Low temperature electronic vaporization device and methods

Abstract

Low temperature electronic vaporization devices and method are described herein for emulating smoking wherein the devices generate an aerosol for inhalation by a subject by heating a viscous material that can have a tactile response in the mouth or respiratory tract.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 587,416 filed Aug. 16, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 524,308, filed Aug. 16, 2011, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The use of tobacco products and the harmful side effects of smoking tobacco continue to gain increasing attention worldwide. As more regulations come into effect regarding smoking in the work place or in public, interest in developing alternative products is growing significantly. One method of reducing the harmful side effects of smoking is to not burn the tobacco products. This is because many of the harmful analytes, such as Hoffman analytes, obtained from smoking are received due to the burning of the material.[0003]A difficulty of developing and marketing a device that can deliver an aerosolized tobacco product is catering to the user in terms of visual and physi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]In one aspect, a resistive heating element and thermistor to monitor and precisely control vaporization temperature are disclosed for use in a device for aerosolizing a material. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises an electronic circuit with power transistor to drive the heater. In certain embodiments, the tail of the electronic circuit solders to a PCB (printed circuit board). In some embodiments, the device comprises aerogel insulation to maintain efficiency and low exposed surface temperature. In certain embodiments, the aerogel is a silica aerogel with reinforcing fibers (e.g., Pyrogel 2250 flexible aerogel blanket). In some embodiments, the device comprises a single button interface wherein the single button interface provides means for on, off and wake from sleep.

[0009]In another aspect provides an electronic stand-alone vaporizer device for use with loose leaf tobacco and / or other botanicals. In some embodiments, the device comprises a mouthpiece that retracts from said device with a push-push mechanism. In some embodiments, the push-push mechanism also turns the device on via a magnet embedded in the mouthpiece and a hall effect sensor on the PCB (printed circuit board). In certain embodiments, the mouthpiece comprises a compression spring, a leaf spring and a stainless steel tube attached to the mouthpiece with a catch groove and a toggle slider. In some embodiments, the device comprises a magnetic on / off control using reed or hall effect switch. In certain embodiments, the magnetic control is integrated into mouthpiece to eliminate additional buttons. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece adapts push-push mechanism for mouthpiece withdrawal and / or retraction. In some embodiments, the device comprises a magnetic lid to cover vaporization chamber. In some embodiments, the device comprises a thermally conductive shell to distribute excess heat and maintain low exposed surface temperature. In some embodiments, the device comprises a button-operated temperature selection with visual, audible indicator, and / or other sensory output (e.g. vibration). In some embodiments, the mouthpiece is integrated into the device with a hinge, or other mechanism (e.g., a string, or the like). In some embodiments, the vaporization device comprises a thin wall metal heating chamber. Thin walls allow for low thermal mass and thus fast startup. In some embodiments, the devices comprise a tilting lid using magnetic or snap attachments for the lid to stay in its closed position to prevent accidental opening. The tilting lid has no visible removal button.

Problems solved by technology

This is because many of the harmful analytes, such as Hoffman analytes, obtained from smoking are received due to the burning of the material.

A difficulty of developing and marketing a device that can deliver an aerosolized tobacco product is catering to the user in terms of visual and physical appeal of use.

Images