A system for manufacturing cannabis edible products

Abstract

To provide a system for manufacturing a cannabis edible.SOLUTION: A system includes: a dosing station; and a support surface configured to support an edible product. The dosing station includes: a reservoir which contains API-containing liquid including a cannabinoid; and a dosing head. In the reservoir, a microdroplet contains the cannabinoid at a concentration which is in a range from 50 micrograms per microliter of a solution to 1 milligram per microliter of the solution. The dosing head is in fluid communication with the reservoir so that the API-containing liquid is delivered to the dosing head. The system is configured to bring the dosing head into alignment with the edible product. When the edible product is aligned with the dosing head, the dosing station is configured to deliver the microdroplet of the API-containing liquid from the dosing head to the edible product.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Disclosed Content

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] The present application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 844,060 filed on May 6, 2019, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 923,668 filed on October 21, 2019, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 007,881 filed on April 9, 2020. The disclosures of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] [Background] Technical Field The present disclosure relates to the field of cannabis products, and more specifically to the field of edible products comprising cannabis, and methods and systems for producing the same.

[0003] Discussion of Related Art The legal cannabis industry is growing rapidly in the United States, Canada, and around the world. However, rules and regulations at the local, state, and national levels vary widely from location to location and are changing rapidly. This is particularly true for edible cannabis products, which must comply with both food-related rules and regulations, and cannabis rules and regulations. Issues include contamination and dosing testing, seed-to-sale tracking, and high cannabis taxes. What is legal or permitted in one location may not be legal or permitted in another, which creates barriers when transporting finished edible cannabis products from one region to another.

[0004] Complicating these issues is the fact that the processes used to manufacture edible cannabis products are designed without considering these complex rules and regulations. Cannabis is treated as any other basic ingredient in these foods and simply added along with other ingredients (importantly, food manufacturing has developed without considering regulated substances; only basic cleanliness standards are required). As manufacturers try to expand their business, it becomes difficult to guarantee the exact amount applied in each piece. Furthermore, cooking and roasting with heat breaks down the cannabis, reducing the potency of the finished product. Cannabis-related taxes can often accumulate when products move between jurisdictions. In many cases, moving cannabis-based products between jurisdictions is illegal, and in some cases a felony, and may be subject to back taxes. For example, while manufacturing and selling cannabis edibles in California is legal in California, transporting such products across state borders is a felony under federal law. Various countries, states, local governments, and areas within local governments may also have regulations governing the transport of such products across their respective jurisdictional borders. These issues tend to stifle the potential of cannabis-based edibles, particularly by effectively forcing local production within each jurisdiction, eliminating or minimizing economies of scale in manufacturing.

[0005] Therefore, it was necessary to manufacture edible products within the general scope of rules and regulations. This effectively required building a new food manufacturing industry dedicated to cannabis edible products and replicating it state by state or region by region. As a result, it became difficult to maintain consistent product quality across factories, and there were limitations to the flexibility of small-batch production. Consequently, releasing national and international brands became extremely costly and complex.

[0006] What is clearly needed is a system and method for manufacturing cannabis edibles, resulting in edible products where the base edible food is typically manufactured in a centralized facility that benefits from economies of scale, and cannabis plant extracts are added locally in a second stage for the intended sale and consumption of the final product.

[0007] 〔overview〕 Therefore, a method is provided for producing edible and non-edible products containing at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient may include one or more of cannabis or cannabinoids, at least one flavonoid, at least one terpene, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and prescription drugs.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for delivering an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to a substrate. The method may include the step of aligning the substrate with an dosing station including a dosing head. The method may further include, after the aligning step, delivering at least one microdroplet of an API-containing liquid from the dosing head to the substrate, wherein at least one microdroplet contains a predetermined approximate amount of API.

[0009] In one embodiment, this method involves adding hemp to finished or nearly finished food products. This allows the base food to be manufactured in one location and transported across borders to another location where the hemp is added. Thus, conventional food manufacturers can leverage their factories, expertise, and economies of scale to act as subcontractors to the hemp industry. The hemp components added later do not degrade because they are not subjected to the cooking and baking of the base food. Economic efficiency, small-batch flexibility, and improved quality and consistency are all advantages of this new method. As a result, national and international brands can be launched across borders, capital requirements are significantly lower, real estate costs are reduced, and the ability to scale up more quickly is increased.

[0010] In various embodiments, further benefits may include extremely precise addition; boxes and labels may be mass-produced before manufacturing; a much lower scrap rate than previously achievable is possible; and a much lower sampling plan is feasible because bulk products are manufactured in a predictable and unregulated manner, and only the final steps, such as cannabinoid addition, need to be tested. Another advantage is that extremely small-scale production is feasible for specialty products or very small markets, as the majority of manufacturing is carried out in a centralized and highly scalable manner, and only the inexpensive addition of at least one cannabinoid is done locally. Thus, products can be tailored to finely segmented markets or very small regional regulatory systems. According to the present invention, for example, even individualized formulations can be delivered to provide precise, personalized additions of medical cannabis in scalably manufactured food products. Another advantage of the above embodiments is the ability to respond very quickly to market changes, whether regulatory or demand-driven, by utilizing just-in-time addition of at least one cannabinoid.

[0011] In one embodiment, a system is provided for delivering an active pharmaceutical ingredient to a prepared substrate. The system may include a delivery station comprising a support surface configured to receive the prepared substrate. The system may further include an addition station configured to deliver a predetermined approximate amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate. At least one of the support surface and the addition station is movable relative to the other of the support surface and the addition station so as to align the prepared substrate with the addition station after the support surface has received the prepared substrate.

[0012] The following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show illustrative embodiments for illustrative purposes. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the exact arrangements and means shown. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic perspective view of a system for delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients to food products. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a portion of the edible product shown. [Figure 2A] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the additive zone of the system shown. [Figure 2B] This is a perspective view of a microdroplet in one embodiment. [Figure 2C] This is a side view of a microdroplet in another embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 1A is a plan view of the edible product shown, indicating the delivery zone. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of mixed nuts to which an active pharmaceutical ingredient has been added according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 4B] This is a perspective view of dried fruit to which an active pharmaceutical ingredient has been added according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 4C] This is a perspective view of baked food to which an active pharmaceutical ingredient has been added according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 4D] This is a side view of a gummy candy to which an active pharmaceutical ingredient has been added according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 4E] This is a perspective view of a tongue depressor to which an active pharmaceutical ingredient has been added according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 5A] This is a perspective view of an additive machine configured according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the method of adding the additive using the additive machine shown.

[0014] [Detailed explanation] Systems and methods for producing cannabis edible products and resulting edible products are disclosed.

[0015] One or more different embodiments may be described in this application. Furthermore, for one or more embodiments described herein, numerous alternative configurations may be described; these are presented for illustrative purposes only and should be understood as not limiting the embodiments included herein or the claims presented herein. One or more configurations may be broadly applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure. Generally, the configurations are described in sufficient detail so that a person skilled in the art can implement one or more embodiments, and it should be understood that other configurations may be available, and that structural, logical, software, electrical, and other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of a particular embodiment. One or more particular features of the embodiments described herein may be described by reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures that form part of this disclosure, in which one or more particular configurations of the embodiments are shown as examples. However, it should be understood that such features are not limited to their use in one or more particular embodiments or figures relating to those described. This disclosure is neither a literal description of all configurations of one or more embodiments nor a list of one or more features of embodiments that must be present in all configurations.

[0016] The headings of the items provided in this patent application and the title of this patent application are for convenience only and should not be considered in any way as to limit disclosure.

[0017] Devices that are in contact with each other do not need to be in continuous contact with each other unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, devices that are in contact with each other may communicate indirectly or directly through one or more logical or physical means or mediators.

[0018] The description of an embodiment in which a plurality of components communicate with each other does not mean that all such components are required. Conversely, various optional components may be described to exemplify a broad range of possible embodiments and to more fully illustrate one or more embodiments. Similarly, process steps, method steps, algorithms and the like may be described in a sequential order, but such processes, methods and algorithms may generally be configured to operate in alternative orders unless specifically stated otherwise. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described in this patent application does not, of itself, indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of the described process may be performed in any practical order. Furthermore, several steps may be performed concurrently even though they are described or implied to occur non-concurrently (for example, because one step is described after another step). Furthermore, the illustration of a process by its depiction in the drawings does not mean that the illustrated process excludes other variations and modifications thereto, nor does it mean that the illustrated process, or any of its steps, is required for one or more of the embodiments, nor does it mean that the illustrated process is preferred. Also, while steps are generally described once per embodiment, this does not mean that they must only occur once, or that they can only occur once each time the process, method, or algorithm is carried out or executed. Some steps may be omitted in some embodiments or some occurrences, or some steps may be performed multiple times in a given embodiment or occurrence.

[0019] Where a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a plurality of devices or articles may be used in place of the single device or article. Similarly, where a plurality of devices or articles are described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single device or article may be used in place of the plurality of devices or articles.

[0020] The functionality or features of the device may alternatively be embodied by one or more other devices not explicitly described as having such functionality or features. Accordingly, other aspects need not include the device itself.

[0021] Techniques and mechanisms described or referenced herein are sometimes described in the singular for clarity. However, it should be understood that, unless specifically stated otherwise, certain aspects may include multiple iterations of the techniques or multiple examples of the mechanisms. A description or block in a process flow diagram should be understood as representing a module, segment or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for performing the specified logical function or step in the process. Alternative embodiments are included within the scope of various aspects where functions can be performed in an order different from that shown or described, including substantially in the simultaneous or reverse order, depending on the relevant functionality, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0022] Method and system for adding cannabis to edible products In one embodiment, a method for converting an edible product or other substrate into a cannabis-containing product is disclosed. This method may include the step of delivering cannabinoids to a substrate which may be an edible product or a non-edible product. The delivery step may be carried out using one or more suitable applicators which deliver a predetermined amount of cannabinoids. As used herein, the term “cannabinoid” means any extract from the marijuana plant or hemp plant, such as CBD, THC, or any alternative cannabinoid, either alone or in combination with any one or more of flavonoids or terpenes. The extract may be in its pure form or may be processed as desired. This disclosure provides the addition of at least one cannabinoid to a substrate, and thus the cannabinoid is intended for market as an end product; however, the application of the systems and methods disclosed herein is possible and envisioned to be non-cannabis, including (but not limited to) other active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). For example, the application of the systems and methods disclosed herein may and may not include any one or more alternative over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs, or otherwise controlled ingestible substances, including active medicinal ingredients (APIs) containing one or more cannabinoids, one or more OTC drugs, or one or both of which provide either or a health benefit or a recreational drug experience. Accordingly, references to active medicinal ingredients herein may include any one of the following: cannabis, one or more cannabinoids, one or more commercial drugs, one or more prescription drugs, one or more flavonoids, and one or more terpenes. Similarly, references to one or more active medicinal ingredients identified above may be applied equally to any other of the active medicinal ingredients identified above. According to aspects of this disclosure, methods for delivering cannabinoids or conventional drugs may also be used to deliver homeopathic remedies, herbal supplements having a flavor or smell, etc., into edible products. The resulting edible products may be called “dietary supplements” because their definition is “foods containing health-promoting additives or having medicinal properties.”

[0023] An active-containing substrate can be produced by adding an active pharmaceutical ingredient to a substrate, which may contain prepared edible products or other non-edible substrates. Prepared edible products may include, but are not limited to, prepared foods such as hard candies, chocolate brownies, cookies, soft candies like gummies, trail mix bars, or dried meat pieces. Therefore, in some embodiments, the prepared edible product may be a cooked food. In some specific embodiments, the prepared edible product may be a baked food. The prepared edible product may be bite-sized, such as M&M candies, gummies, or chocolate kisses, or it may be designed to require two or more bites to be consumed completely, such as a cookie. Therefore, it should be understood that the prepared edible product may be a cooked food. For example, the prepared edible product may be a baked food. Therefore, in some embodiments, the prepared edible product may contain multiple mixed ingredients. In some embodiments, the prepared edible product may be a dried food, such as dried fruit or jerky. In other embodiments, the prepared edible product may be freeze-dried. In further embodiments, the prepared edible product may be a raw food such as nuts or fruit. Therefore, it will be understood that the application of active pharmaceutical ingredients to pre-prepared foods allows for the production of a wider range of foods using the active pharmaceutical ingredients. Since the active pharmaceutical ingredients are applied to pre-prepared foods, it will be understood that active pharmaceutical ingredients with a short shelf life can be ingested in a shorter time compared to active pharmaceutical ingredients applied to a substrate and combined with unprocessed ingredients that are later processed to prepare the food. Furthermore, alternatively, as described above, the substrate may be a non-edible product 33; that is, the substrate is designed to be put in the mouth rather than to be consumed by humans. One such non-limiting example is a tongue depressor 35 (see Figure 4E).

[0024] In one embodiment, a set of multiple active-containing substrates can be provided, some of which have different doses of active pharmaceutical ingredients and are designed to be taken at different times over a period, such as on different days of the week. In this way, a desired dose profile can be delivered to the patient over the entire period. Alternatively or additionally, one of the active-containing substrates may contain at least one different active pharmaceutical ingredient. In this way, the set of active-containing substrates can be designed to be taken sequentially over the period (i.e., one after the other), thereby delivering a desired predetermined series of active pharmaceutical ingredients to the patient.

[0025] An active pharmaceutical ingredient containing one or more cannabinoids can be delivered to a substrate in liquid form as an API-containing liquid, or in granular solid form as an API-containing solid. The API-containing liquid may be in the form of pure API, such as a resin, or in the form of a concentrate of API in a liquid carrier, such as a solvent. The API-containing solid may be in the form of pure API, such as a powder, or in the form of a mixture of API and any other suitable substance. The API-containing liquid and API-containing powder delivered to the substrate can be called an API-containing substance. In some examples, an applicator can deliver a trace amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate. For example, the trace amount may be delivered by the applicator as microdroplets supported by a solvent, each having a volume in the range of about 2 nanoliters to about 10 microliters, for example, about 25 nanoliters to about 2 microliters. For example, the microdroplets may have a volume in the range of about 25 nanoliters to about 1 microliter. The microdroplets may have a desired concentration of API. For example, the concentration of the API may range from about 50 micrograms per microliter of solution to about 1 milligram per microliter of solution. In other embodiments, the liquid may be a pure resin of the API.

[0026] In one embodiment, it is assumed that an applicator delivering a similar dose of API to a similar substrate can deliver approximately the same size of microdroplets to the same substrate. Therefore, for example, when delivering API to dried fruit and / or nuts designed to have the same dose of API, the applicator can deliver approximately the same volume and number of microdroplets to each dried fruit and / or nut, or to a group of dried fruit and / or nuts, such as a single serving.

[0027] As will be described in more detail below, an extrusion head can be provided configured to deliver microdroplets of any appropriate volume, such as the volumes mentioned above. Thus, each microdroplet can contain a trace amount of API in the range of about 0.1 micrograms to about 10 milligrams, for example, about 1 milligram to about 2 milligrams. However, it is recognized that the microdroplets can have any volume as desired. Furthermore, it is recognized that each microdroplet can contain different amounts of API, for example, depending on the volume of the microdroplet. The trace amount of API in the microdroplet allows for precise control of the amount of API delivered to the substrate. For example, a microdroplet of each volume can deliver about 1% to about 10% of the target volume of the microdroplet, for example, about 5%, to the substrate in 3 sigma. Thus, the amount of API in each microdroplet can be delivered to the substrate in the range of about 1% to about 10% of the target dose, for example, about 5%, to the substrate in 3 sigma. The target volume of the microdroplet may vary based on the surface area or volume of the substrate to which the microdroplet is applied. Similarly, the dose of the API delivered to the substrate may be in the range of approximately 1% to approximately 10%, for example, approximately 5%, of the target dose of the API to the substrate or a single-serving packaged substrate such as dried fruit or nuts, in 3 sigma. The target volume of the microdroplet may vary based on the surface area or volume of the substrate to which the microdroplet is applied.

