A vaporization device for generating an inhalable aerosol

Abstract

This document provides a system and method for generating an inhalable vapor in an electronic vaporization device. The vaporization device can generate vapor having one or more defined characteristics. In some cases, the vapor may have a predetermined aerosol number density and / or a predetermined average aerosol diameter. The vaporization device can generate vapor from a vaporizable material. In some cases, the vaporizable material may be a liquid material contained in a cartridge. The vaporization device may include a rechargeable energy storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention provides a vaporizer, including a vaporization device, a housing for the vaporization device, a method for manufacturing the vaporizer, and a method for manufacturing, using, and delivering vapor and aerosol to a user. Prior Technology

[0002] This invention relates to improvements of electronic inhalable aerosol devices or electronic vaporization devices, specifically to electronic aerosol devices that utilize a vaporized material to generate an aerosol vapor capable of delivering an active ingredient to a user. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention represents an improvement over the prior art by providing a cartridge that can be configured for ease of manufacture and assembly. For example, by providing a cartridge with a battery and / or a device body and a cartridge container for housing the cartridge, the invention provides a cartridge that can be easily inserted into and easily removed from the device body. Alternatively, the device provides compact assembly and disassembly via detachable coupling components; overheat protection for the resistance heating element; an air inlet passage (a sealed passage) formed by the assembly of the device body and a detachable cartridge; at least one condensation chamber within the detachable cartridge assembly; heater contacts; and one or more refillable, reusable, or recyclable components.

[0004] In some embodiments of the invention, the device includes an inhalable aerosol, comprising: a furnace including a furnace chamber and a heater for heating a steam-forming medium in the furnace chamber to generate steam; a condenser including a condensation chamber, wherein at least a portion of the steam is condensed to form the inhalable aerosol; an air inlet originating from a first airflow path including the furnace chamber; and a vent originating from a second airflow path that allows air from the vent to connect to the first airflow path before or within the condensation chamber and downstream of the furnace chamber, thereby forming a connected path, wherein the connected path is configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol formed in the condensation chamber to a user.

[0005] In some embodiments of the invention, the furnace is located within a body of the device. The device may further include a suction nozzle, wherein the suction nozzle includes at least one of the air inlet, the vent, and the condenser. The suction nozzle is detachable from the furnace. The suction nozzle may be integrated into a body of the device, wherein the body includes the furnace. The device may further include a body, which includes the furnace, the condenser, the air inlet, and the vent. The suction nozzle is detachable from the body.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the furnace chamber may include a furnace chamber inlet and a furnace chamber outlet, and the furnace further includes a first valve at the furnace chamber inlet and a second valve at the furnace chamber outlet. The vent may include a third valve. The first valve or the second valve may be selected from a group consisting of an anti-backflow valve, a wing valve, a check valve, and a one-way valve. The third valve may be selected from a group consisting of an anti-backflow valve, a wing valve, a check valve, and a one-way valve. The first valve or the second valve may be mechanically actuated. The first valve or the second valve may be electrically actuated. The first valve or the second valve may be manually actuated. The third valve may be mechanically actuated. The third valve may be electrically actuated. The third valve may be manually actuated.

[0007] In another embodiment of the invention, the device may further include a body comprising at least one of a power source, a printed circuit board, a switch, and a temperature regulator. The device may further include a temperature regulator in communication with a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be the heater. The power source is rechargeable. The power source is removable. The furnace may further include an inlet / outlet cover. The vapor-forming medium may include tobacco. The vapor-forming medium may include a herbal medicine. The vapor-forming medium may be heated in the furnace chamber, wherein the vapor-forming medium may include a wetting agent to generate the vapor, wherein the vapor includes a vapor-phase wetting agent. The vapor may be mixed with air from the vent in the condensation chamber to generate the inhalable aerosol comprising particles having an average particle size diameter of about 1 micrometer. The vapor-forming medium may be heated in the furnace chamber, wherein the vapor may be mixed with air from the vent in the condensation chamber to generate the inhalable aerosol comprising particles having an average particle size diameter of less than or equal to 0.9 micrometers. The vapor-forming medium can be heated in the furnace chamber, wherein the vapor can be mixed with air from the vent in the condensation chamber to produce the inhalable aerosol comprising particles having an average particle size diameter of less than or equal to 0.8 micrometers. The vapor-forming medium can be heated in the furnace chamber, wherein the vapor can be mixed with air from the vent in the condensation chamber to produce the inhalable aerosol comprising particles having an average particle size diameter of less than or equal to 0.7 micrometers. The vapor-forming medium can be heated in the furnace chamber, wherein the vapor can be mixed with air from the vent in the condensation chamber to produce the inhalable aerosol comprising particles having an average particle size diameter of less than or equal to 0.6 micrometers. The vapor-forming medium can be heated in the furnace chamber, wherein the vapor can be mixed with air from the vent in the condensation chamber to produce the inhalable aerosol comprising particles having an average particle size diameter of less than or equal to 0.5 micrometers.

[0008] In some embodiments of the invention, the wetting agent may include glycerin as a vapor-forming medium. The wetting agent may include vegetable glycerin. The wetting agent may include propylene glycol. The wetting agent may include a ratio of vegetable glycerin to propylene glycol. This ratio may be about 100:0, about 90:10, about 80:20, about 70:30, about 60:40, or about 50:50. The wetting agent may include a seasoning. The vapor-forming medium may be heated to its pyrolysis temperature. The vapor-forming medium may be heated to a maximum of 200°C. The vapor-forming medium may be heated to a maximum of 160°C. The inhalable aerosol may be cooled to a temperature of at most 50°C to 70°C before exiting the aerosol outlet of the mouthpiece.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes a method for generating an inhalable aerosol, the method comprising: providing an inhalable aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes: a furnace including a furnace chamber and a heater for heating a vapor forming medium in the furnace chamber and for forming a vapor therein; a condenser including a condensation chamber, wherein the vapor forms the inhalable aerosol; an air inlet originating from a first airflow path including the furnace chamber; and a vent originating from a second airflow path, the path allowing air from the vent to connect to the first airflow path before or within the condensation chamber and downstream of the furnace chamber, thereby forming a connected path, wherein the connected path is configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol formed in the condensation chamber to a user.

[0010] In some embodiments of the invention, the furnace is located within a body of the device. The device may further include a suction nozzle, wherein the suction nozzle includes at least one of the air inlet, the vent, and the condenser. The suction nozzle is detachable from the furnace. The suction nozzle may be integrated into a body of the device, wherein the body includes the furnace. The method may further include a body comprising the furnace, the condenser, the air inlet, and the vent. The suction nozzle is detachable from the body.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the furnace chamber may include a furnace chamber inlet and a furnace chamber outlet, and the furnace further includes a first valve at the furnace chamber inlet and a second valve at the furnace chamber outlet.

[0012] The vapor-forming medium may include tobacco. The vapor-forming medium may include a herbal medicine. The vapor-forming medium may be heated in the furnace chamber, wherein the vapor-forming medium may include a wetting agent to generate the vapor, wherein the vapor includes a vapor-phase wetting agent. The vapor may have an average particle diameter of about 1 micrometer. The vapor may have an average particle diameter of about 0.9 micrometers. The vapor may have an average particle diameter of about 0.8 micrometers. The vapor may have an average particle diameter of about 0.7 micrometers. The vapor may have an average particle diameter of about 0.6 micrometers. The vapor may have an average particle diameter of about 0.5 micrometers.

[0013] In some embodiments of the invention, the wetting agent may include glycerin as a vapor-forming medium. The wetting agent may include vegetable glycerin. The wetting agent may include propylene glycol. The wetting agent may include a ratio of vegetable glycerin to propylene glycol. This ratio may be about 100:0, about 90:10, about 80:20, about 70:30, about 60:40, or about 50:50. The wetting agent may include a seasoning. The vapor-forming medium may be heated to its pyrolysis temperature. The vapor-forming medium may be heated to a maximum of 200°C. The vapor-forming medium may be heated to a maximum of 160°C. The inhalable aerosol may be cooled to a temperature of at most 50°C to 70°C before exiting the aerosol outlet of the mouthpiece.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device may be user-maintainable. Alternatively, the device may not be user-maintainable.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for generating an inhalable aerosol includes: providing a vaporization device, wherein the device generates steam having an average particle diameter of about 1 micrometer or less, wherein the steam is formed by the following steps: heating a steam forming medium in a furnace chamber to a first temperature below the pyrolysis temperature of the steam forming medium, and cooling the steam in a condensation chamber to a second temperature below the first temperature, and then exiting an aerosol outlet of the device.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol includes: providing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a mouthpiece having an aerosol outlet at a first end of the apparatus; a furnace having a furnace chamber and a heater for heating a steam forming medium in the furnace chamber and for forming steam therein; a condenser having a condensation chamber in which the steam forms the inhalable aerosol; an air inlet originating from a first airflow path including the furnace chamber and subsequently the condensation chamber; and a vent originating from a second airflow path, wherein, after the steam is formed in the furnace chamber, the second airflow path connects to the first airflow path before or within the condensation chamber, wherein the connected first and second airflow paths are configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol formed in the condensation chamber through the aerosol outlet of the mouthpiece to a user.

[0017] The method may further include providing the device comprising a power source or battery, a printed circuit board, a temperature regulator or an operating switch.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: a mouthpiece including an aerosol outlet at a first end of the apparatus and an air inlet originating from a first airflow path; a furnace including a furnace chamber in the first airflow path and including the furnace chamber and a heater for heating a steam forming medium in the furnace chamber and for forming steam therein; a condenser including a condensation chamber in which the steam forms the inhalable aerosol; and a vent originating from a second airflow path that allows air from the vent to connect to the first airflow path before or within the condensation chamber and downstream of the furnace chamber, thereby forming a connected path, wherein the connected path is configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol formed in the condensation chamber through the aerosol outlet of the mouthpiece to a user.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: a mouthpiece including an aerosol outlet at a first end of the apparatus, an air inlet originating from a first airflow path, and a vent originating from a second airflow path, the second airflow path allowing air from the vent to connect to the first airflow path; a furnace including a furnace chamber in the first airflow path and including the furnace chamber and a heater for heating a steam forming medium in the furnace chamber and for forming steam therein; and a condenser including a condensation chamber, wherein the steam forms the inhalable aerosol, and wherein air from the vent connects to the first airflow path before or within the condensation chamber and downstream of the furnace chamber, thereby forming a connected path, wherein the connected path is configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol through the aerosol outlet of the mouthpiece to a user.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: an apparatus body including a cartridge container; a cartridge including: a fluid storage compartment, and a channel integrated into an outer surface of the cartridge, and an air inlet passage formed by the channel and an inner surface of the cartridge container when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge container; wherein the channel forms a first side of the air inlet passage, and the inner surface of the cartridge container forms a second side of the air inlet passage.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: an apparatus body including a cartridge container; a cartridge including: a fluid storage compartment, and a channel integrated into an outer surface of the cartridge, and an air inlet passage formed by the channel and an inner surface of the cartridge container when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge container; wherein the channel forms a first side of the air inlet passage, and the inner surface of the cartridge container forms a second side of the air inlet passage.

[0022] In some embodiments of the invention, the channel may include at least one of a groove, a trough, a recess, a recess, a slot, a groove, a fold, and a channel. The integrated channel may include a wall recessed into or protruding from the surface forming the channel. The inner walls of the channel may form additional sides of the air inlet passage. The housing may further include a second air passage in fluid communication with the air inlet passage to one of the fluid storage compartments, wherein the second air passage is formed by material passing through the housing. The housing may further include a heater. The heater may be attached to a first end of the housing.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the heater may include a heater chamber, a first pair of heater contacts, a fluid core, and a resistance heating element in contact with the core. The first pair of heater contacts includes thin plates attached to the sides of the heater chamber, and the fluid core and the resistance heating element are suspended therebetween. The first pair of heater contacts may further include a molded shape including a tongue with a flexible spring value, the tongue extending beyond the heater to couple with the device body to complete a circuit. The first pair of heater contacts may serve as a heat sink, absorbing and dissipating excess heat generated by the resistance heating element. The first pair of heater contacts may contact a heat insulation plate, which protects the heater chamber from excess heat generated by the resistance heating element. The first pair of heater contacts may be press-fitted to an attachment feature on the outer wall of the first end of the housing. The heater may enclose a first end of the housing and a first end of the fluid storage compartment. The heater may include a first condensation chamber. The heater may include one or more first condensing chambers. The first condensing chambers may be formed along an outer wall of one of the housings. The housing may further include a suction nozzle. The suction nozzle may be attached to a second end of one of the housings. The suction nozzle may include a second condensing chamber. The suction nozzle may include one or more second condensing chambers. The second condensing chambers may be formed along an outer wall of one of the housings.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge may include a first condensation chamber and a second condensation chamber. The first condensation chamber and the second condensation chamber are in fluid communication. The suction nozzle may include an aerosol outlet in fluid communication with the second condensation chamber. The suction nozzle may include one or more aerosol outlets in fluid communication with one or more of the second condensation chambers. The suction nozzle may seal a second end of the cartridge and a second end of the fluid storage compartment.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device may include an airflow path comprising an air inlet passage, a second air passage, a heater chamber, a first condenser chamber, a second condenser chamber, and an aerosol outlet. The airflow path may include one or more air inlet passages, a heater chamber, one or more first condenser chambers, one or more second condenser chambers, and one or more aerosol outlets. The heater may be in fluid communication with the fluid storage compartment. The fluid storage compartment may be capable of retaining the condensed aerosol fluid. The condensed aerosol fluid may include a nicotine formulation. The condensed aerosol fluid may include a wetting agent. The wetting agent may include propylene glycol. The wetting agent may include vegetable glycerin.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge may be detachable. In another embodiment of the invention, the cartridge container and the detachable cartridge form a separable coupling. The separable coupling may include a friction assembly, a snap-fit ​​assembly, or a magnetic assembly. The cartridge may include a fluid storage compartment, a heater attached to a first end by a snap-fit, and a nozzle attached to a second end by a snap-fit.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: an apparatus body comprising a cartridge container for receiving a cartridge; wherein when the cartridge, including a channel integrated into an outer surface, is inserted into the cartridge container, an inner surface of the cartridge container forms a first side of an air inlet passage, and wherein the channel forms a second side of the air inlet passage.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: an apparatus body including a cartridge container for receiving a cartridge; wherein the cartridge container includes a channel integrated into an inner surface and forms a first side of an air inlet passage when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge container, and wherein an outer surface of the cartridge forms a second side of the air inlet passage.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge for a device for generating an inhalable aerosol includes: a fluid storage compartment; a channel integrated into an outer surface, wherein the channel forms a first side of an air inlet passage; and wherein when the cartridge is inserted into a cartridge container, an inner surface of the cartridge container in the device forms a second side of the air inlet passage.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge for a device for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: a fluid storage compartment, wherein when inserted into a device body including a cartridge container, an outer surface of the cartridge forms a first side of an air inlet passage, and wherein the cartridge container further includes a channel integrated into an inner surface, and wherein the channel forms a second side of the air inlet passage.

