Device and system for aspirating a vaporized substance at room temperature

Abstract

Device (1) for aspirating a vaporized substance at room temperature, wherein the device (1) comprises an inlet duct (3) for the inlet, by suction, of air outside the device (1), an outlet duct (4) opposite the inlet duct (3) for the outlet of a mixture consisting of air and vaporized substance, a vaporization chamber (5) positioned between the inlet duct (3) and the outlet duct (4) for receiving the external air and to generate the mixture consisting of air and vaporized substance, wherein the vaporization chamber (5) comprises a cavity (7) suitable for receiving a container (9) wherein the substance to be vaporized is inserted, the vaporization chamber (5) also comprising a vibrating surface (6) positioned at the bottom of said cavity (7), and an electronic control unit (11) comprising an electronic generator (8) coupled to the vibrating surface (6) to produce an ultrasonic signal which feeds the vibrating surface (6) and to create a vapor of nano-droplets of the substance.

Description

[0001] Device and system for aspirating a vaporized substance at room temperature

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention concerns a device for inhaling vaporized substance at room temperature and a container containing the substance and which can be inserted into a cavity of that device . In addition, the present invention relates to a portable system comprising such a device and container and a corresponding method for inhal ing a substance at room temperature .

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Electronic cigarettes have recently emerged as an alternative to traditional smoking . Thanks to their advanced technology, e-cigarettes are perfectly adapted to the personal needs and tastes of users . With a wide range of f lavors and nicotine levels , they promise a smooth transition for smokers who looking to ditch conventional cigarettes while offering a healthier and more customi zable choice .

[0006] The electronic cigarette is an electronic device designed to emulate smoking without the combustion process of tobacco . Among the various models , there is a device that vaporizes a l iquid containing nicotine or other ingredients , creating a vapor that is inhaling by the user . For this reason , the electronic cigarette is often also called a vapori zer, since the l iquid substance is vapori zed and not burned as happens in the combustion of tobacco in traditional cigarettes . An electronic cigarette that vaporizes works primarily through the use of a battery that supplies power to an atomizer. The atomizer heats a special liquid, consisting of nicotine, various flavorings and carrier substances such as vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol, converting it into a dense, flavored vapor that the user can inhaling. This mechanism makes it possible to replicate the act of smoking, satisfying nicotine cravings, without exposing the individual and the surrounding environment to the harmful substances typically produced by tobacco combustion.

[0007] The main components of the vaporizer devices currently in use defined as "electronic cigarettes" are:

[0008] - Battery: A fundamental component, usually rechargeable lithium-ion type, which powers the atomizer. Battery capacity is crucial for the device's durability and efficiency;

[0009] - Atomizer and coil: The atomizer contains a resistant (coil) , which heats up to vaporize the liquid. Coils can vary in materials (such as Kanthal, nickel, titanium) and resistance, affecting the temperature of the vapor and the intensity of the flavor;

[0010] - Tank / cartridge : Stores the liquid to be vaporized. The tanks can be replaceable or refillable, offering flexibility in the use of different flavors and nicotine concentrations; and

[0011] Control system: Many advanced devices include controls for temperature and power, allowing users to customize the vapor extraction experience.

[0012] The operation of this type of electronic cigarette is based on the vaporization of the liquid substance. By pressing a button (in manual models) or simply inhaling (in automatic models) , the battery is activated, powering the atomizer which heats the liquid to produces vapor.

[0013] The liquid substance to be vaporized is the key element that defines the user's experience. This is a carefully balanced blend of vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) , enriched with flavours to satisfy a wide range of tastes and, depending on preference, nicotine. The choice of VG / PG ratio is crucial : a high VG content produces a denser and smoother vapour, ideal for so-called "cloud chasers", while a high percentage of PG ensures a more pronounced "throat hit", similar to the sensation of smoking tobacco, preferred by those seeking for an experience more similar to traditional smoking. This customization allows users to find the perfect balance for their needs, oscillating between the search for an intense aroma and the production of large clouds of vapor.

[0014] Although vaporizing electronic cigarette offer many advantages over the traditional cigarettes, the risks for the user are not completely absent .

