Device for vaporization of a liquid mixture and operating method thereof

Abstract

The present invention concerns a vaporizing device (1) for vaporizing a liquid mixture, comprising a containment casing (2), a conveying assembly (3), arranged at least partially in said containment casing (2) and comprising a removable tank (31) for containing the mixture to be vaporized, a dispensing nozzle (32), coupled to said tank (31), for dispensing said vaporized mixture, and vaporization means (4), for the vaporization of said liquid mixture contained in said tank (31). The present invention also concerns an operating method (7) of a vaporization device (1).

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR VAPORIZATION OF A LIQUID MIXTURE AND OPERATING

[0002] METHOD THEREOF

[0003] *****

[0004] The present invention concerns a device for the vaporization of a liquid mixture and operating method thereof.

[0005] Field of invention

[0006] More in detail, the invention concerns a device of the aforementioned type, designed and realized in particular to allow the administration of mixtures, such as medicinal mixtures and the like, but which can be used for any circumstance in which it is necessary to administer the mixture in a controlled manner by temperature and size of the drop.

[0007] In the following the description will be aimed at the administration of a medicinal mixture by aerosol, but it is clear that it should not be considered limited to this specific use.

[0008] Prior art

[0009] As is well known, the administration of liquid substances, containing medicinal active ingredients of various kinds in the form of vapor, is a practice widely used in the treatment of disorders of the respiratory tract, both upper and lower. The mixtures used generally consist of an active medicinal ingredient dissolved in an appropriate solvent.

[0010] There is a variety of devices, such as inhalers, aerosols and nebulizers, designed to transform these liquid solutions into finely dispersed droplets in the air, with the aim of facilitating their inhalation through the airways or into the nasal, oropharyngeal and bronchial cavities of patients.

[0011] Among the prevalent methods for the administration of these active ingredients is the use of aerosols or nebulizers, both mechanical and electromechanical. These devices work by passing a flow of air through a nozzle connected to a tank containing the medicinal solution. The air flow induces the formation of small diameter drops, which are then dispensed through an outlet spout or nozzle.

[0012] However, the size and quantity of droplets released are directly affected by the speed of the airflow and cannot be precisely adjusted or dosed.

[0013] A further known system involves heating the medicinal solution until it turns into vapor, which can then be inhaled by the patient. This method, however, has similar limitations in terms of controlling the characteristics of the delivered vapor, such as droplet size, dosage, pressure, speed and temperature of delivery.

[0014] Consequently, these traditional methods do not allow precise and personalized application of the treatment, nor its accurate reproducibility.

[0015] A new vaporization method that uses high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations has recently been introduced. High frequency in this technical context refers to a frequency band around 3 MHz. This approach has been shown to improve the penetration of nebulized particles into the respiratory system of patients.

[0016] However, despite the progress in terms of penetration, this method requires that the size of the drops generated is non-variable, thus limiting the ability to “target” specific anatomical areas for a more effective therapeutic action. In fact, by regulating the size of the nebulized drop it is possible to reach deeper tissues of the respiratory tract.

[0017] Furthermore, the systems currently available on the market have the drawback that the absence of a removable and inspectable tank makes cleaning and sterilization of the device very difficult, compromising the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.

[0018] Therefore, although significant advances have been made in inhalation drug delivery technology, technical issues remain regarding the precise control of delivery characteristics, which limit the effectiveness and customization of respiratory treatments.

[0019] It seems clear that this procedure is expensive in terms of the effectiveness of the treatments, which are less specific and targeted and therefore longer and less effective.

[0020] The relevant prior art also includes patent application US 2021 / 252232 A1 .

[0021] Purpose of the invention

[0022] In light of the above, it is, therefore, the aim of the present invention to provide an advanced system for vaporizing a liquid substance, which operates at a controlled temperature, to guarantee the formation of a dry saturated vapor. This system aims to overcome the limitations of current systems and methods of administration of medicinal substances and similar, offering an optimal solution in particular for medical applications, specifically for the administration of active ingredients towards the respiratory tract. Another purpose of the invention is to allow precise control of the size of the microdroplets that constitute the vapor, to accurately predetermine the target and the anatomical depth to be reached within the patient’s respiratory system. This results in greater effectiveness of the treatment, ensuring that the active ingredient reaches exactly the desired point.

[0023] A further purpose of the present invention is to overcome the problems linked to traditional vaporization methods, such as the inability to adjust the size and dosage of the drops, as well as the difficulties in controlling the temperature and speed of delivery of the medicinal substance. The present invention aims to offer a device that allows complete customization of the administration therapy.

[0024] A further purpose of the invention is to provide a vaporization system that allows for easy cleaning and sterilization, due to the presence of a removable and inspectable tank. This aspect resolves one of the main limitations found in existing devices, significantly improving the safety and hygiene of the drug or mixture administration process in general.

