating of the sample is incomplete, non-uniform and / or relatively slow. Therefore, it is not possible to achieve the temperatures and temperature distributions necessary to implement an appropriate heating process to meet all consumer demands.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The underlying object of the present invention is to provide an alternative microwave heating unit and method having improved heating and thus aerosol release capabilities.

[0004] The underlying object of the present invention is achieved by the microwave heating unit according to claim 1 and by the microwave heating method according to claim 12. Preferred embodiments are defined in the respective dependent claims.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol-forming sample is heated by microwave and / or RF (radio frequency) absorption by the material of the sample, particularly for drug delivery to the lungs by or from the sample, especially in inhalation, vaporizers and / or smoking products or devices, or as such, when the sample is heated. (Primary drug delivery) For this purpose, a microwave and / or RF heating unit is provided for emitting at least one aerosol.

[0006] The microwave and / or RF heating unit according to the present invention is (i) Accepting and holding the sample in the holding and exposure space, and the microwave radiation field in the holding and exposure space (microwave radiation field) A sample holding and exposure unit configured to expose the sample, (ii) Microwave and / or RF radiation field and / or underlying microwave in the holding and exposure space (underlying microwave) A microwave and / or RF radiation unit configured to supply and / or RF radiation signals, (iii) an impedance matching unit configured to achieve impedance matching between the holding and exposure space and a microwave and / or RF radiation field and / or an underlying microwave and / or RF radiation signal; and (iv) a self-propelled oscillator configured to generate and supply the microwave and / or RF radiation field and / or the underlying microwave and / or RF radiation signal.

[0007] These means enable relatively high reliability of the heating process, particularly with respect to speed, uniformity, and / or integrity. This is achieved by non-contact and / or non-resistance heating processes, which highlight the microwave heating units and methods of the present invention.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit of the present invention, the sample holding and exposure unit comprises a sample holder that defines and forms the holding and exposure space inside, particularly as a cavity, by first and second holding portions and / or first and second holding portions separated by a slit structure.

[0009] Advantageously, the impedance matching unit and, in particular, its impedance matching network are adjustable in terms of impedance, frequency, and their matching characteristics with respect to at least one of the aerosol-forming samples. These means can further improve the effectiveness and / or uniformity of the microwave heating process.

[0010] The impedance matching unit and, in particular, its impedance matching network, are based on the underlying microwave radiation signal (underlying microwave radiation signal) Electrodes for generating a microwave radiation field upon reception, and / or for geometrically fitting into the aerosol-forming sample, holding and exposure space and / or cavity, • Waveguide structure, output including transmission line and / or stub, · 1 / 8λ~1 / 4λ waveguide matching element, where λ represents the wavelength of the underlying microwave radiation, and • One or more dielectric material parts, The impedance matching unit comprises at least one of the following, thereby particularly its characteristics (properties) It is adjustable in this regard.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the microwave radiation unit may be one or more microwave radiation sources and / or microwave radiation signal sources, or may include them, in particular in the form of a solid-state microwave source and / or microwave radiation signal source.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, connection configurations relating to one or more such microwave radiation sources and / or microwave radiation signal sources may be provided, the configured connection configurations having connectors and / or waveguides for providing connections to each source.

[0013] The one or more microwave radiation (signal) sources and / or solid-state microwave (signal) sources are biased (power supply) Sometimes (upon energization) The system may be configured to generate and / or emit the underlying microwave radiation field and / or the microwave radiation field signal.

[0014] Therefore, a power supply unit may be provided, which is configured to bias the underlying microwave radiation unit, particularly the one or more microwave radiation (signal) sources, and which in particular includes one or more DC power supplies.

[0015] The microwave radiation unit and, in particular, its microwave radiation (signal) source may be a transistor amplifier, or may include one.

[0016] The impedance matching unit and, in particular, its impedance matching network may be, or may include, a microwave feedback port and / or microwave signal feedback port connected to the input of the transistor amplifier in order to satisfy the underlying oscillation conditions.

[0017] In such circumstances, it is particularly advantageous if an additional smart phase and / or amplitude compensation device is connected between the feedback port and the input of the transistor amplifier.

[0018] The microwave radiation generation and / or emission unit and, in particular, the microwave source thereof, may be a transistor amplifier or comprise one, and in particular may have an input connected to the output of a low-power signal source.

[0019] Under such circumstances, the low-power signal source may be or may include at least one of a phase-locked loop (PLL), a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), and a direct digital synthesizer (DDS).

[0020] The microwave and / or RF heating unit according to the present invention is · configured to process an aerosol-forming sample formed as or including at least one of a liquid substance, a solid substance, a medical cannabis-containing substance, a nicotine-containing substance, a phytochemical substance, a plant-based drug, a pharmaceutical active substance, and a tobacco substance, and · configured to emit at least one of the at least one aerosol containing at least one of a phytochemical substance, a plant-based drug, and a pharmaceutical active substance and may be configured for at least one of them.

[0021] In a separate specific embodiment, the microwave heating unit of the present invention may be formed as or may be formed as at least one of a drug delivery product and / or device, an inhalation product and / or device, a smoking product and / or device, a mobile product and / or device, and / or a portable product and / or device.

[0022] According to a further alternative or additional preferred embodiment of the microwave and / or RF heating unit of the present invention, the underlying self-oscillator is · connected to or is part of the sample holding and exposure unit, · an IQ modulator and / or is a function of an IQ modulator that means the ability to control phase and / or gain, includes it, and / or realizes it, and · within a feedback loop, includes a transistor amplifier or the transistor amplifier, an impedance matching unit or the impedance matching unit and / or an impedance matching network, and an amplitude / phase correction device or the amplitude / phase correction device. is at least one of them.

