HK1198521B - Fluid cartridge and dispension device - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid cartridge (100) for dispensing a fluid, the fluid cartridge (100) comprising a casing (102) for accommodating the fluid, a pressure feed interface (104) configured for being coupled to a pressure feed unit (106) for feeding the fluid in the casing (102) with pressurized medium, a fluid dispensing unit (108) configured for generating particles, particularly fluid particles, upon feeding the fluid in the casing (102) with pressurized medium, and a fluidic path (110) in the casing (102) being opened or openable for enabling the particles, particularly fluid particles, to leave the casing (102) through the fluidic path (110).

Description

Fluid cartridge and dispenser device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims benefit of the filing date of european patent application No.11179621.5, filed on 31/8/2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fluid cartridge.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of operating a fluid cartridge.

Further, the present invention relates to a dispenser device.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of operating a dispenser device.

Beyond this, the invention relates to an arrangement.

Further, the present invention relates to a method of use.

Background

For health care, human medicine and veterinary applications, materials such as physiologically active fluids must be dispensed.

WO2009/087053 discloses a method and a device for atomizing at least one fluid, in particular for producing a therapeutically effective aerosol in a treatment chamber, wherein a pressurized medium is supplied to the fluid to be atomized and discharged through a nozzle in the form of small particles at a flow rate in the range of 50 to 300m/s into the treatment chamber. The device comprises at least one aerosol generator for discharging an aerosol, wherein the aerosol generator supplies a pressurized medium to the fluid to be atomized and discharges into the treatment chamber in the form of small particles through at least one outlet opening at a flow rate in the range of 50-300 m/s.

WO2011/082838 discloses a method and a device for generating a nano aerosol, wherein at least one fluid to be atomized is atomized in a nozzle in the form of fluid particles in an outlet direction through a nozzle opening of the nozzle, the atomized fluid particles are diverted from the outlet direction, and larger fluid particles are at least partially separated from smaller fluid particles, the separated larger fluid particles are returned to the fluid to be atomized, and the smaller fluid particles are discharged into the environment. A cartridge is used in which a nozzle and a fluid to be atomized are arranged. A carrier gas flow is generated in the nozzle and at least one fluid to be atomized is brought into contact with the carrier gas.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient method of dispensing a fluid.

In order to achieve the object defined above, a fluid cartridge, a method of operating a fluid cartridge, a dispenser device, a method of operating a dispenser device, an arrangement, and a method of use according to the independent claims are provided.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fluid cartridge for dispensing (in particular spraying or atomizing) a fluid (in particular a gas and/or a liquid, optionally comprising a solid additive) is provided, wherein the fluid cartridge comprises: a housing containing a fluid (e.g., in a fluid-tight manner); a pressure supply interface configured to be connected to at least one (i.e. a pressure supply unit or units) pressure supply unit (in particular a distributor device) for supplying a pressurized medium (in particular a gas and/or a liquid under overpressure, in particular pressurized air or oxygen) to the fluid inside the housing; a fluid dispensing unit configured to generate particles (in particular fluid particles, however pure solid particles are also possible) upon supplying a fluid in a housing with a pressurized medium; and a fluid path within the housing openable or operable to enable particles (particularly fluid particles, more particularly in the form of an aerosol, even more particularly in the form of a nano aerosol) to exit the housing (or to diffuse out of the housing, i.e. the particles are discharged into the environment) through the fluid path.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of dispensing a fluid is provided, wherein the method comprises: the method comprises the steps of containing a fluid within a housing, connecting a pressure supply interface of the housing to a pressure supply unit, thereby supplying a pressurized medium to the fluid within the housing, supplying the pressurized medium to the fluid within the housing, and providing a fluid path within the housing (which may be opened to enable particles to exit the housing through the fluid path), while generating particles (in particular fluid particles) within the housing.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a dispenser device for dispensing a fluid from a fluid cartridge (which may be a fluid cartridge having the above features), the dispenser device comprising: a cartridge receiving unit configured to receive the fluid cartridge; a pressure supply unit configured to supply a pressure medium to the fluid within the cylinder of the fluid cylinder after the fluid cylinder is accommodated in the cylinder accommodation unit, thereby generating particles (in particular fluid particles) after the pressure medium is supplied to the fluid in the housing, which particles exit the cylinder through the fluid path in the housing.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of dispensing a fluid from a fluid cartridge is provided, wherein the method comprises: the fluid cartridge is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating unit, and the fluid in the cartridge body is supplied with a pressure medium after the fluid cartridge is accommodated in the accommodating unit, whereby particles (particularly fluid particles) exiting the housing are generated after the pressure medium is supplied to the fluid in the housing.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a device for dispensing a fluid is provided, wherein the device comprises: a fluid cartridge having the above features and containing a fluid, and a cooperative dispenser device having the above features and configured to dispense the fluid from the fluid cartridge.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a device with the above-mentioned features is used for treating a physiological subject (e.g. a human or animal, in particular a horse or a falcon) by means of a dispensed fluid (or by means of generated particles, in particular fluid particles). The fluid dispensed may in particular be a non-medical preparation (i.e. may be any drug free, for example, may be a fluid for healthcare or cosmetic applications). Alternatively, the dispensed fluid may be a pharmaceutical formulation (i.e. may contain a pharmaceutically active agent).

According to an exemplary embodiment, a pressurized carrier fluid is supplied to a fluid, in particular a liquid, contained in a housing, thereby initiating a movement of the fluid. Particles, in particular fluid particles, may break up from the surface of the liquid and may press against the abutment surface of the fluid cartridge, thereby atomizing or vaporizing. The relatively large particles will be redistributed onto the liquid surface under the influence of gravity, while the smaller particles, such as nanoparticles, will be able to move through one or more openings in the housing towards the external environment. Thus, the liquid (which may be a healthy formulation or a physiologically active substance) will be dispensed as nanoparticles towards the environment.

In the following, further exemplary embodiments of the fluid cartridge will be explained. However, these embodiments also apply to the method of operating a fluid cartridge, to the dispenser device, to the method of operating a dispenser device, to the device and to the method of use.

In one embodiment, the housing, in particular the venturi nozzle comprising the housing described above, is made by injection molding, in particular may be made of four injection molded parts. Thus, the venturi principle of entering the finest particles atomizes the liquid and is already adapted to housings made purely by injection moulding, i.e. at very low cost. Thus, embodiments of the present invention relate to a housing that is constructed of four cooperating parts or elements, each of which is manufactured by economical injection molding. However, a powerful vaporization of the liquid can be achieved by such a housing even under the harsh conditions required by the high pressure of the pressurized medium (e.g. 2 bar) in combination with the sterile conditions of the fluid to be dispensed or dispersed.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises a bottom part and a top part, which are integrally connected to each other, in particular in a sealed, fluid-tight manner and/or in a sterile manner. Both the bottom part and the top part can be manufactured by injection moulding, can be assembled (in particular together with two further injection moulded parts), and can be sealed so that no fluid, in particular liquid, can pass through the connected top part and bottom part. Thus, the liquid may be maintained within the housing in a sterile manner, wherein sterility may be maintained throughout the life cycle of the housing.

In particular, the fluid cartridge may be configured as a single use device or a disposable device for disposal until the liquid contained therein is empty. Thus, sterility can be guaranteed, which cannot be guaranteed by the user after refilling of the used housing. After aseptic filling of the fluid cartridge, the interior of the fluid cartridge remains sterile during all process steps. Alternatively, the fluid cartridge and its housing may be reused. In this case, it is advantageous to sterilize or autoclave the used housing before refilling it again with new fluid to be dispensed.

In one embodiment, the bottom part and the top part are integrally connected to each other by welding, in particular by ultrasonic welding. Certain polymer or plastic materials have proven to be particularly suitable for the bottom and top as they allow for a fluid tight weld that is robust to temperatures that are typically autoclaved. The bottom and top portions of the housing may also be connected to each other by other fastening techniques, such as a threaded connection or the like.

In one embodiment, the bottom portion has a hollow post (e.g., an integral part of the bottom) with a nozzle orifice at its top end. The inner volume of the column may be connected to said pressure supply unit. The outer volume of the column may be in fluid communication with a fluid contained in the housing. Thus, a pressure supply unit capable of supplying a gas, such as air, at a high pressure of a few bar or more may be implemented through an internal opening in the column of the bottom in order to interact with the fluid.

In one embodiment, the housing has a hollow cylindrical member (which may be a separate component to assemble with the base) with another nozzle orifice at its top end, wherein the hollow cylindrical member is mounted over the hollow cylindrical member to enclose a (gap-like or tubular) fluid volume between them. The arrangement is such that after the inner volume of the column at the bottom is supplied with pressurized medium through its nozzle hole, fluid is ejected through the other nozzle hole. The hollow columnar member may be an injection molded article. It may be configured in substantially the same geometry but slightly larger than the size of the bottom column. Thus, a small hollow cylindrical void may be formed between the hollow post and the hollow cylindrical member, wherein fluid may enter this small gap, for example due to capillary action and other hydrostatic or hydrodynamic effects. Thus, a suitable interaction between the pressurized gas dispersed through the interior of the hollow column and the fluid surrounding the hollow column can be achieved.

In one embodiment, the top member has a deflection element, in particular a deflection pin, configured such that after ejection of the fluid through the further nozzle orifice, the fluid is dispersed into particles (in particular fluid particles) by interaction with the deflection element. The deflecting element may face the fluid ejection region of the nozzle hole of the hollow cylindrical member, creating a strong impact on the fluid particle morphology. Such a deflecting element may be arranged with its fluid abutment surface facing the nozzle bore, thereby defining a collision condition between the broken particles, in particular fluid particles, and the end face of the deflecting element. The accelerated particles are suddenly decelerated by the deflecting element, so that the smallest particles can be generated.