[0025] Finally, the aim of the present invention is to propose a system, which, thanks to its innovative characteristics, can guarantee a superior penetration capacity of the active ingredients at the level of the membrane of the pulmonary alveoli, thus overcoming the limitations of currently known vaporization methods, which often stop at the level of the bronchi, limiting the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0026] Object of the invention

[0027] It is therefore specific object of the present invention a Vaporizing device for vaporizing a liquid mixture, comprising: a containment casing; a conveying assembly, arranged at least partially in said containment casing and comprising a removable tank for containing the mixture to be vaporized; a dispensing nozzle, coupled to said tank, for dispensing said vaporized mixture; and vaporization means, for the vaporization of said liquid mixture contained in said tank; characterized in that said conveying assembly comprises a seat for housing a tank; in that said vaporization means comprise electromechanical vaporization means for vaporizing said liquid mixture contained in said tank by means of vibrations generated by an electrical control signal having an operating frequencyc; wherein said tank can be inserted and disconnected in a removable manner in said seat so as to be interchangeable; and in that it comprises a central control unit configured to apply the variable electrical control signal to said electromechanical vaporization means, for the generation of a vibration suitable for selecting the diameter of the drops of the vaporized mixture.

[0028] Always according to the invention, said electromechanical vaporization means may be integrated in said tank.

[0029] Still according to the invention, said tank may be delimited at the bottom by a base having a housing, and said electromechanical vaporization means may be arranged in said housing.

[0030] Advantageously according to the invention, said electromechanical vibration means comprise a vibrating plate made of piezoelectric material, preferably made of ceramic, wherein said vibrating plate has its own resonance frequency, and said control logic unit is configured to generate said electrical control signal according to the resonance frequency of said vibrating plate, to obtain a specific size of the drops of the vaporized mixture.

[0031] Further according to the invention, said vibrating plate may be configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic vibration resonance frequency between 100 KHz and 4.5 MHz, preferably between 100 KHz and 3 MHz.

[0032] Still according to the invention, said vaporization means may comprise thermal heating means, preferably by induction.

[0033] Always according to the invention, said tank may comprise a conduction portion, arranged at or near said base; and said thermal heating means may comprise a coil, arranged in correspondence with said conduction portion, so that, when said coil is powered, the energy is transferred by induction to said conduction portion, heating the mixture contained in said tank.

[0034] Further according to the invention, said thermal heating means may be configured to heat said mixture in a temperature range, wherein said temperature range is preferably between 18°C and 50°C.

[0035] Advantageously according to the invention, said tank may be delimited laterally by a lateral surface, wherein said lateral surface has a plurality of through holes, all located at the same height, and said device may comprise a conveyor, comprising a coupling flange which has an inlet opening, an annular duct, having an internal opening, defining a circular passing portion, through which a fluid can be conveyed; and a suction fan coupled to said flange; wherein the conveyor is arranged so that said tank is inserted through the circular passing portion, allowing the annular duct to communicate in a fluid dynamic manner with said through holes of said tank.

[0036] Further according to the invention, said control signal may have a central frequency fcand is variable in a frequency range between a higher frequency f+and a lower frequency

[0037] Preferably according to the invention, the frequency f of said control signal of the vibrating plate varies linearly from said lower frequency f_ to said higher frequency f+for a period of time AT, to move back again to said lower frequency wherein preferably said higher frequency f+and said lower frequency f_ are related to the central frequency fcaccording to the equation: f+ = ±10% x fc.

[0038] Always according to the invention, said vaporization means may be removable.

[0039] Still according to the invention, said control logic unit may comprise a microprocessor, configured to control said electromechanical vaporization means and said thermal heating means, and a memory unit, in which treatment programs for the vaporized mixture are stored, wherein each program is associated with a set of driving parameters, wherein said set of driving parameters comprises the frequency of said electrical control signal, wherein each program is associated with a distinct tank for said electromechanical vaporization means based on the respective resonance frequency.

[0040] Advantageously according to the invention, said control logic unit may comprise a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, each connected to said microprocessor and arranged in correspondence with said tank, and a reader of the data coming from said temperature sensor and from said pressure sensor.

[0041] It is further object of the present invention a vaporizing device kit, comprising a vaporization device and a plurality of tanks, each having integrated said electromechanical vaporization means, wherein said electromechanical vaporization means of each tank has its own resonance frequency.

[0042] It is also object of the present invention a method of operation of a vaporization device as defined above, comprising the steps of:

[0043] - acquiring a set of operating parameters of a treatment program; - operating said electromechanical vaporization means, via said electrical control signal, allowing the output of the liquid mixture contained in said tank vaporized through said delivery nozzle; and

[0044] - detecting the quantity of liquid mixture vaporized until the required dose is reached.

[0045] Always according to the invention, said electromechanical vibration means may comprise a vibrating plate, made of piezoelectric material, wherein said vibrating plate has its own resonance frequency, said vibrating plate may have a central frequency fc, said electrical control signal has is variable in a frequency range between a higher frequency f+and a lower frequency said central frequency fcis equal to the resonance frequency of said vibrating plate, and said acquisition step may comprise the following sub-steps:

[0046] - selecting a tank having integrated the vibrating plate having the required resonance frequency; and

[0047] - inserting the selected tank into said seat.

