Corrected dose control

Abstract

Methods and evaporator devices for estimating, measuring, and / or predicting the amount of vapor and / or material (including active ingredients) released by an evaporator device. In particular, electronic evaporators and methods of using them are described herein, which determine the dosage / amount of vapor and / or material in the vapor primarily or entirely based on electrical and thermal properties (e.g., power or energy applied to the evaporation element (e.g., heating coil)) and the temperature of the material immediately before and during evaporation. Dosage information can be used to control the operation of the device and / or can be reported to the user.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application 201580075615.3, filed on December 4, 2015, entitled "Corrected Dosage Control".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 088,464, filed December 5, 2014, entitled “CALIBRATED DOSE CONTROL AND HEATBLOCK RESERVOIR FOR E-VAPORIZER DEVICE,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 199,828, filed July 31, 2015, entitled “CALIBRATED DOSE CONTROL,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] This patent application may also be related to U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 581,666, filed December 23, 2014, entitled “Vaporization Device Systems and Methods,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] Citing Join

[0006] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, just as each individual publication or patent application is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0007] The apparatus, system, and method described herein can be used to determine the dosage of the vapor and / or the amount of active ingredient in the vapor for a user inhaling the vapor. Background Art

[0008] Vaporizers, including electronic vaporizer devices (or e-vaporizer devices), allow the delivery of vapors containing one or more active ingredients via inhalation. Electronic vaporizer devices are increasingly popular for prescribed medical uses of drug delivery and for consuming tobacco and other plant-based flammable inhalable materials. In particular, electronic vaporizer devices can be portable, self-contained, and easy to use. Unfortunately, even for medical applications, these devices may vary in the amount of vapor and / or active ingredient delivered.

[0009] To date, attempts to determine the dosage of the active ingredient in vapor and / or vapor have not been satisfactory. Systems that predetermine the dosage by limiting the amount of material to be delivered during a session often incorrectly assume that all material will be inhaled and may be unadjustable for some doses. Such systems also require measuring the amount of material and accurately measuring the mass and / or volume of the material delivered for evaporation, or measuring the difference between the initial mass / volume and the mass or volume after delivery. These measurements can be difficult, require a high level of accuracy and are expensive, and may lead to inaccurate results.

[0010] What is needed are methods and devices (e.g., systems and / or apparatuses) for delivering steam and accurate delivery doses, for example, within a reasonable range of precision / error. In particular, it would be helpful to provide methods and devices for determining the delivery dose of steam and / or components in the steam by monitoring the electrical activity of the device and, in some cases, monitoring the temperature of the device (which can be estimated electrically or measured directly). Furthermore, it would be helpful to provide such methods and devices for delivering a predetermined dose and / or alerting the user or caregiver when a threshold dose is reached or exceeded. Additionally, providing electronic records of the delivered dose may also be helpful. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This document discloses methods and apparatuses comprising devices and systems capable of estimating, measuring, and / or predicting the amount of steam and / or materials (including active ingredients) in the steam that can be delivered to a user. In particular, this document describes electronic evaporators and methods of using them, which determine the dosage / amount of steam and / or materials in the steam primarily or entirely based on electrical properties, such as the power or energy applied to an evaporation element (e.g., a coil), and in some variations, the temperature at which the material is evaporated. In some variations, the temperature at which the material is evaporated can be estimated / approximated based on the electrical properties of the evaporation element, such as the temperature coefficient of resistance or TCR.

[0012] Typically, the methods and apparatus described herein can accurately determine the delivered dose to within approximately 20% of the actual delivered dose (e.g., within approximately 19%, within approximately 18%, within approximately 17%, within approximately 16%, within approximately 15%, within approximately 14%, within approximately 13%, within approximately 12%, within approximately 11%, within approximately 10%, etc.).

[0013] This document also describes methods and apparatus for calibration. Calibration can be performed automatically or manually, and can be carried out at the factory. In some variations, calibration can be performed by the user. Calibration may include input of values, including constant values. Calibration can be performed when the evaporated material (including the carrier and / or active ingredient) is altered.

[0014] While many of the examples described herein relate to determining the dosage of nicotine or other tobacco-related materials, it should be understood that these methods and devices can be used for the delivery and dosing of any volatile material, including therapeutic medicines. Examples of active ingredients that can be used as described herein are provided below, and these may include herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, and combinations thereof. The methods and devices described herein can deliver relatively pure materials directly to the lungs, which can accelerate action in the body, including onset and off-time.

[0015] In some embodiments, this document discloses methods and apparatuses that allow users to control the amount of steam generated from evaporable materials. This allows for a customized evaporation experience for various evaporable materials, as well as an overall improved user experience. The methods disclosed herein can be implemented using any electronic evaporator device or evaporation apparatus configured as described herein.

[0016] For example, this disclosure provides a method for dose control and calibration of an electronic evaporator device, which includes measuring the amount of material evaporated from the evaporable material of the electronic evaporator device or evaporation apparatus relative to power, time, and temperature. These methods and apparatuses may include an evaporative dose (e.g., mass) prediction system, which includes establishing a relationship between total particulate matter (TPM) or active ingredient evaporation or release as a function of temperature (which can be determined by resistivity or by a temperature-proportional characteristic), time (which can be correlated with the detection of a user's inhalation / vaporization), and the power consumption of the evaporation element. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a method for metrological dose control and calibration of an electronic evaporator device, which includes measuring the amount of material evaporated from the evaporable material of the electronic evaporator device or evaporation apparatus relative to power and temperature; in particular, it provides a method including an evaporative dose prediction system, which includes establishing a relationship between total particulate matter (TPM) or active ingredient evaporation or release as a function of temperature and power consumption.

[0017] Therefore, this document describes a method for determining the dose of evaporable material delivered to a user of an evaporation device within a time period. The time period typically comprises multiple sequential time intervals. In any of these methods and apparatuses, the evaporation device may include a heater controller, a heater, a source of the evaporable material, and an evaporation dose predictor unit. For example, the method may include: calculating a partial dose for each of the sequential time intervals, wherein the partial dose is calculated from the power delivered by the heater controller to the heater for evaporating the evaporable material during the partial dose time interval, the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the partial dose time interval, and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated before the partial dose time interval; and summing the calculated partial doses in the evaporation dose predictor unit to determine the total dose of vapor delivered during the time period.

[0018] Any calculation or summation steps can be performed within the device (e.g., locally, such as within a controller, which may include an evaporative dose predictor unit or a portion thereof, housed in the same enclosure as other parts of the device, such as a heater controller), and / or they can be performed remotely, for example, within a processor that wirelessly receives information such as power, temperature, and / or partial dose. The evaporative dose predictor unit (which may herein be referred to as an evaporative dose predictor, evaporative dose predictor circuitry, or evaporative dose predictor control logic) can be located remotely from other parts of the device, including in a remote server (e.g., a cloud server, smartphone, or wearable device), and can wirelessly receive information.

[0019] Typically, any of these methods may also include determining the amount of active ingredient delivered to the user based on the total dose of the delivered vapor. This can be done, for example, using the concentration of the active material within the source of the volatile material (e.g., giving the amount of active ingredient per unit mass or unit volume of the evaporable material within the source of the evaporable material).

[0020] Any of these methods may further include determining the temperature change (ΔT) of the evaporable material being evaporated over each of the sequential time intervals relative to the temperature of the evaporable material being evaporated.

[0021] Any suitable time interval (dose interval) can be used, which may be sequential (e.g., sequential time interval), and the time interval may be based on or reflect the sampling rate of the device used to determine the dose. For example, the time interval may be from approximately 200 msec to approximately 10 msec.

[0022] Dosage calculation may also include calculating a partial dose for each of the sequential time intervals, which is also based on the latent heat and specific heat of the material. For example, as described in more detail herein, the constant may be empirical or theoretical (e.g., derived from the latent heat and / or specific heat of the evaporated material) and may be initially provided to the apparatus described herein, or may be periodically updated (e.g., in a calibration step) of any of these apparatuses.

[0023] Typically, by balancing the energy supplied to the material by the heater (e.g., a Joule heating coil), the calculation of the partial dose (mass of vapor) delivered by the device can be based on the mass / energy balance in the evaporated material, including the energy change caused by evaporation, the heat change as heat is absorbed by the material to be evaporated, and the energy lost from the system via heat transfer. As described herein, this can be expressed with unexpected precision for the energy (power) applied to the heater and the temperature immediately before, during, and after the evaporation of the evaporable material. Variations in the evaporator's structure (heater shape, material, size, etc.) and the evaporated material can be considered constants and ignored (e.g., provided with unitless or self-referenced values). For example, the step of calculating the partial dose for each of the sequential time intervals may include subtracting from a first constant multiplied by the power supplied to the heater by the heater controller for evaporating the evaporable material during the partial dose time interval, a second constant multiplied by the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the partial dose time interval, and a third constant multiplied by the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated before the partial dose time interval. Alternatively, the step of calculating a partial dose for each of the sequential time intervals may include: subtracting from a first constant multiplied by the power delivered by the heater controller to the heater for evaporating the evaporable material during the partial dose time interval by a different second constant multiplied by the difference between the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the partial dose time interval and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated before the partial dose time interval, and a different third constant multiplied by the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated before the partial dose time interval.

[0024] Typically, partial dose calculations can be performed using the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the partial dose interval and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated before the partial dose interval, including using electrical properties proportional to the temperature of the heater as the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the partial dose interval. Therefore, the temperature mentioned in any calculation step described herein (e.g., the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the partial dose interval and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated before the partial dose interval) can refer to any value proportional to the actual temperature (e.g., using the temperature coefficient of resistance to determine a temperature-proportional value without conversion (using a constant determined from the system to ℃ or °F)).

[0025] Typically, the methods and apparatus described herein can realize the obtained dose information (or partial, running, or summed dose information), for example, to report and / or control the operation of the device or to send it to auxiliary (e.g., remote) devices. For example, any of these methods may further include alerting the user when the total dose of steam delivered during the time period reaches or exceeds a preset threshold. Any of these methods may further include deactivating the device when the total dose of steam delivered during the time period reaches or exceeds a preset threshold. Any of these methods (or apparatuses configured to implement them) may further include calculating and displaying the cumulative total dose of steam delivered during a session period including the time period. Thus, the total operating dose during multiple aspirations (each aspiration can be considered a time period, or the time period can be the entire session in which the device is turned on for evaporating the material, or a multiple of the time period until reset by the user).

[0026] Typically, any of these methods may include detecting a user's inhalation on the evaporator device, wherein the time period corresponds to the duration of the detected user's inhalation.

[0027] Any suitable evaporable material can be used. Typically, the evaporable material can be a liquid. The evaporable material can contain any active ingredient. For example, the evaporable material can contain tobacco-based materials. The evaporable material can contain botanicals. The evaporable material can contain nicotine compounds. The evaporable material can contain cannabinoids. The evaporable material can contain one or more of the following: cetirizine, ibuprofen, naproxen, omeprazole, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, melatonin, or chlorpheniramine. The evaporable material can contain one or more of the following: salbutamol, levosalbutamol, pibuterol, salmeterol, formoterol, atropine sulfate, ipratropium bromide, fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, montelukast, zafirlukast, theophylline, fluticasone and salmeterol, budesonide and formoterol, or mometasone and formoterol. The evaporable material may contain one or more of the following: polyphenols, green tea catechins, caffeine, phenol, glycosides, hemispheric diterpenes, yohimbine, proanthocyanidins, terpene glycosides, ω-fatty acids, echinacoside, alkaloids, isovaleric acid, terpenes, γ-aminobutyric acid, sennoside, cinnamaldehyde, or vitamin D. The evaporable material may also contain nicotinic acid salts, glycerol, and propylene glycol.

[0028] As described above, the evaporative dose predictor unit can be part of a controller. In some variations, the evaporative dose predictor and the heater controller are both part of the same controller. In some variations, the evaporative dose predictor and the heater controller are separate.

[0029] Another example of the method described herein for determining the dose of evaporable material delivered to a user of an evaporation device within a time period (e.g., wherein the time period comprises a plurality of sequential time intervals, and wherein the evaporation device comprises a heater controller, a heater, a source of the evaporable material, and an evaporation dose predictor unit) may include: transmitting power delivered by the heater controller to the heater during each of the plurality of sequential time intervals from a power controller to the evaporation dose predictor unit; calculating a partial dose for each of the sequential time intervals, wherein the partial dose is calculated from the power delivered by the heater controller to the heater for evaporating the evaporable material during each of the plurality of sequential time intervals, the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during each of the plurality of sequential time intervals, and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated prior to each of the plurality of sequential time intervals; and summing the calculated partial doses in the evaporation dose predictor unit to determine the total dose of vapor delivered during the time period.

[0030] Any of these methods may further include: transmitting the temperature of the evaporable material being evaporated during each of the plurality of consecutive time intervals from the power controller to the evaporation dose predictor unit material.

[0031] Another example of a method for determining the dose of evaporable material delivered to a user of an evaporation device within a time period (e.g., wherein the time period comprises a plurality of sequential time intervals, and wherein the evaporation device comprises a heater controller, a heater, a source of the evaporable material containing the active ingredient, and an evaporation dose predictor unit) may include: calculating a partial dose for each of the sequential time intervals, wherein the partial dose is calculated by the power delivered by the heater controller to the heater for evaporating the evaporable material during the partial dose time interval, the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the partial dose time interval, and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated immediately preceding the partial dose time interval; summing the calculated partial doses in the evaporation dose predictor unit to determine the total dose of vapor delivered during the time period; and determining the amount of active ingredient delivered to the user based on the total dose of vapor delivered.

[0032] A method for determining the amount of steam delivered to a user of an evaporator may include: measuring the amount of power delivered from a power source of the evaporator during a first time period; measuring the temperature of material evaporating in the evaporator during the first time period; and determining the amount of steam delivered to the user during the first time period based on the measured amount of power and the temperature change measured during the first time period.

[0033] Any of these methods may further include detecting the amount of active ingredient delivered to the user based on the determined amount of vapor. The measurement step can be performed at any suitable frequency, for example, at a frequency of 5 Hz to 50 Hz within the first time period. The measurement step can also be performed at a frequency of 10 Hz to 30 Hz within the first time period.

[0034] As described above, the amount of steam delivered to the user during the first time period can be further determined based on the latent heat and specific heat of the material.

[0035] In any of these methods, determining the amount of steam delivered to the user during the first time period includes calculation based on the following formula:

[0036]

[0037] Where Δm 蒸汽，累计It is the total amount of steam delivered to the user, where a is a constant, b is a constant, c is a constant, P is the measured power, and T is the total amount of steam delivered to the user. i It is the measured temperature from the first time period, and T i-1 It is the temperature measured from the immediately preceding time period.

[0038] Any of these methods may further include warning the user when the determined amount of steam delivered to the user reaches or exceeds a preset steam threshold, and / or deactivating the device when the determined amount of steam reaches or exceeds the preset steam threshold.

