System and method for a metered dosing vaporizer

Abstract

A system and method for a dosing vaporizer (100) is provided. More specifically, an embodiment of the system includes a housing (102) having a first end (104) and a second end (106) opposite the first end (104). A mouthpiece (108) is disposed adjacent to the first end (104), the mouthpiece (108) being constructed and arranged to rotate about the first end (104). An attachment (112) is disposed adjacent to the second end (106), the attachment (112) being constructed and arranged to be removably attached to a power source. A reservoir (114) of a liquid concentrate (116) is disposed within the housing (102). A vaporizer (118) is disposed adjacent to the attachment (112) and is thermally isolated from the reservoir (114). A steam conduit (120) extends substantially from the vaporizer (118) through the housing (102) to the mouthpiece (108). A metered, rotary-driven dispenser (124) is coupled to the mouthpiece (108) and applies a predetermined force on the reservoir (114) to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate (116) from the reservoir (114) into the vaporizer (118).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 002131, filed on March 30, 2020, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOSING VAPORIZER,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] In addition, the following patent applications and patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 391,829, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONCENTRATE USAGE OF A USER” (hereinafter the “'829 application”), U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 592,674, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONCENTRATE USAGE OF AUSER” (hereinafter the “'674 application”), U.S. patent application serial number 62 / 660,974, entitled “SMART VAPORIZER AND SYSTEM FOR CONCENTRATE PRODUCTS” (hereinafter the “'974 application”), U.S. patent application serial number 62 / 721,699, entitled “VAPORIZER CARTRIDGE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE” (hereinafter the “'699 application”), U.S. patent application serial number 62 / 721,699, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VAPORIZING CARTRIDGE SYSTEM WITH No. 16 / 541,062, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN APPLICABLE DIFFUSER” (hereinafter the “'062 application”), U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 559,556, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN APPLICABLE DOSING PRODUCT” (hereinafter the “'556 application”), and U.S. Patent No. 10,888,665, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-MODAL DOSING DEVICE” (hereinafter the “'665 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 10,888,666, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-MODAL DOSING DEVICE” (hereinafter the “'666 patent”), and U.S. Patent No. 10,834,967, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONCENTRATE USAGE OF A USER” (hereinafter the “'967 patent”). Technical Field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to a dosing vaporizer system constructed and arranged to provide a dose of a given product to a user in an inhalable form. The product is generally understood to be a liquid or oil concentrate. In particular, the present invention proposes a system for accurately dosing a product by providing a separate vaporizer, a reservoir and a dosing system. Background Art

[0005] The general devices commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes, handheld vaporizers, "e-cigarettes", etc. are understood and recognized as handheld electronic devices that provide vapor to a user for medical or recreational inhalation. In general, these devices are generally understood to include an electrically activated vaporizer within a housing that provides a mouthpiece and typically surrounds a cartridge or reservoir of material to be vaporized.

[0006] With some models, the battery that powers the vaporizer may be removable, while in other models it is fixed. Of course, the battery may also be rechargeable.

[0007] In the case of conventional smoking devices that use fire to burn material into aerosol, such as in the case of a pipe, cigarette or cigar, the user's inhalation draws air through the burning medium, which promotes the combustion action and produces the draw of aerosol.

[0008] In the case of a vaporizer device, although the user's inhalation of air may be used to trigger the device operation, the conversion of the inhaled substance from the initial state to the vapor state is not accomplished by fire. Most commonly, the material to be vaporized is provided in the form of a liquid - such as an oil-based liquid - that serves as a delivery medium for initially storing the inhalant compound and later transporting the inhalant compound to the vaporizer element so that the liquid is converted to vapor for inhalation by the user.

[0009] Due to varying product characteristics, current vaporizer solutions may or may not involve the addition of a diluent - i.e., propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, etc. More specifically, many products used in vaporizers rely on a diluent in order to effectively deliver the product to a vaporizer element - such as a heating coil in contact with or in close proximity to a ceramic or metal surface upon which the solution for vaporization is deposited.

[0010] With the growing availability of plant-based medicinal products, consistent and reliable treatment of a given condition or disease with the appropriate dosage is an important part of patient care. In fact, in some cases, different dosages of the same product may be appropriate for different conditions or diseases, thus further emphasizing the importance of the appropriate product dosage for a particular condition or disease.

[0011] Some vaporizing devices have intentionally positioned the reservoir of concentrate close to the vaporizer's heating element or other heating element to intentionally heat the concentrate within the reservoir / cartridge to facilitate easy flow or wicking of the concentrate into the vaporizing element. In some cases, a heating coil has even been disposed within or around at least a portion of the reservoir.

[0012] While this was initially thought to be helpful, it has been recognized that this additional and repeated heating can degrade the concentrate material, causing decomposition or chemical changes to the concentrate. This decomposition can lead to reduced effectiveness and / or enjoyment of the vaporized concentrate, as well as other problems that are only now being realized in the vaporization industry. Additionally, the wicking material (usually cotton) decomposes upon use and has a negative impact on the flavor of the vapor.

[0013] Since the vapor is provided from a liquid rather than a combustion product, it should also be recognized that the concentration of the inhalant, nicotine, CBD or other compound depends largely on the concentration provided in the liquid and how much of that liquid is then dispensed and vaporized. In fact, without accurate dispensing, a wide variation from one vaporization to the next can occur.

[0014] Furthermore, due to the possible variations in concentration from one batch or manufacturer to another, accurate dispensing or dosing is an important factor in reliable and repeatable use of a vaporizing device. Furthermore, for a given cartridge or reservoir of vaporizable concentrate or product, in order for the user to understand the true intended benefit, it is highly desirable that the vaporizing system achieve the same vaporization effect for all doses administered from the cartridge or reservoir unless or until the user or other party intentionally directs a change, such as a change in the dosing amount, vaporization temperature, vaporization duration, etc.

[0015] While some devices have attempted to provide dosing and vaporization based on inhalation similar to the traditional smoking experience, such devices are subject to wild variability because the user may be completely unaware of and unable to adjust the concentration of the product within the liquid suspension.

[0016] Therefore, there is a need for methods and systems that can overcome one or more of the above challenges. Summary of the invention

[0017] Our invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing a novel dosing vaporizer system to provide controlled dose delivery of a product while maintaining the integrity of the unused product in a safe and effective manner.

[0018] In particular, and by way of example only, in accordance with at least one embodiment, a metered-dosing vaporizer system is provided, comprising: a housing providing a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a mouthpiece disposed adjacent the first end, the mouthpiece being constructed and arranged to rotate about the first end; an attachment disposed adjacent the second end, the attachment being constructed and arranged for removable attachment to a power source; a reservoir of liquid concentrate within the housing; a vaporizer disposed adjacent the attachment and thermally isolated from the reservoir; a steam conduit extending substantially from the vaporizer through the housing to the mouthpiece; and a metered, rotary-driven dispenser constructed and arranged to exert a predetermined force on the reservoir to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate from the reservoir into the vaporizer, wherein the metered, rotary-driven dispenser is coupled to the mouthpiece.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, a metered-dose vaporizer system is provided, comprising: a housing providing a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a mouthpiece disposed adjacent the first end, the mouthpiece being constructed and arranged to rotate about the first end; a 510 battery connector disposed adjacent the second end, the battery connector being constructed and arranged for removable attachment to a battery; a reservoir of liquid concentrate within the housing; a vaporizer disposed adjacent the battery connector and thermally isolated from the reservoir; a central steam conduit extending generally from the vaporizer through the housing to the mouthpiece; an orifice disposed between the reservoir and the vaporizer; and a screw plunger constructed and arranged to apply a predetermined force on the reservoir to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate from the orifice into the vaporizer, the rotation of the mouthpiece causing a degree of rotation of the screw plunger, the degree of rotation being preselected to propel the plunger against the liquid concentrate in the reservoir to dispense the predetermined amount of liquid concentrate.