[0031] The case may further include a second air passage in fluid communication with the channel, wherein the second air passage is formed from one of the outer surfaces of the case through the material of the case to the fluid storage compartment.

[0032] The housing may include at least one of a groove, a trough, a recess, a recess, a slot, a groove, a fold, and a channel. The integrated channel may include a wall recessed into or raised from the surface forming the channel. The inner walls of the channel may form additional sides of the air intake passage.

[0033] In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: a cartridge including a fluid storage compartment; a heater attached to a first end, the heater including a first heater contact; a resistance heating element attached to the first heater contact; an apparatus body including a cartridge container for receiving the cartridge; a second heater contact adapted to receive the first heater contact and complete a circuit; a power supply connected to the second heater contact; and a printed circuit board (PCB) connected to the power supply and the second heater contact; wherein the PCB is configured to detect the presence of fluid and shut off the apparatus based on the measured resistance of the resistance heating element.

[0034] The printed circuit board (PCB) may include: a microcontroller; switches; circuitry including a reference resistor; and an algorithm including logic for control parameters; wherein the microcontroller cycles the switches at fixed intervals to measure the resistance of the resistive heating element relative to the reference resistor, and applies the algorithm control parameters to control the temperature of the resistive heating element.

[0035] When the resistance exceeds the control parameter threshold, indicating that the heating element is drying, the microcontroller can command the device to shut itself off.

[0036] In another embodiment of the invention, a cartridge of an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: a fluid storage compartment; a heater attached to a first end, which includes a heater chamber, a first pair of heater contacts, a fluid core, and a resistance heating element in contact with the core; wherein the first pair of heater contacts includes thin plates attached around the sides of the heater chamber, and wherein the fluid core and the resistance heating element are suspended therebetween.

[0037] The first pair of heater contacts may further include a molded shape comprising a tongue having a flexible spring value, the tongue extending beyond the heater to complete a circuit with the device body. The heater contacts may be configured to mate with a second pair of heater contacts within a housing of the device body to complete a circuit. The first pair of heater contacts may also be a heat sink that absorbs and dissipates excess heat generated by the resistance heating element. The first pair of heater contacts may also be a heat insulation plate that protects the heater chamber from excess heat generated by the resistance heating element.

[0038] In another embodiment of the invention, a cartridge for an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: a heater comprising a heater chamber, therein a pair of thin-plate heater contacts, a fluid core positioned between the heater contacts, and a resistance heating element in contact with the core; wherein each of the heater contacts includes a fixing point, and the resistance heating element is tensioned therebetween.

[0039] In another embodiment of the invention, a cartridge of an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include a heater, wherein the heater is attached to a first end of the cartridge.

[0040] The heater may enclose a first end of the housing and a first end of the fluid storage compartment. The heater may include one or more first condensation chambers. The heater may include a first condensation chamber. The condensation chamber may be formed along an outer wall of one of the housings.

[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, a cartridge of an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: a fluid storage compartment; and a suction nozzle, wherein the suction nozzle is attached to a second end of the cartridge.

[0042] The nozzle can seal a second end of one of the housings and a second end of one of the fluid storage compartments. The nozzle may include a second condensation chamber. The nozzle may include more than one second condensation chamber. The second condensation chamber may be formed along an outer wall of one of the housings.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge of an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: a fluid storage compartment; a heater attached to a first end; and a mouthpiece attached to a second end; wherein the heater includes a first condensation chamber and the mouthpiece includes a second condensation chamber.

[0044] The heater may include one or more first condensing chambers, and the nozzle may include one or more second condensing chambers. The first and second condensing chambers are in fluid communication. The nozzle may include an aerosol outlet in fluid communication with the second condensing chamber. The nozzle may include two or more aerosol outlets. The cartridge is compliant with ISO recycling standards. The cartridge is compliant with ISO recycling standards for plastic waste.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: an apparatus body including a cartridge container; and a removable cartridge; wherein the cartridge container and the removable cartridge form a separable coupling member, wherein the separable coupling member includes a friction assembly, a snap-fit ​​assembly or a magnetic assembly.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: providing an apparatus body including a cartridge container; and providing a removable cartridge; wherein the cartridge container and the removable cartridge form a separable coupling member including a friction assembly, a snap-fit ​​assembly, or a magnetic assembly.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a cartridge for a device for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: providing a fluid storage compartment; attaching a heater to a first end using a snap-fit ​​coupling member; and attaching a mouthpiece to a second end using a snap-fit ​​coupling member.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge of a device for generating an inhalable aerosol via an airflow path includes: a channel including a portion of an air inlet passage; a second air passage in fluid communication with the channel; a heater chamber in fluid communication with the second air passage; a first condensation chamber in fluid communication with the heater chamber; a second condensation chamber in fluid communication with the first condensation chamber; and an aerosol outlet in fluid communication with the second condensation chamber.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, a housing of an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol may include: a fluid storage compartment; a heater attached to a first end; and a nozzle attached to a second end; wherein the nozzle includes two or more aerosol outlets.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, a system for supplying power to an electronic device for generating an inhalable vapor may include: a rechargeable power storage device housed within the electronic device for generating an inhalable vapor; two or more charging pins accessible from an outer surface of the electronic device for generating an inhalable vapor, wherein the charging pins are electrically connected to the rechargeable power storage device; and a charging tray including two or more charging contacts configured to supply power to the rechargeable storage device, wherein the device charging pins are reversible such that the device is charged in the charging tray when: a first charging pin on the device contacts a first charging contact on the charging tray and a second charging pin on the device contacts a second charging contact on the charging tray; and the first charging pin on the device contacts the second charging contact on the charging tray and the second charging pin on the device contacts the first charging contact on the charging tray.

[0051] These charging pins are visible on one of the device's housings. The user can permanently disable the device by opening the housing. The user can permanently destroy the device by opening the housing.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will readily understand additional features and advantages of the invention from the following embodiments, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown and described. It will be appreciated that the invention can have other and different embodiments without departing from its original form, and that certain details of the invention can be modified in various obvious aspects. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions are to be considered illustrative in nature and are not restrictive. [Incorporated by reference] []

[0053] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if specifically and individually indicated that each individual publication, patent or patent application is incorporated by reference. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0054] The novel features of the invention are specifically described in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the invention will be obtained by referring to the following illustrative embodiments, wherein the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings thereof:

[0055] Figure 1 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of one of the exemplary vaporization devices.

[0056] Figure 2 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of an example vaporization device with various electronic features and valves.

[0057] Figure 3 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of another exemplary vaporization device, which includes a condensation chamber, an air inlet, and a vent in the nozzle.

[0058] Figures 4A to 4C are illustrative examples of a furnace section of another exemplary vaporization device structure having an inlet / outlet cover. The structure includes a furnace having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an additional vent in the airflow path downstream of the furnace.

[0059] Figure 5 is an isometric view of one of the assembled inhalable aerosol devices.

[0060] Figures 6A to 6D are illustrative configurations and cross-sectional views of the main body and sub-components of the device.

[0061] Figure 7A is an isometric view of one of the assembled boxes.

[0062] Figure 7B is an illustrated exploded isometric view of one of the box assemblies.

[0063] Figure 7C is a side sectional view of Figure 3A, showing the relative placement of the inlet channel, inlet hole, core, resistance heating element and heater contact, and heater chamber inside the heater.

[0064] Figure 8A is an example of a cross-sectional view of the end of a casing inside the heater.

[0065] Figure 8B is a schematic side view of one of the boxes, in which the cap is removed and the heater is shown in shadow / outline.

[0066] Figure 9 illustrates one of the assembly methods for the box.

[0067] Figures 10A to 10C are a schematic sequence showing the airflow / steam path of the box.

[0068] Figures 11 to 13 illustrate the assembly sequence of one of the main components used to assemble the device.

[0069] Figure 14 shows the front view, side view and cross-sectional view of the assembled inhalable aerosol device.

[0070] Figure 15 is a schematic view of one of the inhalable aerosol devices after it has been activated and assembled.

[0071] Figures 16A to 16C are representative illustrations of a charging device for the aerosol device and its application using the charger.

[0072] Figures 17A and 17B are block diagrams of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller and representative circuit diagrams of key components used to control coil temperature in a device.

[0073] Figure 18 shows a device having charging contacts visible from one of the device's housings.

[0074] Figure 19 is an exploded view of a charging assembly of a device.

[0075] Figure 20 is a detailed view of one of the charging assemblies of a device.

[0076] Figure 21 is a detailed view of one of the charging pins in a charging assembly of a device.

[0077] Figure 22 shows one of the devices in a charging tray.

[0078] Figure 23 shows a circuit on a PCB configured to allow a device to include a reversible charging contact. Implementation

[0079] This document provides a system and method for generating a vapor from a material. The vapor can be delivered for inhalation by a user. The material can be a solid, liquid, powder, solution, paste, gel, or any other material having any other physical consistency. The vapor can be delivered to the user for inhalation via a vaporization device. The vaporization device can be a handheld vaporization device. The vaporization device can be held in the hand of the user. []

[0080] The vaporization device may include one or more heating elements, which may be resistance heating elements. The heating elements heat the material, causing the material temperature to increase. Steam is generated by heating the material. Energy may be required to operate the heating elements, which may be derived from a battery electrically connected to the heating elements. Alternatively, a chemical reaction (e.g., combustion or other exothermic reaction) may provide energy to the heating elements. []

[0081] One or more forms of vaporization apparatus may be designed and / or controlled to deliver steam having one or more specified properties to a user. For example, a form of vaporization apparatus designed and / or controlled to deliver steam having specified properties may include heating temperature, heating mechanism, device inlet, internal volume of the device, and / or material composition. []

[0082] In some cases, a vaporization device may have a "sprayer" or "spray cartridge" configured to heat an aerosol-forming solution (e.g., a vaporizable material). The aerosol-forming solution may include glycerol and / or propylene glycol. The vaporizable material may be heated to a sufficient temperature to vaporize. []

[0083] A sprayer may be a device or system configured to generate an aerosol. The sprayer may include: a small heating element configured to heat and / or vaporize at least a portion of a vaporizable material; and a wicking material that draws a liquid vaporizable material into the sprayer. The wicking material may include silica fiber, cotton, ceramic, hemp, stainless steel mesh, and / or rope. The wicking material may be configured to draw the liquid vaporizable material into the sprayer without a pump or other moving mechanical parts. A resistance wire may surround the wicking material and then be connected to a positive and a negative terminal of a current source (e.g., an energy source). The resistance wire may be a coil. When the resistance wire is activated, the resistance wire (or coil) may experience a temperature rise due to heat generated by the flow of electricity through the resistance wire. The heat may be transferred to at least a portion of the vaporizable material through conduction, convection, and / or radiation, causing at least a portion of the vaporizable material to vaporize. []

[0084] Alternatively, or in addition to a sprayer, the vaporization device may include a "spray cartridge" to generate an aerosol from the vaporizable material for inhalation by a user. The spray cartridge may include a cartridge and a sprayer. The spray cartridge may include a heating element surrounded by a liquid-soaked poly-foam, which acts as a container for the vaporizable material (e.g., a liquid). The spray cartridge may be reusable, reconstructable, refillable, and / or disposable. The spray cartridge may be used with a box for additional storage of the vaporizable material. []

[0085] Air can be drawn into the vaporization device to carry the vaporized aerosol away from the heating element, wherein the vaporized aerosol is then cooled and condensed to form liquid particles suspended in the air, which can then be drawn out of the nozzle by the user. []

[0086] Compared to the temperature required to produce an inhalable vapor in a cigarette, the vaporization of at least a portion of the vaporizable material can occur at a lower temperature in a vaporization device. A cigarette can be a device in which a smoke-generating material is burned to produce an inhalable vapor. The lower temperature of the vaporization device can lead to less decomposition and / or reaction of the vaporizable material, and thus produce an aerosol with far fewer chemical components than a cigarette. In some cases, the vaporization device can produce an aerosol with fewer chemical components harmful to human health than a cigarette. In addition, the aerosol particles in the vaporization device can undergo near-complete evaporation during the heating process, which can produce an average particle size (e.g., diameter) value smaller than the average particle size in tobacco or herbal-based effluents. []

