Non-flammable vape device

Abstract

A vapor cartridge for a non-combustible vaporizer device, comprising: a channel structure having opposite first and second ends, the channel structure at least partially defining a channel space extending at least between the first and second ends and configured to receive a flavor cartridge into the channel space via the first end of the channel structure; a vapor generator at the second end of the channel structure, configured to heat a pre-vapor formulation to form generated vapor and supply the generated vapor to the second end portion of the channel structure, the channel structure further configured to receive the flavor cartridge such that the flavor cartridge is located in the channel structure to receive the generated vapor from the vapor generator; and a set of electrical devices extending into the channel space, configured to independently and directly contact an example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge such that the electrical devices are electrically connected to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments relate to electronic vaping devices and / or non-combustible vaping devices. Background Art

[0002] An electronic vaping device, also referred to herein as an electronic vaping device (EVD), is available for adult e-cigarette smokers for portable vaping. Flavored vapor within the electronic vaping device can be used to deliver flavorings along with the vapor that can be generated by the electronic vaping device. The flavored vapor can be delivered via a flavoring system.

[0003] The electronic vaping device includes a heater that vaporizes a pre-vapor formulation to produce vapor. The electronic vaping device can include a number of electronic vaping elements, including a power source, a cartridge or e-vaping tank that includes the heater, and a reservoir capable of holding the pre-vapor formulation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to some exemplary embodiments, a vapor cartridge for a non-combustible vaping device can include a channel structure, a vapor generator, and a set of electrical conductors. The channel structure can have opposite first and second ends. The channel structure can at least partially define a channel space extending at least between the first and second ends. The channel structure can be configured to receive a flavor cartridge into the channel space through the first end of the channel structure. The vapor generator can be located at the second end of the channel structure. The vapor generator can be configured to heat a pre-vapor formulation to form a generated vapor and provide the generated vapor to the second end of the channel structure. The channel structure can be further configured to receive the flavor cartridge such that the flavor cartridge is located within the channel structure to receive the generated vapor from the vapor generator. A set of electrical conductors can extend into the channel space. The electrical conductors can be configured to independently and directly contact an example of a conductive material of the flavor cartridge such that the electrical conductors are electrically connected to each other through the example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge.

[0005] At least one electrical conductor of the set of electrical conductors can be configured to directly contact the example of the conductive material based at least in part on impinging directly on the interior of the flavor cartridge.

[0006] At least one electrical conductor can include a conductive sheet. The conductive sheet can be configured to cut into at least a portion of the flavor cartridge to directly contact an example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge.

[0007] The set of electrical conductors can include a set of conductive sheets configured to cut into separate portions of the flavor cartridge to directly contact an example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge such that the conductive sheets are electrically connected to each other through the example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge.

[0008] At least one electrical conductor in a set of electrical conductors may be an electrical conductive plate configured to contact an example of a conductive material.

[0009] At least one electrical conductor in a set of electrical conductors may be a protruding device configured to pierce at least a portion of the flavor cartridge to directly contact an example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge.

[0010] The vapor cartridge may further include a reservoir refill port in fluid communication with the vapor precursor reservoir of the vapor generator. The reservoir refill port may be configured such that the vapor precursor reservoir can be filled with a vapor precursor.

[0011] According to some exemplary embodiments, a non-combustible vapor cigarette device may include a vapor cartridge and a base. The vapor cartridge may include a channel structure, a vapor generator, and a set of electrical conductors. The channel structure may have opposite first and second ends. The channel structure may at least partially define a channel space extending at least between the first and second ends. The channel structure may be configured to receive a flavor cartridge via the first end of the channel structure. The vapor generator may be located at the second end of the channel structure. The vapor generator may be configured to heat a vapor precursor to form a generated vapor and provide the generated vapor to the second end of the channel structure. The channel structure may be further configured to receive the flavor cartridge such that the flavor cartridge is located in the channel structure to receive the generated vapor from the vapor generator. A set of electrical conductors may extend into the channel space. The base may include a power source electrically coupled to the electrical conductors. The electrical conductors may be configured to independently and directly contact an example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge such that the electrical conductors establish a circuit that is closed and extends at least between the electrical conductors through an example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge.

[0012] The base may include a control circuit configured to detect that the circuit is closed, determine based on the detection that the flavor cartridge is in a position proximate to the vapor generator, and control the formation of the vapor generated by the vapor generator based on the determination.

[0013] The control circuit may be configured to monitor one or more properties of the current in the circuit, determine based on the monitoring that the flavor cartridge is associated with a particular flavor cartridge type of a plurality of flavor cartridge types, and selectively control the formation of the generated vapor according to the particular flavor cartridge type.

[0014] At least one electrical conductor in a set of electrical conductors may be configured to directly contact an example of the conductive material based at least in part on impinging inside the flavor cartridge.

[0015] At least one electrical conductor may include an electrical conductive sheet configured to cut into at least a portion of the flavor cartridge to directly contact an example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge.

[0016] A set of electrical conductive devices may include a set of conductive sheets configured to cut into separate portions of a flavor cartridge to directly contact an example of a conductive material of the flavor cartridge, such that the conductive sheets are electrically connected to each other through the example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge.

[0017] At least one electrical conductive device of the set of electrical conductive devices may be a plate device configured to make flush contact with an example of a conductive material.

[0018] At least one electrical conductive device of the set of electrical conductive devices may be a protruding device configured to pierce at least a portion of the flavor cartridge to directly contact an example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge.

[0019] The vapor cartridge and the base may be configured to be detachably coupled together.

[0020] The base may include multiple sets of spring pin connectors, each set of spring pin connectors configured to couple with a corresponding set of electrical connectors of the vapor cartridge to supply power from a power source to the vapor cartridge, transmit data between the base and the vapor cartridge, or enable a control circuit of the base to detect a closed circuit to determine that a flavor cartridge is inserted into the vapor cartridge.

[0021] The power source may include a rechargeable battery.

[0022] According to some exemplary embodiments, a flavor cartridge configured to be used in a non-combustible vapor smoking device may include a flavor material extending along a longitudinal axis of the flavor cartridge, a housing at least partially enclosing the flavor material, the housing extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the flavor cartridge, and an example of a conductive material at least partially surrounding the flavor cartridge.

[0023] The example of the conductive material may be between the flavor material and the housing.

[0024] The flavor material may include a flavor housing and a flavor matrix within the flavor housing, the flavor housing further including a plurality of perforations configured to direct air to flow in fluid communication with the flavor matrix.

[0025] The flavor cartridge may further include an outlet end insert at an outlet end of the flavor cartridge and a tip opening at a tip of the flavor cartridge. The flavor cartridge may be configured to direct air drawn through the tip opening to flow in fluid communication with the flavor material and through the outlet end insert of the flavor cartridge.

[0026] The flavor material may be a tobacco rod including tobacco material.

[0027] The example of the conductive material may be a band extending at least partially around the entirety of the flavor material.

[0028] The example of the conductive material may be a cylindrical element extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the flavor cartridge.

[0029] The example of the conductive material may be a cylindrical disk at one end of the flavor material.

[0030] Examples of the conductive material may include at least one of conductive ink and aluminum.

[0031] According to some exemplary embodiments, a cartridge for a non-combustible vaping device may include a channel structure, a vapor generator, and a set of electrical conductors. The channel structure may have opposite first and second ends. The channel structure may include an inner surface that at least partially defines a channel space extending between at least the first and second ends. The channel structure may be configured to receive a flavor cartridge into the channel space through the first end of the channel structure. The channel structure may further include a portal that defines an opening in the inner surface of the channel structure. The vapor generator may be located at the second end of the channel structure. The vapor generator may be configured to heat a pre-vapor formulation to form a generated vapor and provide the generated vapor to the second end of the channel structure. The channel structure may be further configured to direct the flavor cartridge through the channel space toward the second end of the channel structure such that the flavor cartridge is positioned to receive the generated vapor from the vapor generator. A set of electrical conductors may extend into the channel space. The electrical conductors may include a displaceable device configured to extend at least partially through the portal of the channel structure into the channel space. The electrical conductors may be configured to selectively contact each other directly such that the electrical conductors are electrically connected to each other based on the displaceable device being displaced at least partially through the portal of the channel structure by the flavor cartridge.

[0032] The displaceable device may include a fixed portion and a displaceable portion. The fixed portion may be fixed to a part of the cartridge. The displaceable portion may be configured to extend through the portal of the channel structure.

[0033] A set of electrical conductors may be configured to selectively establish a closed circuit based on the displaceable device being displaced at least partially through the portal of the channel structure by the flavor cartridge, the closed circuit including the vapor generator, such that the set of electrical conductors is configured to selectively cause the vapor generator to generate vapor depending on whether the flavor cartridge is inserted into the cartridge.

[0034] According to some exemplary embodiments, a base of a non-flammable vape device may include a power source, a memory storing an instruction program, and a processor. The processor may be configured to execute a program of instructions to determine that the base is coupled to a vape cartridge such that the base is configured to supply power from the power source to the vape cartridge, the vape cartridge being configured to heat a pre-vapor formulation based on the power to implement a vapor generation instance; detect a flavor cartridge inserted into the vape cartridge based on receiving an electrical signal at the base from an authentication component of the vape cartridge; selectively enable the power supply from the power source to the vape cartridge based on the detection to cause the vape cartridge to generate vapor; determine a remaining count associated with the inserted flavor cartridge, the remaining count being a specific quantity of vapor generation and / or a specific past time period; sequentially reduce the remaining count in response to each successive instance of the vape cartridge generating vapor; and selectively disable the power supply from the power source to the vape cartridge in response to determining that the remaining count is less than a specific threshold to disable the vape cartridge from generating vapor.

[0035] The processor may further be configured to execute a program of instructions to selectively disable the power supply from the power source to the vape cartridge to disable the vape cartridge from generating vapor in response to determining that the flavor cartridge has been removed from the vape cartridge.

[0036] The base may further include a display interface configured to present one or more graphical displays, wherein the processor may further be configured to execute a program of instructions to generate a power graphical display indicating the amount of power stored in the power source, generate a vape cartridge graphical display indicating whether the base has been coupled to a vape cartridge, generate a flavor cartridge graphical display indicating whether a flavor cartridge has been inserted into the vape cartridge, and display the power graphical display, the vape cartridge graphical display, and the flavor cartridge graphical display as a series of graphical displays via the display interface.

[0037] The power graphical display may include a power storage icon indicating the number of vapor generation instances of the vape cartridge that can be supported by the amount of power stored in the power source.

[0038] The vape cartridge graphical display may indicate whether the vape cartridge holds at least a threshold amount of the pre-vapor formulation such that the vape cartridge is configured to generate at least one vapor instance.

[0039] The flavor cartridge graphical display may indicate the amount of vapor generation instances remaining associated with the inserted flavor cartridge until the vape cartridge is disabled from generating vapor, and / or the amount of past time remaining associated with the inserted flavor cartridge until the vape cartridge is disabled from generating vapor.

[0040] The base may further include a tactile interface. The processor may further be configured to execute a program of instructions to switch between individual graphical displays in the graphical display sequence based on successive command signals received from the tactile interface. Description of the Drawings

[0041] After reviewing the specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein can be more readily understood. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Unless explicitly stated, the drawings should not be regarded as being drawn to scale. For clarity, the various dimensions of the figures may have been exaggerated.

[0042] Figure 1A is a side view of a non-combustible vape device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0043] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of the non-combustible vape device.

[0044] Figure 1C is a perspective view of a detachable vape cartridge and a base that can be coupled to form a non-combustible vape device according to some example embodiments.

[0045] Figure 1D and Figure 1E are respectively perspective views of non-combustible vape devices formed by the coupling of the vape cartridge and the base shown in Figure 1C

[0046] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D are respectively cross-sectional views of flavor cartridges according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0047] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C are respectively perspective views of authentication components according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0048] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C are respectively cross-sectional views of the vape cartridge of a non-combustible vape device according to some exemplary embodiments, showing flavor cartridges inserted through the channel space of the vape cartridge.

[0049] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are respectively cross-sectional views of the vape cartridge of a non-combustible vape device according to some exemplary embodiments, showing flavor cartridges inserted through the channel space of the vape cartridge.

[0050] Figure 6A is a perspective view of the base of a non-combustible vape device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0051] Figure 6B is along line VIB-VIB' of Figure 6A a cross-sectional view of the base. ​

[0052] Figure 6C is of VIC-VIC' along the line Figure 6A Cross-sectional view of the base of

[0053] Figure 6D is of VID-VID' along the line Figure 6A Cross-sectional view of the base of

[0054] Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 7D , Figure 7E , Figure 7F , Figure 7G and Figure 7H show graphical displays that can be shown via a display interface of a non-combustible vaping device according to some example embodiments.

[0055] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing control of vapor generation by a non-combustible vaping device according to some example embodiments.

[0056] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing generation and display of a sequence of graphical displays by a non-combustible vaping device according to some example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Some detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiments, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are only representative. However, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0058] Accordingly, while the exemplary embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, the exemplary embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Throughout the description of the figures, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0059] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", "coupled to", or "covering" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly" "on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. Throughout this specification, like reference numerals refer to like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0060] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, some combinations thereof, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, features, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, features, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, feature, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, feature, region, layer, or section discussed below may be termed a second element, feature, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0061] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "beneath" or "below" another element or feature will be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the term "beneath" can cover both an orientation above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0062] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the terms "include", "including", "comprise", and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0063] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Thus, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions shown herein, but should include, for example, shape deviations resulting from manufacturing.

[0064] When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, the associated numerical value is intended to include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated value. Additionally, when percentages are referred to in this specification, those percentages are based on weight, i.e., weight percentages. The expression “up to” includes amounts from zero to the stated upper limit and all values therebetween. When a range is specified, the range includes all values therebetween, such as increments of 0.1%. Additionally, when the words “substantially” and “essentially” are used in combination with a geometric shape, it is intended that the precision of the geometric shape is not required, but the boundaries of the shape are within the scope of the present invention. Although the tubular element of the embodiment may be cylindrical, other tubular cross-sectional shapes are contemplated, such as square, rectangular, oval, triangular, etc.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. It should be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0066] Non-combustible vapor cigarette device

[0067] Figure 1A is a side view of a non-combustible vapor cigarette device according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 1B is Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device of

[0068] Referring to Figure 1A - 1B , the non-combustible vapor cigarette device 100 includes a first section (“base 110”), a second section (“vapor cartridge 140”), and a flavor cartridge 180. The vapor cartridge 140 is configured to generate vapor, referred to herein as “generate vapor”. The vapor cartridge 140 is also configured to receive the flavor cartridge 180 such that the flavor cartridge 180 “inserts” into the vapor cartridge 140 and introduce the generated vapor into the flavor cartridge 180.

[0069] The flavor cartridge 180 can be configured to generate flavored vapor based on guiding the generated vapor through the interior of the flavor cartridge 180. The base 110 is configured to supply at least power to the vapor cartridge 140 such that the vapor cartridge 140 can generate ("form") the generated vapor.

[0070] As described below, the non-combustible vapor device 100 can include an authentication component 150, including a set of electrical devices 152-1 and 152-2, the authentication component configured to establish an electrical connection between the electrical devices 152-1 and 152-2 through the flavor cartridge 180 based on the insertion of the flavor cartridge 180 into the passage space 104 of the non-combustible vapor device 100. Based on such an electrical connection, the insertion of the flavor cartridge 180 into the non-combustible vapor device 100 can be determined. One or more parts of the non-combustible vapor device 100 can be controlled based on this determination, including the vapor generator 144.

[0071] The base 110 and the vapor cartridge 140 respectively include interfaces 160-1 and 160-2, and the base 110 and the vapor cartridge 140 are configured to be coupled together via the respective interfaces 160-1 and 160-2.

[0072] As Figure 1B shown, each of the interfaces 160-1 and 160-2 can respectively include one or more sets of electrical connectors 126 and 127. Each set of electrical connectors 126 and 127 can respectively include one or more electrical connectors 116-1 to 116-4 and 156-1 to 156-4. As described herein, one or more of the electrical connectors 116-1 to 116-4 and 156-1 to 156-4 can be spring pin connectors.

[0073] The interfaces 160-1 and 160-2 can be configured to be detachably coupled together or permanently coupled together. In some exemplary embodiments, the interfaces 160-1, 160-2 are threaded connectors. It should be appreciated that the coupling of the interfaces 160-1, 160-2 can be any type of connector, including but not limited to a sliding fit, a ratchet, a clamp, a snap pin, and / or a snap fastener.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, the vapor cartridge 140 and the base 110 can be integrated into a single integral element such that there are no interfaces 160-1 and 160-2.

[0075] Referring Figure 1A - 1B , the vapor cartridge 140 can include a housing 141 and a channel structure 142, the channel structure at least partially passing through the interior of the vapor cartridge 140 and at least partially defining the passage space 104. As Figure 1BAs shown, the channel structure 142 can be at least partially cylindrical elements that at least partially define the channel space 104. The channel structure 142 can have an inner surface that at least partially defines one or more longitudinal boundaries of the channel space 104 (e.g., one or more boundaries that extend coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the channel space 104). The channel structure 142 has an open first end and a second end, where the first end of the channel structure 142 is close to the steam generator 144, and the second end of the channel structure 142 is in fluid communication with the exterior of the device 100.

[0076] As Figure 1B shown, the second end of the channel structure 142 can define an opening 102 in the vapor cartridge 140. As a result, the channel space 104 leads to the exterior of the non-combustible vapor device 100 through the second end of the channel structure 142.

[0077] Referring Figure 1B , the vapor cartridge 140 can include a steam generator 144 configured to generate the generated steam. As Figure 1B shown, the steam generator 144 can include a pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 and a heating element 148.

[0078] The heating element 148 is coupled to the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 and is configured to generate heat. At least a portion of the steam generator 144 can include a dispensing interface ( Figure 1B not shown in the figure), which is configured to draw the pre-vapor formulation from the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 such that, based on the heating of the dispensing interface by the heating element 148, the pre-vapor formulation can be vaporized from the dispensing interface. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 148 can include a mesh heater structure.

[0079] During vaping, the pre-vapor formulation can be transferred from the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 and / or a storage medium near the heating element 148 by capillary action of the dispensing interface. The heating element 148 can at least partially surround a central portion ("trunk") of the dispensing interface such that when the heating element 148 is activated to generate heat, the pre-vapor formulation in the central portion of the dispensing interface can be vaporized by the heating element 148 to form the generated steam.

[0080] The pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 can contain a flavorless pre-vapor formulation such that when the heating element 148 vaporizes the pre-vapor formulation in the dispensing interface to form steam, the steam (also referred to herein as "generated steam") can be substantially odorless. In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 can include a pre-vapor formulation that includes one or more flavoring agents.

[0081] The steam generator 144 is adjacent to the first end (“tip”) of the channel structure 142 such that the steam generator 144 is configured to generate the generated steam, and the generated steam can pass through the channel space 104 via the first end of the channel structure 142, through the channel space 104 defined by the channel structure 142, and leave the vapor cartridge 140 via the second end (e.g., the opening 102) of the channel structure 142.