In one embodiment, the top portion has at least one predetermined breaking feature for being damaged (i.e., irreversibly broken) by application of a breaking force to open (or form) a fluid path within the housing after the breaking. Such a predetermined breaking structure ("solbruchstele") may be configured as a mechanically frangible portion of the top that can be selectively broken, for example, by a user using her or his muscle force, in order to open a fluid path (which may be formed by one or more fluid channels) in the top of the housing.

In particular, the breaking structure is configured to irreversibly break in order to preclude a subsequent reclosing of the fluid path. The situation in which the fluid cartridge reseals or closes after the housing is first opened can thus be mechanically ruled out.

In one embodiment, the at least one predetermined breaking structure comprises at least one inclined plate located within an upper surface of the top portion (preferably projecting from the upper surface towards the exterior of the housing to facilitate breaking by an externally applied breaking force), such that breaking is performed by bending or twisting the inclined plate after application of the breaking force. Inclined plates, i.e. at an angle different from 90 deg. (e.g. an angle in the range between 60 deg. and 85 deg.) from the flat upper surface of the top part, are particularly suitable for breaking with less force in view of the relatively large lever arm formed by the inclined plates themselves. This allows for an efficient transfer of the breaking force, thus simplifying the opening of the fluid path by the user or the dispenser device.

In one embodiment, the anchoring of the at least one predetermined breaking structure in the upper surface of the top part relative to the environment of the upper surface is selectively mechanically weakened, in particular thinned. When the support of the burst structure on the surface plate of the housing is locally weakened selectively by forming a local thinning of the material, by using a less strong material at the anchoring and/or by perforating the anchoring, even a small breaking force may be sufficient to open the fluid cartridge for the first use.

In one embodiment, the top portion has at least one groove (in particular a plurality of circumferential grooves) as the fluid path, wherein the fluid cartridge further comprises a peelable layer which is removable from the top portion so as to expose the fluid path. As an alternative breaking configuration, it is therefore possible to provide a peelable layer (which may have a handle or grip or flap) allowing the user or dispenser device to remove the peelable layer covering the recess, thereby exposing the recess for providing fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the cartridge. Thus, the sterile configuration inside the housing is maintained before the peelable layer is removed. The peelable layer may be sealingly attached to the housing by an adhesive material, welding, heat sealing, or the like.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises a sealing member (e.g. a plug) forming at least part of the pressure supply interface and penetrated by a pressure supply pin connected to a pressure medium container as the pressure supply unit. The seal can be inserted in particular into a through-hole on the bottom surface of the bottom element. Thus, the back of the housing may have a sealing member that may be less stable or stronger than the top and bottom components of the housing (e.g., may be made of another polymeric material and/or may be made of a thinner material). The pressure feed pin may have a sharp end, and after pressing the pressure feed pin through the sealing member, a pressurized medium, such as pressurized gas, may be supplied into the interior of the housing.

Typically, the housing may comprise or be made of a thermoplastic and/or elastomeric material. Such thermoplastics and/or elastomers should be inert or substantially inert in interaction with the fluids, especially their active substances (e.g. pharmaceutically active substances). To further reduce this interaction, it may be appropriate to coat at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing (which contacts the fluid) to reliably remove the fluid from the housing. In addition, such materials may reduce or eliminate undesirable migration of materials from the fluid into the housing. An example of a suitable coating is a coating with a fluoropolymer, in particular Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Such a coating may also inhibit or eliminate leaching of substances (e.g., silicones, oil components, etc.) from the housing into the fluid, thereby keeping the fluid free of impurities. In addition to or instead of the coating, the surface roughness of the inner surface of the housing may also be corrected. Generally, the housing may be made of one material or may be coated with a material that does not or substantially does not interact with the fluid therein. The material should be selected so as not to have a negative impact on the active agent in the fluid.

In one embodiment, the shell comprises or consists of methylene Polyoxide (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal, and polyoxymethylene. Extensive experiments by the inventors have shown that POM is a particularly suitable shell material for the desired use. POM is, on the one hand, a very advantageous connection technique suitable to be used for ultrasonic welding, for connecting the top and bottom parts of the housing to each other. On the other hand, such materials may also be autoclaved, i.e. capable of withstanding high temperatures in the range of, for example, 90 ℃ to 140 ℃ during autoclaving. This is important for the fluid to flow aseptically into the housing and then be sealed. For example, autoclaving may include heating the shell to 120 ℃ for 30 minutes.

In another embodiment, the housing comprises or consists of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, in particular Polylac ABS. The chemical formula of such a material is (C)₃H₃N,C₄H₆,C₈H₈）_X. Extensive experiments by the present inventors have shown that Polylac ABSAnd is a highly suitable material for the housing. This material has the particular advantage of being useful for ultrasonic welding. The autoclaving properties are adapted to the specific requirements. However, this material has the particular advantage that it is sufficiently robust for the formation process of the fluid particles, while the robustness is not too high, so that the predetermined breaking structure can still be broken with moderate forces. It is therefore particularly suitable for forming an inclined sheet or similar predetermined breaking structure for a user to open the device in a fluid-flowing manner to access the liquid or liquids therein.

In one embodiment, the fluid cartridge itself includes a pressure supply unit as a portion thereof. In other words, a defined fluid containing assembly comprising a venturi nozzle may be combined with said pressure supply unit (i.e. source of pressurized medium) for providing pressurized gas or the like in one single device. In particular, the fluid cartridge and the pressure supply unit may together be configured as a portable device that may be manually operated by a user.

In one embodiment, the pressure feed unit comprises or consists of a pressurized medium containment vessel containing a pressurized medium, such as a spray can or a gas bottle (particularly a nitrogen gas bottle, since nitrogen is a biocompatible, inexpensive and suitable carrier gas for many therapeutic fluids such as hyaluronic acid). The housing and/or the pressure feed unit have provisions such that the housing can be mounted on a pressurized medium container, such as a spray can or a gas bottle, so that the pressure feed connection can supply pressurized medium from the pressurized medium container, such as a spray can or a gas bottle. In one embodiment, where the pressurized medium contained is of sufficient volume or mass, it is possible that the pressurized medium containment vessel (e.g., spray can or gas bottle) may be used for multiple fluid cartridges of fluid, while the housing in which the fluid is contained may be a disposable or single-use component.

In one embodiment, the housing is removably mounted on the pressure supply unit. In this embodiment, the housing and the pressure supply unit have two separable components, so that the housing can be replaced by another housing, for example when the fluid is empty but the pressure medium remains in the pressure supply unit.

In an alternative embodiment, the housing is integrally formed by the pressure supply unit. The two components may be formed as a single piece to allow for a compact arrangement. In this embodiment, the entire fluid cartridge may be formed from injection molded parts.

In one embodiment, the fluid cartridge or the device comprises a respiratory mask connected to the fluid path so as to direct the dispensed fluid towards the mouth and/or nose of the user or animal. In such an embodiment, one tube or another fluid particle delivery conduit may direct the generated fluid particles (e.g., nano-fluid particles) toward a respiratory mask worn by the user on her or his face. Thus, a supply of the particles, in particular fluid particles, towards the nose or mouth of the user and inside her or his body is possible.

In one embodiment, the fluid cartridge comprises a cartridge data carrier (e.g. a label attached to a surface of the fluid cartridge), in particular provided on the housing, wherein the cartridge data carrier carries (e.g. electronically stored in a memory, such as a semiconductor memory) information assigned to the fluid cartridge. This information or data may be readable by a reading unit, in particular a reading unit of the dispenser device. With such a cartridge data carrier it is possible to store data about the fluid cartridge, for example a unique identification indicating a certain fluid cartridge. A cartridge data carrier containing or storing such an identification may be integrally connected with the fluid cartridge. Thus, it is possible for the dispenser device to unambiguously identify the fluid cartridge based on this information, thereby ensuring that the entire dispensing process is repeatable and in-line with the use of this particular fluid cartridge. By taking this measure it is also ensured that the respective fluid cartridge is used only once and is for example not refilled for misuse (e.g. with an uncontrolled substance, without aseptic conditions, hazardous administration, etc.). Thus, safety is improved in use of the fluid dispenser system. Such an identifier of the fluid cartridge may be read by the dispenser device after the fluid cartridge is received in the fluid cartridge receiving unit. In the event that the identification reading process fails or results in the identified fluid cartridge not being used for the first time, the number of uses exceeding a predetermined threshold, or not belonging to the original manufacturer, the fluid may be rendered undispensable.

In one embodiment, the cartridge data carrier may be a transceiver (in particular a radio frequency identification tag, RFID), a barcode (for example a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode, wherein such a barcode may be read out optically), and a holographic foil (wherein the information stored in the corresponding hologram may be read out optically). Suitable cartridge data carriers may be adhered to, for example, the outer or inner surface of the housing, all of which may carry or store the desired information.

In one embodiment, the cartridge data carrier carries cartridge identification information uniquely representing an identification of the fluid cartridge and/or indicating an expiration date (i.e., a "best before" date) on which the fluid cartridge may be used, and/or may include operational data representing a mode of operation (or may include a link to the operational data) on which the fluid cartridge may be used by the dispenser device. For example, when reading of cartridge identification information indicates that the same fluid cartridge has been used in the past, reuse may be inhibited by the dispenser device. Such data may also be received by the dispenser device via a communications network, such as the public internet. Use of the fluid cartridge may be prohibited if the date of use is later than the expiration date. Additionally, the method of operating the fluid cartridge for a particular dispensing process may be determined based on certain data. The dispenser device may then read a set of operating parameters for fluid particle formation from the cartridge data carrier (e.g., may determine which pressure, which metering, etc. is appropriate for the particular fluid of the fluid cartridge).

In one embodiment, the cartridge data carrier is configured such that the data writing unit, in particular the writing unit of the dispenser device, is capable of writing data on the cartridge data carrier (e.g. writing electronic data to the cartridge data memory). In such embodiments, it may be possible for the fluid dispensing history to be recorded directly in the cartridge data carrier of the fluid cartridge (e.g., the identifier may be set to indicate that this particular fluid cartridge has been used once).