[0039] Any of these methods may also include detecting the user's suction on the evaporator device, wherein the measurement step is performed only during the detected suction.

[0040] As described above, any suitable material to be evaporated (evaporable material) can be used in any of the methods described herein. Typically, the evaporable material can be a liquid. The evaporable material can contain any active ingredient. For example, the evaporable material can contain tobacco-based materials. The evaporable material can contain botanicals. The evaporable material can contain nicotine compounds. The evaporable material can contain cannabinoids. The evaporable material can contain one or more of the following: cetirizine, ibuprofen, naproxen, omeprazole, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, melatonin, or chlorpheniramine. The evaporable material can contain one or more of the following: salbutamol, levosalbutamol, pibuterol, salmeterol, formoterol, atropine sulfate, ipratropium bromide, fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, montelukast, zafirlukast, theophylline, fluticasone and salmeterol, budesonide and formoterol, or mometasone and formoterol. The evaporable material may contain one or more of the following: polyphenols, green tea catechins, caffeine, phenol, glycosides, hemispheric diterpenes, yohimbine, proanthocyanidins, terpene glycosides, ω-fatty acids, echinacoside, alkaloids, isovaleric acid, terpenes, γ-aminobutyric acid, sennoside, cinnamaldehyde, or vitamin D. The evaporable material may also contain nicotinic acid salts, glycerol, and propylene glycol.

[0041] This document also describes evaporation devices, such as apparatuses and systems, configured to determine the dosage of delivered steam. For example, an evaporator apparatus may include: a heater controller; a heater coupled to the heater controller such that the heater controller applies power to the heater; a source of the evaporable material; and an evaporation dose predictor unit that receives input from the heater controller, wherein the evaporation dose predictor is configured to determine the dosage of steam delivered to a user within a time period based on: the amount of power delivered by the heater controller to the heater for evaporating the evaporable material during each of a plurality of partial dose time intervals within the time period, the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during each partial dose time interval, and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated before each partial dose time interval.

[0042] Any of these devices may also include an output configured to present the amount of steam delivered to the user during the time period.

[0043] Any suitable output device can be used, including image displays, LEDs, speakers, wireless transmitters, etc. Any device described herein may include a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the evaporable material being evaporated during each partial dose time interval. As described herein, the temperature sensor may be a separate and / or dedicated device (e.g., a thermistor), or the temperature (e.g., the temperature of the heater and / or the heated material) may be determined based on the relative resistance of the heater itself.

[0044] As described above, the evaporation dose predictor unit may include a controller. For example, the evaporation dose predictor unit may be integrated with the heater controller. The evaporation dose predictor may be configured to determine the amount of delivered steam as the dose of the delivered steam. The evaporation dose predictor may be configured to determine the amount of active ingredient delivered to the user based on the dose of the delivered steam.

[0045] In any of the devices described herein, the partial dose intervals may each be from approximately 200 msec to approximately 10 msec.

[0046] The evaporation dose predictor unit can be configured to calculate the partial dose material for each partial dose time interval by subtracting a second constant multiplied by the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the partial dose time interval and a third constant multiplied by the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated before the partial dose time interval from a first constant multiplied by the power delivered by the heater controller to the heater for evaporating the evaporable material during the partial dose time interval.

[0047] Typically, the evaporative dose predictor unit can be configured to determine the amount of evaporable material delivered to the user.

[0048] As described herein, the evaporative dose predictor unit is configured to use the electrical properties of the heater, which are proportional to the temperature of the heater, as the temperature of the evaporable material being evaporated during the partial dose time interval.

[0049] Any of these devices may include an alarm configured to warn the user when the total dose of steam delivered during the said time period reaches or exceeds a preset threshold. Any of these devices may include dose control logic configured to deactivate the device when the total dose of steam delivered during the said time period reaches or exceeds a preset threshold.

[0050] Any of these devices may also include a suction detector configured to detect suction by a user on the device. In some variations, the evaporative dose predictor unit may be configured to set the time period to the duration of suction detected by the user (e.g., 0.5 to 15 sec, 0.5 to 20 sec, 0.5 to 10 sec, etc.).

[0051] The source of the evaporable material can be a liquid, a solid, or a gel. The evaporable material is preferably a liquid.

[0052] Variations of other methods and devices are also described. For example, this document describes a method for quantifying and controlling the amount of vapor and / or one or more materials in the vapor delivered to a user from a reservoir of evaporable material in an electronic evaporator device. The electronic evaporator device may include a suction sensor, a power source (e.g., a battery, capacitor, etc.), a heating element controller, and a heating element. A separate temperature sensor may also be included, or it may be part of the heating element controller, which can estimate the temperature of the heating element (e.g., a resistance coil, etc.) based on temperature-induced resistance changes (e.g., TCR), and therefore may include a reference resistor. One or more additional temperature sensors may also be included. These devices may also include an evaporation dose predictor unit, which may be separate from (and may receive input from) the temperature controller, or may be integrated with it. In some variations, the device also includes an alarm unit and / or control logic that controls the operation of the device (e.g., shutting down, triggering an alarm, etc.) based on the determined / estimated dose.

[0053] For example, a method of operating the device may include: (optionally) a suction sensor that detects the user's suction; a heating element controller that measures the amount of power delivered from a power source during the user's suction (e.g., at multiple discrete time intervals during suction); a temperature sensor that measures (e.g., at or near the heating element) the temperature or temperature profile of the material being evaporated during the user's suction; and an evaporation dose predictor that calculates the amount of power delivered from the evaporable material based on the amount of power and temperature during the user's suction, or based on the amount of power and temperature profile during the user's suction. The method includes: a) activating an alarm unit to warn the user when the amount of steam delivered reaches or exceeds a preset steam quantity threshold for the user's suction, or when the cumulative amount of steam delivered from multiple suctions reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold; or b) implementing control logic to disable or modify the output of one or more features of the electronic evaporator device when the amount of steam delivered reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold for the user's suction, or when the cumulative amount of steam delivered from multiple suctions reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold; or c) both a) and b). In some embodiments, the method includes storing multiple measurements of temperature, temperature distribution, the amount of power delivered, or combinations thereof in a memory unit. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting a preset steam quantity threshold from one suction to the next based on the amount of steam delivered to the user by a previous suction. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device includes a timer, and the method may include activating the timer to measure the suction duration. In some embodiments, the method includes storing multiple measurements of temperature, temperature distribution, amount of delivered power, inhalation duration, or combinations thereof in a memory unit. In some embodiments, the method includes normalizing the amount of vapor delivered to the user to the inhalation duration. In some embodiments, the method includes attaching a separate pod to the device, the separate pod being configured to contain the evaporable material. In some embodiments, the method includes calculating the amount of vapor delivered to the user from the evaporable material in milligrams of total particulate matter. In some embodiments, the method includes calculating the amount of vapor delivered to the user from the evaporable material in milligrams of active ingredient. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting the preset vapor quantity threshold. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes a heating reservoir different from the heating element, and the method includes preheating the evaporable material to a preset temperature. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is a liquid, viscous liquid, wax, or loose-leaf material. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is a tobacco-based material. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is a herbal medicine.In some embodiments, the evaporable material is a pharmaceutical compound. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is nicotine. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting the type of the evaporable material. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting the type of the evaporable material to a liquid, viscous liquid, wax, or loose leaf material. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting the type of the evaporable material to a tobacco-based material. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting the type of the evaporable material to a herbal medicine. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting the type of the evaporable material to a pharmaceutical compound. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting the type of the evaporable material to nicotine. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting the type of the evaporable material to cannabinoid. Adjusting the evaporable material may include adjusting the device or method to address changes in constants and / or correcting the device to address changes in constants that can be used to give a corrected (e.g., mass or mass / time) output, as described in more detail herein.

[0054] In some embodiments, the alarm unit includes a piezoelectric speaker, and the method includes activating the piezoelectric speaker to produce an audible sound to warn the user when the amount of steam delivered to the user reaches or exceeds a preset steam amount threshold. In some embodiments, the alarm unit includes a light-emitting diode (LED), and the method includes illuminating the LED to warn the user when the amount of steam delivered to the user reaches or exceeds a preset steam amount threshold. In some embodiments, the alarm unit includes a vibration motor, and the method includes activating the vibration motor to alert the user when the amount of steam delivered to the user reaches or exceeds a preset steam amount threshold. In some embodiments, the control logic includes a software module. In some embodiments, the control logic includes hardware components. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes a display unit, and the method includes providing feedback to the user via the display. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is a disposable electronic vaporizer device. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is provided to an analytical smoking machine.

[0055] In one embodiment provided herein, an electronic evaporator device is configured to quantify and control the amount of vapor delivered from an evaporable material in the electronic evaporator device to a user, wherein the electronic evaporator device includes: a suction sensor configured to detect user suction; a heating element controller configured to measure the amount of power delivered from a power source during user suction; a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature or temperature distribution generated by the heating element during user suction; and an evaporation dose predictor unit configured to predict the vapor dose based on the amount of power and temperature during user suction or based on the amount of power and temperature distribution during user suction. The device calculates the amount of steam delivered from the evaporable material to the user; and one or more of the following: a) an alarm unit configured to warn the user when the amount of delivered steam reaches or exceeds a preset steam quantity threshold for the user's suction, or when the cumulative amount of steam delivered from multiple suctions reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold; and b) control logic configured to automatically deactivate one or more features of the electronic evaporator device when the amount of delivered steam reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold for the user's suction, or when the cumulative amount of steam delivered from multiple suctions reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold; or c) both a) and b). In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device includes a memory unit configured to store multiple measurements of temperature, temperature distribution, delivered power, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device includes a timer configured to determine the suction duration. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device includes a memory configured to store multiple measurements of temperature, temperature distribution, delivered power, suction duration, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is configured to normalize the amount of vapor delivered to the user to the inhalation duration. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes a separate compartment attached to the device, the separate compartment being configured to contain evaporable material. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is configured to calculate the amount of vapor delivered to the user from the evaporable material in milligrams of total particulate matter. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is configured to calculate the amount of vapor delivered to the user from the evaporable material in milligrams of total particulate matter. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is configured to allow adjustment of a preset vapor quantity threshold. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes a heating reservoir different from a heating element. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material, which is a liquid, viscous liquid, wax, or loose leaf material. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material based on tobacco.In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material that is a herbal medicine. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material that is a pharmaceutical compound. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material that is nicotine. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material that is cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is configured to allow adjustment of the type of the evaporable material. In some embodiments, the type of the evaporable material can be adjusted to a liquid, a viscous liquid, a wax, or a loose leaf material. In some embodiments, the type of the evaporable material can be adjusted to a tobacco-based material. In some embodiments, the type of the evaporable material can be adjusted to a herbal medicine. In some embodiments, the type of the evaporable material can be adjusted to a pharmaceutical compound. In some embodiments, the type of the evaporable material can be adjusted to nicotine. In some embodiments, the type of the evaporable material can be adjusted to cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the alarm unit includes a piezoelectric speaker. In some embodiments, the alarm unit includes a light-emitting diode. In some embodiments, the alarm unit includes a vibration motor. In some embodiments, the control logic includes a software module. In some embodiments, the control logic includes hardware elements. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device includes a display unit configured to provide feedback to the user. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device is a disposable electronic evaporator device. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device is an evaporation device.

[0056] One embodiment provided herein is a method comprising an electronic evaporator device configured to quantify and control the amount of vapor delivered from an evaporable material in the electronic evaporator device to a user, wherein the electronic evaporator device includes: a suction sensor configured to detect suction by the user; a heating element controller configured to measure the amount of power delivered from a power source during the user's suction; a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature or temperature distribution generated by the heating element during the user's suction; and an evaporation dose predictor unit configured to predict the vapor dose based on the amount of power and temperature during the user's suction, or based on the amount of power and temperature during the user's suction. The electronic evaporator device calculates the amount of steam delivered from the evaporable material to the user based on the temperature distribution; and one or more of the following: a) an alarm unit configured to warn the user when the amount of delivered steam reaches or exceeds a preset steam quantity threshold for the user's suction, or when the cumulative amount of steam delivered from multiple suctions reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold; and b) control logic configured to automatically deactivate one or more features of the electronic evaporator device when the amount of delivered steam reaches or exceeds a preset steam quantity threshold for the user's suction, or when the cumulative amount of steam delivered from multiple suctions reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold; or c) both a) and b). In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device includes a memory unit configured to store multiple measurements of temperature, temperature distribution, delivered power, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device includes a timer configured to determine the suction duration. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device includes a memory unit configured to store multiple measurements of temperature, temperature distribution, delivered power, suction duration, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is configured to normalize the amount of vapor delivered to the user to the inhalation duration. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes a separate compartment attached to the device, the separate compartment being configured to contain evaporable material. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is configured to calculate the amount of vapor delivered to the user from the evaporable material in milligrams of total particulate matter. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is configured to calculate the amount of vapor delivered to the user from the evaporable material in milligrams of total particulate matter. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is configured to allow adjustment of a preset vapor quantity threshold. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes a heating reservoir different from a heating element. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material, which is a liquid, viscous liquid, wax, or loose leaf material. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material based on tobacco.In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material that is a herbal medicine. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material that is a pharmaceutical compound. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material that is nicotine. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device includes an evaporable material that is cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizer device is configured to allow adjustment of the type of evaporable material. In some embodiments, the type of evaporable material can be adjusted to a liquid, viscous liquid, wax, or loose leaf material. In some embodiments, the type of evaporable material can be adjusted to a tobacco-based material. In some embodiments, the type of evaporable material can be adjusted to a herbal medicine. In some embodiments, the type of evaporable material can be adjusted to a pharmaceutical compound. In some embodiments, the type of evaporable material can be adjusted to nicotine. In some embodiments, the type of evaporable material can be adjusted to cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the alarm unit includes a piezoelectric speaker. In some embodiments, the alarm unit includes a light-emitting diode. In some embodiments, the alarm unit includes a vibration motor. In some embodiments, the control logic includes a software module. In some embodiments, the control logic includes hardware elements. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device includes a display unit configured to provide feedback to the user. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device is a disposable electronic evaporator device. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device is an evaporation device. Attached Figure Description

[0057] The novel features of the invention are set forth in detail in the specification. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements. The features and advantages of the invention can be better understood by referring to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in which the principles of the invention are used, and the accompanying drawings (also referred to herein as “figure” and “FIG.”), wherein:

[0058] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of an evaporation device that includes an evaporation dose estimation / prediction unit.

[0059] Figure 1B-1D An example of an evaporation apparatus as described herein is shown, including a cross-sectional view, a side view, and a top view.

[0060] Figure 1E This is an example of an exemplary device capable of determining the amount of material evaporated by the device.

[0061] Figure 2The accuracy of the methods and apparatus described herein for estimating / predicting steam dose is illustrated by showing a comparison between the dose estimated herein (solid line) and the actual measured delivered dose (circle).