[0020] For yet another embodiment, a metered-dose vaporizer system is provided, comprising: a handheld device having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, with a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end; the first end is defined by a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being constructed and arranged for unidirectional rotation about the longitudinal axis; the second end is defined by an attachment, the attachment being constructed and arranged for removable attachment to a power source; a housing disposed between the mouthpiece and the attachment, the housing at least partially enclosing: a reservoir of liquid concentrate; a vaporizer a vaporizer disposed adjacent the attachment and thermally isolated from the reservoir; a steam conduit coupling the vaporizer to the mouthpiece; a metered dispenser constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate from the reservoir into the vaporizer upon a preselected degree of rotation of the mouthpiece; and an activator constructed and arranged to activate the vaporizer during a first time period by allowing connection between the vaporizer and the power source, the power allowing the vaporizer to generate heat and vaporize the dispensed predetermined amount of liquid concentrate.

[0021] For yet another embodiment, a metered-dosing vaporizer system is provided, comprising: a housing providing a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a mouthpiece disposed adjacent the first end, the mouthpiece being constructed and arranged for unidirectional rotation about the first end; a removable power source disposed adjacent the second end; a reservoir of liquid concentrate within the housing; a vaporizer disposed adjacent the power source and thermally isolated from the reservoir; a central steam conduit extending substantially from the vaporizer through the housing to the mouthpiece; and a metered, rotary-driven dispenser constructed and arranged to exert a predetermined force on the reservoir to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate from the reservoir into the vaporizer, the metered, rotary-driven dispenser being coupled to the mouthpiece.

[0022] And further, for another embodiment, a method for vaporizing a metered dose of a product is provided, comprising: providing a housing, the housing providing: a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a mouthpiece disposed adjacent the first end, the mouthpiece constructed and arranged to rotate about the first end; an attachment disposed adjacent the second end, the attachment constructed and arranged to be removably attached to a power source; a reservoir of liquid concentrate within the housing; a vaporizer disposed adjacent the attachment and thermally isolated from the reservoir; a vapor conduit, the a steam conduit extending generally from the vaporizer through the housing to the mouthpiece; a metered rotary driven dispenser constructed and arranged to exert a predetermined force on the reservoir to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate from the reservoir into the vaporizer, the metered rotary driven dispenser coupled to the mouthpiece; rotating the mouthpiece to activate the metered rotary driven dispenser to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate into the vaporizer; and activating the vaporizer to vaporize the dispensed liquid concentrate into vapor, the vapor being provided to a user through the mouthpiece. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a metered dosing system vaporizer in an initial state and a depleted state in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2A and Figure 2B illustrates perspective views of other embodiments of a metered dosing system vaporizer in an initial state and a depleted state in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2C FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A A side view of a metered dosing system carburetor is shown;

[0026] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a metered dosing system vaporizer and more particularly a metered rotary drive dispenser and a thermally isolated vaporization chamber according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is presented;

[0027] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 A partially cutaway perspective section of a metered dosing system carburetor is shown, further illustrating the shutter in operation;

[0028] Figure 5A partial side perspective view of an embodiment of a metered dosing system carburetor having a valve in place of a shutter in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention is presented;

[0029] Figure 6 According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4A-4C A partial side perspective view of an embodiment of a metered dosing system carburetor is shown wherein the leading edge of the shutter fin is convex;

[0030] Figure 7 A further embodiment of a metered dosing system vaporizer having a non-circular cross section according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is presented; and

[0031] Figure 8 According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 Exploded view of a metered dosing system carburetor shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Before proceeding with the detailed description, it should be appreciated that the present teachings are exemplary only and not limiting. The concepts herein are not limited to use or application with a particular dosing carburetor system. Therefore, while the means described herein are for ease of explanation with respect to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, it should be understood and appreciated that the principles herein may be equally applied to other types of systems involving dosing carburetor systems.

[0033] In the following description, the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to preferred embodiments, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. In addition, with respect to the numbering of the same or similar elements, it should be appreciated that the leading value identifies the accompanying drawing where the element is first identified and described, e.g., element 100 first appears in FIG. 1.

[0034] Now go to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , Figure 1A and Figure 1B Two perspective views of at least one embodiment of a metered dosing system vaporizer (hereinafter MDSV) 100 are shown. Figure 1A (Top view) shows the initial state of the MDSV 100, and the bottom Figure 1B is the final / exhausted state of MDSV 100.

[0035] For ease of describing the systems and methods for the MDSV 100, the orientation of the MDSV 100 as shown in the figure is referenced as follows: Figure 1AA coordinate system with three mutually orthogonal axes is shown. The axes intersect each other at the origin of the coordinate system, which is chosen to be the center of the MDSV 100, however, for clarity and ease of illustration, the axes are shown offset from their actual positions in all figures.

[0036] As shown, for at least one embodiment, the MDSV 100 is at least partially provided by a housing 102 that provides a first end 104 and a second end 106 opposite the first end 104. A mouthpiece 108 is disposed adjacent the first end 104 and is constructed and arranged to rotate about the first end 104. More specifically, the MDSV 100 can be understood to have a longitudinal axis 110 relative to which the mouthpiece 108 rotates about the first end 104.

[0037] Attachment 112 is disposed adjacent second end 106 and is constructed and arranged for removable attachment to a power source, such as a battery (not shown). As further described below, for at least one embodiment, attachment 112 is a threaded coupling. In an alternative embodiment, attachment 112 is a snap-on coupling. In addition, in contrast to devices that include a power source within their structure, it should be appreciated that embodiments of MDSV 100 are intended to be removably coupled to a remote power source, such as a battery, and more specifically, for some embodiments, a 510-type battery. The removal of the battery from the internal or integrated components of MDSV 100 advantageously simplifies a number of factors, including but not limited to manufacturing costs, shipping weight, and issues that may be associated with the safety and transportation of some types of batteries. In addition, because MDSV 100 and the power source are separate components, the battery is not potentially wasted simply because MDSV 100 has been exhausted, and likewise, MDSV 100 is not potentially wasted because the power source has been exhausted.

[0038] A reservoir 114 of a concentrate 116 is shown within the housing 102. As used herein, the term "concentrate" may include substances in chemical, distillate, and isolate forms. In addition, as used herein, the terms "liquid concentrate," "concentrate," "extruded liquid concentrate," "undispensed concentrate," "different liquid concentrates," and variations thereof refer only to the fluid contained in the reservoir 114 and are therefore (in most cases) interchangeable. Examples of concentrates include vaporizable drugs or medicaments and substances based on or containing nicotine. In many cases, the concentrate 116 may be of a type in which exposure to air is undesirable for various reasons, including, but not limited to, drying and oxidation. Accordingly, one aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an airtight seal for the reservoir 114 so that the liquid concentrate 116 is retained therein.