[0028] Therefore, in one embodiment, trace amounts may be delivered to the substrate in the form of microdroplets. The use of microdroplets may be useful for precise dose administration of active pharmaceutical ingredients compared to conventional techniques. Microdroplets can be delivered to the outer surface of the substrate by a 3D printer, inkjet printer, or other suitable printing process. Alternatively or additionally, microdroplets may be delivered to the outer surface of the substrate by precision spraying. Further alternative or additionally, microdroplets may be delivered to internal locations of the substrate surrounded by the outer surface. For example, microdroplets may be mechanically injected or delivered using an air gun that fires microdroplets towards the substrate with a jet of compressed air (this is similar to how some vaccines and other drugs can be administered subcutaneously without injection with a needle). Without being constrained by theory, microdroplets to internal locations of the substrate may also help facilitate the administration or ingestion of formulations that have a potentially bitter taste (or a strong cannabis taste) by providing a means of adding small amounts of such substances to much larger amounts of edible products.

[0029] Microdroplets containing the API can be delivered to a substrate. The microdroplets may include a solution containing at least one cannabinoid in liquid form as a solvent mixed with any suitable solute. To help achieve a predictable application of at least one cannabinoid, the at least one cannabinoid can be mixed substantially homogeneously with the solute. Alternatively, the microdroplets may consist of, or essentially consist of, a purified, partially purified, or unpurified cannabinoid extract in liquid form having a desired viscosity that ensures the cannabinoid extract is reliably distributed. In some embodiments, the liquid can be heated to achieve the desired viscosity without mixing the cannabinoid extract in the solute. In some embodiments, the microdroplets may have oily or hydrophilic properties. For example, the microdroplets may be multilayers having a protein or other protective coating surrounding a precise dose of an oil-based or water-based formulation. Since the concentration of the cannabinoid in the liquid can be known, the volume of the liquid can be predetermined and delivered to the substrate to achieve a desired predetermined approximate application of the cannabinoid.

[0030] In other embodiments, active pharmaceutical ingredients containing one or more cannabinoids may be added to a substrate in granular form. For example, a cannabinoid extract, whether purified, partially purified, or unpurified, may be delivered to the substrate as a powder. In some embodiments, cannabinoids can be crystallized and ground to produce a powder. Since the concentration of cannabinoids in the powder can be known, the mass of the powder can be predetermined and delivered to the substrate to achieve the desired application amount of cannabinoids.

[0031] The liquid or powder delivered to the substrate may contain a single desired cannabinoid. Therefore, a single desired cannabinoid can be delivered to the substrate. Alternatively, multiple different liquids or powders may be delivered to the substrate, each containing one or more different cannabinoids. Thus, by delivering multiple different liquids and powders, multiple desired cannabinoids can be delivered to the substrate. The liquids and powders may be delivered in equal or different amounts. Therefore, the ratio of one or more cannabinoids to one or more other cannabinoids can be controlled. In other embodiments, the liquid or powder delivered to the substrate may contain multiple cannabinoids in equal or desired proportions. Therefore, by delivering a single liquid or powder to the substrate, either a single cannabinoid or multiple cannabinoids can be delivered. Multiple cannabinoids delivered to food using one or more powders or liquids may include up to the full range of cannabinoids, e.g., about 113 cannabinoids, ranging from two or more cannabinoids.

[0032] It should be recognized that cannabinoids are not subjected to the food preparation process, since they are added to the food product after it has been prepared. Therefore, cannabinoids are not subjected to mixing of food ingredients, cooking of food, freeze-drying of food, dehydration of food, etc. As a result, the active pharmaceutical ingredient is not subject to a process that may otherwise reduce the potency of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. However, this disclosure recognizes that the method of delivering cannabinoids to prepared food can be further applied to raw foods, such as raw fruits and nuts, as well as other non-edible substrates.

[0033] In another embodiment, APIs such as cannabis or other formulations can be applied via any suitable printing process, including 3D, inkjet printing, or any suitable alternative printing process. In some cases, such printing can be used to apply any suitable label, such as a cannabis warning symbol or warning, and the ink dots used for printing may consist primarily of targeted formulations derived from cannabis or hemp. In some embodiments, formulations used for precise addition to edible products may contain substantial fractions of several suitable cannabinoids. Non-limiting examples of such cannabinoids include THC or CBD, or combinations of one or both of these with other cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid mixture may be supplemented with one or more terpenes or flavonoids, which may be extracted from cannabis or hemp, or provided as pure substances commercially obtained or synthesized from other sources. Furthermore, bitter or strong cannabis flavors may be masked within the far more dominant flavors of the “host” edible product. Alternatively or additionally, at least one cannabinoid can be deposited on a part of the product that is not designed to be in direct initial contact with the tongue during ingestion, thereby further masking the taste of at least one cannabinoid. For example, at least one cannabinoid can be applied to the rounded top surface of a cookie, so that the cookie is perceived as being designed to be placed in the mouth with the flat bottom surface in contact with the tongue. Alternatively or additionally, the microdroplets can be coated with sugar or other suitable taste masking agents as desired.

[0034] In some embodiments, soft edible products such as chocolate, gummies, and licorice can be used as "carriers" or "hosts" for cannabinoids in amounts that can be injected into the soft edible product (by an air gun, needle, or other suitable method known in the art), allowing the added substance to be pushed into a large portion of the soft edible product. Cannabis flavor can be masked by such an approach. In some embodiments, energy such as infrared radiation, forced air, or microwaves can be applied to the surface of the edible product to soften (or further soften) the substance in a small area, allowing the cannabis or hemp-derived substance to be more easily injected into the infrared-pretreated area (or into greater depths within the host edible product). The energy can be applied before injection, after injection, or both before and after injection. In other embodiments, at least one cannabinoid can be applied to multiple surfaces of the edible product, or up to the entire surface of the edible product.

[0035] For edible products, such as hard or soft candies, or any other suitable edible substrate, a visible design having a CBD, THC, or other cannabinoid formulation acting as an ink can be printed on the item. Microdots indicating the dosage of the cannabinoid formulation can be printed as desired. The application amount may also be sprayed onto an additional layer, such as a candy or chocolate layer, or added as an additional layer. In some embodiments, at least one cannabinoid may be mixed with a food ingredient immediately before packaging or delivering the prepared edible product (e.g., as an ingredient in icing or other coatings, or as part of a sugar coating applied to gummies), especially if the food ingredient is suitable for addition.

[0036] In some embodiments, the edible product may be coated with a coating of small oil droplets or solid powders, each containing at least one cannabinoid, to block the taste or mask the cannabis flavor. In some embodiments, a coloring agent may be added to at least one cannabinoid before delivering the at least one cannabinoid to the edible product in order to blend the formulation blend with the color of the edible product.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the applicator sprays the API onto the surface of an edible product; the cannabis or hemp-derived substance diffuses into or remains on the surface of the cannabis or hemp-derived substance.

[0038] In one embodiment, the applicator sprays the API-containing liquid into an edible product.

[0039] In one embodiment, the applicator sprays the API-containing liquid into the food product.

[0040] In one embodiment, the applicator sprays the API-containing liquid onto the surface of an edible product.

[0041] In one embodiment, the applicator stamps the API-containing substance onto the surface of an edible product.

[0042] In one embodiment, the applicator prints the API-containing substance onto the surface of an edible product.

[0043] In one embodiment, the applicator sprays the API-containing substance onto the surface of an edible product.

[0044] In one embodiment, the applicator constructs one or more API-containing micropills on the surface of an edible product.

[0045] In one embodiment, the applicator applies a conformal coating of the API-containing substance to an edible product.

[0046] In one embodiment, the applicator encapsulates or mixes the API-containing substance with one or more modifiers configured to modify at least one of the flavor, mechanical properties, or appearance of the cannabis or hemp substance applied before being added to the edible product.

[0047] In one embodiment, the applicator modifies the size, location, or distribution of the API-containing substance on the food product in order to alter the flavor or appearance.

[0048] In one embodiment, the applicator adjusts either or both the concentration of the API in the solution or the components of the solution.

[0049] In one embodiment, energy is applied to the surface of an edible product to increase the adhesion of the API-containing substance to the edible product. In another embodiment, energy is applied to raise the surface temperature. In one embodiment, the temperature can be raised by directing at least one of the following light sources, such as forced air, microwaves, and infrared light, onto the surface. Energy can be applied before delivering the API-containing substance to the edible product, after delivering the API-containing substance to the edible product, or both before and after delivering the API-containing substance to the edible product.

[0050] Referring to Figures 1A to 2, all of the method steps and apparatus described herein, including the active-containing substrate, can be incorporated into any suitable system or provided by any suitable system. One such system 20 is illustrated and described herein, but as stated above, it is recognized that numerous alternatives are available for distributing an approximate application amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient onto or into the desired substrate. In one embodiment, system 20 is configured to deliver the active pharmaceutical ingredient 22 to a substrate 23 which may constitute an edible product 24, thereby producing an active-containing substrate. If the substrate is an edible product, the active-containing substrate may be called an active-containing edible product. As stated above, the edible product 24 may be any suitable fully prepared food. Furthermore, as stated above, the active pharmaceutical ingredient may include at least one cannabinoid, at least one alternative drug or substance that provides health benefits or a recreational drug experience, or any desirable alternative ingestible regulated substance as designated by law. It will be understood that System 20 can provide a cost-effective and efficient method for supplying a product line of substrates having the desired amount and type of active pharmaceutical ingredient.

[0051] In some cases, it may be desirable to add one or more auxiliary food products to the prepared food product 24 before or after delivering the active pharmaceutical ingredient 22 to the food product 24. Examples include adding icing to cookies or frosting brownies or cakes. However, in these examples, the cookies and brownies may be fully cooked or otherwise prepared before the addition of the pharmaceutical ingredient. The system 20 may include up to all of one or more of the following: a delivery station 28 configured to receive one or more food products; an addition station 36 configured to deliver an approximate dose of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) 22 to one or more food products; a post-processing station 40; and a packaging station 42 which can be configured to package the food product 24 carrying the approximate dose of the active pharmaceutical ingredient 22. In some embodiments, the approximate dose may be an exact dose as described herein. The post-processing station 40 can be configured to perform at least one of the following: 1) drying the solvent, for example, if the API is delivered as a solution; 2) increasing the viscosity of the API; 3) further adhering the API to the substrate; 4) dispersing the API along the substrate; or 5) increasing the absorption or diffusion of the API into the substrate. The operation of the system can be controlled by any suitable controller, such as the Champion 3700 Digital Dispensing Benchtop System, which is commercially available from Creative Automation Company, which has offices in Sun Valley, California.

[0052] When the terms “substantial,” “approximate,” “about,” and similar words are used in relation to quantity, volume, mass, weight, dosage, size, shape, direction, or other parameters, the stated parameter is included, specifically, within a range of plus or minus 20% of the stated parameter, for example, plus or minus 5% of the stated parameter, plus or minus 10% of the stated parameter, for example, plus or minus 1% of the stated parameter, and plus or minus 2% of the stated parameter.

[0053] If at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient is delivered as an API-containing liquid 25, which may be a solution of the type described above, or a pure API, for example, as an oil, then the system 20 may include a holding tank 26 configured to hold the liquid 25. Thus, the liquid 25 may be a pure cannabis extract in one embodiment, but in other embodiments, the cannabis extract may be mixed with one or more other substances, such as a solvent, or otherwise combined, as desired. In one embodiment, the liquid is a solution having an approximate concentration of the above-described cannabinoid or other active pharmaceutical ingredient 22. The approximate concentration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the API-containing substance may be the known concentrations described above. Thus, the active pharmaceutical ingredient 22 may define the solute of the solution, and the solution may define any suitable solvent. In one embodiment, the solvent may be an alcohol, for example, ethanol or any alternative alcohol, or any other viscosity reducer, as desired. In one embodiment, the liquid 25 may contain the active pharmaceutical ingredient at a concentration ranging from about 40% to about 90%, for example, about 50% to about 70% by volume in the solution containing the solvent. It is recognized that the solvent is substantially entirely removed during the subsequent drying step. For example, the solvent can be easily evaporated after being applied to the edible product 24. Nevertheless, it would be desirable that the solvent be safe to consume in small quantities.

[0054] Alternatively, the cannabinoid or other active API-containing liquid 25 may be a separate extract, meaning it is not mixed with a carrier designed to be burned or otherwise evaporated. The extract may be purified, partially purified, or unpurified as desired. Such a separate extract may be in the form of a resin having relatively high viscosity, which is recognized as potentially hindering the extract from flowing freely enough to be easily delivered to the substrate 23. Therefore, as will be described in more detail below, the system 20 may include one or more heaters configured to raise the temperature of the extract and thereby reduce the viscosity of the API-containing liquid. Alternatively or additionally, additives such as alcohols that reduce the viscosity of the liquid may be added to the liquid 25. The alcohols evaporate readily after the liquid 25 has been applied to the substrate 23. It is recognized that an extract having a sufficiently low viscosity can be easily delivered to the substrate by any of the methods described herein. For example, it may be desirable to maintain the extract at a heating temperature while applying the extract to the substrate 23. The heating temperature can range from approximately 37.78°C (approximately 100°F) to approximately 93.33°C (approximately 200°F), for example, from approximately 65.56°C (approximately 150°F) to approximately 82.22°C (approximately 180°F). The extract is expected to have a sufficiently low viscosity at room temperature, but in some cases it may still be desirable to maintain the solution at the heating temperature. Since the approximate dosage of at least one cannabinoid in the liquid 25 is known, a predetermined approximate volume of liquid 25 delivered from the holding tank 26 to the addition station 36, and therefore to the edible item 24, can contain approximately a predetermined desired approximate dosage of the medicinal ingredient 22.

[0055] The delivery station 28 can be configured to receive multiple substrates 23, such as multiple edible products 24. Although the substrates are shown as edible products 24, it is recognized that the substrates can be configured as any suitable alternative substrate as described above. In one embodiment, the system 20 includes one or more support surfaces 30 of at least one support member 32, which are configured to receive and support each of the one or more edible products 24. The support surfaces 30 can be defined by predetermined locations on each of the support member 32. The predetermined locations can be defined by geometric markings. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined locations can be defined by pockets 34 defined by the support member 32. At least one or both of the support member 32 and the dosing station 36 can be made movable to align the dosing station 36 with the edible products 24. The dosing station 36 can be configured to deliver an approximate volume of liquid 25 to one edible food at a time, or can be configured to deliver multiple approximate volumes of liquid 25 to each of the multiple edible foods simultaneously. In this regard, the descriptions of singular elements in this specification apply equally to plural singular elements and at least one of singular elements. Therefore, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” used in relation to singular apparatus or method steps in this specification include plural apparatus or method steps and at least one of apparatus or method steps. Conversely, the descriptions of plural elements in this specification apply equally to singular elements or at least one of singular elements. Therefore, plural apparatus or method steps described herein include the singular “a,” “an,” “the,” and “at least one.” Addition station 36 can be configured as an ultra-low volume liquid handling machine commercially available from Biofluidix, which has a business office in Freiburg, Germany.