[0087] A vaporization device may be configured to extract one or more active ingredients from plant materials, tobacco, and / or a herbal medicine or other herbal or compound material through inhalation. A vaporization device may be used with pure chemicals and / or wetting agents, which may or may not be mixed with the plant material. Vaporization can be an alternative to combustion (smoke generation), avoiding the inhalation of many irritating and / or toxic carcinogenic byproducts that may arise from the pyrolysis process of burning tobacco or herbal products above 300°C. The vaporization device may operate at or below 300°C. []

[0088] A vaporizer (e.g., a vaporization device) may not have an atomizer or spray canister. Alternatively, the device may include a furnace. The furnace may be at least partially enclosed. The furnace may have a closable opening. The furnace may be enclosed by a heating element, or alternatively, the heating element may be in thermal communication with the furnace via another mechanism. A vaporizable material may be placed directly in the furnace or assembled in a canister within the furnace. The heating element, in thermal communication with the furnace, can heat a block of vaporizable material to generate a gaseous vapor. The heating element can heat the vaporizable material through conduction, convection, and / or radiative heat transfer. The vapor may be released into a vaporization chamber, where the gaseous vapor can condense to form an aerosol cloud with typical liquid vapor particles, wherein the particles have an average block diameter of about 1 micrometer or larger. In some cases, the average block diameter may be from about 0.1 micrometers to 1 micrometer. []

[0089] As used herein, the term "steam" generally refers to a substance in the gaseous phase at a temperature below its critical point. Steam can be condensed into a liquid or a solid by increasing its pressure without decreasing its temperature. []

[0090] As used herein, the term "aerogel" generally refers to a colloidal body of small solid particles or droplets in air or another gas. Examples of aerogels include clouds, haze, and smoke (including smoke from tobacco or herbal medicine products). The liquid or solid particles in an aerogel can have varying average block diameters, ranging from monodisperse aerogels (laboratory-producible systems containing particles of uniform size) to polydisperse colloidal systems (exhibiting a range of particle sizes). As the particle size increases, these particles have a greater settling velocity, causing them to settle out of the aerogel more quickly, resulting in a less dense outer surface and a shorter residence time in the air. It is noteworthy that an aerogel with smaller particles will be thicker or denser because it contains more particles. The number of particles has a much greater effect on light scattering than particle size (at least for the range of particle sizes considered), thus allowing a vapor cloud with more smaller particles to be denser than a cloud with fewer but larger particles. []

[0091] As used herein, the term "wetting agent" generally refers to a substance used to keep an object moist. A wetting agent can attract and retain moisture in the air by absorption, allowing the water to be used by other substances. Wetting agents are also commonly used in many tobacco or herbal medicines and electrovaporized products to keep the product moist and as a vapor-forming medium. Examples include propylene glycol and glycosyl alcohols (such as glycerin, glycerol, and honey). [] [Rapid ventilation] []

[0092] In some cases, the vaporization device may be configured to deliver an aerosol with a high particle density. The particle density of the aerosol may refer to the number of aerosol droplets relative to the volume of air (or other dry gas) between the droplets. A dense aerosol may be easily visible to a user. In some cases, a user may inhale the aerosol, and at least a small fraction of the aerosol particles may impact the user's lungs and / or mouth. The user may exhale the remaining aerosol after inhalation. When the aerosol is dense, the remaining aerosol may have a sufficient particle density for the exhaled aerosol to be visible to the user. In some cases, a user may prefer the visual effect and / or taste of a dense aerosol. []

[0093] A vaporization device may include a vaporizable material. The vaporizable material may be contained in a cartridge or loosely placed in one or more chambers of the vaporization device. A heating element may be provided in the device to raise the temperature of the vaporizable material, such that at least a portion of the vaporizable material forms vapor. The heating element may heat the vaporizable material by convective heat transfer, conductive heat transfer, and / or radiative heat transfer. The heating element may heat the cartridge and / or chambers storing the vaporizable material. []

[0094] Steam generated after heating a vaporizable material can be delivered to a user. The steam can be transported through the device from a first location to a second location within the device. In some cases, the first location may be at least a portion of the location where steam is generated (e.g., a cartridge or cavity or an area adjacent to the cartridge or cavity). The second location may be a nozzle. The user can suck on the nozzle to inhale the steam. []

[0095] At least a fraction of the vapor may condense after its generation and before the user inhales it. The vapor may condense in a condensation chamber. The condensation chamber may be part of the device through which the vapor passes before being delivered to the user. In some cases, the device may include at least one vent within the condensation chamber of the vaporization device. The vent may be configured to introduce ambient air (or other gases) into the vaporization chamber. The air introduced into the vaporization chamber may have a temperature lower than that of one of the gases and / or the gas / vapor mixture in the condensation chamber. The introduction of relatively low-temperature gas into the vaporization chamber may provide rapid cooling of the heated gas-vapor mixture generated by heating the vaporizable material. Rapid cooling of the gas-vapor mixture may produce a dense aerosol comprising highly concentrated droplets with a smaller diameter and / or smaller average mass compared to an aerosol that is not rapidly cooled before being inhaled by the user. []

[0096] Compared to aerogels that do not cool rapidly before being inhaled by a user, aerogels with a smaller diameter and / or smaller average mass of high-concentration droplets can be formed in a two-step process. The first step can occur in a furnace chamber, where a vaporizable material (e.g., tobacco and / or herbal medicines and wetting agent blends) can be heated to a high temperature. Evaporation occurs faster at the high temperature than at room temperature, and the furnace chamber can be filled with the vapor phase of the wetting agent. The wetting agent can continue to evaporate until the partial pressure of the wetting agent equals the saturation pressure. At this point, the gas is considered to have a saturation ratio of 1 (S=Ppartial / Psat). []

[0097] In the second step, the gas (e.g., steam and air) leaves the furnace and enters a condenser or condensation chamber, where it begins to cool. As the vapor cools, the saturation pressure decreases. As the saturation pressure decreases, the saturation ratio increases, and the steam begins to condense, forming droplets. In some devices without additional cooling vents, cooling is relatively slow, preventing the achievement of high saturation pressures, and resulting in relatively larger and fewer droplets forming in the device without additional cooling vents. Introducing cooler air creates a temperature gradient between the cooler air and the relatively warmer gas in the device. The mixing of the cooler air with the relatively warmer gas in a confined space inside the vaporization device leads to rapid cooling. Rapid cooling produces a high saturation ratio, small particles, and a high concentration of even smaller particles, forming a thicker and denser vapor cloud compared to particles produced in a device without vents. []

[0098] For the purposes of this disclosure, when referring to the ratio of wetting agents (such as vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol), depending on the embodiment, "approximately" means a variation of one of 5%, 10%, 20%, or 25%. []

[0099] For the purposes of this disclosure, when referring to an average block diameter in particle size, "approximately" means a variation of one of 5%, 10%, 20%, or 25%, depending on the embodiment. []

[0100] A vaporization device configured to rapidly cool a vapor may include: a nozzle including an aerosol outlet at a first end of the device; a furnace including a furnace chamber and a heater for heating a vapor-forming medium in the furnace chamber and for forming a vapor therein; a condenser including a condensation chamber in which the vapor forms an inhalable aerosol; an air inlet originating from a first airflow path including the furnace chamber and subsequently the condensation chamber; and a vent originating from a second airflow path, which connects to the first airflow path before or within the condensation chamber after the vapor is formed in the furnace chamber, wherein the connecting first and second airflow paths are configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol formed in the condensation chamber to a user through the aerosol outlet of the nozzle. []

[0101] In some embodiments, the furnace is located within a body of the apparatus. The furnace chamber may include a furnace chamber inlet and a furnace chamber outlet. The furnace may further include a first valve at the furnace chamber inlet and a second valve at the furnace chamber outlet. []

[0102] The furnace may be housed within a device housing. In some cases, the main body of the device may include vents and / or a condenser. The main body of the device may include one or more air inlets. The main body of the device may include a housing that accommodates and / or at least partially accommodates one or more components of the device. []

[0103] The nozzle may be connected to the body. The nozzle may be connected to the furnace. The nozzle may be connected to a shell that at least partially encloses the furnace. In some cases, the nozzle may be detachable from the furnace, the body, and / or the shell that at least partially encloses the furnace. The nozzle may include at least one of an inlet, a vent, and a condenser. The nozzle may be integrated into the device body. The device body may include a furnace. []

[0104] In some cases, one or more vents may include a valve. The valve can regulate the flow rate of air entering the device through the vents. The valve may be controlled by a mechanical and / or electrical control system. []

[0105] A vaporization device configured to rapidly cool a steam may include: a main body, a nozzle, an aerosol outlet, a condenser having a condensation chamber, a heater, a furnace having a furnace chamber, a main stage gas flow inlet, and at least one vent provided downstream of the main body and the furnace and upstream of the nozzle. []

[0106] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a vaporization device configured for rapid cooling of steam. The device 100 may include a body 101. The body may house and / or integrate with one or more components of the device. The body may house and / or integrate with a mouthpiece 102. The mouthpiece 102 may have an aerosol outlet 122. A user may inhale the generated aerosol through the aerosol outlet 122 on the mouthpiece 102. The body may house and / or integrate with a furnace region 104. The furnace region 104 may include a furnace chamber in which a vapor-generating medium 106 may be placed. The vapor-generating medium may contain tobacco and / or herbal medicine with or without a primary wetting agent. In some embodiments, the vapor-generating medium may be contained in a removable and / or refillable cartridge. []

[0107] Air can be drawn into the device through a main stage air inlet 121. The main stage air inlet 121 may be located on one end of the device 100 opposite the nozzle 102. Alternatively, the main stage air inlet 121 may be located adjacent to the nozzle 102. In some cases, a pressure drop sufficient to draw air into the device through the main stage air inlet 121 may be attributable to a user inhaling through the nozzle 102. []

[0108] A vapor-forming medium (e.g., a vaporizable material) can be heated in the furnace chamber by a heater 105 to produce a high-temperature gas phase (steam) of tobacco or herbal medicine and wetting agent / vapor-forming components. The heater 105 can transfer heat to the vapor-forming medium through conduction, convection, and / or radiative heat transfer. The generated steam can be drawn out of the furnace area and into the condensation chamber 103a of the condenser 103, where the steam can begin to cool and condense into microparticles or droplets suspended in the air, thereby creating an initial aerosol formation before being drawn out of the suction nozzle through the aerosol outlet 122. []

[0109] In some cases, relatively cooler air can be introduced into the condensation chamber 103a through a vent 107, causing the steam to condense faster than steam in a device without a vent 107. Rapidly cooling the steam can produce a denser aerosol cloud containing particles with an average block diameter of about 1 micrometer and (depending on the mixing ratio of the steam-forming wetting agent) particles with an average block diameter of about 0.5 micrometers. []

[0110] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol, the apparatus comprising: a body having a nozzle at one end, an attachment body including a condensation chamber at the other end, a heater, a furnace, wherein the furnace includes a first valve in an airflow path at a main airflow inlet of the furnace chamber and a second valve at an outlet end of the furnace chamber, and at least one vent provided downstream of the body, the furnace and upstream of the nozzle. []

[0111] Figure 2 shows one alternative embodiment of the vaporization device 200. The vaporization device may include a body 201. The body 201 may be integrated with and / or include one or more components of the device. The body may be integrated with and / or connected to a nozzle 202. []

[0112] The main body may include a furnace region 204, wherein a furnace chamber 204a has a first compression valve 208 in the main stage inlet of the furnace chamber and a second compression valve 209 at the furnace chamber outlet. The furnace chamber 204a may be sealed with one of the tobacco or herbal medicine and / or wetting agent / vapor forming media 206. The seal may be an airtight and / or liquid-tight seal. A heater 205 may be provided to the furnace chamber. The heater 205 may be in thermal communication with the furnace; for example, the heater may surround the furnace chamber during the vaporization process. The heater may contact the furnace. The heater may surround and enclose the furnace. Pressure may be formed in the sealed furnace chamber as heat is continuously added before intake and before the intake air passes through a main stage inlet 221. The pressure is attributable to a phase change of one of the vaporizable materials. The high-temperature gas phase (vapor) of the tobacco or herbal medicine and wetting agent / vapor forming components may be achieved by continuously adding heat to the furnace. This heating and pressurization process can produce even higher saturation ratios when valves 208 and 209 are open during intake. Higher saturation ratios result in a relatively higher particle concentration of the vapor-phase wetting agent in the generated aerogel. When the vapor (e.g.) is drawn out of the furnace area by the user's inhalation and into the condensation chamber 203a of the condenser 203, the vapor-phase wetting vapor can be exposed to additional air through a vent 207, and the vapor can begin to cool and condense into droplets suspended in the air. As previously described, the user can draw the aerogel through nozzle 222. This condensation process can be further improved by adding an additional valve 210 to vent 207 to further control the air-vapor mixture process. []

[0113] Figure 2 also illustrates an exemplary embodiment of additional components found in a vaporization device, including a power supply or battery 211, a printed circuit board 212, a temperature regulator 213, and an operating switch (not shown), which are housed within an internal electronics housing 214 to isolate them from the damaging effects of vapor and / or moisture in the aerosol. The additional components may or may not be found in a vaporization device that includes a vent as described above. []

[0114] In some embodiments of the vaporization device, components of the device are user-maintainable, such as power sources or batteries. These components may be replaceable or rechargeable. []

[0115] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol, the apparatus comprising: a first body, a nozzle having an aerosol outlet, a condensation chamber within a condenser, an air inlet and a passage, and an attached second body including a heater and a furnace having a furnace chamber, wherein the airflow passage is upstream of the furnace and the nozzle outlet to provide airflow through the apparatus, across the furnace, and into the condensation chamber providing an auxiliary vent. []