[0082] The vapor cartridge 140 includes an air inlet port 143 at the housing 141 and an air inlet port 147 at the steam generator 144. The air inlet port 143 extends through the housing 141 and enables air to enter the vapor cartridge 140 from the external environment (“surroundings”) through the housing 141 based on air being drawn through the second end of the channel structure 142. The air inlet port 147 extends through the housing of the steam generator 144 and enables air to enter the steam generator 144 in fluid communication with the heating element 148. Based on the heating element 148 heating and vaporizing at least a portion of the pre-vapor formulation drawn from the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146, the generated steam generated by the steam generator 144 can be entrained in the air, and the air passes through the steam generator 144, through the air inlet port 143 and the air inlet port 147, and is drawn toward the second end of the channel structure 142. Accordingly, the generated steam can leave the vapor cartridge 140 via the second end of the channel structure 142.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, the air inlet ports 143, 147 can be drilled using carbide drill bits or other high-precision tools and / or techniques. In some exemplary embodiments, the housing 141 and the outer housing of the steam generator 144 can be formed of metal or metal alloy such that the size and shape of the air inlet ports 143 and the air inlet ports 147 do not change during manufacturing operations, packaging, and vaping. Accordingly, the air inlet ports 143 and the air inlet ports 147 can provide a consistent resistance to draw (“RTD”). In some exemplary embodiments, the air inlet ports 143 and the air inlet ports 147 can be sized and configured such that the non-combustible vaping device 100 has an RTD in the range from about 60 millimeters of water to about 150 millimeters of water.

[0084] Still referring Figure 1A - 1B , the non-combustible vaping device 100 can include a flavor cartridge 180 configured to be coupled to the steam generator 144 such that the flavor cartridge 180 is positioned adjacent to the steam generator 144 at a first end of the flavor cartridge 180. Based on the first end of the flavor cartridge 180 being positioned near the steam generator, the flavor cartridge 180 can be configured to receive the generated steam generated by the steam generator 144.

[0085] As described below with respect to at least Figure 2A - 2DFurther, the flavor cartridge 180 may include a receiving structure that encloses the interior of the flavor cartridge 180. The flavor cartridge 180 may contain a flavor material. The flavor material may include one or more flavoring agents.

[0086] As used herein, the term "flavoring agent" is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that can provide a fragrance and / or flavor to an adult vaping user. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agent is configured to interact with the sensory receptors of at least one adult vaping user. The flavoring agent may be configured to interact with the sensory receptors by at least one of orthonasal stimulation and retronasal stimulation. The flavoring agent may include one or more volatile fragrance substances. At least one flavoring agent may include one or more of natural flavoring agents or artificial ("synthetic") flavoring agents. At least one flavoring agent may include one or more plant extract materials. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one flavoring agent is one or more of a tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herbal flavor, fruit flavor, nut flavor, liquor flavor, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agent is contained in a plant material. The plant material may include materials of one or more plants. The plant material may include one or more herbs, spices, fruits, tree roots, leaves, grasses, and the like. For example, the plant material may include orange peel material and vanilla material. In another example, the plant material may include tobacco material. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agent that is a tobacco flavor ("tobacco flavoring agent") includes at least one of a synthetic material and a plant extract material. The plant extract material contained in the tobacco flavoring agent may be an extract from one or more tobacco materials.

[0087] In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material may include materials from any member of the genus Nicotiana. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material includes a blend of two or more different tobacco varieties. Examples of suitable types of tobacco materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, dark tobacco, Maryland tobacco, oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, special tobacco, mixtures thereof, and the like. The tobacco material may be provided in any suitable form, including, but not limited to, tobacco leaves, processed tobacco materials such as volume-expanded or puffed tobacco, processed tobacco stems such as cut rolled stems or cut blown stems, reconstituted tobacco materials, blends thereof, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is in the form of a substantially dry tobacco substance.

[0088] In some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge 180 containing the tobacco flavor material is referred to as a tobacco element. In some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge 180 is a tobacco stick containing the flavor material, which is one or more types of tobacco (also referred to as tobacco flavor material). The tobacco stick may include one or more of cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, combinations thereof, and the like. The tobacco stick may include a filter element configured to filter out one or more specific substances from the vapor. The filter element may be configured to provide structural support for the tobacco stick, provide familiarity with cigarettes to adult e-cigarette users, control the amount of vapor directed outside the non-combustible vapor cigarette device 100, and / or provide the potential to introduce additional flavorants into the vapor (e.g., by entraining the flavor material contained in the filter element into the vapor passing through the filter element).

[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge 180 may not include any flavor material. Such a cartridge 180 that does not include flavor material is referred to herein as an "exit structure". The exit structure may be a hollow cylindrical structure configured to direct the generated vapor generated by the vapor generator 144 through the channel space 104 to the outside of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device 100. The exit structure, similar to the cartridge 180 including flavor material, may be configured to engage the authentication assembly 150. For example, the exit structure may include a conductive material strip extending at least partially around the outer surface of the outer housing of the exit structure. The outer housing of the exit structure may have substantially similar external dimensions and structure as the outer housing of the cartridge 180 including flavor material. In some exemplary embodiments, if the cartridge 180 is an exit structure that does not include any flavor material and / or when the cartridge is an exit structure that does not include any flavor material, the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 may hold a pre-vapor formulation including one or more flavorants such that the vapor generator 144 is configured to generate flavored vapor.

[0090] Still referring to Figure 1A - 1B , the cartridge 180 may be inserted into the vapor cartridge 140 through the channel structure 142 and the channel space 104 at least partially defined thereby such that the cartridge 180 passes through the channel space 104 towards the vapor generator 144 in the vapor cartridge 140. As Figure 1A - 1B shown, the first end of the cartridge 180 may engage with the interface 149 on the vapor generator 144 such that the first end of the cartridge 180 is coupled to the vapor generator 144. The interface 149 may include a gasket assembly configured to establish a seal with the outer housing of the cartridge 180 such that the seal restricts the flow path of the generated vapor generated by the vapor generator 144 to be directed through the cartridge 180. As a result, the interface 149 may direct the generated vapor through the cartridge 180 to convert it into flavored vapor of the cartridge 180.

[0091] In some exemplary embodiments, if the flavor cartridge 180 is inserted into the channel space 104 and / or when the flavor cartridge is inserted into the channel space, the inner surface of the channel structure 142 that at least partially defines the channel space 104 is configured to establish a seal with the outer housing of the flavor cartridge 180. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the diameter of the inner surface of the channel structure 142 may be at least partially restricted such that the diameter of the channel space 104 is at least partially restricted within a portion of the channel space. Thus, the channel structure 142 may define a restricted portion of the channel space 104. If the flavor cartridge 180 passes through the restricted portion of the channel space 104 and / or when the flavor cartridge passes through the restricted portion of the channel space, the flavor cartridge 180 may engage the inner surface of the channel structure 142 in the restricted portion such that the channel structure 142 establishes a seal with the outer housing of the flavor cartridge 180.

[0092] In some exemplary embodiments, the flavor cartridge 180 is detachably coupled to the interface 149 such that one or more flavor cartridges 180 can be replaced from the non-combustible vaping device 100.

[0093] In some exemplary embodiments, at least the vapor generator 144 of the non-combustible vaping device 100 is configured to at least form generated vapor. The vapor cartridge 140 may direct the generated vapor through the flavor cartridge 180, which is positioned such that a first end of the flavor cartridge 180 is positioned adjacent the vapor generator 144 such that one or more flavoring agents are eluted from the flavor material of the flavor cartridge 180 into the generated vapor to form flavored vapor. The non-combustible vaping device 100 is configured to effect such elution independent of any combustion of the flavor material included in the flavor cartridge 180.

[0094] The flavor material included in the flavor cartridge 180 may include a porous structure that includes one or more instances of the flavor material. The porous structure may hold flavoring agents in fluid communication with the vapor generator 144 such that generated vapor that is formed in the vapor generator 144, received at the first end of the flavor cartridge 180, and passes through the flavor cartridge 180 may at least partially pass through the porous structure and be in fluid flow communication with the flavoring agents held by the porous structure. The generated vapor may act as an eluent to elute the flavoring agents from the flavor cartridge 180 and into the generated vapor to form an eluate. The eluate may include the generated vapor and the flavoring agents. Such an eluate may be referred to as flavored vapor.

[0095] In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agents eluted into the generated vapor are in a particulate phase. The particulate phase may include a liquid phase, a solid phase, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agents eluted into the generated vapor are in a vapor phase, a gas phase, some combination thereof, and the like. The flavoring agents may include volatile flavor substances, and the volatile flavor substances may be eluted into the generated vapor. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agents eluted into the generated vapor include non-volatile flavor substances.

[0096] In some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge 180 can be replaced with another cartridge 180 to swap out the flavoring agent included in the non-combustible vaping device 100 according to the needs of an adult vaping user. The cartridge 180 can be replaced with another cartridge 180 to replenish the flavoring agent in the non-combustible vaping device 100 without replacing the cartridge 140 and / or the pre-vapor formulation held therein, where the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 can include a sufficient amount of pre-vapor formulation to support additional vaping draws. In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 includes a specific amount of pre-vapor formulation associated with the maximum number of vapor generation instances associated with a specific number of cartridges 180 such that the vaporizer 144 is configured to support a number of gas generation instances equal to or less than the maximum number of vapor generation instances that can be supported by the specific number of cartridges 180. The maximum number of vapor generation instances that can be associated with a given cartridge 180 is further described below as being associated with an initial "remaining count" associated with the cartridge 180.

[0097] Reference Figure 1B , the cartridge 140 can include an authentication component 150 configured to generate an indication, including an electrical signal, if the cartridge 180 is inserted into the cartridge 140 and / or when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge. Such an electrical signal, which can include a current, can provide an indication of the insertion of the cartridge 180 into the cartridge 140. One or more elements of the cartridge 140, including the vaporizer 144, can be controlled based on the electrical signal such that one or more elements of the cartridge 140 can be controlled based on a determination of whether the cartridge 180 is inserted into the cartridge 140.

[0098] In some exemplary embodiments, including Figure 1B the example embodiment shown in, the authentication component 150 can be configured to generate an indication ("electrical signal") that indicates the insertion of the cartridge 180 into the cartridge 140 based on establishing an electrical connection between at least two electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 of the authentication component 150, where the electrical connection extends at least partially through the cartridge 180. Restated, the authentication component 150 can be configured to generate an indication ("electrical signal") that indicates the insertion of the cartridge 180 into the cartridge 140 based on the cartridge 180 establishing and / or bridging an electrical connection between at least two electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 of the authentication component 150.

[0099] In some exemplary embodiments, including below with respect to Figure 5A - 5BIn the exemplary embodiments described, the authentication component 150 can be configured to generate an indication (“electrical signal”) that the cartridge 180 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 140 based on the physical displacement of the cartridge 180 of the flavor cartridge 180 to a conductive device. The physically displaced conductive device can close (“establish”) a circuit. As a result, the electrical signal can be generated as a current through the closed circuit in the vapor cartridge 140 based on the displacement of the conductive device by the flavor cartridge 180. In such exemplary embodiments, the conductive device can be configured to operate as an electrical switch actuatable by the flavor cartridge 180 based on the flavor cartridge 180 being at least partially inserted into the vapor cartridge 140.

[0100] As Figure 1B shown, the authentication component 150 can include a set of conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2. As described below, the conductive devices can include one or more different types of devices, including one or more plate devices (also referred to herein as conductive plates), sheet devices (also referred to herein as conductive sheets), pin devices (also referred to herein as conductive pins and / or protruding devices), some combination thereof, and the like. The conductive devices can be at least partially composed of a conductive material. Although Figure 1B the authentication component 150 included in the exemplary embodiment shown includes two conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2, it should be understood that the authentication component 150 can include more than two conductive devices.

[0101] A set of conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 extends into a channel space 104 at least partially defined by a channel structure 142. In some exemplary embodiments, the conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 can at least partially extend through the structure and / or inner surface of the channel structure 142 and into a portion of the channel space 104 directly defined by the channel structure 142. In Figure 1B the exemplary embodiment shown, the conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 are close to the first end of the channel structure 142 such that the conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 extend into a portion of the channel space 104 between the channel structure 142 and the steam generator 144.

[0102] The conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 are spaced apart (e.g., “isolated from direct contact with each other”) according to a gap space 190. The gap space 190 can be equal to or less than the diameter of the channel space 104. The flavor cartridge 180 can have an outer diameter equal to or greater than the gap space 190. As a result, and as Figure 1B shown, the conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 can be configured to contact the flavor cartridge 180 independently (e.g., “individually”) and directly when the flavor cartridge 180 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 140 through the channel space 104.

[0103] As further described, the spice cartridge 180 may include a conductive material. The electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2, based on independently and directly contacting the spice cartridge 180, may independently and directly contact the conductive material included in the spice cartridge 180. Such direct contact may include at least partially impinging on the interior of the spice cartridge 180.

[0104] Based on independently and directly contacting the conductive material included in the spice cartridge 180, the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 may establish an electrical connection between the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2, wherein the electrical connection extends through the conductive material of the spice cartridge 180. Thus, the electrical connection is established based on the conductive material being inserted through the channel space 104 and directly and independently contacting the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2.

[0105] Establishing the electrical connection may include establishing a closed circuit that includes a power source and extends through the electrical connection such that current flows through the closed circuit based on the established electrical connection.

[0106] Still referring to Figure 1B , the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 are each connected to separate electrical leads 154-1 to 154-2. The electrical leads 154-1 to 154-2 are connected to separate independent electrical connectors (“electrical interfaces”) 156-1 to 156-2. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the connectors of the electrical connectors 156-1 to 156-2 may be at least partially integrated into the interface 160-2. As further described below, one or more of the electrical connectors 156-1 to 156-4 described herein may be spring-loaded connectors, commonly referred to as “pogo pin connectors,” or may be interfaces configured to connect pogo pin connectors (e.g., one or more of the electrical connectors 116-1 to 116-4 described below may be pogo pin connectors).

[0107] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the electrical connectors 156-1 and 156-2 include one or more of a cathode connector element and an anode connector element. If and / or when the interfaces 160-1 and 160-2 are coupled together, the coupled interfaces 160-1, 160-2 may electrically couple the electrical connectors 156-1, 156-2 and 116-1, 116-2 together, respectively.

[0108] If and / or when interfaces 160-1, 160-2 are coupled together, one or more circuits may be established through power source 112 in steam generator 144 and base 110. The established circuits may include at least heating element 148, control circuit 114 in base 110, and power source 112 in base 110 such that the components in the established circuits are electrically coupled to each other. The circuits may include electrical leads 154-3 and 115-3, control circuit 114, power source 112, and electrical connectors 156-3 and 116-3 such that the components in the circuits are electrically coupled to each other.

[0109] As described below, electrical connectors 156-1 to 156-2 may be electrically connected to power source 112. As a result, electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 may be configured to establish a closed circuit between the power source and electrical conducting devices 152-1 and 152-2 based on independently and directly contacting the electrically conductive material included in cartridge 180, and further extending between electrical conducting devices 152-1 and 152-2 through the electrically conductive material of cartridge 180. The closed circuit may extend from power source 112, through electrical connector 156-1, through electrical lead 154-1, through electrical conducting device 152-1, through an example of the electrically conductive material of cartridge 180, through electrical conducting device 152-2, through electrical lead 154-2, and through electrical connector 156-2 to the power source. Accordingly, the closed circuit may be selectively established based on the insertion of cartridge 180 into channel structure 142 such that electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 independently and directly contact the electrically conductive material included in cartridge 180.

[0110] Reference Figure 1A - 1B , base 110 may include a housing 111 extending in a longitudinal direction, a sensor 113 responsive to air drawn through air inlet port 151 into non-combustible vaping device 100, at least one power source 112, and a control circuit 114. Power source 112 may include a rechargeable battery. Sensor 113 may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor, some combination thereof, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, base 110 may include Figure 1A - 1B one or more elements not shown in

[0111] In some exemplary embodiments, power source 112 includes a battery disposed within non-combustible vaping device 100 such that the anode is downstream of the cathode. The heating element 148 of vapor cartridge 140 may be coupled to power source 112 via at least electrical lead 154-3, electrical connectors 156-3 and 116-3, electrical lead 115-3, and control circuit 114.

[0112] Power source 112 may be one of a lithium-ion battery or a variant thereof, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, power source 112 may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lithium-manganese battery, lithium-cobalt battery, or fuel cell. Non-combustible vaping device 100 may be usable by an adult vaping user until the energy in power source 112 is depleted, or in the case of a lithium polymer battery, until a minimum voltage cutoff level is reached.

[0113] Additionally, power source 112 may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured to allow the battery to be charged via an external charging device. To recharge power source 112, a universal serial bus (USB) charger or other suitable charger assembly may be used.

[0114] After the connection between vapor cartridge 140 and base 110 is completed, at least one power source 112 may be electrically connected to the heating element 148 of vapor cartridge 144 after actuation of sensor 113.

[0115] Sensor 113 may be configured to sense an air pressure drop and begin applying voltage from power source 112 to heating element 148. Additionally, at least one air inlet port 151 may be located adjacent to sensor 113 such that sensor 113 may sense an air flow indicative of vapor being drawn through opening 102 of vapor cartridge 140. Sensor 113 may activate power source 112.

[0116] In some exemplary embodiments, base 110 is configured such that air inlet port 151 is at least partially established by the coupling of vapor cartridge 140 to base 110. For example, as described at least below with reference to Figure 7A - 8 D, in addition to air inlet port 151 that is in direct fluid communication with sensor 113, base 110 may include one or more channel structures in a portion of outer housing 111 of base 110. Base 110 may be configured such that vapor cartridge 140 encloses the channel structures in outer housing 111 when coupled to base 110 to establish one or more conduits defined respectively by outer housings 111 and 141 of base 110 and vapor cartridge 140 that extend from the surrounding environment to air inlet port 151, where air inlet port is shielded from the surrounding environment by vapor cartridge 140 (e.g., isolated from direct exposure to the surrounding environment). Air may be drawn through the established conduits and air inlet port 151 to sensor 113.

[0117] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 may control the power supply from the power source 112 to the heating element 148 in response to the air pressure drop sensed by the sensor 113. In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 may include a maximum time period limiter. In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 may include a manually operable switch for an adult e-cigarette user to manually start vaping. The time period of the current supply to the heating element 148 may be preset depending on the amount of the pre-vapor formulation to be vaporized. In some exemplary embodiments, as long as the sensor 113 detects a pressure drop, the control circuit 114 may control the power supply to the heating element 148.

[0118] To control the power supply to the heating element 148, the control circuit 114 may execute one or more instances of computer-executable program code. The control circuit 114 may include a processor and a memory. The memory may be a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer-executable code.

[0119] The control circuit 114 may include a processing circuit, including but not limited to a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding and executing instructions in a defined manner. In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 may be at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an ASIC chip.

[0120] By executing the computer-readable program code stored on the storage device, the control circuit 114 may be configured as a dedicated machine. The program code may include programs or computer-readable instructions, software elements, software modules, data files, data structures, etc. that can be implemented by one or more hardware devices such as one or more instances of the control circuit 114 mentioned above. Examples of the program code include both machine code generated by a compiler and higher-level program code executed using an interpreter.