[0039] For ease of illustration and discussion, the concentrate 116 is represented by dots, however the spaces between the dots are not intended to show or indicate the lack of concentrate 116 within the reservoir 114. For at least one embodiment, the concentrate 116 is understood and recognized as a liquid concentrate. It will be further understood and recognized that the liquid concentrate 116 can have a viscosity ranging from very low 1 centipoise or less than 1 centipoise (e.g., water) to very high 100,000 centipoise or greater than 100,000 centipoise (e.g., paste). For at least one embodiment, the liquid concentrate 116 is a nicotine liquid concentrate. For at least one alternative embodiment, the liquid concentrate 116 is a CBD liquid concentrate. For yet another embodiment, the liquid concentrate 116 is a pharmaceutical liquid concentrate.

[0040] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, a vaporizer 118 is also disposed adjacent to the attachment 112. As used herein, it should be understood and appreciated that a "vaporizer" is a device, component, or assembly that is constructed and arranged to vaporize / atomize the liquid provided by the reservoir 114 into a vapor for inhalation through the mouthpiece 108. Figure 3 Embodiments of the vaporizer 118 are described more fully.

[0041] As further explained below, in various embodiments, the vaporizer 118 can be a ceramic or other thermal material configured as a heating chamber or platform. For at least one embodiment, the heating chamber or platform can be configured with a heating coil disposed therein. The heating chamber or platform can also be configured to provide an area of ​​a screen, mesh, or other thermally conductive porous material into which the liquid concentrate 116 is disposed and dispersed.

[0042] Whether the liquid concentrate 116 is dispensed / dispersed into, onto, or across individual chambers or platform elements, energy is typically applied in the form of heat by an electric heater adjacent thereto or other element constructed and arranged to vaporize the dispensed amount of the liquid concentrate 116 into steam, which is then provided to the user via a steam conduit 120 that is presented to an opening 122 in the mouthpiece 108.

[0043] It should be understood and appreciated that the heating element itself may be incorporated as an integral component of the heating chamber or platform, such that the same element that receives the dispensed liquid concentrate is also primarily responsible for achieving its vaporization. In various embodiments, sonic or vibrational atomization, etc., as well as infrared energy such as may be provided from a light source such as, but not limited to, a diode, may also be suitable.

[0044] Since the vaporizer 118 is shown adjacent to the attachment 112 and opposite the mouthpiece 108, it should be appreciated that within the MDSV 100 is a steam conduit 120 that generally passes from the vaporizer 118 through the housing 102 to the mouthpiece 108. For at least one embodiment, the steam conduit 120 is disposed substantially along the longitudinal axis 110. For yet another embodiment, the steam conduit 120 may be disposed to one side of the interior of the housing 102, or as a series of conduits in different combinations in the center and / or along the sides.

[0045] Also shown is a metered rotary driven dispenser 124 disposed within the housing 102 and constructed and arranged to exert a predetermined force on the reservoir 114 to dispense a predetermined amount of the liquid concentrate 116 from the reservoir 114 into the vaporizer 118. It should be appreciated that the metered rotary driven dispenser 124 is coupled to the mouthpiece 108 such that rotation of the mouthpiece 108 drives the metered rotary driven dispenser 124. It will also be understood and appreciated from the accompanying drawings that the rotation of the mouthpiece 108 is generally about the longitudinal axis 110.

[0046] It should also be appreciated that the MDSV 100 is a portable device and is intended to be handheld for use and operation by a human user. As used herein, "handheld" will be understood and appreciated as being designed to be held and used by hand.

[0047] Figure 1A 1 shows an initial state of the MDSV 100, wherein the reservoir 114 is substantially filled with liquid concentrate 116. Figure 1B , the mouthpiece 108 has been rotated multiple times and the screw shaft 130 is now exposed to further illustrate that the screw plunger 126 has been advanced downwardly so that the threaded shaft of the screw plunger is now exposed to further illustrate that the rotationally driven dispenser has been advanced downwardly and expelled substantially all of the liquid concentrate 116 from the reservoir 114 - the MDSV 100 is now in a depleted state.

[0048] It should also be understood and appreciated that the rotation of the mouthpiece 108 is limited to one direction: that is, for at least one embodiment, the mouthpiece 108 can only rotate clockwise so that the metered rotary drive dispenser 124 cannot be reversed. Of course, for at least one alternative embodiment, the mouthpiece 108 can also be configured to rotate counterclockwise to drive the metered rotary drive dispenser 124. In addition, the rotation can be clockwise or counterclockwise, but not both.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will recognize that because the metered rotary drive dispenser is an active mechanical device, it actively provides accurate and repeatable dispensing of a consistent, known amount of liquid concentrate 116 from the reservoir 114 by extrusion. This is in stark contrast to and is greatly superior to many conventional systems that rely on the passive properties of the core to passively draw the concentrate from the reservoir by capillary action.

[0050] In various embodiments, the MDSV 100 may provide a unique identifier 140 that may be scanned, read, or otherwise interpreted by a user or a computing device (such as a smart phone) owned by the user. The unique identifier may be provided to advantageously identify the MDSV 100 and specifically the liquid concentrate 116 contained therein. The unique identifier may be a composite element that provides general or group information (e.g., a company or DVS 100 model) and a unique component that may be used to uniquely identify the MDSV 100, the user, the liquid concentrate 116, or other information that may be considered relevant. For at least one embodiment, the unique identifier 140 is associated with at least one database for information associated therewith.

[0051] about Figure 1A and Figure 1B , it should be appreciated that the threads 142 of the screw shaft 130 are disposed above the reservoir 114, wherein the plunger seal 132 has a spacer 144 to allow the threads 142 to remain removed from the reservoir 114. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the embodiment of the MDSV 100 shown, the steam conduit 120 passes through the screw shaft 130. For at least one embodiment, when the mouthpiece 108 rotates, the lower portion 146 of the screw shaft 130 (see FIG. 1 ) disposed through the reservoir 114 is Figure 1A ) will also rotate, as described in further detail below, which can facilitate operation of the shutter to alternately expose and seal the orifice 128. For yet another embodiment, what appears as the lower portion 146 of the screw shaft is a separate tube structure aligned with and fluidly coupled to the screw shaft 130.

[0052] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A perspective view of an MDSV 100 according to yet another embodiment is presented. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Same, Figure 2A An initial state of the MDSV 100 is presented with the reservoir 114 being substantially filled with liquid concentrate 116. Figure 2B, the mouthpiece 108 has been rotated multiple times and the screw shaft 130 is now exposed to further illustrate that the screw plunger 126 has been advanced downwardly so that the threaded shaft of the screw plunger is now exposed to further illustrate that the rotationally driven dispenser has been advanced downwardly and expelled substantially all of the liquid concentrate 116 from the reservoir 114 - the MDSV 100 is now in a depleted state.

[0053] It should also be recognized that Figure 2A , the threads 200 of the screw shaft 130 are visible and extend through the reservoir 114. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Compared to the embodiment of the MDSV 100 depicted in FIG. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The alternative embodiment of the MSDV 100 depicted in FIG. 1 does not have the spacer 144 . Figure 1A Also shown is a shield 202 disposed at the distal end 204 of the screw shaft 130. Figure 3 , Figures 4A-4C and Figure 6 Described in greater detail, the shutter 202 has at least one shutter fin 206 and operates to expose and seal the aperture 128, which is currently shown in phantom relief because it is beneath the shutter fin.

[0054] As described above, it should again be understood and appreciated that the rotation of the mouthpiece 108 is limited to one direction: that is, for at least one embodiment, the mouthpiece 108 can only rotate clockwise so that the metered rotary drive dispenser 124 cannot be reversed. Of course, for at least one alternative embodiment, the mouthpiece 108 can also be configured to rotate counterclockwise to drive the metered rotary drive dispenser 124. In addition, the rotation can be clockwise or counterclockwise, but not both.