[0116] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a vaporization device 300. The device 300 may include a body 301. The body may be connected to and / or integrated with a nozzle 302 at one end. The nozzle may include a condensation chamber 303a within a condenser section 303, an air inlet 321, and an air passage 323. The device body may include a proximal-positioned furnace 304, which includes a furnace chamber 304a. The furnace chamber may be located within the device body. A vapor-forming medium 306 (e.g., a vaporizable material), including tobacco or herbal medicine and a wetting vapor-forming medium, may be placed in the furnace. The vapor-forming medium may be in direct contact with an air passage 323 from the nozzle. Tobacco or herbal medicine can be heated by heater 305 surrounding the furnace chamber to produce a high-temperature gas phase (vapor) of tobacco or herbal medicine, wetting agent / vapor forming components, and air drawn into a condensation chamber 303a through a main air inlet 321, across the furnace, and into the condenser zone 303, as drawn into the mouthpiece by a user. Once additional air is allowed to enter through vent 307 in the condensation chamber (where the vapor phase wetting vapor begins to cool and condense into droplets suspended in the air), a denser aerosol cloud with particles having a smaller average block diameter than that of a typical vaporization device without an added vent is generated again before being drawn out of the mouthpiece through aerosol outlet 322. []

[0117] In some embodiments of the invention, the device includes: a mouthpiece including an aerosol outlet at a first end of the device and an air inlet originating from a first airflow path; a furnace including a furnace chamber in the first airflow path and including the furnace chamber and a heater for heating a vapor-forming medium in the furnace chamber and for forming vapor therein; a condenser including a condensation chamber in which the vapor forms the inhalable aerosol; and a vent originating from a second airflow path that allows air from the vent to connect to the first airflow path before or within the condensation chamber and downstream of the furnace chamber, thereby forming a connected path, wherein the connected path is configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol formed in the condensation chamber to a user through the aerosol outlet of the mouthpiece. []

[0118] In some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in illustrative Figure 3, the device includes: a mouthpiece comprising: an aerosol outlet at a first end of the device, an air inlet originating from a first airflow path, and a vent originating from a second airflow path, the second airflow path allowing air from the vent to connect to the first airflow path; a furnace comprising a furnace chamber in the first airflow path and including the furnace chamber and a heater for heating a vapor-forming medium in the furnace chamber and for forming vapor therein; a condenser comprising a condensation chamber in which the vapor forms the inhalable aerosol, and wherein air from the vent connects to the first airflow path before or within the condensation chamber and downstream of the furnace chamber, thereby forming a connected path, wherein the connected path is configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol through the aerosol outlet of the mouthpiece to a user. []

[0119] In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus may include a body having one or more separable components. For example, as illustrated in illustrative Figure 1 or Figure 2, the nozzle is separably attached to the body, which includes a condensation chamber, a heater, and a furnace. []

[0120] In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus may include a body having one or more separable components. For example, a nozzle may be separably attached to the body. As illustrated in illustrative Figure 3, the nozzle may include a condensation chamber and may be attached to or directly adjacent to a furnace, and the nozzle may be separable from the body including a heater and the furnace. []

[0121] In other embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in illustrative Figures 1, 2, or 3, at least one vent may be located in the condensing chamber of the condenser. As illustrated in illustrative Figure 2, at least one vent may include a third valve in the airflow path of the at least one vent. The first, second, and third valves are an anti-backflow valve, a wing valve, a check valve, or a one-way valve. In any of the embodiments described above, the first, second, or third valves may be mechanically actuated, electrically actuated, or manually actuated. Those skilled in the art will recognize upon reading this disclosure that the device can be modified in such a way that any or all of these openings or orifices can be configured to have different combinations or variations of the mechanisms described to control the airflow, pressure, and temperature of the generated steam and the aerosol generated by such device configurations (including those with or without a manually operated opening or orifice with a valve). []

[0122] In some embodiments of the invention, the device may further include at least one of a power source, a printed circuit board, a switch, and a temperature regulator. Alternatively, those skilled in the art will recognize that the power source (battery), switch, printed circuit board, or temperature regulator may also be supplied in the body as appropriate. []

[0123] In some embodiments of the invention, the device can be discarded when the supply of the pre-packaged aerosol-forming medium is depleted. Alternatively, the device can be rechargeable, such that the battery is rechargeable or replaceable, and / or the aerosol-forming medium can be refilled by the user / operator of the device. Furthermore, in other embodiments of the invention, the device can be rechargeable, such that the battery is rechargeable or replaceable, and / or (in addition to a refillable or replaceable aerosol-forming medium) the operator can also add or refill a tobacco or herbal ingredient to the device. []

[0124] As illustrated in Figures 1, 2, or 3, in some embodiments of the invention, the vaporization device includes tobacco or a medicinal herb heated in the furnace chamber, wherein the tobacco or medicinal herb further includes a wetting agent to generate an aerogel comprising the wetting agent and a gaseous component of the tobacco or medicinal herb. In some embodiments of the invention, the vaporeous wetting agent and tobacco or medicinal herb vapor generated by the heated aerogel forming medium 106, 206, 306, after leaving the furnace regions 104, 204, 304 and entering a condensation chamber 103a, 203a, 303a, are mixed with air from a special vent 107, 207, 307 to cool and condense the vapore to generate a much denser and thicker aerogel than that generated without additional cooling air, comprising more particles and having an average block diameter of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer. []

[0125] In other embodiments of the invention, the aerogel configurations generated by mixing gaseous vapor with cold air may include a different particle size range, for example, having an average block diameter of less than or equal to about 0.9 micrometers, less than or equal to about 0.8 micrometers, less than or equal to about 0.7 micrometers, less than or equal to about 0.6 micrometers; and even including aerogels with an average block particle diameter of less than or equal to about 0.5 micrometers. []

[0126] The significance of the possible variations and ranges in aerosol density lies in the fact that there are many possible combinations of temperature, pressure, tobacco or herbal drug selection, and wetting agent selection. However, by excluding tobacco or herbal drug selection and limiting the temperature range and wetting ratio to those described herein, the inventors have demonstrated that this device produces a far denser and thicker aerosol than that produced without additional cooling air, comprising more particles, and having an average bulk diameter of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer. []

[0127] In some embodiments of the present invention, the wetting agent may include glycerol or vegetable glycerol as a vapor-forming medium. []

[0128] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the wetting agent may include propylene glycol as a vapor-forming medium. []

[0129] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wetting agent may include a ratio of vegetable glycerin to propylene glycol as a vapor-forming medium. This ratio may vary between approximately 100:0 and approximately 50:50. The difference in the preferred ratio within the above range may be as low as 1, for example, approximately 99:1. However, this ratio more generally varies in increments of about 5, for example, approximately 95:5; or approximately 85:15; or approximately 55:45. []

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the vapor-forming medium will be between approximately 80:20 of vegetable glycerol to propylene glycol and approximately 60:40 of vegetable glycerol to propylene glycol. []

[0131] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the vapor-forming medium will be approximately 70:30 of vegetable glycerol to propylene glycol. []

[0132] In any of the preferred embodiments, the wetting agent may further comprise a flavoring product. Such flavoring products may contain enhancers, including (to name only) cocoa blocks, licorice, tobacco or herbal extracts, and various sugars. []

[0133] In some embodiments of the invention, tobacco or herbal medicine is heated in a furnace to its pyrolysis temperature, which, as previously mentioned, is most commonly measured in the range of 300°C to 1000°C. []

[0134] In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco or herbal medicine is heated to at most about 300°C. In other preferred embodiments, the tobacco or herbal medicine is heated to at most about 200°C. In still other preferred embodiments, the tobacco or herbal medicine is heated to at most about 160°C. It should be noted that in these lower temperature ranges (<300°C), pyrolysis of the tobacco or herbal medicine generally does not occur, but vapor formation of the tobacco or herbal medicine components and flavoring products does occur. In addition, vapor formation of the components of the wetting agent mixed in various proportions will also occur, resulting in almost complete vaporization depending on the temperature, because propylene glycol has a boiling point of about 180°C to 190°C and vegetable glycerin will boil at about 280°C to 290°C. []

[0135] In another preferred embodiment, the aerosol produced by the heated tobacco or herbal medicine and wetting agent is mixed with air supplied through a vent. []

[0136] In other preferred embodiments, depending on the temperature of the air mixed into the condensation chamber, the aerosol produced by the heated tobacco or herbal medicine and wetting agent mixed with the air is cooled to a temperature of at most about 50°C to 70°C, and even as low as 35°C, before leaving the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the temperature is cooled to at most about 35°C to 55°C, and may have a fluctuation range of ± about 10°C or more within the total range of about 35°C to 70°C. []

[0137] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a vaporization device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the device comprising a unique furnace configuration, wherein the furnace includes an inlet / outlet cover and an auxiliary vent located directly downstream of the furnace and before the venting chamber within an airflow channel. In this configuration, the user can directly enter and exit the furnace by removing the inlet / outlet cover, providing the user with the ability to refuel the vaporized material. []

[0138] In addition, the addition of a vent in the airflow channel immediately after the furnace and before the vaporization chamber allows the user to further control the amount of air entering the downstream of the venting chamber and the cooling rate of the aerosol before entering the venting chamber. []

[0139] As mentioned in Figures 4A to 4C, the device 400 may include a body 401 having an inlet 421 that allows initial air for the heating process to enter into the furnace zone 404. After heating tobacco or herbal medicine and a wetting agent (heater not shown), the resulting vaporous wetting vapor can travel downwards along the airflow passage 423, passing through an added vent 407, whereby the user can selectively increase the airflow entering the heated steam. The user can selectively increase and / or decrease the airflow into the heated steam by controlling a valve connected to the vent 407. In some cases, the device may not have a vent. The airflow entering the heated steam through the vent can reduce the steam temperature before leaving the airflow passage at the outlet 422, and increase the condensation rate and steam density by reducing the diameter of steam particles in the vent chamber (not shown), thus producing a thicker and denser steam than steam produced by a device without a vent. Users can also enter and exit the furnace chamber 404a to refuel or refill the device 400 by means of an inlet / outlet cover 430 provided in the device, making the device user-maintainable. The inlet / outlet cover can be provided on a device with or without a vent. []

[0140] This document provides a method for generating an inhalable aerosol, the method comprising: providing a vaporization device, wherein the device generates steam having an average particle diameter of about 1 micrometer or less, wherein the steam is formed by the following steps: heating a steam forming medium in a furnace chamber of the device to a first temperature below the pyrolysis temperature of the steam forming medium, and cooling the steam in a condensation chamber to a temperature below the first temperature, and then exiting an aerosol outlet of the device. []

[0141] In some embodiments, after leaving the furnace, the steam can be cooled by mixing relatively cooler air with the steam in the condensation chamber during the condensation phase, wherein the condensation of the vapor phase wetting agent occurs more rapidly due to the high saturation ratio achieved at the time of venting, resulting in smaller particles with a higher concentration of one of the fewer byproducts in a denser aerosol compared to what typically occurs in a standard vaporization or aerosol generation apparatus. []

[0142] In some embodiments, the formation of an inhalable aerosol is a two-step process. The first step occurs in a furnace, where a mixture of tobacco or herbal medicine and a wetting agent is heated to a high temperature. Evaporation occurs more rapidly at the high temperature than at room temperature, and the furnace chamber is filled with the vapor phase of the wetting agent. The wetting agent continues to evaporate until the partial pressure of the wetting agent equals the saturation pressure. At this point, the gas is considered to have a saturation ratio of 1 (S = Ppartial / Psat). []

[0143] In the second step, the gas leaves the furnace chamber and is transferred to a condenser chamber where it begins to cool. As the vapor cools, the saturation pressure decreases, increasing the saturation ratio and causing the vapor to condense into droplets. When cooling air is introduced, the large temperature gradient between the two fluids mixed in a confined space leads to very rapid cooling, resulting in a high saturation ratio, small particles, and even smaller particles at a higher concentration, forming a thicker, denser vapor cloud. []

[0144] This document provides a method for generating an inhalable aerosol, the method comprising: a vaporization device having a body at one end including a mouthpiece, and an attachment body at the other end, the attachment body including a condenser having a condensation chamber, a heater, a furnace having a furnace chamber, and at least one vent provided in the body, downstream of the furnace and upstream of the mouthpiece, wherein a tobacco or herbal medicine including a wetting agent is heated in the furnace chamber to generate a vapor including a gaseous wetting agent. []

[0145] As previously described, a vaporization device having an auxiliary vent located in a condensation chamber capable of supplying cold air (relative to the heated gaseous components) to the gaseous vapor and tobacco or herbal ingredients exiting the furnace zone can be used to provide a method for generating a denser, thicker aerogel than that generated without additional cooling air, comprising more particles having an average bulk diameter of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer. []

[0146] In another embodiment, this document provides a method for generating an inhalable aerosol, the method comprising: a vaporization device having a body at one end including a mouthpiece and an attachment body at the other end, the attachment body including a condenser having a condensation chamber, a heater, and a furnace having a furnace chamber, wherein the furnace chamber further includes a first valve in an airflow path at an inlet end of the furnace chamber and a second valve at an outlet end of the furnace chamber, and at least one vent provided in the body, downstream of the furnace and upstream of the mouthpiece, wherein a tobacco or herbal medicine including a wetting agent is heated in the furnace chamber to generate a vapor including a vapor phase wetting agent. []