[0121] The control circuit 114 may include one or more storage devices. The one or more storage devices may be tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), permanent mass storage devices (such as, disk drives), solid state (e.g., NAND flash) devices, or any other similar data storage mechanism capable of storing and recording data. The one or more storage devices may be configured to store computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, for one or more operating systems, and / or for implementing the exemplary embodiments described herein. A drive mechanism may also be used to load computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof from a separate computer-readable storage medium into the one or more storage devices and / or one or more computer processing devices. Such separate computer-readable storage media may include USB flash drives, memory sticks, Blu-ray / DVD / CD-ROM drives, memory cards, and / or other similar computer-readable storage media. Computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof may be loaded into the one or more storage devices and / or one or more computer processing devices from a remote data storage device via a network interface rather than via a local computer-readable storage medium. Additionally, computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof may be loaded into the one or more storage devices and / or one or more processors over a network from a remote computing system configured to transmit and / or distribute computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof. The remote computing system may transmit and / or distribute computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof via a wired communication interface, a wireless communication interface, and / or any other similar medium.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, the non-combustible vaping device 100 includes a communication interface, and at least the control circuit 114 may communicate with a remotely located external device via the communication interface. The communication interface may include a wireless communication interface, a wired communication interface, some combination thereof, and the like. For example, the non-combustible vaping device 100 may include a USB interface, and the control circuit 114 may be configured to connect to a remotely located external device via a communication connection implemented at least in part by the USB interface and a USB cable coupled to both the USB interface and the remotely located external device. In another example, the non-combustible vaping device 100 may include a wireless communication transceiver, and the control circuit 114 may be configured to communicate with a remotely located external device via a wireless communication connection with the remotely located device established at least via the wireless communication transceiver. The wireless communication transceiver may include an ad-hoc wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth) transceiver.

[0123] The control circuit 114 may be a dedicated machine configured to execute computer-executable code to control the power supply to the heating element 148. Controlling the power supply to the heating element 148 may be referred to interchangeably herein as activating the heating element 148.

[0124] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 may be configured to selectively and / or adjustably control (e.g., enable and / or disable) the power supply to the steam generator 144, thereby selectively controlling and / or adjustably controlling the formation of generated steam, also referred to herein as selectively controlling the implementation of one or more instances of steam generation through at least the steam cartridge 140 based on the determination of the presence and / or satisfaction of one or more threshold parameters of a current extending between the electrical devices 152-1 and 152-2 via the conductive material of the flavor cartridge 180. This determination may be referred to herein as detecting and / or "initially detecting" the insertion of the flavor cartridge 180 into the steam cartridge 140.

[0125] The control circuit 114 may be configured to enable the steam generator 144 to generate steam in response to data from the sensor 113 for a particular number of at least steam generation instances and / or a particular duration associated with the flavor cartridge 180, based on the control circuit 114 determining the presence of a current extending between the electrical devices 152-1 and 152-2 via the conductive material of the flavor cartridge.

[0126] As described herein, a particular number of steam generation instances, a particular cumulative duration of steam generation, and / or a particular duration associated with the flavor cartridge 180 ("elapsed time period") may be referred to herein as the "remaining count" associated with the flavor cartridge 180. In some exemplary embodiments, in response to the flavor cartridge 180 being detected as inserted into the steam cartridge 140, based on detecting the above current at the control circuit 114, the control circuit 114 may selectively enable the power supply from the power source 112 to the steam generator 144 and may further determine an initial "remaining count" associated with the flavor cartridge 180. The initial remaining count associated with the flavor cartridge 180 may be referred to as the maximum remaining count associated with the flavor cartridge 180. For example, in response to the flavor cartridge 180 being initially inserted into the steam cartridge 140, the maximum number of steam generation instances, the maximum cumulative duration of steam generation, and / or the maximum time period associated with the inserted flavor cartridge 180 may be determined.

[0127] After the control circuit 114 initially detects the flavor cartridge 180 and enables the steam generator 144, the control circuit 114 may "decrement" (e.g., "count down") the remaining count associated with the inserted flavor cartridge 180 until the value of the remaining count is exhausted and / or decremented below the value of a threshold remaining count value.

[0128] If the remaining count is the number of specific instances of vapor generation and / or when the remaining count is the number of specific instances of vapor generation, the control circuit 114 may decrement (e.g., reduce) the quantity in response to each successive implementation of a vapor instance generated by the vapor cartridge 140. Restated, in response to a vaporization command received at the control circuit 114 while the power supply from the power source 112 to the vapor generator 144 remains enabled, the control circuit 114 may cause power to be supplied to the vapor generator 144 to cause an implementation of an instance of vapor generation by at least the vapor cartridge 140, and may further decrement the number of instances of vapor generation associated with the inserted flavor cartridge 180.

[0129] If the remaining count is the cumulative duration of vapor generation implemented by the vapor cartridge 140 after the flavor cartridge 180 is inserted and / or when the remaining count is the cumulative duration of vapor generation implemented by the vapor cartridge after the flavor cartridge is inserted, the control circuit 114 may, in response to each successive implementation of an instance of vapor generation by the vapor cartridge 140, decrement the magnitude of the cumulative duration by an amount equal to the amount of the duration of vapor generation by the vapor cartridge during a given vapor generation instance.

[0130] If the remaining count is a specific elapsed duration and / or when the remaining count is a specific elapsed duration, the control circuit 114 may decrement the elapsed time in response to the occurrence of an event (e.g., count down the elapsed time starting from an initial duration). This event may be the initial detection of the flavor cartridge 180 in the vapor cartridge 140, the implementation of the first vapor generation instance after the initial detection, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0131] Based on determining that the remaining count associated with the flavor cartridge 180 has been decremented below a specific threshold (e.g., a specific number of instances of vapor generation, a specific cumulative duration of vapor generation, and / or a specific amount of remaining time), and / or based on the absence of current between the conductive devices 152-1 and 152-2, via the conductive material 180 of the flavor cartridge, the control circuit 114 may selectively disable ("suppress") vapor generation by the vapor generator 144. Enabling and disabling vapor generation by the vapor generator 144 may include enabling or disabling ("suppressing") the power supply to the vapor generator 144 in response to one or more signals generated by the sensor 113, respectively.

[0132] In some exemplary embodiments, the initially determined remaining count value is an initially determined threshold, and the number of instances of vapor generation after the flavor cartridge 180 is inserted, the cumulative duration of vapor generation after the flavor cartridge 180 is inserted, and / or the elapsed duration after the flavor cartridge 180 is inserted may be recorded, tracked, incremented, counted, and so on. After determining a recorded value that has reached at least the initially determined threshold, the control circuit 114 may selectively disable ("suppress") vapor generation by the vapor generator 144.

[0133] If the steam generator 144 is "disabled" by the control circuit 114 and / or when the steam generator is "disabled" by the control circuit, the control circuit 114 may inhibit the power supply from the power source 112 to the steam generator 144, even in response to receiving a vaping command on the control circuit, until the control circuit 114 re-enables the steam generator 144.

[0134] Accordingly, the generation of steam that can be converted into flavored steam can be selectively and / or adjustably controlled to ensure the generation of flavored steam according to a specific flavor cartridge 180 inserted into the steam cartridge 140. Accordingly, the consistency and reliability of the flavored steam generation provided by the non-combustible vaping device 100 can be more reliably ensured and controlled.

[0135] As described herein, a specific number of continuously inserted flavor cartridges 180, a specific cumulative duration of steam generation, and / or a specific duration ("elapsed time period") associated with the steam cartridge 140 may be referred to herein as the "remaining count" associated with the steam cartridge 140. In some exemplary embodiments, in response to the steam cartridge 140 being detected as coupled to the base 110, the control circuit 114 may selectively enable the power supply from the power source 112 to the steam generator 144 and may further determine an initial "remaining count" associated with the steam cartridge 140. The initial remaining count associated with the steam cartridge 140 may be referred to as the maximum remaining count associated with the steam cartridge 140. For example, in response to the steam cartridge 140 being initially coupled to the base 110, the maximum number of continuously inserted flavor cartridges 180 (e.g., 20 flavor cartridges 180) and / or the maximum duration ("elapsed time period") associated with the steam cartridge 140 may be determined.

[0136] After the control circuit 114 begins to detect the coupled steam cartridge 140 and enables the steam generator 144, the control circuit 114 may "decrement" (e.g., "count down") the remaining count associated with the coupled steam cartridge 140 until the value of the remaining count is exhausted and / or decremented below a specific threshold remaining count value associated with the remaining count of the steam cartridge 140. The specific threshold remaining count value associated with the remaining count of the steam cartridge 140 may be different from the specific threshold remaining count value associated with the remaining count of the flavor cartridge 180.

[0137] If the remaining count is a specific number of continuously inserted flavor cartridges and / or when the remaining count is a specific number of continuously inserted flavor cartridges, the control circuit 114 may decrement the quantity (e.g., reduce the quantity) in response to each successive detection of a flavor cartridge 180 being inserted into the steam cartridge 140.

[0138] If the remaining count is the cumulative duration of steam generation implemented by the steam cartridge 140 and / or when the remaining count is the cumulative duration of steam generation implemented by the steam cartridge, the control circuit 114 may, in response to each successive implementation of an instance of steam generation by the steam cartridge 140, decrement the magnitude of the cumulative duration by an amount equal to the duration during which steam is generated by the steam cartridge during a given steam generation instance.

[0139] Based on determining that the remaining count associated with the steam cartridge 140 has been decremented below a specific threshold, the control circuit 114 may selectively disable ("suppress") the generation of steam by the steam generator 144. The control circuit 114 may suppress the steam of the steam generator 144 even if the steam cartridge 140 is detached and later reconnected. Restated, the control circuit 114 may suppress the steam generation support for the base 110 of the currently connected steam cartridge 140 such that steam generation support is re-enabled in response to the connection of a new steam cartridge 140 to the base 110 (e.g., the currently connected steam cartridge 140 is replaced with a new steam cartridge 140).

[0140] In some exemplary embodiments, the initially determined remaining count value is an initially determined threshold, and the value of the insert amount of the flavor cartridge 180 after the connection of the steam cartridge 140, the cumulative duration of steam generation after the connection of the steam cartridge 140 may be recorded, tracked, incremented, counted, etc. After determining a recorded value that at least reaches the initially determined threshold, the control circuit 114 may selectively disable ("suppress") the generation of steam by the steam generator 144.

[0141] If the steam generator 144 is "disabled" by the control circuit 114 and / or when the steam generator is "disabled" by the control circuit, the control circuit 114 may suppress the power supply from the power source 112 to the steam generator 144 even in response to receiving a vape command on the control circuit until the control circuit 114 re-enables the steam generator 144.

[0142] Accordingly, the generation of steam that can be converted into flavored steam can be selectively and / or adjustably controlled to ensure the generation of flavored steam according to a specific steam cartridge 140 connected to the base 110. Therefore, the consistency and reliability of the flavored steam generation provided by the non-combustible vape device 100 can be more reliably ensured and controlled.

[0143] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 may selectively disable (“suppress”) the generation of steam by the steam generator 144 in response to determining that one or more interfaces of the device are coupled to the base 110. For example, if the base 110 includes a USB interface configured to send and / or receive data and / or power from an external source and / or the base includes a USB interface configured to send and / or receive data and / or power from an external source, the control circuit 114 may selectively disable the generation of steam by the steam generator 144 in response to determining that a USB cable is inserted (“coupled”) into the USB interface of the base 110. The control circuit 114 may selectively enable the generation of steam by the steam generator 144 in response to determining that the USB cable is detached from the USB interface of the base 110.

[0144] Reference Figure 1B , in some exemplary embodiments, the vapor cartridge 140 may include a computing device 160 and an interface 156-4, and the base 110 may include an interface 116-4 and a lead 115-4 that communicatively connects the interface 116-4 to the control circuit 114.

[0145] The computing device 160, which may include a memory device and may include a processor device, may be configured to store information (“association information”) that associates a particular electrical characteristic (e.g., current, voltage, some combination thereof, etc.) of the current flowing between the electrical conductors 152-1 and 152-2 through the flavor cartridge 180 with a particular set of one or more characteristics associated with the flavor cartridge 180. Such characteristics may include a particular flavor cartridge “type” associated with the flavor cartridge 180, a particular flavor or flavors associated with the flavor cartridge 180, a particular initial “remaining count” associated with the flavor cartridge 180, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0146] The control circuit 114 may use this association information to adjustably control the power supply to the steam generator 144 to adjustably control the generation of steam based on one or more characteristics associated with the flavor cartridge 180.

[0147] In some exemplary embodiments, the computing device 160 may store the association information (e.g., a lookup table) in a database, where the association information includes associations between various current characteristics and corresponding sets of flavor cartridge characteristics. In response to detecting the current flowing between the electrical conductors 152-1 and 152-2 (e.g., detecting the current in the lead 154-1, as Figure 1B shown), the computing device 160 may determine one or more characteristics of the detected current and may access the database to identify a first set of flavor cartridge characteristics (e.g., a particular flavor cartridge “type”) associated with the determined characteristics of the current.

[0148] In some exemplary embodiments, the computing device 160 may transmit a set of cartridge characteristics (e.g., cartridge "type") to the control circuit 114 via interfaces 156-4 and 116-4 and lead 115-4, as interfaces 156-4 and 116-4 may be communicatively coupled based on interfaces 160-1 and 160-2 being coupled together. The control circuit 114 may process the received cartridge property information and may identify and select a particular vaporizer control scheme associated with the cartridge characteristic information. The determination may be made by accessing a database (e.g., a look-up table) that associates cartridge characteristic information (e.g., cartridge "type") and corresponding vaporizer control schemes. The control circuit 114 may then control the vaporizer 144 accordingly.

[0149] In some exemplary embodiments, the computing device 160 may be configured to identify and select one or more vaporizer control schemes based on processing the detected current. The computing device 160 may then transmit the determined one or more vaporizer control schemes to the control circuit 114, and the control circuit 114 may control the power supply to the vaporizer 144 based on the received vaporizer control schemes.

[0150] In some exemplary embodiments, the functionality of the computing device 160 is incorporated into the control circuit 114 such that the computing device 160 and interfaces 116-4 and 156-4 and lead 115-4 are not present in the non-combustible vaping device 100. The control circuit 114 may be configured to process the detected current, determine one or more vaporizer control parameters based on the processing, and control the vaporizer 144 accordingly.

[0151] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 is configured to determine whether a current is detected in a circuit including the authentication component 150. Since at least two electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 of the authentication component 150 are spaced apart by a gap space 190 ("isolated from direct contact"), the control circuit 114 may determine that at least two electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 are electrically coupled ("electrically connected") together through a conductive material in the gap space 190 based on the presence of a current detected through the circuit including the authentication component 150, such that the gap space 190 is electrically bridged by the conductive material. This conductive material in the gap space 190 may be determined to be the conductive material included in the cartridge 180 that is inserted into a channel space 104 at least partially defined by the channel structure 142.

[0152] Accordingly, based on detecting a current in the circuit including the authentication component 150, it may be determined ("initial detection") that an authenticated cartridge 180 (e.g., a "proper" cartridge) has been inserted into the channel space of the non-combustible vaping device.

[0153] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 is configured to determine that the certified cartridge 180 is not inserted into the channel space 104 in response to determining that there is no current in the circuit. In response, the control circuit 114 may deactivate (“disable”) the vapor generator 144 and / or maintain the vapor generator 144 in a deactivated (“disabled”) state such that the non-combustible vaporizer device 100 is prevented from generating the generated vapor.

[0154] As described herein, detecting current in a circuit including the authentication component 150 may include detecting a current having a magnitude of at least a specific threshold current. As a result, the probability of an incorrect determination can be reduced.

[0155] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 and / or the computing device 160 are configured to determine the “type” associated with the certified cartridge 180, either alone or in combination and in response to determining that current is detected in a circuit including the authentication component 150. In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 and / or the computing device 160 are configured to determine the “type” associated with the certified cartridge 180, either alone or in combination. This determination may include processing the current detected in the circuit and determining one or more characteristics associated with the detected current.

[0156] In some exemplary embodiments, a particular cartridge type may be determined based on determining that the magnitude of the detected current is within a particular current value range associated with a particular cartridge type. In some exemplary embodiments, a range of current values and corresponding cartridge types may be stored in a database including a look-up table. Such a database may be stored in the control circuit 114, the computing device 160, and / or a separate memory device, which may be included in the non-combustible vaporizer device 100 and / or may be located external to the non-combustible vaporizer device 100 (e.g., a computing device communicatively coupled to the non-combustible vaporizer device 100 via a wireless network connection).

[0157] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 and / or the computing device 160 are configured to, either alone or in combination, and based on processing the detected current, determine the value of the magnitude of the detected current, access a database that may be stored at the control circuit 114, the computing device 160, and / or a separate memory device to determine which value range (if any) includes the value of the detected current. Based on identifying the particular range that includes the detected current value, the database may be accessed to identify the particular cartridge type associated with the identified particular range.

[0158] As described herein, the cartridge type may include an indication of one or more specific characteristics associated with the cartridge 180, including the specific flavor associated with the cartridge 180, the amount of flavor material contained in the cartridge 180, the size and / or shape of the flavor material in the cartridge 180, the presence and / or configuration of multiple flavor materials in the cartridge 180, the presence and / or size of a filter in the cartridge 180, an indication of whether the cartridge 180 includes a flavor matrix and / or an outlet end insert, the initial remaining count associated with the cartridge 180, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0159] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 and / or the computing device 160 are configured to identify and select a specific vapor generator control scheme associated with a specific cartridge type, either individually or in combination and based on determining the specific type associated with the authenticated cartridge 180.

[0160] The control scheme associated with a specific cartridge type may be included in the database described above, where the specific cartridge type is associated with a specific value or range of values of one or more characteristics of the detected current. Thus, based on identifying the specific cartridge 180, the specific control scheme associated with the specific cartridge type can be identified by accessing the database.

[0161] As described herein, the control scheme may include a set and / or a series of control signals and / or control logic that can be used to control the power supply to the vapor generator 144 of the non-combustible vaporizer device 100 to cause one or more instances of the generated vapor to be generated. The generation of a single instance of the generated vapor may be referred to herein as a "vapor generation instance".

[0162] The control scheme may specify one or more various parameters associated with a set of vapor generation operations performed by the vapor generator 144 based on the power supplied by the control circuit 114 (e.g., instances of vapor generation implemented by the vapor generator 144). These parameters may include the magnitude of the generated vapor generated by the vapor generator 144 in response to each vaporizer command, the magnitude of the duration elapsed during vapor generation by the vapor generator 144, the remaining count associated with the inserted cartridge 180, some combination thereof, and so on. The elapsed time period may extend from the time the current is detected and / or from the time the vapor generator 144 is first controlled to generate the generated vapor after the current is detected.

[0163] The control scheme may include expiration conditions that indicate one or more parameters according to which the steam generator 144 is subsequently deactivated ( "disabled") by the control circuit 114 after being activated and controlled to generate steam according to the control scheme. The expiration conditions may include a threshold of a remaining count associated with the flavor cartridge 180 and / or a threshold of a remaining count associated with the vapor cartridge 140. The threshold of the remaining count associated with the flavor cartridge 180 may be a threshold of a remaining elapsed time period, a specific number of vapor generation instances allowed to occur after initially detecting the insertion of the flavor cartridge 180, some combination thereof, and so on. The threshold of the remaining count associated with the vapor cartridge may include a threshold number of consecutive insertions of the flavor cartridge into the vapor cartridge, a threshold of a remaining cumulative duration of vapor generation implemented by the vapor cartridge, some combination thereof, and so on. When it is determined that the value of the remaining count (e.g., the remaining time and / or number of instances of vapor generation) is less than the threshold, it may be determined that the expiration condition of the control scheme is reached. When it is determined that the expiration condition is reached, the steam generator 144 may be deactivated ( "disabled") by the control circuit 114.

[0164] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 may determine whether the expiration condition is reached at least in part based on determining whether a previously inserted flavor cartridge 180 is subsequently removed from the vapor cartridge 140 within at least one threshold elapsed time period. Such a threshold elapsed time period may be, for example, a six - second period. For example, in response to determining that the flavor cartridge 180 has been removed and then re - inserted into the vapor cartridge 140 within a period less than 6 seconds, the control circuit 114 may refuse to determine that the expiration condition is reached and may continue to decrement the remaining count associated with the flavor cartridge 180 as if the flavor cartridge 180 had not been removed. In another example, the control circuit 114 may determine that the expiration condition is reached in response to determining that the flavor cartridge 180 has been removed from the vapor cartridge 140 for at least six seconds.

