Electronic vaping system

Abstract

A refillable liquid tip or cartridge for a vaping device includes a capacitive sensor plate located in a tip liquid reservoir. The liquid refilling device provides the liquid sucked from the refilling bottle to the vapour device; the refilling device comprises a capacitance measuring circuit; a microcontroller uses data from the capacitance measurement circuit to determine whether a liquid level in the tip liquid reservoir is above or below a threshold level, if below, activates a liquid pump in the refill device to draw liquid from the refill vial, and if not, activates a liquid pump in the refill device to discharge liquid from the refill vial. And pumping the liquid through the vapour device and up into the tip liquid reservoir. The pumping is stopped once the liquid reaches the threshold level.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The national application number of the parent application is 201980067273.9 (international application number is PCT / GB2019 / 052922), the date of entry into the Chinese national phase is April 12, 2021 (international application date is October 14, 2019), and the invention title is: Electronic Vapor Cigarette System. Technical Field

[0002] The field of this invention relates to an electronic vaporization system. The vaporization system provides an inhalable aerosol, which may contain nicotine or other substances; these are commonly used as an alternative to combustible cigarettes. Background Art

[0003] Vaping devices come in a variety of form factors; the simplest use a small pod attached to a slim body that contains a battery and simple control electronics. The pod is pre-filled with a liquid (often called e-liquid) at the factory and includes a small reservoir of that liquid (typically 0.7mL to 1.3mL), a small wick, and a heating element wrapped around the wick; when the user inhales, a small pressure switch is activated, which in turn causes an electric current to heat the coil and generate an aerosol that is inhaled. A pod might contain the equivalent of 10 or 20 cigarettes' worth of nicotine, and a habitual vaper might use one or two pods per day. The pods are not recyclable, and there are growing concerns that tens of millions of them will end up in landfills.

[0004] Some designs of vape devices are refillable and therefore do not use these small pre-filled cartridges. Instead, the user opens a small bottle of e-liquid, unscrews their vape device to expose the internal liquid reservoir, and drips or squeezes their contents into the reservoir; but this can be somewhat confusing and inconvenient. Therefore, the overall user interaction with a conventional refillable e-cigarette (covering all aspects of how the user controls, refills, recharges, and generally interacts with the device) can be complex, and this is reflected in its design, which is often quite technical with various control buttons. The overall user interaction is rarely intuitive. This is very different from the simple and straightforward habit of opening a pack of conventional cigarettes and lighting up (which is very attractive to smokers). The complex user interaction that characterizes conventional refillable e-cigarettes does not have the simplicity or attractive habit of opening a pack of cigarettes and lighting up.

[0005] Designing a vaporization system that can replicate the simplicity of conventional cigarettes is a formidable challenge, but it is key to widespread adoption of e-cigarettes by smokers in the mass market and is therefore crucial for realizing their enormous public health potential.

[0006] This disclosure is based on the disclosures in the following patent publications, which are incorporated herein by reference to the fullest extent permitted:

[0007] US9,247,773, US10,131,532, US10,149,497 and US10285449. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention is a steam smoke system, comprising:

[0009] (a) An automatically refillable liquid reservoir that supplies liquid to the atomizer;

[0010] (b) A liquid level sensing subsystem, which directly or indirectly measures, infers, or detects the amount or level of liquid in the liquid reservoir by measuring the electrical characteristics of the liquid reservoir based on changes in the amount or level of liquid in the liquid reservoir; and

[0011] (c) A fluid delivery system configured to automatically deliver liquid to the liquid reservoir under the control of the liquid level sensing subsystem. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The invention will be described with reference to the following figures, which illustrate the features and aspects of the AYR vapor system.

[0013] Figure 1 Shown are the four different vaping devices in the AYR vaping system range.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the refill and recharge box used in vaporizers.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the steam fume device.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the refill and recharge box, with its extruded outer shell removed to reveal key internal components.

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the refill and recharge case with its extruded outer shell removed and the refill bottle shown on the outside of the case.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the refill and recharge box.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the main body of the vaporizer, with the suction head or chamber removed.

[0020] Figure 8It is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the steam smoke device.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the top of the main body of the steam fume device, showing the liquid interface, electrical interface, and power interface.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the main body of the steam fume device, showing the liquid filling hole and valve.

[0023] Figure 11 It is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle or pod.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a view of the compartment with the external cigarette holder removed, showing the internal capacitive sensor panel.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a view of the housing with the external mouthpiece removed, showing one of the internal capacitive sensor plates and the silicone sheath surrounding and supporting the atomizing element inside the silicone sheath.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the capsule, showing... Figure 11 The exploded view shows how all the components are assembled together.