[0048] Still according to the invention, said method may comprise the following steps:

[0049] - enabling the power supply to said thermal heating means in a heating time interval; and

[0050] - comparing the data detected by said temperature sensors and said pressure sensors with those of the selected treatment program.

[0051] Further according to the invention, said detection step the dose to be vaporized may be detected by detecting a delivery time interval.

[0052] Advantageously according to the invention, said set of parameters may comprise at least one of the following; the frequency of the electrical control signal for generating the central vibration frequency fcto be applied to the liquid mixture; and / or the delivery temperature of the liquid mixture; and / or the pressure and the speed at which the vaporized mixture is delivered; and / or the dose of substance to be delivered; and / or the exit direction of the vapor.

[0053] It is also object of the present invention a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the steps of the method defined above.

[0054] It is further object of the present invention a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method defined above.

[0055] Brief description of the figures

[0056] The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein: figure 1 shows a sectional side view of a device for vaporizing a liquid mixture according to the present invention; figure 2 shows a front view of the vaporization device according to figure 1 ; figure 3 shows a block diagram of the vaporization device according to figure 1 ; figure 4 shows the conveying assembly of the vaporization device of figure 1 ; figure 5 shows a first side view of the tank of the vaporization device according to figure 1 ; figure 6 shows a sectional front view of the tank according to figure 5; figure 7 shows a perspective view of the tank according to figure 5; figure 8 shows a perspective view of a conveyor of the vaporization device according to figure 1 ; figure 9 shows a graph relating to the frequency variation of a control signal of the vaporization device according to figure 1 ; figure 10 shows a flowchart of the operation method of the vaporization device according to figure 1 ; and figure 11 shows a flowchart of a specific step of the operating method according to figure 10.

[0057] Detailed description

[0058] In the various figures the similar parts will be indicated with the same numerical references.

[0059] The device 1 is configured to carry out the vaporization of a liquid substance in the form of dry saturated vapor obtained at low temperature. By low temperature we mean a temperature lower than 50°C, for example between 18°C and 50°C.

[0060] Referring to figures 1 , 2 and 3, a vaporization device 1 according to the present invention can be seen.

[0061] The vaporization device 1 essentially comprises a containment casing 2, a conveying assembly 3, mixture vaporization means 4, and a control logic unit 5.

[0062] The containment casing 2 is intended to contain the various structural and functional parts of the vaporization device 1 .

[0063] The containment casing 2 has an upper opening 21 , the functioning of which will be better explained below, and a sloping portion 22, on which a display 55 is installed, the functioning of which will be better explained below.

[0064] The conveying assembly 3 is suitable for conveying the vaporized mixture from said vaporization means 4, so that a user can inhale it.

[0065] The conveying assembly 3 is installed so as to be arranged partly inside said containment casing 2, partly outside, positioning itself through said opening 21 , to allow the user to inhale the vaporized mixture, as it will be better explained below.

[0066] Said conveying assembly 3 comprises (see also figures 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) a tank 31 for containing the mixture to be vaporized, of substantially elongated cylindrical shape, delimited at the bottom by a base 311 and by a lateral surface 312, and presenting an opening 313 at the top.

[0067] The lateral surface 312 has a plurality of through holes 314, all located at a certain height.

[0068] In other embodiments the tank 31 can have a different shape or cross section. For example, the tank 31 can have the shape of a parallelepiped or elliptical.

[0069] The tank 31 also has a support 315. Furthermore, a conduction portion 316 of the tank 31 , arranged at or near the base 311 of the tank 31 is made of metal, such as steel and the like susceptible to magnetic induction, the operation of which will be better explained below.

[0070] The tank 31 is configured to contain the liquid substance to be vaporized, and is preferably made of metallic material, or in any case of material compatible with the substance itself.

[0071] In one embodiment, the tank 31 comprises means for easy access to its interior (not shown in the figures), so that it can be easily inspected, being extractable, to allow periodic cleaning.

[0072] The tank 31 also comprises laterally a ring 316. When the tank 31 itself is inserted into the containment casing 2 through the opening 21 , the ring 316 comes into contact with the upper surface of the containment casing 2, on the edge of the upper opening 21.

[0073] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the tank 31 also comprises a non-return valve 317 and an extraction pump 318, to convey the vaporized mixture out according to the arrow M. Referring to figure 1 , the double-direction arrow A shows how the tank 31 can be inserted and extracted from the containment casing 2.

[0074] The conveying assembly 3 also comprises a dispensing nozzle 32, which can also be removed in correspondence with an inlet section of the liquid to be vaporized, and has a capacity preferably, but not limited to, from 5 to 40 cm3.

[0075] The conveyor assembly 3 also comprises a conveyor 33, comprising a coupling flange 331 (the operation of which will be better described below), which defines an inlet opening 332.

[0076] The conveyor 33 also comprises an annular duct 333, internally open, defining a circular passing portion 334. In particular, said annular duct has an internal opening 335, which overlooks said circular passing portion 334.