[0015] At the moment, there are some issues are reported on the electronic cigarette to be aware of in use. In term of the toxicity of the chemicals present is present, these include propylene glycol (which has replaced the more toxic diethylene glycol, which was also used as a food additive with the code E1520) , nitrosamines , and, of course, the dangerous nicotine (also contained in traditional cigarettes) . In February 2010, the Italian Ministry of Health, with registered note DGPREV 0006710-P-11 / 02 / 2010, relating to the labelling of preparations containing nicotine and dangerous substances ( listed in Directives 2001 / 95 / EC and 1999 / 45 / EC , adopted by Legislative Decree 52 / 97 ) based on the criteria required by the Ministerial Decree of 28 April 1997 and its updates , asked all electronic cigarette manufacturers to highlight the nicotine concentration on all products and, if present , to aff ix the necessary toxicity symbols . It also requested that the phrase " Keep out of reach of children" be highl ighted on all products offered for sale . The Ital ian National Institute of Health also stated that there is insuf f icient data to rule out harmful effects on health . The North American FDA, in an analysis carried out on leading brands , identif ied two groups of substances that it considered potentially harmful : diethylene glycol and nitrosamines . These studies have led several US states to ban the use of electronic cigarettes . The use of electronic cigarettes has been linked to the acute onset of lung parenchyma lesions , known as vaping-associated lung disease .

[0016] Therefore , it is the purpose of the this invention is to provide an effective and easy-to- apply solution to the above- mentioned problems relating to the vaporization of liquids to be inhaling at room temperature . In particular , the purpose of this invention is to provide a vaporizer and a corresponding vaporization method that allows the vaporization of a l iquid substance , in particular for recreational purposes , capable of eliminating or signif icantly reducing the health risks to the user .

[0017] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION These obj ectives are accompl ished by a device , container, system, and vaporization method as per the claims at the end of the present description .

[0018] In a f irst aspect of the invention , a portable system for aspirating a vaporized substance is provided, including a device for the inhaling of a substance vaporized at room temperature , and a container containing said substance to be vaporized, in which the device includes an inlet duct for the entry, by inhaled, of air outside the device , an outlet duct opposed to the inlet duct for the exit of a mixture consisting of air and vaporized substance , a vaporization chamber positioned between the inlet duct and the outlet duct to receive the external air and to generate the mixture consisting of air and vaporized substance , in which the vaporization chamber includes a cavity and a vibrating surface positioned at the bottom of said cavity, and an electronic control unit including an electronic generator coupled to the vibrating surface to produce an ultrasonic signal that feeds the vibrating surface and to create a vapour of nano-droplets of the substance , and in which the container includes a hollow main body suitable for containing said substance , in which the main body is provided with a f irst hole for the entry of air inhaled in from the outside and a second hole opposite the f irst hole for the exit of a mixture consisting of the vaporized substance and air, in which said container can be inserted inside the cavity of the vaporization chamber of the device in such a way that the f irst hole of the container is aligned with the inlet duct of the device and the second hole of the container is aligned with the outlet duct of the device . In a second aspect of the invention, a device is provided for the aspirating a vapori zed substance at room temperature , conf igured to be part of the portable system according to the f irst aspect , in which the device comprises : an inlet duct for the intake , by suction , of air from external the device , an outlet duct opposite to the inlet duct , for the outlet of a mixture consisting of air and vapori zed substance , a vaporization chamber arranged between the inlet duct and the outlet duct to receive the external air and to generate the mixture consisting of air and vapori zed substance , wherein the vaporization chamber includes a cavity suitable for receiving a container in which the substance to be vaporized is inserted, the vaporization chamber further comprising a vibrating surface positioned at the bottom of said cavity, and an electronic control unit comprising an electronic generator coupled to the vibrating surface to produce an ultrasonic signal that powers the vibrating surface and to create a vapor of nano-droplets of the substance .