Such cartridge data carriers may be physical data carriers (encoding stored information via a physical structure, such as an alternating sequence of light and dark stripes) or electronic data carriers (storing information in volatile or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM). It may be exchanged or accessed in a wired or wireless manner. For wireless communication, the cartridge data carrier may have a transmitting and/or a receiver coil.

In one embodiment, the fluid cartridge is configured such that at least about 50%, particularly at least about 80%, more particularly at least about 95% of the dispensed particles (e.g., dispensed fluid particles) have a diameter in a range between about 10nm and about 1000nm, particularly in a range between about 60nm and about 200 nm. The smaller the particle, the deeper the particle penetrates into the body of a human or animal. Penetration too deeply into the body may involve medical risks (e.g. pulmonary embolism). However, if the particles become too large, the effect on their physiological host (e.g. human or animal) becomes too small. The given range is a reasonable balance between these two boundary conditions.

The dispensed particles may lose at least a portion of their liquid components (and/or their gaseous components) by evaporation or the like after they are produced. In case they lose a part of the liquid and/or gaseous components, they retain the fluid particles. In extreme cases, the dispensed particles lose substantially all of their liquid and/or gaseous content. The dispensed particles may be the dispensed fluid particles directly after they are generated. During propagation along their propagation path, they may be converted from dispensed fluid particles to dispensed particles that are free of liquid and gas, i.e., to solid particles.

In one embodiment, the housing contains the fluid. For example, the amount of the contained fluid may be in the range of 1 ml and 50 ml, and particularly may be in the range of 3 ml and 10 ml. Such dimensions are suitable for medical and healthcare applications. However, for performing sterilization operations and the like, the amount of the contained fluid may be in the range between 50 ml and 10 liters, and particularly may be in the range of 1 liter and 5 liters.

The fluid may comprise, for example, hyaluronic acid-also known as hyaluronic acid or uronic acid- (preferably a mixture of hyaluronic acid and sodium chloride solution), olive oil, essential oils, dead sea salt with L-ascorbate, evening primrose oil, black fennel oil, aloe vera, seaweed extract, cucumber, avocado oil, D-panthenol, oil coated actives, human pharmaceuticals, veterinary pharmaceuticals, health care formulations, citric acid, and/or ozone. However, these fluids or liquids are only examples and any other type of physiologically active fluid may be used for health or medical treatment purposes or other purposes such as human or animal treatment of disinfection processes. Oil-coated active agents have the advantage that the oil coating is removed with a certain delay in the physiological body (e.g. human or animal) resulting in a delayed release of the active agent (e.g. pharmaceutical agent). Aloe has anti-inflammatory and antiaging effects. The seaweed extract is antibacterial and has anti-aging effect on lung and skin, and tenses/lifts skin. Cucumber has anti-ageing effect and stretches/lifts the skin. D-panthenol promotes the formation of new cells. Panthenol is an alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and thus is a previtamin of B5. All of these materials are eye compatible cartridges that are not harmful to ocular tissue. Particularly preferred is a mixture of hyaluronic acid and sodium chloride solution with a concentration of hyaluronic acid in the range between 0.1 and 2 wt.%, in particular between 0.5 and 1 wt.%. The effect may become too weak the lower the concentration. The higher the concentration, the solution may become too viscous to properly form the nanofluidic particles.

In one embodiment, the housing contains a solid precursor of a fluid, in particular a powder or granules, wherein the solid precursor is mixed with a liquid, in particular water, thereby forming the fluid within the housing. Thus, the container may be filled with powder or granules or any other type of suitable solid material. Only a short time before use, a liquid, such as water, may be added to the solid to form a fluid (which may be a liquid and/or a suspension). The life of the fluid cartridge can be extended because the material to be dispensed is dry and flow is ensured only immediately before use.

The liquid mixed with the solid precursor may be disposed in the housing under sterile conditions, with the compartment being separated from another compartment within the housing in which the solid precursor is located. Before use, the compartments may be brought into fluid communication with each other, for example by removing a separating wall between the compartments. Alternatively, it is also possible to contain only the solid precursor within the housing and supply liquid to the fluid cartridge through its sealed and sterile liquid interface (i.e., in a manner similar to supplying pressurized medium to the interior of the housing) prior to use of the fluid cartridge for dispensing fluid.

In the following, further exemplary embodiments of the dispenser device will be set forth. However, these embodiments also apply to the fluid cartridge, the method of operating the dispenser device, the device, and the method of use.

In one embodiment, the dispenser device comprises a fluid cartridge opening mechanism configured to open a fluid path through which particles (in particular fluid particles) exit the housing after the fluid cartridge is loaded into the containment unit. For example, the opening mechanism may be operated by applying a breaking force to break at least one predetermined breaking feature in the fluid cartridge. Thus, the dispenser device itself may have a mechanism for opening the fluid cartridge so that the user does not have to manually accomplish this task. For example, when inserting the fluid cartridge in the dispenser device, the mechanism may be activated (e.g., when a user presses a certain key or pivots a certain lever) to break a portion of the housing to enable access to the opening.

In an embodiment, the dispenser device, in particular the cartridge receiving unit, comprises a read and/or write unit (e.g. an RFID read/write device or an optical barcode scanner) configured to read and/or write data from/to a cartridge data carrier of the fluid cartridge after the fluid cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving unit. Thus, data may be exchanged between the dispenser device and the fluid cartridge in a unidirectional or bidirectional manner.

In one embodiment, the dispenser apparatus further comprises: another cartridge accommodating unit configured to accommodate another fluid cartridge having another fluid in the housing; a further pressure feed mechanism configured to supply a further fluid at a further pressure in a further housing after receiving a further fluid cartridge in a further receiving unit, thereby generating further particles (in particular fluid particles) to leave the further housing after supplying the pressure to the further fluid in the housing. Thus, it may be possible to use two or more different fluid cartridges at the same time. With such provisions, co-administration may be performed while administering a mixture of multiple active agents. In the case of a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder is supplied with a separate pressurized medium by a pressure supply mechanism assigned only to the respective fluid cylinder. Alternatively, different fluid cartridges may be served by one and the same pressure feed mechanism. In other words, the pressure feed mechanism and the other pressure feed mechanism may be combined into a single pressure feed mechanism.

However, in another embodiment, exactly one fluid cartridge may be inserted into the dispenser device at a time.

In one embodiment, a dispenser device comprises: a control unit configured for controlling the operation of the pressure feed mechanism and the further pressure feed mechanism, thereby adjusting the dispensed composition between the particles (in particular fluid particles) and the other particles (in particular fluid particles). Such a control unit may be a processor, such as a microprocessor or Central Processing Unit (CPU), and may define the manner in which two or more different fluids are supplied simultaneously to accurately determine the relative amounts, timing, etc. of the fluids dispensed.

In one embodiment, the cartridge receiving unit comprises a fluid cartridge receiver, in particular provided as a separate mechanism, for receiving a portion of the fluid cartridge (e.g. the upper section) and having an engagement element (e.g. a groove to be engaged or a protrusion for engagement). The mounting bracket may have complementary engagement elements (e.g., protrusions for engagement or slots to be engaged) for engagement by the engagement elements to retain a fluid cartridge receiver that receives a fluid cartridge. For example, an upper portion of the fluid cartridge may be inserted into the cartridge receiving unit, while a lower portion thereof may remain exposed to the environment and thus may protrude above the fluid cartridge receiver. The engagement elements of the cartridge receiving unit may then be secured to the engagement elements of the mounting support, such as the mounting plate. The fluid cartridge and the fluid cartridge receiver (which may be made of metal, such as stainless steel) are together fixed in position on the mounting support.

In one embodiment, the fluid cartridge receiver has a through hole for exposing an open fluid conduit of the fluid cartridge to the environment when the fluid cartridge receiver receives the fluid cartridge. The through-hole may allow the dispensed fluid to be discharged towards the environment.

In one embodiment, the pressure feed mechanism comprises a pressure feed pin (e.g. a tubular body with a sharp end) connected to a pressure medium container (which may contain a pressurized medium). The pressure supply pin may be configured to pass through a surface of the fluid cartridge (e.g., a sealing plug on a bottom surface thereof) for supplying pressure to fluid within the housing of the fluid cartridge. The drive unit of the pressure feed mechanism may be configured to drive the pressure feed pin into the surface of the fluid cartridge mechanism. In such an embodiment, it is possible that the pressure supply to the fluid-filled housing is automatically triggered by a drive unit, such as a motor. Thus, in such embodiments the user does not have to apply muscle force.

In one embodiment, the drive unit is configured to drive, in particular lift, the movable force transmitting plate towards a static mounting support (where the fluid cartridge is mounted, e.g. by a fluid cartridge receiver), thereby driving the pressure supply pin in fluid communication with the inner volume of the housing through a surface of the fluid cartridge. In this embodiment, pressurized gas may be supplied to a fluid cartridge received in a fluid cartridge receiver received by the mounting support by moving the movable force transfer plate toward the static mounting support until the sharp pin penetrates the housing from the rear side. This allows a user-friendly operation of the dispenser device.

In one embodiment, the drive unit comprises a motor for providing a driving force to the force transfer plate and a guiding mechanism for guiding the force transfer plate towards the mounting support along a predetermined trajectory (e.g. such that the force transfer plate and the mounting support are always parallel to each other, which may be particularly advantageous when handling a plurality of fluid cartridges simultaneously). The motor provides the driving force and the guide mechanism allows parallel movement between the force transfer plate and the mounting support plate.

In one embodiment, the drive unit is a linear motor. The guide mechanism may comprise a guide bearing cooperating with the knee lever, i.e. the pivoting legs may be switched between a straight and an angled configuration and mechanically coupled to a force transfer plate guided by the guide bearing. The linear motor thus provides a linear movement which bends the knee lever, so that the force transmission plate moves in a guided manner along the guide bearing.