[0077] The conveyor 33 is arranged so that the removable tank 31 is inserted through the circular passing portion 334, allowing the annular duct 333 to communicate in a fluid-dynamic way with said through holes 314 of said tank 31 through the internal opening 335.

[0078] The conveying assembly 3 also comprises a suction fan 34, to convey air into the tank 31 through said conveyor 33. The suction fan 34 is coupled with screws to said flange 331 of said conveyor 33 and the sucked air is introduced into the conveyor 33 through the inlet opening 332.

[0079] Said suction fan 34 has a suction function with also a non-return function. It is configured to prevent the vapor produced inside the tank 31 from being rejected both outside and from remaining in the tank 31 itself to be sent to the exit.

[0080] The suction fan 34 is configured, in particular, to take in the external air and expel the vapor in quantitatively predefined doses, and at a pressure that can be programmed by said control logic unit 5.

[0081] The conveyor assembly 3 also has a seat 35, into which said tank 31 can be inserted. Said seat 35 in the present embodiment is defined by a support 36, by the conveyor 33, and by the thermal heating means 42 (better described below).

[0082] The mixture vaporization means 4 comprise electromechanical or mechanical vaporization means 41 of the vibration type, configured to apply vibrations to the mixture contained in the tank 31 , so as to bring it into a dry vapor state.

[0083] The electromechanical vaporization means 41 are preferably configured to apply ultrasonic frequency vibrations to the substance. In one embodiment, such ultrasonic frequency is between 100 KHz and 3 MHz. In other embodiments, the center frequency of vibration of the substance is less than or equal to 4.5 MHz.

[0084] In the embodiment described the base 311 of said tank 31 provides a housing 319 and the mechanical vaporization means comprise at least one vibrating plate 41 , arranged in said housing 319.

[0085] Said vibrating plate 41 is generally made of piezoelectric ceramic material, which has its own operating resonance frequency, determined by the crystalline material considered and its thickness, among other parameters. Said vibrating plate 41 is powered by a spring connector 411 , coupled to it, through which a control signal, generated by said control logic unit 5, is applied to obtain the appropriate vibration of said vibrating plate 41 .

[0086] As is known, a piezoelectric material is a type of crystalline material that has the ability to generate an electrical voltage in response to an applied mechanical pressure, a phenomenon known as the piezoelectric effect. Similarly, when an electric field is applied to a piezoelectric material, it induces a mechanical deformation in the material, which is the reverse piezoelectric effect.

[0087] This piezoelectric property is intrinsic in some natural materials, such as quartz, and can also be induced in some polymeric and ceramic materials by specific treatments, such as polarization under a high electric field.

[0088] Each piezoelectric material vibrates at its own resonant frequency, which is the specific frequency at which the material vibrates with maximum amplitude when excited by an external signal (the control signal). The resonant frequency depends on the physical dimensions of the plate, its composition and the vibration mode considered (e.g., thickness mode, longitudinal, radial, etc.). At this frequency, the system can store mechanical or electrical energy with maximum efficiency.

[0089] The vibrating plate 41 , as mentioned, preferably made of ceramic material, allows, by means of an appropriate electrical driving signal, to exert a vibration on the mixture to be vaporized contained in the removable tank 31 .

[0090] In one embodiment, in particular, the supply of the signals to be sent to the vibrating plate 41 is provided, which would provide for an oscillation of the signals with an increasing or decreasing trend within a limit of ± 10% of the central frequency fcand with a repetition frequency of said oscillation determined on the basis of a percentage of the central frequency fc, thus varying between a higher frequency f+and a lower frequency The electromechanical vaporization means 41 can be configured to generate, in association with these vibrations, an energy density sufficient to break the bonds between the molecular aggregates of the substance, for example at least equal to 3 W / cm2, preferably equal to or greater than 10 W / cm2

[0091] Furthermore, in further embodiments, the electromechanical vaporization means 41 are configured to emit ultrasonic frequency vibrations between 100 KHz and 4.5 MHz for discrete values. Thus, since the tank 31 is removable, it can be replaced with an ultrasonic vibrating plate of different central operating frequency or resonance fc, and / or to generate an energy density preferably between 10-13 W / cm2or more.

[0092] In association with this energy density, the release of dry saturated vapor at a pressure of at least 1 ,000 millibars is obtained, also thanks to the pressure of the air sent by the suction fan 34.

[0093] The electromechanical vaporization means 41 are therefore configured to apply mechanical vibrational energy, with adjustable frequency and energy density, which allows the mixture contained in the tank 31 to reach the size corresponding to the molecular aggregates by breaking the bonds between the aggregates themselves, bringing it into the dry vapor state.