[0027] Figure 15 This is the engineering drawing showing the dimensions of the compartment.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the interior of the housing, known as the flue, which directs vortices of air toward the atomizing unit.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the entire compartment, showing... Figure 11 The exploded view shows how all the components are assembled together.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the refill liquid bottle inserted into the refill and recharge box.

[0031] Figure 19 It is a perspective view of a refilled liquid bottle, broken down to show the authentication chip, cap, stopper, and immersion tube separated from the bottle body.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of a refillable liquid bottle with the child-protective cap open.

[0033] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view of a refillable liquid bottle with the child-protective cap closed.

[0034] Figure 22 This is another cross-sectional view of a refillable liquid bottle with the child-protective cap closed.

[0035] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the motor and peristaltic pump.

[0036] Figure 24 is a front view of the motor and peristaltic pump.

[0037] Figure 25 This is a front view of the motor and peristaltic pump, including the liquid piping.

[0038] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical and electronic components in the refill and recharge box and the Wi-Fi docking section inserted therein.

[0039] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical and electronic components in the main body (PV) of the vapor generator and the suction head or chamber.

[0040] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical and electronic components in a Wi-Fi docking section with an integrated pump and a custom ASIC.

[0041] Figure 29 is used Figure 28 The diagram shows the electrical and electronic components in the vapor device body (PV) and nozzle, which are refilled and recharged by the docking section (including the ASIC).

[0042] Figure 30 This is a perspective view of the refill and recharge box inserted above the Wi-Fi dock, as well as the available general data connectivity options.

[0043] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid level sensing system that measures the liquid level in the suction head and controls the fluid refill pump.

[0044] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of a capacitance measurement circuit used in a liquid level sensing system.

[0045] Figure 33 This is a graph showing the measurement results of capacitance relative to liquid mass achieved by the liquid level sensing system.

[0046] Figure 34 This is a graph showing the measurement results of capacitance relative to temperature achieved by the liquid level sensing system.

[0047] Figure 35 Various views are shown of the soft pouch design for liquid refill bottles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] We will describe the invention as AYR TMThe specific implementation of the vaporization system. AYR vaporization devices include many features that contribute to manufacturability, recyclability, availability, or performance. We categorize these features into the following four main areas:

[0049] A. Mechanical or structural features

[0050] B. Software / Electronic Features

[0051] C. Data and connectivity characteristics

[0052] D. Liquid Handling and Refill Features

[0053] Preliminary explanation of terminology: While the primary purpose of our description is to provide electronic cigarette liquid vaporizers that deliver inhalable nicotine aerosols or vapors, some features have a broader scope, including, for example, vaporizers that heat tobacco without burning it, without using a liquid. Therefore, the terms “vaporizer,” “vaporizer,” “vapor generator,” “personal vaporizer,” and “PV” should be interpreted broadly to include electronic cigarette devices of all form factors (including closed chambers, open canisters, or any other system), heat-not-burn vaporizers, hybrid devices that combine heat-not-burn with liquid vaporization, and devices that enable the inhalation of not only nicotine but also other substances such as CBD and THC (whether for pharmaceutical or recreational purposes).

[0054] Therefore, a “vaping” or “vaping” device can be used to deliver any atomizable liquid; the terms “liquid” and “e-cigarette liquid” should be interpreted broadly to encompass any atomizable liquid, gel, or other substance, including nicotine and nicotine salts of varying strengths, nicotine-free liquids, liquids containing CBD, liquids containing THC, liquids containing drugs, and liquids containing any botanical or synthetic flavorings or ingredients. The term “vaporizer” should be interpreted broadly to encompass any device that produces atomization, aerosol, mist, or fine droplets for inhalation purposes; atomizers may include heated elements (e.g., a coil of wire wound around a coil, or a planar heating element formed on a coil, micro-engineered steel blades, or any other system that actually generates atomization, aerosol, mist, or fine droplets, such as a piezoelectric cold aerosol generator). Vaping devices can also be consumer devices or medically approved devices.

[0055] We will describe a specific implementation (called AYR) TM The system) uses a heated coil mounted within a ceramic wick that transfers nicotine-containing e-liquid from a reservoir to the heated coil. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this particular implementation.