In an alternative embodiment, the pressure feed mechanism comprises a pressure feed pin connected to the pressure medium container and configured to penetrate the surface of the fluid cartridge to feed the fluid within the housing of the fluid cartridge with pressure. Furthermore, a lever mechanism may be provided which is actuated by the user, wherein the pressure supply pin penetrates the surface of the fluid cartridge after actuation (e.g. pivoting) of the lever mechanism. In this alternative embodiment, the muscular force of the user actuating the lever is used to initiate the supply of pressurized gas to the interior of the housing.

In an embodiment, the pressure supply unit is configured to supply the pressurized medium at a pressure in a range between about 1.1 bar (i.e. slightly above atmospheric pressure) and about 10 bar, in particular between about 1.5 bar and about 10 bar, more in particular between about 2bar and about 5 bar. In this pressure range, fluid particles in the nanofluidic range may be generated.

In another embodiment, the pressure supply unit is configured to supply the pressurized medium at a pressure in the range between about 50 bar and about 1000 bar, in particular between about 200 bar and 600 bar. In this pressure range, fluid particles can be generated which have a very favorable effect on the cells and are activated. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is presently believed that such pressure values can generate so-called "biophontons", i.e., energy that is propagated into the body of the physiological subject. The adjustment of the size of the generated fluid particles may be performed by adjusting the size of the nozzle holes. A given high pressure value is obtained by selecting a sufficiently small nozzle size.

In one embodiment, the pressure supply unit includes: a plurality of separate pressurized medium chambers, each configured to provide a respective pressurized medium to the fluid within the housing of the fluid cartridge, thereby generating particles (particularly fluid particles) exiting the housing. In other words, different gas chambers (which may be filled with different pressure types of gas) may be provided. One or more pressurized medium chambers may be simultaneously selected to supply gas to the fluid cartridge.

In one embodiment, the dispenser device comprises a temperature regulating unit, in particular a heating unit and/or a cooling unit, which is configured to regulate the temperature of the pressurized medium in the pressure feed unit. For example, a peltier element integrated within one or more of the one or more pressurized medium chambers may allow the temperature of the respective pressurized medium to be adjusted to a desired value. Adjusting the temperature may include heating to an elevated temperature or cooling to a lower temperature (e.g., as compared to ambient temperature).

In one embodiment, the dispenser device comprises a control or regulating unit configured to control and/or regulate the plurality of individual pressurized medium chambers to provide their respective pressurized medium to the fluid in the housing and/or configured for controlling and/or regulating the temperature of the pressurized medium in the pressure supply unit. Such a control unit may control the pressurized medium chamber to be activated for delivering its gas to the housing, e.g. based on a stored algorithm or according to user input. Such a control unit may control the pressurizing medium to the temperature to which it is to be heated or cooled, e.g. based on a stored algorithm or according to user input. The regulating unit may regulate the temperature at which the pressurized medium chamber is activated and/or the pressurized medium in the pressurized medium chamber is heated or cooled, depending on a feedback signal (e.g. the filling level or temperature of one or more pressurized medium chambers) comprising regulating information.

In the following, further exemplary embodiments of the device will be explained. However, these embodiments also apply to the fluid cartridge, the dispensing device, the method of operating the fluid cartridge, the method of operating the dispensing device, and the method of use.

In one embodiment, the fluid cartridge includes a tamper-resistant feature that indicates the source of the fluid cartridge. The dispenser device may be equipped with a corresponding tamper-proof verification unit configured to verify whether a fluid cartridge received by the dispenser device has a tamper-proof feature indicating a certified origin of the fluid cartridge. The dispenser device may generate particles (particularly fluid particles) only after verification that the fluid cartridge has tamper-proof features. The dispenser device may inhibit the generation of particles (particularly fluid particles) when the verification that the fluid cartridge has the tamper-proof feature fails. Such tamper-resistant features may be tamper-resistant indicia or markers that are detectable or readable by the dispenser device. The tamper-resistant indicia or marker may be data (e.g., an alphanumeric code, a two-or three-dimensional barcode, electronic data stored in a memory of a transceiver), a color, a hologram, a mechanical surface structure, etc.

In one embodiment, the fluid cartridge and/or the dispenser device may be configured such that the tamper-resistant feature is irreversibly destroyed or disabled after the first insertion of the fluid cartridge into the dispenser device. For example, a predetermined breaking point of a fluid cartridge may break during a first insertion, identification data may be deleted from a memory of the fluid cartridge, data for a failure may be stored in a memory of the fluid cartridge, and so on. Thus, it is possible to ensure that the once-used fluid cartridge is reused, thereby improving the safety of the operation and avoiding damage to the health of the user.

The apparatus may comprise a particle source and a respiratory mask fluidly connected to the particle source to direct further fluid particles through the respiratory mask towards the mouth and/or nose of a physiological subject, in particular a human or an animal. The particle source may be provided by a fluid cartridge and a dispenser device, respectively. Thus, the user's skin may be treated with particles (in particular fluid particles) exiting the housing of the cartridge, while other fluid particles from the particle source may allow treatment of the user's respiratory tract. In one embodiment, the particle source may comprise a fluid cartridge and dispenser device having the above-described features.

In the following, further exemplary embodiments of the method of use will be set forth. However, these embodiments also apply to the fluid cartridge, the dispensing device, the method of operating the fluid cartridge, the method of operating the dispensing device, and the device.

In one embodiment, the device is configured to size the closable treatment chamber, in particular through a door, such that a person, such as a physiological subject, is treated with particles, in particular fluid particles, within the closable chamber. Such a device may have a closable door through which a person may enter the treatment cabin. In the treatment cabin, the person may sit before fluid is ejected from the fluid cartridge into the interior space of the cabin.

Alternatively, such a cabin may be equipped with a separate oxygen supply line (e.g. connected to a breathing mask) for supplying oxygen into the passenger cabin. For example, the user may wear a respiratory mask that is supplied with an additional amount of oxygen during the treatment. This may be particularly suitable for medical applications and may avoid a lack of sufficient oxygen during treatments involving non-inhalable fluids.

In one embodiment the apparatus is configured to size the closable treatment cabin such that animals, in particular birds (such as hawks) or horses, can be treated as physiological subjects with particles, in particular fluid particles, inside the closable cabin. However, other animals may be treated in such a chamber instead.

Different sizes of compartments may be provided, for example one for bird, one for smaller animals like cats or dogs, and another for I.

In one embodiment, the device is configured as a dimensionally portable device such that a person being a physiological subject can be treated with particles (particularly fluid particles) by manually operating the device. Thus, the device may be configured to be carried by a user during normal use. For example, a portable or handheld device may be stored in a pocket. If the user wishes to get a treatment, she or he simply activates the generation of fluid particles by means of the device, for example in a closed room.

Such portable devices, for example configured as a combination of an aerosol canister and an optional cartridge, may be used as a user-specific device for everyday use. By selecting the cartridge or combination of cartridges to be used in the portable device, the user may for example define a specific vitamin composition or other composition to be inhaled.

In one embodiment, the device is configured to be installed in a room for treating a human being as a physiological subject in the room with particles, in particular fluid particles. For example, such a device may be a sauna or an office room in which a person is in contact with atomized particles (or sprays) emitted from the device.

In one embodiment, the device is used to disinfect a room (e.g., a room in a hospital, or the interior of a car). For example, cartridges having a fluid holding volume (size) of at least about 1 liter, particularly in the range between about 1 liter and about 10 liters, may be used for such a purpose. Ozone, citric acid or other disinfecting materials may also be used as a fluid for such purposes.

The above-defined and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Drawings

The present invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples.

Fig. 1 shows the structure of a dispenser device and a fluid cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a configuration of a dispenser device and a fluid cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a fluid cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a sealed state.

Fig. 4 shows a bottom portion of the fluid cartridge of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows the bottom portion of the cartridge of fig. 3 with a separate hollow cylindrical member inserted.

Fig. 6 shows a plan view of the device of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows the bottom portion of the fluid dispenser of fig. 3 with a plug as a sealing element to seal a groove in the bottom surface of the bottom portion.

FIG. 8 shows a top portion of the fluid cartridge of FIG. 3 with circumferentially arranged inclined plates as a predetermined breaking structure for enabling selective access to the interior of the fluid cartridge.

Fig. 9 shows another view of the top portion of the fluid cartridge of fig. 3, particularly showing the abutment pins as fluid guides to generate aerosol-like fluid particles.

Fig. 10 illustrates a fluid cartridge with a predetermined breaking feature at a top portion of the fluid cartridge broken to enable fluid to enter an interior of the fluid cartridge, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 11A illustrates a portable device of an integrally formed combination of a pressurized medium containment vessel (e.g., a spray can or bottle of gas) and a fluid cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11B shows a configuration of a pressurized medium accommodating container and a fluid cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a dispenser device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention having two fluid cartridges according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention mounted therein.

Fig. 13 to 17 show a dispenser device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in different operating modes.

Fig. 18 shows a room with a dispenser device for disinfecting a room according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 shows a treatment cabin being accessed by a person according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 20 shows a dispenser device with a manually operable lever mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 illustrates an arrangement of a fluid cartridge and dispenser device and another source of fluid particles connected to a respiratory mask according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The examples in the drawings are schematic. In different drawings, similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference signs.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a device 180 for dispersing a liquid, such as hyaluronic acid, into nanofluidic particles according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The device 180 includes a disposable liquid cartridge 100 containing a liquid 192 therein. For example, 4ml of liquid 192 is added to the fluid cartridge 100 that has been aseptically packaged.

In the configuration of fig. 1, the liquid cartridge 100 has been received in a dispenser device 150 for dispensing liquid from the fluid cartridge 100. In other words, nanoparticles of the liquid will be ejected into the space surrounding the device 180 so that the user can inhale the particles for health or medical purposes.