[0165] The vaping command may include a signal received at the control circuit 114 based on adult vaping user interaction with the interface of the non - combustible vaping device 100, based on sensor data received from one or more sensors 113 in the non - combustible vaping device 100, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0166] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 may control the steam generator 144 according to a base control scheme (e.g., "default") that is selected based on current detection in the circuit.

[0167] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 may activate (“enable”) and control the steam generator 144 according to a selected control scheme. Such control may include the control circuit 114 controlling the power supply from the power source 112 to the steam generator 144 and causing the steam generator 144 to generate a specific amount of generated steam (“perform a steam generation instance”) within a specific magnitude of a duration based on the determined steam to be generated. Such determination may be based on determining that the vaping command received from the interface of the non-combustible vaping device 100 by the adult vaping user interacting therewith, determining that the sensor data received from the sensor 113 of the non-combustible vaping device 100 includes data values that at least meet one or more threshold data values (e.g., air flow values, pressure change magnitudes, etc.), some combination thereof, and so on.

[0168] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 is configured to cause the power supply to be supplied from the power source 112 to the steam generator 144 within at least one threshold elapsed time period. In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor data (“sensor signal”) may be received from the sensor 113 at the control circuit 114 within a time period that is less than the threshold elapsed time period for the power to be supplied from the power source 112 to the steam generator 144. For example, in response to receiving a sensor signal corresponding to at least a threshold data value from the sensor 113, the control circuit 114 may cause the power to be supplied from the power source 112 to the steam generator 144 within at least the threshold elapsed time period, even if the sensor signal corresponding to at least the threshold data value stops being received at the control circuit 114 before the completion of the threshold elapsed time period. As a result, within the time period after the control circuit 114 stops receiving the sensor signal corresponding to at least the threshold data value, the control circuit 114 may continue to cause the power supply to the steam generator 144.

[0169] Controlling the steam generator 144 according to the selected control scheme may include maintaining the steam generator 144 in an “active state” where the steam generator 144 may be controlled to generate steam until it is determined that one or more expiration conditions associated with the selected control scheme are met (e.g., a determination has occurred).

[0170] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 is configured to deactivate (“disable”) the steam generator 144 to prevent the generation of steam by the steam generator 144 based on the determination that an expiration condition associated with the selected control scheme has been met.

[0171] At least in view of the foregoing, the generation of the generated steam can be selectively and / or adjustably controlled based on whether the certified cartridge 180 (e.g., the cartridge 180 including an example of a conductive material) is inserted into the vapor cartridge 140. Thus, the generation of the generated steam that can be converted into flavored vapor can be controlled to ensure the generation of flavored vapor according to the certified cartridge 180. Accordingly, the consistency and reliability of the flavored vapor generation can be more reliably ensured and controlled.

[0172] Further at least in view of the foregoing, the generated generated steam can be selectively and / or adjustably controlled according to the specific cartridge "type" of the certified cartridge 180 that can be inserted into the vapor cartridge 140 (e.g., the cartridge 180 includes different types of conductive materials that result in currents with different characteristics). Thus, the generation of the generated steam that can be converted into flavored vapor can be selectively and / or adjustably controlled to ensure the generation of flavored vapor according to the specific "cartridge type" of the cartridge 180 inserted into the vapor cartridge 140. Accordingly, the consistency and reliability of the flavored vapor generated in various types of suitable cartridges 180 can be more reliably ensured and controlled.

[0173] As further described below, the base 110 may include one or more interfaces, and the control circuit 114 may be configured to display information associated with one or more parts of the non-combustible vaping device 100 via the one or more interfaces. For example, the base 110 may include a display interface device (e.g., a graphical user interface or "GUI"), and the control circuit 114 may present the following graphical indications via the display interface device: 1) whether the vapor cartridge 140 is coupled to the base 110, 2) whether the cartridge 180 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 140, 3) whether the cartridge 180 inserted into the vapor cartridge 140 is "certified" such that the vapor generated by the vapor cartridge 140 is enabled, 4) the amount of electric power stored in the power supply 112, 5) the amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the vapor cartridge 140, and / or 6) the value of the remaining count associated with the currently inserted cartridge 180.

[0174] As further described below, in some exemplary embodiments, the base 110 may include interfaces (e.g., a tactile interface, a display interface, an audio interface, some combination thereof, etc.), and an adult vaping user may interact with the base 110 via the interfaces to control one or more functional aspects of the non-combustible vaping device 100.

[0175] For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 may be configured to control the power supply to the vapor generator 144 of the vapor cartridge 140, causing an instance of vapor generation based on a control signal received from the base 110 interface, where the control signal is generated on the interface based on the interaction of the adult vaping user with the interface.

[0176] In another example, the control circuit 114 may be configured to control information (referred to herein as "display") presented on the display interface of the base 110 based on the interaction of the adult vaping user with the haptic interface of the base 110. Based on the continuous interaction between the adult vaping user and the haptic interface of the base 110, the control circuit 114 may switch between different information displays (referred to herein as "graphical displays"), for example, in a continuous loop ("cycle") between a power graphical display ("PGD"), a vapor cartridge graphical display ("VCGD"), a flavor cartridge graphical display ("FCGD"), some combination thereof, and so on, in a specific order.

[0177] Figure 1C Perspective view of a detachable vapor cartridge and base that can be coupled to form a non-combustible vaping device according to some example embodiments. Figure 1D and Figure 1E respectively, by Figure 1C Perspective view of the non-combustible vaping device formed by the coupling of the vapor cartridge and base shown in.

[0178] As shown by using common reference numerals between Figure 1A - 1B and Figure 1C - 1E shown, the vapor cartridge 140 and the base 110 shown in Figure 1C - 1E may respectively include some or all of the elements of the vapor cartridge 140 and the base 110 shown in Figure 1A - 1B shown. Similarly, Figure 1A - 1B the vapor cartridge 140 and the base 110 shown in Figure 1C - 1E may respectively include some or all of the elements of the vapor cartridge 140 and the base 110 shown in

[0179] In some exemplary embodiments, including Figure 1C - 1E the exemplary embodiment shown, the base 110 of the non-combustible vaping device 100 may include a set of structural elements that together define a cavity 120 into which the vapor cartridge 140 can be received to couple with the base 110. The structural elements may be configured to conform to the housing elements of the vapor cartridge 140 to cause the vapor cartridge 140 to be particularly aligned with respect to the base 110 such that the interface 160-2 of the vapor cartridge 140 is successfully connected to the interface 160-1 of the base 110. As described above, each of the interfaces 160-1 and 160-2 may include one or more electrical connectors, which are spring pin connectors.

[0180] As Figure 1C - 1E shown, the base 110 includes a set of guide walls 122-1, 122-2 and 130 that at least partially define the sidewalls of the cavity 120. As Figure 1C - 1D shown, and as described below with reference to Figure 6A - 6DFurther described, each guiding wall 122-1 and 122-2 may include channels 124-1 and 124-2 which extend along the surface of the respective guiding wall from separate respective outer edges 123-1 and 123-2 of the guiding walls 122-1 and 122-2 to separate ends of a channel 131 extending along a guiding wall 130 of the base 110. The channel 131 may extend over the air inlet port 151 described above. As a result, the channels 124-1, 124-2 and 131 may jointly define a set of channels that extend from the air inlet port 151 to separate outlets 128-1 and 128-2 at the separate outer edges 123-1 and 123-2 of the guiding walls 122-1 and 122-2.

[0181] As Figure 1D and Figure 1E shown, if the vapor cartridge 140 is connected to the base 110 and / or when the vapor cartridge is connected to the base, the guiding walls 122-1, 122-2 and 130 are at least partially aligned and enclose one or more portions of the housing of the vapor cartridge 140 (e.g., the housing 141, as Figure 1A - 1B shown), such that the housing of the vapor cartridge 140 encloses the channels 124-1, 124-2 and 131 except for the outlets 128-1 and 128-2 of the channels 124-1 and 124-2 at the separate respective outer edges 123-1 and 123-2 of the guiding walls 122-1 and 122-2. As a result, and as Figure 1D and Figure 1E shown, the vapor cartridge 140 and the base 110 jointly establish one or more conduits that extend from the outer edges 123-1 and 123-2 of the guiding walls 122-1 and 122-2 to the air inlet port 151, wherein the air inlet port 151 is in fluid communication with the aforementioned sensor 113 of the base 110.

[0182] In some exemplary embodiments, and as Figure 1E shown in the exemplary embodiment shown, the base 110 may include one or more interfaces 170 and 172 via which information and / or commands are transmitted between the base 110 and an adult vapor user. For example, as Figure 1EAs shown, the base 110 may include a tactile interface 170 (e.g., a button interface) and a display interface 172. The display interface 172 may include a light-emitting diode (LED) display configured to present one or more graphical displays (GUIs) providing one or more instances of information associated with the non-combustible vaporizer device 100. The base 110 may be configured to adjust and / or change the display on the interface 172 based on interactions of an adult vaporizer user with the tactile interface 170. For example, as described below, the base 110 may be configured to cycle through a series of graphical displays, each graphical display presenting a different set of information associated with the non-combustible vaporizer device 100 based on successive interactions (e.g., “clicks”) with the tactile interface 170.

[0183] Still referring Figure 1C - 1E And further referring again Figure 1A - 1B , in some exemplary embodiments, the vapor cartridge 140 includes a reservoir refill port 199 in fluid communication with the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 and enables a pre-vapor formulation to be supplied to the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 via the port 199, thus enabling the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 to be refilled, when depleted, with a pre-vapor formulation similar or different from the pre-vapor formulation that has been depleted from the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146. As Figure 1C shown, the vapor cartridge 140 may include a reservoir refill port 199 on a portion of the outer housing 141, which is configured to be closed (e.g., enclosed, shielded, isolated from exposure, some combination thereof, etc.) based on the vapor cartridge 140 being coupled to the base 110 such that the reservoir refill port 199 is shielded if the vapor cartridge 140 is coupled to the base 110 and / or when the vapor cartridge is coupled to the base. However, it should be understood that the reservoir refill port 199 may be on any portion of the outer housing 141, including one or more portions of the outer housing 141 that are configured to be exposed based on the vapor cartridge 140 being coupled to the base 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the reservoir refill port 199 may be absent in the vapor cartridge 140 such that the vapor cartridge 140 includes a non-refillable pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146.

[0184] As described herein, a pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that can be converted into vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation can be a liquid, solid, or gel formulation, including but not limited to water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and / or vapor formers such as glycerol and propylene glycol. The pre-vapor formulation can include those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0020823, issued to Lipowicz et al. on July 16, 2014, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0313275, issued to Anderson et al. on January 21, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0185] In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation is one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, and combinations thereof.

[0186] The pre-vapor formulation can contain nicotine or can be nicotine-free. The pre-vapor formulation can contain one or more tobacco flavors. The pre-vapor formulation can contain one or more flavors separate from one or more tobacco flavors.

[0187] In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation containing nicotine can further contain one or more acids. The one or more acids can be at least one or more of the following: pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, capric acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

[0188] In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 can include a storage medium that can hold the pre-vapor formulation. The storage medium can be a fibrous material that includes at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, and combinations thereof. The diameter of the fibers can range from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (e.g., from about 8 microns to about 12 microns or from about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium can be a sintered, porous, or foamed material. Additionally, the fiber size can be sized to be inhospitable to air inhalation and can have a cross-sectional shape of Y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable shape. In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 can include a filled trough that lacks any storage medium and only holds the pre-vapor formulation.

[0189] The pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 can be sized and configured to contain sufficient pre-vapor formulation such that the vapor cartridge 140 can be configured for vaping for at least about 200 seconds. The non-combustible vaping device 100 can be configured to allow each vaping puff to last up to about 5 seconds.

[0190] The vapor generator 144 can include a dispensing interface that allows the pre-vapor formulation to be transferred from the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146 to the heating element 148. The dispensing interface can include a wick. The dispensing interface can include filaments (or threads) capable of wicking the pre-vapor formulation. For example, the dispensing interface can be a wick that is a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle that includes a group of glass filament windings, some combination thereof, etc., all of these arrangements potentially capable of wicking the pre-vapor formulation via capillary action through the interstitial spacing between the filaments. In some exemplary embodiments, the dispensing interface can include one to eight filament strands, each strand including a plurality of glass filaments twisted together. The end portion of the dispensing interface can be flexible and can be folded within the confines of the pre-vapor formulation reservoir 146. The filaments can have a cross-sectional shape that is generally cruciform, cloverleaf, Y-shaped, or any other suitable shape.

[0191] The dispensing interface can include any suitable material or combination of materials, also referred to herein as wicking material. Examples of suitable materials can be, but are not limited to, glass, ceramic-based or graphite-based materials. The dispensing interface can have any suitable capillary wicking action to accommodate pre-vapor formulations having different physical properties, such as density, viscosity, surface tension, and vapor pressure.

[0192] In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 148 can include a coil. The coil can at least partially surround the dispensing interface. The wire can be a metal wire, and / or the coil can extend fully or partially along the length of the dispensing interface. The coil can further extend fully or partially around the circumference of the dispensing interface. In some exemplary embodiments, the coil can be isolated so as not to be in direct contact with the dispensing interface.

[0193] The heating element 148 can be formed of any suitable resistive material. Examples of suitable resistive materials can include, but are not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-titanium-zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, and stainless steel. For example, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the desired external physicochemical properties, the heating element 34 can be formed of nickel aluminide, a material having an alumina layer on its surface, iron aluminide, and other composite materials, and the resistive material can optionally be embedded in an insulating material, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa. The heating element 148 can comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloy, nickel-chromium alloy, superalloy, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 148 can be formed of a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 148 can be a ceramic heater having a resistive layer on its outer surface.

[0194] The heating element 148 can heat the vapor precursor in the heating distribution interface by heat conduction. Alternatively, the heat from the heating element 148 can be conducted to the vapor precursor by means of a heat conducting element, or the heating element 148 can transfer heat to the incoming ambient air that is drawn through the vapor cartridge 140 during vaping, and the incoming ambient air in turn heats the vapor precursor by convection.

[0195] It should be appreciated that instead of using a distribution interface, the vapor generator 144 can comprise a heating element 148 that is a porous material incorporating a resistive heater formed of a high-resistance material capable of rapidly generating heat.

[0196] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more portions of the vapor cartridge 140 can be replaceable. This one or more portions can include one or more of the vapor cartridge 140 and the flavor cartridge 180. In other words, once one of the flavorant in the flavor cartridge 180 or the vapor precursor in the vapor precursor reservoir 146 of the vapor cartridge 140 is depleted, only the flavor cartridge 180 or the vapor cartridge 140 can be replaced, respectively. In some exemplary embodiments, once one of the vapor precursor reservoir 146 or the flavor cartridge 180 is depleted, the entire non-combustible vaping device 100 can be discarded.

[0197] Flavor cartridge

[0198] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C and Figure 2D are cross-sectional views of flavor cartridges according to some exemplary embodiments, respectively.

[0199] Figure 2A - 2CThe flavor cartridges 180-1 to 180-3 shown in [description] can be included in any embodiment of the flavor cartridges included herein, including Figure 1A - 1B the flavor cartridge 180 shown in [description].

[0200] Referring Figure 2A - 2C , the flavor cartridges 180-1 to 180-3 respectively include a tip opening 181-1 and an outlet end opening 181-2. The flavor cartridges 180-1 to 180-3 are respectively configured to receive steam, including the generated steam, pass through the tip opening 181-1 and enter the interior of the flavor cartridges 180-1 to 180-3. The flavor cartridges 180-1 to 180-3 are respectively further configured to direct the steam, including the flavored steam formed by eluting the flavoring agent into the generated steam, to leave the respective flavor cartridge via the outlet end opening 181-2.

[0201] Still referring Figure 2A - 2C , the flavor cartridges 180-1 to 180-3 may respectively include a flavor material 184 that holds the flavoring agent, and a receiving structure 182 that at least partially encloses the flavor material 184 within the interior of the respective flavor cartridge. As Figure 2A - 2C shown, the receiving structure 182 may extend coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the flavor material 184. The receiving structure 182 may enclose the side of the flavor cartridge 180 to define openings 181-1, 181-2 at opposite ends of the flavor cartridge 180. The receiving structure 182 is also referred to herein as the outer housing of the flavor cartridge 180, the "outer shell" of the flavor cartridge 180, some combination thereof, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the receiving structure 182 may be referred to as the outer surface area of the flavor material 184.

[0202] The flavor material 184 may be a porous structure that contains one or more flavoring agents. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavor material 184 is a collection of flavor materials. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavor material 184 contains one or more plant materials. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavor material 184 contains one or more types of tobacco. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavor cartridge 180 contains one or more types of tobacco as the flavor material 184. The flavor material 184 that contains tobacco may be referred to herein as a tobacco flavor material.

[0203] In some exemplary embodiments, the flavor cartridge 180 that holds the flavor material 184 that contains tobacco is referred to as a tobacco element. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavor cartridge 180 is a tobacco rod that holds the flavor material 184, which is one or more types of tobacco (also referred to as the tobacco flavor material 184). The tobacco rod may be configured to at least partially burn such that at least a portion of the flavor material 184 burns and is directed to the end of the tobacco rod. The tobacco element may include one or more of cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, some combination thereof, and the like.

[0204] In some exemplary embodiments, it includes Figure 2A - 2C In the illustrated exemplary embodiments, the flavor cartridges 180-1 to 180-3 may each include a filter element 188. The filter element 188 may be configured to filter one or more specific substances from the vapor. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavor cartridge 180 contains a flavor material 184, which is a tobacco strip. The flavor cartridge may include a filter element 188 configured to filter out one or more instances of specific substances from the vapor, the vapor including at least one or more combustion products of the tobacco flavor material included in the flavor material 184.

[0205] In some exemplary embodiments, the filter element 188 may comprise a hollow acetate fiber tube (HAT) filter. The filter element 188 may be configured to provide a reduced filtration efficiency relative to the filter element in some exemplary embodiments, such that the loss of vapor to the filter element 188 is reduced relative to the vapor loss of the filter element in some exemplary embodiments. The receiving structure 182 may enclose the sides of the filter element 188 to direct the vapor exiting the flavor material 184 through the filter element 188 to the outlet end opening 181-2.

[0206] In some exemplary embodiments, the receiving structure 182 includes an example of tipping paper. As Figure 2A - 2C shown in the exemplary embodiment of, the receiving structure 182 may overlap with the outer surface area of the filter element 188 and the outer surface area of the flavor material 184.

[0207] Referring to Figure 2A - 2C , the flavor cartridges 180-1 to 180-3 may each contain multiple individual instances of the flavor material 184, each flavor material containing a different flavorant. For example, the flavor material 184 may contain a tobacco flavor material and a separate non-tobacco flavor material, where the individual instances of the flavor material are stacked in sequence along the longitudinal axis 187.

[0208] Still referring to Figure 2A - 2C , the flavor cartridges 180-1 to 180-3 may each be a tobacco strip (e.g., a cigarette, a cigar, a cigarillo, some combination thereof, etc.), which may be inserted into the passage space of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device 100 shown in FIG. 1. In some exemplary embodiments, at least the vapor cartridge 140 is configured to provide flavored vapor based on generating and directing the generated vapor through the flavor cartridge 180, such that the generated vapor elutes the flavorant from the flavor material 184 contained in the flavor cartridge 180 to form flavored vapor independently of and / or without any combustion of the flavor material 184. Thus, the vapor cartridge 140 may be configured to form flavored vapor based on eluting the flavorant of the flavor material 184 included in the flavor cartridge 180 without burning the flavor material 184.