[0023] The operation of the self-oscillator, and thus the oscillation process, is initiated by statistical and / or probabilistic properties, particularly by the noise of the entire electrical circuit. The amplitude, phase and gain characteristics are defined by further components of the sample and / or the geometric shape and material parts, the sample holding and exposure means, particularly the sample holder having a holding and exposure space, particularly the cavity and the impedance matching unit and network, for example the slit structure and the electrical properties of any dielectric.

[0024] Generally, in the initial stage of the oscillation process, all frequency components are included in the noise spectrum according to their ratio. However, based on further characteristics of the entire circuit, particularly the surface used in the amplitude correction device, the required signal is formed by the feedback process and obtained by being amplified according to the feedback process.

[0025] In this regard, the phase and amplitude correction device can turn the circuit into an oscillator by shifting the overall phase response and overall gain of the amplifier or amplifier chain, as well as the resonance impedance matching, and satisfying the phase and amplitude conditions at the desired frequency. By changing the phase part, a slight adjustment of the oscillation frequency is possible. By adjusting the overall gain amplitude, the second major oscillation condition can be controlled and at least one gain needs to be satisfied under small signal conditions. This can be used for the control of power and efficiency.

[0026] Of course, the impedance matching unit and network, and the characteristics are also important.

[0027] Generally, a high electric field at a given frequency is required to dielectrically heat a sample. When using low-frequency signals, lumped elements such as transformers and / or capacitors and inductors / coils can be used to construct a resonant circuit that matches the generator output impedance to the high-impedance behavior of electrodes for dielectric heating of the sample. The electrical loss of the sample material, given by its tan(δ) characteristic, provides the real part of the impedance, causing the sample to heat up when an electric field is inserted.

[0028] At higher frequencies, it is more appropriate to use transmission lines and waveguides to match the electrodes and signal source. This means increasing the voltage amplitude of the source output. Electrodes in a retaining structure have a small capacitive impedance, e.g., about 100 fF, due to their geometric shape. A transmission line with a length of about 1 / 8λ to about 1 / 5λ (e.g., part of impedance matching unit 30, i.e., 30a) converts it to a lower capacitive impedance, which is equivalent to a higher capacitance. When a coil or short circuit is connected to a waveguide less than 1 / 10λ in this respect, the inductive and capacitive parts compensate for each other, forming a resonant circuit. This type of impedance matching converts the electrical losses of the sample to an impedance range suitable for a microwave signal source, e.g., a transistor output stage.

[0029] The present invention further relates to a microwave and / or RF (radio frequency) heating method for heating an aerosol-forming sample by microwave absorption by the material of the sample, in particular for releasing at least one aerosol by or from the sample when the sample is heated, wherein the at least one aerosol comprises at least one of plant active substances and pharmaceutically active ingredients, and the microwave heating unit described in any one of the claims is used to heat the sample.

[0030] Different entities may be used as and / or as part of a sample and / or heated, for example, • Aerosol-forming substrates for smoking articles, particularly nicotine and / or non-nicotine-containing smoking articles; • Smoking samples, particularly tobacco-filled solid aerosol-forming samples containing nicotine and / or non-nicotine; • Aerosol-forming substrate containing or comprising a nicotine and / or non-nicotine-containing liquid; • Aerosol-forming active pharmaceutical ingredients; • Aerosol-forming plant-active substances and, in particular, aerosol-forming plant-active substances derived from living plant materials and / or plant materials; • Aerosol-forming delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or cannabidiol (CBD) and / or cannabinoid-containing plant materials; • Aerosol-forming plant-based active pharmaceutical ingredients and / or plant-based drugs; and / or Aerosol-forming substrate having at least one microwave sensitizer and / or absorber from the group of materials including functionalized polysilsesquioxane, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene, activated carbon, activated charcoal, metal powders, semiconductor powders, and combinations and mixtures thereof; Or one of those combinations.

[0031] To achieve higher microwave efficiency, the material referred to herein as the sensitizer may be part of the aerosol-forming material or mixed with the aerosol-forming material at a low concentration to significantly increase local dielectric loss. When exposed to microwave energy, the sensitizer uniformly heats the aerosol-forming material and increases heating efficiency.

[0032] Preferably, the temperature of the aerosol-forming sample can be measured and / or approximated, and this value can be supplied to a temperature control loop unit configured to control the power supplied to energize the microwave generation and / or emission process.

[0033] The operating frequency is particularly advantageous to be in the range of approximately 1 MHz to approximately 15 GHz, preferably within the ISM band, in the range of approximately 2.4 GHz to approximately 2.5 GHz, and / or having a center frequency of approximately 2.45 GHz.

[0034] The underlined operating power in continuous mode may be in the range of approximately 0.1mW to 50 watts, and preferably around 2W.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the operating power in pulse mode may be in the range of approximately 0.1 mW to approximately 50 W, and preferably around 3 W.

[0036] The operating power can range from approximately 0.1W to approximately 30W.

[0037] In a further additional or alternative embodiment, the operating frequency may be set to a constant value.

[0038] The operating frequency may vary over time, and may be swept particularly between a minimum and a maximum value, especially between approximately 2.4 GHz and approximately 2.5 GHz.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol-forming sample may be used, which is formed as at least one of a fluid material, a solid material, a tablet, a capsule, a cartridge, a shell vial, or a pellet, and which includes, can be contained within, and / or filled within, and / or can be adapted according to the size of the underlying cavity, and / or a pharmaceutical excipient can be added to the aerosol-forming sample.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming sample may be a container, or form a container, and / or have a housing, the housing of which may be particularly transparent to microwave radiation, may contain or be formed from plastic, synthetic material, polypropylene, glass, quartz, and / or have a relatively low dielectric loss coefficient ε'' and / or a relatively low loss tangent tan(δ).