[0094] The vibrating plate 41 is powered by a high-frequency electrical control signal, as mentioned, with a central frequency fcpreferably equal to the resonance frequency of the vibrating plate 41 of the installed tank 31 , and variable in a range f+ed which as mentioned above, can be:

[0095] A = ±10% -fc

[0096] The waveform can be of different types, e.g., sinusoidal or pulse, or square wave.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the frequency f of the control signal of the vibrating plate 41 can vary in “Sweep” mode, that is, referring to figure 9, with an increasing linear ramp which provides for the variation of the frequency of the signal in a linear way from f_ a f+for a period of time from T to T2(AT = ^ + 2 = T2+ T3= •••), and then move on again to f_ in T2, around the central frequency fcof the ceramic material.

[0098] The vaporization device 1 also comprises thermal heating means 42 intended to heat the mixture and configured to transfer thermal energy to the substance contained in the tank 31 , to bring the temperature of the substance to a delivery temperature, for example to 50°C.

[0099] Preferably, the thermal heating means 42 are configured to be powered with current at a frequency between 15 and 50 KHz.

[0100] The thermal heating means 42 comprise magnetic induction means powered with a current at a frequency between 15 and 50 KHz according to the preheating times foreseen for reaching the desired temperature before starting the ultrasonic vibration to produce vaporization, configured to bring the temperature of the substance up to 50°C.

[0101] In other embodiments (not shown in the figures) said thermal heating means 42 can be of the electro-thermal type, such as a resistor or the like. In other embodiments, to heat the mixture to be vaporized it is possible to use PTC (Positive Temperature Control) elements, which have the characteristic of increasing the electrical resistance as the temperature increases, thus self-limiting the heating. In further embodiments the thermal heating means may comprise infrared emitters.

[0102] The configuration of the vaporization device 1 is such as to achieve the vaporization of the liquid substance in the form of dry saturated vapor in a time shorter than that of common aerosols and in the order of 1 to 5 minutes, according to the clinically necessary dose.

[0103] The thermal heating means 42 comprise a coil 42, arranged in correspondence with the conduction portion 316 of the tank 31 , so that, when said coil 42 is powered, the energy is transferred by induction to said conduction portion 316, heating the contained mixture.

[0104] The coil 42 has a toroidal shape and, as mentioned, defines the seat 35, in which the tanks 31 can be inserted and disengaged or interchanged.

[0105] The vaporization device 1 also comprises a logical control unit 5 for the functional coordination of the different parts of the device 1 .

[0106] In particular, said control logic unit 5 comprises a microprocessor 51 , arranged on a printed circuit 53, in which the microprocessor 51 is suitably cooled by a cooling fin, and programmed with a program suitable for driving the electromechanical vaporization means 41 and the thermal heating means 42.

[0107] The control logic unit 5 also comprises a memory unit 56, in which treatment programs for the vaporized mixture are stored, possibly predetermined, associated with respective types of administration therapy and substance to be dispensed. In this way, it is possible to guarantee the replicability of the substance administration therapy for an indeterminate number of times. More precisely, according to the mixture to be vaporized, and the size of the molecules to be obtained, it is possible to select an appropriate tank 31 having a piezoelectric vibrating plate 41 with a resonance frequency suitable for obtaining the size of the desired molecule, and to select the vaporization program required according to the treatment received. In this way, the control logic unit 5, and in particular the microprocessor 51 , will generate a control signal to generate the appropriate vibration of the vibrating plate 41. In particular, as mentioned, the control signal will move the vibrating plate 41 according to the preferred resonance frequency, obtaining the desired mechanical frequency and the relative agitation of the solution.

[0108] If it is necessary to change the treatment, for the vaporization of a different substance and to obtain a size of the vaporized drops with a different diameter, it will be sufficient to replace the tank 31 with one having an integrated vibrating plate 41 with a different resonance frequency, select the appropriate program using the display 55, and obtain the desired mechanical agitation.

[0109] The memory 56 can also be made in the form of a USB stick, SD card or the like, connectable to the microprocessor 51 to allow the modification or updating of the predetermined dispensing programs.

[0110] The control logic unit 5 also comprises, as mentioned, a display 55, to allow a user to interact with the device 1 and carry out the appropriate adjustments. Said display 55 can preferably be of the “touch on screen” type.

[0111] The control logic unit 5 also comprises an interface circuit 54, to allow the microprocessor 51 to interact and drive the display 55.

[0112] More specifically, the microprocessor 51 is programmed to control the actuation of the electromechanical vaporization means 41 and the thermal heating means 42 according to parameters that may be defined in a predetermined delivery program.

[0113] Each predetermined delivery or vaporization program defines at least frequency values duration AT, energy density of the vibrations applied by the electromechanical vaporization means 41 and / or temperature values and duration of the heating carried out by said thermal heating means 42, possibly according to the specific therapy and substance to be delivered. The aforementioned parameters strongly depend on the physical / chemical characteristics of the substance which, to reach the dry vapor state, must be excited at more or less high frequencies and brought to more or less high physiological temperatures.

[0114] Said control logic unit 5 can also include an optical reader to identify the drug to be vaporized by reading a barcode or other digital code.

[0115] Furthermore, the control logic unit 5 can adjust the quantity of vapor delivered and its pressure via the pump 318, modifying its power supply. Furthermore, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the electromechanical vaporization means 41 or the thermal heating means 42 can be removably connected to the support body 100, so as to create a modular system.