[0209] Still referring toFigure 2A - 2C , in some exemplary embodiments, the flavor cartridges 180-1 to 180-3 may each include an example of a conductive material that at least partially extends around the flavor material 184. As described herein, examples of conductive materials may include one or more conductive materials. For example, as described herein, an example of the conductive material in the flavor cartridge 180 may include aluminum. In another example, as described herein, an example of the conductive material in the flavor cartridge 180 may include a conductive ink material.

[0210] In Figure 2A - 2C , examples of the conductive materials 186-1 to 186-3 are each shown as a "band" of conductive material that at least partially extends around the flavor material 184, but it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in Figure 2A the exemplary embodiment shown, the flavor cartridge 180-1 may include an example of the conductive material 186-1, which is a "patch" structure and is between a portion of the flavor material 184 and a portion of the receiving structure 182. As described above, the receiving structure 182 may be referred to herein as a "housing". In some exemplary embodiments, examples of the conductive materials 186-1 to 186-3 may be continuous bands of conductive material that extend around the entire flavor material 184. In some exemplary embodiments, examples of the conductive materials 186-1 to 186-3 may extend around a limited portion of the flavor material 184, including a limited portion of the circumference of the flavor material 184.

[0211] As Figure 2A - 2B shown, in some exemplary embodiments, an example of the conductive material may extend coaxially with the longitudinal axes of the flavor cartridges 180-1 and 180-2. For example, as Figure 2A - 2B shown, examples of the conductive materials 186-1 to 186-2 may be elements that extend coaxially with the respective longitudinal axes 187 of the flavor cartridges 180-1 and 180-2. This element may be a partially cylindrical element and / or a fully cylindrical element that extends coaxially with the longitudinal axes of the flavor cartridges 180-1 and 180-2.

[0212] In some exemplary embodiments, an example of the conductive material extends along a limited portion of the longitudinal axis 187 of the flavor cartridge 180. For example, as Figure 2A - 2B shown, examples of the conductive materials 186-1 to 186-2 may extend coaxially with the longitudinal axis 187 along a limited portion of the tip proximity portion of the flavor cartridges 180-1 and 180-2. In some exemplary embodiments, an example of the conductive material may extend along the entire longitudinal axis 187 of the flavor cartridges 180-1 and 180-2 between the tip opening 181-1 and the outlet end opening 181-2.

[0213] Referring to Figure 2A, the spice cartridge 180-1 may include an example of a conductive material 186-1 between the spice material 184 and the receiving structure 182. As Figure 2A shown, an example of the conductive material 186-1 extends along at least a portion of the outer surface area of the spice material 184 and further between the outer surface area of the spice material 184 and the inner surface area of the receiving structure 182. As a result, the receiving structure 182 isolates the example of the conductive material 186-1 from direct exposure to the external (e.g., "ambient") environment.

[0214] In some exemplary embodiments, an example of the conductive material is configured to establish (e.g., "electrically connect") an electrical connection between at least two separate electrical devices based on at least two separate electrical devices that independently and directly contact the example of the conductive material.

[0215] Because the receiving structure 182 isolates the example of the conductive material 186-1 from direct exposure to the external environment, Figure 2A the spice cartridge 180-1 shown in

[0216] is configured to enable an electrical connection between at least two separate electrical devices based on each separate electrical device that at least partially impacts the interior of the spice cartridge 180-1 to directly contact the example of the conductive material 186-1.

[0217] For example, the spice cartridge 180-1 may be configured to enable an electrical connection between at least two separate electrical devices, the electrical devices including separate respective conductive sheets configured to cut into (e.g., "pierce") at least a portion of the spice cartridge 180-1 to directly contact an example of the conductive material of the example of the conductive material 186-1.

[0218] In some exemplary embodiments, if and / or when Figure 2AWhen the spice cartridge 180-1 is inserted into the channel space in which at least two electrical devices extend, when the spice cartridge 180-1 is inserted, the electrical devices can pierce and / or cut through at least the receiving structure 182, with the tip 182-1 first passing through the channel space. As the electrical devices extend through the receiving structure 182 and contact an instance of the conductive material 186-1 at two separate locations of the instance of the conductive material 186-1, the instance of the conductive material 186 can establish an electrical connection between at least two electrical devices such that current can be transferred between the electrical devices through the instance of the conductive material 186.

[0219] As the spice cartridge 180-1 further extends through the channel space, the electrical device that initially directly contacts the instance of the conductive material 186-1 at the tip of the instance of the conductive material 186-1 can move relative to the instance of the conductive material 186-1 through the outlet end of the instance of the conductive material 186-1 such that the electrical device disengages from direct contact with the instance of the conductive material 186-1.

[0220] In some exemplary embodiments, if and / or when the instance of the conductive material 186-1 is configured to be pierced and / or cut by the electrical device, the instance of the conductive material 186-1 can be configured to be divided ("cut") into multiple separate pieces by the electrical device based on the insertion of the spice cartridge 180-1 into the channel space through which the electrical device extends.

[0221] As a result, based on the division of the instance of the conductive material 186-1, if the spice cartridge 180-1 is moved through the channel space again later and / or when the spice cartridge 180-1 is moved through the channel space again later, the instance of the conductive material 186-1 can be restricted from establishing an electrical connection between the electrical devices (e.g., removed from the channel space and / or subsequently reinserted into the channel space such that the instance of the conductive material 186-1 that was initially inserted sufficiently into the channel space to enable the electrical device to divide the conductive material).

[0222] Reference Figure 2B , the spice cartridge 180-2 can include an instance of the conductive material 186-2 on the outer surface area of the receiving structure 182. As Figure 2B shown, the instance of the conductive material 186-2 can be a conductive material strip extending along at least a portion of the outer surface area of the receiving structure 182.

[0223] In some exemplary embodiments, the spice cartridge 180-2 is configured to enable an instance of the conductive material 186-2 to electrically connect at least two separate electrical conductive devices on an outer surface (e.g., "outer surface area") of the receiving structure 182 based on direct contact between the separate electrical conductive devices and the instance of the conductive material. As a result, the spice cartridge 180-2 is configured to electrically connect the electrical conductive devices through the exterior of the receiving structure such that the electrical connection is isolated from extending through the interior of the spice cartridge 180-2 and at least not puncturing and / or cutting the receiving structure 182 by the electrical conductive devices. As referenced above Figure 2A with respect to the instance of the conductive material 186-1, the instance of the conductive material 186-2 may be configured to be punctured and / or cut by the electrical conductive devices. The receiving structure 182 may be configured to resist being punctured and / or cut by the electrical conductive devices.

[0224] Reference Figure 2C , the spice cartridge 180-3 may include an instance of the conductive material 186-3 at the tip of the spice cartridge 180-3. The instance of the conductive material may include a disk. Such a disk may be a cylindrical disk including at least one gap space 183. This instance of the conductive material 186-3 may be configured to directly contact at least two electrical conductive devices and establish an electrical connection therebetween via the instance of the conductive material 186.

[0225] As Figure 2C shown, the instance of the conductive material 186-3 may be a cylindrical disk that extends on the tip surface of the spice material 184 at the tip of the spice cartridge 180-3 and is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 187 of the spice cartridge 180-3. Figure 2C The instance of the conductive material 186-3 shown in Figure 2C includes ("defines") a gap space 183 that exposes the interior of the spice cartridge 180-3 through the tip of the spice material 184.

[0226] In Figure 2C the exemplary embodiment shown, the instance of the conductive material 186-3 defines a gap space 183 centered on the longitudinal axis 187. In some exemplary embodiments, the instance of the conductive material 186-3 defines one or more gap spaces ("gaps") that are not centered on the longitudinal axis 187. In some exemplary embodiments, the instance of the conductive material 186-3 defines a plurality of gap spaces 183.

[0227] In some exemplary embodiments, an example 186-3 of the conductive material is configured to move along the longitudinal axis 187 based on the spice cartridge 180-3 and be guided by the tip opening 181-1 towards one or more electrical devices to directly contact one or more electrical devices such that the one or more electrical devices directly contact the outer surface 188-3 of the example of the conductive material 186-3. The example of the conductive material 186-3 can be configured to be directly contacted by the electrical device by being at least partially pierced by the one or more electrical devices.

[0228] Substantially back to Figure 2A - 2C , in some exemplary embodiments, the spice cartridge 180 can include one or more examples of the conductive materials 186-1 to 186-3. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more examples of the conductive material can include the examples of the conductive material extending on both, 1) the side surface of the spice material 184 extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the spice cartridge 180, and 2) the end surface of the spice material 184 extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 187 of the spice cartridge 180. This example of the conductive material can include, for example, Figure 2A the "band" example of the conductive material 186-1 as shown in Figure 2C and the "disk" example of the conductive material 186-2 at

[0229] Now referring to Figure 2D , in some exemplary embodiments, the spice cartridge 180-4 can include a spice housing and a spice matrix within the spice housing, wherein the spice housing further includes a plurality of perforations configured to direct air into fluid communication with the spice matrix. Additionally, as Figure 2D shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the spice cartridge 180 can include an outlet end insert.

[0230] Figure 2D The spice cartridge 180-4 shown in

[0231] As Figure 2DAs shown, the outer housing 201 encloses the fragrance housing 210 that defines a central channel 212 and an inner annular space 214. The fragrance housing 210 further defines an outer annular space 216 between the fragrance housing 210 and the outer housing 201.

[0232] The fragrance housing 210 includes an inner structure 206 and an outer structure 208. The inner structure 206 defines a tip opening 204-1 at the tip of the fragrance cartridge 180-4 in Figure 2D that extends into the central channel 212 inside the fragrance cartridge 180, where the tip port 204-1 is also defined by at least one of the inner structure 206 and the outer housing 201. The outer structure 208 extends around the inner structure 206 such that the inner structure 206 and the outer structure 208 together define the inner annular space 214.

[0233] As Figure 2D shown, the fragrance housing 210 includes a fragrance matrix 218 within the inner annular space 214. As Figure 2D shown, the fragrance matrix 218 may include a collection of particles (“a plurality”). The particles may be composed of or include, for example, starch, a cellulose material, a cellulose-based material, or a polymer and cellulose mixture, and at least one of one or more fibers. The particles may include (e.g., be infused with) one or more flavorants. The flavorant concentration in the particles may be about a%, where “a” is, for example, about 1% to about 40%, or for example about 1% to about 7%. In an exemplary embodiment, “a” may range between about 3% and about 7%, with an interval of about 0.5%. Accordingly, “a” may be equal to about 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, and 7%. In some exemplary embodiments, the fragrance matrix 218 may include a plurality of separate collections of particles (“a majority”), where each separate group of particles includes one or more flavorants of that separate group.

[0234] In an exemplary embodiment, the fragrance matrix 218 includes a plurality of particles aggregated together by pressure. For example, there may be no ligands or gels that coalesce or polymerize the plurality of particles. The particles may be composed of or include, for example, starch, a cellulose material, a cellulose-based material, or a polymer and cellulose mixture, and / or fibers. In some exemplary embodiments, ligands or gels may be present in the fragrance matrix 218 to coalesce or polymerize the plurality of particles. The gel may be made from, for example, a gelling polymer. Examples of gelling polymers may be water-soluble carbohydrates, such as, for example, agar, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and gelatin.

[0235] As Figure 2D further shown, the inner structure 206 includes a plurality of perforations 213 that allow fluid communication between the inside of the inner annular space 214 and thus the fragrance matrix 218 and the central channel 212.

[0236] As Figure 2D Further shown, the outer structure 208 includes a plurality of perforations 215 that allow fluid communication between the interior of the inner annular space 214 and thus the flavorant matrix 218 and the outer annular space 216. Additionally, the outer annular space 216 is in fluid communication with the outlet end insert 202.

[0237] As Figure 2D shown, the outlet end insert 202 defines an outlet end opening 204-2 in the flavor cartridge 180-4. The outlet end opening 204-2 is in fluid communication with the outer annular space 216.

[0238] Still referring to Figure 2D , in some exemplary embodiments, the flavor cartridge 180-4 is configured to receive the generated vapor 222 from the vapor generator through the tip opening 204-1 into the central channel 212. As Figure 2D shown, the generated vapor 222 can be directed through the perforations 213, the annular space 214, and the perforations 215 to be transferred from the central channel 212 to the outer annular space 216. Based on directing the generated vapor 222 through the inner annular space 214 where the flavorant matrix 218 is located into the outer annular space 216, the flavor cartridge 180 is configured to incorporate the flavorant in the flavorant matrix 218 into the generated vapor 222 passing through the inner annular space 214 to generate a flavored vapor 224 from the generated vapor 222.

[0239] The flavor cartridge 180-4 can be further configured to direct the flavored vapor 224 entering the outer annular space 216 to flow through the outlet end insert 202 to exit the flavor cartridge 180-4 through the outlet end opening 204-2. Based on air being suctioned through the outlet end opening 204-2 and leaving the flavor cartridge 180-4, the generated vapor 22 can be suctioned into the central channel 212 and pass through the inner annular space 214 to generate the flavored vapor 224.

[0240] In some exemplary embodiments, the internal configuration of the flavor cartridge 180-4 including the flavorant matrix can be different from Figure 2D the configuration shown. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the outer annular space 216 can open to the external environment at the tip such that the tip opening 204-1 is an annular opening at the tip of the outer annular space 216. Additionally, the central channel 212 can be in fluid communication with the outlet end insert 202 and can be in direct fluid communication with the external environment through the tip of the central channel (i.e., Figure 2DThe tip opening 204-1 shown in [Figure] may be absent at the tip of the central channel 212). As a result, the flavor cartridge 180-4 may be configured to receive the generated vapor 222 via the annular tip opening 204-1 into the outer annular space 216, and may further direct the generated vapor 222 through the inner annular space 214 into the central channel 212 to cause the generation of flavored vapor and enter the central channel, where the flavored vapor 224 may be directed from the central channel 212 to the outlet end opening 204-2.

[0241] In some exemplary embodiments, the internal structure 206 and the external structure 208 may be absent, and the flavor matrix 218 may extend partially or completely through the inner diameter of the outer housing 201 such that the generated vapor 222 received into the interior of the flavor cartridge 180-4 is directed to flow through the flavor matrix 218 to the outlet end opening 204-2.

[0242] Still referring to Figure 2D , the flavor cartridge 180-4, including the flavor matrix and / or the outlet end insert, may include an example of a conductive material 186-4, which is configured to establish an electrical connection between at least two separate electrical devices in contact with the example of the conductive material 186-4 based on the insertion of the flavor cartridge 180-4 into the channel space of a vapor cartridge including at least two separate electrical devices. Thus, the flavor cartridge 180-4 may be configured such that the non-combustible vapor cigarette device 100 can detect the presence ("insertion") of the flavor cartridge 180-4 in the channel space of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device 100.

[0243] In Figure 2D , an example of the conductive material 186-4 is shown as at least partially surrounding the outer surface of the outer housing 201 and extending along the longitudinal axis of the flavor cartridge 180, but it should be understood that the example of the conductive material 186-4 may extend on one or more various surfaces of the flavor cartridge 180-4, which includes the flavor matrix and / or the outlet end insert, including along the tip surface of the flavor cartridge 180-4, along the inner surface of the outer housing 201, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0244] Authentication Assembly with Bridging Electrical Devices

[0245] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C are perspective views of an authentication assembly according to some example embodiments, which is configured to establish an electrical connection through at least a portion of the flavor cartridge.

[0246] As Figure 3A - 3C shown, the authentication assembly 150 may include one or more sets or groups ("a plurality") of electrical devices having one or more shapes and configurations. As described below, each set of electrical devices may be configured to directly contact the conductive material, an example of the flavor cartridge 180, via various operations and interactions.

[0247] As described herein, a set of electrical conducting devices may be referred to herein as "bridging electrical conducting devices" and are configured to establish an electrical connection therebetween via at least a portion of a flavor cartridge such that the electrical conducting devices are electrically connected to each other via the electrically conductive material of the flavor cartridge.

[0248] Referring first to Figure 3A , in some exemplary embodiments, the authentication assembly 150 includes a plurality of plate devices configured to directly contact an example of the electrically conductive material that extends along an outer surface of the flavor cartridge 180, at least partially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the flavor cartridge 180, by flush contact between the surface of an individual plate device and an individual corresponding surface portion of the example of the electrically conductive material.

[0249] Specifically, Figure 3A FIG. shows the authentication assembly 150, which includes two separate electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2, which are plate devices having separate corresponding surfaces 153-1 to 153-2. As Figure 3A shown, the plate devices may be curved such that the surfaces 153-1 to 153-2 have a curvature approximating and / or matching the curvature of the outer surface of the flavor cartridge 180. However, it should be understood that the plate devices may have one or more different curves and that the plate devices may include planar surfaces configured to make flush contact with a portion of the example of the electrically conductive material in the flavor cartridge 180. The plate devices may be configured to directly contact a portion of the example of the electrically conductive material based on flush contact between the surface of the plate device and a portion of the surface of the example of the electrically conductive material. In Figure 3A , for example, the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 are configured to directly contact a given example of the electrically conductive material of the flavor cartridge 180 inserted through a gap space 300 between the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 such that the separate corresponding surfaces 153-1 to 153-2 of the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 directly contact separate surface portions of the example of the electrically conductive material of the flavor cartridge, thereby establishing an electrical connection through the example of the electrically conductive material between the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2.

[0250] As Figure 3AAs shown, the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 are spaced apart from the clearance space 300. The clearance space 300 can be equal to or less than the outer diameter of the flavor cartridge 180 that can be inserted into the clearance space 300. If the outer diameter of the flavor cartridge 180 is greater than the clearance space 300 and / or when the outer diameter of the flavor cartridge is greater than the clearance space, the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 can be coupled to one or more corresponding springs such that the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 are pushed outward by the flavor cartridge 180, thereby applying a spring force by the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 on an example of the conductive material to ensure good electrical contact between the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 and the example of the conductive material.

[0251] Now referring to Figure 3B , in some exemplary embodiments, the authentication assembly 150 includes a plurality of plate devices configured to directly contact an example of the conductive material by flush contact of the surface of a separate plate device with a separate corresponding surface portion of the example of the conductive material, which extends at least partially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the flavor cartridge 180 along the outer end surface of the flavor cartridge 180.

[0252] Specifically, Figure 3B an authentication assembly 150 including two separate electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 on a cylindrical support structure 302 is shown. As Figure 3B shown, separate electrical leads 154-1 to 154-2 can extend through the support structure 302 respectively to separate the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2. The support structure 302 can be at least partially electrically insulated such that the separate electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 are at least partially isolated from being electrically connected to each other through the support structure 302.

[0253] Figure 3B In, the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 can be plate devices as described above with reference to Figure 3A wherein Figure 3B the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 in are configured to directly contact separate surface portions of an example of the conductive material by surface flush contact, which extends at least partially around the tip surface of the flavor cartridge 180, and the flavor cartridge is inserted into the channel space of the non-combustible vape device 100. Figure 3B The authentication assembly 150 shown in can be located at the tip of the channel space 104 such that if the flavor cartridge 180 is inserted into the channel space 104 and / or when the flavor cartridge is inserted into the channel space, the flavor cartridge 180 is inserted toward flush contact with the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2.