[0055] The one-way rotation / anti-reverse safety advantageously further allows for consistent and repeatable dispensing of the intended metered dose of liquid concentrate 116. Of course, alternative tactile or audible indicators and one-way rotation elements (such as but not limited to ratchets) may also be used to notify the user of each proper rotation or portion thereof and / or ensure one-way rotation.

[0056] As in Figure 2A and Figure 2B As can also be appreciated in the depicted embodiment of the MDSV 100, the engagement of the mouthpiece 108 with the screw shaft 130 also involves a spring 208 to provide an expansion force between the mouthpiece 108 and the universal housing 102. For at least one embodiment, the metered vaporizer system can also include an indicator constructed and arranged to indicate to the user that he or she has rotated the mouthpiece a predetermined amount. Such an indicator can be a clicker that produces an audible click and / or vibration as a tactile indicator.

[0057] For at least one embodiment, ratchet 210 can be used to achieve unidirectional rotation and provide tactile and / or audible indication of proper rotation of mouthpiece 108 relative to housing 102. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the ratchet 210 has a plurality of spring elements 212 with blocking elements 214 at their distal ends. A set of corresponding blocking receivers 216 (such as but not limited to semi-rectangular notches) are formed in the inner side wall of the housing.

[0058] For the direction that allows rotation, either or both of the blocking element 214 and the blocking receiver 216 are constructed and arranged to allow the blocking element 214 to slide upward and out of the blocking receiver 216 when the mouthpiece 108 rotates. For the direction that does not allow rotation, either or both of the blocking element 214 and the blocking receiver 216 are constructed and arranged to prevent the blocking element 214 from sliding upward and outward. For example, in order to allow rotation to occur between the mouthpiece 108 and the housing 102, the corresponding sides of the blocking bolt 214 and / or the blocking receiver 216 can be inclined to allow the blocking element 214 to slide upward and outward.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, blocking element 214 is a distal end of each spring element 212. For yet another embodiment, a peg, block, or other element may further be formed at or otherwise connected to a distal end of each spring element.

[0060] For yet another embodiment, there may be one or more internal ridges or raised points disposed adjacent one end of the spring 208 such that as the mouthpiece 108 and housing 102 rotate relative to one another, the spring is compressed during a portion of the rotation as the coil slides over the ridges, and then released when the end passes over the internal ridges, thereby providing a click and / or tactile sensation that a rotation interval has been achieved corresponding to the delivery of a metered amount of oil / concentrate. For at least one embodiment, the rise and fall of the spring past the one or more internal ridges may also ensure unidirectional rotation, since if reverse rotation is attempted, the end of the spring abuts the internal ridges and stops the rotation.

[0061] For at least one alternative embodiment, such a clicker may be provided by including a click plate between the mouthpiece 108 and the first end 104 of the housing 102, with rotation of the mouthpiece relative to the click plate actuating one or more spring-loaded balls or spring-biased pins such that they click / hit / impact another surface when relative rotation places them over the tabs of the click plate. Such a click plate Figure 7 The alternative embodiments presented in Figure 8 The exploded diagram thereof is shown, corresponding to Figure 7 An alternative embodiment of the MDSV 100 is shown.

[0062] Figure 2C is corresponding to Figure 2A A side view of an embodiment of the MDSV 100 is shown. Figure 3 Yes Figure 2C A cross-sectional view of the MDSV 100 is shown. Figure 3-Figure 6 and in particular presents a cross-sectional view of at least one embodiment of the MDSV 100 Figure 3 As further illustrated and described, the metered rotary drive dispenser 124 shown can be generally described as a screw plunger 126 constructed and arranged to drive the liquid concentrate 116 from the reservoir 114 through at least one orifice 128 or valve and into the vaporizer 118. More specifically, the screw plunger 126 is provided by at least a screw shaft 130 and a plunger seal 132.

[0063] In addition, it should be appreciated that the screw plunger 126 is operable to exert a predetermined force on the reservoir 114 to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate into the vaporizer through at least one orifice 128 or valve. More specifically, rotation of the mouthpiece 108 causes a certain degree of rotation of the screw plunger 126 and more specifically the screw shaft 130. The degree of rotation is pre-determined to cause the plunger seal 132 to advance against the liquid concentrate 116 of the reservoir 114 to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate. For at least one alternative embodiment, the screw plunger 126 can provide external pressure against the reservoir 114 in the form of a bag or otherwise collapsible shell so that the moving end of the plunger does not directly encounter the liquid concentrate 116, but instead compresses the exterior of the reservoir 114.

[0064] For at least one embodiment, the mouthpiece 108 is directly coupled to the metered rotary drive dispenser 124. More specifically, for at least one embodiment, the degree of rotation imparted to the mouthpiece 108 is the same as the degree of rotation imparted to the screw shaft 130. For yet another embodiment, a coupled drive system may be employed such that there is a translation of the degree of rotation of the mouthpiece 108 and the resulting rotation of the screw shaft 130.

[0065] For at least one embodiment, the rotary drive dispenser 124 is a cycloidal gear assembly, as set forth and described in the '665 patent and the '666 patent, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, for at least one embodiment, the cycloidal gear assembly advantageously provides a high gear ratio (e.g., the number of revolutions between the rotation of the mouthpiece 108 and the rotation of the screw shaft 130 to impart lateral motion to the plunger seal 132), as well as low friction, high torque, compact size, and excellent wear resistance - desirable characteristics that facilitate consistent extrusion of the liquid concentrate 116 for consistent metered dosing.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a cycloidal gear assembly is a form of toothed gear assembly based on epicycloidal and hypocycloidal curves generated by the rolling of a circle around the outside or inside of another circle. When two toothed gears are meshed, an imaginary circle - the pitch circle - can be drawn around the center of either gear through the contact points between their respective teeth. The curve of the tooth outside the pitch circle is called the tooth top, while the curve of the tooth space inside the pitch circle is called the tooth bottom. In addition, the tooth top of one gear is located inside the tooth root of the other gear. The tooth top of the gear tooth is a convex epicycloidal curve, and the tooth root of the pinion is a concave hypocycloidal curve generated by the same generating circle. This ensures that the motion of one gear is transmitted to the other gear at a locally consistent angular velocity.

[0067] For at least one alternative embodiment, the rotationally driven distributor 124 is adapted from one or more embodiments of a screw plunger embodiment of a vaporizing cartridge with a diffuser, as set forth and described in the '062 application for "System and Method For Vaporizing Cartridge System With Diffuser" (incorporated by reference).

[0068] For at least one embodiment, the plunger seal 132 forms or at least partially defines an upper or first end 134 of the reservoir 114, opposite the at least one orifice 128 or valve in the second end 136. Additionally, for at least one embodiment, the plunger seal 132 has corresponding threads 300 (see Figure 3 , Figure 1A and Figure 1B ) to cooperate with the thread 202 of the screw shaft 130.

[0069] It should be understood and appreciated that the pitch of the threads or the number of threads per unit of measurement - English (inches) or Metric (centimeters) - is preselected so that each quarter, half or full rotation of the mouthpiece 108 results in a known and expected linear advancement of the plunger seal 132.