[0056] In one embodiment, the support member 32 can be configured as any suitable delivery member, such as a conveyor 38 or other suitable support member, designed to support and transport food products so as to be operably aligned with the addition station 36. The conveyor 38 can, accordingly, be movable to transport food products 24 from the delivery station 28 to the addition station 36. Alternatively, the support surface 30 may be stationary, and the addition station 36, which includes an applicator that may be configured as one or more addition heads as described later, may be movable to align with the substrate 23. Further alternatively, both the support surface 30 and the addition station may be movable to align the addition heads with the substrate 23. Thus, at least one of the support surface 30 and the addition station 36 can be movable relative to the other to align the substrate 23 with the addition heads of the addition station 36.

[0057] Alternatively, the system 20 may be configured for self-service, so that the user is aware of placing the substrate on the support surface 30 at the dosing station 36. Or, the user may place the substrate 23 on the support surface 30 and manually move the substrate 23, for example, along the support surface 30 to the dosing station 36. In this embodiment, the support surface 30 may be a stationary support surface. Furthermore, the dosing station may also be stationary.

[0058] After the active pharmaceutical ingredient has been delivered from the dosing station 36 to the substrate 23, the active-containing substrate 23 can be moved from the dosing station 36 to the post-processing station 40. The active-containing substrate 23 can be moved from the dosing station 36 to the post-processing station 40 using a support surface 30 or any suitable alternative apparatus. In this regard, in some embodiments, the post-processing station 40 can be positioned inline with the dosing station 36 along the support surface 30. Alternatively, the post-processing station 40 may be offline relative to the support surface 30. Thus, the active-containing substrate can remain in the post-processing station 40 for a desired amount of time until it is ready for packaging. Once ready for packaging, the active-containing substrate can be moved from the post-processing station 40 to the packaging station 42. The support surface 30 or any suitable alternative apparatus can move the active-containing substrate from the post-processing station to the packaging station 42. In this regard, the post-processing station 40 can be positioned inline with the dosing station 36 along the support surface 30, or it can be positioned offline relative to the support surface 30.

[0059] Once the edible product 24 is aligned with the dosing station 36, the dosing station 36 is configured to deliver a predetermined approximate volume of active pharmaceutical ingredients, such as at least one cannabinoid, to the edible product. In some embodiments, the active pharmaceutical ingredient may be presented as a liquid 25. Since the concentration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the liquid 25 is known and the desired amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient to be delivered to the substrate 23 is known, the approximate volume of liquid 25 to be delivered to the substrate 23 can be determined. In some embodiments, an electrostatic force may be generated, which drives the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate 23, thereby causing the active pharmaceutical ingredient and the substrate to be charged in opposite directions. For example, a negative charge can be imparted to the substrate 23, and a positive charge can be added to the delivered liquid or powder, thereby generating an electrostatic charge.

[0060] In other embodiments, it is recognized that the active pharmaceutical ingredient may be delivered to the substrate 23 as a powder. For example, a liquid 25 containing at least one cannabinoid may be an initial form of a resin that can be dried and crystallized. The resulting crystals can be ground into a powder having a desired amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Since the density of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the powder is known and the desired amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient to be delivered to the substrate 23 is known, the approximate mass of powder delivered to the substrate 23 by the addition station 36 can be determined.

[0061] The dosing station 36 may include at least one applicator of the type described above, such as multiple applicators. Each applicator may define a dosing head 46 configured to distribute an approximate volume of liquid 25 of an approximate amount, respectively, delivered from the holding tank 26. Thus, the dosing station 36 may include at least one dosing head 46, for example, multiple dosing heads 46. The dosing station 36, in particular the applicators, and therefore the dosing heads 46, are in fluid communication with the holding tank 26. Thus, the dosing heads 46 are configured to receive an approximate volume of liquid 25 of a certain amount delivered from the holding tank 26 and to distribute that amount to the edible product 24. Each amount distributed by the dosing heads 46 cumulatively defines the approximate volume of liquid 25 received from the holding tank 26.

[0062] As will be explained below, the dispensing head 46 can be configured to deliver a precise volume of liquid 25 to the food product 24. In some embodiments, the precise volume may be a trace amount applied to the food product 24. Thus, the food product 24 can receive a predictable dose of the active pharmaceutical ingredient within the limits of federal regulations. Furthermore, this dose of the active pharmaceutical ingredient can be applied to specific locations on the food product as desired. For example, in certain embodiments, it may be desirable to deliver the active pharmaceutical ingredient so that it is distributed substantially uniformly on or within the food product 24. As a result, for example, if the food product is a large baked food, consuming different areas of the food product with equal volume will result in ingesting substantially the same amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. In one embodiment, the dispensing head 46 can be defined by a True Volume® Piston Positive Displacement Pump, commercially available from Creative Automation Company, which has offices in Sun Valley, California. In another embodiment, the dispensing head 46 can be defined by a Pipetman M P10M device, commercially available from Gilson Inc., which has offices in Middleton, Wisconsin.

[0063] Referring specifically to Figure 2, the addition station 36 may include an injection reservoir 49 positioned between the holding tank 26 and the addition head 46. The addition station 36 may include a first conduit 51 extending from the holding tank 26 to the reservoir 49 and a second conduit 53 extending from the reservoir 49 toward the addition head 46. Thus, the reservoir 49 can receive a volume of liquid 25 from the holding tank 26. The addition station 36 may further include a second conduit 53 extending from the reservoir 49. The second conduit 53 may extend to a manifold 55. Thus, the reservoir 49 can deliver this volume of liquid 25 to the manifold 55 under the pressure difference provided by the pump, and the manifold 55 can distribute this volume of liquid 25 to the addition head 46. In this regard, it should be understood that the second conduit 53 is in fluid communication with the addition head 46. The pump can be a positive pump that defines a positive pressure difference. The holding tank 25 can be placed under positive pressure to provide a positive force that biases the liquid 25 from the holding tank 26 toward the addition head 46. Alternatively, the holding tank 25 may be placed under negative pressure to draw the liquid 25 from the holding tank 26 toward the addition head 46. In other embodiments, the system 20 may include a plurality of pumps, each configured to provide a respective pressure difference to one or more of the addition heads 46.

[0064] The pump may define, for example, each piston that is movable within a corresponding cylinder to inject a predetermined precise volume of liquid 25. In this regard, the stroke length of the piston that delivers the liquid 25 to a first at least one add-on head 46 may differ from the stroke length of the piston that delivers the liquid 25 to a second at least one add-on head 46. Alternatively, the pump may include an elastic micropipe having an inner diameter that is partially compressed by a piezo stack actuator to drive the liquid 25 from the add-on head 46.

[0065] In some embodiments, different dosing heads 46 can be configured to deliver different amounts of liquid 25 of their respective volumes to an edible product 24 (see Figure 1). Furthermore, the liquid 25 delivered by the first at least one dosing head 46 may contain a different active pharmaceutical ingredient than the liquid 25 delivered by the second at least one dosing head 46. Furthermore, the system 20 can be configured to deliver any number of API-containing liquids 25, each containing a different pharmaceutical ingredient, to each at least one dosing head 46. Thus, the dosing heads 46 can be combined to deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients from different liquid extracts in different amounts onto a common substrate 23. Alternatively or additionally, the different liquids may have different concentrations of their respective active pharmaceutical ingredients. Therefore, the system 20 may include any number of holding tanks 26 as desired, each tank containing a different liquid extract containing at least one different pharmaceutically active ingredient. The different liquid extracts can be delivered to each of the different dosing heads 46. Thus, the different dosing heads can be configured to deliver different cannabinoids to the substrate.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first group of dosing heads 46 may be configured to deliver a certain application amount of a first active pharmaceutical agent, and the second group of dosing heads 46 may be configured to deliver a certain application amount of a second active pharmaceutical agent, the second active pharmaceutical agent being different from the first active pharmaceutical agent. For example, the first active pharmaceutical agent may be THC and the second active pharmaceutical agent may be CBD. Furthermore, the first active pharmaceutical agent may be delivered in a predetermined approximate application amount different from that of the second active pharmaceutical agent. Moreover, the tank containing the first active pharmaceutical agent may be maintained at a different temperature than the second tank. This allows for individual control of the viscosity of each API-containing liquid 25. In addition, the temperatures from one or more of each conduit 51, 53 and in each dosing head 46 may be different to individually control the viscosity of each liquid extract as it moves from each tank to each of the one or more dosing heads 46.

[0067] The system 20 may include any suitable feedback mechanism to provide an indication that at least one dosing head 46 has delivered at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate 23. In some embodiments, the feedback mechanism may be a closed feedback loop. For example, a pressure sensor may be placed in the conduit 53 to measure the back pressure in the conduit 53. For example, a decrease in back pressure may indicate that each of the at least one dosing head 46 has delivered each of the at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate 23. Alternatively, the system 20 may include a load cell that determines that the substrate 23 is aligned with the dosing head 46 by sensing its weight. Further alternatively, the system 20 may include a visual recognition system that includes a visual sensor for visually identifying that the substrate 23 is aligned with the dosing head 46. Thus, in some embodiments, it is understood that the substrate 23 may be placed at any location on the support surface, and does not need to be in a predetermined location on the support surface.

[0068] Furthermore, the system 20 may include a camera designed to measure the quantification of microdroplets delivered from the dosing head 46. For example, the camera can measure the cross-sectional dimensions of the microdroplets as they move from the dosing head 46 to the substrate 23. It is recognized that microdroplets may stretch as they move away from the dosing head. However, the surface tension of the microdroplets may make them more spherical as they move from the dosing head 46 to the substrate. Thus, in one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimensions may be the maximum cross-sectional dimensions approximating the diameter of a sphere, and the approximate volume of the microdroplets may be calculated as desired. However, the cross-sectional dimensions may be any suitable alternative cross-sectional dimensions relating to the volume of the microdroplets. The cross-sectional dimensions of the microdroplets or the calculated volume approximations can be compared with each other to ensure consistency in the volume of microdroplets delivered to the substrate 23, or to verify desired variations in the volume of the microdroplets. The cross-sectional dimensions or calculated approximations can then be integrated into a feedback loop to ensure proper operation of the system 20. In one embodiment, the camera may be a SmartDrop system, which is commercially available from Biofluidix, a company with a sales office in Freiburg, Germany.

[0069] As described above, the system 20 may be configured to deliver heat to the liquid 25 in one or more of the conduits and / or in the dosing head 46 before or during the distribution of the API-containing liquid to the substrate 23. The heat may be sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the API-containing liquid 25. In some embodiments, for example, if the API-containing liquid 25 contains a solvent, the step of delivering heat to the liquid 25 may cause the solvent to evaporate, resulting in a pure API with a sufficiently low viscosity being distributed from the dosing head 46. Thus, in one embodiment, the API-containing liquid 25 may contain the API and a solvent and move from the holding tank 26 to the dosing head 46. The API-containing liquid 25 may be heated between the holding tank 26 and the dosing head 46 to reduce the viscosity of the liquid 25 and, optionally, cause some or all of the solvent to evaporate. Alternatively or additionally, the API-containing liquid 25 may be heated in the dosing head 46 to reduce the viscosity of the liquid 25 and, optionally, cause some or all of the solvent to evaporate. In one embodiment, the system 20 may include at least one heater that delivers heat to up to all of the first conduit 51, the second conduit 53, the injection reservoir 49, the manifold 55, and the addition head 46, to reduce the viscosity of the API-containing liquid and, optionally, to evaporate the solvent. In one embodiment, the liquid 25 can be maintained at a temperature in the range of about 37.78°C (about 100°F) to about 93.33°C (about 200°F), for example, about 60°C (about 140°F) to about 93.33°C (about 200°F), and in one embodiment, about 65.56°C (about 150°F) to about 82.22°C (about 180°F). Alternatively, in some embodiments, such as when the liquid 25 is a solution, the liquid 25 can be maintained at room temperature.

[0070] The dosing head 46 can be configured in one embodiment to deliver a liquid 25 containing at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate 23, but the dosing head 46 can instead be configured to deliver at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient in solid or powder form to the substrate 23 in the manner described herein with respect to the liquid 25. Thus, the above embodiments for applying the active pharmaceutical ingredient in liquid form can, unless otherwise indicated, be applied to a powder containing at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient with the same potency. Each dosing head 46 can be configured to deliver minute droplets of the API, as described above. It should be understood that the powder can be delivered to the substrate 23 in trace amounts. The powder can be stored in the holding tank 26 and introduced to the dosing head 46 directly or through the manifold 55 via the first conduit 51 and the second conduit 53. Thus, it can be said that a certain amount of API-containing material can be applied to the substrate 23. The API-containing material can be in powder or liquid form. Thus, the API-containing material can contain the active pharmaceutical ingredient in a desired concentration, as described above. In other embodiments, the API-containing substance may contain only the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

[0071] Furthermore, each of the dosing heads 46 can be configured to distribute the API-containing liquid 25 received from the holding tank 26, although it is recognized that the API-containing liquid 25 may be delivered by other means. For example, the system 20 may include a first holding tank containing the API in liquid or solid form and a second holding tank containing the solvent. The API and solvent can be mixed in the dosing station 36. For example, the API and solvent can be mixed in the dosing head 46. In one embodiment, the dosing head may include a first chamber for receiving the API and a second chamber for receiving the solvent. The API and solvent can be mixed in the dosing head 46 to produce a solution having a predetermined concentration of API. The solution produced in the dosing head 46 can then be distributed as one or more microdroplets in the manner described herein. In some embodiments, this concentration can be varied in the dosing head 46; that is, the respective ratios of API and solvent mixed in the dosing head 46 can be varied. Furthermore, the API or solution can be mixed with at least one other edible modifier configured to modify at least one of the following: the flavor, one or more mechanical properties, or one or more aesthetic qualities of cannabis or hemp material. The mixing can be done in the addition head 46 or at any other location as desired. For example, in some embodiments, at least one other edible product can be mixed into the liquid 25 in the holding tank 26.

[0072] Referring again to Figures 1 to 2B, in one embodiment, the dosing heads 46 can be arranged in an array 48 which includes at least one row 50 of dosing heads 46. The dosing heads 46 in each row 50 may be spaced substantially equidistant along each row 50. Alternatively, the dosing heads 46 may be variably spaced along each row 50. The array 48 may further include a plurality of columns 52 that space the rows 50 apart from each other. The dosing heads 46 may be spaced equidistant along each column 52. Alternatively, the dosing heads 46 may be variably spaced along each column 52. In one embodiment, all of the dosing heads 46 may be configured to deliver the same at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient. Alternatively, as described above, different groups of dosing heads 46 may be configured to deliver different active pharmaceutical ingredients. Each group may include at least one dosing head 46, and up to a maximum of multiple dosing heads 46. Each group may be defined by one or more of the rows 50. Alternatively, each group can be defined by one of the columns.