[0019] In a third aspect of the invention , a container is provided for a substance to be vaporized conf igured to be part of the portable system according to the f irst aspect , said container being insertable inside a cavity of a device for vapori zing the substance at room temperature , wherein the container comprises : a hollow main body adapted to contain said substance , wherein the main body is provided with a f irst hole for the entry of air sucked in from the outside and a second hole opposite the f irst hole for the exit of a mixture consisting of the vaporized substance and air . In a fourth aspect , the invention provides a method for aspirating a vapori zed substance at room temperature using the system according to the f irst aspect , in which the method comprises : inserting the container into the cavity of the vaporization chamber of the device ; feeding the vibrating surface positioned in the cavity of the vaporization chamber of the device with an ultrasonic signal and causing a corresponding ultrasonic vibration of said vibrating surface , generating a vapor of nano-droplet of the substance inside the container, suck in correspondence with the outlet duct determining the introduction of air at the inlet duct and a passage of said air into the container and the generation of a mixture consisting of vapor of nano-droplets and air inside the container, and dispense said mixture outside the device at the outlet duct .

[0020] Thanks to this device , this container, this system and this method, it is possible to generate nano-droplets of the substance to be inhaled (or aspirated) at room temperature . In fact , thanks to ultrasonic vibration, it is possible to nebul ize the liquid substance without the need for a heating system . In other words , the device does not contain any heating element . Since the device is not heated, power consumption can be l imited, minimi zing the use of rechargeable batteries and thus allowing the device to be easily portable .

[0021] Furthermore , since vapori zation is not obtained by heat , for example by electrically heating a resistance ( in the technique known as an atomization system) , but rather by ultrasonic vibration, it is not necessary to add chemical compounds to the l iquid substance to be vapori zed to promote the creation of vapor through heating (e . g . diethylene glycol and nitrosamines ) , which are the basis of the toxicity of the devices described in the prior art .

[0022] The liquid substance to be vapori zed can therefore contain substances that are medically useful to the user for the intake of substances suitable for the prevention of respiratory diseases . More generally, the liquid substance to be vapori zed can advantageously contain vitamin substances and / or natural supplements , all of which are not dissociated from the pleasurable and relaxing aspect of inhal ing the air / vapor mixture .

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] These and other aspects of the present invention will become clearer in the l ight of the following description of some of the preferred embodiments described below .

[0025] Fig . 1A shows a schematic representation of a vaporizing device according to an example .

[0026] Fig . IB shows a schematic representation of a vaporization container according to an example .

[0027] Fig . 2A schematically shows the coupl ing between the device and the container in a decoupled phase .

[0028] Fig . 2B schematically shows the coupl ing between device and the container in a coupled phase . Fig . 3 shows the operation of a system consisting of the device and container according to an example .

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Figure 1A shows a schematic representation of the device (vaporizer) 1 used to vapori ze a substance at room temperature .

[0031] Device 1 comprises an input duct 3 and an outlet duct 4 opposed to input duct 3 . Between the two ducts 3 , 4 there is a vaporization chamber 5 . Vapori zation chamber 5 is in smooth communication with inlet duct 3 and outlet duct 4 so that a f luid entering inlet duct 3 can flow into vapori zation chamber 5 and exit through outlet duct 4 . In particular, both inlet duct 3 and outlet duct 4 have one end in contact with vaporization chamber 5 and the other free end in contact with the outside of device 1 . Therefore , a user inhaling near the free end of the outlet duct 4 can draw air outside the device that enters near the free end of the inlet duct 3 and passes through the vaporization chamber 5 .

[0032] The two ducts 3 , 4 and the vapori zation chamber 5 of device 1 can be made of plastic material ( e . g . dalrin or silicone) and / or metal ( aluminum)

[0033] The vaporization chamber 5 includes a cavity 7 which is conf igured to accommodate a container 9 containing the substance to be vapori zed . The vaporization chamber 5 is a sort of well with a cylindrical , ell iptical or polygonal crosssection . A vibrating surface 6 is located at the bottom of the vaporization chamber 5 . In one example , this vibrating surface 6 is made of double- layered piezoelectric ceramic material . The vibrating surface 6 is coupled to an electronic control unit 11 comprising an electronic generator 8 coupled to the vibrating surface 6 to produce an ultrasonic signal that powers the vibrating surface 6 . The ultrasonic vibration served to produce a vapor of nano-droplets of the substance present in container 9 , once it is inserted into cavity 7 .