[0147] As illustrated in illustrative Figure 2, the furnace chamber 204a is sealed by a medium 206 consisting of tobacco or herbal medicine and wetting vapor, and heat is applied by a heater 205 during the vaporization process. Air is then drawn in and drawn through a main air inlet 221. Heat is continuously added by an electric heating circuit generated by a combination of a battery 211, a printed circuit board 212, a temperature regulator 213, and an operator-controlled switch (not shown), creating pressure in the furnace chamber to produce even higher temperature vapor-phase wetting agent (vapor) of tobacco or herbal medicine and wetting vapor forming components. This heating and pressurization process generates even higher saturation ratios when valves 208 and 209 are opened during intake. These higher saturation ratios result in higher particle concentrations in the generated aerosols when steam is drawn out of the furnace zone and into the condensation chamber 203a. The steam is then exposed to additional air through a vent 207, and begins to cool and condense into air-suspended droplets, as previously described. The aerosols then exit through the suction nozzle 222. The inventors also mention that this condensation process can be further improved by adding an additional valve 210 to the vent 207 to further control the air-vapor mixture. []

[0148] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, the first, second, and / or third valves are a one-way valve, an anti-reverse valve, a wing valve, or a check valve. The first, second, and / or third valves can be mechanically actuated. The first, second, and / or third valves can be electrically actuated. The first, second, and / or third valves can be automatically actuated. The first, second, and / or third valves can be manually actuated directly by a user or indirectly in response to an input command from a user to a control system actuating the first, second, and / or third valves. []

[0149] In other embodiments of the method of the present invention, the device further includes at least one of a power supply, a printed circuit board, and a temperature regulator. []

[0150] In any of the aforementioned embodiments of the method of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize upon reading this disclosure that the method can be modified in such a way that any or all of these openings or orifices can be configured to have a different combination or variation of the mechanisms or electronic components as described to control the airflow, pressure and temperature of the generated steam and the aerosol generated by such device configurations (including a manually operated opening or orifice with or without a valve). []

[0151] The significance of the possible variations and ranges in aerosol density lies in the large number of possible temperature, pressure, tobacco or herbal drug selection, and wetting agent selection and combination. However, by excluding tobacco or herbal drug selection and limiting the temperature to the range and wetting ratio described herein, the inventors have demonstrated a method for producing a far denser, thicker aerosol than that produced without additional cooling air, comprising more particles and having an average bulk diameter of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer. []

[0152] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, the wetting agent comprises a ratio of vegetable glycerol to propylene glycol as a vapor-forming medium. This ratio will vary between a ratio of approximately 100:0 to approximately 50:50. The preferred ratio within the above range can vary by as little as 1, for example, a ratio of approximately 99:1 to propylene glycol. However, this ratio more generally varies in increments of 5, for example, approximately 95:5 to propylene glycol; or approximately 85:15 to propylene glycol; or approximately 55:45 to propylene glycol. []

[0153] Because vegetable glycerin is less volatile than propylene glycol, it will redissolve in a larger proportion. A higher concentration of glycerin as a wetting agent will produce a thicker aerogel. The addition of propylene glycol will result in an aerogel with a reduced concentration of condensed particles and a increased concentration of vapor eluent. This vapor eluent, when inhaled, is often perceived as an itchy or rough sensation in the throat. For some consumers, this variation in sensation can be desirable. The ratio of vegetable glycerin to propylene glycol can be manipulated to balance the aerogel thickness with the appropriate amount of "throat itchiness." []

[0154] In one preferred embodiment of the method, the ratio of the vapor-forming medium will be between approximately 80:20 of vegetable glycerol to propylene glycol and approximately 60:40 of vegetable glycerol to propylene glycol. []

[0155] In one preferred embodiment of the method, the ratio of the vapor-forming medium will be approximately 70:30 of vegetable glycerol to propylene glycol. It is anticipated that blends with varying ratios will exist for consumers with changing preferences. []

[0156] In any of the preferred embodiments of the method, the wetting agent further includes a flavoring product. Such flavoring products may contain (to name only) enhancers, such as cocoa blocks, licorice, tobacco or herbal extracts, and various sugars. []

[0157] In some embodiments of the method, tobacco or herbal medicine is heated to its pyrolysis temperature. []

[0158] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the tobacco or herbal medicine is heated to at most about 300°C. []

[0159] In other preferred embodiments of the method, the tobacco or herbal medicine is heated to at most about 200°C. In still other embodiments of the method, the tobacco or herbal medicine is heated to at most about 160°C. []

[0160] As previously mentioned, in these lower temperature ranges (<300°C), pyrolysis of tobacco or herbal medicines generally does not occur, but vapor formation of tobacco or herbal medicine components and flavoring products does occur. Based on data provided by Baker et al., it can be inferred that the aerosol produced at these temperatures also substantially lacks Hoffman analytes, or contains at least 70% less of the Hoffman analytes found in a typical tobacco or herbal medicine cigarette, and performs significantly better on the Ames test than the substance produced by burning a typical cigarette. Furthermore, vapor formation of the components of wetting agents mixed in various proportions will also occur, resulting in almost complete vaporization depending on the temperature, because propylene glycol has a boiling point of approximately 180°C to 190°C and vegetable glycerin will boil at approximately 280°C to 290°C. []

[0161] In any of the foregoing methods, the inhalable aerosol produced by generating tobacco or a herbal medicine including a wetting agent and heating it in the furnace to produce an aerosol including a vapor phase wetting agent is further mixed with air supplied through a vent. []

[0162] In any of the foregoing methods, the aerosol generated by heating tobacco or herbal medicine and a wetting agent and mixing with air is cooled to a temperature of about 50°C to 70°C, and even as low as 35°C, before leaving the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the temperature is cooled to at most about 35°C to 55°C, and may have a fluctuation range of ± about 10°C or more within the total range of about 35°C to 70°C. []

[0163] In some embodiments of the method, vapors including a vapor phase wetting agent can be mixed with air to produce an aerogel comprising an average bulk particle diameter of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer. []

[0164] In other embodiments of the method, the aerogel configurations produced by mixing gaseous vapor with cold air may include a different particle size range, for example, having an average block diameter of less than or equal to about 0.9 micrometers; less than or equal to about 0.8 micrometers; less than or equal to about 0.7 micrometers; less than or equal to about 0.6 micrometers; and even including an aerogel with an average block particle diameter of less than or equal to about 0.5 micrometers. [] [Casing design and steam generation from the materials within the casing] []

[0165] In some cases, a vaporization device can be configured to produce an inhalable aerosol. The device can be a self-contained vaporization device. The device may include an elongated body to supplement a detachable and reusable cartridge having an inlet passage, an air passage, multiple condensation chambers, flexible heater contacts, and one of multiple aerosol outlets. Additionally, the cartridge can be configured for ease of manufacture and assembly. []

[0166] This document provides a vaporization device for generating an inhalable aerosol. The device may include a device body, a separable cartridge assembly, and further includes a heater, at least one condenser chamber, and a nozzle. The device provides compact assembly and disassembly of components via a detachable coupling; overheat protection for the resistance heating element; an air inlet passage (a sealed passage) formed by the assembly of the device body and the separable cartridge; at least one condenser chamber within the separable cartridge assembly; heater contacts; and one or more refillable, reusable, or recyclable components. []

[0167] This document provides an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol, comprising: an apparatus body including a cartridge container; a cartridge including: a storage compartment, and a channel integrated into an outer surface of the cartridge, and an air inlet passage formed by the channel and an inner surface of the cartridge container when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge container. The cartridge may be formed of a metal, plastic, ceramic, and / or composite material. The storage compartment may contain a vaporizable material. Figure 7A shows an example of a cartridge 30 used in the apparatus. The vaporizable material may be a liquid at or near room temperature. In some cases, the vaporizable material may be a liquid below room temperature. As illustrated in various non-limiting embodiments of Figures 5 to 6D, 7C, 8A, 8B, and 10A, the channel may form a first side of the air inlet passage, and an inner surface of the cartridge container may form a second side of the air inlet passage. []

[0168] This document provides an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol. The apparatus may include one or more components of a receiving device, a body housing such components and / or integrated therewith. The body of the apparatus may include a cartridge container. The cartridge container may include: a channel integrated into an inner surface of the cartridge container; and an air inlet passage formed by the channel and an outer surface of the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge container. A cartridge may be assembled and / or inserted into the cartridge container. The cartridge may have a fluid storage compartment. The channel may form a first side of the air inlet passage, and an outer surface of the cartridge may form a second side of the air inlet passage. The channel may include at least one of the following: a groove; a channel; a track; a recess; a recess; a slot; a groove; a fold; and a slot. The integrated channel may include a wall recessed into or protruding from the surface forming the channel. An inner wall of the channel may form an additional side of the air inlet passage. The channel may have a cross-section of a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other shape. The channel may have a closed cross-section. The channel may be approximately 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, or 5 cm wide. The channel may be approximately 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, or 5 mm deep. The channel may be approximately 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, or 5 cm long. At least one channel may exist. []

[0169] In some embodiments, the cartridge may further include a second air passage in fluid communication with an air inlet passage to a fluid storage compartment, wherein material passing through the cartridge forms the second air passage. []

[0170] Figures 5 through 7C illustrate various views of a compact electronic device assembly 10 for generating an inhalable aerosol. The compact electronic device 10 may include a device body 20 having a cartridge container 21 for receiving a cartridge 30. The device body may have a square or rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of the body may be any other regular or irregular shape. The cartridge container may be shaped to receive an open cartridge 30a or "pod". The cartridge may be open when a protective cap is removed from one surface of the cartridge. In some cases, the cartridge may be open when a hole or opening is formed on one surface of the cartridge. The pod 30a may be inserted into one open end of the cartridge container 21 such that an exposed first heater contact tongue 33a on the heater contact 33 of the pod contacts a second heater contact 22 of the device body, thus forming the device assembly 10. []

[0171] Referring to Figure 14, in the plan view, it can be seen that when the pod 30a is inserted into the recessed body of the container 21, the air inlet 50 is exposed. The size of the air inlet 50 can be varied by changing the configuration of the recess in the container 21. []

[0172] The main body of the device may further include: a rechargeable battery; a printed circuit board (PCB) 24 containing a microcontroller with operating logic and software instructions for the device; a pressure switch 27 for sensing a user's suction action to activate the heater circuit; an indicator light 26; charging contacts (not shown); and an optional charging magnet or magnetic contact (not shown). The housing may further include a heater 36. The heater may be powered by the rechargeable battery. The temperature of the heater may be controlled by the microcontroller. The heater may be attached to a first end of the housing. []

[0173] In some embodiments, the heater may include a heater chamber 37, a first pair of heater contacts 33, 33', a fluid core 34, and a resistance heating element 35 in contact with the core. The first pair of heater contacts may include thin plates attached to the sides of the heater chamber. The fluid core and the resistance heating element may be suspended between the heater contacts. []

[0174] In some embodiments, two or more resistance heating elements 35, 35' and two or more cores 34, 34 may be present. In some embodiments, heater contacts 33 may include: a flat plate; a male contact; a female container, or both; a flexible contact and / or a copper alloy or another conductive material. The first pair of heater contacts may further include a molded shape that may include a tongue (e.g., a flange) having a flexible spring value, the tongue extending beyond the heater to complete a circuit with the device body. The first pair of heater contacts may be a heat sink that absorbs and dissipates excess heat generated by the resistance heating elements. Alternatively, the first pair of heater contacts may be a heat shield that protects the heater chamber from excess heat generated by the resistance heating elements. The first pair of heater contacts may be press-fitted to an attachment feature on the outer wall of a first end of the housing. The heater may enclose a first end of the housing and a first end of a fluid storage compartment. []

[0175] As illustrated in the exploded assembly of Figure 7B, a heater housing may include two or more heater contacts 33, each comprising a flat plate machined or embossed from a copper alloy or similar conductive material. The flexibility of the tongue is provided by a sectional gap feature 33b formed below the male contact tongue 33a, which utilizes the inherent springiness of the sheet or plate material. Another advantage and improvement of this type of contact is reduced space requirements, a simplified construction of a spring contact point (compared to a spring foot), and ease of assembly. The heater may include a first condensation chamber. The heater may include one or more additional condensation chambers in addition to the first condensation chamber. The first condensation chamber may be formed along an outer wall of the housing. []

[0176] In some cases, the case (e.g., pod) may be configured for ease of manufacture and assembly. The case may include a housing. The housing may be a box. The box may include an internal fluid storage compartment 32. The internal fluid storage compartment 32 is open at one or both ends and includes raised rails on the side edges 45b and 46b. The case may be formed of plastic, metal, composite, and / or a ceramic material. The case may be rigid or flexible. []

[0177] The enclosure may further include a set of first heater contact plates 33 formed of a copper alloy or another conductive material, having a narrow cutout 33b below a contact tongue 33a (to create a flexible tongue), which are attached to the side of the first end of the enclosure and across the open side end 53 of the enclosure. The plates may be attached to pins or posts as shown in Figure 7B or Figure 5, or may be attached by other conventional means (such as compression below the housing 36). A fluid core 34 having a resistance heating element 35 surrounding it is placed between and attached to the first heater contact plates 33. A heater 36 includes a raised inner edge on an inner end (not shown), a thin mixing zone (not shown), and a main stage condenser channel cover 45a that slides on a rail 45b on the side of the enclosure on the first half of the enclosure to create a main stage condenser channel / chamber 45. Additionally, a small male snap button feature 39b located at the end of the channel cover is configured to fall into a female snap button feature 39a located in the middle of the main body on the side of the box, thereby creating a snap button assembly. []

[0178] As will be further explained below, the combination of the open side end 53, the protruding tongue 33a of the contact plate 33, and the fluid core 34 with a resistance heating element 35 is sealed below the heater 36 in the open end of the fluid storage tank (within which a thin mixing zone is provided), creating an efficient heater system. In addition, the main stage condenser channel cover 45a, which slides above the rail 45b on the side of the tank, creates an integrated, easily assembled main stage condenser chamber 45, all of which are located in the heater at the first end of the casing 30 or pod 30a. []