[0041] In further alternative or additional embodiments of the present invention, the underlying capsule, cartridge, etc., may be formed from or contain glass or quartz, and in particular, its ends may contain ITO (indium tin oxide) because ITO is conductive and can therefore supply high-frequency or microwave signals into the capsule. The capsule may further, in such a configuration, have two through-holes with a ceiling, allowing a gas or airflow to flow through them to release aerosols generated from the inside.

[0042] The aerosol-forming sample may be housed as an integral part, as waste, and / or as a filter and / or hollow tube having particularly low or very low particulate filtration efficiency, in a container formed as a mouthpiece configured to allow inhalation of the formed aerosol.

[0043] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, plant materials selected from the following group may be used: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis, Acacia spp., Amanita muscaria, Yage, Atropa belladonna, Areca catechu, Brugmansia spp., Brunfelsia latifolia, Desmanthus illinoensis, Banisteriopsis caapi, Trichocereus spp., Theobroma cacao, Capsicum Cestrum spp., Erythroxylum coca, Solenostemon scutellarioides, Arundo donax, Coffea arabica, Datura spp., Desfontainia spp., Diplopterys cabrerana, Ephedra sinica, Claviceps purpurea, Paullinia cupana, Argyreia nervosa, Hyoscyamus niger, Tabernanthe iboga, Lagochilus inebrianus inebriens), Justicia pectoralis, Sceletium tortuosum, Kawakawa (Piper methysticum), Arabian tea (Catha edulis), Opium tree (Mitragyna speciosa), Flame tree (Leonotis)Nymphaea spp., Nelumbo spp., Sophora secundiflora, Mucuna pruriens, Mandragora officinarum, Mimosa tenuiflora, Ipomoea violacea, Psilocybe spp., Panaeolus spp., Myristica fragrans, Turbina corymbosa, Passiflora incarnata, Lophophora williamsii, Phalaris spp., Duboisia Poppy (hopwoodii), Papaver somniferum, Psychotria viridis spp., Salvia divinorum, Combretum quadrangulare, Trichocereus pachanoi, Heimia salicifolia, Stipa robusta, Solandra spp., Hypericum perforatum, Peganum harmala, Tabernaemontana spp., Camellia sinensis, Nicotiana tabacum, Rusticum, Virola theidora, Voacanga africana, wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), mate (Ilex paraguariensis), genus Anadenanthera (Anadenanthera spp.), yohimbe (Corynanthe yohimbe), and calea.zacatechichi, Coffea spp. (Rubiaceae), Sapindaceae, Camellia spp., Malvaceae spp., Aquifoliaceae spp., Hoodia spp., German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), Passiflora incarnate, Camellia sinensis, Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), European raspberry (Rubus idaeus), Eucalyptus globulus, Lavandula officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Lemon balm (Melissa) Aloe vera (officinalis), angelica, anise, ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi), barberry, black mint, blue lotus, burdock, chamomile, caraway, cat's claw, clove, comfrey, corn silk, ryegrass, damiana, dandelion, ephedra, eucalyptus, evening primrose, fennel, feverfew, fringe tree Tree, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, goldenrod, hydrastis, sedge, green tea, guarana, hawthorn, hops, horsetail, hyssop, cola nut, kraton, lavender, lemon balm, licorice, lion's tail (wild daga), maca bulb, marshmallow, meadowsweet, milk thistle, motherwort, passionflower, passionflower, peppermint, prickly poppy, purslane, raspberry leaves, red poppy, sage, saw palmetto, sidaCordifolia, Cymbidium goeringii (Maya sunopener), spearmint, sweet flag, Syrian rue (Peganum harmala), thyme, turmeric, valerian, wild yam, wormwood, yarrow, mate (Yerba Mate), yohimbe, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis, some and / or combinations thereof.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, samples containing and / or capable of releasing pharmacologically active substances in the sample and / or released aerosol may be used, selected from the group including A9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabiersoin (CBE), cannabidivarin (CBDV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabitriol (CBT), and combinations and parts thereof.

[0045] According to further additional or alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention within the microwave heating method of the present invention, a sample containing and / or releasing one or more flavoring agents and / or sensory stimulants may be used, the one or more flavoring agents and / or sensory stimulants being, for example, tobacco; cigar; menthol; mint such as peppermint and spearmint; chocolate; licorice; citrus and other fruit flavoring agents; gamma-octalactone; vanillin; ethyl vanillin; breath freshener flavoring agents; spice flavorings such as cinnamon, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil; phenylacetic acid, solanone, megustigmatrienone, 2-heptanone, benzyl alcohol, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, valeric acid, valeraldehyde, esters, terpenes, sesquiterpenes, nootkatone, malamine, in encapsulated forms for controlled delivery. Flavor compounds selected from the group consisting of acids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, pyrazines, combinations and equivalents thereof, from the group consisting of chol, damascenone, pyrazine, lactone, anethole, isovaleric acid, and combinations and equivalents thereof; comprising any natural or synthetic flavoring agents such as peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen oil, menthol, cinnamon, chocolate, vanillin, licorice, clove, anise, sandalwood, geranium, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, cassia, spearmint, fennel, ginger, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, propyl isobutyrate, isobutyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl valerate, benzyl formate, limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citral, peppermint oil, orange oil, coriander oil, borneol, fruit extracts, and equivalents, configured to produce taste and / or aroma.In preferred embodiments, the flavorings are coffee, tea, cocoa, and mint essential oils and essences, and preferred amounts of flavorings present in the core range from about 0.001% to about 50% by weight, about 1% to about 40% by weight, and about 10% to about 30% by weight, and the flavorings are incorporated as solid powders, spray-dried as liquids, or mixed with a starch or gum-type matrix, and / or any sensory stimulants are formed as one or more components configured to induce sensory experiences such as tingling, warmth, coldness, and equivalents, and are at least one of acetic acid, adipic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, equivalents, and mixtures thereof, and preferred amounts of sensory stimulants range from about 0.001% to about 5% by weight, preferably about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, and / or any combination thereof.