[0070] For at least one embodiment, the plunger seal 132 has an alignment element that is constructed and arranged to prevent the plunger seal 132 from rotating within the housing when the screw shaft 130 rotates. In addition, the alignment element ensures that when the screw shaft 130 rotates through the plunger seal 132, the corresponding threads 300 and 202 ensure that the plunger seal 132 is driven toward the second end 136 of the reservoir 114. For at least one embodiment, the alignment element is a cross-sectional geometry (e.g., non-circular) of the plunger seal 132 and the housing 102. More specifically, the plunger seal 132 and the interior of the housing 102 can be formed with a corresponding ovality or elliptical, such as a corresponding non-circular shape that allows the plunger seal 132 to move longitudinally within the housing 102 without freely rotating. For yet another embodiment, the alignment element can be a track and groove arrangement between the plunger seal 132 and the housing 102.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate and understand that variations in the pitch / number of threads can be coordinated with the size of the reservoir to advantageously provide precise metered dosing. More specifically, the same screw shaft 130 can be used with multiple MDSV 100 systems, however, in order to accommodate proper product dosing between different MDSV 100 systems having different liquid concentrates, the size of each respective reservoir 114 can be intentionally adjusted so that the same linear advancement of the plunger seal 132 results in intentionally different but predetermined amounts of different liquid concentrates being dispensed.

[0072] It should also be appreciated that the vaporizer 118 is substantially thermally isolated from the reservoir 114 of the liquid concentrate 116 by a physical space or physical isolator component (such as a thermal isolator 138—such as an insulating material). Thus, the process of vaporizing the dispensed amount of the liquid concentrate 116 does not adversely affect (e.g., heat) the liquid concentrate 116 within the reservoir 114, which could result in undesirable degradation or changes to the liquid concentrate 116. In other words, it should be understood and appreciated that the liquid concentrate 116 is stored / located in the reservoir 114 that is physically removed from and / or physically isolated from the vaporizer 118, such that heat applied to the dispensed liquid concentrate during the vaporization process is not transferred to the remaining liquid concentrate 116 contained in the reservoir 114.

[0073] Such isolation may be accomplished by physical separation, thermal shielding, insulation, or material transitions. It is of course understood and appreciated that because the dosing vaporizer system is a small and integrated device, a certain percentage of heat transfer may occur from the vaporizer 118 to the reservoir 114. However, for purposes of the present disclosure and the embodiments contemplated below, thermal isolation between the reservoir 114 and the vaporizer 118 is understood and appreciated as being a thermal separation between the reservoir 114 and the vaporizer 118 (and most specifically, Figure 3Those conditions where any heat transfer occurring between the vaporization chamber 114 and the vaporization chamber 116 has a substantially negligible effect on the liquid concentrate 116 within the reservoir 114.

[0074] With respect to the above description, it should be understood and appreciated that the DVS 100 of at least one embodiment can be summarized as comprising: a housing 102, the housing 102 providing a first end 104 and a second end 106 opposite the first end 104; a mouthpiece 108, the mouthpiece 108 being disposed adjacent to the first end 104, the mouthpiece 108 being constructed and arranged to rotate around the first end 104; an attachment 112, the attachment 112 being disposed adjacent to the second end 106, the attachment 112 being constructed and arranged to be removably attached to a power source; the housing 102 providing a first end 104 and a second end 106 opposite the first end 104; a mouthpiece 108, the mouthpiece 108 being disposed adjacent to the first end 104, the mouthpiece 108 being constructed and arranged to rotate around the first end 104; and an attachment 112, the attachment 112 being disposed adjacent to the second end 106, the attachment 112 being constructed and arranged to be removably attached to a power source. 2; a reservoir 114 containing a liquid concentrate 116 within the attachment 112; a vaporizer 118, the vaporizer being disposed adjacent the attachment 112 and thermally isolated from the reservoir 114; a steam conduit 120, the steam conduit 120 generally extending from the vaporizer through the housing 102 to the mouthpiece 108; and a metered, rotary-driven dispenser constructed and arranged to exert a predetermined force on the reservoir 114 to dispense a predetermined amount of the liquid concentrate 116 from the reservoir 114 into the vaporizer, the metered, rotary-driven dispenser being coupled to the mouthpiece 108.

[0075] Yet another embodiment of the MDSV 100 can be summarized as comprising: a housing 102 providing a first end 104 and a second end 106 opposite the first end 104; a mouthpiece 108 disposed adjacent the first end 104, the mouthpiece 108 being constructed and arranged to rotate about the first end 104; a battery connector 510 disposed adjacent the second end 106, the battery connector being constructed and arranged to be removably attached to a battery; a reservoir 114 of a liquid concentrate 116 within the housing 102; and a vaporizer 118 disposed adjacent the battery connector 510 and coupled to the reservoir 116. 4 thermal isolation; a central steam conduit 120, the central steam conduit 120 extending generally from the vaporizer through the housing 102 to the mouthpiece 108; an orifice 128 disposed between the reservoir 114 and the vaporizer; and a screw plunger constructed and arranged to exert a predetermined force on the reservoir 114 to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate 116 from the orifice 128 into the vaporizer, rotation of the mouthpiece 108 causing a degree of rotation of the screw plunger, the degree of rotation being preselected to cause the screw plunger 126 to be advanced against the liquid concentrate 116 in the reservoir 114 to dispense the predetermined amount of liquid concentrate 116.

[0076] As described above, the orifice 128 may have a valve disposed therein, or a valve may be provided as a structure in place of the orifice 128. For at least one embodiment in which a valve is provided in or in place of the orifice 128, the valve is at the first one-way valve. Different embodiments may include multiple valves and / or one-way valves arranged in parallel or in series. Such a configuration may be desirable for ease of manufacturing, to better accommodate different liquid viscosities, to provide an airless pump chamber, or for other design parameters deemed beneficial to the precise operation of a metered carburetor system.

[0077] For at least one embodiment, the orifice 128 is gated by a shutter 202 (a mechanism or element constructed and arranged to close and open the orifice 128). In addition, the shutter 202 allows the liquid concentrate 116 to pass through the orifice 128 for a determined period of time before the orifice 128 is closed and the ability of the liquid concentrate 116 to pass through ceases. In other words, the shutter 202 exposes the orifice 128 and then covers or otherwise seals the orifice 128. When exposed, the orifice 128 allows the liquid concentrate 116 to be squeezed therethrough for deposition into the vaporization chamber 306. When covered or closed, accidental or unintentional leakage of the liquid concentrate 116 is substantially prevented so that the liquid concentrate 116 does not inadvertently enter the vaporization chamber 306 except in direct response to a dosing event.

[0078] For at least one embodiment, the shutter 202 is provided by one or more shutter fins 206. For at least one embodiment, the distal end 204 of the screw shaft 130 can provide one or more shutter fins 206. More specifically, as the screw shaft 130 rotates, each shutter fin 206 also rotates, and in doing so exposes and then seals each of the at least one orifice 128 or valve, thereby allowing the liquid concentrate 116 to be expressed from the reservoir.

[0079] exist Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The rotation of the screw shaft 130 and more specifically the movement of the shutter fins 206 are further illustrated in the partial perspective view of the MDSV 100 shown. Figure 4A , the shutter fin 206A is shown covering the orifice 128 or valve. Figure 4B , the screw shaft 130 has been partially rotated so that the shutter fin 206A is now removed from covering the orifice 128 or valve, and the shutter fin 206B has not yet been rotated into position to cover the orifice 128 or valve. Figure 4C , the screw shaft 130 has continued to rotate, and the shutter fin 206B now partially covers the orifice 128 or valve. When the screw shaft 130 completes a partial rotation, the shutter fin 206B will appear as Figure 4AThe shroud fin 206A is shown covering the location of the orifice 128 or valve. Of course, other shrouds 202 may be employed in different embodiments that do not rely on one or more shroud fins 206 extending from the screw shaft 130.