[0116] The modularity of the system 1 allows the conveying assembly 3 to be removed from the containment casing 2. In particular, the tank 31 can be easily removed to replace it, as mentioned, with a different tank 31 equipped with a ceramic vibrating plate 41 with a different resonance frequency and for discrete values, to allow a different vaporization, or a different nebulization of the liquid mixture.

[0117] The control logic unit 5 also comprises the detection of at least one temperature sensor 57 and a pressure sensor 58, each connected to said microprocessor 51 , and arranged in correspondence with said tank 31 , so as to detect, even during operation, the thermodynamic state of the vaporized mixture, which is dispensed through the dispensing nozzle 32.

[0118] The vaporization device 1 can be powered by mains power or possibly also by a rechargeable battery pack 6.

[0119] The operation of the dispensing device 1 described above is as follows.

[0120] In general terms, the dispensing device 1 is configured for the dispensing of a liquid substance, generally comprising a medicinal active ingredient, broken down at the level of molecular aggregates in the form of dry vapor, to carry out a respiratory therapy or for another pathology.

[0121] The dispensing device 1 has, as mentioned, a modular configuration, to allow the implementation of variable dispensing methods depending on the type of substance and therapy, thus allowing the dispensing temperature and the size of the drop of said vaporized mixture M to be adjusted.

[0122] The device 1 for vaporization of a liquid substance containing an active ingredient according to the present invention allows the substance to be delivered to the patient in the form, as mentioned, of dry saturated vapor, i.e. broken down to the level of molecular aggregates. In this state the liquid substance is entirely in the form of vapor made up of microdrops, and no free quantity of liquid is present.

[0123] The vaporization device 1 is configured so as not to break the bonds between the molecular groups of the substance, in particular, between the solvent containing the active ingredient and the molecules of the active ingredient itself, in order to obtain molecular aggregates contained in spheroidal micro-drops with a diameter corresponding to the semi-wavelength of the ultrasound to which the solution is subjected to. The diameter of the microdrops, therefore, becomes increasingly smaller as the ultrasonic vibration frequency increases, preferably the resonance of the electromechanical vaporization means 41 , which generates the dry vapor and when the diameter of the drops themselves reaches measurements of the order of 1 pm or less, and strongly reduces the tendency to condense, behaving in a very similar way to a gas.

[0124] Advantageously, the substance reduced to the size of molecular aggregates contained in microdrops as indicated above can reach, for example, not only the bronchi, but also the membrane of the pulmonary alveoli, allowing a more effective administration of the active ingredient to the patient, being projected close to the anatomical area of use, and also allowing a notable reduction in dosages as the drug does not travel through the digestive system as occurs in oral administration or the entire blood mass as occurs in intramuscularly injection administration, intravenously or via drip.

[0125] As described above, the vaporization device 1 is configured to treat the substance until it reaches the state of dry saturated vapor using two modes, coordinated with each other, in a sequential or simultaneous manner.

[0126] The first method involves the application of vibrations to the substance at frequencies higher than a predetermined threshold value, which is a function of the characteristics of the substance itself. The vibrations are applied with said electromechanical vaporization means 41 and must have an energy content such as not to allow the breaking of the bonds of the molecular aggregates of the substance to obtain dry vapor.

[0127] The second method involves the transfer of thermal energy to the substance until it is brought to the desired temperature by means of said thermal heating means 42. This temperature is in the range of the physiological temperature of the treated subjects, whether human or animal, or from the ambient temperature (e.g., 10-15°C) to a maximum temperature TMax, preferably indicated at 50°C, in the vaporization tank 31 .

[0128] The microprocessor 51 is configured to control the actuation of the electromechanical vaporization means 41 and the thermal heating means 42, according to a predetermined delivery program based on the specific substance to be delivered and the prescribed therapy.

[0129] This delivery program defines specific operating parameters such as:

[0130] - the frequency of the control signal for generating the central vibration frequency fcto be applied to the substance;

[0131] - the temperature to define the power supply of the coil 42;

[0132] - the pressure and speed, at which the vaporized substance is delivered, modulating the power supply of the suction fan 34 and the extraction pump 318;

[0133] - the dose of substance to be delivered; and

[0134] - the direction of exit of the vapor, which is a function of the body region targeted by the delivery (e.g., nasal cavities, upper airways, lungs, etc.).

[0135] To allow the dispensing of substances according to different programs, so as to use the vaporization device 1 in different types of therapies, the user interface on the display 55 is configured to allow a user to select different predetermined dispensing programs.

[0136] Alternatively, there is the possibility of manually selecting the delivery parameters, i.e. , at least the activation data of the electromechanical vaporization and thermal heating means.

[0137] Other embodiments provide the possibility of simply selecting the type of substance to be dispensed. In this way, the control logic unit 5 activates the vaporization means 4 in accordance with the predetermined parameters.

[0138] The data of the predetermined delivery programs for each treatment are stored in the memory unit 56.