[0046] Samples may be used that include tobacco, tobacco extracts and tobacco capsules, tobacco in any raw or processed form, powder, dust, granules, shredded, slurry, fluid gel and equivalents, in particular the final tobacco concentration in the final composition being in the range of 1% to 99% by weight and / or having one final tobacco concentration of at most about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% tobacco and / or any combination thereof.

[0047] According to another preferred embodiment of the microwave heating method of the present invention, a sample material may be used that includes one or more humectants to maintain and / or protect the moisture level of the sample material, particularly the tobacco material in the tobacco-containing hydrogel capsule, and / or as a preservative, to remove excess water and thereby reduce the growth of microorganisms, and to provide a higher moisture level in the drier sample material, tobacco material, tobacco substitute material, and / or dry smokeless tobacco material, and / or to include one or more glycerols and propylene glycols in the range of about 0.001% to about 5% by weight, about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, and / or any combination thereof.

[0048] According to other additional or alternative preferred embodiments of the microwave heating method of the present invention, a sample containing a liquid selected from the group of polyhydric alcohols consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, and combinations thereof may be used.

[0049] The following presents further alternative or additional preferred embodiments of the present invention, taking into account the aerosol-forming samples and the underlying materials of the samples.

[0050] The components of aerosol-forming samples and / or the underlying materials of the samples may include drugs in one composition from the following classes: antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antiemetics, antihistamines, antiparkinsonian drugs, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, drugs for erectile dysfunction, drugs for migraines, drugs for the treatment of alcoholism, drugs for the treatment of addiction, muscle relaxants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, other analgesics and stimulants.

[0051] If the drug is an antibiotic, the following compounds are included: cefmetazole; cefazolin; cephalexin; cefoxitin; cefacetril; cephaloglysin; cephaloridine; cephalosporins such as cephalosporin C; cephalothin; cephamycins such as cephamycin A, cephamycin B, and cephamycin C; cephalin; cefradin; ampicillin; amoxicillin; hetacillin; carfecillin; potassium One of the following may be selected: ndacillin; carbenicillin; amylpenicillin; azidocillin; benzylpenicillin; clometocillin; cloxacillin; cyclacillin; methicillin; nafcillin; 2-pentenylpenicillin; penicillins such as penicillin N, penicillin O, penicillin S, and penicillin V; qiolobutinpenicillin; dicloxacillin; diphenicillin; heptylpenidilin; and methampicillin.

[0052] If the drug is an anticonvulsant, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: gabapentin, thiagabine, and vigabatrin.

[0053] If the drug is an antidepressant, it is one of the following compounds: amitriptyline, amnoxapine, benmoxin, butriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, dosurepin, doxepin, imipramine, xanthanserine, lofepramine, medifoxamine, mianserin, maprotrin, mirtazapine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, trimipramine, biloxazine, citalopram, cotinine, duloxetine, fluoxetine, flu One of the following may be selected: boxamine, milnacipran, nisoxetine, pioxetine, leboxetine, sertraline, thianeptine, acetafenadine, vinedarine, blovalomine, sericlamine, cloboxamine, iproniazid, isocarboxazide, moclobemide, phenihydrazine, phenezine, selegiline, sibutramine, tranylcypromine, ademethionine, adrafinil, amesergide, aminisipride, ampelozide, benactidine. Bupropion, caloxazone, gepilone, idazoxane, metralindol, milnacipran, minaprine, nefazodone, neuniphensin, ritanserine, roxindol, sadenosylmethionine, tofenacin, trazodone, tryptophan, venlafaxine, and zarospirone.

[0054] If the drug is an antiemetic, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: arizaprid, azasetron, benzquinamide, bromoprid, buclidine, kiopromazine, cinaridine, clevoprid, cyclidine, diphenhydramine, criphenidol, drasetron methanesulfonic acid, doraperidol, granisetron, hyostine, lorazeparn, metoclopramide, metopimazine, ondansetron, perphenazine, promethazine, prochlorperazine, scopolamine, triethylperazine, trifluoperazine, triflupromazine, trimethobenzamide, tropisetron, domeridone, and palonosetron.

[0055] If the drug is an antihistamine, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: azatadine, brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, cyproheptadine, dexmedetomidine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, cetoridine, fexofenadine, loratidine, and promethazine.

[0056] If the drug is an antiparkinson's disease drug, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: amantadine, baclofen, biperiden, benztropine, orphenadrine, procyclidine, trihexyphenidyl, levodopa, carbidopa, seresylin, deprenyl, andropinirole, apomorphine, benserazide, bromocriptine, budipine, cabergoline, dihydroergocriptine, eriprodil, eptastigmine, ergoline, pramipexole, galantamine, lasabemide, risulide, mazindol, memantine, mofegiline, pergolide, pramipexole, propentophiline, rasaziline, remasemide, sferamine, terguride, entacapone, and tolcapone.