[0080] Figure 4B Also presented are alternative embodiment options of a valve 400 disposed within the orifice 128. In various embodiments, the valve 400 may be provided as a diaphragm 402, or as a more robust one-way valve 404 that operates to allow the liquid concentrate 116 to be squeezed out of the reservoir 114 when and as the plunger seal 132 applies pressure, the plunger seal 132 being advanced along the screw shaft 130 by rotation of the mouthpiece 108.

[0081] In addition, if Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, in the embodiment of the MDSV 100, the screw shaft 130 provides the shroud fins 206, and the liquid concentrate 116 can be simply squeezed through the orifice 128 when exposed. However, it should be understood and appreciated that the valve 400 can be used with a screw shaft 130 that provides the shroud fins 206, or in alternative embodiments, with a screw shaft 130 that does not provide the shroud fins.

[0082] Figure 5 An alternative embodiment of the MDSV 100 is presented in which the screw shaft 130 is not provided with shutter fins and the orifice 128 has been enhanced as a valve 400 and more specifically a diaphragm 402 .

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, for at least one embodiment, the leading edge 500 of each shutter fin 206 is angled upwardly such that when the rear portion is in flat contact with the bottom (second end 136) of the reservoir 114 (such as the thermal insulator 138), the leading edge 500 is elevated above the bottom (second end 136) of the reservoir 114, as indicated by dimension 502. Additionally, as the shutter fin(s) 206 rotate, the raised leading edge scoops up and directs the liquid concentrate 116 into each of the at least one orifice 128 or valve, an action that can advantageously aid in the precise dispensing of the liquid concentrate 116.

[0084] about Figure 3And in particular the enlarged cross-sectional view 302 of the MDSV 100, for at least one embodiment, the location of the thermal isolator 138 can also be recognized. The thermal isolator 138 can also perform additional functions such as also sealing the second end 136 of the reservoir 114 when each shutter fin 206 is arranged to cover each of the at least one orifice 128 or valve. For at least one embodiment, the thermal isolator is a flexible material such as, but not limited to, rubber or Teflon®. For at least one alternative embodiment, the thermal isolator can be formed of, but not limited to, glass, ceramic, or a composite material. In addition, the surface of the thermal isolator 138 exposed to the reservoir can be coated or treated with a smoothing / lubricating agent.

[0085] It should also be appreciated that below the at least one orifice 128 or valve is a port 304 that is constructed and arranged to direct the extruded liquid concentrate 116 into the vaporization chamber 306 and more specifically onto a diffuser element 308 disposed in thermal contact with the heater 310. For at least one embodiment, the port 304 is provided by a metal element, such as stainless steel, which may be formed or intended to further thermally isolate the reservoir 114 from the vaporization chamber 306.

[0086] As also shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view 302, the vaporization chamber 306 is a substantially enclosed space defined by an outer wall 312 that generally surrounds a vaporization element (such as a diffuser element 308) and thus substantially isolates the reservoir 114 and the liquid concentrate 116 therein from harmful heat exposure when the heater 310 is activated to achieve vaporization. More simply stated, the element(s) that achieve vaporization within the vaporization chamber 306 are configured to properly and consistently achieve vaporization of the dispensed liquid concentrate 116, but these elements are also positioned and isolated so as not to inadvertently degrade the undispensed liquid concentrate 116 remaining in the reservoir 114 due to exposure to high temperatures. For at least one embodiment, the vaporization chamber 306 may also have an insulator between the heater 310 and the attachment 112 so as not to inadvertently heat an attached power support, such as a battery 510.

[0087] For at least one embodiment, the diffuser element 308 is constructed and arranged to receive the liquid concentrate 116 and present it adjacent to a heat source provided by the MDSV 100 so that the liquid concentrate 116 can be vaporized. In addition, for at least one embodiment, the diffuser element 308 is a thermally conductive porous material. The surface tension of the liquid concentrate 116 and the choice of material (such as, but not limited to, metal, glass, ceramic, or composite screens, perforated sheets, or woven constructions) allow the diffuser element 308 to receive and, in at least one embodiment, wick the liquid concentrate across / throughout the diffuser element 308 to promote uniform and substantially consistent vaporization. It should be understood and appreciated that the use of capillary action within the vaporization chamber to advantageously promote substantially complete vaporization is entirely distinct and unrelated to the active extrusion of a metered dose of a known amount of the liquid concentrate 116 as described above.

[0088] For at least one embodiment, the diffuser element 308 is a metal, such as, but not limited to, gold, stainless steel, brass, or tungsten steel. For another embodiment, the diffuser element 308 can be provided by metal plating / deposition on a substrate. For yet another embodiment, the diffuser element 308 is ceramic, glass, or fiberglass. For yet another embodiment, the diffuser element 308 is a synthetic or organic fiber. It should also be understood and appreciated that, because different embodiments of the MDSV 100 can provide different liquid concentrates, different diffuser elements 308 that are best suited for different liquid concentrates 116 can be specifically selected.

[0089] Thus, the MDSV 100 advantageously allows the most appropriate diffuser element 308 to be paired with the liquid concentrate 116 for a given MDSV 100. In other words, for at least one embodiment, the operation and efficiency of the MDSV 100 is improved because the need to provide a universal diffuser element suitable for many liquid concentrates rather than being optimized specifically for one liquid concentrate is eliminated because each MDSV 100 provides its own optimized diffuser element 308.

[0090] It should also be noted that for at least one embodiment, the diffuser element 308 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis 110 of the MDSV 100 to further help disperse the extruded liquid concentrate 116 for vaporization. In various embodiments, the diffuser element 308 may also be at least partially disposed within a protective sleeve as a porous insert having a plurality of apertures that, in combination with the pores within the porous insert, allow air to flow through the diffuser element 308, thereby helping to remove the generated vapor and direct it into the steam conduit 120 for delivery to the user from the opening in the mouthpiece 108.

[0091] It should be appreciated that for at least one embodiment, the MDSV 100 provides one or more air intake ports 314 for intake of air directed into the vaporization chamber 306. In various embodiments, the air may be directed through ports in the bottom of the vaporization chamber 306 and / or the sidewalls of the vaporization chamber 306. It should also be appreciated that in various embodiments, the air intake ports 314 may be protected with a mesh or filter material to reduce the likelihood of contamination of the vaporization chamber and diffuser element 308 by foreign airborne particles.

[0092] about Figure 3 It will also be appreciated that the steam conduit 120 fluidly interconnecting the vaporization chamber to the opening 122 in the mouthpiece 108 is substantially straight, without providing turns, bends, or redirecting elements. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the steam traveling through the steam conduit 120 has minimal interaction with the side walls of the steam conduit 120. Therefore, although for at least one embodiment, the steam conduit 120 passes centrally through the reservoir 114, the heat transfer from the passing steam to the remaining liquid concentrate 116 within the reservoir 114 is negligible. For at least one embodiment, the steam conduit 120 can be constructed and arranged to provide some thermal insulation between the steam conduit and the reservoir by selecting materials, double-walled construction, or a combination thereof. The steam conduit 120 can also be coated internally or externally with an insulating material.