[0179] In some embodiments of the device, as illustrated in FIG9, the heater may enclose at least one first end of the housing. The enclosed first end of the housing may include the heater and an internal fluid storage compartment. In some embodiments, the heater further includes at least one first condensation chamber 45. []

[0180] Figure 9 illustrates the illustrative steps for assembling a spray cartridge and / or nozzle. In steps A and B, the fluid storage compartment 32a can be oriented so that the heater inlet 53 faces forward. The heater contact 33 can be inserted into the fluid storage compartment. The flexible tongue 33a can be inserted into the heater contact 33. In step D, the resistance heating element 35 can be wound around the core 34. In step E, the core 34 and the heater 35 can be placed on the fluid storage compartment. One or more free ends of the heater can be located outside the heater contact. One or more free ends can be welded in place, rest in a groove, or snapped into an assembly position. At least a portion of one or more free ends can communicate with the heater contact 33. In step F, the heater housing 36 can be snapped into place. The heater housing 36 can be assembled onto the fluid storage compartment. Step G shows the heater housing 36 in place on the fluid storage compartment. In step H, the fluid storage compartment can be flipped. In step I, the nozzle 31 can be fitted onto the fluid storage compartment. Step J shows the nozzle 31 in its proper position on the fluid storage compartment. In step K, one end 49 can be fitted onto the fluid storage compartment opposite the nozzle. Step L shows a fully assembled cartridge 30. Figure 7B shows an exploded view of the assembled cartridge 30. []

[0181] Depending on the size of the heater and / or heater chamber, the heater may have one or more cores 34 and resistance heating elements 35. []

[0182] In some embodiments, the first pair of heater contacts 33 further includes a molded shape comprising a tongue 33a having a flexible spring value and extending out from the heater. In some embodiments, the housing 30 includes heater contacts 33 inserted into a housing container 21 of the device body 20, wherein the flexible tongue 33a is inserted into a second pair of heater contacts 22 to complete a circuit together with the device body. The first pair of heater contacts 33 may be a heat sink that absorbs and dissipates excess heat generated by the resistance heating element 35. The first pair of heater contacts 33 may be a heat insulation plate that protects the heater chamber from excess heat generated by the resistance heating element 35. The first pair of heater contacts may be press-fitted to an attachment feature on the outer wall of a first end of the housing. The heater 36 may enclose a first end of the housing and a first end of the fluid storage compartment 32a. The heater may include a first condensation chamber 45. The heater may include at least one additional condensation chamber 45, 45', 45", etc. The first condensation chamber may be formed along one of the outer walls of the housing. []

[0183] In another embodiment of the device, the cartridge may further include a suction nozzle 31, wherein the suction nozzle includes at least one aerosol outlet channel / secondary condensation chamber 46; and at least one aerosol outlet 47. The suction nozzle may be attached to a second end of the cartridge. The second end of the cartridge having the suction nozzle may be exposed when the cartridge is inserted into the device. The suction nozzle may include more than one second condensation chamber 46, 46', 46", etc. The second condensation chamber may be formed along an outer wall of the cartridge. []

[0184] The nozzle 31 can seal the second end of the housing and the internal fluid storage compartment. The partially assembled unit (e.g., with the nozzle removed) can be inverted and filled with a vaporizable fluid through the opposite, remaining (second) open end. Once filled, a snap-on nozzle 31, which also seals the second end of the housing, is inserted above the end. It also includes a raised inner edge (not shown) and a slidable aerosol outlet channel cover 46a above a rail 46b positioned on the side of the second half of the housing, creating an aerosol outlet channel / secondary condenser chamber 46. The aerosol outlet channel / secondary condenser chamber 46 slides above the end of the primary condenser chamber 45 at a transition zone 57 to create a contact point allowing vapor to exit the primary chamber and exit through the aerosol outlet 47 at the end of the aerosol outlet channel 46 and the user end of the nozzle 31. []

[0185] The housing may include a first condensing chamber 45 and a second condensing chamber 46. The housing may include one or more first condensing chambers 45, 45', etc. and one or more second condensing chambers 46, 46', etc. []

[0186] In some embodiments of the device, a first condensing chamber 45 may be formed along the outer side of the cartridge fluid storage compartment 31. In some embodiments of the device, an aerosol outlet 47 is located at the end of the aerosol outlet chamber 46. In some embodiments of the device, a first condensing chamber 45 and a second condensing chamber 46 may be formed along the outer side of one side of the cartridge fluid storage compartment 31. In some embodiments, the second condensing chamber may be an aerosol outlet chamber. In some embodiments, another pair of first and / or second condensing chambers 45', 46' are formed along the outer side of the cartridge fluid storage compartment 31 on the other side of the device. In some embodiments, another aerosol outlet 47' is also located at the end of the second pair of condensing chambers 45', 46'. []

[0187] In any of the embodiments, as illustrated in FIG10C, the first condensation chamber and the second condensation chamber may be in fluid communication. []

[0188] In some embodiments, the nozzle may include an aerosol outlet 47 in fluid communication with the second condensation chamber 46. The nozzle may include one or more aerosol outlets 47, 47' in fluid communication with one or more second condensation chambers 46, 46'. The nozzle may seal a second end of a cartridge and a second end of a fluid storage compartment. []

[0189] In various embodiments described herein, the housing may include an airflow path comprising: an air inlet passage; a heater; at least one first condensing chamber; an air outlet chamber; and an outlet port. In some embodiments described herein, the housing may include an airflow path comprising: an air inlet passage; a heater; a first condensing chamber; a secondary condensing chamber; and an outlet port. []

[0190] In other embodiments described herein, the cartridge may include an airflow path comprising: at least one inlet passage; a heater; at least one first condenser chamber; at least one secondary condenser chamber; and at least one outlet port. []

[0191] As illustrated in Figures 10A to 10C, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece 31 to produce a suck (e.g., a drag), an airflow path is created. The user essentially draws air through the channel air inlet opening 50, through the air inlet passage 51, and through a second air passage (box air inlet hole) 41 at the box air inlet 52 into the heater chamber 37, and then into the heater inlet 53. At this point, a pressure sensor has sensed the user's inhale and activates the circuitry to the resistance heating element 35, which then begins to generate vapor from the vapor fluid (e-cigarette oil). As air enters the heater inlet 53, it begins to mix and circulate in a narrow cavity above and around the core 34 and between the heater contacts 33, generating heat and dense, condensed vapor as it mixes in the flow path 54 created by the sealing structure barrier 44. Figure 8A shows a detailed view of one of the sealing structure barriers 44. Finally, the steam can be drawn out of the heater via an air path 55 near the shoulder of the heater and into the main stage condenser chamber 45, where the steam expands and begins to cool. As the expanding steam moves along the airflow path, it forms a transition zone 57 in the main stage condenser chamber 45, creating a junction that allows the steam to leave the main stage chamber and enter the second steam chamber 46, and is discharged to the user at the end of the nozzle 31 through the aerosol outlet 47. []

[0192] As illustrated in Figures 10A to 10C, the device may have two sets of air inlet passages 50 to 53, dual first condensation chambers 55 / 45, dual second condensation chambers and ventilation passages 57 / 46, and / or dual aerosol outlet holes 47. []

[0193] Alternatively, the device may have an airflow path including: an air inlet passage 50, 51; a second air passage 41; a heater chamber 37; a first condenser chamber 45; a second condenser chamber 46; and / or an air outlet 47. []

[0194] In some cases, as clearly illustrated in Figures 10A to 10C, the device may have an airflow path including: one or more air inlet passages; one or more second air passages; a heater chamber; one or more first condensation chambers; one or more second condensation chambers; and one or more air outlets. []

[0195] In any of the embodiments described herein, heater 36 may be in fluid communication with internal fluid storage compartment 32a. []

[0196] In each of the embodiments described herein, the fluid storage compartment 32 is in fluid communication with the heater chamber 37, wherein, as illustrated in Figures 10A, 10C and 14, the fluid storage compartment is capable of retaining condensed aerosol fluid. []

[0197] In some embodiments of the device, the condensed aerosol fluid may include a nicotine formulation. In some embodiments, the condensed aerosol fluid may include a wetting agent. In some embodiments, the wetting agent may include propylene glycol. In some embodiments, the wetting agent may include vegetable glycerin. []

[0198] In some cases, the cartridge can be detached from the device body. In some embodiments, the cartridge container and the detachable cartridge can form a separable coupling. In some embodiments, the separable coupling may include a friction assembly. As illustrated in Figures 11 to 14, the device may have a press-fit (friction) assembly between the cartridge pod 30a and the device container. Additionally, as further illustrated in Figure 8B, a recess / friction pick-up portion (such as 43) may be used to pick up the pod 30a to the device container or to hold a protective cap 38 onto the pod. []

[0199] In other embodiments, the separable coupling element may include a snap-fit ​​or snap-lock assembly. In yet another embodiment, the separable coupling element may include a magnetic assembly. []

[0200] In any of the embodiments described herein, as illustrated in Figure 5, the cartridge assembly may include a snap-fit ​​or snap-lock assembly. In any of the embodiments, the cartridge assembly may be reusable, refillable, and / or recyclable. For most assemblies, such cartridge assemblies are designed to use recyclable plastic materials (such as polypropylene). []

[0201] In some embodiments of device 10, cartridge 30 may include: a fluid storage compartment 32; a heater 36 attached to a first end by snap-fit ​​couplings 39a, 39b; and a nozzle 31 attached to a second end by snap-fit ​​couplings 39c, 39d (not shown, but similar to 39a and 39b). The heater 36 may be in fluid communication with the fluid storage compartment 32. The fluid storage compartment may be able to retain condensed aerosol fluid. The condensed aerosol fluid may include a nicotine formulation. The condensed aerosol fluid may include a wetting agent. The wetting agent may include propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin. []

[0202] This document provides an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol, comprising: an apparatus body 20 including a cartridge container 21 for receiving a cartridge 30; wherein when the cartridge, including a channel 40 integrated into an outer surface of the cartridge, is inserted into the cartridge container 21, an inner surface of the cartridge container forms a first side of an air inlet passage 51, and wherein the channel forms a second side of the air inlet passage 51. []

[0203] This document provides an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol, comprising: an apparatus body 20 including a cartridge container 21 for receiving a cartridge 30; wherein the cartridge container includes a channel integrated into an inner surface and forming a first side of an air inlet passage when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge container, and wherein an outer surface of the cartridge forms a second side of the air inlet passage 51. []

[0204] This document provides a cartridge 30 for generating an inhalable aerosol in an apparatus 10, comprising: a fluid storage compartment 32; a channel 40 integrated into an outer surface, wherein the channel forms a first side of an air inlet passage 51; and wherein when the cartridge is inserted into a cartridge container 21 in the apparatus, an inner surface of the cartridge container forms a second side of the air inlet passage 51. []

[0205] This document provides a cartridge 30 for generating an inhalable aerosol in a device 10, comprising: a fluid storage compartment 32, wherein when inserted into a device body 20 including a cartridge container 21, an outer surface of the cartridge forms a first side of an air inlet passage 51, and wherein the cartridge container further includes a channel integrated into an inner surface, wherein the channel forms a second side of the air inlet passage 51. []

[0206] In some embodiments, the case further includes a second air passage 41 in fluid communication with the channel 40, wherein the second air passage 41 is formed from an outer surface of the case through the material 32 of the case to an internal fluid storage compartment 32a. []

[0207] In some embodiments of the device body container 21 or container 30, the integrated channel 40 includes at least one of the following: a groove; a trough; a recess; a recess; a slot; a groove; a fold; and a slot. []

[0208] In some embodiments of the device body housing 21 or housing 30, the integrated channel 40 includes a wall recessed into or protruding from the surface forming the channel. []

[0209] In some embodiments of the device body housing 21 or housing 30, the inner sidewall of the channel 40 forms an additional side of the air inlet passage 51. []

[0210] This document provides an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol, which may include: a cartridge including a fluid storage compartment; a heater attached to a first end, the heater including a first heater contact; a resistance heating element attached to the first heater contact; an apparatus body including a cartridge container for receiving the cartridge; a second heater contact adapted to receive the first heater contact and complete a circuit; a power supply connected to the second heater contact; and a printed circuit board (PCB) connected to the power supply and the second heater contact; wherein the PCB is configured to detect the presence of fluid and shut off the apparatus based on a measured resistance of the resistance heating element. []

[0211] Referring now to Figures 13, 14 and 15, in some embodiments, the device body further includes at least one of the following: a second heater contact 22 (best shown in detail in Figure 6C); a battery 23; a printed circuit board 24; a pressure sensor 27; and an indicator light 26. []

[0212] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board (PCB) further includes: a microcontroller; a switch; a circuit including a reference resistor; and an algorithm including logic of control parameters; wherein the microcontroller cycles the switch at fixed intervals to measure the resistance of the resistive heating element relative to the reference resistor, and applies the algorithm control parameters to control the temperature of the resistive heating element. []

[0213] As illustrated in the basic block diagram of Figure 17A, the device utilizes a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller or a PID control law. A PID controller calculates an "error" value as the difference between a measured program variable and a desired setpoint. When PID control is enabled, the power to the coil is monitored to determine whether acceptable vaporization is occurring. With a given airflow above the coil, if the device is generating steam (removing heat from the coil to form steam), more power will be required to hold the coil at a given temperature. If the power required to hold the coil at the set temperature drops below a threshold, the device indicates that it cannot currently generate steam. Under normal operating conditions, there is insufficient liquid in this indicator core for normal vaporization to occur. []

[0214] In some embodiments, when the resistance exceeds the control parameter threshold, indicating that the resistance heating element is drying, the microcontroller can command the device to shut itself off. []