[0057] If the drug is an antipsychotic, it is one of the following compounds: acetophenazine, arizaprid, amperozide, bemperidol, benzquinamide, bromperidol, bramate, butaperazine, carphenazine, carpipramine, chlorpromazine, chlorprothixene, clocapramine, chromacran, clopentixol, crospyrazine, clotiapine, cyanemazine, droperidol, flupentixol, fluphenazine, fluspirylene, haloperidol, mesolidazine, metfenazate, molindrone. One of the following may be selected: penfluridol, periciazine, perphenazine, pimozide, pipamerone, piperacetazine, pipothiazine, prochiorperazine, promazine, remoxipride, certindol, spiperone, sulpiride, thioridazine, thiothixen, trifluperidol, triflupronazine, trifluoperazine, ziprasidone, zotepine, zuclopentixol, amisuipride, butacramole, clozapine, merperone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone.

[0058] If the drug is an anxiolytic, it is one of the following compounds: meclocalon, medetomidine, metomidate, adinazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clobenzepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, loprazolam, midazolam, alpidem, alseroxylone, amiphenidone, azacyclonol, bromoisovalem, buspirone, and calcium N-carbamoylaspartate. The following may be selected: N-carboamoylaspartate, captodiamine, caprid, carbchloral, carbromal, chloral betaine, enciprazine, fresinoxane, ipsapiraone, resopitrone, roxapine, methacarone, metoprol, propanolol, tandospirone, trazadone, zopiclone, and zolpidem.

[0059] If the drug is for erectile dysfunction, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: Cialis (IC351), sildenafil, vardenafil, apomorphine, apomorphine acetate, phentolamine, and yohimbine.

[0060] If the drug is for migraines, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: almotriptan, alperopride, codeine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, eletriptan, flovatriptan, isometeptene, lidocaine, rislid, metoclopramide, naratriptan, oxycodone, propoxyfen, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, tolfenamic acid, zolmitriptan, amitriptyline, atenolol, clonidine, cyproheptadine, diltiazem, doxepin, fluoxetine, lisinopril, methyserzide, metoprolol, nadolol, nortriptyline, paraxetine, pizotifen, pizottyline, propanolol, protriptyline, sertraline, timolol, and verapamil.

[0061] If the drug is for the treatment of alcohol dependence, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: naloxone, naltrexone, and disulfiram.

[0062] If the drug is suitable for treating addiction, it could be buprenorphine.

[0063] If the drug is a muscle relaxant, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, orphenadrine, quinine, and tizanidine.

[0064] If the drug is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: aceclofenac, aluminoprofen, amfenac, aminopropylone, amixetrin, benoxaprofen, bromfenac, bufexamac, carprofen, choline, salicylate, syncofen, synmethacin, clopriac, clomethacin, diclofenac, etodolac, indoprofen, mazipredone, meclofenamic acid, piroxicam, pyroprofen, and tolfenamic acid.

[0065] If the drug is an opioid, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: alfentanil, allylprozin, alphaprozin, anilellidine, benzylmorphine, vegitramide, buprenorphine, butorphanol, carbifen, cipramadol, clonitazene, codeine, dextromoramide, dextropropoxyfen, diamorphine, dihydrocodeine, diphenoxylate, dipipanone, fentanil, hydromorphone, L-alphaacetylmetadol, lofentanil, levorphanol, meperidine, methadone, meptazinol, methopone, morphine, nalbufine, nalorphine, oxycodone, papaveretam, pethidine, pentazocine, phenazocine, remifentanil, sufentanil, and tramadol.

[0066] If the drug is another analgesic, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: apazon, benzpiperilone, benzydramine, caffeine, clonixin, etheptadine, flupirtin, nefopam, orphenadrine, propacetamol, and propoxifen.

[0067] If the drug is a stimulant, it may be selected from one of the following compounds: amphetamine, brucine, caffeine, dexfenfluramine, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine, fenfluramine, mazindol, methylphenidate, pemoline, phentermine, and sibutramine.

[0068] The drugs include the following compounds: indoles, trypamines, benzofurans, ivogoids, ergolines, phenethylamines, substituted phenethylamines, indan derivatives, benzocyclobutene derivatives, nBOMe derivatives, NBOH derivatives, NBMD derivatives, NBF derivatives, substituted amphetamines (α-methylphenethylamines): substituted amphetamines (α-methylphenethylamines), DOx family (2,5-dimethoxy, 4-substituted amphetamines), phenylcyclopropylamine derivatives (technically not amphetamines), substituted methylenedioxyphenethylamines (MDxx), substituted amphetamines, cathinones, substituted cathinones, benzofurans, substituted benzofurans, tetralins, substituted tetralins, substituted indans, substituted naphthalenes, substituted phenylisobutylamines Cannabinoids (α-ethylphenethylamines), α-substituted (-alkylated) tryptamines, arylcyclohexylamines, andamantanes, diarylethylamines, morphinans, opioids, benzodiazepines, thienodiazepines, GHB, GHB analogs, metakalon, metakalon analogs, synthetic cannabinoids, harmanine, salvinorines, salvinorine A, salvinoline The following may be selected: norin B, salvinorin C, salvinorin D, salvinorin E, salvinorin F, salvinorin G, salvinorin H, salvinorin I, 17α-salvinorin J, 17β-salvinorin J, piperazines, atropine derivatives, ibotenic acid, muscimol, psilocybin, ketamine, ketamine derivatives, oxytocin, nootropic agents, racetams, cocaine, and one of the cocaine analogues.