[0062] Figure 3 The table compares the actual measured dose (total particulate matter or TPM evaporated) with the dose predicted as described herein based on discontinuous estimates of multiple time intervals during aspiration (inhalation), which use the power applied to the evaporation element (heater) and the temperature of the evaporation element or the temperature of the material being evaporated at the beginning and end of each of the multiple time intervals.

[0063] Figure 4 This is another table comparing measured and estimated doses (in TPM) in human trials using a variant of the method described herein.

[0064] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The figure illustrates the relationship between the power applied to the evaporator heater, the heater temperature, and the estimated evaporation rate (dose) in the 35cc and 70cc control "suction" experiments, respectively.

[0065] Figure 7 An example of a heater (atomizer) and evaporable material reservoir for generating vapor, as described herein, is illustrated schematically. In this example, the heater includes a wick connected to the reservoir and a heating element in contact with the wick; the wick and heating element extend in an airflow channel to extract the generated vapor. In this example, the walls of the reservoir are heated.

[0066] Figure 8 The graph shows a comparison of the following two: the number of times TPM release content (mg) is drawn relative to the unheated reservoir of an electronic evaporator device, and the number of times TPM release content (mg) is drawn relative to the heated reservoir of an electronic evaporator device with a heated reservoir (“can”).

[0067] Figure 9A The table shows a variant of the lookup table, which can be used to estimate the amount of vapor inhaled by a user based on calibration data.

[0068] Figure 9B The illustration shows, for example Figure 9A The data shown can be used to estimate the amount of vapor inhaled by a user.

[0069] Figure 10 This illustration schematically shows one method for determining the dosage of steam over a time interval as described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0070] This disclosure provides a method for quantifying and controlling the amount of vapor delivered to a user from an evaporable material in an electronic evaporator device, comprising measuring the inhalation amount of the evaporable material evaporated, atomized, or vaporized from the evaporator or electronic evaporator device relative to the power consumed during evaporation and the temperature generated during evaporation. This disclosure also provides a calibration method that may include establishing a relationship between the total particulate matter (TPM) evaporated from the evaporable material as a function of the generated temperature and the power consumed. Calibration may be performed once (e.g., at the factory) or may be performed by the user. Alternatively or additionally, a calibration step may be requested or required from the user, which includes entering an identifier of the material to be evaporated (e.g., selecting or entering the material and / or concentration, or an identified reference, such as a batch number that may be associated with the material being evaporated). For example, the user may (e.g., using a QR code, barcode, or equivalent) scan the evaporable material or the packaging and / or insert associated with the evaporable material. In some variations, the device includes a lookup table corresponding to a variety of evaporable materials, which may include values ​​for correcting the device, including constants mentioned herein that can be used to correct the mass of one or more components (e.g., surfactants / active ingredients) in the vapor and / or evaporable materials.

[0071] As used herein, the terms “vape” or “vaping” refer to the act or experience of using an evaporation device, such as an electronic evaporator device for delivering steam to the user.

[0072] The term "suction" refers to the process of removing vapor from an evaporator or electronic evaporator using a suction mechanism. In some embodiments, the suction mechanism is the user. In some embodiments, the suction mechanism is an analytical smoke extractor. Commonly used synonyms for suction include, for example, drag, draw, hit, suck, pull, inhale, or smoke.

[0073] As used herein, dosage can refer to the amount or quantity of vapor and / or material (e.g., active ingredient, etc.) ingested at a specific time. Dosage can be quantified as mass or mass / time depending on the context. Dosage can be dose / aspiration.

[0074] As used herein, the term "suction duration" refers to the length of time an evaporator or electronic evaporator device is connected to the suction mechanism. In some embodiments, the suction mechanism is the user. In some embodiments, the suction mechanism is an analytical smoking machine. In some embodiments, suction is provided via a mouthpiece.

[0075] As used herein, the term "absorption volume" refers to the volume exiting an evaporator device (e.g., a standard reference evaporator device, a test evaporator device, an electronic evaporator device, or an evaporation device). Volume can include one or more gaseous, solid, and / or liquid substances. Absorption volume can include the amount of air or aerosol drawn in ml (or cc) through a device (e.g., an analytical fumigation machine or an electronic evaporator device).

[0076] As used herein, the term "puffing frequency" refers to the number of puffs within a given time period. In some embodiments, the puffing frequency is calculated using the average number of puffs per millisecond, second, minute, or hour. In some embodiments, the puffing frequency is calculated using 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 consecutive puffs. In some embodiments, the puffing frequency is calculated using 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 consecutive puffs. In some embodiments, the puffing frequency is once per second. In some embodiments, the puffing frequency is approximately once per 2 seconds. In some embodiments, the puffing frequency is approximately once per 3 seconds. In some embodiments, the puffing frequency is approximately once per 4 seconds. In some embodiments, the puffing frequency is approximately once per 5 seconds. In some embodiments, the puffing frequency is approximately once per 6 seconds. In some embodiments, the puffing frequency is approximately once per 7 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 8 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 9 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is once every 10 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 15 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 20 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 25 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 35 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 40 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 45 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 50 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 55 seconds. In some embodiments, the suction frequency is approximately once every 60 seconds.

[0077] As used herein, the term "total particulate matter (TPM)" refers to the amount of substance removed from organic materials by means of evaporation, vaporization, or atomization, through suction at an evaporator or electronic evaporator device; and as used herein, it can be combined with the phrases "mass vaporized," "mass atomized," and "m 蒸发"or" is synonymous with "evaporated mass".

[0078] As used herein, the term "analytical smoking machine" refers to a tool that allows for the inhalation of a cigarette or vaporizer device with a specified and controlled volume and duration of inhalation.

[0079] As used herein, the term "evaporable material" refers to a formulation of a material, particularly including organic materials or herbal medicines placed in an evaporation device, electronic evaporator device, or chamber (or proprietary container) containing said formulation. Evaporable materials can be liquids, oils, or waxes. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is a loose leaf substance. In some embodiments, the evaporable material may contain medicinal properties that improve the symptoms of a medical condition. In some embodiments, the evaporable material may contain a recreational medicine.

[0080] As used herein, the term "vapor" refers to the output of an evaporator device, including gaseous or aerosol compounds, or mixtures of compounds.

[0081] As used herein, the term "memory" refers to a non-transitory computer-readable medium, software, or algorithm used for data storage. In some embodiments, the memory cell is a solid-state device. In some embodiments, the memory cell is internal to the device. In some embodiments, the memory cell stores data in random access memory (RAM). In some embodiments, the memory cell is a hard disk, tape drive, or other external device. In some embodiments, the memory cell refers to a device configured as a permanent location for storing digital data until it is intentionally erased. The memory cell also refers to a device configured as a non-volatile memory chip such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), and / or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0082] As used herein, the term “adjustment” may refer to selecting a chamber, selecting operating parameters, selecting the type of evaporable material, selecting the dosage of TPM, the amount or percentage of active ingredient, the proportion or fraction of TPM or active ingredient, and / or may refer to calibrating the device.

[0083] As used herein, the term “nicotine” refers to nicotine, nicotine salts of organic acids, and common nicotine derivatives such as norcotinine, nornicotine, nicotine nitrite oxides, cotinine nitrite oxides, 3-hydroxycotinine, and 5-hydroxycotinine.

[0084] The term "cannabinoid" refers to plant-based or synthetic compounds that can act on cannabinoid receptors and induce biological effects. Cannabinoids include acids, salts, and biologically active stereoisomers.

[0085] Typically, this document describes a method for quantifying, and in some variations for controlling, the amount of vapor delivered to a user from an evaporable material in an electronic evaporator device. In some variations, the electronic evaporator device includes (optionally): a suction sensor, a power supply, a heating element controller, a heating element, a temperature sensor, an evaporation dose predictor unit, an alarm unit, and / or control logic. Methods for quantification and / or control may include: (optionally) a suction sensor for detecting a user's suction; a heating element controller that measures the amount of power delivered from a power source during the user's suction; a temperature sensor that measures the temperature or temperature distribution generated by the heating element during the user's suction; an evaporation dose predictor unit that calculates the amount of steam delivered from the evaporable material to the user based on the amount of power and temperature during the user's suction, or based on the amount of power and temperature distribution during the user's suction; and a) activating the alarm unit to warn the user when the amount of steam delivered reaches or exceeds a preset steam quantity threshold for the user's suction, or when the cumulative amount of steam delivered from multiple suctions reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold, or b) implementing control logic to deactivate or modify the output of one or more features of the electronic evaporator device when the amount of steam delivered reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold for the user's suction, or when the cumulative amount of steam delivered from multiple suctions reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold, or c) both a) and b).

[0086] As will become apparent as described in more detail below, a suction sensor is not necessary; when the user does not suction, the device and method described herein will simply return a zero value for the delivered dose, since the evaporator will not form vapor without suction. Furthermore, the described method can be considered generally discontinuous, as the estimation of the vapor dose is performed at discontinuous intervals forming partial doses, which can later be summed to form the total delivered dose. This configuration can partially allow these methods and devices to operate with unexpected accuracy, even with highly variable suction duration and distribution.

[0087] This document also provides an electronic evaporator configured to quantify and / or control the amount of vapor delivered to a user from an evaporable material in the electronic evaporator device, wherein the electronic evaporator device may include any of the following: (optionally) a suction sensor for detecting the user's suction; a heater controller (also known as a heating element controller) configured to determine the amount of power delivered from a power source during the user's suction; a temperature sensor (which may be a direct sensor such as a thermistor, or a temperature sensing unit that determines, for example, the temperature of the heater based on the electrical properties of the heater) configured to determine the temperature or temperature distribution generated by the heating element during the user's suction; and an evaporation dose predictor (also known as an evaporation dose predictor unit or circuit) based on the power applied to the heater and the temperature of the heater during the user's suction. The amount of steam delivered from the evaporable material to the user is calculated based on the amount of power and temperature distribution during the user's suction, or on a temperature (which may be an estimate of the temperature of the evaporable material during evaporation) or on a power level and temperature distribution during the user's suction. This includes one or more of the following: a) an alarm unit configured to warn the user when the amount of delivered steam reaches or exceeds a preset steam quantity threshold for the user's suction, or when the cumulative amount of steam delivered from multiple suctions reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold; b) a deactivation unit configured to automatically deactivate one or more features of the electronic evaporator device when the amount of delivered steam reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold for the user's suction, or when the cumulative amount of steam delivered from multiple suctions reaches or exceeds the preset steam quantity threshold; or c) both a) and b).

[0088] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of an example of an electronic evaporator device 100' including an evaporation dose predictor unit 109. Typically, any evaporator device described herein may include a heater controller 105, a heater 106, a source 103 of evaporable material, a power source (e.g., a battery, not shown), and an evaporation dose predictor unit 109. The evaporation dose predictor unit 109 may include a clock 119 and / or a memory (memory unit) 117, or these elements may be part of an overall circuitry including a processor 110 communicating with the evaporation dose predictor unit.

[0089] The heater can be any suitable heater, including resistance heaters, such as resistance coils. The heater is typically coupled to a heater controller, such that the heater controller applies power (e.g., from a power source) to the heater. The heater controller may include regulating control logic that adjusts the temperature of the heater by regulating the applied power. The heater controller may include a dedicated or general-purpose processor, circuitry, etc., and is typically connected to and can accept input from the power source to regulate the power applied to the heater. A controller forming or including a heater controller may also include additional controller / processor and execution logic 110, such as an evaporation dose predictor unit, alarm / alarm logic, and / or temperature detector / sensor 107, or these components may be separate.

[0090] Any source of evaporable material can be used, including containers (e.g., orifices, chambers, cylinders, etc.) containing the material to be evaporated. The material to be evaporated may include a carrier and one or more active ingredients, as discussed in more detail herein.

[0091] Typically, an evaporative dose predictor unit is configured to divide a time period (e.g., during a single suction) into multiple consecutive time intervals, which may be referred to as partial dose intervals, and to determine a partial dose (or mass) of vapor generated during each partial dose interval. The evaporative dose predictor unit can then sum these to determine the actual dose generated and, consequently, the dose delivered to the user. Therefore, the apparatus including the evaporative dose predictor unit may include a timer or clock 117 and may generate intervals of any suitable duration within the time period (e.g., 10 msec to 200 msec). Thus, the evaporative dose predictor unit is capable of sampling at frequencies associated with the duration of the time interval (e.g., 5 Hz to 100 Hz, 5 Hz to 120 Hz, 5 Hz to 140 Hz, 5 Hz to 150 Hz, 5 Hz to 180 Hz, 5 Hz to 200 Hz, 5 Hz to 300 Hz, etc.). The evaporative dose predictor unit typically bases the calculation of each partial dose on inputs from a heater controller, which may include power applied before or at the start of each partial dose interval. The evaporation dose predictor unit also receives inputs proportional to the temperature at the beginning and end of each partial dose interval (e.g., temperature or a value proportional to the temperature at the end of the immediately preceding partial dose interval). In a variant where the temperature is the average of each dose interval, the evaporation dose predictor unit may receive the temperature (or a proportional value) of the dose interval as well as the temperature (or a proportional value) of the dose interval immediately preceding it. The evaporation dose predictor unit can then use this applied power and temperature information to calculate the dose (e.g., mass) of the steam during that interval, as will be described in more detail below. The values ​​of these intervals (the values ​​of the dose intervals) can be summed over the entire time period to determine the total dose of the steam produced; the evaporation dose predictor unit can also convert this steam dose into the dose of the active ingredient in the steam, for example, based on the concentration of the active ingredient in the evaporable material. U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 581,666, filed December 23, 2014, entitled “Vaporization Device Systems and Methods” (the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference), also describes an evaporator including methods and apparatus for temperature measurement and control similar to those described above.

[0092] As described above, in some variations, the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated by the device is determined by the heater without the need for additional sensors. For example, the temperature of the heater can be approximated using the relative change in the heater's resistance (e.g., the temperature coefficient of resistivity) and a reference resistor. While a conversion factor can be used to convert the ratio of the heater's resistivity to the reference resistivity into an actual temperature value, in some variations, the system, particularly the evaporation dose predictor unit, can directly use the proportional values ​​without multiplying by the conversion factor. Therefore, these values ​​are "proportional" to the temperature. For example, any of these devices could include logic for determining the heater's temperature based on the TCR. The resistance (Rt) of the heater (e.g., a resistance heater) can be measured during device operation. 加热器 ) and the resistance (R) of the reference resistor separate from the heater. 参考 The ratio of heater resistance to reference resistance (R) 加热器 / R 参考 The temperature is linearly proportional to the heater temperature (above room temperature) and can be directly converted to a corrected temperature. For example, a value such as (R) can be used. 加热器 / R 参考 The expression -1)*(1 / TCR) is used to calculate the change in heater temperature relative to room temperature, where TCR is the temperature coefficient of the heater's resistivity. In one example, the TCR for the heater used in a particular device is 0.00014. When determining partial doses and dosages as described herein, the temperature values ​​used (e.g., the temperature of the evaporable material during the dosing interval, T...) i (described in more detail below) can refer to a unitless resistance ratio (e.g., R0). 加热器 / R 参考 ), or it can refer to a standardized / corrected temperature (e.g., in °C).