[0254] As Figure 3BAs shown, the support structure 302 may include at least one clearance space 304 such that the authentication assembly 150 can be located between the steam generator 144 and the flavor cartridge 180 and can directly generate steam for transfer from the steam generator 144 to the flavor cartridge 180. As Figure 2C described, the flavor cartridge 180 including an example of conductive material 186-3 at the tip where the tip opening 181-1 is located may itself include a clearance space 183 that guides the generated steam into the interior of the flavor cartridge 180.

[0255] Now referring to Figure 3C , in some exemplary embodiments, the authentication assembly 150 includes a plurality of nail instruments configured to directly contact an example of conductive material by at least partially impacting and / or puncturing separate respective portions of the example of conductive material, which extends at least partially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the flavor cartridge 180 along the outer end surface of the flavor cartridge 180. As Figure 2C shown, examples of such conductive material can be discs, cylindrical discs, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0256] Specifically, Figure 3C shows an authentication assembly 150 including two separate electrical conducting instruments 152-1 to 152-2 on a cylindrical support structure 302. As Figure 3C shown, separate electrical leads 154-1 to 154-2 can extend through the support structure 302 respectively to isolate the electrical conducting instruments 152-1 to 152-2. The support structure 302 can be at least partially electrically insulated such that the separate electrical conducting instruments 152-1 to 152-2 are at least partially isolated from being electrically connected to each other through the support structure 302.

[0257] In Figure 3C , the electrical conducting instruments 152-1 to 152-2 can be nail instruments, where Figure 3C the electrical conducting instruments 152-1 to 152-2 in

[0258] Figure 3C are configured to directly contact separate portions of an example of conductive material by impact and / or piercing respectively, and the conductive material extends at least partially around the tip surface of the flavor cartridge 180, and the tip surface is inserted into the channel space of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device 100.

[0259] As Figure 3CFurther shown, the support structure 302 may include at least one clearance space 304 such that the authentication assembly 150 may be located between the steam generator 144 and the flavor cartridge 180 and may directly generate steam for transfer from the steam generator 144 to the flavor cartridge 180. As Figure 2C described, the flavor cartridge 180 including an example of the conductive material 186-3 at the tip (where the tip opening 181-1 is located) may itself include a clearance space 183 that directs the generated steam into the interior of the flavor cartridge 180.

[0260] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C are cross-sectional views of a vapor cartridge of a non-combustible vapor smoking device according to some exemplary embodiments, showing a flavor cartridge inserted through a passage space of the vapor cartridge.

[0261] Generally referring to Figure 4A - 4C , in some exemplary embodiments, the authentication assembly 150 may include a set (“a plurality”) of electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2, which includes at least one sheet device. The sheet device may be configured to directly contact at least a portion of an example of the conductive material based on piercing and / or cutting through one or more portions of the flavor cartridge 180 as the flavor cartridge 180 moves through the passage space 104 of the non-combustible vapor smoking device 100. The sheet device may be configured to pierce and / or cut through a limited portion of the flavor cartridge. For example, if and / or when the flavor cartridge 180 includes an example of the conductive material 186-2 extending along the outer surface of the receiving structure 182 as shown in Figure 2B , the sheet device of the authentication assembly 150 may be configured to cut through the example of the conductive material 186-2 and may be configured not to cut through the receiving structure 182. In another example, as shown in Figure 4A - 4C , if and / or when the flavor cartridge 180 includes an example of the conductive material 186-1 isolated from exposure by the receiving structure 182 as shown in Figure 2A , the sheet device of the authentication assembly 150 may be configured to cut through at least the receiving structure 182. The sheet device may be configured not to cut through an example of the conductive material of the flavor cartridge 180, but rather to merely impact the surface of the example of the conductive material.

[0262] Figure 4A - 4C shows the authentication assembly 150, which is included in the vapor cartridge 140 shown in Figure 1A - 1B , where the authentication assembly 150 includes electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2, which are sheet devices respectively, such that each of the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 is configured to cut through at least the receiving structure 182 and Figure 2A an example of the conductive material 186-1 of the flavor cartridge shown in.

[0263] It will be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, the individual electrical conductive devices in a set of the authentication component 150 can be different types of devices (e.g., sheets, plates, nails, some combinations thereof, etc.). For example, the authentication component 150 can include an electrical conductive device 152-1 that is a plate device extending along the longitudinal axis of the channel space 104, and an electrical conductive device 152-2 that is a nail device extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the channel space 104.

[0264] As Figure 4A - 4C shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the authentication component 150 can include electrical conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 that extend into the channel space 104 through a gap in the channel structure 142 that at least partially defines the channel space 104. As shown, the electrical conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 can extend a specific intrusion distance 404 into the channel space 104 respectively, such that the gap space 402 between the electrical conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 is less than the diameter 400 of the channel space 104. As Figure 4A - 4C shown, the channel structure 142 can be configured to receive the spice cartridge 180 into the channel space 104, and the spice cartridge has an outer diameter corresponding to the diameter 400 of the channel space 104. Thus, the gap space 402 between the electrical conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 is less than the outer diameter of the spice cartridge 180.

[0265] As Figure 4A - 4C shown, the spice cartridge 180 inserted into the channel space 104 can be at least partially similar to Figure 2A the spice cartridge 180 shown therein, where the spice cartridge 180 includes an example of a conductive material 186-1 that is isolated from exposure by the receiving structure 182 of the spice cartridge 180. As Figure 4A - 4C further shown, the diameter of the example of the conductive material 186-1 can be greater than the magnitude of the gap space 402.

[0266] Referring to Figure 4A , the spice cartridge 180 including the example of the conductive material 186-1 can be inserted into the channel space 104 at least partially defined by the channel structure 142 through the outlet end opening of the channel structure 142, such that the spice cartridge moves through the channel space 104 toward the electrical conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2. In Figure 4A this, the electrical conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 are isolated from being electrically connected to each other by at least the gap space 402 therebetween. As a result, the current passing through the gap space 402 between the electrical conductive devices 152-1 to 152-2 is inhibited.

[0267] Now referring to Figure 4B, if and / or when the spice cartridge 180 moves far enough through the passage space 104 to reach the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2, the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 can cut through the receiving structure 182, an example of the conductive material 186-1, and at least a portion of the spice cartridge 184 as the spice cartridge 180 continues to move through the passage space 104 through the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2.

[0268] As Figure 4B shown, if and / or when the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 begin to cut through the spice cartridge 180 and further begin to cut through an example of the conductive material 186-1, the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 can become electrically connected to each other through the example of the conductive material 186-1.

[0269] As a result, and as Figure 4B shown, an electrical connection 408 is established through an example of the conductive material 186-1 to bridge the gap space 402 between the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2.

[0270] In addition, and as Figure 4B shown, if and / or when the electrical leads 154-1 to 154-2 are respectively coupled to a power source ( Figure 4A - 4B not shown in the figure), creating a potential difference between the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2, establishing the electrical connection 408 can result in the induction of an electric current 410 that passes through an example of the conductive material 186-1 at least between the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 and further through the electrical leads 154-1 and 154-2.

[0271] In some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device 100 including the Figure 4A - 4C authentication component 150 shown in the figure can be configured to detect the induced electric current 410. The portion of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device 100 including the authentication component 150 can be further configured to determine the presence of the spice cartridge 180 within the passage space 104 of the vapor cartridge 140 based on detecting the induced electric current 410. The portion of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device 100 can also be configured to selectively and / or adjustably control the power supply to the vapor generator 144 based on determining the presence of the spice cartridge 180 within the passage space 104 of the vapor cartridge 140. As a result, the non-combustible vapor cigarette device 100 including the Figure 4A - 4C authentication component 150 shown in the figure can be configured to selectively and / or adjustably control the vapor generated by the vapor generator 144 based on establishing the electrical connection 408 between the electrical conducting devices 152-1 to 152-2 through an example of the conductive material 186-1 of the spice cartridge 180.

[0272] Now refer to Figure 4C, in some exemplary embodiments, an instance of the conductive material 186-1 in the flavor cartridge 180 extends along a limited portion of the longitudinal axis of the flavor cartridge 180. As a result, as the flavor cartridge 180 further moves through the channel space 104 and past the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2, the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 can cut through the entire longitudinal distance of the instance of the conductive material 186-1, such that as the flavor cartridge 180 further moves through the channel space 104, the instance of the conductive material 186-1 is disengaged from direct contact with the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2. As a result, the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 can become electrically disconnected from each other because the flavor material 184 can insulate the separation 412 between the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 through the flavor cartridge 180. Accordingly, the current 410 can stop.

[0273] In addition, as the flavor cartridge 180 further moves through the channel space 104 and past the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2, the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 can cut through the entire longitudinal distance of the instance of the conductive material 186-1, thereby splitting the instance of the conductive material 186-1 into at least two (e.g., a plurality of) separate pieces. As a result, if the flavor cartridge 180 is moved back through the channel space 104 and / or reinserted into the channel space and / or when the flavor cartridge is moved back through the channel space and / or reinserted into the channel space, the flavor cartridge 180 can prevent the reestablishment of the electrical connection 408. For example, if and / or when the instance of the conductive material 186-1 is a band that extends continuously around the flavor material 184 in the flavor cartridge 180, the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 can split the band into separate instances such that the reestablishment of the electrical connection between the electrical devices 152-1 to 152-2 by the instance of the conductive material 186-1 is prevented.

[0274] Authentication Assembly for a Band-Shiftable Device

[0275] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are cross-sectional views of a vapor cartridge of a non-combustible vapor cigarette device according to some exemplary embodiments, showing a flavor cartridge inserted through a channel space of the vapor cartridge.

[0276] Generally referring to Figure 5A - 5B, in some exemplary embodiments, the authentication component 550 may include a set (“a plurality”) of electrical conductive devices 582 and 584, which includes at least one physically shiftable electrical conductive device. The physically shiftable electrical conductive device, also referred to herein as a “shiftable device”, may be configured to move as the flavor cartridge 580 moves through the passage space 504 of the vapor cartridge 540 of the non-combustible vaping device 500, and physically shift (e.g., move, bend, flex, some combination thereof, etc.) based on direct contact with a portion of the flavor cartridge 580. The shiftable device may be configured to be physically shifted by the flavor cartridge 580 such that the shiftable device contacts another electrical conductive device (e.g., a fixed device) to establish a closed circuit.

[0277] Since the closed circuit is formed by at least the shiftable device and the contacting electrical conductive device, an electrical signal may pass through the closed circuit. For example, the closed circuit may include a power source and a control circuit, and establishing the closed circuit may include inducing a current through the closed circuit such that the control circuit detects the current and determines that the flavor cartridge 580 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 540 based on the detected current.

[0278] Figure 5A - 5B A vapor cartridge 540 including the authentication component 550 is shown. The authentication component 550 includes a set of electrical conductive devices, which includes a shiftable device 582 and a fixed device 584. The shiftable device 582 is connected to an electrical connector 552-3, and the fixed device 584 is connected to an electrical connector 552-2. If the vapor cartridge 540 is coupled to the base 510 to establish the non-combustible vaping device 500 and / or when the vapor cartridge is coupled to the base to establish the non-combustible vaping device, the electrical connectors 552-2 and 552-3 may be connected to corresponding electrical connectors 514-2 and 514-3 of the base 510. As Figure 5A - 5B shown, the electrical connectors 514-2 and 514-3 may be electrically coupled to an example of a power source 512 and a control circuit 513 in the base 510. Accordingly, the authentication component 550, in combination with the electrical connectors 552-2 to 552-3, the electrical connectors 514-2 to 514-3, the power source 512, and the control circuit 513, may jointly establish a circuit.

[0279] The control circuit 513 may be configured to determine whether the flavor cartridge 580 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 540 based on whether a current (e.g., a current having at least a threshold magnitude) is detected in the foregoing circuit. The control circuit 513 may be configured to selectively control the power supply from the power source 512 to the vapor generator 544 of the vapor cartridge 540 based on the determination, via the electrical connectors 514-1 and 552-1.

[0280] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the electrical connectors 514-1 to 514-3 and / or 552-1 to 552-3 may be spring pin connectors. For example, the electrical connectors 514-1 to 514-3 may be spring pin connectors respectively. In another example, the electrical connectors 552-1 to 552-3 may be spring pin connectors.

[0281] Now referring Figure 5A , the authentication assembly 550 may be configured to create a clearance space between the displaceable instrument 582 and the fixed instrument 584 without the flavor cartridge 580 being inserted into the vapor cartridge 540, such that the above-mentioned circuit is disconnected and a current with at least a threshold magnitude is blocked. As Figure 5A shown, this configuration may be referred to as the "rest state" of one or more portions of the authentication assembly 550. In contrast, Figure 5B the configuration shown in and further described below may be referred to as the "displaced state" of one or more portions of the authentication assembly 550.

[0282] The vapor cartridge 540 includes a channel structure 542 that at least partially defines a channel space 504 extending between an opening 502 in the housing of the vapor cartridge 540 and a vapor generator 544 in the vapor cartridge 540. As Figure 5A shown, the channel structure 542 may have an inner diameter 590 that establishes the diameter of the channel space 504. The inner diameter 590 of the channel structure 542 may correspond (e.g., may match within a specific margin) to the outer diameter of the flavor cartridge 580.

[0283] As Figure 5A further shown, the channel structure 542 includes a thick side portion 581 that includes a cavity 589 and a portal 586 extending therethrough in common, such that at least the portal 586 defines an opening in the inner surface of the channel structure 542, and the channel space 504 at least partially defined by the channel structure 542 is in fluid communication with the exterior of the channel structure 542 through the portal 586 and the cavity 589.

[0284] In some exemplary embodiments, the displaceable instrument 582 includes a displaceable portion 588 that extends through the cavity 589 and further through the portal 586 to extend at least partially into the channel space 504 via an opening in the inner surface of the channel structure 542 at least partially defined by the portal 586. As Figure 5A shown, for example, the displaceable portion has a generally "V" shape, and its vertex extends through the portal 586 into the channel space 504 for at least an impact distance 593.

[0285] As Figure 5AFurther shown, a distance 592 extending between a displaceable portion 588 into the channel space 504 and a distal portion of an inner surface of the channel structure 542 (e.g., a restricted diameter of the channel space 504 resulting from impacting the displaceable portion 588 into the channel space 504 through the portal 586) may be less than an inner diameter 590 of the channel structure 542.

[0286] As described above, the inner diameter 590 may correspond to an outer diameter of the flavor cartridge 580. As a result, the distance 592 may be less than the outer diameter of the flavor cartridge 580, and the inner diameter 590 may correspond to the sum of the distance 592 and an impact distance 593.

[0287] In some exemplary embodiments, the displaceable instrument 582 may be configured to be in a "rest state" if the flavor cartridge 580 is not in direct contact with the displaceable instrument 582 and / or when the flavor cartridge is not in direct contact with the displaceable instrument. Figure 5A The displaceable instrument 582 is shown in a rest state, and Figure 5B the displaceable instrument 582 is shown in a "displaced state" based on contact with the flavor cartridge 580 inserted into the vapor cartridge 540.

[0288] As Figure 5A shown, the displaceable instrument 582 may be configured to be physically separated from the fixed instrument 584 based on the displaceable instrument 582 being in a rest state. As shown, a tip 599 of the displaceable instrument 582 is separated from the fixed instrument 584 by a clearance space 594. As a result, based on the displaceable instrument 582 being in a static state, as Figure 5A shown, the displaceable instrument 582 may be directly connected to the fixed instrument 584 and thus isolated from being directly electrically connected to the fixed instrument 584 based on the clearance space 594 therebetween. In some exemplary embodiments, a magnitude ("distance") of the clearance space 594 corresponds to a magnitude of the impact distance 593. In some exemplary embodiments, the magnitudes of the clearance space 594 and the impact distance 593 may be different.

[0289] In some exemplary embodiments, including Figure 5A - 5B the exemplary embodiment shown in, the displaceable instrument 582 is configured to be at least partially displaced based on the flavor cartridge 580 directly contacting at least the displaceable portion 588 such that the displaceable instrument 582 directly contacts the fixed instrument 584, thereby establishing a direct electrical connection between the displaceable instrument 582 and the fixed instrument 584 and further closing the aforementioned circuit, which includes at least the authentication component 550, the power supply 512, and the control circuit 513.

[0290] In some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the displaceable instrument 582 is fixed to a portion of the vapor cartridge 540. For example, in Figure 5A and 5BIn the exemplary embodiment shown, the displaceable instrument 582 includes a fixed portion 587 and the aforementioned displaceable portion 588, wherein the fixed portion 587 is fixed to the channel structure 542 and the displaceable portion 588 is configured to be displaced by the spice cartridge 580. In some exemplary embodiments, the displaceable instrument 582 may be configured to be fully displaceable. For example, the displaceable instrument 582 may be coupled to a hinge and / or spring instrument such that the displaceable instrument 582 is configured to be fully displaced by the spice cartridge 580.

[0291] Now referring Figure 5B , if the spice cartridge 580 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 540 through the opening 502 and / or when the spice cartridge is inserted into the vapor cartridge through the opening such that the spice cartridge 580 is inserted through the channel space 504, the spice cartridge 580 may directly contact at least the displaceable portion 588 of the displaceable instrument 582, and the displaceable instrument extends at least an impact distance 593 into the channel space 504.

[0292] As described above, the outer diameter of the spice cartridge 580 may correspond to the inner diameter 590 of the channel structure 542 (i.e., the outer diameter of the channel space 504), such that the distance between the displaceable portion 588 extending into the channel space 504 and the distal inner surface of the channel structure 542 (i.e., the distance 592) is less than the outer diameter of the spice cartridge 580. As a result, based on the insertion into the channel space 504, the spice cartridge 580 may directly contact the displaceable portion 588.

[0293] Continuing to move through the channel space 504 towards the steam generator 544, the spice cartridge 580 may displace the displaceable portion 588 at least the impact distance 593 such that the displaceable portion 588 exits the channel space 504 via the portal 586, and the diameter of the channel space 504 between the spice cartridge 580 and the steam generator 544 widens to a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the spice cartridge 580 (e.g., diameter 590).

[0294] Based on the displaceable portion 588 being at least partially displaced from the channel space 504 by the spice cartridge 580 (e.g., displaced by a displacement distance 595), it may cause the tip 599 of the displacement instrument 582 to close the gap space 594 between the tip 599 in the stationary state and the fixed instrument 584 such that the tip 599 directly contacts the fixed instrument 582.

[0295] Based on the direct contact of the displaceable device 582 with the fixed device 582, the above circuit can be closed, which includes at least an authentication component 550, a power supply 512, and a control circuit 513. As a result, a current 598 may be caused in the circuit, where the current 598 passes through at least the displaceable device 582 and the fixed device 584 that are in direct contact. The control circuit 513 can detect the current and can determine that the spice cartridge 580 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 540 based on the detected current. The control circuit 513 can selectively activate the vapor generator 544 based on the determination (e.g., enable the power supply from the power supply 512 to the vapor generator 544), such that the generation of vapor by the vapor generator 544 is selectively enabled or disabled based on the determination at the control circuit 513 as to whether the spice cartridge 580 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 540 (indicated by the presence or absence of current through the displaceable device 582 and the fixed device 584).

[0296] Accordingly, based on the displaceable device 582 being at least partially displaced by the spice cartridge 580 through the portal 586 of the channel structure 542, the displaceable device 582 and the fixed device 584 can selectively come into direct contact with each other such that the displaceable device 582 and the fixed device 584 are electrically connected to each other.