[0093] like Figure 3 302, air entering through the air intake port 314 has been illustrated (indicated as light dashed line 320). The air passes through internal passages so as to be delivered adjacent to the diffuser element 308. In various embodiments, these passages may be through the outer wall 312 or bottom of the vaporization chamber 306. For at least one embodiment, the air 320 passes through the diffuser element 308, onto which a metered dose of liquid concentrate 116 (again indicated as dots) has been dispensed. As the liquid concentrate is vaporized, the air 320 becomes enriched (indicated as heavy dashed line 332) and continues through the vapor conduit 120 to the mouthpiece 108, where it is provided to the user.

[0094] about Figure 3 , it is further appreciated that the nature of the attachment 112 for connecting the MDSV 100 to a power source, such as a battery, may be used. The use of an external power source may advantageously reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing each MDSV 100, as well as ensure that the external power source is not wasted because the reservoir has been depleted, or that remaining concentrate is wasted when the internal power source is depleted.

[0095] For at least one embodiment, the MDSV 100 can be dependent on an external trigger, such as a button, provided as a component of a remote power source for activating the MDSV 100 to vaporize a metered amount of liquid concentrate disposed in the vaporization chamber. For at least one embodiment, the MDSV 100 can also include an engager, such as a trigger switch, that resets with rotation of the mouthpiece 108 and activation of the metered rotary drive dispenser 124, such a trigger preventing reactivation of the heating element when liquid concentrate has not yet been disposed in the vaporization chamber.

[0096] For all embodiments of the MDSV 100 described herein, it is intended that there is an activator constructed and arranged to activate the MDSV 100 by allowing an electrical connection between the MDSV 100, and more specifically the heater 310 or other electrical device primarily responsible for converting the predetermined amount of extruded liquid concentrate 116, and a power source (such as 510 a battery) for a first period of time, which electricity allows the MDSV 100 to generate heat and vaporize the predetermined amount of extruded liquid concentrate 116.

[0097] In various embodiments, the activator may be a component of a power source, such as a battery 510 , or the activator may be a component of the MDSV 100 itself, such as a button 316 .

[0098] Although the metered vaporizer system as shown and described herein is generally intended for stand-alone operating embodiments (when coupled to a power source), for at least one alternative embodiment, the MDSV 100 system may be further enhanced with a controller, such as a control unit 318 having circuitry with a processor configured and / or adapted to control the thermal energy generated by the heater 310 to effect vaporization of the metered dose of liquid concentrate 116 disposed into the vaporization chamber 306.

[0099] For at least one embodiment, the control unit 318 may also include memory and / or wireless communication circuitry, such as a transceiver, which may interface with one or more external computing devices to receive instructions and / or parameters for operation. In addition, for at least one embodiment, the processor of the control unit 318 may be operable to interface with a vaporizing element (such as a heater 310 or atomizer) and a transceiver to provide operating characteristics, such as but not limited to use cycle, duty cycle, remaining dose, use frequency, etc. The processor may also be operable to interface with the transceiver to receive use parameters, such as heating duration and heating temperature or other operating characteristics that may be affected by the user's location (i.e., dry climate vs. humid climate).

[0100] The processor may also be operable to receive and / or confirm that the user is authorized to use the vaporizing device, e.g., whether the user has an account, is of the appropriate age, has a prescription, has sufficient time passed since last activation, etc.

[0101] Indeed, for at least one embodiment, such further operational advantages may be facilitated by a remote application operating on a user's mobile device, such as a smartphone (i.e., iPhone®, Android®, or another portable device). Such a device may further scan, read, or otherwise obtain a unique indicia or characteristic (e.g., a QR code, RFID chip, barcode, serial number, etc.) provided by or on the MDSV 100 as a unique identifier 140 (see Figure 1A and Figure 1B ), to provide unique identification of the vaporizer device and / or the liquid concentrate therein. For at least one embodiment, the unique identifier 140 may be encoded in a memory of the control unit and provided externally. The unique identifier 140 may also be associated with a user and / or provider of the liquid concentrate for lifecycle tracking, usage tracking, and / or other data collection and utilization efforts as may be desired to improve the performance of the MDSV 100 and / or the user's interaction therewith.

[0102] Utilizing such unique identification, the application may determine and / or specify various operating parameters of the vaporizer device, and / or further communicate with one or more remote systems (such as a database) to further confirm the user's identity through verification of user account and / or local biometric data (picture, fingerprint, etc.), "GPS" location and comparison to verify permission (or non-prohibition) to use the dosing vaporizer system, and other such activities and features, thereby improving and enhancing the user experience and the utility of the vaporizer system.

[0103] A remote computing device such as a smartphone (i.e., an iPhone®, Android®, or other portable device), a remote application suitable and adapted to control an embodiment of the MDSV 100 using the control unit 318, and a remote database providing information associated with a unique identifier that can be determined by a user's computing device (such as a smartphone) are described in detail in the '967 patent, the '674 application, the '665 patent, and the '666 patent, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0104] Figure 7 An alternative embodiment of the MDSV 100 is presented in which the clicker 600 is disposed between the mouthpiece 108 and the housing 102. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Compared with the embodiment shown, Figure 3The housing 102 and mouthpiece 108 are shown with different cross-sectional geometries. In addition, the cross-sections of the mouthpiece and the housing may vary in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. In fact, for at least one embodiment, it may be desirable for the housing 102 and mouthpiece 108 to have non-circular cross-sections so that they can be more easily grasped by the user to facilitate the user to rotate the mouthpiece 108 relative to the housing 102 to drive the metered rotary drive dispenser 124.

[0105] also, Figure 7 The orientation of the MDSV 100 Figure 1A and Figure 1B The orientation shown is reversed. In this reverse orientation, the nature of the attachment 112 as a screw fitting for a battery can be more fully appreciated.

[0106] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A partially exploded view of an embodiment of the MDSV 100 is shown. Figure 8 It should be understood and appreciated that this is not intended to be a definitive presentation of the elements and components of the MDSV 100, but rather as an overview of general elements and components that may be used in providing at least one embodiment of the MDSV 100. Figure 8 , the base post 800, insulating grommet 802 and metal screw base 804 of the battery attachment base 510 are shown, and the screw shaft 130 / 806 disposed on the thermal isolator 138 / 808 with the orifice 128 / 810. The plunger seal 132 / 812 with the external O-ring seal 814 is engaged around the screw shaft 130 / 806.

[0107] An insulated vaporizer chamber assembly 816, which provides appropriate electrical connections to the screw base 804 and contains a control unit (not shown), receives a ceramic heater 310 / 818 disposed within an insulating sleeve 820 and disposed in an outer metallic and insulative housing 822 along with one or more O-rings 824 to seal, support and isolate the vaporizer chamber assembly within the housing 102 / 826 of the MDSV 100. For the illustrated embodiment, an optional outer metallic collar 828 disposed about the housing 102 / 626 adjacent the vaporizer chamber assembly 816 is also provided.

[0108] The click plate 830 is disposed between the housing 102 / 826 and the mouthpiece 108 / 832. The click plate may also be constructed and arranged to allow only one-way rotation of the mouthpiece 108 / 832 relative to the housing 102 / 826. Such one-way rotation may be facilitated by the use of springs, spring teeth or arms, ratchet elements, or other elements that may be deemed suitable in one or more embodiments. For at least one embodiment, the housing 102 / 826 is translucent (if not transparent) so that a user can visually observe the amount of liquid concentrate within the reservoir of the assembled MDSV 100.

[0109] As already disclosed above Figure 1A-Figure 8 While various embodiments of the MDSV 100 are described, it should be understood and appreciated that a method for vaporizing a product (eg, liquid concentrate 116 ) may be performed using any of the above-described embodiments.