[0093] Therefore, the evaporative dose predictor unit can be configured to determine the dose of steam delivered to the user within a time period based on: the amount of power delivered by the heater controller to the heater for evaporating the evaporable material during each of a plurality of partial dose intervals within the time period, the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during each partial dose interval, and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated before each partial dose interval. As mentioned above, the temperature of the evaporated evaporable material can refer to a temperature-proportional input.

[0094] Figure 1AOther optional features shown may include a suction sensor 113 and / or a dose output device 115. The suction sensor typically detects the application of suction by the user and may include a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, or a contact sensor (e.g., a lip contact sensor). The dose output device may include any suitable output device, including visual output devices (e.g., LEDs, monitors, etc.), audio output devices (buzzers, tones, etc.), tactile output devices (vibrators, etc.), etc. For example, the dose output device may function as an alarm or alert to the user when a dose threshold is reached.

[0095] Figure 1B-1D This illustrates an exemplary compact electronic vaporizer device assembly 100 for generating an inhalable aerosol, such as an electronic cigarette, medical inhaler, or other inhalation device. The compact electronic device 100 may include a device body 200 having a cartridge container 210 for receiving a cartridge 300, or a "chamber" removably inserted into the device body 200. A mouthpiece 310 allows a user to inhale material atomized by the device.

[0096] The device body 200 may include a power source 230 such as a rechargeable battery, a printed circuit board 240 containing a microcontroller with operating logic and software instructions for the device, and a suction sensor 270 for detecting when a user draws steam from the device.

[0097] Box 300 may include a heater 360 and a material storage chamber 320 configured to store material to be evaporated. The heater 360 may be powered by a power supply 230. In this example, as described above and herein, the heater 360 may function as a temperature sensor, for example, using a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and a reference resistor. Alternatively or additionally, a separate temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor, etc.) in thermal contact with the heater and / or the evaporable material may be used. Typically, the temperature sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of the evaporable material within the heater 360. The temperature of the heater may be controlled by a microcontroller on PCB 240.

[0098] Device 100 (or any other evaporation device) may include an on-board processor configured to determine the amount of material to be evaporated and delivered to the user.

[0099] Figure 1E The flowchart shown represents another exemplary evaporator device capable of determining the amount of material evaporated within the device (apparatus 100). As shown, power supply 230, heater 360, temperature sensor 250, and suction sensor 270 are communicatively connected to control unit 10 (which may be...) Figure 1B-1D(a portion of one or more printed circuit boards 240 shown).

[0100] The control unit 10 may include a heating element controller 4, an evaporation mass predictor (VMP or VMP unit, which may be of the type of evaporation dose estimation / prediction unit) 8, and a memory 11. In some embodiments, a user interface 13 on the device may provide the user with device-related information, such as the amount of inhaled vapor. An interface controller 12 within the controller may be configured to control the user interface 13. In one embodiment, the device further includes an alarm unit.

[0101] To determine the amount of steam received by the user, control unit 10 can forward temperature reading 7 and power reading 5 during suction (which can be determined by suction sensor 15) to VMP unit 8, which can calculate the predicted evaporation mass. In some embodiments, VMP unit 8 forwards the predicted evaporation mass 9 to memory 11. In some embodiments, VMP unit 8 forwards the predicted evaporation mass to user interface controller 12. In one embodiment, the processor includes control logic 14 that forwards instructions to heating element controller 4. In one embodiment, the method includes activating an alarm unit.

[0102] Calculation of Evaporable Materials – Exemplary Method

[0103] In one embodiment, the amount of steam generated from the evaporable material within the evaporation apparatus (e.g., apparatus 100) can be calculated from the power supplied to the evaporable material and the temperature generated during evaporation. In some embodiments, the amount of steam generated from the evaporating material can be calculated as a function of the energy consumed during evaporation and the temperature generated. That is, the power consumed by the power supply (e.g., power supply 230) set by the heater controller (however, in some variations it can be measured from the heater or the power supply) and the temperature of the evaporating material (e.g., within chamber 32) measured by a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 250) can be used to determine the amount of steam generated and / or drawn in.

[0104] In some implementations, the total mass of evaporation can be predicted or determined based on Equation 1:

[0105]

[0106] Where Δm 蒸汽，累计 P is the total mass evaporated during the sampling intervals i=1 to i=n, ​​where each interval is a fixed time increment; i The power supplied during interval i; a, b, and c are constants; T i It is the temperature reading at interval i; T i-1This is the temperature reading of the interval immediately preceding the current interval (i-1 preceding interval i). Note that in some variations, the temperature can be relative to room temperature (or the starting temperature) and can be expressed as T. i '(e.g., T) i '、T i-1 'wait).

[0107] Another way to express this relationship is to describe it as follows:

[0108]

[0109] In this example, different coefficients (e.g., d, e) can be used; using a microcontroller, the expression can be implemented more simply than Equation 1 because it has fewer of the required arithmetic functions, but it is mathematically equivalent.

[0110] The coefficients a, b, and c can reflect physical constants whose values ​​can be determined experimentally and vary depending on the evaporable material used. For example, constants a, b, and c can depend on the latent heat and specific heat of the material being evaporated. These constants can further depend on the total mass of the system requiring heating (e.g., liquid material and heater, such as a core and coil). In one exemplary embodiment described below, a equals 0.025, b equals 367, and c equals 30. In another embodiment, a can equal 0.18, b can equal 2000, and c can equal 50. These constants can be determined empirically or based on theoretical values ​​derived from understanding the dimensions and material properties of the evaporable material and heater.

[0111] For example, in some implementations, coefficients a, b, and c can be determined by collecting data and running mathematical algorithms. For example, an analytical inhalation or smoking machine can be used to test the evaporation device under one or more conditions. Total particulate matter (TPM) can be collected from the evaporation device using an analytical inhalation or smoking machine. In some cases, TPM can be collected on a filter pad. The filter pad can be weighed before and after collecting TPM on it, thus determining the weight of TPM on the filter. In some implementations, the empirical determination of a, b, and c is achieved by measuring power and temperature during a series of suction periods and measuring the cumulative mass lost by the device for those suctions using gravimetric analysis. The mass lost by the device is considered equal to the total delivered mass of TPM (mg). The optimal values ​​of a, b, and c are then determined by fitting the above equation to experimental mass delivery, power, and temperature data. Adjustments can be made to constants (e.g., a, b, c or a, d, e) to accommodate variations in device type and formulation type.

[0112] The following describes an example of a method for determining the value of the constant, which is related to the mass of the discharged vapor, the power applied to evaporate the material during a specific time interval (e.g., a portion of the suction), and the temperature of the material before and after evaporation during said period. In this example, the apparatus may first be weighed. Then, a series of suctions may be performed, recording the power (e.g., sampling frequencies are, for example, 20 Hz, 5 Hz to 100 Hz, 5 Hz to 200 Hz, etc.) and the temperature during the test, and then the apparatus may be weighed again. This may be repeated many times (e.g., more than 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 150, 200, etc., or 5 to 1000, 10 to 500, 10 to 200, etc.) to achieve a sufficiently large dataset. In one example, the process is repeated 29 times. The m_vapor of each sample can then be calculated by subtracting the final mass from the initial mass. Alternatively, the mass of the steam can be measured directly, for example, by applying steam to a filter pad and using the change in the mass of the pad to obtain m_steam; this may be less accurate because some steam may pass through the pad or deposit on other surfaces. For simplicity of gravimetric analysis, the measuring device is preferred.

[0113] Then, after collecting all the data, the constants can be solved using the m_steam estimate and a set of temperature and power values ​​for each sample over the duration. For example, in equation (1), the constants a, b, and c can be determined from the data. Alternative expressions for the equation can be used (e.g., see equation 2 described below). For example, the values ​​of a, b, and c can be determined such that SUM[t=1 to t=n](aP-b(T) can be solved. i -T i-1 )-cT i The goal is to find the best fit for the measured m_steam for each sample. As mentioned, this can be done for any expression of the measured steam mass, applied power, and temperature. In some variations, this can be done using the gradient descent algorithm to fit the data to a suitable equation. Gradient descent can be beneficial because it is computationally easy to find the optimal values ​​of the constants (e.g., a, b, and c) that minimize the error. However, any suitable curve fitting algorithm or method can be used. In this first example, three different constants are fitted to a fairly large dataset.

[0114] In some implementations, the time interval i (e.g., a partial dose interval) can be from 20 ms to 200 ms (e.g., less than 200 msec, 180 msec, 150 msec, 120 msec, 100 msec, 90 msec, 80 msec, 70 msec, 60 msec, 50 msec, 40 msec, 30 msec, 20 msec, 10 msec, etc.). Temperature and power measurements can be performed at frequencies from 5 to 50 Hz, for example, from 10 to 30 Hz, such as at approximately 20 Hz.

[0115] Typically, power can refer to the power delivered to heat the evaporable material (e.g., in some variations, the power applied to the heater by a heater controller) to evaporate the evaporable material. The applied power can be read directly from the heater controller (e.g., watts, joules, joules per second). 2 Power (Volts*Volts, Volts*Volts / resistance, etc.) and / or can be detected, for example, using any suitable power sensor (voltmeter, Hall effect sensor, inductive sensor, direct measurement sensor, voltage response measurement sensor, etc.). Power can be detected immediately before or during a time interval (e.g., a partial dose interval), representing the power used for evaporating the material during that interval. For example, the power used to determine the partial dose can be transferred from the heater controller while simultaneously supplying power to the heater; in some variations, the power (P... i The power (Pi) is the power applied during the interval immediately preceding interval i (e.g., i-1), because this power is subsequently absorbed by the evaporable material during the measured dose interval. Alternatively, the power (Pi) can be the power detected directly or indirectly during the relevant dose interval (i).

[0116] Similarly, the measured temperature can be within a partial dose time interval (T0). i The temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the dosing interval. This can be detected directly or indirectly during the dosing interval, at the beginning and / or end. For sufficiently short intervals, this distinction may be irrelevant. The temperature of the evaporable material evaporated before a portion of the dosing interval can refer to the temperature of the immediately preceding interval (e.g., T). i-1 The temperature can also be the temperature at the beginning, end, or during a previous time interval. Alternatively, in some variations, the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated before a partial dose time interval can refer to the temperature of the material evaporated immediately before the application of Pi (e.g., at the start of power application or just before the start of power application); the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during a partial dose time interval can refer to the temperature of the material at the end of the power application interval.

[0117] Typically, the temperature and power applied to the material to be evaporated refer to the temperature and power applied to a portion of the material rather than the bulk of the material to be evaporated (e.g., in some variations, the material on the core), which will eventually be transformed into vapor material, for example, near the surface, by the application of energy.

[0118] In some embodiments, temperature and power readings are collected only when user suction is detected, for example, via suction sensor 270. Therefore, detection of user suction can activate the microcontroller to begin calculating the amount of steam drawn in, while detection of the end of user suction can cause the microcontroller to stop calculating the amount of steam drawn in. Thus, in some embodiments, Equation 1 can be integrated over the duration of suction. In other embodiments, measurements can be taken and integrated continuously over the duration of device operation. In yet another embodiment, the integration time period can be preset or selected by the user.

[0119] In some implementations, the TPM can be adjusted to determine the total amount of a specific compound inhaled, such as the total amount of an active ingredient (e.g., nicotine). For example, as further described below, the TPM can be multiplied by the percentage of the active ingredient in the evaporable material.

[0120] Figure 10 This first method illustrates the determination of steam dosage within a specific time interval, as just described. For example, in... Figure 10 In this context, the time period (t) used to initially set or begin determining the dosage can be set. p1000. The start of the time period may be triggered by the user, physician or other party (e.g., manually), or it may be started automatically, for example, when the user begins to aspirate on the vaporizer (e.g., using a suction sensor). The duration of the time period can also be predetermined (e.g., fixed, such as 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, 35 seconds, 40 seconds, 45 seconds, 50 seconds, 55 seconds, 60 seconds, 1.5 minutes, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 12 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, etc.), or it can be variable, including being set by the user, or it can be determined by detecting the end of aspiration. In some variations, the time period is set as the start of a session, thereby determining the total dose for the entire session, which may include multiple aspirations. In some variations, each aspiration is considered a time period (e.g., using aspiration sensors); the dose of each aspiration can be determined, or the doses during all aspirations in a session can be totaled (where a session can be defined as within a specific time window, such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.).

[0121] The time period typically comprises multiple time intervals i (also referred to herein as partial dose time intervals), which divide time into discrete sampling periods from which partial doses can be calculated. The number (n) of time intervals may be predetermined when the time period is fixed, or it may be open (e.g., continuously increasing). The duration of the time intervals may be fixed or variable, however, they are typically fixed. The duration may be, for example, from approximately 200 msec to approximately 10 msec. The time intervals may be adjacent to each other (e.g., in real time), or they may be separated by off-periods. The time intervals are generally considered to be sequential.

[0122] For each time interval, a partial dose of the evaporable material (e.g., vapor, including any active ingredient) can be calculated. As described above, this can be controlled and / or performed by the evaporation dose predictor (e.g., VMP unit) portion of the device (or in communication with the device). During each time increment i, the device can store the temperature T of the heater and / or the evaporable material near the heater from the previous time interval. i-1 1010. This temperature value (T) i-1This can reflect the temperature of the material being evaporated during the time interval and therefore can be the temperature at the start of the time interval (or just before it begins). During each time interval, the device controls the power 1020 applied to the heater in that interval (i). Note that when no power is applied to the heater, the power value can be zero; steam may still be generated if the heater is still at a temperature different from the previous time increment (i-1), and if not, very little steam may be generated. The power controller (heater controller) can transmit the power that results in being delivered to the heater to the evaporation dose predictor.

[0123] The device can also operate at time intervals (T) i During this process, the temperature of the heater and / or the evaporable material to be evaporated (e.g., material near the heater) is transmitted to the evaporation dose predictor 1030.

[0124] The system can then determine (e.g., using an evaporative dose predictor) a partial dose estimate 1040 for the current time interval i, using the power applied to the heater and the temperature immediately preceding the interval (T). i-1 ) and the temperature during the interval (T) i For example, equations 1 or 2 discussed above can be implemented by an evaporative dose predictor. Partial dose estimates can be combined with any information (P...). i 、T i Storing these values ​​together (e.g., separately as discrete data, or added to the cumulative dose for the time period, or both). The evaporative dose predictor may include one or more memories (e.g., memory registers) for storing these values ​​(note that T in the current interval...). i It can become T during the next interval. i-1 ).