[0073] Referring next to Figures 1A to 3, the dosing heads 46 can be aligned with each of the different locations in the dosing zones 54 of the edible product 24. Thus, the dosing heads 46 can be positioned to deliver their respective volumes of liquid 25 to each of the different locations in the dosing zones 54. Furthermore, the system 20 can be configured to deactivate selected dosing heads 46 that are not aligned with the dosing zones 54 and therefore do not receive each of the volumes of liquid 25, and to activate selected dosing heads 46 that are aligned with the dosing zones 54 and therefore receive each of the volumes of liquid 25. In some embodiments, the system 20 can include a sensor to identify the dosing zones 54 of the edible product 24. The sensor may be a camera, a weight sensor that measures the weight of the substrate 23 on a support surface and determines the dosing zone based on weight and / or size, or any suitable alternative sensor. The dosing zones 54 may be defined at least partially by the outer perimeter 56 of the edible product 24. For example, the dosing zones 54 may be defined entirely by the outer perimeter 56 of the edible product 24. Therefore, the entire outer surface of the edible product 24 can define the addition zone 54. In some embodiments, the addition zone 54 may be entirely located inside the outer perimeter 56. For example, the addition zone 54 may be larger than half of the footprint defined by the outer perimeter, for example, larger than 75%. In any case, it can be said that the addition zone 54 can be substantially predetermined relative to the outer perimeter 56 of the edible product 24. Thus, the addition zone 54 can be consistent among multiple edible products 24 of different sizes, such as cookies or brownies, which may have similar but not identical sizes and shapes.

[0074] The dispensing heads 46 can be spaced apart from each other as desired to deliver a desired distribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the edible product 24 within the dispensing zone 54. Alternatively, one or more dispensing heads 46 may be movable to deliver the active pharmaceutical ingredient to multiple locations on the edible product 24. In one embodiment, the dispensing heads 46 are configured to deliver a substantially uniform distribution of the volume of liquid 25 to the edible product 24 within the dispensing zone 54. For example, the amount of suspension volume distributed by each or each of the dispensing heads 46 can be substantially equal to the amount of suspension volume distributed by the other dispensing heads 46 or the other group of dispensing heads 46.

[0075] In another embodiment, the system 20 can divide the dosing zone 54 into a plurality of subzones. Each subzone can be configured to receive at least one different active pharmaceutical ingredient. Thus, at least one dosing head 46 of the first group can deliver the first at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient to a first subzone of the subzones, and at least one dosing head 46 of the second group can deliver a second at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient, different from the first at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient, to a second subzone of the subzones. Alternatively or additionally, at least one dosing head 46 of the first group can be configured to deliver the first at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient in a first dose, and at least one dosing head 46 of the second group can be configured to deliver a second at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient in a second dose different from the first dose. In yet another embodiment, at least one dosing head 46 of the first and second groups can be configured to deliver the same at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient in different doses. The active pharmaceutical ingredient can be distributed substantially equally within each of the subzones.

[0076] In some embodiments, at least one dosing head 46, such as a plurality of dosing heads 46, can be made movable along the substrate 23 to deliver each at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient at different locations on the edible product 24. Furthermore, the dosing head 46 can be configured to deliver different active pharmaceutical ingredients to the substrate 23. For example, the dosing head 46 can be configured to deliver different combinations of liquids and / or powders. In one embodiment, the dosing head 46 can deliver a first liquid or powder containing a first active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate 23. Next, the dosing head 46 can deliver a second active pharmaceutical ingredient, different from the first active pharmaceutical ingredient, to the substrate 23. Then, the dosing head 46 can deliver a third active pharmaceutical ingredient, different from each of the first and second active pharmaceutical ingredients, and so on, to the substrate 23 until all desired active pharmaceutical ingredients have been delivered to the substrate 23.

[0077] If the dosing heads 46 are arranged as a group of dosing heads 46, each delivering at least one different active pharmaceutical ingredient, then different active pharmaceutical ingredients can be delivered to different locations on the substrate 20. For example, a dosing head 46 may remain stationary relative to the substrate 23 when the active pharmaceutical ingredient is delivered to the substrate 23. Alternatively, the dosing heads 46 may be movable along the substrate 23, and combinations of active pharmaceutical ingredients delivered by at least one dosing head 46 of different groups can be delivered to the same respective locations on the substrate 20. The heads 46 may be movable so that each dosing head 46 can deliver its respective active pharmaceutical ingredient to different locations on the substrate 23 than other dosing heads. The active pharmaceutical ingredients at each different location can be distributed substantially uniformly along the substrate 23 in at least one direction. For example, the active pharmaceutical ingredients at different locations can be distributed substantially uniformly in two perpendicular directions along the substrate 23.

[0078] The substrate 23 includes an outer surface defining an inner surface 60 facing the support surface 30 and an outer surface 58 opposite the inner surface 60. An extrusion head can deliver the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the outer surface 58 of the substrate 23. The edible product 24 defines a thickness extending from the inner surface 60 to the outer surface 58. The delivered volume of the active pharmaceutical ingredient can remain substantially on the outer surface 58. By delivering a volume of liquid to the outer surface 58, the liquid can be exposed to oral receptors, thereby increasing the uptake rate of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Alternatively or additionally, the delivered volume of liquid 25 can permeate the outer surface 58 so as to soak into at least a certain volume of the thickness of the edible product extending from the outer surface 58 to the opposite inner surface 60. Alternatively, the active pharmaceutical ingredient can be injected into the substrate 23 between the inner surface 60 and the outer surface 58. For example, at least 20% of the active pharmaceutical ingredient can be placed in the center of the thickness at 75%. The center of the thickness can be 75% equidistant from the inner surface 60 and the outer surface 58, respectively. For example, at least 20% of the active pharmaceutical ingredient can be located in 50% of the center of the thickness. The center of the thickness can be 50% equidistant from the inner surface 60 and the outer surface 58, respectively. In some embodiments, the distribution along the outer surface of the substrate 23 can differ from the distribution along the thickness of the substrate 23 from the outer surface to the inner surface.

[0079] In one embodiment, the dosing head 46 can be configured to deliver each amount of active pharmaceutical ingredient to each location on the outer surface 58 of the edible product 24 in the form of microdroplets 62. The microdroplets 62 can have any suitable size and shape as desired. In one embodiment, the microdroplets 62 can contain trace amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredient. For example, the microdroplets 62 can have a maximum cross-sectional dimension along the horizontal direction, which is in the range of about 0.5 millionths of an inch to about 0.100th of an inch, for example, when printed. For example, this range may be from about 0.500ths of an inch to about 0.500ths of an inch. In one embodiment, the maximum cross-sectional dimension along a selected direction may be in the range of about 0.200ths of an inch to about 0.400ths of an inch. The dosing head 46 can be spaced away from the edible product 24 along the direction of movement of the active pharmaceutical ingredient from the dosing head 46 to the edible product 24. Thus, the active pharmaceutical ingredient is delivered to the substrate along the direction of movement. The selection direction may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement. In one embodiment, the dosing head 46 is spaced vertically above the edible product 24. This allows the selection direction to be substantially horizontal. For example, the dosing head 46 can be spaced at any appropriate distance from the edible product 24, for example, about 2 mm to about 25 mm, when delivering the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the edible product 24. As shown in Figure 2B, at least a portion, and up to all, of the microdroplets 62 may be substantially spherical. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in Figure 2C, at least a portion, and up to all, of the microdroplets 62 may be elongated, for example, substantially teardrop-shaped, or alternatively, molded as desired.

[0080] In one embodiment, the microdroplets 62 are delivered from the dosing head 46 to each location in the edible product 24 under any suitable force such as gravity or electrostatic force. In another embodiment, the microdroplets 62 are delivered from the dosing head 46 to each location in the edible product under positive pressure. In this regard, the dosing station 36 can control whether the microdroplets 62 remain on the outer surface 58 of the edible product 24 and whether the microdroplets 62 penetrate through the outer surface 58 into the thickness of the edible product 24 in the manner described above. In yet another embodiment, one or more of the dosing heads 46 may be coupled to needles that can be driven into the edible product 24 to deliver a respective volume of liquid 25 into the edible product 24 at a location between the outer surface 58 and the inner surface 60. In some cases, the needles may be heated to a temperature suitable for softening or melting the location of the substrate in contact with the needle in order to assist in the injection of the needle into the substrate. The heated needles can also maintain the desired viscosity of at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient when the active pharmaceutical ingredient is delivered into the substrate through the needle. Whether the active pharmaceutical ingredient is delivered to the food product 24 as microdroplets or as an injection, the active pharmaceutical ingredient can be delivered to the food product in trace amounts.

[0081] As described above, the system 20 may include a post-processing station 40 configured to process the food product 24 after the liquid 25 has been delivered to the food product 24. The post-processing station 40 may be configured to dry the solvent, for example, if the API is delivered as a solution. In this regard, the post-processing station 40 may include any suitable drying member, such as at least one drying head 70 or more drying heads 70 configured to deliver a desiccant to each location on the food product 24 in order to dry the liquid 25. It is understood that once the liquid 25 is dried, the solvent of the delivered volume of liquid 25 carrying the active pharmaceutical ingredient can also be dried and evaporated, leaving the active pharmaceutical ingredient on the substrate 23. In this regard, the drying heads 70 may be arranged in an array having the same number of rows and columns as the array of dosing heads 46. Furthermore, the relative positions of the drying heads 70 to the other drying heads 70 may be the same as the relative positions of the dosing heads 46 to the other dosing heads 46. Therefore, the drying head 70 can be aligned with the active pharmaceutical ingredient delivered to the edible product 24 by the addition head 46.

[0082] The desiccant can be configured as any suitable light, including ultraviolet, laser, or infrared light. Alternatively, the desiccant may be a forced gas delivered to the outer surface of the edible product 24. The forced gas may be any suitable alternative gas, such as air, nitrogen, or an inert gas. The forced gas may be heated and have a temperature in the range of, for example, about 37.78°C (about 100°F) to about 121.11°C (about 250°F). Alternatively, the forced gas may be substantially unheated and therefore at ambient temperature. Alternatively, the forced gas may be cooled and therefore at a temperature lower than ambient temperature. In this regard, a cooled forced gas may freeze the cannabinoids on the surface of the substrate or slow the evaporation of the solvent so that the cannabis-containing solution penetrates further into the thickness of the substrate 23. Alternatively, the post-processing station 40 may expose the added substrate to ambient air or a controlled environment to dry this volume of liquid 25. It is recognized that desiccants applied to the API may increase the viscosity of the API. The post-processing station can further adhere the API to the substrate 23. For example, the API can be further adhered to the substrate 23 by increasing its viscosity. Furthermore, applying forced air to the substrate 23 can disperse the API along the substrate as it moves along the outer surface of the substrate 23, thereby facilitating the absorption of the API into the substrate 23. For example, it is recognized that the API may saturate in the portion of the substrate 23 beneath the delivered microdroplets. Then, by moving the API along the outer surface of the substrate 23, the API can be absorbed into the substrate 23 in the areas of the substrate 23 that are not saturated with the API. The post-processing station 40 can further solidify the API on or within the substrate 23. In some embodiments, the API can crystallize on or within the substrate 23. Alternatively, the API can remain as an oil on or within the substrate 23. If at least one cannabinoid is applied as a powder, the post-processing step can heat the powder, thereby liquefying at least one cannabinoid on the substrate 23.Subsequently, by cooling the liquefied powder, the liquid can be solidified, crystallized, or otherwise attached to or inside the substrate 23.

[0083] It is understood that energy can be applied to the substrate 23 to improve the diffusion or absorption of the API into the substrate 23. For example, when heat is applied to the surface of a particular substrate 23, especially a particular food product such as chocolate, baked food, gummy candy, or lollipop, the surface temperature of the food product rises to a level in which the food product melts, releases moisture, or otherwise takes a form configured to encapsulate the API. The temperature can be raised, for example, by directing heated forced air and at least one of light onto the surface.

[0084] Once the substrate 23 has been post-processed, the active ingredient-containing edible product 24 can be transferred from the post-processing station 40 to the packaging station 42. At the packaging station 42, the dried edible product 24 can be individually packaged in any suitable package 73. Alternatively or additionally, multiple active ingredient-containing edible products 24 can be packaged in a common package. The active ingredient-containing edible product 24 may include a cooked edible product and an applicable amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, which is carried by the cooked edible product in an addition zone of the cooked edible product. The applicable amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient can be distributed substantially uniformly in the addition zone. Since the edible product is fully cooked before the addition of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, there is no need to cook the active pharmaceutical ingredient after its addition.

[0085] In some embodiments, the edible product 24 may consist of a plurality of nuts 37 (Figure 4A) and / or fruits 39 (Figure 4B), and / or a mixture of dried fruits and nuts, and possibly other additional foods. It is understood that the API is not visible in Figures 4A–4E due to the nature of the figures. The active pharmaceutical ingredient may be applied to the nuts and fruits in any suitable manner disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the nuts are cooked, for example, roasted. In other embodiments, the nuts may be raw. In some cases, the nuts or fruits may be prepared with salt, sugar, honey, or any suitable alternative ingredient. This may sweeten the nuts. In some embodiments, the fruits may be raw fruits. In other embodiments, the fruits may be dried. In yet another embodiment, the fruits may be sweetened. It is understood that fruits and nuts may have a relatively low surface area and volume. Therefore, variations in the dose of the active pharmaceutical ingredient applied to the fruits and nuts may have a significant effect on the ratio of the active pharmaceutical ingredient per unit volume of the edible product compared to edible products with a larger surface area and volume.

[0086] Therefore, precisely controlling the dose of the active pharmaceutical ingredient added to fruits and nuts can be particularly advantageous. The active pharmaceutical ingredient can be applied to fruits and nuts in trace amounts in the manner described above, thereby allowing for precise control of the dose of the active pharmaceutical ingredient applied to fruits and nuts. It is recognized that, depending on the size of the fruit or nut, microdroplets having respective volumes ranging from about 5 nanoliters to about 20 microliters can be delivered to individual fruits or nuts. Thus, each fruit or nut can contain an amount or dose of API ranging from about 2.5 micrograms to about 20 milligrams. Thus, each microdroplet can contain a trace amount of API ranging from about 0.5 micrograms to about 1 milligram. Of course, it is recognized that the dose of API per dried fruit or nut can be varied as desired. For example, other amounts of microdroplets can be delivered to fruits and nuts, depending on, for example, the size of the fruit and nut, the size of the microdroplets, and the concentration of API in the microdroplets. The amount of API delivered to the substrate can be precisely controlled as described above by the trace amount of API in the microdroplets. Furthermore, the amount of API per dried fruit or nut can be precisely controlled, even for multiple dried fruits and / or nuts equivalent to a single serving. For larger edible products such as baked foods41 (see Figure 4C), the microdroplets are applied across the entire surface in an area ranging from approximately 5 nanoliters to approximately 20 microliters, which can significantly increase the total amount of API delivered to the substrate to over 100 milligrams.

[0087] It should be understood that several advantages can be achieved by using System 20. In one embodiment, the substrate 23 can contain multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients, thereby eliminating the conventional need to consume multiple drugs, each containing a single active pharmaceutical ingredient. Furthermore, trace amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients can be applied to the substrate. Thus, the dose of at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient supported by the substrate can be controlled more effectively than in conventional application processes. Moreover, at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient can be distributed substantially uniformly along the addition zone. Furthermore, the individual addition of active pharmaceutical ingredients on the substrate allows for the use of locally manufactured active pharmaceutical ingredients applied after the substrate has been prepared, thereby avoiding the need to transport the applied active pharmaceutical ingredient across jurisdictional boundaries, which may be illegal or subject to additional taxes in some jurisdictions. Furthermore, adding the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate after it has crossed jurisdictional boundaries can reduce or eliminate the degradation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient during transport across jurisdictional boundaries, which may sometimes involve long-distance transport. In some embodiments, a dye can be used with the active pharmaceutical ingredient, if desired, to ensure that the active pharmaceutical ingredient has been delivered to the substrate.