[0034] The ultrasonic signal produced by the electronic generator 8 is not a sinusoidal signal but is an impulsive signal and causes a vibration of the vibrating surface 6 greater than l OOKHz . In particular , the vibration can be greater than 2 . 5 MHz . The corresponding energy density may be greater than 5 W / cm2, in particular greater than 12 . 5 W / cm2, more particularly greater than 20 W / cm2. To manage the control signals of device 1 , the electronic control unit 10 may include at least one microprocessor .

[0035] Ultrasonic vibration is used to produce droplets with a very small diameter . For example , nano-droplets can have a range of existence varying from 5pm to less than lpm . It can be seen that given the variation in diameter between values greater than and less than 1pm, the droplets of substance can be def ined indistinctly as "nano-droplets" or "micro-droplets" .

[0036] This diameter has been designed so that the mist (vapour) produced behaves similarly to a gas and does not tend to condense to form macro-droplets . The transformation of the l iquid into nano-droplets takes place through ultrasonic vibration which is caused by an electric current , preferably impulsive , which oscillates a piezoelectric ceramic that vibrates at the same frequency as the electric current that feeds the ceramic itself . The higher the frequency of repetition of the electrical impulses sent to the ceramic , the smaller the circumference of the turbulence , in a circular pattern , that will be produced in the l iquid . When the energy of the ultrasonic vibration is suff icient , the turbulence will detach from the liquid forming a spheroidal droplet with the maximum circumference equal to that of the turbulent that will have determined it . The circumference of the turbulence is equal to the space traveled by the ultrasound in the liquid, during the duration of the ultrasonic pulse . In this device 1 the repetition frequency is greater than 3 MHz but the pause / pulse ratio is not symmetrical ( i . e . the duration of the pulse is not equal to the pause time ) but the duration of this pulse will be determined on the basis of the desired circumference for the nano-droplets to be generated . Therefore , the duration of the pulse depends on the diameter of the nano-droplets to be generated . A flow of air produced or by suction, mixing with the nano-droplets , will give rise to an air / nano-droplet mixture that will have a behavior similar to that of a gas , i . e . , it will have very little tendency to condensation .

[0037] In order to power supply the device 1 , it includes at least one rechargeable battery 10 . Both the rechargeable battery 10 and the electronic control unit 11 can be inserted into a support structure that incorporates ( in whole or in part ) the inlet duct 3 , the outlet duct 4 and the vaporization chamber 5 . Device 1 may also be equipped with a connector connected to battery 10 that can be coupled to a battery charger . The battery charger may be external and removable . In particular, device 1 may be equipped with a protection circuit to prevent it from being activated during charging for safety reasons . The protection circuit may be contained in the electronic control unit 11 with microprocessor and equipped with appropriate software .

[0038] Figure IB shows a representation of the container 9 to be inserted into the cavity 7 of the device 1 . The container 9 represents a sort of capsule having a main body 2 and a cav e to contain the substance to be vapori zed . The container 9 can be made of non- toxic plastic resin and can have a shape that f its precisely into that of the cavity 7 so that it can be fully inserted into it . In particular , the dimensions and shape of container 9 are such that the outer side walls of the main body 2 of container 9 come into contact ( i . e . , are f lush) with the side walls of cavity 7 when container 9 is inserted into cavity 7 .

[0039] Container 9 is equipped with two holes , i . e . a f irst hole 12 for the entry of air sucked in from the outside and a second hole 13 opposite the f irst hole 12 for the outlet of a mixture composed of the vaporized substance and air . The two holes 12 , 13 can be positioned indiscriminately along the side walls of the main body 2 . Advantageously, the f irst hole 12 and the second hole 13 are positioned in correspondence with the upper portion of the main body 2 . In this way, the generation of the nano-droplets will take place in the lower area of container 9 and the mixing between nano-droplet vapor and air will take place in the upper area of container 9 , making the mixture more homogeneous .

[0040] In one example , container 9 comprises a f irst membrane 14 at the f irst hole 12 to close said f irst hole 12 and a second membrane 15 at the second hole 13 to close said second hole 13 , wherein the f irst and second membranes 14 , 15 are applied to an outer surface of the main body 2 . These membranes served to prevent the substance to be vapori zed from escaping when container 9 is not yet inserted into cavity 7 of device 1 .