[0297] In some exemplary embodiments, the displaceable device 582 and the fixed device 584 are included in the circuit, and in addition to the control circuit 513 and the power supply 512, the circuit further includes a vapor generator 544. The control circuit 513 can be configured to determine whether the spice cartridge 580 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 540 via another separate authentication component (e.g., Figure 3A - 4C one or more components of the illustrated authentication component), and the authentication component 550 is configured to act as an electrical switch that selectively closes or opens the circuit, via which power can be supplied from the power supply 512 to the vapor generator 544 based on whether the spice cartridge 580 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 540 or not in the vapor cartridge.

[0298] In some exemplary embodiments, the authentication component that allows the control circuit 513 to determine whether the spice cartridge 580 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 540 is without the vapor cartridge 540, and the authentication component 550 present in the vapor cartridge 540 is configured to act as an electrical switch to selectively enable or disable the power supply from the power supply 512 to the vapor generator 544 based on whether the spice cartridge 580 is inserted into the vapor cartridge 540.

[0299] As Figure 5A - 5B shown, the cavity 589 can be shaped to conform to the shape of the displaceable portion 588, but the exemplary embodiments will be understood to be not limited to these embodiments of the cavity 589.

[0300] In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 513 is configured to selectively enable or disable the generation of vapor by the vapor cartridge 540 based on determining whether the flavor cartridge 580 is sufficiently inserted into the channel space 504 to prevent vapor generated by the vapor generator 544 from bypassing outside the flavor cartridge 580 through the channel space 504 (e.g., the flavor cartridge 580 is sufficiently inserted into the channel space 504 such that the channel structure 542 guides all the vapor generated by the vapor generator 544 through the interior of the flavor cartridge 580). For example, the non-combustible vapor smoking device 500 may include a sensor device, the sensor being configured to determine whether air is being drawn through the channel space 504 toward the opening 502, and the control circuit 513 may be configured to selectively control the power supply from the power source 512 to the vapor generator 544 based on determining that the sensor detects at least a threshold air flow rate through the channel space 504 toward the opening 502 to cause the vapor generator 544 to generate vapor.

[0301] The sensor device may be configured to selectively exclude the determination of the threshold air flow rate of air passing through the channel space 504 toward the opening 502 based on whether at least a portion of the air flow passes through the channel space 504 by bypassing the interior of the flavor cartridge 580 inserted into the channel space 504. For example, if the flavor cartridge 580 is missing from the channel space 504 and at least a threshold amount of air flow passes through the channel space 504 and / or when the flavor cartridge is missing from the channel space and at least a threshold amount of air flow passes through the channel space, the control circuit 513 may exclude causing the vapor generator 544 to generate vapor in response to the air flow because the sensor excludes detecting at least a threshold amount of air flow due to the absence of the flavor cartridge 580.

[0302] Base sensor inlet port and conduit

[0303] Figure 6A is a perspective view of the base of a non-combustible vapor smoking device according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 6B is along line VIB-VIB' Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the base. Figure 6C is along line VIC-VIC' Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the base. Figure 6D is along line VID-VID' Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the base.

[0304] As Figure 6A - 6D shown, the base 610 configured to be coupled to the vapor cartridge 640 to form a non-combustible vapor smoking device may include one or more structural elements, herein referred to as "guide walls", which at least partially define a cavity (also herein referred to as an interface "slot") into which the vapor cartridge 640 may be inserted to align and couple with the base 610.

[0305] The base 610 includes a housing 611, which further includes at least guide walls 620-1, 620-2, 621, and 630-1 and a base surface 624. The guide walls 620-1, 620-2, 621, and 630 are configured to guide and hold the opposing sidewalls of the vapor cartridge in alignment with the base surface 624 of the base 610 such that the interfaces of the vapor cartridge 640 are aligned with the interfaces 616 of the base 610.

[0306] As further shown, the base surface 624 of the base establishing the cavity 622 further includes a base interface 616. The base interface 616, which may correspond to Figure 1A - 1B the interface 160-1 shown in, includes a set of one or more electrical connectors 617-1 through 617-N, each of which is configured to couple with a respective corresponding electrical connector of the interface of the vapor cartridge 640. One or more of the connectors 617-1 through 617-N may be spring pin connectors.

[0307] In some exemplary embodiments, the interface 616 may include multiple sets of connectors 617-1 through 617-N, which are configured to conduct separate sets of signals between the base 610 and the coupled vapor cartridge 640. For example, in Figure 6A - 6D the exemplary embodiment shown, the interface 616 includes five spring pin connectors 617-1 through 617-5 (e.g., 617-1 through 617-N, where N = 5). A first set of two of the five connectors (e.g., connectors 617-1 and 617-2) may be configured to supply power to one or more elements of the vapor cartridge 640 (e.g., supply power from a power source 612 to a vapor generator of the vapor cartridge 640, as Figure 1A - 1B shown). Another set of two of the five connectors (e.g., connectors 617-3 and 617-4) may be configured to transfer data between elements of the base 610 and elements of the vapor cartridge 640 (e.g., transfer information indicating: the pre-vapor formulation flavor type of the pre-vapor formulation held in the vapor cartridge 640, the remaining amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the vapor cartridge 640, the article and model associated with the vapor cartridge 640, the state of the vapor cartridge 640, some combination thereof, etc.). A final set of one of the five connectors (e.g., connector 617-5) may be configured to communicate from an authentication component in the vapor cartridge 640 (e.g., an authentication component 150 as Figure 1B shown) to the control circuit 614 such that the control circuit 614 can determine whether a flavor cartridge (e.g., a flavor cartridge 180 as Figure 1A - 1B shown) is inserted into the vapor cartridge 640, thereby enabling the control circuit 614 to selectively enable or disable the vapor generator of the vapor cartridge 640 to generate vapor based on this determination.

[0308] In some exemplary embodiments, as Figure 6A - 6DAs shown, the guiding walls 620-1, 620-2 and 630 respectively include separate channel structures extending along the surfaces of the corresponding guiding walls.

[0309] The guiding wall 630 includes a channel 632 extending along the surface of the guiding wall 630. As shown, an air inlet port 634 extending through the base housing 611 to be in fluid communication with the sensor 613 of the base may extend through the base of the channel 632. As a result, the sensor 613 inside the base 610 may be in fluid communication with the channel 632 extending along a part of the outer housing of the base 610.

[0310] The guiding walls 620-1 and 620-2 respectively include separate corresponding channels 629-1 and 629-2 extending along the inner surfaces of the corresponding guiding walls 620-1 and 620-2. Each of the channels 629-1 and 629-2 extends from the inner edges of the corresponding guiding walls 620-1 and 620-2 to the outer edges 626-1 and 626-2 of the corresponding guiding walls 620-1 and 620-2, and the inner edges cross the guiding wall 630. As Figure 6A - 6D As further shown, each of the channels 629-1 and 629-2 has outlets 628-1 and 628-2 at one end where the edges 626-1 and 62-2 of the corresponding guiding walls 620-1 and 620-1 intersect. Also as Figure 6A - 6D shown, each of the channels 629-1 and 629-2 is connected to a separate end of the channel 632 at the corresponding inner edges of the guiding walls 620-1 and 620-2.

[0311] As a result, a part of the channel 629-1 and the channel 632 form a continuous channel extending from the outlet 628-1 to the air inlet port 634, and a separate part of the channel 629-2 and the channel 632 form a continuous channel extending from the outlet 628-2 to the air inlet port 634.

[0312] In some exemplary embodiments, if the steam cylinder 640 is inserted into the cavity 622 and / or when the steam cylinder is inserted into the cavity such that the steam cylinder 640 is aligned and coupled with the interface 616, one or more outer housing surfaces of the steam cylinder 640 may enclose the channels 629-1, 629-2 and 632 of the base 610m, exposing the outlets 628-1 and 628-2 to the external ("surrounding") environment.

[0313] As a result, based on the coupling of the steam cylinder 640 with the interface 616, the foregoing channels may be enclosed to form a first conduit continuously extending from the outlet 628-1 to the air inlet port 634, and a second conduit continuously extending from the outlet 628-2 to the air inlet port 634. Thus, the sensor 613 may be in fluid communication with the external environment through the first conduit and the second conduit formed by the outer housing of the base 610 and the outer housing of the steam cylinder 640.

[0314] Similar to the sensor 113 referred to above Figure 1A - 1B The sensor 613 can be a pressure sensor, configured such that the control circuit 614 of the base 110 can determine that at least a threshold amount of air is drawn into the vapor cartridge 640. For example, the vapor cartridge 640 can include one or more air inlet ports through which air can be inhaled into the vapor cartridge 640 (shown in Figure 1A - 1B ), and if the vapor cartridge 640 is coupled to the interface 616 and / or when the vapor cartridge is coupled to the interface, the air inlet ports can be located at a specific position on the outer housing of the vapor cartridge 640, which is close to the positions of the outlets 628-1 and 628-2.

[0315] As a result, if air is drawn into the vapor cartridge 640 through the air inlet ports of the vapor cartridge 640 and / or when air is drawn into the vapor cartridge through the air inlet ports of the vapor cartridge, and the vapor cartridge 640 is coupled to the interface 616 at the same time, the ambient pressure close to the outlets 628-1 and / or 628-2 can change, and such changes can be detected by the sensor 613, which is in fluid communication with the outlets 628-1 and 628-2.

[0316] For example, a pressure change close to the outlet 628-1 and / or the outlet 628-2 can cause a pressure change at the air inlet port 634 and thus at the sensor 613, because the air inlet port 634 is in fluid communication with the outlets 628-1 and 628-2. The control circuit 614 of the base 610 can determine that air is drawn into the vapor cartridge 640 based on determining that the sensor 613 detects a pressure change. The control circuit 614 can be configured to selectively control the power supply from the power source 612 to the vapor generator in the vapor cartridge 640 based on this determination, via one or more connectors 617-1 to 617-N of the interface 616.

[0317] Still referring to Figure 6A - 6D, in some exemplary embodiments, the base 610 may include one or more interfaces 670 and 672 through which information and / or commands may be transmitted between the base 610 and an adult vaping device user. For example, as shown in FIG. 6E, the base 610 may include a tactile interface 670 (e.g., a button interface) and a display interface 672. The display interface 672 may include a light-emitting diode (LED) display configured to present one or more graphical displays (GUIs) providing one or more instances of information associated with the non-combustible vaping device 600. The base 610 may be configured to adjust and / or change the display on the interface 672 based on interaction with the adult vaping device user at the tactile interface 670. For example, as further described below, the base 610 may be configured to cycle through a sequence of graphical displays based on continuous interaction (e.g., "clicking") with the tactile interface 670, each graphical display presenting a different set of information.

[0318] display interface

[0319] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C 、 Figure 7D 、 Figure 7E 、 Figure 7F 、 Figure 7G and Figure 7H illustrate graphical displays that may be shown via the display interface of a non-combustible vaping device according to some example embodiments. As Figure 7A - 7H shown, the display interface 710 of the base 700 may be the display interface of any base according to any of the exemplary embodiments included herein, including Figure 1C - 1E the display interface 172 shown in Figure 6B - 6D and the display interface 672 shown in

[0320] Generally referring to Figure 7A - 7H , in some exemplary embodiments, based on interaction of an adult vaping device user with one or more interfaces (e.g., a tactile interface) of the base 700, the display interface 710 may be controlled to cycle through a separate sequence of graphical displays to provide separate instances of information in separate graphical displays. The display interface 710 may be controlled by the control circuitry of the base 700 to cycle through a sequence of graphical displays based on continuous adult vaping device user interaction with the interface of the base 700.

[0321] Still referring to Figure 7A - 7H , each separate graphical display presented by the display interface 710 may include a sequence indicator icon 712 indicating which particular graphical display in the sequence of graphical displays is currently being shown. For example, in Figure 7A - 7HIn the exemplary embodiment shown, the display interface 710 can cycle through three separate graphical displays that display three sets of separate information, and each graphical display can include a sequence indicator icon 712 that includes three independent icons 713-1, 713-2, and 713-3 that respectively represent the separate graphical displays in the sequence, and where the particular icon 713-1, 713-2, or 713-3 that represents the currently displayed graphical display changes relative to the other icons 713-1, 713-2, or 713-3 in order to provide an indication of the particular graphical display currently being displayed via the display interface 710.

[0322] Now referring Figure 7A - 7B , the display interface 710 can be configured to display a power graphical display (“PGD”) in a sequence of graphical displays that indicates the power state contained in the base 700. The power graphical display can indicate the amount of electrical power stored in the power source, indicate whether the power source stores sufficient electrical power to support a steam generation instance, indicate whether the power source has been charged / recharged, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0323] As Figure 7A - 7B shown, the power graphical display can be the first graphical display of three display sequences. Accordingly, the power graphical display includes the display of the sequence indicator icon 712, where the first icon 713-1 in the sequence of three icons 713-1, 713-2, and 713-3 that represent the three separate graphical display sequences changes relative to the other icons in order to indicate that the currently displayed graphical display is the first graphical display of the sequence. As shown, when the power graphical display is being displayed on the interface 710, the first icon 713-1 expands relative to the icons 713-2 and 713-3, thereby indicating that the power graphical display is being displayed.

[0324] Still referring Figure 7A - 7B , the power graphical display includes a graphical representation 720 of the power source, where a stored power meter 722 is displayed to provide an indication of the relative (“proportional”) amount of stored electrical power in the power source of the base 700 relative to the power storage capacity of the power source.

[0325] Figure 7A A graphical illustration 720 is shown where the stored power icon 724 fills almost the entire meter 722, thereby indicating that the power source of the base 700 is almost fully charged.

[0326] When power is consumed, expended, depleted, and so on, the size of the stored power icon 724 can shrink such that the stored power icon 724 occupies an increasingly smaller proportion of the meter 722. For example, as Figure 7B shown, the stored power icon 724 occupies a relatively small portion of the meter 722, thereby indicating that the power source of the base 700 holds a relatively small amount of charge relative to the storage capacity of the power source.

[0327] The stored power icon 724 can change color and / or fill pattern based on the size of the stored power icon 724 relative to the meter 722. For example, if the stored power icon 724 fills at least a high threshold percentage (e.g., ≥ 50%) of the meter 722 and / or when the stored power icon fills at least the high threshold percentage of the meter, the stored power icon 724 can be green. In another example, if the stored power icon 724 fills at least a low threshold percentage of the meter 722 but less than the high threshold percentage of the meter 722 (e.g., < 50% and ≥ 25%) and / or when the stored power icon fills at least the low threshold percentage of the meter but less than the high threshold percentage of the meter, the stored power icon 724 can be yellow. In another example, if the stored power icon 724 fills less than the low threshold percentage of the meter 722 (e.g., < 25%) and / or when the stored power icon fills less than the low threshold percentage of the meter, the stored power icon 724 can be red.

[0328] As Figure 7B As further shown, the power graphic display can selectively display the charging icon 730 based on whether the power supply of the base 700 has been charged / recharged currently. In some exemplary embodiments, the stored power icon 724 can be changed based on whether the charging icon 730 is displayed. For example, the stored power icon 724 can be an animated sequence where the icon repeatedly changes size relative to the meter 722 and / or changes color based on the displayed charging icon 730.

[0329] In some exemplary embodiments, the stored power icon 724 can indicate the number of steam generation instances supported by the available power of the base 700 where the stored amount of power is. For example, the stored power icon 724 can be displayed as a set of segments, where each individual segment of the stored power icon 724 represents a separate steam generation instance that can be supported by the stored power. Due to each successive steam generation instance supported by the power supply, one or more segments can be continuously removed from the icon 724, causing the stored power icon 724 to shrink in size relative to the meter 722. If the power supply does not store enough power to support a steam generation instance and / or when the power supply does not store enough power to support a steam generation instance, the stored power icon 724 can not include this segment, a specific symbol indicating insufficient stored power (e.g., a red X symbol), some combination of them, and so on.

[0330] Now refer to Figure 7C, the display interface 710 can be configured to display a vapor cartridge graphical display ("VCGD") in a graphical display sequence, which represents the state of the vapor cartridge coupled to the base 700. The vapor cartridge graphical display can indicate whether the vapor cartridge is coupled to the base 700, whether the vapor cartridge holds sufficient pre-vapor agent (e.g., at least a threshold amount of pre-vapor agent) to enable the vapor cartridge to support at least a threshold number of vapor generation instances (e.g., generate at least one vapor instance), some combination thereof, and so on.

[0331] As Figure 7C shown, the vapor cartridge graphical display can be the second graphical display in three display sequences. Thus, the vapor cartridge graphical display includes the display of a sequence indicator icon 712, where the second icon 713-2 in a sequence 713-1, 713-2, and 713-3 of three icons representing the three individual graphical displays of the sequence changes relative to the other icons to indicate that the currently displayed graphical display is the second graphical display of the sequence. As shown, when the vapor cartridge graphical display is shown on the interface 710, the second icon 713-2 expands relative to icons 713-1 and 713-3, thereby indicating that the vapor cartridge graphical display is being shown.

[0332] Still referring to Figure 7C , the vapor cartridge graphical display can include a vapor cartridge icon 740, which indicates whether the base 700 is coupled to the vapor cartridge, and the vapor cartridge is configured to support at least one vapor generation instance. A vapor cartridge configured to support at least one vapor generation instance can be a vapor cartridge that stores at least a threshold amount of pre-vapor agent.

[0333] In Figure 7C , the icon 740 indicates that the base 700 is coupled to the vapor cartridge, and the vapor cartridge is configured to support at least one vapor generation instance. Figure 7C The icon 740 shown in

[0334] does not indicate the specific number of vapor generation instances that can be supported by the amount of pre-vapor agent held in the coupled vapor cartridge. However, it will be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, the icon 740 can display an indication of the specific number of vapor generation instances that can be supported by the amount of pre-vapor agent held in the coupled vapor cartridge.

[0335] In some exemplary embodiments, if the remaining count associated with the vapor cartridge is depleted and / or when the remaining count associated with the vapor cartridge is depleted (e.g., reaches an expiration condition), the icon 740 may present an indication of disabling vapor generation associated with the currently coupled vapor cartridge. When the vapor cartridge is removed and a new vapor cartridge is coupled to the base 700, the vapor cartridge graphical display may revert to a graphical indication of a vapor cartridge configured to support at least one vapor generation instance, e.g., as Figure 7D shown.

[0336] Now referring Figure 7D - 7H , the display interface 710 may be configured to display a flavor cartridge graphical display ("FCGD") in a graphical display sequence that indicates the status of the flavor cartridge inserted into the vapor cartridge coupled to the base 700. The flavor cartridge graphical display may indicate whether the flavor cartridge is inserted into the vapor cartridge coupled to the base 700 (this vapor cartridge coupled to the base 700 is herein referred to as the "coupled vapor cartridge"), the number of vapor generation instances that the currently inserted flavor cartridge can support, the amount of remaining time during one or more vapor generation instances that can be supported by the currently inserted flavor cartridge, some combination thereof, and the like.

[0337] As Figure 7D-7H shown, the flavor cartridge graphical display may be the third graphical display of three display sequences. Thus, the flavor cartridge graphical display includes the display of the sequence indicator icon 712, where the third icon 713-3 of the sequence 713-1, 713-2, and 713-3 of three icons representing the three separate graphical displays of the sequence is changed relative to the other icons to indicate that the currently displayed graphical display is the third graphical display of the sequence. As shown, when the flavor cartridge graphical display is shown on the interface 710, the third icon 713-3 is enlarged relative to the icons 713-1 and 713-2, thereby indicating that the flavor cartridge graphical display is being shown.