[0088] Referring next to Figures 5A and 5B, it is recognized that in some embodiments, the system 20 described above can be configured as a single, integrated, independent additive machine 72. The additive machine 74 may include a conveyor 38, a holding tank 26, a delivery station 28, an additive station 36, a post-processing station 40, and a packaging station 42. The additive machine 74 may further include a support structure 76 that supports the conveyor 38, the holding tank 26, the delivery station 28, the additive station 36, the post-processing station 40, and the packaging station 42. Thus, it can be said that the conveyor 38, the holding tank 26, the delivery station 28, the additive station 36, the post-processing station 40, and the packaging station 42 are integrated into a single independent additive machine and supported by a common support structure 76. The additive machine 72 may further include a camera that measures the maximum cross-sectional dimensions of microdroplets in the manner described above. Furthermore, the system 20 and the additive machine 74 may include a washing machine configured to remove free particles from the substrate 23 before delivering the API to the substrate 23. For example, in the case of nuts seasoned with salt, the freed salt can be removed from the nuts, while the salt that adheres strongly to the nuts remains. In one embodiment, the washing machine can be configured to deliver forced air to the substrate to remove any debris that has been released from the substrate. Thus, when the API is delivered to the substrate, it can have a strong adhesion to the substrate 23. In some embodiments, the forced air can be heated to raise the temperature of the substrate, thereby improving the absorption or diffusion of the API into the substrate in the manner described herein.

[0089] The delivery station 28 may include a hopper 76 or other storage member that holds one or more substrates 23. The delivery station 28 may further include a delivery member 78 configured to receive substrates from the hopper 76 and deliver the substrates 23 from the hopper 76 to the addition station 36. For example, the delivery member 78 can transport the substrates 23 from the hopper 76 to the addition station 36, and further to a third location aligned with a delivery location where the added substrates are delivered to the conveyor 38. The delivery member 78 may include and define any suitable material that can have at least one elongated groove 80 or other suitable structure that guides the substrates 23 along each path 81 from the hopper 76 to the addition station 36. For example, the delivery member 78 may include a plurality of grooves 80 defining a plurality of paths 81 from the hopper 76 to each of a plurality of addition stations 36. Alternatively, a plurality of delivery members 78 may define each groove 80 extending along each path from the hopper 76 to each of the addition stations 36.

[0090] In one embodiment, the delivery member 78 can be tilted downward along a direction from a first location aligned with the hopper 76 to a second location aligned with the dosing station 36, and further to a third location aligned with a delivery location where the dosing substrate is delivered to the conveyor 38. Furthermore, the delivery member 78 can be configured to vibrate, swing, or otherwise move the substrate 23 along the delivery member 78 from the first location to the second location, and from the second location to the third location. Alternatively, the delivery member 78 can be configured as a conveyor to move the substrate 23 from the first location to the second location, and from the second location to the third location. Alternatively, as described above, the user can manually move the substrate 23 along the delivery member 78, or otherwise move the substrate to a location aligned with the dosing station 36.

[0091] During operation, the substrate 23 is loaded into the hopper 76. The substrate 23 is then delivered from the hopper 76 to a first location on the delivery member 78. This delivery can be carried out under gravity or any suitable alternative structure and method. In particular, the substrate 23 may be delivered to the delivery member 78 so as to be arranged along each path 81. The substrate 23 may be arranged individually and in a single column on each delivery member 78 and therefore along each path 81. Alternatively, groups of substrate 23 may be placed on one or more of the delivery members 78. The substrate 23 moving along each path 81 may be of the same type, such as fruit or nuts, or baked food. Alternatively, different types of substrate 23 may move along each path 81. For example, the substrate 23 moving along one path may include dried fruit. The substrate 23 moving along another path or the same path may include raw or roasted nuts. The substrate 23 moving along yet another path may include baked food.

[0092] The substrate 23 moves along the delivery member 78 to a second location, thereby aligning the substrate 23 with each of at least one dosing stations 36. The dosing machine 72 may include a plurality of dosing stations 36, thereby aligning each of the dosing stations 36 with each of the delivery members 78. As described above, each of the delivery members 78 extends along its respective path 81. Thus, each of the dosing stations 36 is aligned with one of the respective paths 81 and configured to deliver API to the substrate 23 moving along its respective path 81. In one embodiment, the substrate 23 may be positioned on the delivery member 78 such that one or more dosing heads 46 of the dosing stations 36 aligned with each path are configured to deliver API to only one substrate 23 at a time as the substrate 23 moves along its respective path 81. Specifically, the dosing heads 46 may be configured to deliver microdroplets to each individual substrate 23 in the manner described herein. Since the API is delivered in microdroplets, a precise predetermined dose of API is delivered to each of the substrates 23.

[0093] In one embodiment, the same API-containing liquid can be delivered to multiple substrates 23. Alternatively, API-containing liquids having different API properties can be delivered to different substrates 23. Different substrates 23 can define each of the multiple substrates. The multiple substrates can travel along different respective paths 81 to different dosing stations 36 which are operably aligned with each path 81. The dosing stations 36 can deliver each API to the aligned substrates 23 individually or as a group of substrates 23, each API having at least one API property distinct from the other APIs. Alternatively, the multiple substrates 23 can travel along the same path 81 to the same dosing station 36. Alternatively, the multiple substrates 23 can travel along different paths 81 to the same dosing station 36. The same dosing station can deliver the first API-containing liquid to at least one first substrate 23, for example, the first multiple substrates 23. The same dosing station can deliver the second API-containing liquid to at least one second substrate 23, for example, the second multiple substrates 23. The first and second APIs may have at least one API characteristic that is different from each other. The different API characteristics may include at least one of the following: 1) the concentration of the API; 2) the volume of the API delivered to the substrate during the delivery step, which may include at least one of a different number of microdroplets and microdroplets having different volumes; 3) the composition of the API; 4) a modifier mixed with the API, configured to modify at least one of the flavor, mechanical properties, and appearance of the delivered API; and 5) the location of at least one addition zone on the substrate 23 that defines the location on the substrate 23 where the API-containing liquid should be deposited. In some embodiments, the mechanical properties may include the viscosity of the API-containing liquid. The mechanical properties may further include the surface tension of the API-containing liquid delivered from the addition station. It is further understood that the different API characteristics may include different predetermined doses delivered to different substrates 23. In one embodiment, the dose may be predetermined to correspond to a dosing plan over a period of time.Therefore, one or more groups of substrates may have different doses, designed to be consumed over a predetermined time during a dosing plan. For example, the dose may decrease over a period determined by the dosing plan. Alternatively, each substrate 23 may receive an API-containing liquid 25 having the same API properties. Furthermore, substrates from different groups may receive an API-containing liquid 25 having at least one different API property, and all substrates between each group may receive the same API-containing liquid 25.

[0094] Alternatively, a predetermined amount of substrate 23, or multiple substrates 23, such as dried fruit and / or nuts, can be grouped together on the delivery member 78 along their respective pathways 81. Thus, the dosing station 36 can align with the group of multiple substrates 23. The dosing head 46 can then deliver a predetermined or target amount of API-containing microdroplets to the group, as a whole, in contrast to each individual dried fruit or nut. Since the API is delivered in microdroplets, a precise predetermined dose of API is delivered to the group of substrates 23. The group of substrates 23 may be intended to be consumed in a single serving. Therefore, when the group of substrates 23 is consumed, a precise predetermined dose is ingested. It is recognized that the predetermined amount of substrate 23 to be added in the group is not limited to fruits and nuts, but is limited to any type of edible product 24 designed for mass consumption, such as chips, popcorn, pretzels, and candies such as gummies 45 (Figure 4D). Therefore, it should be understood that the dosing station can be configured to deliver the API to at least one substrate 23 at a time, and this substrate may be a single substrate 23 or a group of substrates 23.

[0095] Each dosing station 36 may include at least one dosing head 46, such as an array of dosing heads 46, and one or more holding tanks 26 capable of holding the respective API-containing liquids 25 described above. Multiple dosing stations 36 are recognized to be able to receive the API-containing liquids 25 from a common holding tank. Alternatively, dosing stations 36 may receive the API-containing liquids 25 from different holding tanks 26. The API-containing liquids 25 in different holding tanks 26 may have different APIs or the same API. Thus, the APIs may be cannabinoids or any suitable alternative active pharmaceutical ingredient. Each at least one dosing head 46 of the dosing station 36 may be operablely aligned with each of the pathways 81 to deliver the active pharmaceutical ingredient to at least one substrate 23 moving along each of the pathways 81. Thus, as at least one substrate 23 moves to a second location along each pathway, the dosing station 36 delivers a predetermined amount of API-containing liquid 25 from at least one dosing head 46 to each aligned at least one substrate 23. The dosing head 46 stops delivering the API-containing liquid 25 when at least one substrate 23 has received a predetermined amount of liquid 25. The dosing heads 46 in the array of dosing heads 46 can be combined to deliver a predetermined amount of liquid 25 to each different location of at least one substrate 23. That is, the location of at least one substrate 23 can be aligned with a different dosing head 46 in the array of dosing heads 46, which are aligned with their respective pathways 81.

[0096] After each of the at least one substrates 23 has received a predetermined amount of liquid 25, the substrate 23 moves along the delivery member 78 past a second location. The dosing station 36 resumes delivery of liquid 25 when another at least one substrate 23 has moved to the second location in a position aligned with at least one dosing head 46. In this regard, each of the at least one substrates 23 sequentially arranged along their respective paths 81 receives a predetermined amount of liquid 25 from one of the aligned dosing stations 36. The predetermined amounts can be equal to or, as desired, different from each other, depending on the at least one substrate 23 and the desired dose of the active pharmaceutical ingredient to be delivered to the at least one substrate 23. The dosing machine 72 may include a processor programmed with the dose applied to the substrates 23 moving along the at least one delivery member 78. The processor can control the operation of the delivery member 78 and the respective stations of the dosing machine 72 described above. For example, the dosing station 36 may include any suitable instrument or sensor, as described above, to identify when one of the substrates 23 has moved and aligned with the dosing head 46, and when a substrate 23 requiring delivery of liquid 25 is not aligned with the dosing head 46, and to transmit alignment information to the processor. The processor then controls the operation of the dosing head 48.

[0097] Once the active pharmaceutical ingredient-containing liquid 25 is added to the substrate 23, the substrate 23 moves along the delivery member 78 to a third location, thereby being delivered to the conveyor 38. In this regard, the delivery member 78 can be positioned in spatial relation to the conveyor, and the substrate 23 can move from the delivery member 78 to the conveyor 38. In one embodiment, the delivery member 78 is supported by a delivery support member 82 of the additive machine 72. Thus, the support structure 76 may include a base 77 supporting the conveyor 38 and the packaging station 42, an additive station 36, at least one holding tank 26, at least one hopper 76, and a post-processing station 40, in addition to the delivery support member 82 supporting the delivery member 78. The substrate 23 may dry as it moves from the second location to the third location. Thus, the additive machine 72 may include a post-processing station 40 between the second location and the third location. The post-processing station may be configured as described above. Therefore, once the substrate 23 is processed during the processing step, the API can adhere to the substrate 23.

[0098] The delivery support member 82 can support the delivery member 78 at a location above the conveyor 38, and the added substrate 23 can move downward from the support structure 78 toward the conveyor 38. In one embodiment, the added substrate 23 can move toward the conveyor 38 from the support structure 78 toward the conveyor 38 under gravity. For example, the delivery member 78 can transport the substrate 23 to a third location defined by an opening 83 in the delivery support member 82. This allows the substrate 23 to move toward the conveyor 38 through the opening 83. Alternatively, the third location can be configured as a conveyor or other suitable transport member configured to transport the substrate 23 toward the conveyor. The third location can be configured as a single opening or conveyor that receives the added substrate 23 from all or more paths 81. Alternatively, each path 81 can have its own dedicated third location.

[0099] The additive machine 72 may include a packaging station 42 that delivers multiple packages 86 to a conveyor 38. In one embodiment, the packages 86 are placed on the conveyor 38 upstream of a third location. The additive machine 72 may include a reservoir that holds multiple packages and can sequentially deliver more packages onto the conveyor 38. Alternatively, a separate machine can deliver the packages to the conveyor 38. The conveyor 38 moves the packages 86 to a position aligned with each of the third locations. This ensures that at least one of the substrates 23 moving from the delivery member 78 toward the conveyor 38 is delivered into each package 86. In some embodiments, a single added substrate, such as baked food, may be delivered into each package 86. In other embodiments, multiple added substrates, such as dried fruit and / or nuts, may be delivered into each package 82. For example, multiple substrates 23 may be delivered to each single container 82 from multiple paths 81, up to all of the paths 81. Alternatively, one or more conveyors 38 can deliver packages to their respective locations, thereby allowing each package 82 to receive at least one substrate 23 from each of the multiple routes 81 via a dedicated third location. Thus, each package 86 can receive at least one substrate 23 simultaneously.

[0100] The packaging station 42 may further include a sealing station 88 configured to surround the package 86 after the package 86 has received each of at least one substrate 23. In particular, the conveyor 38 delivers the package 86 to the sealing station 88 after the package 86 has received each of at least one substrate 23. The sealing station seals the package 86 and can, for example, if the package 86 is a plastic bag or an alternatively configured plastic package, it can seal the package 86 to itself. Alternatively, if the package is configured as a jar or other appropriately configured package, for example, the sealing station 88 can deliver and tighten a cap onto the package 86. The sealed package can then be delivered to the customer.

[0101] It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of embodiments and examples shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is intended to allow for various possible modifications of the various forms, embodiments and examples described herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that the concepts described above using the embodiments and examples described above can be used alone or in combination with any of the other embodiments and examples described herein. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, it should be understood that the various alternatives described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment can be applied to all other embodiments and examples described herein. Accordingly, refer to the claims.

[0102] [Implementation Method] (1) A method for delivering an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to a substrate, The steps include aligning the substrate with an addition station including an addition head, The step of delivering at least one microdroplet of API-containing liquid from the dosing head to the substrate after the alignment step, wherein the at least one microdroplet contains a predetermined approximate amount of API, Methods that include... (2) The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the at least one microdroplet comprises a plurality of microdroplets, and the delivery step comprises the step of delivering the plurality of microdroplets from the dosing head onto the substrate. (3) The method according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the dosing station includes an array of dosing heads, and the delivering step includes the step of delivering a plurality of microdroplets from the array of dosing heads onto the substrate. (4) The method according to Embodiment 3, wherein a first dosing head among the dosing heads delivers a first API, and a second dosing head among the dosing heads delivers a second API different from the first API. (5) The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the API-containing liquid comprises a solution of the API and a solvent.

[0103] (6) The method according to Embodiment 5, wherein the API has a concentration in the range of about 50 micrograms per microliter of solution to about 1 milligram per microliter of solution. (7) The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the microdroplets contain a trace amount of API in the range of about 0.1 micrograms to about 10 milligrams. (8) The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the microdroplets have a volume in the range of about 2 nanoliters to about 10 microliters. (9) The method according to Embodiment 8, wherein the volume is in the range of 25 nanoliters to about 2 microliters. (10) The method according to Embodiment 9, wherein the volume is in the range of about 50 nanoliters to about 1 microliter.