The liquid cartridge 100 is configured for dispensing a liquid 192 and includes a sealed housing or shell 102 in which the liquid 192 is contained. A pressure feed interface 104 may be foreseen at the bottom of the sealed liquid cartridge 100 and configured to be fluidly connected to a pressure feed unit 106 of the dispenser device 150. The pressure supply unit 106 of the dispenser device 150 is configured to supply pressurized air to the liquid 192 within the housing 102. In other words, the pressure supply unit 106 is fluidly connected to or in fluid communication with the pressurized gas to be provided.

Further, as will be explained in more detail below, the liquid cartridge 100 includes a liquid distribution portion 108 configured to generate nanofluid liquid particles within a hollow chamber 194 defined by the housing 102 after providing pressurized gas to the liquid 192 within the housing 102. A number of fluid passages 110 are circumferentially disposed in a top plate 196 of the housing 102. The fluid channel 110 may be selectively opened to enable liquid particles to exit the housing 102 through the fluid channel 110. Thus, a dispersed or atomized liquid in the form of nanoparticles can be produced.

Within the housing 102, a Venturi (Venturi) nozzle 198 is provided, which is constructed exclusively of injection molded components, allowing the fluid cartridge 100 to be manufactured at low cost. The venturi nozzle 198 comprises two cylindrical members 188, 186, each shaped as a hollow cylinder with a conically shaped tip. Note that the cylindrical member 188 sealingly contacts the bottom surface 157 of the housing 102, while the lower end of the cylindrical member 186 is spaced from the bottom surface 157 of the housing 102 by a small gap 168 to allow the liquid 192 to flow between the cylindrical members 188, 186. Inside the inner column 188, the pressurized air may flow upward. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is presently believed that the liquid 192 resides in the small gap between the posts 186, 188. When the pressurized air propagates upwards according to fig. 1, the liquid particles break up from the surface of the liquid in the gap between the columns 186, 188 and will move upwards. The orifices 184, 182 of the posts 186, 188 focus the liquid particles onto the opposing surface 180 of the deflecting element 178, thereby generating nanoparticles. The relatively heavy liquid particles are forced downward under the influence of gravity, causing them to re-mix with the liquid 192. However, particularly very small and light nanoparticles having a size between 60 nanometers and 200 nanometers, will move upward and exit the hollow chamber 194 within the housing 102 through the fluid passage 110. Thus, outside the housing 102, there will be an aerosol of liquid material that can be inhaled by the user.

The fluid passage 110 may be formed in the housing 102 using a predetermined breaking structure 176 that has been broken in fig. 1. The predetermined breaking structure 176 remains intact and hermetically seals the upper surface 196 of the housing 102 until the fluid cartridge 100 is first used. However, these predetermined breaking structures 176 may be selectively broken by the user as they are configured as mechanical weakenings of the top surface of the housing 102. Breaking the predetermined breaking structures 176 will initiate or initiate nanoparticle formation. The irreversible rupture of the predetermined rupture structure 176 renders the fluid cartridge 100 unusable for reuse because sterility is lost. Thus, providing the predetermined breaking structure 176 may be considered a safety feature to ensure that the liquid 192 is virtually sterile prior to first use.

The housing 102 is also sealed at the bottom before the pressure supply unit 106 penetrates the housing 102. The pressure feed interface 104 may be, for example, a membrane or a less rigid plastic material than the rest of the housing 102, so as to enable the sharp pressure feed pin 118 to penetrate the pressure feed interface 104, thereby enabling it to provide pressurized gas to the interior of the housing 102.

Fig. 1 also shows that the fluid cartridge 100 has an attached label in the form of a cartridge data carrier 114 attached to the outer surface of the fluid cartridge 100. The cartridge data carrier 114 carries or stores information uniquely and individually assigned to the fluid cartridge 100. This information or data may be read by the reader unit 116 of the dispenser device 150. The cartridge data carrier 114 is an RFID tag that can withstand a read or write operation by the read/write unit 116 of the dispenser device 150. For example, information explicitly indicating the identity of the liquid cartridge 100 may be stored on the cartridge data carrier 114, e.g. in the form of an alphanumeric code. This information may be read by the read/write unit 116 of the dispenser device 150 in a wireless manner known to those skilled in the art. Additional or alternative identification of the fluid cartridge 100 (making it less likely to be misused, e.g. in the form of a non-authentic cartridge) may also be other kinds of information stored in the semiconductor memory of the RFID tag 114. For example, the expiration date by which the liquid 192 within the housing 102 should no longer be used may be stored on the RFID tag 114 and read and verified by the reader 116 before causing the liquid to be dispensed, otherwise the liquid dispensing may be rejected by the dispenser unit 150. Further, operational information (e.g., one or more parameter values in a dispensing process) depending on which fluid cartridge 100 should be operated by the dispenser device 150 may be stored on the RFID tag 114 and may be read by the reader 116 as a basis for subsequent control of the respective dispensing process.

In addition, it is also possible that the read/write unit 116 of the dispenser device 150 writes data in the memory of the cartridge data carrier 114 of the fluid cartridge 100, for example recording the usage history of the fluid cartridge 100. Such a document is very advantageous in the field of medical instruments, as it allows to explicitly trace back the history that the fluid cartridge 100 has been used.

Referring now to the dispenser device 150, it should first be said that it includes a cartridge-receiving unit 152 in the form of a suitable receptacle configured to receive the fluid cartridge 100 and secure it in a predetermined position. Further, the pressure supply unit 106 is part of the dispenser device 150 and is configured to provide pressurized gas to the liquid 192 within the housing 102 of the liquid cartridge 100 after the liquid cartridge 100 is loaded into the cartridge receiving unit 152. As discussed above, after supplying gas pressure to the liquid 192 within the housing 102, liquid particles exiting the housing 102 may thereby be generated.

Further, a read/write unit 116 capable of reading information from the RFID tag 114 and writing information to the RFID tag 116 is provided, and includes elements such as a coil, a processing circuit, and the like. The spatial range in which the read/write unit 116 can communicate with the RFID tag 114 can be adjusted so that only the liquid cartridge 100 inserted into the accommodation space 152 can be read to avoid undesired reading and writing operations. Furthermore, the read/write unit 116 may be controlled by the control unit 174 of the dispenser device 150. The control unit 174 is capable of exchanging information with a database 172, in which database 172 operating parameters, for example for operating different types of liquid cartridges 100, may be stored.

Fig. 2 shows an apparatus 180 according to an exemplary embodiment, which is also constituted by the liquid dispenser 100 and the corresponding dispenser apparatus 150. In contrast to the embodiment of fig. 1, the embodiment of fig. 2 does not have the predetermined breaking structure 176, and in contrast, a peelable, liquid-impermeable plastic layer 200 is attached to the upper surface 196 of the housing 102. As shown by the arrows in fig. 2, the user may grasp the tab 244 of the peel ply 200 to remove it from the upper surface 196 of the housing 102, thereby exposing the fluid passages 110 circumferentially disposed on top of the housing 102.

A second difference between the embodiment of fig. 2 and the embodiment of fig. 1 is that in the embodiment of fig. 2, the cartridge data carrier 114 is a holographic foil which can be read out by an optical read-out system. The optical readout system includes: a light source 202 may direct a beam 204 onto the holographic foil 114. After interaction with the surface of the holographic foil as cartridge data carrier 114, in particular reflection thereon, the reflected light beam 206 (having properties depending on the information stored on the holographic foil) may be detected by a light detector 208, such as a photodiode. The control unit 174 is able to derive data stored or encoded on the cartridge data carrier 114 based on the signal detected by the light detector 208 in order to identify the liquid cartridge 100 or the like.

Hereinafter, a liquid cartridge 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is formed of four different injection-molded parts, will be described with reference to fig. 3 to 9.

As can be seen in fig. 3, the housing 102 is shown having a bottom portion 302 and a top portion 300. The bottom portion 302 and the top portion 300 are integrally connected to each other in a gas-tight, fluid-tight manner and in a sterile manner. Specifically, a super-weld 304 connects top portion 300 with bottom portion 302. The inclined plate 800 is provided on the top plate 320 of the top portion 300 and is circumferentially arranged thereon. Breaking the inclined plate 800 creates a fluid passage within the top plate 320 of the top portion 300, thereby enabling fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the housing 102. As can be further seen from fig. 3, the mounted state of the housing 3 is a substantially cylindrical structure with a circular base plate 306.

Fig. 4 shows the bottom portion 302 without the top portion 300 and shows the bottom portion 302 with a hollow post 400 with a nozzle aperture 402 at the top end of the post. The interior volume of the bottom portion 302 may contain a liquid. The internal volume of the column 400 may be connected to the pressure supply unit 106 and the external volume of the column 400 within the housing 102 may be in fluid communication with the liquid contained within the housing 102. Fig. 4 also shows the arrangement of vanes 404 that divide the internal volume within the bottom portion 302 into compartments and stabilize the entire structure.

Fig. 5 again shows the bottom portion 302 with the hollow post member 502 as a separate injection molded part slid over the post 400 to cover the post 400. The hollow cylindrical member 502 has a further nozzle aperture 504 at the top end, wherein said hollow cylindrical member 502 is mounted above the hollow cylindrical member 400 to close the liquid volume between them, so that after supplying pressurized air injected through the nozzle aperture 402 to the inner volume of the cylindrical member 400, the liquid is ejected through the further nozzle aperture 504. The mechanism has been described above with reference to fig. 1.

Fig. 6 shows a top view of the bottom portion 302 with the hollow post member 502 connected.

Fig. 7 shows that the circular plate 306 on the lower surface of the bottom part 302 has an opening that is filled with another injection molded part, i.e. a sealing element 700. The hollow cylindrical sealing element 700 may be inserted into a recess in the central portion of the circular plate 306 of the bottom portion 302 and may be made of a material such that it may be penetrated by a pressure feed head to feed pressurized air to the interior of the housing 102.