[0125] At the end of each time interval, the device can check whether the end of the time interval has been reached, either because a predetermined number (n) intervals (i = n) have been reached, or because of some other triggering event (e.g., the end of aspiration, the end of a session, etc.), or both. If not, the system can proceed to the next interval, increasing the interval (i = i + 1) by 1050. Once the end is reached, in some variations (e.g., the accumulator register is not saved), all partial doses can be summed 1060. Note that in any of these variations, this step of summing all partial doses can be performed continuously, for example, accumulating (summing) them as each new interval passes. Therefore, the step of summing the calculated partial doses in the evaporation dose predictor unit to determine the total dose of steam delivered during the time interval can be completed at the end of the time interval, or during the time interval because the partial doses have been determined.

[0126] example

[0127] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This shows the relationship between the TPM predicted using Equation 1 and the actual TPM readings using an inhaler or smoke machine. Figure 2 The graph shows the relationship between the predicted TPM (solid line) and the measured TPM (point) in the machine test. In this test, R-squared is 0.78.

[0128] In order to collect Figure 2 and Figure 3 Data was collected using an electronic evaporator unit equipped with a separate, detachable chamber containing evaporable material to construct an inhalation or smoking machine. Two units were connected in series. Temperature and power measurements were collected. Ten inhalations were performed using the inhalation or smoking machine (at 55 cc / 3 sec). Mass loss (or TPM loss) was measured every 10 inhalations. Thirty-one sample readings were collected using two prototype electronic evaporator units and four prototype chambers. The collected power and temperature data were analyzed. The power and temperature data were compared with the actual measured mass loss data to correlate the evaporation rate with energy consumption and temperature. Findings were made in R... 2 When the value is 0.78, 29 (29) samples are within ±15%, and the remaining two (2) samples are within ±17%. Figure 2 This displays a graphical relationship between predicted and measured total particulate matter (TPM) values. Figure 3 This displays the complete dataset of predicted values ​​relative to the actual readings.

[0129] exist Figure 2In the example shown, by executing the evaporation mass prediction formula according to Equation 1 described herein, a tabular and graphical relationship between the predicted TPM (mg) and the actual TPM (mg) can be established. The evaporation mass prediction formula can be used to create a program that can be utilized by the VMP unit. These values ​​can be transmitted to a calibration device via wireless or wired data transmission, more preferably directly embedded in the evaporation device itself. Figure 2 The results of the smoking experiment shown can provide information to the user or other individual and allow them to control the amount of evaporable material associated with TPM levels.

[0130] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The results show that Equation 1 can advantageously improve inconsistencies that arise when the function is fitted and / or when it is assumed that the aspiration duration and / or power can be correlated with mass removal.

[0131] Smoking tests on human subjects were also conducted using an electronic vaporizer device equipped with a separate, detachable chamber containing vaporizable material. Criteria for human subjects included voluntary participation of users who were regular or habitual smokers or vapers, and diversity in smoking patterns or random vaping habits. Participants were asked to vape normally, and a wide variety of vaping behaviors were observed from different subjects, and even between different vaping sessions of the same subject. Therefore, the vaping properties of participants were variable and ranged from 1 to 5 mg per vaping session; for example, some subjects consistently vaped at approximately 3 mg, while others vaped at 2 mg on one session and 4 mg on the next. Figure 4 The table shows the measured TPM in human trials. The first column shows the percentage error from the target (40 mg). The second column shows the mean error, which can be used as a metric for further adjustments to the evaporation mass prediction formula. The formulation of the evaporable material in the proprietary chamber can contain 40 mg of total liquid, which can correspond to 2 mg of nicotine (5% wt nicotine). The test demonstrates that the device calibration can accurately dispense the dose, which can be a specific dosing dose. In this paper, the smoking test was conducted with eleven human subjects. Twenty-three sample readings (or results) were within ±15% of the 40 mg target. Two additional samples were within ±17%. The mean of the samples was 42.1 mg. The coefficient of variance was 5.96%. All samples were within ±11% of the mean.

[0132] In some implementations, measuring only the duration of suction can lead to inaccurate quantification of the evaporation mass. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The graph shown is correlated with TPM as a function of power, time, and temperature. When performing the evaporation mass prediction method described in this paper, a relationship between TPM (mg) as a function of power, time, and temperature can then be established.

[0133] On the one hand, Figure 5 and Figure 6 This disclosure describes a real-time graphical program for collecting the mass of evaporation (mg) as a function of power, time, and temperature. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the middle, the thickest lines 501 and 501' (marked with temperature) represent the resistivity ratio (R). 加热器 / R 参考 The value is given and is proportional to the heater temperature (shown as subtracted from 1); for example, this can be multiplied by 1 / TCR to convert to units (e.g., °C). Therefore, when calculating the dosage, the temperature (T) is determined for each interval. i and T i-1 The measured resistance of the coil is denoted as , while the baseline is the baseline resistance (set separately from the heater, assumed to be at room temperature). The temperature rise and the temperature rise above room temperature have a linear relationship with a coefficient of 1 / TCR, where TCR is the temperature coefficient of resistance. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the diagram, the medium-thickness wires 502 and 502' (labeled as power) represent the power delivered to the coil (e.g., in watts). Furthermore, in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 Of the two, the thinnest lines 503 and 503' (labeled as evaporation rate) represent the evaporation (vaporization) rate, expressed in mg / msec in this example. This can be derived by performing the formulas expressed in Equations 1 or 2 previously discussed. The values ​​in this example can be divided by 50 ms / sample (interval time) to obtain mg / msec instead of mg / sample. The curve can be integrated over the aspiration time course to obtain the total dose delivered from the aspiration. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the diagram, the left-hand axis is scaled differently for power, temperature, and evaporation rate. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Examples of suction performed under two different predetermined suction distributions are shown. Figure 5 During the procedure, approximately 35cc of aspirate was extracted within 3 seconds. Figure 6 In the middle, 70cc of aspirate was extracted in about 3 seconds, of which Figure 6 The flow velocity in is Figure 5 Twice that of the middle. Illustratively, by comparison... Figure 6 and Figure 5 , Figure 6Faster suction results in higher mass removal (mass evaporation). Different suctions evaporate different amounts of material. This disclosure shows that the system responds to different suction distributions (which typically do not have a uniform flow rate during suction) and the duration can vary. This behavior can be further supported by human studies that have yielded consistent results, even though the suction properties of individual or unique human suctions differ.

[0134] Calculation of Evaporable Materials – A Second Exemplary Method

[0135] In some implementations, an evaporation device such as device 100 can be calibrated based on previous measurements taken using the same or similar apparatus, thereby allowing the amount of material to be evaporated to be determined based on the performance of said same or similar apparatus. For example, the apparatus can be calibrated using a function fitting method to determine the relationship between the total particulate matter (TPM) release content (mg) and one or more evaporation parameters of the atomized material from said apparatus.

[0136] In some cases, methods for calibrating the device to obtain the active material content from the relationship between total particulate matter (TPM) release (mg) and evaporation parameters of the atomizing material may include: setting functional operating parameters of the analytical inhaler or vaping machine, and testing the device under one or more conditions. In some cases, the conditions that may vary may include aspiration volume and / or flow rate. The conditions (e.g., evaporation parameters) may include one or more variables selected from aspiration duration (sec), aspiration volume (ml), flow rate (ml / sec), power (watts), and voltage (volts). In some cases, exemplary ranges include, but are not limited to, 1 mL–100 mL volume; 0.2 s–10 s duration; 2100 mL / s; 2.5–4.2 V.

[0137] Total particulate matter (TPM) can be collected from the electronic evaporator device. In some cases, TPM can be collected on a filter pad. The filter pad can be weighed before and after collecting TPM on the filter, thus determining the weight of TPM on the filter. In some cases, the weight of the filter can be tare. The weight of the material to be evaporated in the device can be recorded before evaporation. In some cases, the weight of the evaporable material in the device can be measured and recorded before operating the device. The weight of the evaporable material in the device can be measured and recorded after one or more suctions on the device. The weight difference of the evaporable material between the initial weight and the weight after one or more suctions can be compared with the weight of TPM collected on the filter. In some cases, the weight difference of the evaporable material between the initial weight and the weight after one or more suctions can be substantially the same as the weight of TPM collected on the filter. The TPM collected on the filter may include material evaporated from the evaporable material in the device during one or more suctions.

[0138] In some cases, the analytical inhalation or smoking device can be a machine configured to simulate the inhalation of evaporated material by a human from an evaporation device. When the machine smoking device evaporates the formulation in one or more devices, the TPM from the device can be collected onto one or more filter pads. Each device can collect the TPM released from the electronic evaporator device onto a different filter pad. For each filter pad, the amount of TPM released by the device can be determined. The amount of TPM released by a single device relative to the initial weight of the evaporable material can be calculated. In some cases, this step can be repeated with variable inhalation conditions, such as gradually increasing and / or decreasing the inhalation duration (seconds) of the machine inhalation or smoking device. In some cases, this step can be repeated with different inhalation volumes (ml) of the machine smoking device. The inhalation volume can vary in the range of 1 mL to 100 mL, more preferably 20 to 80 mL, and most preferably 30 to 60 mL. In some cases, this step can be repeated with varying flow rates of the machine smoking device. The flow rate of the machine inhalation or smoking device can be varied in the range of 2-100 mL / s, more preferably 5-50 mL / s, and most preferably 10-30 mL / s. In some cases, this step can be repeated with different power levels of the machine inhalation or smoking device. The power (watts) of the smoking device can be varied in the range of 2 watts-20 watts, more preferably 3 watts-8 watts. In some cases, this step can be repeated with different voltage levels of the machine inhalation or smoking device. The voltage of the device can be varied in the range of 2.5-4.2V, more preferably 3.0-4.2V.

[0139] The suction volume and the corresponding TPM release (mg) can be listed in a table. The relationship between suction volume and the corresponding TPM release (mg) can be graphical and / or displayed in a table, and can be used to predict, determine, or estimate the amount of vapor consumed by the user when using the device. For example, Figure 9A and 9B Exemplary lookup tables and graphs are shown, which can be used to determine or estimate the amount of vapor inhaled by a user based on calibration data previously collected from an inhalation or smoking machine. These values ​​can be transmitted to a device, such as a microcontroller within the PCB 240 of device 100, via wireless or wired data transmission. Figure 9A and 9B The results of the calibration experiments shown can inform users or other individuals and allow them to understand or control the amount of active material associated with TPM levels.

[0140] Evaporation quality predictor unit

[0141] Evaporator devices such as devices 10, 100, and 100' may include an evaporation quality predictor (e.g., a VMP unit), for example, within control units 10 and 110. VMP 109 may execute the logic described herein to determine the dose delivered according to any method described herein. In some embodiments, the VMP is communicatively coupled to one or more of the following: a suction sensor (optional), a heater (e.g., a heating element) controller, an alarm unit, and / or control logic. In some embodiments, the VMP unit is communicatively coupled to a suction sensor, a timer, a heater controller, and an alarm unit or control logic. In some embodiments, the VMP includes software (e.g., a software module or control logic) running on a processor. The VMP unit may integrate: a power reading from the heater controller, a temperature reading from a temperature sensor; and, in some cases, a suction duration or suction frequency reading from the suction sensor and timer. The VMP unit then calculates how much vapor has been evaporated from the evaporable material.

[0142] In some implementations, the VPM unit of each device can be calibrated separately. In some implementations, the VPM calibration can be set based on known evaporating materials. In some implementations, the device may include a user interface that allows the user to input the material to be evaporated, which in turn sets constants a, b, c for Equation 1 and / or function fitting curves or lookup tables.

[0143] In some implementations, the VMP (or another component of the controller) can calculate the active material content based on the total concentration (TPM). The TPM can be correlated with the active material content based on the composition of the organic material loaded into the electronic evaporator device. For example, an organic material containing 20-25% active material would be correlated with the TPM (mg) of that percentage of active material. In some cases, assuming the total conversion rate (atomization) of the active material may be reasonable.

[0144] In some embodiments, the VMP unit is user-adjustable and allows the user to preset the amount of evaporable material to be evaporated before the user is warned, or before components of the evaporator unit are deactivated, or before control logic is executed. In some embodiments, the VMP unit then activates an alarm unit that alerts the user when the preset amount of evaporable material has evaporated. In some embodiments, the VMP unit then deactivates the evaporator unit when the preset amount of evaporable material has evaporated. In some embodiments, the VMP is user-adjustable, such that the evaporator unit evaporates a target amount of material in a single suction cycle.

[0145] In some embodiments, the VMP is user-adjustable, allowing the evaporator unit to evaporate a target amount of material in multiple suctions. In some embodiments, the VMP is user-adjustable, allowing the evaporator unit to evaporate a target amount of material in a single suction. In some variations, the VMP is user-adjustable, allowing the unit to be deactivated for a period of time after the target amount of material has been evaporated. The VMP may be user-adjustable, allowing the unit to activate an alarm after the target amount of material has been evaporated. In some embodiments, the VMP activates an alarm when the amount of evaporable material in the evaporator unit falls below a preset threshold. In some embodiments, the VMP unit is communicatively connected to a memory unit and stores multiple measurements of any of the following: power, temperature, suction duration readings, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the VMP unit calculates the cumulative amount of evaporated evaporable material. If, for example, the user does not completely evaporate the preset limit in a single suction, the VMP unit tracks the amount of evaporable material evaporated in multiple suctions. In some embodiments, the VMP unit is a software module. In some embodiments, the VMP unit is a microprocessor. In some implementations, the VMP unit generates a suction distribution that tracks power, temperature, pressure, or a combination thereof over time.

[0146] In some embodiments, the accuracy of the evaporative TPM measured from the VMP unit is at least ±25% of the predicted value. In some embodiments, the accuracy of the evaporative TPM measured from the VMP unit is at least ±20% of the predicted value. In some embodiments, the accuracy of the evaporative TPM measured from the VMP unit is at least ±15% of the predicted value. In some embodiments, the accuracy of the evaporative TPM measured from the VMP unit is at least ±10% of the predicted value. In some embodiments, the accuracy of the evaporative TPM measured from the VMP unit is at least ±5% of the predicted value. In some embodiments, the VMP unit is a software component associated with a processor.

[0147] In some embodiments, the preset amount of material allowed to evaporate before the VMP unit activates the alarm is adjustable. In some embodiments, the preset amount of material allowed to evaporate before the VMP unit activates the control logic is adjustable. Adjustment allows the user to be alerted when a certain amount of evaporable material has evaporated and been inhaled, thus improving the user experience by precisely controlling the dosage of the evaporable material (e.g., nicotine, cannabinoids). In some embodiments, the user can preset the amount of evaporable material to be evaporated in mg TPM. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated in mg TPM is approximately 1 mg to approximately 1000 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated in mg TPM is approximately 1 mg to approximately 100 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated in mg TPM is approximately 10 mg to approximately 100 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated in mg TPM is approximately 10 mg to approximately 1000 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, in mg TPM, is from about 1 mg to about 50 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, in mg TPM, is from about 1 mg to about 25 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, in mg TPM, is less than about 1 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, in mg TPM, is about 1 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, in mg TPM, is about 2 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, in mg TPM, is about 3 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, in mg TPM, is about 4 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, in mg TPM, is about 5 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, in mg TPM, is about 6 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, in mg TPM, is about 7 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 8 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 9 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 10 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 20 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 30 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 40 mg.In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 50 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 60 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 70 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 80 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 90 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material to be evaporated, in mg TPM, is approximately 100 mg.