[0104] (11) The method according to any one of embodiments 8 to 10, wherein the volume is in the range of about 1% to about 5% from a predetermined target volume of a microdroplet in 3 sigma. (12) The substrate is an edible product, according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11. (13) The method according to Embodiment 12, wherein the edible product is cooked before the aligning step. (14) The method of Embodiment 13, further comprising the steps of cooking the food product on the first side of the boundary of the jurisdiction, transporting the cooked food product to the second side of the boundary of the jurisdiction, and performing the alignment step on the second side of the boundary of the jurisdiction. (15) The method according to any one of embodiments 12 to 14, wherein the edible product is dried fruit or nuts.

[0105] (16) The method according to any one of embodiments 12 to 14, wherein the edible product is a gummy candy. (17) The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the alignment step includes aligning a plurality of substrates with the addition station, and the delivery step includes delivering at least one microdroplet of the API-containing liquid to each of the plurality of substrates. (18) The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the alignment step includes aligning a plurality of substrates with each different dosing station, the dosing station delivering each API to the aligned substrates, and each API having at least one API property distinct from the others. (19) The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the alignment step includes aligning a plurality of substrates with the dosing station, the dosing station delivers each API to different of the aligned substrates, and each API has at least one API property that is different from the others. (20) The method according to Embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the different API properties include at least one of the following: 1) the concentration of the API, 2) the volume of the API delivered to the substrate during the delivery step, 3) the composition of the API, and 4) a modifier mixed with the API, configured to modify at least one of the flavor, mechanical properties, and appearance of the delivered API, and 5) the location of at least one addition zone of the substrate.

[0106] (21) The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the API-containing liquid comprises a pure API. (22) The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the API includes a cannabinoid. (23) The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the delivery step includes the step of delivering different APIs to different subzones within the delivery zone of the substrate. (24) The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the alignment step includes moving the substrate from a hopper to a first location of a delivery member, moving it along the delivery member from the first location to a second location, performing the delivery step at the second location, and then moving the substrate from the second location to a third location, thereby transporting the substrate to a packaging station, the delivery member, the addition station, and the packaging station being contained in a separate, integrated addition machine and supported by a common support structure of the addition machine. (25) The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, further comprising a step of post-treating the substrate after the delivery step, the post-treating step comprising at least one of 1) drying the solvent, 2) increasing the viscosity of the API, 3) further adhering the API to the substrate, 4) dispersing the API along the substrate, and 5) increasing the absorption of the API into the substrate.

[0107] (26) A system for delivering an active pharmaceutical ingredient to a prepared substrate, A delivery station including a support surface configured to receive the prepared substrate, An addition station configured to deliver a predetermined approximate amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate, Includes, A system in which at least one of the support surface and the addition station is movable relative to the other of the support surface and the addition station so as to align the prepared substrate with the addition station after the support surface has received the prepared substrate. (27) The system according to Embodiment 26, wherein the dosing station includes at least one dosing head configured to receive each amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient and to deliver each amount to the edible product. (28) The system according to embodiment 27, wherein the at least one dosing head includes a plurality of dosing heads. (29) The system according to Embodiment 28, wherein the amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient delivered by each of the additive heads is substantially equal to the amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient delivered by the other additive heads among the plurality of additive heads. (30) The system according to Embodiment 28, wherein the amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient delivered by each of the additive heads is different from the amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient delivered by the other additive heads among the plurality of additive heads.

[0108] (31) The system according to any one of embodiments 28 to 30, wherein the amount of each of the addition heads substantially cumulatively defines the predetermined application amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. (32) The system according to any one of embodiments 28 to 31, wherein the addition head is arranged to deliver the respective amounts of the food product to the respective different locations within the addition zone. (33) The system according to any one of embodiments 28 to 32, wherein the system is configured to stop a selected dosing head from among the plurality of dosing heads that is not aligned with the dosing zone. (34) The system according to any one of embodiments 28 to 33, which is configured to activate a selected dosing head from among the plurality of dosing heads that are aligned with the dosing zone. (35) The system according to any one of embodiments 31 to 34, further comprising a sensor for identifying the addition zone of the food product, each different location being located within the addition zone.

[0109] (36) The system according to embodiment 35, wherein the additive zone is at least partially defined by the outer periphery of the edible product. (37) The system according to embodiment 36, wherein the additive zone is defined overall by the outer periphery of the edible product. (38) The system according to embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the additive zone is substantially located relative to the outer periphery of the edible product. (39) The system according to any one of embodiments 26 to 38, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient is delivered to the substrate as a powder at the addition station. (40) The system according to any one of embodiments 26 to 39, further comprising a post-processing station configured to attach the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate.

[0110] (41) The system according to embodiment 40, wherein the post-processing station is configured to direct at least one of light and forced gas towards the active pharmaceutical ingredient. (42) The system according to embodiment 41, wherein the forced gas is heated. (43) The system according to embodiment 41, wherein the forced gas is substantially unheated. (44) The system according to embodiment 41, wherein the forced gas is cooled. (45) The system according to any one of embodiments 26 to 38, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient is delivered to the substrate as a liquid at the addition station.

[0111] (46) The system according to embodiment 45, further comprising at least one holding tank configured to hold the liquid, the at least one holding tank being in fluid communication with the addition station. (47) The system according to embodiment 46, wherein the liquid is an extract of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. (48) The system according to Embodiment 46, wherein the liquid comprises a solution containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient at an approximate concentration. (49) The system according to Embodiment 48, wherein the active pharmaceutical component defines the solute of the solution, and the active pharmaceutical component defines the solvent configured to evaporate. (50) The system according to Embodiment 49, wherein the solvent comprises an alcohol.

[0112] (51) The system according to any one of embodiments 27 to 50, wherein each of the dosing heads is configured to deliver the respective amounts of the solution to the respective locations. (52) The system according to Embodiment 51, wherein the dosing heads are spaced apart on the support surface along the direction of movement, and the microdroplets have a maximum cross-sectional dimension along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement, the maximum cross-sectional dimension being in the range of about 5 millionths of an inch to about 100 millionths of an inch. (53) The system according to embodiment 52, wherein the range is from about 5 / 1000 of an inch to about 50 / 1000 of an inch. (54) The system according to embodiment 53, wherein the range is from about 20 / 1000 of an inch to about 40 / 1000 of an inch. (55) The system according to any one of embodiments 52 to 54, wherein at least a portion of the microdroplets are substantially spherical.

[0113] (56) The system according to any one of embodiments 52 to 54, wherein at least a portion of the microdroplets are teardrop-shaped. (57) The system according to any one of embodiments 51 to 56, wherein the microdroplets are delivered to the outer surface of the edible product. (58) The system according to embodiment 57, wherein the microdroplets substantially remain on the outer surface of the edible product. (59) The system according to Embodiment 57, wherein the microdroplets penetrate the surface of the food product so as to permeate at least a certain volume of the thickness of the food product extending from the outer surface and the opposite inner surface supported by the supporting surface. (60) The system according to any one of embodiments 48 to 59, further comprising: at least one conduit configured to deliver the solution from at least one tank to each of the plurality of dosing heads; and a heater configured to deliver heat to the solution in the at least one conduit.

[0114] (61) The system according to any one of embodiments 45 to 60, further comprising an injection reservoir positioned between the holding tank and the dosing head and configured to receive the solution from the holding tank, wherein the injection reservoir is configured to deliver the solution to the dosing head under positive pressure. (62) The system according to any one of embodiments 46 to 61, further comprising a conveyor defining the support surface, wherein the conveyor is configured to deliver the support surface from the delivery station to the addition station. (63) The system according to embodiment 62, wherein the conveyor defines a plurality of support surfaces, each support surface receiving its respective food product and delivering the food product from the delivery station to the addition station. (64) The system according to embodiment 63, wherein the conveyor includes a plurality of pockets that define each of the plurality of support surfaces. (65) The system according to any one of embodiments 45 to 47, further comprising a post-processing station configured to attach the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate.

[0115] (66) The system according to embodiment 65, wherein the post-processing station is configured to deliver a desiccant to the delivered liquid. (67) The system according to embodiment 66, wherein the desiccant includes at least one of light and forced gas. (68) The system according to embodiment 67, wherein the forced gas is heated. (69) The system according to embodiment 67, wherein the forced gas is cooled. (70) The system according to embodiment 67, wherein the forced gas is substantially unheated.

[0116] (71) The system according to any one of embodiments 48 to 64, further comprising a post-processing station configured to attach the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate. (72) The system according to embodiment 71, wherein the post-processing station is configured to deliver a desiccant to the delivered liquid. (73) The system according to embodiment 72, wherein the desiccant includes at least one of light and forced gas. (74) The system according to embodiment 73, wherein the forced gas is heated. (75) The system according to embodiment 73, wherein the forced gas is substantially unheated.

[0117] (76) The system according to embodiment 73, wherein the forced gas is cooled. (77) The system according to any one of embodiments 26 to 76, wherein the delivered active pharmaceutical ingredient is substantially uniformly distributed on the substrate. (78) The system according to embodiment 77, wherein the delivered active pharmaceutical ingredient is distributed substantially uniformly along the substrate along two vertical directions. (79) The system according to any one of embodiments 26 to 78, wherein the substrate is an edible product. (80) The system according to any one of embodiments 26 to 78, wherein the substrate includes a non-edible product.

[0118] (81) The system according to any one of embodiments 26 to 79, wherein the edible product is a cooked edible food. (82) The system according to any one of embodiments 26 to 79, wherein the edible product is a raw edible food. (83) The system according to any one of embodiments 26 to 82, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient comprises at least one cannabinoid. (84) Food products containing active ingredients, Food products and, An active pharmaceutical ingredient supported by the food product in the addition zone, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient is substantially uniformly distributed in the addition zone along at least one direction, Food products containing active ingredients. (85) The food product is a cooked food product containing the active ingredient as described in Embodiment 84.

[0119] (86) The activity-containing edible product according to embodiment 84 or 85, wherein the additive zone defines a footprint exceeding 75% of the footprint defined by the outer periphery of the edible product. (87) The active pharmaceutical ingredient is an uncooked food product containing the active ingredient as described in any of embodiments 84 to 86. (88) An active pharmaceutical product according to any of embodiments 84 to 87, wherein at least a certain volume of the active pharmaceutical ingredient is substantially disposed on the outer surface of the cooked food product. (89) The active ingredient-containing food product according to any of embodiments 84 to 88, wherein the outer surface of the baked food is opposite to the inner surface of the baked food designed to rest on a support surface, the baked food defines a thickness from the inner surface to the outer surface, and at least 20% of the active pharmaceutical ingredient is located in the center of the thickness, (90) The active pharmaceutical ingredient-containing food product according to Embodiment 89, wherein at least 20% of the active pharmaceutical ingredient is located in the center of 50% of the thickness.

[0120] (91) The active pharmaceutical ingredient is an active food product according to any one of embodiments 84 to 90, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient contains a substance derived from cannabis or hemp. (92) Active-containing substrate, The substrate and An active pharmaceutical component supported by the substrate in the addition zone, wherein the active pharmaceutical component is substantially uniformly distributed in the addition zone along the outer surface of the substrate in at least one direction, and the distribution along the outer surface is different from the distribution of the active pharmaceutical component along the thickness of the substrate. An active substrate containing the active ingredient. (93) The edible product according to embodiment 92, wherein the additive zone defines a footprint larger than half of the footprint defined by the maximum outer circumference of the edible product. (94) The active pharmaceutical ingredient is an uncooked food product according to embodiment 92 or 93. (95) The edible product according to any one of embodiments 92 to 94, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient comprises at least one cannabinoid.

[0121] (96) A method for delivering an active pharmaceutical ingredient to a substrate, A step of storing a liquid in a holding tank, wherein the liquid contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient at an approximate concentration, A step of delivering a microdroplet containing a predetermined volume of the liquid from the holding tank to the substrate in the addition station, wherein the delivered predetermined amount substantially contains a predetermined application amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient; Methods that include... (97) The method of Embodiment 96, further comprising the steps of delivering the substrate to a support surface in a delivery station, and moving at least one of the support surface and the delivery station relative to the other of the support surface and the delivery station so as to align the dosing station with the substrate. (98) The method according to Embodiment 97, wherein the support surface includes a conveyor, and the method includes the step of moving the conveyor to move the substrate correspondingly from the delivery station to the addition station. (99) The method according to embodiment 98, wherein the conveyor includes a plurality of pockets defining a plurality of support surfaces configured to receive each of a plurality of substrates and move the substrates to the dosing station. (100) The method according to any one of embodiments 96 to 99, wherein the delivery step includes the step of delivering the liquid of the volume in each respective amount to the substrate from a plurality of dosing heads.

[0122] (101) The method according to Embodiment 100, wherein the respective amount of each of the additive heads is substantially equal to the respective amount of the other additive heads among the plurality of additive heads. (102) The method according to Embodiment 100, wherein the amount of at least one of the additive heads is different from the amount of at least one other of the other additive heads among the plurality of additive heads. (103) The method according to any one of embodiments 100 to 102, wherein at least one of the first dosing heads is configured to deliver at least one first active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate, and at least one of the second dosing heads is configured to deliver at least one second active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate. (104) The method according to embodiment 103, further comprising the step of delivering at least one of the first and second active pharmaceutical ingredients to different locations on the substrate. (105) The method according to embodiment 103, further comprising the step of delivering at least one of the first and second active pharmaceutical ingredients to the same location on the substrate.

[0123] (106) The method according to embodiment 104 or 105, wherein the first and second at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient is delivered from a single dosing head. (107) The method according to embodiment 104 or 105, wherein the first and second active pharmaceutical ingredients are delivered from the respective first and second dispensing heads. (108) The method according to any one of embodiments 100 to 107, wherein the amount of each of the addition heads substantially cumulatively defines the predetermined application amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. (109) The method according to any one of embodiments 100 to 108, wherein the delivery step includes delivering the respective amount of the substrate from the dosing head to the respective location of the substrate in the substrate dosing zone. (110) The method according to embodiment 109, wherein the delivery step includes the step of delivering a plurality of microdroplets of the liquid to the respective locations.

[0124] (111) The method according to Embodiment 110, wherein the dosing heads are spaced apart on the support surface along the vertical direction, and the microdroplets have a maximum cross-sectional dimension along the horizontal direction, which is in the range of about 5 millionths of an inch to about 100 millionths of an inch. (112) The method according to embodiment 111, wherein the range is from about 5 / 1000 of an inch to about 50 / 1000 of an inch. (113) The method according to embodiment 112, wherein at least a portion of the microdroplets are substantially spherical. (114) The method according to any one of embodiments 111 to 113, wherein at least a portion of the microdroplets are teardrop-shaped. (115) The method according to any one of embodiments 110 to 114, wherein the delivery step includes the step of delivering the microdroplets to the outer surface of the substrate.

[0125] (116) The method according to embodiment 115, wherein the delivery step substantially leaves the microdroplets on the outer surface of the substrate. (117) The method according to Embodiment 116, wherein the delivery step involves permeating the microdroplets onto the surface of the substrate so as to penetrate at least a certain volume of the thickness of the substrate extending from the outer surface and the opposite inner surface supported by the supporting surface. (118) The method according to any one of embodiments 96 to 109, wherein the delivery step includes the step of injecting at least a portion of the liquid of the volume into the substrate. (119) The method according to embodiment 118, wherein the delivery step includes the step of injecting the entire volume of the liquid into the substrate. (120) The method according to any one of embodiments 100 to 119, further comprising the step of delivering the volume of the liquid from the tank to the plurality of dosing heads.