[0041] This is clearly illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B . In the preinsertion condition , the f irst membrane 14 comprises the f irst hole 12 and the second membrane covers the second hole 13 . When container 9 is inserted inside cavity 7 following the vertical arrow in f igure 2A, the two membranes 14 , 15 will be removed by friction of the side walls of the main body 2 of container 9 with the internal walls of cavity 7 . In this way, holes 12 , 13 will be opened and a fluid will be able to circulate from the inlet duct 3 to the outlet duct 4 passing inside the container 9 through the f irst hole 12 and the second hole 13 .

[0042] By way of example only, the container shown in the f igures has a truncated cone or truncated pyramid shape that f its precisely with the truncated cone or truncated pyramid shape of the cavity . In order to free holes 12 , 13 from membranes 14 , 15 , it will be necessary to exert some pressure on container 9 at the time of insertion in order to obtain an abrasion / removal of membranes 14 , 15 .

[0043] In one example , the substance to be vapori zed is a l iquid substance or a gel substance .

[0044] It should be noted that in order to allow the passage of the ultrasonic vibration with the minimum possible attenuation and in any case with suf f icient power density to cause the vaporization of the l iquid or gel to be vapori zed, the container 9 comprises a base surface 17 with a thickness not exceeding 0 . 1 mm .

[0045] Figure 3 shows system 16 consisting of device 1 and container 9 inserted inside cavity 7 of vapori zation chamber 5 . It can be seen that once container 9 is inserted, the f irst hole 12 of container 9 is aligned with the inlet duct 3 while the second hole 13 of the container 9 is al igned with the outlet duct 4 .

[0046] In particular, the insertion of container 9 inside cavity 7 determines contact between the bottom of container 9 and the vibrating surface 6 . In this way, a vapor of nano-droplets can be generated by feeding the vibrating surface 6 with an ultrasonic signal . In fact , the vibration propagates from the vibrating surface 6 to the substance or mixture of liquid substances to be vapori zed contained in the container 9 which is inserted into the cavity 7 of the vaporization chamber 5 .

[0047] Specif ically, once container 9 has been inserted into cavity 7 and the vibrating surface 6 has been powered, a vapor of nano-droplets of the substance inside container 9 is generated . By inhaling at the outlet duct 4 , air is introduced at the inlet duct 3 . The air introduced enters container 9 through the f irst hole 12 (released from the f irst membrane 14 ) and mixes with the vapor of nano-droplets inside container 9 . Again due to the inhaling at the outlet duct 4 , the mixture consisting of air and vapori zed substance will be del ivered at the outlet duct 4 by f irst passing through the second hole 13 ( released from the second membrane 15 ) . The aspiration process is similar to the process of aspirating a pipe in which the cavity in which the tobacco to be inhaled is lit would correspond to the vaporization chamber 5 of this device 1 .

[0048] Ultimately, system 16 described here can be used as an electronic cigarette in which device 1 represents the main structure that is brought to the mouth to draw a vaporized substance through the outlet duct 4 . Container 9 , on the other hand, represents a disposable capsule containing the substance to be vapori zed . Container 9 is interchangeable with a container 9 of the same shape and si ze that adapts to the shape and size of the cavity of device 1 and contains the same or a dif ferent substance .

[0049] The vaporization obtained by mean this device 1 by placing the container 9 on the vibrating surface 6 with high energy density allows vapori zation to be carried out at room temperature . This therefore prevents the heating of the substance to be vaporized and / or the use of toxic substances that are harmful to the user . The vapori zed substance consists of nano or microdroplets that are inhaled in by the user and that contain an aromatic or other principle that is desired to be inhaled . The vaporized substance may also contain synthetic pharmacological products (e . g . antihistamines or bronchodilators ) which will be of the type permitted for over- the-counter products for free sale .

[0050] To device 1 , container 9 , system 16 and the method described above , a technician of the branch may, in order to meet further and contingent needs , make numerous further modif ications and variations , all of which are also included in the scope of protection of this invention as def ined by the attached claims .