Fig. 8 shows a detailed view of the top portion 300, and in particular shows an inclined plate 800 located within the upper surface of the top portion 300. After applying a sufficient breaking force, the inclined plate 800 is broken by bending. As can be seen from detail 820 in fig. 8, the anchoring portion 804 anchoring the predetermined breaking configuration 800 in the upper surface panel 806 of the top portion 300 is selectively mechanically weakened, i.e. locally thinned, compared to the surrounding portion 808 of the upper surface panel 806. Accordingly, the inclined plate 800 may be broken with a very small breaking force, thereby forming an opening in the top plate of the top member 300.

Fig. 9 shows the internal structure of the top portion 300. The top member 300 has a deflection member 900 in its internal volume, the deflection member 900 being in the form of a deflection pin at the end of a cylindrical body 902. Deflection pin 900 is configured to break up a droplet into smaller liquid particles after ejecting liquid through another nozzle aperture 504.

The material from which the fluid cartridge shown in figures 3 to 9 is made is preferably Polyoxymethylene (POM) or a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. The latter material may also be referred to as Polylac ABS. The present inventorsNumerous experiments were conducted on suitable materials and it was concluded that these materials have good properties in terms of suitability for being sterilized, stability of ultrasonic welding in terms of formation of a predetermined fracture structure that is easily broken, and suitable properties, such as that indicated by reference numeral 800 described above.

Fig. 10 shows a fluid cartridge 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, again comprised of a bottom portion 302 and a top portion 300 welded together along an ultrasonic weld 304. The inclined plate 800 has now been broken, forming a fluid channel 110 on the top surface of the cartridge 100 at the opening formed by the break. The fracture may be performed by pressing the inclined plate 800 towards a planar abutment member (e.g. ground or plate). This breaking process may be performed manually by a user or by a corresponding mechanism of the dispenser device prior to the first use of the fluid cartridge 100.

Fig. 11A shows a handheld apparatus 1150 configured as a portable device.

The device 1100 includes a liquid cartridge 100 as shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 1, the small opening 168 is disposed between the post 186 and the bottom of the housing 102. Thus, fluid communication may be provided through this small gap 168. In the apparatus 1150, a user may plug the liquid container 100 to the upper end of the spray can 1100 for providing a pressurized medium. The spray can 1100 may be filled with a pressurized medium to provide an overpressure (e.g., 2 bar) toward the interior volume of the column 188.

After the liquid container 100 is attached to the aerosol can 1100, a connection or locking mechanism may be activated to connect the components 1100 and 100. For example, when such a connection process is performed, the engagement means (e.g., grooves and projections) of the mating members 1100, 100 may be engaged. In addition, a lever mechanism, magnetic connection mechanism, or the like may also be used to provide such a connection. Furthermore, the components 100, 1100 may be configured such that, upon connection, the pressure supply unit 106 may automatically penetrate the lower surface of the housing 102, e.g. a membrane, such that a one-handed movement may perform the connection of the components 100, 1100 and the formation of a pressurized medium supply path between the components 100, 1100.

Fig. 11A also shows an adapter plate 1102 that connects the upper end of the liquid container 100 with a connecting tube 1104. As schematically indicated by reference numeral 1106, at the end of the connection tube 1104 a breathing mask can be foreseen to direct the dispensed particles towards the mouth and/or nose (not shown) of the human or animal wearing the breathing mask. For example, the spray can 1100 may be used multiple times, while the liquid container 100 may be used a single time.

The adapter unit 1108 includes a connection element (e.g., a mating engagement element) for connecting the components 100, 1100.

As an alternative to the aerosol can 1100, any other pressurized medium holding container, such as a gas bottle (particularly a nitrogen gas bottle) may be used in the embodiment of fig. 11A.

Fig. 11B shows an apparatus 1150 according to another embodiment of the invention.

As described above, the apparatus 1150 in fig. 11B is similar to the apparatus 1150 in fig. 11A, but there is another dispenser apparatus 1170 having a pressure supply unit 106 comprising two separate pressurized medium chambers 1160, 1168, each containing a respective gas (as the pressurized medium) and configured to supply the fluid in the liquid container 100 with the respective pressurized medium, thereby producing the particles.

The first temperature adjustment unit 1162 is configured to heat or cool the pressurized medium in the first pressurized medium chamber 1160. The second temperature regulating unit 1164 is configured to heat or cool the pressurized medium in the second pressurized medium chamber 1168. By taking this measure, the respective pressure medium can be heated or cooled to a suitable temperature in order to perform its function well in terms of fluid particle generation. Therefore, the size and concentration of the particles can be precisely adjusted.

An adjustment unit 1166, such as a processor with connected input/output units as a user interface, is attached to the housing of the device 1170 and allows a user to input control commands. The regulating unit 1166 is configured for regulating the individual pressurized medium chambers 1160, 1168 therein providing their respective pressurized media to the fluid within the liquid container 100. There is also mixing between the different pressurized media under the control of the regulating unit 1166. The selection of the provision of the respective pressurized medium to the one or more pressurized medium chambers 1160, 1168 of the fluid cartridge may be made by operating the valve 1172 accordingly. The regulating unit 1166 is also configured for regulating the temperature of the pressurized medium within the pressurized medium chambers 1160, 1168. The adjustment may be based on sensor signals acquired in the respective pressurized medium chambers 1160, 1168. Such sensor signals may be indicative of the actual temperature, filling level, etc. within each pressurized medium chamber 1160, 1168. Thus, components within the pressurized medium chambers 1160, 1168 (temperature regulating units 1162, 1164, sensors, valves 1172, etc.) may be communicatively coupled with the regulating unit 1166 for bidirectional signal exchange.

Fig. 12 shows a device 180 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In addition to the liquid cartridge 100 shown on the left-hand side of fig. 12, which is accommodated in the liquid cartridge accommodating unit 152, the apparatus 180 comprises a further liquid cartridge accommodating unit 1300 which accommodates a further liquid cartridge 1302 containing a further liquid in a further housing 1304. In addition, another pressure supply unit 1400 is provided and configured to supply another pressurized medium to the liquid in the other housing 1304 after the other cartridge accommodating unit 1300 is loaded with the other liquid cartridge 1302. Thus, when pressure is supplied to another liquid in the housing 102, another liquid nanoparticle exiting the other housing 1304 may be generated on the right hand side of fig. 1. Thus, co-administration or combination therapy with two (or more) different liquids is possible with such an arrangement 180. The first nanofluid particles are indicated with reference number 1260 and the second nanofluid particles are indicated with reference number 1270.

As can be seen from fig. 12, the cartridge-containing unit 152 includes a separate liquid cartridge receiver 1306 for receiving an upper end of the liquid cartridge 100. The individual liquid cartridge receiver 1306 also has an engagement groove 1308. Thus, the cartridge receiving unit 1300 includes a separate liquid cartridge receiver 1280 for receiving the upper end of the liquid cartridge 1302. The separate liquid cartridge receiver 1280 also has an engagement groove 1282.

The mounting support 1310, in the form of a metal plate with a certain groove 1312, is configured for engagement by engagement slots 1308, 1282, the engagement slots 1308, 1282 for holding the liquid cartridge receivers 1306, 1280, respectively, and the receivers 1306, 1280 for receiving the liquid cartridges 100, 1302, respectively. When the liquid cartridge receivers 1306, 1280 receive the liquid cartridges 100, 1302, the respective through-holes 1304, 1290 in the respective liquid cartridge receivers 1306, 1280 allow exposure of the liquid lines 110 of the liquid cartridges 100, 1302 to the environment.

As shown in more detail in fig. 1 and 2, the pressure supply unit 106 includes a pressure supply pin 118 coupled to the pressurized air reservoir 112 and configured to penetrate a lower surface of the liquid cartridge 100 to supply pressurized air to the liquid within the housing 102 of the liquid cartridge 100. The second drum 1302 adopts a corresponding structure, see reference numeral 1400.

A linear motor 1402 is provided as a driving unit for driving the pressure supply pin 118 into the bottom surface of the fluid cartridge 100 and for driving another pressure supply pin to be inserted into the bottom surface of another fluid cartridge 1302. To this end, the lower portion of the fluid cartridge 100, 1302 extending beyond the respective fluid cartridge receiver 1306, 1280 may be forced against a respective movable (see arrow in fig. 12) force transfer plate 1408. In other words, the linear motor 1210 may lift the movable force transfer plate 1408 toward the statically mounted mounting support 1310, thereby driving the pressure supply pin 112 into the surface of the fluid cartridge 100 while driving another pressure supply pin into the surface of another liquid cartridge 1302.

A biasing element 1220 (only schematically shown in fig. 12), such as a spring, applies a biasing force to prevent the respective pressure supply pin 118 from entering the respective liquid container 100, 1302. The linear motor 1402 provides a driving force to the force transfer plate 1408 through the guide mechanism 1406 for guiding the force transfer plate 1408 toward the mounting support 1310. Fig. 12 further illustrates that the guide mechanism 1406 includes a guide bearing 1408 that cooperates with a flexure stem 1410. Fig. 12 shows the flexure stem 1410 in a first state where the flexure stem 1410 is angled relative to the lower position of the force transfer plate 1408 (see reference 1250) and in a second state where the flexure stem 1410 is in a straight configuration relative to the raised position of the force transfer plate 1408 (see reference 1260).

Thus, the user may activate the lifting of the mounting support 1408 towards the lower end of the liquid container 100, 1302, for example by pressing a button. Upon application of pressure to the bottom, the pressure supply pin 118 will penetrate the lower surface of the liquid container 100, 1302 and will then be able to provide pressure to the liquid contained therein. This will therefore trigger the ejection of the nanoparticle liquid from the container 100, 1302.

