Portable devices for generating an inhalable vapor

Abstract

Devices for generating and releasing vapor comprising a mouthpiece for providing vapor for inhalation to a user including a tubular casing containing a heater for heating a vaporizable substance at a substantially constant low temperature having means for visual indication of the operation of the device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 578,193, filed on Dec. 19, 2014, titled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VAPORIZATION OF A SUBSTANCE”, Publication No. US 2015-0150308-A1, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 485,168, filed on Jul. 11, 2006, titled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VAPORIZATION OF A SUBSTANCE”, Publication No. US-2007-0283972-A1, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 700,105 filed on Jul. 15, 2005, tilted “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VAPORIZATION OF A SUBSTANCE”. Each of these patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.[0002]This application also claims priority as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 587,416, filed on Aug. 16, 2012, titled “LOW TEMPERATURE ELECTRONIC VAPORIZATION DEVICE AND METHODS”, Publication No. US-2013-0042865-A1, which claims priority ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]These devices may provide a mouthpiece made of a high temperature food-safe material, such as ceramic, glass, or high temperature plastics known as PEI resin (brand name Ultem). However, suitable plastic or wood, etc., could also be used but would additionally require an insulating material that would prevent excessive heat reaching the user's lips.

[0021]These devices and systems may also provide a heater which is separated from the vapor chamber by an insulating medium such as ring made of PTFE, ceramic or other insulating material and thereby preventing the exhaust gases produced by the heater from entering and contaminating the vapor in the vaporization chamber collected for inhalation.

[0023]In variations including a cartridge (e.g., of tobacco), the tobacco cartridge may be formed and shaped for easier insertion into the heating chamber and to snugly fit into the cavity of the heating chamber for improved thermal conduction and vaporization. The cartridges may be formed and wrapped into wrapper which does not produce significant amount of harmful gases.

[0025]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 (e.g., pressed to begin heating, turn off heating, and wake from standby mode).

[0029]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

However, existing devices used have no control of heating and combustion of the tobacco products.

The devices tend to produce toxic, tarry and carcinogenic by-products which are harmful and also impart a bitter and burnt taste to a mouth of a user.

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.

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