[0110] More specifically, according to at least one embodiment, a method for vaporizing a product is provided by providing a housing 102, the housing 102 providing: a first end 104 and a second end 106 opposite the first end 104; a mouthpiece 108 disposed adjacent to the first end 104, the mouthpiece 108 being constructed and arranged to rotate about the first end 104; an attachment 112 disposed adjacent to the second end 106, the attachment 112 being constructed and arranged to be removably attached to a power source; a reservoir 114 of a liquid concentrate 116 within the housing 102; a vaporizer 118 disposed adjacent to the attachment 112 and in contact with the reservoir; a vaporizer 114 extending through the housing 102 and extending through the housing 102 to the mouthpiece 108; and a metered rotary driven dispenser constructed and arranged to apply a predetermined force on the reservoir 114 to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate 116 from the reservoir 114 into the vaporizer, the metered rotary driven dispenser being coupled to the mouthpiece 108; rotating the mouthpiece 108 to activate the metered rotary driven dispenser to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate 116 into the vaporizer; and activating the vaporizer to vaporize the dispensed liquid concentrate 116 into vapor, which vapor is provided to a user through the mouthpiece 108.

[0111] The above methods, systems and structures may be changed without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it should be noted that the contents contained in the above description and / or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive. In fact, many other embodiments are feasible and possible, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The appended claims are not limited to or by the embodiments discussed herein, but are limited only by their terms and the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A metered dosing vaporizer system, comprising: a housing providing a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a mouthpiece disposed adjacent the first end, the mouthpiece constructed and arranged to rotate about the first end; an attachment disposed adjacent the second end, the attachment being constructed and arranged for removable attachment to a power source; a reservoir for a liquid concentrate within said housing; a vaporizer disposed adjacent the attachment and thermally isolated from the reservoir; a steam conduit extending generally from the carburetor through the housing to the mouthpiece; as well as a metered, rotary-driven dispenser constructed and arranged to exert a predetermined force on the reservoir to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate from the reservoir into the vaporizer, wherein the metered, rotary-driven dispenser is coupled to the mouthpiece, The metering rotary drive distributor comprises: an orifice disposed between the reservoir and the vaporizer; as well as a screw plunger constructed and arranged to exert a predetermined force on the reservoir to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate from the orifice into the vaporizer, wherein the rotation of the mouthpiece causes a degree of rotation of the screw plunger, the degree of rotation being preselected to cause the screw plunger to be advanced against the liquid concentrate in the reservoir to dispense the predetermined amount of the liquid concentrate, wherein the screw plunger is further provided with at least one shutter fin constructed and arranged to alternately cover and expose the orifice as the screw plunger rotates.

2. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the at least one shroud fin has a raised leading edge that provides an inclined surface to direct liquid concentrate into the orifice as the screw plunger rotates.

3. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 1 , wherein the orifice is a one-way valve.

4. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the attachment is 510 a battery connector.

5. The metered dose carburetor system of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece is constructed and arranged for unidirectional rotation.

6. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 1, further comprising a thermal isolator disposed between the vaporizer and the reservoir of liquid concentrate.

7. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 1 further comprising an audible indicator constructed and arranged to produce an audible indication that a predetermined dose of liquid concentrate has been expressed from the reservoir upon activation of the metered rotary drive dispenser.

8. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 1, further comprising a unique identifier that allows for unique identification of the metered dose vaporizer system and determination of the liquid concentrate.

9. A metered dosing vaporizer system comprising: a housing providing a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a mouthpiece disposed adjacent the first end, the mouthpiece constructed and arranged to rotate about the first end; a battery connector disposed 510 adjacent the second end, the battery connector 510 being constructed and arranged for removable attachment to a battery; a reservoir for a liquid concentrate within said housing; a vaporizer disposed adjacent to the 510 battery connector and thermally isolated from the reservoir; a central steam conduit extending generally from the carburetor through the housing to the mouthpiece; an orifice disposed between the reservoir and the vaporizer; as well as a screw plunger constructed and arranged to exert a predetermined force on the reservoir to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate from the orifice into the vaporizer, wherein the rotation of the mouthpiece causes a degree of rotation of the screw plunger, the degree of rotation being preselected to cause the screw plunger to be advanced against the liquid concentrate in the reservoir to dispense the predetermined amount of the liquid concentrate, wherein the screw plunger is further provided with at least one shutter fin constructed and arranged to alternately cover and expose the orifice as the screw plunger rotates.

10. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 9, wherein the at least one shroud fin has a raised leading edge that provides an inclined surface to direct liquid concentrate into the orifice as the screw plunger rotates.

11. The metered dose carburetor system of claim 9, wherein the mouthpiece is constructed and arranged for unidirectional rotation.

12. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 9, wherein the central steam conduit extends through the screw plunger.

13. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 9, further comprising a thermal isolator disposed between the vaporizer and the reservoir of liquid concentrate.

14. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 9, further comprising an audible indicator constructed and arranged to produce an audible indication that a predetermined dose of liquid concentrate has been expressed from the reservoir upon activation of the metered rotary drive dispenser.

15. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 9, further comprising a unique identifier that allows for unique identification of the metered dose vaporizer system and determination of the liquid concentrate.

16. A metered dosing vaporizer system comprising: a handheld device having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and having a longitudinal axis therebetween; said first end being defined by a mouthpiece constructed and arranged for unidirectional rotation about said longitudinal axis; the second end being defined by an attachment constructed and arranged for removable attachment to a power source; a housing disposed between the mouthpiece and the attachment, the housing at least partially enclosing: a reservoir for a liquid concentrate; a vaporizer disposed adjacent the attachment and thermally isolated from the reservoir; a steam conduit coupling the vaporizer to the mouthpiece; as well as a metered dispenser constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate from the reservoir into the vaporizer upon rotation of the mouthpiece through a preselected degree; as well as an activator constructed and arranged to activate the vaporizer by allowing connection between the vaporizer and the power source for a first period of time, the power allowing the vaporizer to generate heat and vaporize the predetermined amount of liquid concentrate dispensed, The metered dispenser comprises: a rotatable shaft disposed generally about the longitudinal axis, the rotatable shaft having a first end mechanically coupled to the mouthpiece and a second portion mechanically coupled to a plunger seal disposed at a first end of the reservoir of the liquid concentrate opposite the vaporizer; an orifice opposite the plunger seal and disposed between the reservoir and the vaporizer; and wherein the rotatable shaft is constructed and arranged to move the plunger seal toward the vaporizer to exert a predetermined force on the reservoir to dispense the predetermined amount of liquid from the orifice into the vaporizer, and Wherein the rotatable shaft further provides at least one shutter fin, the at least one shutter fin being constructed and arranged to alternately cover and expose the aperture upon rotation of the rotatable shaft.

17. The metered vaporizer system of claim 16, wherein the at least one shroud fin has a raised leading edge that provides an inclined surface to direct liquid concentrate into the orifice as the rotatable shaft rotates.

18. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 16, wherein the attachment is 510 a battery connector.

19. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 16, wherein the vaporizer is physically separate from the reservoir of liquid concentrate.

20. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 16, further comprising a thermal isolator disposed between the vaporizer and the reservoir of liquid concentrate.

21. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 16, wherein the vapor conduit is provided at least in part by a hollow passage through the rotatable shaft.

22. The metered dose vaporizer system of claim 16, further comprising a unique identifier that allows for unique identification of the metered dose vaporizer system and determination of the liquid concentrate.

Images