[0338] Generally referring Figure 7D-7H , the flavor cartridge graphical display may include a graphical icon 750, which is a representation of the flavor cartridge. Thus, the icon 750 may visually resemble the appearance of the flavor cartridge. The icon 750 includes a remaining count gauge 751, which may indicate the number of remaining vapor generation instances until vapor generation is disabled using the currently inserted flavor cartridge and / or the amount of remaining time value until vapor generation is disabled using the currently inserted flavor cartridge. The remaining count gauge 751 may be referred to herein as the "remaining count meter", "remaining count icon", some combination thereof, and the like.

[0339] As Figure 7DAs shown, if the control circuit in the base 700 determines that the spice cartridge is not inserted into the connected steam cartridge and / or cannot determine whether the spice cartridge is inserted into the connected steam cartridge and / or when the control circuit in the base determines that the spice cartridge is not inserted into the connected steam cartridge and / or cannot determine whether the spice cartridge is inserted into the connected steam cartridge, the remaining count meter 751 may present a "missing spice cartridge" icon 753. If the steam cartridge is not currently connected to the base 700, the remaining count meter 751 may also present a "missing spice cartridge" icon 753.

[0340] As Figure 7E shown, if the spice cartridge is newly inserted into the connected steam cartridge and / or when the spice cartridge is newly inserted into the connected steam cartridge and, prior to any subsequent steam generation instance, the remaining count meter 751 may present a set of steam generation sub-icons 752-1 to 752-N that together fill the representation of the spice cartridge in the icon 750. Each sub-icon may be a representation of a separate portion of the initial remaining count associated with the currently inserted spice cartridge. As a result, the displayed sub-icons 752-1 to 752-N ("N" being an integer greater than 0) provide a graphical representation of the current magnitude of the remaining count associated with the currently inserted spice cartridge.

[0341] In an example, each of the sub-icons 752-1 to 752-N may represent one or more remaining steam generation instances that can be supported by the base 700 while the currently inserted spice cartridge remains inserted into the connected steam cartridge until disabled by the control circuit of the base 700 upon steam generation by the connected steam cartridge. As Figure 7F-7G shown, the number of sub-icons 752-1 to 752-N may decrease (e.g., decrement) as the remaining count continuously decreases (e.g., successive instances of steam generation, countdown of remaining elapsed time, etc.) until the value of the remaining count is consumed below a threshold. Figure 7E-7G shown, the front sub-icon 752-N of the remaining sub-icons 752-1 to 752-N may be displayed with a different appearance (e.g., different color and / or animation sequence).

[0342] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the sub-icons 752-1 to 752-N may represent a remaining count that itself represents a combination of remaining time and remaining instances of steam generation while the currently inserted spice cartridge remains inserted into the connected steam cartridge until disabled by the control circuit of the base 700 upon steam generation by the connected steam cartridge. The sub-icons 752-1 to 752-N may be based on a combination of elapsed time and the number of steam generation instances.

[0343] As Figure 7H shown, if the remaining count is depleted and / or when the remaining count is depleted (e.g., expiration condition), the graphical display of the spice cartridge may present an indication of disabled steam generation associated with the currently inserted spice cartridge. Figure 7HAs shown, for example, the icon 751 includes a cartridge depletion icon 754, which indicates that vapor generation is disabled due to an expiration condition associated with the inserted cartridge being reached. When the cartridge is removed and a new cartridge is inserted into the vapor cartridge, the cartridge graphic display can return to a graphical indication of the full ("initial") remaining count, e.g., as Figure 7E shown.

[0344] Operation

[0345] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the control of vapor generation by a non-combustible vapor cigarette device according to some example embodiments.

[0346] Figure 8 One or more of the operations shown in Figure 1B can be implemented by a control circuit included in one or more parts of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device, including at least one of the control circuit 114 and the computing device 160 shown in

[0347] At S802, it is determined whether a current is detected in a circuit including an authentication component. Since at least two conductive devices of the authentication component are spaced apart by a gap space ("isolated from direct contact"), the presence of a current through the circuit including the authentication component indicates that the at least two conductive devices are electrically coupled ("electrically connected") together by a conductive material in the gap space, such that the gap space is electrically bridged by the conductive material. This conductive material in the gap space can be determined to be an example of the conductive material included in a cartridge inserted into a channel space at least partially defined by a channel structure.

[0348] Thus, based on detecting a current in the circuit including the authentication component, it can be determined that an authenticated cartridge (e.g., a "proper" cartridge) has been inserted into the channel space of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device.

[0349] In some example embodiments, if the control circuit implementing operation S802 is included in the non-combustible vapor cigarette device and / or when the control circuit implementing operation S802 is included in the non-combustible vapor cigarette device, the non-combustible vapor cigarette device includes an authentication component that includes a displaceable device configured to be displaced by a cartridge inserted into the vapor cartridge of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device, and the current can be detected based on the displaceable device being displaced by the cartridge to close the circuit, and the closed circuit can be detected by the control circuit based on the current induced in the closed circuit.

[0350] As shown at S803, in response to determining that there is no current in the circuit, it can be determined that the authenticated cartridge has not been inserted into the channel space, and the vapor generator can be deactivated and / or maintained in a deactivated state such that the generation of vapor by the non-combustible vaporizer device is prevented.

[0351] As described herein, detecting current in a circuit including an authentication component can include detecting a current having a magnitude of at least a specific threshold current. As a result, the probability of false determination can be reduced.

[0352] At S804 and S806, in response to detecting current at S802, and alone or in combination with a computing device, based on the control circuit being configured to determine the "type" associated with the authenticated cartridge, the "type" associated with the authenticated cartridge can be determined. This determination can include processing the current detected at S802 and determining one or more characteristics associated with the detected current. This one or more characteristics can include determining an initial remaining count associated with the cartridge (e.g., the number and / or duration of vapor generation instances).

[0353] In some exemplary embodiments, a specific cartridge type can be determined based on determining that the detected current magnitude is within a specific current value range associated with a specific cartridge type. In some exemplary embodiments, a range of current values and corresponding cartridge types can be stored in a database including a lookup table. This database can be stored in a memory. This memory can be included in the control circuit and / or the computing device.

[0354] For example, based on processing the detected current to determine the value of the detected current magnitude, the database can be accessed to determine which value range (if any) includes the value of the detected current. Based on identifying the specific range that includes the detected current value, the database can be accessed to identify the specific cartridge type associated with the identified specific range.

[0355] As described herein, the cartridge type can include an indication of one or more specific characteristics associated with the cartridge, including a specific flavor associated with the cartridge, the amount of flavor material contained in the cartridge, the size and / or shape of the flavor material in the cartridge, the presence and / or configuration of multiple flavor materials in the cartridge, the presence and / or size of a filter in the cartridge, an indication of whether the cartridge includes a flavor matrix and / or an outlet end insert, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0356] At S808, based on determining the specific type associated with the authenticated cartridge, a specific vapor generator control scheme associated with the specific cartridge type is identified and selected.

[0357] A control scheme associated with a particular cartridge type may be included in the database described above, where the particular cartridge type is associated with a particular value or range of values of one or more characteristics of the detected current. Thus, based on identifying the particular cartridge type at 806, a particular control scheme associated with the particular cartridge type may be identified by accessing the database.

[0358] As described herein, a control scheme may include a set and / or series of control signals and / or control logic that may be used to control the power supply to the vapor generator of a non-combustible vapor cigarette device to cause the generation of one or more vapor instances. The control scheme may include an initial remaining count associated with an authenticated cartridge. The control scheme may include a remaining count associated with a coupled vapor cartridge. The remaining count associated with the coupled vapor cartridge may be the initial remaining count associated with the coupled vapor cartridge.

[0359] The control scheme may specify one or more various parameters associated with a set of vapor generation operations performed by the vapor generator based on the power supplied under the control of the control circuit. These parameters may include the magnitude of the vapor generated by the vapor generator in response to each vapor cigarette command, the magnitude of the elapsed duration during which the vapor generator generates vapor, some combination thereof, and so on. The period of elapsed time may extend from the time when current is detected at S802 and / or the time when the vapor generator is first controlled to generate vapor after current is detected at S802.

[0360] The control scheme may include an expiration condition related to the initial remaining count of the control scheme, the expiration condition indicating one or more parameters according to which the vapor generator is subsequently deactivated after being activated and controlled to generate vapor according to the control scheme. The expiration condition may include a threshold of the remaining count related to the cartridge, a threshold of the remaining count associated with the vapor cartridge, some combination thereof, and so on. The threshold of the remaining count associated with the cartridge may include a threshold magnitude of the remaining duration during which the vapor generator may be activated, a threshold of the remaining cumulative duration of vapor generation implemented by the vapor cartridge, a threshold remaining number of vapor instances generated by the vapor generator, some combination thereof, and so on. The threshold of the remaining count associated with the vapor cartridge may include a threshold number of times the cartridge is continuously inserted into the vapor cartridge, a threshold of the remaining cumulative duration of vapor generation implemented by the vapor cartridge, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0361] The vapor cigarette commands may include command signals received at the control circuit based on an adult vapor cigarette user interacting with the interface of the non-combustible vapor cigarette device, based on sensor data received from one or more sensors in the non-combustible vapor cigarette device, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0362] If, at S804, the control circuit is not configured to determine a particular cartridge type associated with the authenticated cartridge, the vapor generator may be controlled according to a base (e.g., "default") control scheme that is selected based on the current detection at S802.

[0363] At S810, the vapor generator is activated and controlled according to the selected control scheme. As described above, this control may include controlling the power supply to the vapor generator based on the determination of the vapor to be generated to cause the vapor generator to generate a particular amount of generated vapor within a particular duration magnitude. This determination may be based on: determining a vaping command received from a non-combustible vaping device interface based on an adult vaping user interaction, determining that sensor data received from a sensor of the non-combustible vaping device includes data values that at least meet one or more threshold data values (e.g., air flow values, pressure change magnitudes, etc.), some combination thereof, and so on.

[0364] Controlling the vapor generator according to the selected control scheme may include maintaining the vapor generator in an "active state" where the vapor generator may be controlled to produce vapor until it is determined that one or more expiration conditions associated with the selected control scheme are met.

[0365] At S812, based on the determination that an expiration condition associated with the selected control scheme is met (e.g., the remaining count associated with the cartridge and / or the remaining count associated with the vapor cartridge is less than a corresponding threshold), the vapor generator may be deactivated (e.g., the vapor generated by the vapor generator in the vapor cartridge may be selectively disabled).

[0366] Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the generation and display of a graphical display sequence by a non-combustible vaping device according to some example embodiments.

[0367] Figure 9 One or more of the operations shown may be implemented by a control circuit included in one or more portions of the non-combustible vaping device, including Figure 1B at least one of the control circuit 114 and the computing device 160 shown. As described above, the control circuit 114 and the computing device 160 may include a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a "memory device", etc.) that stores a program of instructions, and a processor ("processing circuit") that is configured to execute the stored program of instructions to implement one or more operations. In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 114 is configured to implement the functions of the computing device 160 as described above.

[0368] At S902, a graphical display sequence corresponding to the non-combustible vaping device is generated. The graphical display sequence may include graphical display sequences associated with different aspects of the non-combustible vaping device. As Figure 9As shown, for example, the graphical display sequence may include a power graphical display (“PGD”), a vapor cartridge graphical display (“VCGD”), and a flavor cartridge graphical display (“FCGD”). Thus, as Figure 9 shown, generating the graphical display sequence at S902 may include generating the PGD at S910, generating the VCGD at S920, and generating the FCGD at S930. The operations performed at S910, S920, and S930 may be performed in series relative to each other, in parallel relative to each other, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0369] At S911, generating the PGD may include determining the absolute amount and / or proportional amount of power stored in the power source of the base of the non-combustible vapor device. The stored power amount may be determined based on monitoring one or more aspects of the power source, including its output voltage, communicating with the power source to receive power storage information, and so on.

[0370] At S912, generating the PGD may include determining whether the power source of the base of the non-combustible vapor device is currently charging / recharging. If so, then as shown at S914, causing the PGD to include at least a charging icon.

[0371] At S916, causing the PGD to include storing a power meter and a stored power icon that indicates the proportion of the power storage capacity of the power source at the base of the power source that is stored. In some exemplary embodiments, the power icon may indicate the stored power amount as a set of increments or “segments” that each represent a separate and independent instance of vapor generation that can be supported by the stored power, thereby providing an indication of the number of instances of vapor generation that can be supported by the stored power.

[0372] At S922, generating the VCGD may include determining whether a vapor cartridge is currently coupled to the base of the non-combustible vapor device. This determination may include determining whether power and / or information is being transmitted between the base and the vapor cartridge via one or more interfaces and / or its electrical connectors. If not, then at S928, causing the VCGD to include an icon indicating that the vapor cartridge is not coupled to the base.

[0373] At S924, generating the VCGD may include determining whether the coupled vapor cartridge holds at least a threshold amount of pre-vapor formulation. This determination may be made based on communication between the base and the vapor cartridge. This determination may include determining whether an expiration condition associated with the remaining count of the pre-coupled vapor cartridge has been reached. If not (e.g., if it is determined that the expiration condition has been reached), then as shown at S927, causing the VCGD to include an icon indicating that the vapor cartridge, while coupled to the base, does not have sufficient pre-vapor formulation to support vapor generation, and / or an icon indicating that the vapor cartridge is depleted.

[0374] If so (e.g., if it is determined that an expiration condition has not been reached), as shown at S926, causing the VCGD to include an icon indicating that a vapor cartridge containing a vapor formulation sufficient to support vapor generation is coupled to the base. The icon may further indicate the number of vapor generation instances that the vapor cartridge can support, the amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the vapor cartridge, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0375] At S932, generating the FCGD may include determining whether a flavor cartridge is inserted into the coupled vapor cartridge. This determination may be made based on determining whether an electrical signal is received at the base through a circuit of an authentication component included in the vapor cartridge. If not, as shown at S939, causing the FCGD to include an icon indicating that no flavor cartridge is inserted into the vapor cartridge.

[0376] At S934, generating the FCGD may include determining a "remaining count" of the remaining elapsed time period and / or remaining vapor generation instances associated with the currently inserted flavor cartridge. At S936, generating the FCGD may include determining whether an expiration condition associated with the currently inserted flavor cartridge has been reached (e.g., determining that the "remaining count" is below a threshold). As described above, a specific time period of vapor generation instances and / or the number of vapor generation instances ("remaining count") may be associated with ( "assigned to") the flavor cartridge when the flavor cartridge is detected as inserted into the vapor cartridge. The remaining count may decrease with: the elapsed time after the initial detection of the flavor cartridge, the elapsed time after the initial instance of vapor generation after the initial detection of the flavor cartridge, the occurrence of one or more vapor generation instances after the initial detection of the flavor cartridge, some combination thereof, and so on.

[0377] If, at S936, it is determined that the reached expiration condition (e.g., the value of the current remaining count has decreased from the initial remaining count value to below the threshold), then causing the FCGD to include, at S938, an icon indicating that the flavor cartridge has been depleted and vapor generation is disabled.

[0378] If, at S934, it is determined that the expiration condition associated with the currently inserted flavor cartridge has not been reached, then causing the FCGD to include, at S937, an icon indicating the remaining count. This icon may be a remaining count meter 751 that includes one or more sub-icons 752-1 to 752-N indicating the magnitude of the remaining count.

[0379] At S940, the generated graphical displays (e.g., PGD, VCGD, and FCGD) can be displayed on the display interface according to a display sequence, where individual graphical displays can be displayed separately and sequentially in response to consecutive sequential interactions of an adult vapor user with an interface (e.g., a haptic interface) of a non-flammable vaporizer device and thus based on consecutive command signals received from the interface. In some exemplary embodiments, the graphical display sequence can be displayed in a sequence where the individual graphical displays that are displayed are sequentially displayed on the display interface according to an automatic (e.g., without adult vapor user intervention) display sequence order, where the graphical displays that are displayed are sequentially switched to individual graphical displays after a particular amount of elapsed time has passed.

[0380] Although many exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A base for a non-flammable vape device, the non-flammable vape device comprising: a vapor cartridge, the vapor cartridge comprising: a channel structure having opposite first and second ends, the channel structure at least partially defining a channel space extending at least between the first and second ends, the channel structure configured to removably receive a flavor cartridge via the first end of the channel structure, a vapor generator at the second end of the channel structure, the vapor generator comprising a pre-vapor formulation reservoir, a heating element, and a dispensing interface configured to draw a pre-vapor formulation from the pre-vapor formulation reservoir, the vapor generator configured to heat the pre-vapor formulation such that the pre-vapor formulation vaporizes from the dispensing interface based on being heated by the heating element at the dispensing interface to form generated vapor and supply the generated vapor to the second end of the channel structure, the channel structure further configured to receive the flavor cartridge such that the flavor cartridge is located in the channel structure to receive the generated vapor from the vapor generator, and a set of electrical devices extending into the channel space; and the base comprising a power source electrically connected to the electrical devices, the electrical devices configured to independently and directly contact a conductive material of the flavor cartridge such that the electrical devices establish an electrical circuit, the electrical circuit being closed and extending at least between the electrical devices through the conductive material of the flavor cartridge, and the set of electrical devices configured to authenticate whether the flavor cartridge has been inserted into the channel structure by establishing an electrical connection between the set of electrical devices and the flavor cartridge; the base comprising: the power source; a memory storing an instruction program; and a processor configured to execute the instruction program to: determine that the base is coupled to the vapor cartridge such that the base is configured to supply power from the power source to the vapor cartridge, the vapor cartridge configured to heat a pre-vapor formulation based on the power to implement a vapor generation instance, detect a flavor cartridge inserted into the vapor cartridge based on receiving an electrical signal at the base from an authentication component of the vapor cartridge, and based on the detection: selectively enable power supply from the power source to the vapor cartridge to enable the vapor cartridge to generate vapor, determine a remaining count associated with the inserted flavor cartridge, the remaining count being a number of vapor generation instances and / or an elapsed time period, continuously decrement the remaining count in response to each successive corresponding instance of vapor being generated by the vapor cartridge, and selectively disable power supply from the power source to the vapor cartridge in response to determining that the remaining count is less than a threshold to disable vapor generation by the vapor cartridge.

2. The base according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instruction program in response to determining that the flavor cartridge has been removed from the vapor cartridge to selectively disable power supply from the power source to the vapor cartridge to disable vapor generation by the vapor cartridge.

3. The base according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: A display interface configured to present one or more graphical displays, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instruction program to: Generate a power graphical display indicating the amount of power stored in the power supply, Generate a vapor cartridge graphical display indicating whether the base is coupled to the vapor cartridge, Generate a flavor cartridge graphical display indicating whether the flavor cartridge is inserted into the vapor cartridge, and Via the display interface, display the power graphical display, the vapor cartridge graphical display, and the flavor cartridge graphical display as a graphical display sequence.

4. The base according to claim 3, wherein the power graphical display includes a power storage icon indicating the number of vapor generation instances of the vapor cartridge that can be supported by the amount of power stored in the power supply.

5. The base according to claim 3, wherein the vapor cartridge graphical display indicates whether the vapor cartridge holds at least a threshold amount of a pre-vapor formulation such that the vapor cartridge is configured to generate at least one vapor instance.

6. The base according to claim 3, wherein the flavor cartridge graphical display indicates at least one of: The number of vapor generation instances remaining associated with the inserted flavor cartridge until vapor generation by the vapor cartridge is disabled, and The magnitude of the elapsed time remaining associated with the inserted flavor cartridge until vapor generation by the vapor cartridge is disabled.

7. The base according to claim 3, further Comprising: A tactile interface, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instruction program based on a continuous command signal received from the tactile interface to switch between individual graphical displays of the graphical display sequence.

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