[0126] (121) The method according to embodiment 120, further comprising the step of heating the volume of the liquid as it moves from the tank toward the plurality of dosing heads. (122) The method according to any one of embodiments 100 to 119, further comprising the steps of delivering the volume of the liquid to an injection reservoir located between the holding tank and the injection head, and delivering the volume of the liquid from the injection reservoir to the injection head under positive pressure. (123) The method according to any one of embodiments 100 to 122, further comprising the step of adjusting the internal volume of the dosing head that defines the respective amounts delivered to the substrate. (124) The method according to any one of embodiments 100 to 123, further comprising the step of stopping a selected dosing head from among the plurality of dosing heads that is not aligned with the dosing zone. (125) The method according to any one of embodiments 100 to 123, further comprising the step of activating a selected dosing head from among the plurality of dosing heads that are aligned with the dosing zone.

[0127] (126) The method according to any one of embodiments 109 to 125, further comprising the step of sensing the addition zone, wherein each different location is located within the addition zone. (127) The method according to any one of embodiments 96 to 126, wherein the liquid is an extract, and the method further comprises the step of reducing the viscosity of the liquid. (128) The method according to embodiment 126 or 127, further comprising the step of attaching the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate. (129) The method of Embodiment 128, further comprising the step of moving the substrate from the addition station to a post-processing station which includes a plurality of drying heads configured to deliver a desiccant to each of the locations of the substrate. (130) The method according to embodiment 129, wherein the desiccant includes at least one of light and forced gas.

[0128] (131) The method according to embodiment 129, wherein the forced gas is heated. (132) The method according to embodiment 129, wherein the forced gas is substantially unheated. (133) The method according to embodiment 129, wherein the forced gas is cooled. (134) The method according to any one of embodiments 96 to 126, wherein the liquid is a solution containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient and a solvent, or contains a pure active pharmaceutical ingredient. (135) The method according to embodiment 134, further comprising the step of evaporating the solvent from the outer surface of the substrate.

[0129] (136) The method of Embodiment 134, further comprising the step of moving the substrate from the addition station to a post-processing station which includes a plurality of drying heads configured to deliver a desiccant to each of the locations of the substrate. (137) The method according to embodiment 136, wherein the desiccant includes at least one of light and forced gas. (138) The method according to embodiment 137, wherein the forced gas is heated. (139) The method according to embodiment 137, wherein the forced gas is substantially unheated. (140) The method according to embodiment 137, wherein the forced gas is cooled.

[0130] (141) The method according to any one of embodiments 135 to 140, further comprising the step of attaching the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate. (142) The method according to any one of embodiments 96 to 141, wherein the substrate is an edible product. (143) The substrate is a non-edible product, as described in any of embodiments 96 to 142. (144) The method according to any one of embodiments 96 to 142, wherein the edible product is a cooked edible food. (145) The method according to embodiment 144, wherein the cooked food product is a baked food product.

[0131] (146) The system according to embodiment 143, wherein the edible product is a raw edible food. (147) The method according to any one of embodiments 96 to 146, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient comprises at least one cannabinoid. (148) A method for delivering an active pharmaceutical ingredient to a substrate, A method comprising the step of delivering a predetermined mass of powder containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate in an addition station, wherein the delivered predetermined mass substantially contains a predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. (149) The method of Embodiment 148, further comprising the step of delivering the substrate to a support surface in a delivery station and moving at least one of the support surface and the delivery station relative to the other of the support surface and the delivery station so as to align the dosing station with the substrate. (150) The method according to Embodiment 149, wherein the support surface is defined by a pocket in the conveyor, and the method includes the step of moving the conveyor to move the substrate correspondingly from the delivery station to the addition station.

[0132] (151) The method according to Embodiment 150, wherein the conveyor includes a plurality of pockets defining a plurality of support surfaces configured to receive each of a plurality of substrates and move the substrates to the addition station. (152) The method according to any one of embodiments 148 to 151, wherein the delivery step includes the step of delivering a respective amount of the powder to the substrate from a plurality of dosing heads. (153) The method according to embodiment 152, wherein the respective amount of each of the additive heads is substantially equal to the respective amount of the other additive heads among the plurality of additive heads. (154) The method according to embodiment 152, wherein the amount of at least one of the additive heads is different from the amount of at least one other of the other additive heads among the plurality of additive heads. (155) The method according to any one of embodiments 152 to 154, wherein at least one of the first dosing heads is configured to deliver at least one first active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate, and at least one of the second dosing heads is configured to deliver at least one second active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate.

[0133] (156) The method according to embodiment 155, further comprising the step of delivering at least one of the first and second active pharmaceutical ingredients to different locations on the substrate. (157) The method according to embodiment 155, further comprising the step of delivering the first and second at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient to the same location on the substrate. (158) The method according to embodiment 156 or 157, wherein the first and at least one second active pharmaceutical ingredient is delivered from a single dosing head. (159) The method according to embodiment 156 or 157, wherein the first and second active pharmaceutical ingredients are delivered from the respective first and second dispensing heads. (160) The method according to any one of embodiments 152 to 159, wherein the respective amounts of the additive head substantially cumulatively define the predetermined application amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

[0134] (161) The method according to any one of embodiments 152 to 160, wherein the delivery step includes delivering the respective amount of the substrate from the dosing head to the respective location of the substrate in the substrate dosing zone. (162) The method according to any one of embodiments 152 to 161, further comprising the step of stopping a selected dosing head from among the plurality of dosing heads that is not aligned with the dosing zone. (163) The method according to any one of embodiments 152 to 161, further comprising the step of activating a selected dosing head from among the plurality of dosing heads that are aligned with the dosing zone. (164) The method according to any one of embodiments 161 to 163, further comprising the step of sensing the addition zone, wherein each different location is located within the addition zone. (165) The method according to any one of embodiments 148 to 164, further comprising the step of attaching the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the substrate.

[0135] (166) The method of Embodiment 165, further comprising the step of moving the substrate from the addition station to a post-processing station including a plurality of drying heads configured to deliver a desiccant to the respective locations of the substrate, wherein the desiccant causes the pharmaceutical component to adhere to the substrate. (167) The method according to embodiment 166, wherein the desiccant includes at least one of light and forced gas. (168) The method according to embodiment 167, wherein the forced gas is heated. (169) The method according to embodiment 167, wherein the forced gas is substantially unheated. (170) The method according to embodiment 167, wherein the forced gas is cooled.

[0136] (171) The system according to any one of embodiments 148 to 170, wherein the substrate is a non-edible product. (172) The system according to any one of embodiments 148 to 170, wherein the substrate is an edible product. (173) The system according to any of Embodiments 172, wherein the edible product is a cooked edible food. (174) The method according to embodiment 173, wherein the cooked food product is a baked food product. (175) The system according to embodiment 172, wherein the edible product is a raw edible food.

[0137] (176) The method according to any one of embodiments 148 to 175, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient comprises at least one cannabinoid. (177) A method for converting an edible product into a cannabis-containing edible product, Food products and, Substances derived from cannabis or hemp, Applicator and Includes, A method wherein the applicator is configured to add a substance derived from cannabis or hemp to the edible product. (178) The method according to Embodiment 177, wherein the applicator sprays a cannabis or hemp-derived substance onto the surface of the edible product, and the cannabis or hemp-derived substance diffuses into or remains on the surface of the edible product. (179) The method according to embodiment 177, wherein the applicator sprays a cannabis or hemp-derived substance into the edible product. (180) The method according to Embodiment 177, wherein the applicator sprays a cannabis or hemp-derived substance into the edible product.

[0138] (181) The method according to Embodiment 180, wherein a heated applicator is used to spray the cannabis or hemp-derived substance into the edible product. (182) The method according to embodiment 177, wherein the applicator sprays a cannabis or hemp-derived substance onto the surface of the edible product. (183) The method according to Embodiment 177, wherein the applicator stamps a cannabis or hemp-derived substance onto the surface of the edible product. (184) The method according to embodiment 177, wherein the applicator prints a cannabis or hemp-derived substance onto the surface of the edible product. (185) The method according to embodiment 177, wherein the applicator sprinkles a cannabis or hemp-derived substance onto the surface of the edible product.

[0139] (186) The method according to embodiment 177, wherein the applicator constructs one or more micropiles on the surface of the edible product. (187) The method according to embodiment 177, wherein the applicator adds a conformal coating of the cannabis or hemp-derived substance to the edible product. (188) The method according to Embodiment 177, wherein the applicator encapsulates or mixes the cannabis or hemp-derived substance with at least one modifier configured to modify the flavor, mechanical properties, or appearance of the applied cannabis or hemp substance before it is delivered to the edible product. (189) The method according to Embodiment 177, wherein the applicator modifies the size, location, or distribution of the cannabis or hemp material on the edible product in order to alter the flavor or appearance. (190) The method according to embodiment 177, wherein the applicator adds energy to improve the diffusion or post-treatment of the cannabis or hemp-derived substance.

[0140] (191) A method for converting an edible product into a cannabis edible product, comprising the step of delivering a substance derived from cannabis or hemp from an applicator to the edible product. (192) The method according to embodiment 191, wherein the step of delivering includes spraying the cannabis or hemp-derived substance onto the outer surface of the edible product. (193) The method according to embodiment 192, wherein the spraying step leaves the cannabis or hemp-derived substance on the outer surface of the edible product. (194) The method according to embodiment 192 or 193, wherein the spraying step is to diffuse the cannabis or hemp-derived substance into the edible product. (195) The method according to embodiment 191, wherein the step of delivering includes the step of injecting the cannabis or hemp-derived substance into the edible product.

[0141] (196) The method according to Embodiment 191, wherein the delivery step includes the step of spraying the cannabis or hemp-derived substance into the edible product. (197) The method according to embodiment 191, wherein the delivery step includes spraying the cannabis or hemp-derived substance onto the outer surface of the edible product. (198) The method according to embodiment 191, wherein the step of delivering includes stamping the cannabis or hemp-derived substance onto the outer surface of the edible product. (199) The method according to embodiment 191, wherein the step of delivering includes printing the cannabis or hemp-derived substance onto the outer surface of the edible product. (200) The method according to Embodiment 191, wherein the step of delivering includes the step of spraying a cannabis or hemp-derived substance onto the outer surface of the edible product.

[0142] (201) The method according to Embodiment 191, wherein the step of delivering includes the step of constructing one or more micropills of cannabis or hemp-derived material on the outer surface of the edible product. (202) The method according to Embodiment 191, wherein the step of delivery includes adding a conformal coating of the cannabis or hemp-derived substance to the edible product. (203) The method according to Embodiment 191, further comprising the step of mixing the cannabis or hemp-derived substance with at least one modifier to modify at least one of the flavor, one or more mechanical properties, or one or more beauty properties of the cannabis or hemp substance, prior to the step of delivery. (204) The method according to embodiment 203, wherein the mixing step is performed within the applicator. (205) The method according to any one of embodiments 191 to 204, further comprising the step of adjusting at least one of the size, location, or distribution of the cannabis or hemp substance on the edible product in order to modify the flavor or appearance.

[0143] (206) The method according to embodiment 205, wherein the adjustment step is performed in the applicator. (207) The method according to any one of embodiments 191 to 206, wherein the applicator is heated and the cannabis or hemp-derived substance is heated during the serving step. (208) The method according to any one of embodiments 191 to 207, further comprising the step of applying energy to the surface of the edible item in order to improve the adhesion of the cannabis or hemp-derived substance to the surface. (209) The method according to embodiment 208, wherein the step of applying energy includes the step of raising the temperature on the surface. (210) The method according to embodiment 209, wherein the step of raising the temperature includes directing at least one of forced air and light onto the surface.

[0144] (211) The method according to any one of embodiments 191 to 210, wherein the cannabis or hemp-derived substance is a solute in a liquid solution. (212) The method according to embodiment 211, wherein the solution comprises a solvent. (213) The method according to Embodiment 211, wherein the solvent includes an alcohol. (214) The method according to any one of embodiments 211 to 213, further comprising the step of adjusting the concentration or components of the solution. (215) The method according to any one of embodiments 191 to 210, wherein the cannabis or hemp-derived substance is pure.

[0145] (216) A method for applying an active pharmaceutical ingredient to a certain amount of fruit or nuts, comprising the step of applying a microdroplet containing a dose of API to at least one of the said amount of fruit or nuts. (217) A method for delivering an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to at least one of fruits and nuts in a certain amount, A step of storing an API-containing substance in a storage tank, wherein the API-containing substance contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient at a known concentration; The steps include: delivering a small amount of the API-containing substance to the fruit or nut, thereby controlling the amount of the API to each of the fruit or nut to within 10% of a predetermined dose in 3 sigma; Methods that include... (218) The method according to Embodiment 217, wherein the API-containing substance comprises a liquid, and the trace amount comprises minute droplets of the API-containing substance. (219) The method according to embodiment 218, wherein the liquid comprises the API and a solvent at a certain concentration. (220) The method according to Embodiment 219, wherein the solvent comprises an alcohol.

[0146] (221) The method according to Embodiment 219 or 220, wherein the liquid contains the API at a concentration in the range of about 40% by volume to about 90% by volume. (222) The method according to Embodiment 221, wherein the liquid contains the API at a concentration in the range of about 50% to about 70%. (223) The method according to any one of embodiments 219 to 222, wherein the API includes a cannabinoid. (224) The method according to any of embodiments 218 to 223, wherein the delivery step comprises delivering the API to the fruit or nut along the direction of movement, and the microdroplets specify a maximum cross-sectional dimension, which is in the range of about 5 millionths of an inch to about 100 millionths of an inch when measured along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. (225) The method according to any of embodiments 218 to 223, wherein the delivery step includes delivering the API to the fruit or nut along the direction of movement, and the microdroplets specify a maximum cross-sectional dimension that is in the range of about 20 / 1000 of an inch to about 40 / 1000 of an inch when measured along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement.

[0147] (226) The method according to any one of embodiments 218 to 225, wherein the delivery step includes the step of delivering the microdroplets from the dosing head at a distance from the fruit or nut in the range of about 2 mm to about 25 mm. (227) The method according to any one of embodiments 218 to 226, wherein the microdroplets each have a volume in the range of about 2 nanoliters to about 10 microliters. (228) The method according to embodiment 227, wherein the volume is in the range of about 25 nanoliters to about 2 microliters. (229) The method according to embodiment 228, wherein the volume is in the range of about 50 nanoliters to about 1 microliter. (230) The method according to any one of embodiments 218 to 229, wherein the microdroplets have a concentration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the range of about 50 micrograms / microliter to about 1 milligram / microliter.

[0148] (231) The method according to any of Embodiments 217 to 230, wherein the dose of the API is in the range of about 0.5 micrograms to about 10 milligrams per individual fruit or nut. (232) The method according to Embodiment 231, wherein the dose of the API for each of the fruits or nuts is controlled to be within 5% of the predetermined dose at 3 sigma. (233) The method according to Embodiment 232, wherein the dose of the API for each of the fruits or nuts is controlled to be within 1% of the predetermined dose at 3 sigma. (234) The method according to any one of embodiments 217 to 233, wherein the amount includes fruit, and the fruit is raw. (235) The method according to any one of embodiments 217 to 233, wherein the amount comprises fruit, the fruit being dried before the step of serving.

[0149] (236) The method according to any one of embodiments 217 to 233, wherein the amount comprises fruit, the fruit is sweetened before the step of serving. (237) The method according to any one of embodiments 217 to 233, wherein the amount comprises nuts, the nuts being raw. (238) The method according to any one of embodiments 217 to 233, wherein the amount comprises nuts, the nuts being cooked before the depositing step. (239) The method according to embodiment 237 or 238, wherein the nuts are seasoned with salt before the piling step. (240) The method according to any one of embodiments 237 to 239, wherein the nuts are sweetened before the depositing step.