[0215] In yet another embodiment, the printed circuit board further includes logic capable of detecting the presence of condensed aerosol fluid in the fluid storage compartment and cutting off power to (a number of) heating contacts when no condensed aerosol fluid is detected. When the microcontroller is running the PID temperature control algorithm 70, the difference (error) between a setpoint and the coil temperature is used to control the power to the coil, causing the coil to quickly reach the setpoint temperature [between 200°C and 400°C]. When using the over-temperature algorithm, the power is constant until the coil reaches an over-temperature threshold [between 200°C and 400°C]; (Figure 17A application: setpoint temperature is the over-temperature threshold; power is constant until the error reaches 0). []

[0216] The key components of the device 71 used to control the temperature of the resistance heating element coil are further illustrated in the circuit diagram of Figure 17B. Here, BATT 23 is the battery; MCU 72 is the microcontroller; Q1 (76) and Q2 (77) are P-channel MOSFETs (switches); R_COIL 74 is the coil resistor; and R_REF 75 is a fixed reference resistor used to measure R_COIL 74 through a voltage divider 73. []

[0217] The battery powers the microcontroller. The microcontroller turns on Q2 for 1 ms every 100 ms, allowing the voltage between R_REF and R_COIL (a voltage divider) to be measured by the MCU under V_MEAS. When Q2 is off, the control law uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to control Q1 to power the coil (when Q1 is on, the battery discharges through Q1 and R_COIL). []

[0218] In some embodiments of the device, the device body further includes at least one of the following: a second heater contact; a power switch; a pressure sensor; and an indicator light. []

[0219] In some embodiments of the device body, the second heater contact 22 may include: a female container; or a male contact, or both; a flexible contact; or a copper alloy or another conductive material. []

[0220] In some embodiments of the device body, a battery powers the second heater contacts, pressure sensor, indicator light, and printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the battery is rechargeable. In some embodiments, indicator light 26 indicates the status of the device and / or the battery, or both. []

[0221] In some embodiments of the device, the first and second heater contacts enable current flow through a circuit when the device body and removable case are assembled, which can be controlled by an on / off switch. Alternatively, the device can be switched on and off by a blow sensor. The blow sensor may include a capacitive diaphragm. The capacitive diaphragm may be similar to one used in a microphone. []

[0222] In some embodiments of the device, an auxiliary charging unit is also present for recharging the battery 23 in the main body of the device. As illustrated in Figures 16A to 16C, the charging unit 60 may include a USB device having a plug 63 for a power source and a protective cap 64, wherein a holder 61 is used to hold the main body 20 (with or without a mounting case). The holder may further include a magnet or a magnetic contact 62 to securely hold the main body in place during charging. As illustrated in Figure 6B, the main body of the device further includes a charging contact 28 for engaging the auxiliary charging unit and a magnet or magnetic contact 29. Figure 16C is an illustrative example of a device 10 being charged in a power source 65 (laptop or tablet computer). []

[0223] In some cases, a microcontroller on the PCB can be configured to monitor the temperature of the heater, allowing vaporizable materials to be heated to a specified temperature. This specified temperature can be a user-provided input. A temperature sensor can communicate with the microcontroller to provide an input temperature for temperature regulation. This temperature sensor can be a thermistor, thermocouple, thermometer, or any other temperature sensor. In some cases, the heating element can function as both a heater and a temperature sensor. A heating element differs from a thermistor in that it has a resistance that has a relatively low dependence on temperature. The heating element may include a resistance temperature sensor. []

[0224] The resistance of the heating element can be connected to an input of a microcontroller. In some cases, the resistance can be determined by the microcontroller based on a measurement from a circuit having a resistor (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge) containing at least one known resistance. Alternatively, the resistance of the heating element can be measured using a resistive voltage divider in contact with the heating element and a resistor having a known and substantially constant resistance. The measured resistance of the heating element can be amplified by an amplifier. The amplifier can be a standard operational amplifier or an instrumentation amplifier. The amplified signal can be substantially noise-free. In some cases, the resistance of the heating element can be calculated by determining the charging time of a voltage divider between the heating element and a capacitor. In some cases, the microcontroller must deactivate the heating element during the resistance measurement. The resistance of the heating element can be directly proportional to the temperature of the heating element, allowing the temperature to be determined directly from the resistance measurement. Determining the temperature directly from the heating element resistance measurement rather than from an additional temperature sensor produces a more accurate measurement because it eliminates the unknown contact thermal resistance between the temperature sensor and the heating element. In addition, temperature measurements can be determined directly and therefore more quickly, without any time delay associated with achieving balance between the heating element and one of the temperature sensors in contact with the heating element. []

[0225] This document provides an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol, which may include: a cartridge including a first heater contact; an apparatus body including a cartridge container for receiving the cartridge; a second heater contact adapted to receive the first heater contact and perform a circuit; a power supply connected to the second heater contact; a printed circuit board (PCB) connected to the power supply and the second heater contact; and a single button interface; wherein the PCB is configured to have circuitry and an algorithm including logic for a child safety feature. []

[0226] In some embodiments, the algorithm requires a code provided by the user to activate the device. In some embodiments, the user enters the code using a single-button interface. In yet another embodiment, the single-button interface is also a power switch. []

[0227] This document provides a housing 30 for a device 10 for generating an inhalable aerosol, which may include: a fluid storage compartment 32; a heater 36 attached to a first end, which includes a heater chamber 37, a first pair of heater contacts 33, a fluid core 34, and a resistance heating element 35 in contact with the core; wherein the first pair of heater contacts 33 includes a thin plate attached to the side of the heater chamber 37, and wherein the fluid core 34 and the resistance heating element 35 are suspended therebetween. []

[0228] Depending on the size of the heater or heater chamber, the heater may have one or more cores 34, 34' and resistance heating elements 35, 35'. []

[0229] In some embodiments, the first pair of heater contacts may further include a molded shape including a tongue 33a having a flexible spring value, the tongue extending out of the heater 36 to complete a circuit with the device body 20. []

[0230] In some embodiments, the heater contact 33 may be configured to mate with a second pair of heater contacts 22 in a housing 21 of the device body 20 to complete a circuit. []

[0231] In some embodiments, the first pair of heater contacts may also be a heat sink that absorbs and dissipates excess heat generated by the resistance heating element. []

[0232] In some embodiments, the first pair of heater contacts may be fitted with a heat shield that protects the heater chamber from excess heat generated by the resistance heating element. []

[0233] This document provides a housing 30 for a device 10 for generating an inhalable aerosol, comprising: a heater 36 including a heater chamber 37, therein a pair of thin-plate heater contacts 33, a fluid core 34 positioned between the heater contacts 33, and a resistance heating element 35 in contact with the core; wherein each heater contact 33 includes a fixing point 33c, wherein the resistance heating element 35 is tensioned therebetween. []

[0234] Those familiar with this technique will understand upon examining the assembly method illustrated in Figure 9 that the heater contact 33 is simply snapped onto or rested on the locator pin on either side of the air inlet 53 at the first end of the fluid storage compartment inside the casing, thereby creating a wide vaporization chamber containing at least one core 34 and at least one heating element 35. []

[0235] This document provides a cartridge 30 of a device 10 for generating an inhalable aerosol, which includes a heater 36 attached to a first end of the cartridge. []

[0236] In some embodiments, a first end of one of the heater enclosure boxes and a first end of one of the fluid storage compartments 32, 32a. []

[0237] In some embodiments, the heater includes a first condensation chamber 45. []

[0238] In some embodiments, the heater includes one or more first condensation chambers 45, 45'. []

[0239] In some embodiments, a condensation chamber is formed along the outer wall of one of the housings 30. []

[0240] As previously mentioned and described in Figures 10A, 10B and 10C, the airflow path through the heater and heater chamber generates steam in the heater circulating air path 54, which then exits through the heater outlet 55 to enter a first (main stage) condensation chamber 45, which is formed by an assembly including a main stage condensation channel / chamber rail 45b, a main stage condensation channel cover 45a, and a box body (outer sidewall of the heater housing). []

[0241] This document provides a cartridge 30 for a device 10 for generating an inhalable aerosol, which includes a fluid storage compartment 32 and a nozzle 31, wherein the nozzle is attached to a second end of the cartridge and further includes at least one aerosol outlet 47. []

[0242] In some embodiments, the nozzle 31 encloses the second end of one of the boxes 30 and the second end of one of the fluid storage compartments 32, 32a. []

[0243] Additionally, as clearly illustrated in Figure 10C, in some embodiments, the nozzle also includes a second condensation chamber 46 preceding the aerosol outlet 47, which is formed by an assembly comprising a secondary condensation channel / chamber rail 46b, a second condensation channel cover 46a, and a housing body 32 (outer sidewall of the nozzle). Furthermore, the nozzle may also include another aerosol outlet 47' and another (secondary) condensation chamber 46' preceding the aerosol outlet on the other side of the housing. []

[0244] In other embodiments, the nozzle includes one or more second condensation chambers 46, 46'. []

[0245] In some preferred embodiments, a second condensation chamber is formed along the outer wall of one of the casings 46b. []

[0246] In various embodiments described herein, the housing 30 may include an airflow path comprising: an air inlet passage and pathways 40, 41, 42; a heater chamber 37; at least one first condenser chamber 45; and an outlet port 47. In some embodiments described herein, the housing 30 may include an airflow path comprising: an air inlet passage and pathways 40, 41, 42; a heater chamber 37; a first condenser chamber 45; a second condenser chamber 46; and an outlet port 47. []

[0247] In other embodiments described herein, the housing 30 may include an airflow path including: at least one inlet passage and passage 40, 41, 42; a heater chamber 37; at least one first condenser chamber 45; at least one second condenser chamber 46; and at least one outlet port 47. []

[0248] In each of the embodiments described herein, the fluid storage compartment 32 is in fluid communication with the heater 36, wherein the fluid storage compartment is capable of retaining condensed aerosol fluid. []

[0249] In some embodiments of the device, the condensed aerosol fluid includes a nicotine formulation. In some embodiments, the condensed aerosol fluid includes a wetting agent. In some embodiments, the wetting agent includes propylene glycol. In some embodiments, the wetting agent includes vegetable glycerin. []

[0250] This document provides a housing 30 of an apparatus 10 for generating an inhalable aerosol, comprising: a fluid storage compartment 32; a heater 36 attached to a first end; and a mouthpiece 31 attached to a second end; wherein the heater includes a first condensation chamber 45 and the mouthpiece includes a second condensation chamber 46. []

[0251] In some embodiments, the heater includes one or more first condensing chambers 45, 45' and the nozzle includes one or more second condensing chambers 46, 46'. []

[0252] In some embodiments, the first condensing chamber and the second condensing chamber are in fluid communication. As illustrated in FIG10C, the first and second condensing chambers have a common transition region 57, 57' for fluid communication. []

[0253] In some embodiments, the nozzle includes an aerosol outlet 47 in fluid communication with a second condensation chamber 46. []

[0254] In some embodiments, the nozzle includes two or more aerosol outlets 47, 47'. []

[0255] In some embodiments, the nozzle includes two or more aerosol outlets 47, 47' in fluid communication with two or more condensation chambers 46, 46'. []

[0256] In any of the embodiments, the cartridge conforms to ISO recycling standards. []

[0257] In any of the embodiments, the box conforms to the ISO recycling standards for plastic waste. []

[0258] In other embodiments, the plastic component of the box is composed of polylactic acid (PLA), wherein the PLA component is compostable and / or biodegradable. []

[0259] This document provides an apparatus 10 for generating an inhalable aerosol, comprising: an apparatus body 20 including a cartridge container 21; and a removable cartridge 30; wherein the cartridge container and the removable cartridge form a separable coupling member, and wherein the separable coupling member includes a friction assembly, a snap-fit ​​assembly or a magnetic assembly. []

[0260] In other embodiments of the device, the cartridge is a detachable assembly. In any of the embodiments described herein, the cartridge assembly may include a snap-lock assembly, such as the assembly illustrated by snap features 39a and 39b. In any of the embodiments, the cartridge assembly is recyclable. []

[0261] This document provides a method for manufacturing an apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol, which may include: providing an apparatus body including a cartridge container; and providing a removable cartridge; wherein when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge container, the cartridge container and the removable cartridge form a separable coupling member, the separable coupling member including a friction assembly, a snap-fit ​​assembly or a magnetic assembly. []

[0262] This document provides a method for manufacturing an apparatus 10 for generating an inhalable aerosol, comprising: providing an apparatus body 20 having a cartridge container 21, the cartridge container 21 including one or more internal coupling surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c...; and further providing a cartridge 30 including: one or more external coupling surfaces 36a, 36b, 36c..., a second end and a first end; a housing 32 including an internal fluid storage compartment 32a; at least one channel 40 on at least one external coupling surface, wherein the at least one channel forms one side of at least one air inlet passage 51, and wherein when the removable cartridge is inserted into the cartridge container, at least one inner wall of the cartridge container forms at least one side of at least one air inlet passage 51. []

[0263] Figure 9 provides an illustrated example of one method of assembling this device. []

[0264] In some embodiments of the method, a [protective] removable end cap 38 assembly box 30 is used to include an exposed heater contact tongue 33a protruding from the heater 36. []

[0265] This document provides a method for manufacturing a cartridge for a device for generating an inhalable aerosol, comprising: providing a fluid storage compartment; attaching a heater to a first end using a snap-fit ​​coupling member; and attaching a nozzle to a second end using a snap-fit ​​coupling member. []

[0266] This document provides a housing 30 for a device 10 for generating an inhalable aerosol via an airflow path, the airflow path comprising: a channel 50 including a portion of an air inlet passage 51; a second air passage 41 in fluid communication with the channel; a heater chamber 37 in fluid communication with the second air passage; a first condensation chamber 45 in fluid communication with the heater chamber; a second condensation chamber 46 in fluid communication with the first condensation chamber; and an aerosol outlet 47 in fluid communication with the second condensation chamber. []