Fig. 13 shows an image of the device 180, which corresponds to the schematic illustration of fig. 12. Fig. 13 shows the front surface of the corresponding device. First, the user inserts the liquid cartridge 100, 1302 into the metal-liquid cartridge receiver 1306, 1280. The combined elements 100, 1306 and 1302, 1280 are then inserted into the corresponding recesses 1312 of the mounting support plate 1310. After so installed, the user may manually rotate (see arrow) the cover 1350 to close the mounting opening 1333 of the housing 1370 of the device 180. The user may then initiate the dispensing process by pressing button 1372. After closing the cover 1350, a detector (e.g., a magnetic sensor) may detect that the cover 1350 is now closed. For example, locking pins may then be guided into lateral grooves of cover plate 1350 to lock cover plate 1350 to housing 1370. When the button 1372 is pressed, the linear motor 1402 may automatically activate to lift the force transfer plate 1408 until it abuts against the lower surface of the vessel 100, 1302 to trigger the gas supply.

Referring now to FIG. 14, which illustrates the rear side of the device 180 of FIG. 13, a pressurized air inlet 1480 is provided through which pressurized air may be provided to the pressure feed pin 1482. When the fluid cartridges 102, 1300 (one or both) are mounted in the corresponding recesses 1490 of the top plate 1404, and when the linear motor 1402 lifts the force transfer plate 1408, the pressure supply pins 1482 may protrude through the openings 1400 in the force transfer plate 1408 and may be driven into the fluid cartridges 100, 1302, respectively.

Fig. 14 shows a state in which the knee lever 1410 is in an angled configuration, and in fig. 15 the knee lever 1410 is in a nearly straight configuration.

Fig. 16 shows a front view similar to fig. 13, except that the cover 1350 is closed in fig. 16.

Fig. 17 shows a structure similar to fig. 16, with the cover 1350 open.

Thus, the systems shown in fig. 12, 13, 14 and 15 and 16 can operate fully automatically without any contribution from the user.

Fig. 18 shows an apparatus 1800 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The apparatus 1800 is installed in a room 1802 (e.g., a hospital ward) to be disinfected. The fluid dispenser 100 configured as described above according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be placed on the bottom or floor 1804 of the room 1802. In the illustrated embodiment, the capacity of the fluid cartridge 100 is in a range between 1 liter and 5 liters. A sanitizing liquid, such as citric acid, is supplied from a container 1820 toward the fluid cartridge 100 by using the influence of gravity (see vector g 1810). Further, a pressurized gas, such as nitrogen, is applied from the pressurized gas source 1830 toward the lower portion of the fluid cartridge 100. Thus, citric acid 1830 as a disinfectant is sprayed from the upper surface portion of the liquid container 100.

Fig. 19 shows a treatment cabin 1900 having a seat for a human being, reference numeral 1902, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The door 1904 of the cabin 1900 may be closed. Nanoparticle liquid, such as dead sea salt in an aqueous solution, may be sprayed into the interior volume 1910 of the cabin 1900. Can be ejected through fluid cartridges 1920 integrated within the ceiling 1930 of the tank 1900.

The device 180 shown in fig. 20 has a pivotable front door 2000 which is open in the configuration shown. The liquid cartridge 100 mounted in the liquid cartridge receiver 1306 is received in the recess 1302 of the receiving plate 2010. The pressure supply pin may be guided through the lower surface of the liquid cartridge 100 by manually pivoting the lever 1500 by a user. After closing the door 2000, the user may initiate the dispensing process.

Fig. 21 shows an arrangement 2100 of a fluid cartridge 100 and a dispenser arrangement 150 and another fluid particle source 2102 coupled to a respiratory mask 2104, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 2100 is located in a processing chamber 2110, where a human user may be located within the processing chamber 2110.

The respiratory mask 2104 is fluidly connected to the particle source 2102 via a tube 2112 to direct particles toward the mouth and/or nose of a user wearing the respiratory mask 2104. The particle source 2102 is provided separately from the fluid cartridge 100 and the dispenser device 150. Both the particle source 2102 and the system of fluid cartridges 100 and dispenser apparatus 150 may be controlled by a common control unit 2106 (e.g., a processor).

It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined.

It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

The embodiments of the invention are not limited to the preferred embodiments shown in the figures and described above. On the contrary, even in fundamentally different embodiments, a number of variants are possible using the illustrated solutions and principles according to the invention.

Claims (55)

1. A fluid cartridge (100) for dispensing a fluid, the fluid cartridge (100) comprising:

a housing (102) for containing the fluid, the housing (102) comprising a top portion (300);

a pressure supply interface (104) configured to be connected to a pressure supply unit (106) to supply a pressurized medium to a fluid in the housing (102);

a fluid dispensing unit (108) configured to generate particles when a pressurized medium is supplied to the fluid in the housing (102);

a fluid path (110) in the housing (102) that is open or openable to allow the particles to exit the housing (102) through the fluid path (110);

wherein the top portion (300) has at least one predetermined breaking structure (800), the predetermined breaking structure (800) being configured to be broken by applying a breaking force, thereby opening the fluid path (110) within the housing (102) upon breaking; and

the at least one predetermined breaking structure (800) comprises at least one inclined plate (802) protruding outwardly from an upper surface of the top portion (300) so as to be breakable by bending or twisting upon application of the breaking force.

2. A fluid cartridge (100) for dispensing a fluid, the fluid cartridge (100) comprising:

a housing (102) for containing the fluid, the housing (102) comprising a bottom portion (302) and a top portion (300);

a pressure supply interface (104) configured to be connected to a pressure supply unit (106) to supply a pressurized medium to a fluid in the housing (102);

a fluid dispensing unit (108) configured to generate particles when a pressurized medium is supplied to the fluid in the housing (102);

a fluid path (110) in the housing (102) that is open or openable to allow the particles to exit the housing (102) through the fluid path (110);

the bottom part (302) having a hollow column (400) with a nozzle orifice (402) at its top end, the inner volume of the column (400) being connected to the pressure feed interface (104) and the outer volume of the column (400) being in communication with the fluid contained in the housing (102); the housing (102) having a hollow column member (502) with a further nozzle orifice (504) at its top end, wherein the hollow column member (502) is mounted above the hollow column (400) to close a fluid volume therebetween such that after supplying the pressurized medium to be ejected through the nozzle orifice (402) to the internal volume of the column (400), fluid is ejected through the further nozzle orifice (504);

a fluid is contained by the interior volume of the bottom portion (302); and

the fluid cartridge further comprises an arrangement of vanes (404) that divide the internal volume within the bottom portion (302) into compartments and stabilize the entire structure;

wherein the top portion (300) has at least one predetermined breaking structure (800), the predetermined breaking structure (800) being configured to be broken by applying a breaking force, thereby opening the fluid path (110) within the housing (102) upon breaking; and

the at least one predetermined breaking structure (800) comprises at least one inclined plate (802) protruding outwardly from an upper surface of the top portion (300) so as to be breakable by bending or twisting upon application of the breaking force.

3. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (102) is made by injection molding.

4. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (102) comprises a bottom portion (302), the bottom portion (302) and the top portion (300) being integrally connected to each other.

5. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 4, wherein the bottom portion (302) and the top portion (300) are integrally connected to each other by welding.

6. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 4, wherein the bottom portion (302) has a hollow post (400) with a nozzle orifice (402) at a top end thereof, an interior volume of the post (400) being connected to the pressure supply interface (104) and an exterior volume of the post (400) being in communication with the fluid contained in the housing (102).

7. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 6, wherein the housing (102) has a hollow post member (502) with an additional nozzle orifice (504) at a top end thereof, wherein the hollow post member (502) is mounted over the hollow post (400) to enclose a fluid volume therebetween such that fluid is ejected through the additional nozzle orifice (504) after the pressurized medium to be ejected through the nozzle orifice (402) is supplied to the interior volume of the post (400).

8. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 7, wherein the top portion (300) has a deflecting member (900), the deflecting member (900) being configured such that after ejecting the fluid through the further nozzle aperture (504), the fluid is dispersed into the particles upon abutting the deflecting member (900).

9. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 4, wherein the at least one predetermined breaking structure (800) is configured to be irreversibly broken by applying the breaking force so as to preclude a subsequent reclosing of the fluid path (110).

10. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein an anchoring portion (804) anchoring the at least one predetermined breaking structure (800) on an upper surface of the top portion (300) is selectively mechanically weakened compared to a surrounding portion (806) of the upper surface.

11. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 4,

wherein the top portion (300) has at least one groove as the fluid path (110);

wherein the fluid cartridge (100) further comprises a peelable layer (200), the peelable layer (200) being removable from the top portion (300) by peeling to expose the fluid path (110).

12. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (102) comprises a sealing member, the pressure supply interface (104) being penetrated by a pressure supply pin (118) connected to a pressure medium container (112) as the pressure supply unit (106).

13. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (102) comprises or consists of a thermoplastic and/or elastomeric material.

14. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (102) comprises or consists of polyoxymethylene.

15. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (102) comprises or consists of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene.

16. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid cartridge (100) comprises the pressure supply unit (106).

17. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 16, wherein the pressure supply unit (106) is a pressurized medium containing unit containing the pressurized medium, wherein the housing (102) is mounted on the pressurized medium containing unit such that the pressure supply interface (104) can be supplied with the pressurized medium from the pressurized medium containing unit.

18. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 16, comprising one of the following features:

the housing (102) is detachably mounted on the pressure supply unit (106); or

The housing (102) is integrally formed with the pressure supply unit (106).

19. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, comprising a respiratory mask fluidly connected to the fluid path (110) for directing the dispensed fluid towards the mouth and/or nose of a physiological subject.

20. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, comprising a cartridge data carrier (114), wherein the cartridge data carrier (114) carries information which is assigned to the fluid cartridge (100) and which is readable by a reader unit (116).

21. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 20, wherein the cartridge data carrier (116) comprises at least one of the group consisting of: transceivers, bar codes, and holographic foils.

22. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 20, wherein the cartridge data carrier (116) carries information selected from the group consisting of: cartridge identification information uniquely representing an identification of the fluid cartridge (100), expiration identification information representing a date on which the fluid cartridge (100) is available, and operational data representing an operational mode in accordance with the fluid cartridge (100) usable by a dispenser device (150).

23. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 20, wherein the cartridge data carrier (116) is configured to enable a writing unit (116) to write data on the cartridge data carrier (116).

24. The fluidic cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluidic cartridge (100) is configured such that at least 50% of the dispensed particles are in a range between 10 nanometers and 1000 nanometers in size.

25. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (102) contains the fluid.

26. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (102) contains a solid precursor of the fluid, wherein the solid precursor is mixable with a liquid, thereby forming the fluid within the housing (102).

27. A method of dispensing a fluid, the method comprising:

containing the fluid within a housing (102);

connecting a pressure supply interface (104) of the housing (102) to a pressure supply unit (106) to supply pressurized medium to the fluid within the housing (102);

generating particles in the housing (102) after the fluid within the housing (102) supplies the pressurized medium;

opening a fluid path (110) of the housing (102) by breaking at least one predetermined breaking structure (800) in a top portion (300) of the housing (102), wherein

The at least one predetermined breaking structure (800) comprises at least one inclined plate (802) protruding outwardly from an upper surface of the top portion (300) so as to be breakable by bending or twisting upon application of a breaking force;

providing the fluid path (110) within the opened housing (102) such that the particles exit the housing (102) through the fluid path (110).

28. A method of dispensing a fluid, the method comprising:

containing the fluid within the housing (102) of the fluid cartridge of claim 1 or 2;

connecting a pressure supply interface (104) of the housing (102) to a pressure supply unit (106) to supply pressurized medium to the fluid within the housing (102);

generating particles in the housing (102) after the fluid within the housing (102) supplies the pressurized medium;

providing a fluid path (110) within the opened housing (102) such that the particles exit the housing (102) through the fluid path (110).

29. A dispenser device (150) for dispensing a fluid from a fluid cartridge (100), the dispenser device (150) comprising:

a cartridge receiving unit (152) configured to receive the fluid cartridge (100);

a pressure supply unit (106) configured to supply a pressurized medium to the fluid within a housing (102) of the fluid cartridge (100) after loading the fluid cartridge (100) into the cartridge receiving unit (152), thereby generating particles that exit the housing (102) through a fluid path (110) within the housing (102) after supplying the pressurized medium to the fluid within the housing (102);

the fluid path (110) of the housing (102) may be opened by breaking at least one predetermined breaking structure (800), wherein the at least one predetermined breaking structure (800) comprises at least one inclined plate (802) protruding outwardly from an upper surface of the top portion (300) so as to be breakable by bending or twisting upon application of a breaking force.

30. The dispenser device (150) of claim 29, comprising a fluid cartridge opening mechanism configured to open the fluid path (110) after loading the fluid cartridge (100) into the cartridge receiving unit (152), the particles exiting the housing (102) through the fluid path (110).

31. The dispenser device (150) according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the dispenser device (150) comprises a read and/or write unit (116) configured to read data from and/or write data to a cartridge data carrier (114) of the fluid cartridge (100) after loading the fluid cartridge (100) into the cartridge accommodation unit (152).

32. The dispenser device (150) of claim 29 or 30, further comprising:

a further cartridge receiving unit (1300) configured to receive a further fluid cartridge (1302), the further fluid cartridge (1302) having a further fluid in a further housing (1304);

a further pressure supply unit (1400) configured to supply a further pressurized medium to the further fluid within the further housing (1304) after loading the further fluid cartridge (100) into the further cartridge receiving unit (152), thereby generating further particles exiting the further housing (1304) after supplying the further pressurized medium to the further fluid within the further housing (1304).

33. The dispenser arrangement (150) according to claim 32, comprising a control unit configured to control the operation of the pressure supply unit (106) and the further pressure supply unit (1400) so as to adjust the dispensing composition between the granules and the further granules.

34. The dispenser device (150) of claim 29 or 30, wherein the cartridge receiving unit (152) comprises:

a fluid cartridge receiver (1306) for receiving a portion of the fluid cartridge (100) and having an engagement element (1308), an

A mounting support (1310) having a complementary engagement element (1312) for engaging with an engagement element (1308) to retain the fluid cartridge receiver (1306) receiving the fluid cartridge (100).

35. The dispenser device (150) of claim 34, wherein the fluid cartridge receiver (1306) has a through-hole (1314) for exposing the fluid conduit (110) of the fluid cartridge (100) to the environment when the fluid cartridge receiver (1306) receives the fluid cartridge (100).

36. The dispenser arrangement (150) according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the pressure supply unit (106) comprises:

a pressure supply pin (118) connected to a pressure medium container (112) and configured to penetrate a surface (100) of the fluid cartridge (100) to supply the pressurized medium to a fluid within a housing (102) of the fluid cartridge (100),

a drive unit (1402) configured for driving the pressure supply pin (112) into a surface of the fluid cartridge (100).

37. The dispenser device (150) of claim 36, wherein the drive unit (1402) is configured for driving the movable force transmission plate (1408) towards the static mounting support (1404) thereby driving the pressure supply pin (112) into the surface of the fluid cartridge (100).

38. The dispenser device (150) according to claim 37, wherein the drive unit (1402) comprises a motor for providing a driving force to the force transfer plate (1408), and a guiding mechanism (1406) for guiding the force transfer plate (1408) towards the mounting support (1404).

39. The dispenser device (150) according to claim 36, wherein the drive unit (1402) is a linear motor.

40. The dispenser device (150) according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the guiding mechanism (1406) comprises a guiding bearing (1408) cooperating with a knee lever (1410).

41. The dispenser arrangement (150) according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the pressure supply unit (106) comprises:

a pressure supply pin (118) connected to a pressure medium container (112) and configured to penetrate a surface (100) of the fluid cartridge (100) to supply the pressurized medium to a fluid within a housing (102) of the fluid cartridge (100), and

a lever mechanism (1500) actuatable by a user, wherein upon actuation of the lever mechanism (1500), the pressure supply pin (118) penetrates a surface of the fluid cartridge (100).

42. The dispenser device (150) according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the pressure feed unit (106) is configured to be between 1.1 bar and 10 bar.

43. The dispenser device (150) according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the pressure supply unit (106) is configured to supply the pressurized medium at a pressure in a range between 50 bar and 1000 bar.

44. The dispenser device (150) of claim 29 or 30, wherein the pressure supply unit (106) comprises a plurality of independent pressurized medium chambers (1160, 1168), each configured to supply a respective pressurized medium to the fluid within the housing (102) of the fluid cartridge (100), thereby generating particles exiting the housing (102).

45. The dispenser arrangement (150) according to claim 29 or 30, comprising a temperature regulating unit (1162, 1164) configured to regulate the temperature of the pressurized medium in the pressure feed unit (106).

46. The dispenser arrangement (150) according to claim 44, comprising a control unit or regulating unit (1166) configured to control and/or regulate a plurality of individual pressurized medium chambers (1160, 1168) to supply respective pressurized media to the fluid in the housing (102) and/or configured to control and/or regulate a temperature of the pressurized medium in the pressure supply unit (106).

47. The dispenser device (150) according to claim 30, wherein the fluid cartridge opening mechanism is configured to open the fluid path (110) by breaking the at least one predetermined breaking structure (800) upon application of the breaking force.

48. A method of dispensing fluid from a fluid cartridge (100), the method comprising:

charging a fluid cartridge (100) in a cartridge accommodating unit (152);

opening a fluid path (110) of a housing (102) of the fluid cartridge (100) by breaking at least one predetermined breaking structure (800) in a top portion of the housing, wherein the at least one predetermined breaking structure (800) comprises at least one inclined plate (802) protruding outwardly from an upper surface of the top portion (300) so as to be breakable by bending or twisting upon application of a breaking force;

supplying a pressurized medium to the fluid in the housing (102) after loading the fluid cartridge (100) into the cartridge receiving unit, whereby particles exiting the housing (102) through the fluid path are generated after supplying the pressurized medium to the fluid in the housing (102).

49. An arrangement (180) for dispensing a fluid, the arrangement (180) comprising:

the fluid cartridge (100) for dispensing a fluid of claim 1 or 2;

the dispenser device (150) for dispensing fluid from the fluid cartridge (100) of claim 29 or 30.

50. The arrangement (180) according to claim 49,

wherein the fluid cartridge (100) comprises an anti-tamper feature (114) indicating a source of the fluid cartridge (100);

wherein the dispenser device (150) comprises a tamper-proof verification unit (116, 172, 174) corresponding to the tamper-proof feature (114) and configured to verify whether a fluid cartridge (100) contained by the dispenser device (150) has a tamper-proof feature indicating the origin of the fluid cartridge (100);

wherein the dispenser device (150) is further configured to generate particles only upon successful verification that the fluid cartridge (100) has the anti-tampering feature (114).

51. The arrangement (180) according to claim 50, wherein the fluid cartridge (100) and/or the dispenser device (150) is configured such that the tamper-proof feature (100) of the dispenser device (150) is broken or disabled after the first insertion of the fluid cartridge (100) into the dispenser device (150).

52. The arrangement (180) according to claim 49, comprising a particle source (2102) and a respiratory mask (2104) fluidly connected to the particle source (2102) for directing particles through the respiratory mask (2104) towards a mouth and/or nose of a physiological subject.

53. The arrangement (180) according to claim 52, wherein the particle source (2102) is provided separately from the fluid cartridge (100) and the dispenser device (150).

54. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the particles are fluid particles.

55. The fluid cartridge (100) of claim 17, wherein the pressurized medium containing unit is a spray can (1100) or a gas bottle.