[0139] In some embodiments it is also possible to adjust the delivery mode, choosing between continuous or pulsed delivery, and in the latter case it is possible to program the duration of the pulse, the interval between subsequent pulses, the dosage of substance delivered for each pulse and the overall number of delivery pulses. In other embodiments, the vaporization device 1 comprises means for connection to an aspirator / com pressor, in such a way as to be able to implement the pressure of the air that is mixed with the vaporized liquid in the interchangeable tank 31 , where vaporization occurs by means of high-frequency ultrasonic vibration via the piezoelectric ceramic vibrating plate 41 .

[0140] As mentioned, each interchangeable tank 31 will be equipped with a ceramic vibrating at different frequencies, therefore generating vapor made up of microdrops of different sizes, all for discrete and predetermined values. This delivery method is necessary for the administration by inhalation (bronchi / lungs) of insoluble active ingredients and / or inserted for example in liposomes.

[0141] The vaporization of the substance can be achieved by using only one of said electromechanical vaporization means 41 and said thermal heating means 42, which can thus be implemented independently of each other.

[0142] The vaporization device 1 provides that the vaporization is carried out through the simultaneous use of said electromechanical vaporization means 41 and said thermal heating means 42, suitably controlled by the logic control unit 5.

[0143] The operation method 7 of the vaporization device 1 is shown in figures 10 and 11 . The operating method begins with the acquisition step 71 of the operating parameters of a predefined treatment program. These parameters comprise, but are not limited to, the frequency of the control signal, the dispensing temperature, the pressure and dispensing rate of the vaporized mixture, the dose of substance to be dispensed, and the direction of vapor exit. This step ensures that the vaporization device 1 is configured to comply with the specifications of the required treatment.

[0144] Subsequently, the operating method proceeds with the actuation 74 of the electromechanical vaporization means 41 , or of the vibrating plate 41 made of piezoelectric material.

[0145] The specific resonant frequency of the vibrating plate 41 is used to optimize the vaporization process. The action of the vibrating plate 41 , controlled by an electrical control signal, allows the precise dispensing of the liquid mixture contained in the tank 31 through the dispensing nozzle 32.

[0146] In a preliminary step, then, the selection of a tank 31 is foreseen, which integrates a specific vibrating plate 41 with its own required resonance frequency. This selection ensures that the vaporization of the liquid mixture occurs efficiently and complies with the treatment specifications, generating drops of appropriate diameter, according to the treatment to be carried out. Once selected and indicated on the display 55, the tank 31 is inserted into the seat 35, preparing it for the vaporization process.

[0147] In addition to the vibrating plate 41 , the method 7 comprises the step of enabling 72 of thermal heating means 42, i.e. , of the coil 42, for a predetermined heating time interval. This allows reaching and maintaining the optimal temperature for vaporization, which as mentioned, is generally between 18°C and 50°C.

[0148] During this step, the data detected 76 by the temperature 57 and pressure 58 sensors are compared with the parameters of the selected treatment program, ensuring that the delivery conditions are aligned with the treatment needs.

[0149] The detection step 76 is designed to determine the quantity of vaporized liquid mixture, using a delivery time interval as a parameter. This allows ensuring that the dose delivered corresponds exactly to the required dose, guaranteeing the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0150] Advantages

[0151] An advantage of the present invention is that it allows the size of the microdrops constituting the vapor to be predetermined, so as to be able to predetermine the target and the anatomical depth to be reached with the vapor itself.

[0152] The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and / or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Vaporizing device (1 ) for vaporizing a liquid mixture, comprising: a containment casing (2); a conveying assembly (3), arranged at least partially in said containment casing (2) and comprising a removable tank (31 ) for containing the mixture to be vaporized; a dispensing nozzle (32), coupled to said tank (31 ), for dispensing said vaporized mixture; and vaporization means (4), for the vaporization of said liquid mixture contained in said tank (31 ); characterized in that said conveying assembly (3) comprises a seat (35) for housing a tank (31 ); in that said vaporization means (4) comprise electromechanical vaporization means (41 ) for vaporizing said liquid mixture contained in said tank (31 ) by means of vibrations generated by an electrical control signal having an operating frequency fc wherein said tank (31 ) can be inserted and disconnected in a removable manner in said seat (35) so as to be interchangeable; and in that it comprises a central control unit (2) configured to apply the variable electrical control signal to said electromechanical vaporization means (41 ), for the generation of a vibration suitable for selecting the diameter of the drops of the vaporized mixture.

2. Vaporization device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said electromechanical vaporization means (41 ) are integrated in said tank (31 ).

3. Vaporization device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said tank (31 ) is delimited at the bottom by a base (311 ) having a housing (319), and in that said electromechanical vaporization means (41 ) are arranged in saidhousing (319).

4. Vaporization device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said electromechanical vibration means comprise a vibrating plate (41 ) made of piezoelectric material, preferably made of ceramic, wherein said vibrating plate (41 ) has its own resonance frequency, and in that said control logic unit (5) is configured to generate said electrical control signal according to the resonance frequency of said vibrating plate (41 ), to obtain a specific size of the drops of the vaporized mixture.