[0148] In some embodiments, the user can preset the amount of vaporizable material to be evaporated, calculated in mg of active ingredient (e.g., nicotine, cannabinoids, THC). In some embodiments, the preset amount of vaporizable material to be evaporated, calculated in mg of active ingredient, is from about 1 mg to about 1000 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of vaporizable material to be evaporated, calculated in mg of active ingredient, is from about 1 mg to about 100 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of vaporizable material to be evaporated, calculated in mg of active ingredient, is about 0.05 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of vaporizable material to be evaporated, calculated in mg of active ingredient, is about 0.1 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of vaporizable material to be evaporated, calculated in mg of active ingredient, is about 0.2 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of vaporizable material to be evaporated, calculated in mg of active ingredient, is about 0.3 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of vaporizable material to be evaporated, calculated in mg of active ingredient, is about 0.4 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of vaporizable material to be evaporated, calculated in mg of active ingredient, is about 0.5 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 0.6 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 0.7 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 0.8 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 0.9 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 1 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 2 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 3 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 4 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 5 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 6 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 7 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 8 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 9 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 10 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 10 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 20 mg.In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 30 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 40 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 50 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 60 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 70 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 80 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 90 mg. In some embodiments, the preset amount of evaporable material evaporated, based on mg of active ingredient, is approximately 100 mg.

[0149] In one embodiment, the VMP unit can be adjusted by a user using a button. In another embodiment, the VMP unit can be adjusted by a user using a dial pad. In yet another embodiment, the VMP unit can be adjusted by a user using a capacitive touchscreen. In one embodiment, the VMP unit can be adjusted by a user using a wireless connection. In yet another embodiment, the VMP unit can be adjusted by a user using voice communication.

[0150] In one embodiment, the type of evaporable material is adjustable. In some embodiments, the adjustable type of evaporable material is nicotine. In one embodiment, the adjustable type of evaporable material is cannabinoid. In one embodiment, the adjustable type of evaporable material is a pharmaceutical compound. In one embodiment, the adjustable type of evaporable material is a herbal medicine. In one embodiment, the adjustable type of evaporable material is a nutritional supplement. In some embodiments, the adjustable material type is formulation-specific (e.g., a percentage of a compound dissolved in a specific solvent).

[0151] In one embodiment, the VMP unit integrates readings from the suction sensor, temperature sensor, heating element controller, and timer to create a distribution of readings. The power distribution is the change in power delivery over time. The temperature distribution is the change in temperature over time. In one embodiment, the distribution is measured from the start of suction as measured by the suction sensor to the end of suction as measured by the suction sensor. In one embodiment, the VMP unit stores multiple distributions in memory.

[0152] The VMP unit can acquire device data in real time and use it to calculate the cumulative TPM in mg. For example, when the TPM reaches 40 mg, it can prompt the human subject to stop aspiration, or it can adjust or turn off the heating element. Constants can be modified to suit different chambers and different liquids.

[0153] In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device (e.g., device 100) using the method described herein for determining the amount of steam delivered to the user includes an alarm unit. In some embodiments, the alarm unit alerts the user when a preset amount of evaporable material evaporates. In some embodiments, the alarm unit notifies the user when the amount of evaporable material in the evaporator device is low. In some embodiments, the alarm unit alerts the user when the amount of evaporable material in the evaporator device drops below 10%. In some embodiments, the alarm unit alerts the user when the amount of evaporable material in the evaporator device drops below 5%. In some embodiments, the alarm unit is a light-emitting diode (LED). In some embodiments, the alarm unit is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). In some embodiments, the LED or OLED is communicatively coupled to a VMP unit. In some embodiments, the LED or OLED illuminates when the amount of steam delivered to the user reaches or exceeds a preset amount. In some embodiments, the LED or OLED flashes when the amount of steam delivered to the user reaches or exceeds a preset amount. In some embodiments, the LED or OLED emits light of different color spectra. In some embodiments, the LED or OLED emits red light. In some embodiments, the LED or OLED emits orange light. In some embodiments, the LED or OLED emits yellow light. In some embodiments, the LED or OLED emits green light. In some embodiments, the LED or OLED emits blue light. In some embodiments, the LED or OLED emits violet light. In some embodiments, the LED or OLED emits more than one color of light, and the more than one color can be any combination of the above colors. In some embodiments, the LED or OLED emits a flash of light in any of the aforementioned colors.

[0154] In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device utilizing the method includes an alarm unit. In some embodiments, the alarm unit is a piezoelectric speaker. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric speaker is communicatively coupled to a VMP unit. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric speaker emits a sound when the amount of steam delivered to the user reaches or exceeds a preset amount. In some embodiments, the sound is a bell, chime, tone, multi-frequency sound, song, etc.

[0155] In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device utilizing the method includes an alarm unit. In some embodiments, the alarm unit is a vibration motor that provides tactile feedback to the user. In some embodiments, the vibration motor is communicatively coupled to a VMP unit. In some embodiments, the vibration motor is activated when the amount of steam delivered to the user reaches or exceeds a preset amount.

[0156] In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device utilizing the method includes more than one alarm unit. In some embodiments, the more than one alarm unit is an LED or OLED, a piezoelectric speaker, a vibration motor, or any combination thereof.

[0157] An alarm unit (or simply alarm) can be configured as a dose output, as schematically shown in Figure 1. The dose output can be a visual output (e.g., LCD / LED, etc.) and / or a wireless output to a display device (e.g., a smartphone or other wearable device running an application that communicates with the evaporation device (typically wirelessly)). The application and the hardware running the application (e.g., wearable device, remote server, etc.) can store, analyze, transmit, display, and / or aggregate dose information (and / or raw timing, temperature, and power data, etc.).

[0158] In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device (e.g., device 100) using the method described herein for determining the amount of steam delivered to the user includes control logic or a deactivation unit. In some embodiments, the control logic is a software module. In some embodiments, the control logic is a firmware module. In some embodiments, the control logic is a hardware element. In some embodiments, the control logic prompts the VMP unit to forward instructions to the heating element controller to allow the user to evaporate a target amount of TPM in a single suction. In some embodiments, the control logic prompts the VMP unit to forward instructions to the heating element controller to allow the user to evaporate a target amount of TPM in multiple suctions. In some embodiments, the control logic is communicatively coupled to the VMP unit. In some embodiments, the control logic deactivates the heating element. In some embodiments, the control logic modifies the amount of power delivered to the heating element. In some embodiments, the control logic shuts down the electronic evaporator device. In some embodiments, the user can override the control logic to restore proper operation of the evaporator device.

[0159] In any of the devices described herein, an electronic evaporator device (e.g., devices 10, 100, 100') utilizing a method for determining the amount of steam generated (and therefore delivered to the user) may include a memory. In some embodiments, the memory (e.g., a memory unit) is hardware communicatively coupled to a VMP. In some embodiments, the memory is internal to the electronic evaporator device. In some embodiments, the memory is external to the electronic evaporator device. In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store multiple measurements of temperature, power, pressure, time, suction duration, suction frequency, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the memory unit is a solid-state memory. In some embodiments, the memory unit is a hard disk.

[0160] In any electronic evaporator device described herein (e.g., device 10, 100, 100'), the device may include a processor. In some embodiments, the processor may include software, firmware, and / or hardware that executes the control logic of the device. In some embodiments, the processor is communicatively coupled to a VMP unit. In some embodiments, the VMP unit and the processor are the same element. In some embodiments, the processor is communicatively coupled to a user interface. In some embodiments, the processor is communicatively coupled to a memory unit.

[0161] As described above, the electronic evaporator device described herein may include a power source such as power source 230. In some embodiments, the power source is removable. In some embodiments, the power source is a battery. In some embodiments, the power source is a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery is a lithium-ion battery. In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery is compatible with a USB charging cable. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device with a rechargeable battery is compatible with a micro-USB charging cable. In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery is compatible with a charging dock. A charging dock is any physical device capable of supporting the electronic evaporator device during charging; the charging dock may be integrated with or separate from the electronic evaporator device. In some embodiments, the charging dock has charging contacts configured to engage with contacts on the electronic evaporator device. In some embodiments, the charging dock uses inductive technology to charge the electronic evaporator device. In some embodiments, the charging dock is an inductive charging pad.

[0162] The power supply can be configured to deliver power to the heating element and can be regulated by the heater controller. Therefore, the heater controller can receive charge / power level input from the power supply and can adjust its output accordingly. In some embodiments, the power supply is configured to deliver an adjustable amount of power. In some embodiments, the amount of power can be adjusted by the user. In some embodiments, the amount of power is regulated by a VMP unit. As described above, the power supply can be communicatively coupled to the heater controller. In some embodiments, the power supply is configured to deliver an adjustable amount of power and is controlled by a VMP unit. In some embodiments, the power supply provides 1-100 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides 1-50 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides 1-20 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides 1-10 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides 1-8 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides 2-10 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides 10-100 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides 10-50 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides 10-20 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 4 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 4.5 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 5 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 5.5 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 6 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 6.5 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 7 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 7.5 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 8 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 8.5 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 9 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 10 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 20 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 30 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 40 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 10 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 50 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 60 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 70 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 80 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 90 watts of power. In some embodiments, the power supply provides approximately 100 watts of power. The applied power may alternatively or additionally (and equivalently) be expressed in joules. For example, in some embodiments, the power supply delivers 1-1000 joules to the heater.In some embodiments, the power source delivers 1-500 joules to the heater. In some embodiments, the power source delivers 1-100 joules to the heater. In some embodiments, the power source delivers 1-50 joules to the heater. In some embodiments, the power source delivers 1-25 joules to the heater. In some embodiments, the power source delivers 5-25 joules to the heater. In some embodiments, the power source delivers 1-20 joules to the heater. In some embodiments, the power source delivers 5-20 joules to the heater. In some embodiments, the power source delivers 10-500 joules to the heater. In some embodiments, the power source delivers 10-100 joules to the heater. In some embodiments, the power source delivers 10-50 joules to the heater. In some embodiments, the power source delivers 10-20 joules to the heater.

[0163] As described above, any evaporator device described herein may include a heater (heating element). In some embodiments, the heater is a resistance heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element is formed as a coil. In some embodiments, the coil is wound on a core. In some embodiments, the core is in contact with the evaporable material. In some embodiments, the core extends into the evaporable material.

[0164] In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 40 to 1000 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 100 to 900 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 100 to 800 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 100 to 700 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 100 to 600 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 100 to 500 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 100 to 400 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 100 to 300 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 180 to 250 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 100 to 200 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 125 to 175 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to approximately 150 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 200 to 300 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 225 to 275 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to approximately 250 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 300 to 400 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 325 to 375 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to approximately 350 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 400 to 500 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 500 to 600 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 600 to 700 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 700 to 800 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 800 to 900 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 900 to 1000 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, when the evaporable material is cannabinoid, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 300 to 400 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, when the evaporable material is cannabinoid, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 325 to 375 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, when the evaporable material is cannabinoid, the heating element heats the evaporable material to approximately 350 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, when the evaporable material is nicotine or a nicotine derivative, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 200 to 300 degrees Celsius.In some embodiments, when the evaporable material is nicotine or a nicotine derivative, the heating element heats the evaporable material to 225 to 275 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, when the evaporable material is nicotine or a nicotine derivative, the heating element heats the evaporable material to approximately 250 degrees Celsius.

[0165] In one embodiment, the heating element is housed within an evaporation chamber surrounded by evaporation chamber walls. The evaporation chamber is also referred to as an atomizer. In some embodiments, the evaporation chamber walls can be made of any material capable of withstanding repeated heating to the operating temperature of the evaporator device. In some embodiments, the evaporation chamber walls can be made of any material capable of withstanding repeated heating to 300 degrees Celsius. The evaporation chamber has an air inlet to allow air to enter the atomizer and an air outlet to allow vapor to escape to the user. Evaporable material is introduced into the atomizer via a wick in fluid communication with the evaporable material. The evaporable material can be stored in a can integrated with the electronic evaporator device or in a removable can (chamber) configured to be detached from the evaporator device after it is depleted. In an alternative embodiment, the heating element is located in an oven configuration, wherein the heating element surrounds a chamber with stainless steel walls and heats the evaporable material placed within the chamber by conduction. In the oven configuration, the interior of the oven can be exposed to the outside by removing the oven lid, which allows loading of the evaporable material. The oven may further include an outlet allowing vapor to escape to the user.

[0166] In any evaporator device described herein, the device may include a heater controller (e.g., a heating element controller). In some embodiments, the heater controller operates the heating element. In some embodiments, the heater controller switches the heater on and / or on and off the heater in a rapid “pulse” manner. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to detect and / or control the power delivered from the power source. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to detect and / or control the voltage delivered from the power source. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to detect and / or control the current delivered from the power source. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to detect and / or control the power, voltage, and / or current, or any combination thereof, delivered from the power source. In some embodiments, the heater controller is connected in series with the power source and the heater. In some embodiments, the heater controller is connected in parallel with the heater to the power source. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to detect and / or control the power delivered from the power source in watts. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to detect and / or control the voltage output from the power source in volts. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to detect and / or control the current delivered from the power source in amperes. In some implementations, the heater controller is communicatively coupled to the VMP unit.

[0167] In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to regulate the operation of the heater. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to regulate the temperature of the heater. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to regulate the voltage delivered to the heater by a power source. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to regulate the current delivered to the heating element by a power source. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to regulate the wattage delivered to the heater by a power source. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to regulate the temperature of the heater by regulating the power delivered from the power source. In some components, the heating element controller is communicatively coupled to a processor. In some embodiments, the heater controller is configured to receive instructions from the processor.

[0168] As described above, and as U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 581666, the heater controller can use control logic (e.g., a PID loop) that includes one or more inputs such as temperature (e.g., the temperature determined using the heater's resistivity or TCR). Therefore, when determining the dosage (e.g., the aspirated partial dose), once corrected with appropriate constants (which can be determined as described above based on analysis or theory, or can be assumed / ignored), the device can advantageously use only electrical values ​​(resistance and power values) from the controller.