[0069] These embodiments can be combined in any way.

[0070] These and further details, advantages and features of the present invention will be described by reference to the accompanying drawings based on embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0071] [Figure 1]A preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit of the present invention is illustrated by a schematic block diagram. [Figure 2] A preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit of the present invention is illustrated by a schematic block diagram. [Figure 3] A preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit of the present invention is illustrated by a schematic block diagram. [Figure 4] The present invention provides details of a preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit and its details. [Figure 5] The present invention provides details of a preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit and its details. [Figure 6] The present invention provides details of a preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit and its details. [Figure 7] The present invention provides details of a preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit and its details. [Figure 8A] The present invention provides details of a preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit and its details. [Figure 8B] The present invention provides details of a preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit and its details. [Figure 9] The present invention provides details of a preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit and its details. [Figure 10] The present invention provides details of a preferred embodiment of the microwave heating unit and its details. [Figure 11] Other embodiments of the microwave heating unit and its details according to the present invention will be described with reference to a cross-sectional side view. [Figure 12] Other embodiments of the microwave heating unit and its details according to the present invention will be described with reference to a cross-sectional side view. [Figure 13] Other embodiments of the microwave heating unit and its details according to the present invention will be described with reference to a cross-sectional side view. [Figure 14] Other embodiments of the microwave heating unit and its details according to the present invention will be described with reference to a cross-sectional side view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0072] In the following embodiments, the technical background of the present invention will be presented in detail with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 14. Identical or equivalent elements and elements that function identically or equivalently are denoted by the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of the elements and components will not be repeated in each case.

[0073] The illustrated and described features and further characteristics of embodiments of the present invention can be arbitrarily separated and reconfigured without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0074] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate preferred embodiments of the microwave heating unit 1 of the present invention by schematic block diagram. Each of the microwave heating units or apparatus 1 shown in any of Figures 1 to 3 may be formed as an inhaler, vaporizer, or smoking product and / or apparatus 1', particularly for medical and / or drug delivery / inhalation functions to the lungs.

[0075] The embodiment of the microwave heating apparatus or unit 1 of the present invention shown in Figure 1 is formed by or includes a microwave radiation generation and / or emission unit 20, which may also be referred to as a microwave radiation signal generation and / or emission unit in the sense of the present invention. In this regard, it is preferable to use a solid-state microwave source 100 as the microwave radiation source 20.

[0076] The microwave radiation field generated and / or provided thereby is used, for example, by the first and second holding components. (holding parts) or holding part (holding portions) A plant / pharmaceutical compound / material 102 may be provided as a sample housed in a holding and exposure space 15, for example, a cavity 16, formed by a sample holding and exposure means 10 based on 11 and 12.

[0077] This is preferably done by, or in cooperation with, an impedance matching unit 30 configured to match the impedance between the provided microwave radiation field and the sample holder 13 that defines the holding and exposure space 15 and its cavity 16.

[0078] In this regard, impedance matching can be achieved by at least one electrical or electronic means, a geometric means, and / or a material means. The electrical or electronic means refer to the properties of radiation and the underlying generation and / or supply processes. The geometric means refer to the positioning, geometric shape, and / or orientation of a particular physical item. The material means refer to the positioning, geometric shape, and / or orientation of a particular material item, for example, by using a dielectric material.

[0079] In this regard, the impedance matching network 101 may be involved in thereby realizing the impedance matching unit 30, and the network 101 realizes one of the electrical / electronic geometric and / or material aspects.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, in addition to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the microwave radiation generation and / or emission unit 20 may be formed by a continuous arrangement of a small or low-power signal source 104, which includes, for example, a microwave radiation source or microwave radiation signal source 21 as a solid-state microwave (signal) source 100, and a transistor amplifier 103.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, in addition to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the microwave radiation generation and / or emission unit 20 includes a feedback loop 106 connected between the impedance matching unit 30 and its network 101, which provides input to the amplitude / phase compensation device 105, the output of which is supplied to the input port of the transistor amplifier 103. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the low / low power signal source 104 is replaced by the feedback loop 106 and the amplitude / phase compensation device 105.

[0082] Figures 4 to 10C illustrate details of preferred embodiments of the microwave heating unit 1 and its details according to the present invention, each of which is formed as an inhaler, vaporizer and / or smoking product and / or device 1', particularly for medical and / or drug delivery / inhalation functions to the lungs.

[0083] In these embodiments, the sample holding and exposure means 10 and impedance matching unit 30 of the present invention are formed by first and second holding components or holding portions 11 and 12, thereby defining a sample holder 13 for defining a holding and exposure space 15 by a cavity 16.

[0084] Essential aspects of the impedance matching unit 30 and its impedance matching network can be formed based on the geometric and material aspects of the slit or slit structure 14 and in relation thereto within the dielectric 17 used therein.

[0085] The sample holding and exposure means 10 may be surrounded by a housing 18 which also functions as a shield.

[0086] Figure 8B, a cross-sectional view along the planar BB shown in Figure 8A, illustrates the details of the E-field configuration of the underlying microwave radiation field 25 in relation to the arrangement of the sample holding and exposure means 10, the impedance matching unit 30, and the slit structure 14 and dielectric material 17, as well as the first and second holding components / parts which can simultaneously function as the first and second electrodes 53 and 54, respectively.