[0150] (241) A certain amount of fruit or nuts prepared by the method of any of embodiments 217 to 240. (242) An independent excipient configured to deliver an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to at least one substrate, wherein the system is A delivery station configured to receive at least one substrate, An addition station configured to receive the substrate from the delivery station and deliver the API-containing substance to the at least one substrate, A conveyor configured to receive the at least one substrate from the addition station and to transport the at least one substrate to a packaging station, Includes, An independent additive machine in which the delivery station, the additive station, the conveyor, and the packaging station are integrated into a single, integrated additive machine supported by a common support structure for the additive machine. (243) The standalone additive according to Embodiment 242, wherein the API-containing substance comprises a solvent, and the additive further comprises a post-treatment station configured to evaporate the solvent. (244) The independent additive machine according to Embodiment 242 or 243, wherein the additive station includes at least one additive head configured to receive a small amount of the API and deliver the respective amounts to the edible product. (245) The independent additive machine according to Embodiment 244, wherein the at least one additive head includes an array of additive heads.

[0151] (246) The independent additive machine according to Embodiment 245, wherein the delivery station includes a delivery member that receives the at least one substrate from a hopper at a first location and delivers the at least one substrate to a second location aligned with the addition station, thereby the addition station delivers a predetermined amount of the API to the at least one substrate. (247) An independent additive machine according to Embodiment 246, wherein the additive station comprises a plurality of additive stations, and the delivery member defines a plurality of paths to deliver each of the substrates to each of the additive stations of the additive machine. (248) An independent additive machine according to embodiment 246 or 247, wherein the delivery member includes a plurality of grooves defining the plurality of paths. (249) The independent additive machine according to embodiment 247 or 248, wherein the delivery member is configured to transport the at least one substrate from the first location to the second location. (250) The independent additive machine according to Embodiment 249, wherein the delivery member is configured to tilt and vibrate to move the at least one substrate from the first location to the second location.

[0152] (251) The independent additive machine according to Embodiment 249, wherein the delivery member is movable to move the substrate from a first location to a second location. (252) An independent additive machine according to any of embodiments 247 to 251, wherein the delivery member is configured to transport the at least one substrate from the second location to the third location, thereby delivering the at least one substrate to the conveyor. (253) The independent additive machine according to Embodiment 252, wherein the additive machine is programmed to deliver a predetermined amount of substrate from the third location to a package placed on the conveyor. (254) An independent additive machine according to any of embodiments 242 to 253, wherein the addition station includes at least one addition head configured to deliver the API substantially uniformly distributed along the substrate with respect to at least one direction. (255) The independent additive machine according to Embodiment 254, wherein the additive station includes an array of additive heads, each configured to deliver a trace amount of the API to the substrate.

[0153] (256) The substrate is an edible product, as described in any of embodiments 242 to 255, in an independent additive device. (257) The independent additive according to Embodiment 256, wherein the substrate comprises at least one of fruits and nuts. (258) The substrate is a baked food, as described in the independent additive machine according to Embodiment 256. (259) The substrate is a gummy candy, as described in the independent additive machine according to Embodiment 256. (260) The substrate is a non-edible product, as described in any of embodiments 242 to 255, and is an independent additive.

[0154] (261) The API comprises at least one cannabinoid, as described in any of embodiments 242 to 260. (262) The API-containing substance is an independent additive according to any of embodiments 242 to 261, comprising microdroplets. (263) The API-containing substance is an independent additive according to Embodiment 262, comprising a pure API. (264) The API-containing substance comprises the API and a solvent at a certain concentration, as described in the independent additive device according to Embodiment 262. (265) The independent additive according to Embodiment 264, wherein the API is non-solid.

[0155] (266) The solvent is an alcohol, as described in Embodiment 264 or 265, in an independent additive machine. (267) An independent additive according to Embodiment 265 or 266, wherein the liquid contains the API at a concentration in the range of about 40% by volume to about 90% by volume. (268) An independent additive according to Embodiment 267, wherein the liquid contains the API at a concentration in the range of about 50% to about 70%. (269) An independent additive machine according to any of embodiments 264 to 268, wherein the additive station delivers the microdroplets to the substrate along the direction of movement, and the microdroplets have a maximum cross-sectional dimension that is in the range of about 5 millionths of an inch to about 100 millionths of an inch when measured along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. (270) An independent additive machine according to Embodiment 269, wherein the maximum cross-sectional dimension is in the range of about 20 / 1000 of an inch to about 40 / 1000 of an inch when measured along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement.

[0156] (271) An independent additive according to any of embodiments 264 to 270, wherein the microdroplets are delivered at a distance from the substrate in the range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 25 mm. (272) An independent additive according to any of embodiments 264 to 271, wherein the microdroplets each have a volume in the range of about 2 nanoliters to about 10 microliters. (273) The independent additive according to Embodiment 272, wherein the volume is in the range of about 25 nanoliters to about 1 microliter. (274) The independent additive according to Embodiment 273, wherein the volume is in the range of about 50 nanoliters to about 2 microliters. (275) An independent additive according to any of embodiments 264 to 274, wherein the microdroplets have a concentration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the range of about 50 micrograms / microliter to about 1 milligram / microliter.

[0157] (276) A standalone additive according to any of embodiments 264 to 275, wherein the substrate comprises a fruit or nut, and the API-containing substance delivered to the fruit or nut comprises a predetermined dose of API in the range of about 0.5 micrograms to about 10 milligrams. (277) An independent additive according to any of embodiments 264 to 275, wherein the substrate comprises a gummy, and the API-containing substance delivered to the gummy contains a predetermined dose of API in the range of about 0.5 micrograms to about 10 milligrams. (278) An independent additive according to any of embodiments 265 to 277, wherein the range is approximately 1 milligram to approximately 2 milligrams. (279) An independent additive according to any of embodiments 276 to 278, wherein the dose is controlled to be within 5% of the predetermined dose at 3 sigma. (280) The independent additive device according to Embodiment 279, wherein the dose is controlled to be within approximately 1% of the predetermined dose at 3 sigma.

[0158] (281) A method for adding an active pharmaceutical ingredient to food, The steps include preparing food on the first side of the boundary of the jurisdiction, The steps include transporting the prepared food across the boundary of the jurisdiction to the second side of the boundary of the jurisdiction, The steps include applying the active pharmaceutical ingredient to the transported food, Methods that include... (282) The method according to Embodiment 281, wherein the food is not to which the active pharmaceutical ingredient is added during the preparation step. (283) The method according to Embodiment 281 or 282, wherein the food is not to which the active pharmaceutical ingredient is added during the transport step. (284) The method according to any one of embodiments 281 to 283, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient comprises a cannabinoid. (285) The method according to any one of embodiments 281 to 284, wherein the step of applying includes the step of delivering at least one microdroplet of an active pharmaceutical ingredient liquid to the prepared food.

[0159] (286) The method according to any one of embodiments 281 to 285, wherein the preparation step includes a step of cooking the food.

Claims

1. A method for delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to food, A step of aligning the food with an additive station (36) including an additive head (46), wherein the additive head is spaced apart from the food along the direction of movement, The steps include: maintaining the temperature of the API-containing liquid (25) while moving it to the dosing head, and measuring the pressure of the API-containing liquid (25) while moving it to the dosing head; A step after the alignment step, wherein a predetermined amount of the API-containing liquid is delivered to the food in the form of microdroplets, the microdroplets being delivered to the food from the adding head (46) along the direction of movement, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the microdroplets move, under gravity, from the adding head (46) onto the outer surface (58) of the food in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the dosing station (36) includes an array of dosing heads (46), and the delivering step includes delivering the microdroplets from the array of dosing heads (46) onto the food.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein a first of the additive heads (46) delivers a first API-containing liquid (25), and a second of the additive heads (46) delivers a second API-containing liquid (25) different from the first API-containing liquid (25).

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the API-containing liquid (25) comprises a solution of the API and a solvent.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the microdroplets contains a trace amount of the API in the range of 0.1 micrograms to 10 milligrams.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the aforementioned microdroplets has a volume in the range of 2 nanoliters to 10 microliters.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the volume is in the range of 25 nanoliters to 2 microliters.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the volume is in the range of 50 nanoliters to 1 microliter.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the volume is 3 sigma and is in the range of 1% to 5% from a predetermined target volume of at least one of the microdroplets.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the food is cooked before the step of arranging.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the steps of cooking the food on the first side of the jurisdictional boundary line, transporting the cooked food to the second side of the jurisdictional boundary line, and performing the alignment step on the second side of the jurisdictional boundary line.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the food is dried fruit or nuts.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the food is a gummy candy.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the alignment step includes aligning a plurality of food items with the addition station (36), and the delivery step includes delivering each of the plurality of microdroplets of the API-containing liquid (25) to each of the plurality of food items.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the alignment step includes aligning a plurality of foods with each of the different addition stations (36), the addition stations (36) delivering each of the APIs to the aligned foods, and each of the APIs having at least one API characteristic that is different from the others.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the alignment step includes aligning a plurality of food products with the addition station (36), the addition station delivers each API to different of the aligned food products, and each API has at least one API characteristic that is different from the others.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the different API characteristics include at least one of: 1) the concentration of the API; 2) the volume of the API delivered to the food during the delivery step; 3) the composition of the API; 4) a modifier mixed with the API, configured to modify at least one of the flavor, mechanical properties, and appearance of the delivered API; and 5) the location of at least one addition zone in the food.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the API-containing liquid (25) comprises pure API.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the delivery step includes the step of delivering different APIs to different subzones within the food delivery zone.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the different APIs include APIs at different concentrations.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the alignment step includes moving the food from a hopper (76) to a first location on a delivery member (78), moving it along the delivery member (78) from the first location to a second location, performing the delivery step at the second location, and then transporting the food to a packaging station (42) by moving the food from the second location to a third location, the delivery member (78), the additive station (36), and the packaging station (42) are contained in a separate, integrated additive machine (72) and supported by a common support structure of the additive machine (72).

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of increasing the temperature of the API so as to reduce the viscosity of the API-containing liquid.

24. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising a step of post-processing the food after the delivery step, wherein the post-processing step includes at least one of: 1) drying the solvent; 2) increasing the viscosity of the API; 3) further adhering the API to the food; 4) dispersing the API along the food; and 5) increasing the absorption of the API into the food.

25. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the delivery step further comprises delivering the microdroplets of the API-containing liquid (25) at different locations within the food additive zone.

26. A system for adding active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to food, wherein the system includes an addition station, A reservoir containing API-containing liquid, An additive station comprising at least one additive head and a conduit for installing the additive head, wherein the additive head is in fluid communication with the reservoir to supply the API-containing liquid to the at least one additive head, the additive head is spaced apart from a support surface along the direction of movement, and the support surface is configured to support the food, The pressure sensor is disposed within the conduit and measures the pressure of the API-containing liquid within the conduit while maintaining the API-containing liquid at a certain temperature. The system is configured to align the at least one additive head with the food, The system is configured such that the dosing station delivers a predetermined amount of the API-containing liquid to the food supported on the support surface in the form of a plurality of microdroplets of the API-containing liquid delivered from the at least one dosing head toward the support surface along the direction of movement when the support surface is aligned with the at least one dosing head.

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the dosing heads is configured to deliver the microdroplets to the food under gravity.

28. The system according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the at least one dosing head is configured to deliver the plurality of microdroplets to the outer surface of the food.

29. The system according to claim 26, wherein the at least one dosing head comprises an array of dosing heads configured to deliver the plurality of microdroplets to the food.

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein a first dosing head in the array of the dosing heads delivers a first API-containing liquid, and a second dosing head in the array of the dosing heads delivers a second API-containing liquid different from the first API-containing liquid.

31. The system according to claim 26, wherein the API-containing liquid comprises a solution of the API and a solvent.

32. The system according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein each of the plurality of microdroplets contains a trace amount of the API in the range of 0.1 micrograms to 10 milligrams.

33. The system according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein each of the plurality of microdroplets has a volume in the range of 2 nanoliters to 10 microliters.

34. The system according to claim 33, wherein the volume is in the range of 25 nanoliters to 2 microliters.

35. The system according to claim 33, wherein the volume is in the range of 50 nanoliters to 1 microliter.

36. The system according to claim 34, wherein the volume is 3 sigma and is within the range of 1% to 5% from each predetermined target volume of the microdroplets.

37. The system according to claim 26, wherein the food is cooked before being aligned with the at least one additive head.

38. The system according to claim 26, wherein the food is dried fruit or nuts.

39. The system according to claim 26, wherein the food is gummy candy.

40. The system according to any one of claims 26 to 39, wherein the at least one additive head is movable so as to be positioned in alignment with the food.

41. The system according to any one of claims 26 to 40, wherein the support surface is movable to position the food in alignment with the at least one dispensing head.

42. The system according to any one of claims 26 to 41, wherein the food comprises a plurality of food items, the support surface is configured to support the plurality of food items in alignment with the at least one dispensing head, and the at least one dispensing head is configured to deliver each of the plurality of microdroplets of the API-containing liquid to each of the plurality of food items.

43. The system according to claim 26, wherein the system includes a plurality of dosing stations, each of which is configured to deliver a different API to each of the food products aligned with the dosing station, and each of the different APIs has at least one API characteristic that is different from the others.

44. The system according to claim 26, wherein the food comprises a plurality of food items, the support surface is configured to support the plurality of food items aligned with the at least one dispensing head, the at least one dispensing head delivers different APIs to different of the aligned food items, and each of the different APIs has at least one API characteristic that is different from the others.

45. The system according to claim 26, wherein the food comprises a plurality of food items, the support surface is configured to support the plurality of food items in alignment with the at least one dispensing head, and the at least one dispensing head is configured to deliver each of the plurality of microdroplets of the API-containing liquid to each of the plurality of food items.

46. The system according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the at least one API characteristic includes at least one of the following: 1) the concentration of the API, 2) the volume of the API delivered to the food, 3) the composition of the API, and 4) a modifier mixed with the API, configured to modify at least one of the flavor, mechanical properties, and appearance of the delivered API, and 5) the location of at least one addition zone in the food.

47. The system according to claim 26, wherein the API-containing liquid contains pure API.

48. The system according to claim 26, wherein the at least one additive head is configured to deliver different APIs to different subzones within the food delivery zone, respectively.

49. The system according to claim 48, wherein the different APIs include APIs at different concentrations.

50. The system according to claim 26, further comprising a hopper configured to receive the food and deliver the food to a first location of a delivery member, the delivery member moving the food to a second location, the at least one dosing head delivering the API to the food at the second location, and the delivery member then moving the food from the second location to a third location so that the food is transported to a packaging station.

51. The system according to claim 50, comprising the delivery member, the addition station, and the packaging station, supported by a common support structure.

52. The system according to claim 26, further comprising a heater configured to raise the temperature of the API so as to reduce the viscosity of the API-containing liquid.

53. The system according to claim 26, configured to post-treat the food by comprising at least one of the following steps: 1) drying the solvent; 2) increasing the viscosity of the API; 3) further adhering the API to the food; 4) dispersing the API along the food; and 5) increasing the absorption of the API into the food.

54. The system according to claim 26, configured to deliver the microdroplets of the API-containing liquid at different locations within the food additive zone.

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