[0169] cylinder

[0170] As described above, in some embodiments, an electronic evaporator device (e.g., device 100) using the method described herein for determining the amount of vapor delivered to a user includes a separate, removable compartment configured to contain evaporable material. In some embodiments, the compartment is any container or tank configured to contain evaporable material. In some embodiments, the compartment is removable. In some embodiments, the compartment is replaceable. In some embodiments, after the compartment is attached to the electronic evaporator device, the compartment and the electronic evaporator device form a single unit. In some embodiments, the compartment also includes an opening. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device utilizing the method does not include a separate compartment configured to contain evaporable material, and the evaporable material is stored within the electronic evaporator device. In some embodiments, the separate compartment includes an evaporation chamber. In some embodiments, the compartment contains 0.1-10 ml of liquid, viscous liquid, or wax. In some embodiments, the compartment contains 1-10 ml of liquid, viscous liquid, or wax. In some embodiments, the compartment contains 0.1-2 ml of liquid, viscous liquid, or wax. In some embodiments, the container holds 0.5-1.5 ml of liquid, viscous liquid, or wax.

[0171] In some embodiments, the cartridge may be filled with a non-hygroscopic solvent and / or substantially airtight to prevent the cartridge from absorbing water, thereby ensuring predictable and accurate dosage calculations.

[0172] Temperature sensor

[0173] As described above, any evaporator device described herein, such as Figure 1A-1C The devices 10, 100, and 100' may include one or more temperature sensors, such as temperature sensor 250. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of a heating element. The temperature sensor may include software and hardware for measuring resistors that can be integrated (or decoupled) with any controller and / or processor described herein. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of an evaporation chamber housing a heating element. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of an oven heated by a heating element. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor measures heat in degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor measures heat in degrees Fahrenheit. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor measures heat in Kelvin. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is a thermocouple. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is a thermistor. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is an infrared temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is a relative resistance gradient measurement system. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is a heater coil for heating an evaporable material.

[0174] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor measures temperature with an accuracy of ±0.1 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor measures temperature with an accuracy of ±0.2 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor measures temperature with an accuracy of ±0.3 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor measures temperature with an accuracy of ±0.4 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor measures temperature with an accuracy of ±0.5 degrees Celsius. It should be noted that the accuracy of temperature measurement may be as low as + / -25°C (e.g., less than 25°C, 24°C, 23°C, 22°C, 21°C, 20°C, 19°C, 18°C, 17°C, 16°C, 15°C, 14°C, 13°C, 12°C, 11°C, 10°C, 9°C, 8°C, 7°C, 6°C, 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, 1°C, etc.). In some embodiments, the temperature sensor measures temperature indirectly by measuring the resistance of the heating element. In some implementations, resistance is measured in ohms. In some implementations, the temperature sensor is capable of measuring temperature distribution, which is the change of temperature over time.

[0175] Suction sensor

[0176] As described above, the evaporator device described herein may optionally include a suction sensor. In some embodiments, the suction sensor measures the start of user suction. In some embodiments, the suction sensor measures the end of user suction. In some embodiments, the suction sensor measures the duration of user suction. In some embodiments, the suction sensor measures the velocity and volume of air passing through the electronic evaporator device. In some embodiments, the suction sensor is a button pressed when the user begins suction. In some embodiments, the suction sensor is a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is a Venturi flow meter. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is an orifice plate. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is a Dall tube. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is a wind speed tube. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is a porous pressure probe. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is a tapered tube flow meter. In some embodiments, the suction sensor includes a button that is pressed by the user to initiate suction. In some embodiments, the suction sensor is a flow meter. In some embodiments, the flow meter is a turbine flow meter. In some embodiments, the suction sensor is communicatively coupled to a VMP unit. In some embodiments, the suction sensor is configured to measure suction initiated by a user. In some embodiments, the suction sensor is configured to measure suction initiated by an analytical smoking machine.

[0177] timer

[0178] In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device (e.g., device 100) using the method described herein for determining the amount of vapor delivered to the user includes a timer. In one embodiment, the timer is communicatively coupled to a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the timer is communicatively coupled to a suction sensor. In some embodiments, the timer measures the suction duration. In some embodiments, the timer measures the suction frequency. In some embodiments, the timer is communicatively coupled to a VMP unit. In some embodiments, the timer is communicatively coupled to both the suction sensor and the VMP unit. In some cases, the suction duration can range from about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds. In some cases, the suction duration can range from about 1 second to a maximum of about 5 seconds. In some cases, the suction duration can range from about 1 second to about 4 seconds. In some cases, the suction duration can range from about 1 second to about 3 seconds. In some cases, the suction duration can range from about 1 second to about 2 seconds. In some embodiments, the measurement accuracy of the suction duration is in the range of about ±0.05 seconds. In some embodiments, the measurement accuracy of the suction duration is in the range of about ±0.1 seconds. In some embodiments, the measurement accuracy of the aspiration duration is within approximately ±0.2 seconds. In some embodiments, the measurement accuracy of the aspiration duration is within approximately ±0.3 seconds. In some embodiments, the measurement accuracy of the aspiration duration is within approximately ±0.4 seconds. In some embodiments, the measurement accuracy of the aspiration duration is within approximately ±0.5 seconds.

[0179] In some variations, the heated storage container can be heated. (Reference) Figure 7 In some embodiments, an electronic evaporator device (e.g., device 100) utilizing the method described herein for determining the amount of steam delivered to a user includes a heat block reservoir (or heat storage unit or heat block).

[0180] Heated reservoirs allow for a more controlled initial state, which can enhance the predictability of dose estimation. This is in Figure 8 This will be explained in more detail. In some variations, particularly those described above, heating the reservoir may be unnecessary because a sufficiently accurate dose (steam) estimate can be determined. Figure 9A and 9B Conceptually, this involves models that could benefit from using a heated reservoir. Alternatively, only the portion of the evaporable material entering the evaporation zone (e.g., the core) could be heated.

[0181] Using electronic evaporator devices to aspirate evaporable organic formulations that may be viscous (non-flowing) or non-liquid can be challenging. However, there remains an unmet need to evaporate organic formulations that are viscous (non-flowing) liquids or non-liquids. In some embodiments, the heat reservoir is distinct from the heating element. In some embodiments, the heat reservoir is fluidly coupled to the heating element. In some embodiments, the heat reservoir is constructed of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the heat reservoir is constructed of high-temperature plastic. In some embodiments, the heat reservoir preheats the viscous, semi-solid, or solid composition before evaporation with the heating element. In some embodiments, the heat reservoir preheats the evaporable material to 40°C to 100°C. In some embodiments, the heat reservoir preheats the evaporable material to 40°C to 80°C. In some embodiments, the heat reservoir preheats the evaporable material to 40°C to 60°C. In some embodiments, the heat reservoir preheats the evaporable material to approximately 50°C. In some embodiments, the heat storage device preheats the evaporable material to 50°C to 100°C. In some embodiments, the heat storage device preheats the evaporable material to 60°C to 100°C. In some embodiments, the heat storage device preheats the evaporable material to 70°C to 100°C. In some embodiments, the heat storage device preheats the evaporable material to 80°C to 100°C. In some embodiments, the heat storage device preheats the evaporable material to 90°C to 100°C. In some embodiments, the heat block is configured for heating materials exhibiting a viscosity of 50 to 1000 centipoise. In some embodiments, the heat block is configured for heating materials exhibiting a viscosity of 1000 to 5000 centipoise. In some embodiments, the heat block is configured for heating materials exhibiting viscosities of 5000 and 50000 centipoise. In some embodiments, the hot block is configured to heat materials exhibiting a viscosity greater than 5,000 centipoise (or greater than 10,000 centipoise, greater than 20,000 centipoise, greater than 30,000 centipoise, greater than 40,000 centipoise, etc.).

[0182] In this example, an analytical evaporator device is used, similar to machines known in the art. An electronic evaporator device including a heat storage tank for viscous (non-flowing) liquids or non-liquids is compared to an electronic evaporator device without a heat storage tank. The heat storage tank preheats the viscous (non-flowing) liquid or non-liquid. When the viscous (non-flowing) liquid or non-liquid is preheated before evaporation, the effects of uneven heating during evaporation are reduced. Figure 8The displayed graphical data compares the number of extractions relative to the TPM release content (mg) of an unheated reservoir in an electronic evaporator device with the number of extractions relative to the TPM release content (mg) of a heated reservoir in the same device, where the latter reservoir is preheated to a temperature of 40-60°C. With the reservoir preheated to 40-60°C, approximately consistent amounts of TPM (mg) are produced from viscous or non-flowing organic formulations, whereas the amount of TPM (mg) evaporated by an electronic evaporator device without a heated reservoir is inconsistent. This inconsistency in TPM produced by the unheated reservoir may be a result of uneven heating of the evaporable material.

[0183] Evaporable materials

[0184] As described above, the vaporizer device described herein can be used with (and may include or be configured specifically for) any suitable evaporable material. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is an organic material. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is a liquid, viscous liquid, wax, or loose leaf material. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is a tobacco-based material. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is a botanical medicine. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is nicotine, nicotine derivatives, or nicotine salts. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is a nutritional supplement. In some embodiments, the evaporable material contains cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is a pharmaceutical compound.

[0185] In some embodiments, the evaporable material exhibits a viscosity of 1 to 50 centipoise. In some embodiments, the evaporable material exhibits a viscosity of 50 to 1000 centipoise. In some embodiments, the evaporable material exhibits a viscosity of 1000 to 5000 centipoise. In some embodiments, the evaporable material exhibits a viscosity greater than 10000 centipoise.

[0186] In some embodiments, the evaporable material contains nicotine. In some embodiments, the evaporable material contains a nicotine derivative. In some embodiments, the nicotine derivative is a nicotine acid salt. In some embodiments, the nicotine acid salt includes an organic acid. In some embodiments, the nicotine acid salt does not include an inorganic acid. In some embodiments, the nicotine derivative is cotinine. In some embodiments, the nicotine derivative is norcotinine. In some embodiments, the nicotine derivative is nornicotinine. In some embodiments, the nicotine derivative is nicotine nitrogen oxide. In some embodiments, the nicotine derivative is cotinine nitrogen oxide. In some embodiments, the nicotine derivative is 3-hydroxycotinine. In some embodiments, the nicotine derivative is 5-hydroxycotinine.

[0187] In some embodiments, the evaporable material is a formulation of nicotine, a nicotine derivative, or a nicotine salt. In some formulations, the concentration of nicotine or a derivative thereof in the formulation is from about 1% (w / w) to about 25% (w / w). In some formulations, the concentration of nicotine or a derivative thereof in the formulation is from about 1% (w / w) to about 20% (w / w). In some formulations, the concentration of nicotine in the formulation is from about 1% (w / w) to about 18% (w / w). In some embodiments, the concentration of nicotine in the formulation is from about 1% (w / w) to about 15% (w / w). In some embodiments, the concentration of nicotine in the formulation is from about 1% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w). In some embodiments, the concentration of nicotine in the formulation is from about 1% (w / w) to about 8% (w / w). In some embodiments, the concentration of nicotine in the formulation is from about 2% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w). In some formulations, the concentration of nicotine is from about 4% (w / w) to about 12% (w / w). In some formulations, the concentration of nicotine is about 4% (w / w). In some embodiments, the concentration of nicotine is about 2% (w / w).

[0188] Nicotine salt formulations are formed by adding a suitable acid (including organic or inorganic acids) to nicotine or its derivatives. In some of the formulations provided herein, the suitable organic acid is a carboxylic acid. Examples of organic carboxylic acids disclosed herein are monocarboxylic acids; dicarboxylic acids (organic acids containing two carboxylic acid groups); carboxylic acids containing aromatic groups, such as benzoic acid; hydroxycarboxylic acids; heterocyclic carboxylic acids; terpenoid acids; sugar acids, such as pectinic acid; amino acids; alicyclic acids; aliphatic carboxylic acids; ketocarboxylic acids, etc. In some of the formulations provided herein, the organic acid used herein is a monocarboxylic acid. In some of the formulations provided herein, the organic carboxylic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, sorbic acid, lauric acid, salicylic acid, pyruvic acid, or combinations thereof. In some of the formulations provided herein, the organic carboxylic acid is not levulinic acid. Nicotine salts are formed by adding a suitable acid to nicotine. In some formulations provided herein, the stoichiometric ratio of nicotine to acid (nicotine:acid) is 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 2:3, 2:5, 2:7, 3:4, 3:5, 3:7, 3:8, 3:10, 3:11, 4:5, 4:7, 4:9, 4:10, 4:11, 4:13, 4:14, 4:15, 5:6, 5:7, 5:8, 5:9, 5:11, 5:12, 5:13, 5:14, 5:16, 5:17, 5:18, or 5:19. In some formulations provided herein, the stoichiometric ratio of nicotine to acid is 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, or 1:4 (nicotine:acid).

[0189] In some embodiments, the nicotine formulation has an acidic pH. In some embodiments, the nicotine formulation has a pH < 7.0. In some embodiments, the nicotine formulation has a pH < 6.0. In some embodiments, the nicotine formulation has a pH < 5.0. In some embodiments, the nicotine formulation has a pH < 4.0. In some embodiments, the nicotine formulation has a pH > 3.0. In some embodiments, the nicotine formulation has a pH > 4.0. In some embodiments, the nicotine formulation has a pH > 5.0. In some embodiments, the nicotine formulation has a pH > 6.0.

[0190] In some embodiments, the vaporizable material contains cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabicarbonate (CBGA). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabicarbonate (CBG). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabicyclophenol (CBC). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabicyclophenol (CBL). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabinol (CBV). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabichromevarin (CBCV). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabigerovarin (CBGV). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabinol monomethyl ether (CBGM). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (D8THC). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9THC). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THCV). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabinol acid (CBNA). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabinol (CBN). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabidivaricacid (CBDA). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabidivaricacid (CBDVA). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is a stereoisomer of any of the above-mentioned cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is a salt of any of the above-mentioned cannabinoids.

[0191] In some embodiments, the vaporizable material is a cannabinoid preparation. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid concentration in the cannabinoid preparation is 1-99% cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid concentration in the cannabinoid preparation is 5-95% cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid concentration in the cannabinoid preparation is 10-90% cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid concentration in the cannabinoid preparation exceeds approximately 99% cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid concentration in the cannabinoid preparation exceeds approximately 98% cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid concentration in the cannabinoid preparation exceeds approximately 97% cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid concentration in the cannabinoid preparation exceeds approximately 96% cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid concentration in the cannabinoid preparation exceeds approximately 95% cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid concentration in the cannabinoid preparation exceeds approximately 94% cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid concentration in the cannabinoid preparation exceeds approximately 93% cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid concentration in the cannabinoid preparation exceeds approximately 92% cannabinoid. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid formulation contains more than approximately 91% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid formulation contains more than approximately 90% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid formulation contains more than approximately 80% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid formulation contains more than approximately 70% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid formulation contains more than approximately 60% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid formulation contains more than approximately 50% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid formulation contains more than approximately 40% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid formulation contains more than approximately 30% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid formulation contains more than approximately 20% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid formulation contains more than approximately 10% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid formulation contains between approximately 1% and approximately 10% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the concentration of cannabinoids in the cannabinoid formulation is approximately 10% to approximately 20% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the concentration of cannabinoids in the cannabinoid formulation is approximately 20% to approximately 30% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the concentration of cannabinoids in the cannabinoid formulation is approximately 30% to approximately 40% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the concentration of cannabinoids in the cannabinoid formulation is approximately 40% to approximately 50% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the concentration of cannabinoids in the cannabinoid formulation is approximately 50% to approximately 60% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the concentration of cannabinoids in the cannabinoid formulation is approximately 60% to approximately 70% cannabinoids.In some embodiments, the concentration of cannabinoids in the cannabinoid preparation is approximately 70% to approximately 80% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the concentration of cannabinoids in the cannabinoid preparation is approximately 80% to approximately 90% cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the concentration of cannabinoids in the cannabinoid preparation is approximately 90% to approximately 100% cannabinoids.