[0087] As shown in Figure 8A, in one preferred embodiment, the impedance matching unit 30 may include a feeding portion at the feeding point 31, thereby retaining microwave radiation and introducing it into the exposed space 15 and cavity 16. In this regard, the first portion 30a and the second portion 30b of the sleeve component of the impedance matching unit 30 may have lengths or dimensions of about 1 / 8λ to about 1 / 5λ and less than 1 / 10λ, respectively, where λ represents the wavelength of the underlying microwave radiation.

[0088] Figures 11 to 14 illustrate, by cross-sectional side views, other embodiments of the microwave heating unit 1 and its details of the present invention, each of which is formed as an inhaler, vaporizer and / or smoking product and / or device 1', particularly for medical and / or drug delivery / inhalation functions to the lungs.

[0089] In each of these embodiments, a DC power supply 40, for example, a power supply unit 40 including a battery, may be used, which can use its microwave radiation source 21 and its control unit or control electronic equipment 50 to energize the underlying microwave radiation generation and / or emission unit 20, thereby, through first and second power lines 51, 52, the first and second electrodes 53 and 54 receive their respective electric fields to generate the required microwave radiation field 25 within the cavity 16 of the holding and exposure space 15 formed within the sample holding and exposure means 10 of the sample holder 13.

[0090] The sample 2, which has the sample material 102 (meaning a plant / pharmaceutical compound or material), is rapidly, reliably, and uniformly heated by the microwave radiation field 25, thereby releasing an aerosol that is transported along with the airflow 111 that enters the air channel 110 formed within the body or housing 118 of the apparatus 1'.

[0091] Sample 2 and sample material 102 may be designed in different forms.

[0092] For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 12 and 14, a capsule 3 is used which is formed of a somewhat stable wall that must be penetrated by a needle 112 or any other penetrating means that is housed and formed within the air passage 110 of the device 1' when in use.

[0093] As shown in Figure 14, the main body 118 or at least a portion of its housing 118 may be formed as a mouthpiece 119 and optionally include a filter component 115 for interacting with the airflow 111 in the air passage 110. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1. Microwave heating device / unit 1' Inhalers, vaporizers and / or smoking products and / or devices 2 samples 10. Sample holding and exposure means 11. First retaining part / retaining section 12. Second retaining part / retaining section 13 Sample holder 14 Slits, Slit Structure 15 Retention and exposure space 16 Cavity 17 Dielectric material portion 18 Housing, Shield 20 Microwave radiation generation and / or emission unit, microwave radiation signal generation and / or emission unit 21. Microwave radiation source, solid-state microwave source, microwave radiation signal source, solid-state microwave signal source 22 Waveguide 23 Connectors 25 Microwave radiation field 26 Microwave radiation field signals 30 Impedance Matching Units 30a First part of impedance matching unit 30 30b Second part of impedance matching unit 30 31 Supply points of microwave radiation field 25 40 Power Supply Units 41 DC power supply, battery 50 control units, electronic equipment 51 First power line 52 Second power line 53 First electrode 54 Second electrode 100 Solid-state microwave sources, solid-state microwave signal sources 101 Impedance Matching Network 102 Sample materials, plant / pharmaceutical compound / material 103 Transistor Amplifier 104 Small / Low Power Signal Source 105 Amplitude / phase correction device 106 Feedback Loops / Branches / Lines 109 (Self-propelled) Oscillator 110 Airflow channel 111 Airflow 112 Needle, penetration means 115 filters 118 Main unit, housing 119 Mouthpiece x spatial direction y spatial direction z spatial direction

Claims

1. A microwave heating unit (1) having an operating frequency in the range of 1 MHz to 15 GHz for heating an aerosol-forming sample (2) by microwave absorption by the material (102) of the sample (2), and for releasing at least one aerosol from or by the sample (2) in or as an inhalation, vaporizer and / or smoking device (1') when the sample (2) is heated by microwave absorption, and / or for drug delivery to the lungs, wherein the microwave heating unit (1) is (i) A sample holding and exposure unit (10) configured to receive and hold a sample (2) in a holding and exposure space (15) and to expose the sample (2) to a microwave radiation field (25) in the holding and exposure space (15), (ii) A microwave radiation unit (20) configured to supply a basic microwave radiation signal (26) to the holding and exposure space (15), (iii) comprising an impedance matching unit (30) configured to achieve impedance matching between the sample holding and exposure unit (10) and the microwave radiation unit (20), (iv) The microwave radiation unit (20) comprises one or more microwave radiation signal sources (21) in the form of solid-state microwave radiation signal sources, (v) The one or more microwave radiation sources (21) in the form of a solid-state microwave radiation source are configured to generate and / or emit the underlying microwave radiation signal (26) when powered, (vi) The sample holding and exposure unit (10) and the impedance matching unit (30) are formed by first and second holding components or holding portions (11, 12) that define a sample holder (13) that defines the holding and exposure space (15) by a cavity (16), and the characteristics of the impedance matching unit (30) are based on the positioning, geometric shape, and / or orientation of one or more dielectric material portions (17) that are arranged in a slit structure (14) separating the first and second holding components or holding portions (11, 12), (vii) The first and second retaining components or retaining parts (11, 12) each function as first and second electrodes (53, 54) for generating a microwave radiation field (25) when the underlying microwave radiation signal (26) is received. Microwave heating unit (1).

2. The microwave heating unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sample holding and exposure unit (10) comprises a sample holder (13) that defines and forms a holding and exposure space (15) inside as a cavity (16) by first and second holding portions (11, 12) or first and second holding components separated by a slit structure (40).

3. The microwave heating unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the impedance matching unit (30) and the impedance matching network (101) are adjustable in matching with respect to at least one of impedance and frequency.