5. Vaporization device (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said vibrating plate (41 ) is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic vibration resonance frequency between 100 KHz and 4.5 MHz, preferably between 100 KHz and 3 MHz.

6. Vaporization device (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said vaporization means (4) comprise thermal heating means (42), preferably by induction.

7. Vaporization device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said tank (31 ) comprises a conduction portion (316), arranged at or near said base (311 ); and in that said thermal heating means comprise a coil (42), arranged in correspondence with said conduction portion (316), so that, when said coil (42) is powered, the energy is transferred by induction to said conduction portion (316), heating the mixture contained in said tank (31 ).

8. Vaporization device (1 ) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that said thermal heating means (42) are configured to heat said mixture in a temperature range, wherein said temperature range is preferably between 18°C and 50°C.

9. Vaporization device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said tank (31 ) is delimited laterally by a lateral surface (312), wherein said lateral surface (312) has a plurality of through holes (314), all located at the same height, and in that it comprises a conveyor (33), comprising a coupling flange (331 ) which has an inlet opening (332), an annular duct (333), having an internal opening (335), defining a circular passing portion (334), through which a fluid can be conveyed; and a suction fan (34) coupled to said flange (331 ); wherein the conveyor (33) is arranged so that said tank (31 ) is inserted through the circular passing portion (334), allowing the annular duct (333) to communicate in a fluid dynamic manner with said through holes (314) of said tank (31 ).

10. Vaporization device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control signal has a central frequency fcand is variable in a frequency range between a higher frequency f+and a lower frequency11. Vaporization device (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the frequency f of said control signal of the vibrating plate (41 ) varies linearly from said lower frequency f_ to said higher frequency f+for a period of time AT, to move back again to said lower frequencywherein preferably said higher frequency f+and said lower frequency ( _) are related to the central frequency fcaccording to the equation: f+ = ±10% x fc.

12. Vaporization device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said vaporization means (4) are removable.

13. Vaporization device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control logic unit (5) comprisesa microprocessor (51 ), configured to control said electromechanical vaporization means (41 ) and said thermal heating means (42), and a memory unit (56), in which treatment programs for the vaporized mixture are stored, wherein each program is associated with a set of driving parameters, wherein said set of driving parameters comprises the frequency of said electrical control signal, wherein each program is associated with a distinct tank (31 ) for said electromechanical vaporization means (41 ) based on the respective resonance frequency.

14. Vaporization device (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said control logic unit (5) comprises a temperature sensor (57) and a pressure sensor (58), each connected to said microprocessor (51 ) and arranged in correspondence with said tank (31 ), and a reader of the data coming from said temperature sensor (57) and from said pressure sensor (58).

15. Vaporizing device (1 ) kit, comprising a vaporization device (1 ), according to any one of the preceding claims, when dependent on claim 2, and a plurality of tanks (31 ), each having integrated said electromechanical vaporization means (41 ), wherein said electromechanical vaporization means (41 ) of each tank (31 ) has its own resonance frequency.

16. Method of operation (7) of a vaporization device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -14, comprising the steps of:- acquiring (71 ) a set of operating parameters of a treatment program;- operating (74) said electromechanical vaporization means (41 ), via said electrical control signal, allowing the output of the liquid mixture contained in said tank (31 ) vaporized through said delivery nozzle (32); and- detecting (76) the quantity of liquid mixture vaporized until the required dose is reached.

17. Method of operation (7) of a vaporization device (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said electromechanical vibration means comprise a vibrating plate (41 ), made of piezoelectric material, wherein said vibrating plate (41 ) has its own resonance frequency, in that said vibrating plate (41 ) has a central frequency fc, in that said electrical control signal is variable in a frequency range between a higher frequency f+and a lower frequencyin that said central frequency fcis equal to the resonance frequency of said vibrating plate (41 ), and in that said acquisition step (71 ) comprises the following sub-steps:- selecting (711 ) a tank (31 ) having integrated the vibrating plate (41 ) having the required resonance frequency; and- inserting the selected tank (31 ) into said seat (35).

18. Operating method (7) according to any one of claims 16 or 17, when depending on claims 16 or 17, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:- enabling a power supply (72) to said thermal heating means (42) in a heating time interval; and- comparing (73) the data detected by said temperature sensors (57) and said pressure sensors (58) with those of the selected treatment program.

19. Operating method (7) according to any one of claims 16-18, characterized in that in said detection step (76) the dose to be vaporized is detected by detecting a delivery time interval.

20. Operating method (7) according to any one of claims 16-19, characterized in that said set of parameters comprises at least one of the following;- a frequency of the electrical control signal for generating the central vibration frequency fcto be applied to the liquid mixture; and / or- a delivery temperature of the liquid mixture; and / or- a pressure and the speed at which the vaporized mixture is delivered; and / or- a dose of substance to be delivered; and / or- a exit direction of the vapor.

21. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the steps of the method according to any of claims 16-20.

22. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method steps according to any of claims 16-20.

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