[0192] In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has an acidic pH. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH < 7.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH < 6.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH < 5.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH < 4.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH > 3.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH > 4.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH > 5.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH > 6.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has an alkaline pH. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH < 10.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH < 9.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH < 8.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH > 7.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH > 8.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH > 9.0. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid preparation has a pH > 10.0.

[0193] In some embodiments, the evaporable material contains a pharmaceutical compound as an active ingredient. Pharmaceutical compounds that are evaporated as active ingredients using an electronic evaporator device according to the methods described herein include drugs that can be heated, for example, from about 100°C (e.g., for water-based carriers, such as about 100°C, 105°C, 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, 150°C, 160°C, 170°C, etc.; for ethanol-based formulations, such as about 50°C, about 60°C, about 70°C, about 80°C, etc.) to about (e.g., below) the temperature at which the active ingredient thermally decomposes (e.g., less than about 150°C, 160°C, 170°C, 180°C, 190°C, 200°C, 210°C, 220°C, 230°C, 240°C, 250°C, 260°C, 270°C, 280°C, 290°C, 300°C, etc.) without combustion, in order to evaporate for inhalation delivery. In some embodiments, the drug may be pure or dissolved in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. In some embodiments, the drug may include an over-the-counter (OTC) substance as an adjunct to a variety of diseases; said drug may include known respiratory adjuncts for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The evaporable material that serves as the active ingredient evaporated using the device described herein may include a drug that can be heated to evaporate for inhalation delivery without combustion; said drug may include an OTC substance selected from upper respiratory tract adjuncts (e.g., cetirizine), analgesics and oral medication adjuncts (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), heartburn adjuncts (e.g., omeprazole), sleep adjuncts (e.g., doxylamine, diphenhydramine, melatonin), or motion sickness adjuncts (e.g., chlorpheniramine). In some embodiments, the evaporable material may contain respiratory support agents for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., salbutamol, levosalbutamol, pibuterol), long-acting beta-agonists (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol), anticholinergics (e.g., atropine sulfate, ipratropium bromide), leukotriene modifiers (e.g., montelukast, zafirlukast), corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone), theophylline (e.g., theophylline), or a combination of corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists (fluticasone and salmeterol, budesonide and formoterol, mometasone and formoterol). In some embodiments, the evaporable material may contain herbal medicines and / or nutrients, such as tea (polyphenols, flavonoids, green tea catechins + / - caffeine); peppermint (phenolic flavonoid glycosides, hemispheric diterpenes, yohimbine, cranberry / grape (proanthocyanidins), black cohosh (terpene glycosides (actin / cohoshin), flaxseed (ω-fatty acids), echinacea (echinacoside), valerian (alkaloids, gabapentin, isovaleric acid, terpenes), senna (sennosides), cinnamon (cinnamaldehyde, phenols, terpenes), vitamin D, saw palmetto (fatty acids), or caffeine.In some embodiments, the evaporable material is soluble in at least 50% by weight in any suitable carrier solvent, such as glycols (e.g., propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin), ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, ethanol, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compound is terpinene; in some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compound is linalool. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compound is phytol. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compound is β-myrcene. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compound is citronellol. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compound is caryophyllene oxide. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compound is α-pinene. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compound is limonene. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compound is β-caryophyllene. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compound is humulene. In some embodiments, the evaporable material is an essential oil.

[0194] User Interface

[0195] In some embodiments, the evaporator device described herein may include a user interface. In some embodiments, the user interface is a display. In some embodiments, the display is an LCD. In some embodiments, the display is an LED. In some embodiments, the display is an OLED. In some embodiments, the display provides the user interface. In some embodiments, the display is touch-sensitive. In some embodiments, the display conveys the suction frequency, suction duration, amount of TPM evaporated, amount of active ingredient evaporated, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the display allows the user to select the type of evaporable material. In some embodiments, the display allows the user to select the amount of evaporable material to be evaporated before or after an alarm unit alerts the user or the evaporator device is shut down. In some embodiments, the electronic evaporator device utilizing the method includes a user interface controller. In some embodiments, the user interface controller is communicatively coupled to the display. In some embodiments, the user interface controller is a software module that controls information communication via the display.

[0196] In some implementations, the user interface may be configured to allow the user to change and / or monitor the settings and status of the electronic evaporator device. For example, in one implementation, user means may be used to limit the use of the device individually or in combination with respect to any one of the calculated TPM, suction duration, suction volume, voltage, or heating temperature.

[0197] Furthermore, the evaporator device described herein may include at least one of a switch, keypad, display, input / output port, and wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the input / output port and wireless transceiver can be used to establish a communication link between the controller of the electronic evaporator device and an external computer such as a mobile phone or personal computer.

[0198] The foregoing disclosure and description of this invention are illustrative and explanatory, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0199] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments provided herein. While the invention has been described with reference to the foregoing description, the description and illustration of embodiments herein are not intended to be restrictive. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific descriptions, configurations, or relative proportions set forth herein, and depend on a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in carrying out the invention. Therefore, it is contemplated that the invention will also cover any such substitutions, modifications, variations, or equivalents.

[0200] Additional details relating to this invention, including materials and preparation techniques, are available to those skilled in the art. The same applies to the method-based aspects of the invention in terms of their usual or logical application. Furthermore, any optional features of the described variations of the invention may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more features described herein. Similarly, references to a single item include the possibility that multiple identical items exist. More specifically, the English singular forms “a,” “an,” “said,” and “the,” as used herein and in the appended claims, include plural indicators unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. It should also be noted that the claims may be designed to exclude any optional elements. Therefore, this statement is intended as a basis for the use of exclusive terms such as “solely,” “only,” etc., in relation to the assertion of claim elements or the use of “negative” limitation. Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The scope of this invention is not limited by this specification but is defined only by the obvious meaning of the terms used in the claims.

[0201] When a feature or element is referred to herein as being “on” another feature or element, it may be directly on the other feature or element, or there may be intermediate features and / or elements present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements. It will also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected,” “attached,” or “joined” to another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached, or joined to the other feature or element, or there may be intermediate features or elements present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly attached,” or “directly joined” to another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements. While described or shown with respect to one embodiment, features and elements so described or shown can be applied to other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also understand that a structure or feature referring to being “adjacent” to another feature may have portions overlapping with or beneath the adjacent feature.

[0202] It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated to “ / ”.

[0203] Spatial relative terms such as “under,” “below,” “lower,” “over,” “upper,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, what is described as “under” or “below” other elements or features is “over” for other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can include the vertical direction. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly. Similarly, unless otherwise specified, the terms “up,” “down,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” etc., are used for illustrative purposes only.

[0204] Although the terms "first" and "second" can be used to describe a variety of features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context otherwise requires. These terms can be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Thus, the first feature / element discussed below may be referred to as the second feature / element, and similarly, the second feature / element discussed below may be referred to as the first feature / element, without departing from the teachings of the invention.

[0205] In this specification and the claims below, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprising,” and variations such as “including” and “containing,” means that multiple components may be used together in a method and article of manufacture (e.g., a composition and an apparatus that includes means and methods). For example, the term “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of any of the stated elements or steps, but does not exclude any other elements or steps.

[0206] As used herein and in the claims, including as in the embodiments, unless otherwise expressly stated, all numbers may be interpreted as if they begin with “about” or “approximately”, even if the term is not explicitly stated. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing size and / or location to indicate that the described value and / or location is within a reasonably expected range of value and / or location. For example, a numerical value may have values ​​of + / - 0.1% (or a range of values), + / - 1% (or a range of values), + / - 2% (or a range of values), + / - 5% (or a range of values), + / - 10% (or a range of values), etc. Any numerical value given herein should also be understood to include approximately or approximately that value unless the context otherwise indicates. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical ranges described herein are intended to include all subranges included herein. It should also be understood that, as will be properly understood by those skilled in the art, when a value is disclosed, values ​​“less than or equal to the value,” “greater than or equal to the value,” and possible ranges between values ​​are also disclosed. For example, if “X” is disclosed, then “less than or equal to X” and “greater than or equal to X” are also disclosed (e.g., where X is a numerical value). It should also be understood that throughout the application, data is provided in various different formats of numbers, and this data represents a range of arbitrary combinations of start and end points and data points. For example, if specific data point “10” and specific data point “15” are disclosed, then it should be understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, equal to 10 and 15, and 10 to 15 are considered disclosed. It should also be understood that each unit between two specific units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0207] Although various illustrative embodiments have been described above, any of the various modifications to these embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. For example, in alternative embodiments, the order in which the various described method steps are performed may often be changed, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped entirely. Optional features of various apparatus and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments but not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0208] The embodiments and illustrations included herein are shown, by way of illustration and not limitation, of specific implementations of the subject matter. As noted above, other embodiments can be utilized and derived therefrom, allowing for structural and logical substitutions and changes without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For convenience only, these embodiments of the subject matter of this invention may be individually or collectively indicated by the term "invention," and are not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if, in fact, more than one invention is disclosed. Therefore, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement designed to achieve the same purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all modifications or variations of various embodiments. After reviewing the foregoing specification, combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A control unit (10) configured for use with an electronic evaporator assembly (100), the electronic evaporator assembly (100) being configured to evaporate an evaporable material, the control unit (10) comprising: Heating element controller (4); as well as Evaporation quality predictor unit (8), which is configured for evaporation dose estimation; The control unit (10) is configured to perform a number of operations including the following: The amount (5) of power delivered to the heater (360) of the electronic evaporator assembly (100) during the first partial dose interval corresponding to the first aspiration, the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the first partial dose interval, and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated in the time interval immediately preceding the first partial dose interval are forwarded to the evaporation quality predictor unit (8); and The predicted evaporation mass (9) delivered during the first partial dose interval is determined via the evaporation mass predictor unit (8) based at least on the amount of power (5), the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the first partial dose interval, and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated in the time interval immediately preceding the first partial dose interval.

2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of operations also include determining whether the predicted evaporation quality (9) meets or exceeds a first preset threshold, the first preset threshold corresponding to a preset steam quantity threshold for each extraction.

3. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of operations also include activating an alarm unit based on the determination that the predicted evaporation quality (9) meets or exceeds the first preset threshold, the alarm unit being configured to indicate to the user that the predicted evaporation quality (9) meets or exceeds the first preset threshold.

4. The control unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The multiple operations also include controlling the heating element controller (4) via control logic (14) to disable or modify steam generation from the electronic evaporator assembly (100) based on the determination that the predicted evaporation quality (9) meets or exceeds the first preset threshold.

5. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of operations also include adjusting a preset vapor quantity threshold for a second partial dose time interval corresponding to a second suction based on the predicted evaporation mass (9) delivered during the first partial dose time interval corresponding to the first suction.

6. The control unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The predicted evaporation mass (9) includes a first partial dose estimate delivered during the first partial dose time interval; and The plurality of operations further include adding the first partial dose estimate to one or more other partial dose estimates to determine a cumulative amount of an estimate of the evaporation quality delivered to the user on an evaporation session that includes a plurality of partial dose time intervals.

7. The control unit according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of operations also include determining whether the estimated cumulative amount of evaporation quality delivered to the user meets or exceeds a second preset threshold, the second preset threshold corresponding to a preset steam quantity threshold for each evaporation session.

8. The control unit according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of operations also include activating an alarm unit based on determining that the cumulative estimated amount of evaporation mass delivered to the user meets or exceeds the second preset threshold. The alarm unit is configured to indicate to the user that the cumulative estimated amount of evaporation mass delivered to the user meets or exceeds the second preset threshold.

9. The control unit according to claim 8, wherein, The multiple operations also include controlling the heating element controller (4) via control logic (14) to disable or modify steam generation from the electronic evaporator assembly (100) based on the determination that the cumulative amount of the estimated evaporation quality delivered to the user meets or exceeds the second preset threshold.

10. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature of the evaporated material includes the temperature distribution over the first partial dose time interval.

11. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic vaporizer device assembly (100) includes a timer, and the control unit (10) is configured to communicate with the timer to measure the duration of the first partial dose time interval.

12. The control unit according to claim 1, further comprising a memory unit (11); in, The plurality of operations also include storing at the memory unit (11) one or more of the following: the amount of power (5), the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the first partial dose time interval, the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated in a time interval immediately preceding the first partial dose time interval, the duration of the first partial dose time interval, or the predicted evaporation mass (9).

13. The control unit according to claim 1 further includes an interface controller (12); in, The plurality of operations also include: The predicted evaporation mass (9) is forwarded to the interface controller (12); and The interface controller (12) sends information related to the predicted evaporation quality (9) to the user interface (13).

14. An electronic evaporator device assembly (100) comprising a power supply (230), a heater (360), a temperature sensor (250), a suction sensor (270), and a control unit (10) according to any one of claims 1-13, the control unit (10) being configured to communicate with each of the power supply (230), the heater (360), the temperature sensor (250), and the suction sensor (270).

15. A method of operating a control unit (10) of an electronic evaporator assembly (100), the electronic evaporator assembly (100) being configured to evaporate an evaporable material and including a power source (230), a heater (360), a temperature sensor (250), and a suction sensor (270), the control unit (10) being configured to communicate with each of the power source (230), the heater (360), the temperature sensor (250), and the suction sensor (270), the control unit (10) including a heating element controller (4), a memory unit (11), an interface controller (12), and an evaporation quality predictor unit (8) configured for evaporation dose estimation, the method comprising: The amount (5) of power delivered to the heater (360) during the first partial dose time interval corresponding to the first suction, the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the first partial dose time interval, and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated in the time interval immediately preceding the first partial dose time interval are forwarded to the evaporation quality predictor unit (8). The predicted evaporation mass (9) delivered during the first partial dose interval is determined via the evaporation mass predictor unit (8) based at least on the amount of power (5), the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated during the first partial dose interval, and the temperature of the evaporable material evaporated in the time interval immediately preceding the first partial dose interval. Determine whether the predicted evaporation mass (9) meets or exceeds a preset threshold; as well as Based on the determination that the predicted evaporation quality (9) meets or exceeds the preset threshold, the heating element controller (4) is controlled via control logic (14) to disable or modify the steam generation from the electronic evaporator assembly (100).

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