4. The impedance matching unit (30) and its impedance matching network (101) are - Electrodes (53, 54) geometrically fitted to the aerosol-forming sample (2), the holding and exposure space (15) and / or its cavity (16) for generating a microwave radiation field (25) when the underlying microwave radiation signal (26) is received, • Output including waveguide structure, transmission line and / or stub, ・1 / 8λ to 1 / 4λ waveguide matching element, - The one or more dielectric material portions (17) The microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one of the above, wherein the impedance matching unit (30) is adjustable.

5. - The microwave radiation unit (20) is equipped with a connection configuration having a connector (23) and / or waveguide (22) for providing a connection from outside the microwave radiation unit (20) to one or more microwave radiation signal sources (21). A microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The microwave heating unit (1) according to claim 5, wherein the basic microwave radiation unit (20) is configured to supply power to one or more microwave radiation signal sources (21) and comprises a power supply unit (40) having one or more DC power supplies (41).

7. - The microwave radiation unit (20) and its microwave radiation signal source (21) are or comprise a transistor amplifier (103), and / or - The impedance matching unit (30) and its impedance matching network (101) comprise a feedback port connected to the input of the transistor amplifier (103) to satisfy the initial oscillation conditions. A microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The microwave heating unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein an additional phase and / or amplitude compensation device (105) is connected between the feedback port and the input of the transistor amplifier (103).

9. - The microwave radiation unit (20), its microwave radiation source (21) and / or microwave radiation signal source (21) is the transistor amplifier (103) or comprises the same. - Having an input connected to the output of a low-power signal source (104), and / or - The low-power signal source (104) is at least one of a phase-locked loop (PLL), a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), and a direct digital synthesis (DDS), or comprises the same. A microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. - Processing an aerosol-forming sample (2) that is formed as or contains at least one of the following: liquid substances, solid substances, medical cannabis-containing substances, nicotine-containing substances, plant activators, plant-derived active pharmaceutical ingredients, pharmacoactive substances, and tobacco substances, and - Releasing at least one aerosol containing at least one of a plant activator, a plant-derived active pharmaceutical ingredient, and a pharmaceutically active substance. A microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, configured for at least one of the following.

11. A microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is formed in or as at least one of a drug delivery device, an inhalation device (1'), and / or a smoking device (1').

12. The self-propelled oscillator (109) - Connected to or part of the sample holding and exposure unit (10), - an IQ modulator and / or an IQ modulator that controls phase and / or gain, and / or comprises the same, - The feedback loop (106) includes a transistor amplifier (103), the impedance matching unit (30) and / or an impedance matching network (101), and an amplitude / phase compensation device (105). A microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A microwave heating method for heating an aerosol-forming sample (2) by microwave absorption by the material (102) of the sample (2), thereby releasing at least one aerosol from or by the sample (2) during heating, wherein the at least one aerosol comprises at least one of a plant-active substance and a pharmaceutical-active component. - A microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is used to heat the sample (2), - Aerosol-forming substrates (102) for smoking articles, nicotine and / or non-nicotine-containing smoking articles; - Tobacco-filled solid aerosol-forming samples of smoking samples, nicotine and / or non-nicotine-containing smoking samples; - Aerosol-forming substrates containing or comprising nicotine and / or non-nicotine-containing liquids; • Aerosol-forming active pharmaceutical ingredients; - Aerosol-forming plant-active substances and aerosol-forming plant-active substances from living plant materials and / or plant materials; - Aerosol-forming delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or cannabidiol (CBD) and / or cannabinoid-containing plant materials; - Aerosol-forming plant-derived active pharmaceutical ingredients and / or plant-derived medicinal products; - Aerosol-forming substrate (102) having at least one microwave sensitizer and / or absorber from the group of materials including functionalized polysilsesquioxane, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene, activated carbon, activated charcoal, metal powders, semiconductor powders, and combinations and mixtures thereof; A method wherein at least one of the samples (2) is used and / or heated as part of the sample (2).

14. The microwave heating method according to claim 13, comprising measuring the temperature of the aerosol-forming sample (2) and supplying the value to a temperature control loop unit that controls the power supplied to carry out the microwave generation and / or emission process.

15. - The operating power in continuous mode is in the range of 0.1 mW to 50 watts, and preferably around 2 W. - The operating power in pulse mode is in the range of 0.1 mW to 50 W, and preferably around 3 W. - The operating power increases between a value of 0.1W and a value of 30W. - The operating frequency is set to a constant value, or it changes over time, sweeping between a minimum and maximum value, between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. The microwave heating method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein at least one of the above.

16. The aerosol-forming sample (2) is - Formed as at least one of a fluid material, solid material, tablet, capsule, cartridge, shell vial, or pellet, comprising at least one of a fluid material, solid material, tablet, capsule, cartridge, shell vial, or pellet, housed inside at least one of a fluid material, solid material, tablet, capsule, cartridge, shell vial, or pellet, and / or filled inside at least one of a fluid material, solid material, tablet, capsule, cartridge, shell vial, or pellet, and / or can be adapted according to the size of the underlying cavity (16), and / or a pharmaceutical excipient can be added to the aerosol-forming sample (2), - Having a housing, the housing being transparent to microwave radiation, and containing or formed from plastic, synthetic material, polypropylene, glass, quartz, and / or having a low dielectric loss coefficient (ε'') and / or a low loss loss tangent (tan(δ)), - Housed as an integral part, as waste, and / or comprising a filter (115) and / or a hollow tube having low particulate filtration efficiency, within a housing formed as a mouthpiece (119) configured to allow inhalation of the formed aerosol, A microwave heating method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, used in at least one of the following.

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