[0267] This document provides an apparatus 10 for generating an inhalable aerosol, adapted to receive a removable cartridge 30, wherein the cartridge includes a fluid storage compartment (or box) 32; an air inlet 41; a heater 36; a [protective] removable end cap 38; and a mouthpiece 31. [] [Charge] []

[0268] In some cases, the vaporization device may include a power source. The power source may be configured to supply power to a control system, one or more heating elements, one or more sensors, one or more lamps, one or more indicators, and / or any other system on the electronic cigarette that requires a power source. The power source may be an energy storage device. The power source may be a battery or a capacitor. In some cases, the power source may be a rechargeable battery. []

[0269] The battery may be housed within a casing of the device. In some cases, the battery may be removed from the casing for charging. Alternatively, the battery may remain in the casing while being charged. Two or more charging contacts may be provided on an outer surface of the device casing. The two or more charging contacts may be electrically connected to the battery, allowing the battery to be charged by applying a charging source to the two or more charging contacts without removing the battery from the casing. []

[0270] Figure 18 illustrates a device 1800 having a charging contact 1801. The charging contact 1801 is accessible from an outer surface of a device housing 1802. The charging contact 1801 is electrically connected to an energy storage device (e.g., a battery) inside the device housing 1802. In some cases, the device housing may not include an opening through which a user can access components within the device housing. The user may be unable to remove the battery and / or other energy storage devices from the housing. To open the device housing, a user must damage or permanently remove the charging contact. In some cases, the device may become inoperable after a user breaks open the housing. []

[0271] Figure 19 shows an exploded view of a charging assembly 1900 in an electronic vaporization device. The housing (not shown) has been removed from the exploded view in Figure 19. Charging contact pins 1901 are visible on the exterior of the housing. Charging contact pins 1901 are electrically connected to a power storage device in the electronic vaporization device. When the device is connected to a power source (e.g., during charging), the charging pins facilitate electrical connection between the power storage device inside the electronic vaporization device and the power source outside the housing of the vaporization device. Charging contact pins 1901 are held in place by a retaining frame 1902. Charging contact pins 1901 are electrically connected to a charger flexure 1903. The charging pins contact the charger flexure, eliminating the need to solder the charger pins to an electrical connection for electrical connection to the power source. The charger flexure can be soldered to a printed circuit board (PCB). The charger flexure is electrically connected to the power storage device through the PCB. The charger flexure can be held in place by a bending spring retainer 1904. []

[0272] Figure 20 shows a bending spring retainer in an initial position 2001 and an skewed position 2002. The bending spring retainer holds the retaining frame in a fixed position. When the charging assembly is enclosed in the housing of the electronic vaporization device, the bending spring retainer can skew in only one direction. []

[0273] Figure 21 shows one position of the charger pin 2101 when the electronic vaporization device is fully assembled by contacting the charging flexure 2102 with the charging pin 2101. When the device is fully assembled, at least a portion of the frame remains fitable into a recess 2103 inside the housing 2104. In some cases, disassembling the electronic vaporization device may damage the frame, making it impossible to reassemble the device after disassembly. []

[0274] A user can place an electronic cigarette device in a charging tray. The charging tray may be a holder having charging contacts configured to mate or couple with charging pins on the electronic cigarette device to supply charge from a power source (e.g., a wall socket, generator, and / or external power storage device) to the energy storage device in the electronic vaporization device. Figure 22 shows one device 2302 in a charging tray 2301. The charging cable may be connected to a wall socket, USB, or any other power source. The charging pins (not shown) on device 2302 may be connected to charging contacts (not shown) on charging tray 2301. The device may be configured such that when the device is placed in the tray for charging, a first charging pin on the device may contact a first charging contact on the charging tray and a second charging pin on the device may contact a second charging contact on the charging tray, or a first charging pin on the device may contact a second charging contact on the charging tray and a second charging pin on the device may contact a first charging contact on the charging tray. The charging pins on the device and the charging contacts on the bracket can make contact in any orientation. Whether the charging pins on the device and the charging contacts on the bracket are current inlets or outlets may be unknown. Each of the charging pins on the device and the charging contacts on the bracket can be either negative or positive. The charging pins on the device may be reversible. []

[0275] Figure 23 illustrates a circuit 2400 that allows the charging pins on a device to be reversible. Circuit 2400 can be provided on a PCB electrically connected to the charging pins. Circuit 2400 may include a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) H-bridge. The MOSFET H-bridge can rectify one of the voltages across the charging pins when the charging pins are reversed from a first configuration (in which the device is placed in a tray for charging, wherein a first charging pin on the device contacts a first charging contact on the charging tray and a second charging pin on the device contacts a second charging contact on the charging tray) to a second configuration (where a first charging pin on the device contacts a second charging contact on the charging tray and a second charging pin on the device contacts a first charging contact on the charging tray). The MOSFET H-bridge can rectify the voltage change using an effective current path. []

[0276] As shown in Figure 23, a MOSFET H-bridge may include two or more n-channel MOSFETs and two or more p-channel MOSFETs. The n-channel and p-channel MOSFETs may be configured in an H-bridge. The sources of the p-channel MOSFETs (Q1 and Q3) are electrically connected. Similarly, the sources of the n-channel FETs (Q2 and Q4) are electrically connected. The drains of the n and p MOSFET pairs (Q1 and Q2, and Q3 and Q4) are electrically connected. The common drain from the charging contact (TA) of one n and p pair may be electrically connected to one or more gates of other n and p pairs and / or vice versa. Charging contacts (CH1 and CH2) may be electrically connected to the common drain, respectively. The common source of one of the n MOSFETs may be electrically connected to PCB ground (GND). The common source of the p MOSFET may be electrically connected to the charging controller input voltage (CH+) of the PCB. When the voltage of CH1 is higher than the MOSFET gate threshold voltage by more than the voltage of CH2, Q1 and Q4 may be "turned on," connecting CH1 to CH+ and CH2 to GND. When the voltage at CH2 is higher than the gate threshold voltage of the FET than the voltage at CH1, Q2 and Q3 can be "turned on," connecting CH1 to GND and CH2 to CH+. For example, regardless of whether the voltage across CH1 to CH2 is 9V or -9V, CH+ will always exceed GND by 9V. Alternatively, a diode bridge can be used; however, a MOSFET bridge is more efficient than a diode bridge. []

[0277] In some cases, the charging tray can be configured as a smart charger. A smart charger allows the device's battery to be connected in series with a USB input to charge the device at a higher current than a typical charging current. In some cases, the device can be charged at rates up to about 2 amps (A), 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 10A, or 15A. In some cases, the smart charger may include a battery from which power can be used to charge the device's battery. When the battery in the smart charger has a charge below a predetermined threshold, the smart charger can simultaneously charge both the battery in the smart charger and the battery in the device. []

[0278] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will arise to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein can be used to practice the invention. The following claims are intended to define the scope of the invention and thereby cover the methods and structures and their equivalents within the scope of these claims. []

[0279] 10: Electronic device assembly / device 20: Main body of the device 21: Box container 22: Heater contact element 23: Battery 24: Printed Circuit Board 26: Indicator Light 27: Pressure switch / pressure sensor 28: Connecting to charging contacts 29: Magnets or magnetic contacts 30: Box 30a: pod 31: Suction nozzle / cartridge fluid storage compartment 32: Fluid storage compartments / materials / boxes 32a: Fluid storage compartment 33: Heater contact element / heater contact plate 33a: Heater contact tongue / male contact point tongue / protruding tongue / flexible tongue 33b: Sectional gap feature 34:Fluid core 35: Resistance heating element / heater 36: Heater / Heater Housing 36a: External coupling surface 36b: External coupling surface 36c: External coupling surface 37: Heater chamber 38: Protective cap / end cap 39a: Snap fastener feature / Snap fastener coupling 39b: Snap fastener feature / Snap fastener coupling 40: Channel / Inlet Channel and Path 41: Second air passage (box air inlet hole) / air inlet / air inlet channel and passage 42: Passage / Inlet Channel and Passage 43: Recessed area / Friction-collecting area 44: Sealed structural obstructions 45: Main condensation channel / chamber / first condensation chamber 45a: Main condenser channel cover 45b: Rail / Side Edge 45': First condensation chamber 46: Gas outlet channel / secondary condensation chamber / second condensation chamber 46a: Gas outlet channel cover / Second condensation channel cover 46b: Rail / Cassette / Side Edge 46': Second condensation chamber 47: Aerosol Export / Export Port 47': Aerosol outlet / export port 49: End 50: Channel air inlet / channel / channel air inlet passage 51: Air intake passage 52: Air inlet of the box 53: Open side end / air inlet / heater inlet 54: Flow path / Heater circulating air path 55: Air path / Dual first condensing chambers / Heater outlet 57: Transition Zone / Dual Second Condensation Chambers 60: Charging unit 61: Bracket 62: Magnet or a magnetic contact 63: Plug 64: Protective cap 65: Power Supply 70: Temperature Control Algorithm for Proportional-Integral-Derivative Controller 71: Apparatus 72: Microcontroller 73: Voltage divider 74: Coil Resistance 75: Fixed reference resistor 76: P-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (switch) 77: P-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (switch) 100: Device 101: Main Body 102: Suction nozzle 103: Condenser 104: Furnace Area 105: Heater 106: Medium / Vapor-forming medium / Heated aerosol-forming medium 107: Vent 121: Main stage air intake 122: Aerosol outlet 200: Vaporization device 201: Main Body 202: Suction nozzle 203: Condenser 204: Furnace Area 205: Heater 206: Tobacco or herbal medicines and / or wetting agents / vapor-forming media / heated aerosol-forming media 207: Vent 208: First compression valve / valve 209: Second compression valve / valve 210: Additional valve 211: Power source or battery 212: Printed Circuit Board 213: Temperature Regulator 214: Internal electronic components casing 221: Main stage air intake 222: Suction nozzle 300: Vaporization device / equipment 301: Main Body 302: Suction nozzle 303: Condenser Section 304: Furnace Area 305: Heater 306: Medium / Steam Formation Medium 307: Vent 321: Air Intake 322: Aerosol outlet 323: Air passage 400: Device 401: Main Body 404: Furnace Area 407: Vent 421: Air Intake 422: Export 423: Airflow Channel 430: Import / Export Cover 1800: Device 1801: Charging contact 1802: Device casing 1901: Charging contact pin 1902: Keep the border 1903: Charger Flexural Component 1904: Bending Spring Retainer 2001: Initial Position 2002: Skew position 2101: Charger pins / Charging pins 2102: Charging Flexural Component 2103: Indentation 2104: Outer shell 2301: Charging tray 2302: Device CH1: Charging contact CH2: Charging contact CH+: Input voltage of the charging controller Q1: P-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (switch) Q2: P-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (switch) / n-channel FET / P-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor Q3: P-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor Q4: n-channel FET / P-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor

Claims

1. An apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol, the apparatus comprising: A device body, including a box container; A detachable cartridge is configured to be inserted into the cartridge container; and an airflow path, including: a channel including a portion of an air inlet passage, wherein when the separable cartridge is inserted into the cartridge container, air entering the air inlet of the air inlet passage remains exposed; a second air passage in fluid communication with the channel; a heater chamber in fluid communication with the second air passage; at least one condensation chamber in fluid communication with the heater chamber; and an aerosol outlet in fluid communication with the at least one condensation chamber, wherein the air inlet passage is formed between the inner surface of the device body and the outer surface of the separable cartridge.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second air passage is formed through the material of the housing, from the outer surface of the housing to the heater chamber.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge container, the outer surface of the cartridge forms a first side of the air inlet passage, and when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge container, the inner surface of the cartridge container forms a second side of the air inlet passage.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the channel is integrally formed with the inner surface of the container or the outer surface of the container.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the channel comprises at least one of a groove, a trough, a track, a recess, a concave portion, a slot, a groove, a fold, and a channel.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the channel includes a wall that is recessed into or protrudes from the surface forming the channel.

7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cartridge further includes a suction nozzle, and wherein the suction nozzle includes the aerosol outlet.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one condensing chamber comprises a first condensing chamber and a second condensing chamber, and wherein the nozzle comprises the second condensing chamber.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the housing further includes a heater.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heater is located at a first end of the cartridge and includes the heater chamber, and wherein the suction nozzle is located at a second end of the cartridge.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the housing further includes a fluid storage compartment, wherein the heater is located at a first end of the fluid storage compartment and the nozzle is located at a second end of the fluid storage compartment.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the heater encloses a first end of the fluid storage compartment.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the heater is connected to the first end of the fluid storage chamber by a snap-fit ​​coupling.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein when the first end of the cartridge having the heater is inserted into the cartridge container, the second end of the cartridge having the suction nozzle is configured to be exposed.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heater further comprises: A pair of heater contacts; one core; and a resistance heating element in contact with the core, wherein the resistance heating element is connected to the pair of heater contacts, and wherein the pair of heater contacts is configured to mate with a second pair of heater contacts in the housing of the device body to complete a circuit.

16. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cartridge is inserted into the open end of the cartridge container such that the exposed first heater contact of the cartridge contacts the second heater contact of the device body, thereby forming the device.

17. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cartridge system is detachable and the cartridge container and the detachable cartridge form a separable coupling, wherein the separable coupling includes one of a friction assembly, a snap engagement assembly, a snap locking assembly and a magnetic assembly.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cartridge container has a recessed body, wherein the air inlet of the passage remains exposed when the cartridge is inserted into the recessed body of the cartridge container.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the recessed body includes a recess, and wherein the size of the air inlet of the channel is defined by the configuration of the recess.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the notch is located at the edge of the container.

Images