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 04 December 2025 (04.12.2025)

1. Portable system (16) for aspirating a vaporized substance comprising a device (1) for aspirating a vaporized substance at room temperature and a container (9) containing the substance to be vaporized, wherein the device (1) comprises an inlet duct (3) for the entry, through suction, of air external to the device (1), an outlet duct (4) opposite the inlet duct (3) for the outlet of a mixture consisting of air and vaporized substance, a vaporization chamber (5) positioned between the inlet duct (3) and the outlet duct (4) to receive the external air and to generate the mixture consisting of air and vaporized substance, wherein the vaporization chamber (5) comprises a cavity (7) and a vibrating surface (6) positioned on the bottom of said cavity (7), and an electronic control unit (11) comprising an electronic generator (8) coupled to the vibrating surface (6) to produce an ultrasonic signal that powers the vibrating surface (6) and to create a vapor of nanodrops of the substance, and wherein the container (9) comprises a hollow main body (2) configured for containing said substance, wherein the main body (2) is provided with a first hole (12) for the entry of air sucked in from the outside and a second hole (13) opposite the first hole (12) for the outlet of a mixture consisting of the vaporized substance and air, characterized in that said container (9) is insertable inside the cavity (7) of the vaporization chamber (5) of the device (1) in such a way that the first hole (12) of the container (9) is aligned with the inlet duct (3) of the device (1) and the second hole (13) of the container (9) is aligned with the outlet duct (4) of the device (1).

2. Portable system (16) according to claim 1 , wherein the insertion of the container (9) inside the cavity (7) causes a contact between the bottom of the container (9) and the vibrating surface (6).

3. Portable system (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibrating surface (6) is made of doublelayer piezoelectric ceramic material.

4. Portable system (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ultrasonic signal produced by the electronic generator (8) is impulsive and causes a vibration of the vibrating surface (6) greater than 100KHz, in particular greater than 2.5 MHz with an energy density greater than 5W / cm2, in particular greater than 12.5 W / cm2, more particularly greater than 20 W / cm2.

5. Portable system (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one rechargeable battery (10) for powering the device (1).

6. Portable system (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (10) comprises at least one microprocessor.

7. Portable system (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first hole (12) and the second hole (13) are positioned at the upper portion of the main body (2).

8. Portable system (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first membrane (14) at the first hole (12) to close said first hole (12) and a second membrane (15) at the second hole (13) to close said second hole (13), wherein the first and second membranes (14, 15) are applied on an external surface of the main body (2).

9. Portable system (16) according to claim 8, wherein the insertion of the container (9) inside the cavity (7) causes the removal of the first membrane (14) positioned at the first hole (12) and the second membrane (15) positioned at the second hole (13).

10. Portable system (16)according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substance to be vaporized is a liquid substance or a gel substance.

11. Method for aspirating a vaporized substance at room temperature using the system (16) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the method comprises:inserting the container (9) inside the cavity (7) of the vaporization chamber (5) of the device (1); charging the vibrating surface (6) positioned in the cavity(7) of the vaporization chamber (5) of the device (1) with an ultrasonic signal and causing a corresponding ultrasonic vibration of said vibrating surface (6), generating a vapor of nanodrops of the substance inside the container (9), aspirating at the outlet duct (4) causing the introduction of air at the inlet duct (3) and a passage of said air into the container (9) and the generation of a mixture consisting of vapor of nanodrops and air inside the container (9), and dispensing said mixture outside the device (1) at the outlet duct (4).[0001][0002]STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 (1 )[0003]The following statements are presented in support of the claims of international application PCT / IB2025 / 058051 as amended under Art. 19(1) PCT. The statements addresses the objections raised in the written opinion of ISA, and indicate how the amendments render void the objections.[0004]The Examiner acknowledges that independent claim 1 is novel and involves an inventive step. Corresponding method claim 13 is novel and inventive for the same reasons.[0005]Furthermore, the Examiner states that claims 2-10 are dependent on claim 1 and as such also meet the requirements of the PCT with respect to novelty and inventive step.[0006]Nevertheless, the Examiner thinks that the originally filed application does not meet the criteria of Article 33(2) PCT, because the subject-matter of claims 11 and 12 is not new.[0007]The above objection has been rendered void by deleting claims 11 and 12 from the set of claims. Since no other objections have been raised, it is understood that the international Application meets the criteria of Art. 33(2) PCT.

Images