[0056] A. Mechanical or structural features

[0057] Overview of AYR Steam System

[0058] The AYR vapor platform is a flexible vapor platform that includes four main variants: AYRVape TM AYRBase TM AYRCase TM and AYRMod TM All variants use the same underlying software and hardware, resulting in economic benefits in development and manufacturing. We will describe each one in turn at a higher level. Figure 1 Each of these four variants is shown; from left to right, we have the AYRVape (generally indicated by 1), which features a conventional cabin-type pre-filled vapor fume device (such as the VypeePod). TM ) form factor. This can be used as a standalone vaping system that utilizes a pre-filled, single-use, disposable e-liquid pod 2 that cannot be refilled by the user. The pod 2 slides into the top of the vaping device body 10; its lower half is color-coded, with different colors representing different flavors. The pod 2 includes an authentication chip that is read by a microprocessor in the device body 10. The authentication chip prevents the use of counterfeit and substandard goods and also prevents illegal refilling (e.g., with illegal liquids that have not undergone proper safety testing). The authentication chip also stores a complete record of the capsule filling date, the liquid batch number, and excise or tax payments.

[0059] Because these pods contain a relatively small amount of liquid (e.g., 1.5 mL), they may have to be replaced daily for regular users; because these pods are not recyclable, this has a significant impact on the environment; it can also be frustrating for users who run out of pods, who are then more likely to smoke again. The AYRBase (generally indicated at 6) addresses these issues; the user inserts their vape device 10 into a desktop docking station; but instead of sliding in the factory-filled pod 2, the user slides a special refillable pod 11 onto the vape device body; the vape device body 10 is therefore compatible with both prefilled pods and refillable pods 11. The refillable pod 11 includes elements of a liquid level sensing system: a pair of sensor plates in the liquid reservoir that extend essentially more than halfway up the height of the liquid reservoir. The sensor plates are used to measure capacitance; capacitance increases as the liquid level in the liquid reservoir rises. A capacitance measurement circuit (typically located in the refill docking section 6) controls the liquid pump: if the vapor fume device is placed in docking section 6 and the capacitance is below a threshold during level measurement, the pump is activated, thereby pumping fresh liquid to the refillable compartment 11 until the threshold is reached. The prefilled compartment 2 (i.e., factory prefilled) does not include any sensor plate.

[0060] Therefore, the docking unit 6 automatically fills a specially designed refillable cartridge 11, which is fitted to the main body 10 of the vaporizer, with fresh e-cigarette liquid. The refillable cartridge 11 has the same external dimensions as the single-use non-refillable cartridge 2, but is a single color. The e-cigarette liquid comes from a 10ml refill bottle 5, which is inserted into the base of the docking unit 6 and connected to the fluid delivery system within the docking unit 6. The refill bottle 5 is fully recyclable and includes anti-counterfeiting or authentication components, ensuring that the docking unit (or cartridge or vaporizer) can only recognize and use authorized bottles, and that user refilling would render the bottle unusable, rendering refilling pointless. Although 10mL is the maximum capacity allowed in the EU, much larger bottles are legally available in other markets, which may be attractive to cost-conscious consumers. Therefore, the vaporizer 1 is a hybrid type; it can operate like a conventional vaporizer with a pre-filled cartridge, or as a refillable vaporizer.

[0061] Typically, the user places the docking unit 6 at home or in their office; the vaporizer 10 and the refillable cartridge 11 can be refilled with the user's desired e-cigarette liquid flavoring within 10 seconds; when the cartridge is removed from the desktop docking unit, it is essentially a freshly refilled vaporizer, eliminating the need to discard it each time the cartridge is refilled.

[0062] Some users will not want to use a desktop liquid refill and power recharge docking station, but instead want all the functionality included in a portable case: this is the AYRCase, usually indicated by 7. The portable case stores the vaporizer 10 and the refillable cartridge or nozzle 11, and automatically charges and refills them. It includes a large rechargeable battery; then the refill bottle 5 is inserted into the base of the case 7, where it engages with the fluid delivery system within the case.

[0063] The final AYR variant is AYRMod, indicated by the number 8: this is an all-in-one vaporizer with a large battery of at least 2000mAh for high-power vaporization; the same refill bottle 5 is now inserted directly into the vaporizer 8; the AYRMod vaporizer 8 is also used with the same refillable nozzle 11 used in the AYR series, as well as the same prefilled nozzle 2 used in the series.

[0064] Because the refillable cartridge 11 does not need to be discarded after its liquid is used up, but can be refilled and reused multiple times (typically 10 to 20 times), it can include more complex and expensive atomization technologies (such as coilless and coilless Distiller Plates from BAT) compared to conventional single-use disposable cartridges. TM or pureTech TMStainless steel blade atomizers produce gas atomized products better and safer. More detailed information about this blade atomizer technology can be found in WO2018211252 and WO2018224823, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference to the fullest extent permitted.

[0065] The Ayr system uses a closed-loop temperature control system that maintains the heating coil within a desired temperature range to ensure the safe and predictable generation of chemicals in the resulting aerosol. This avoids the production of formaldehyde in the aerosol or THC from the CBD liquid, both of which can occur if the coil temperature is too high. For nicotine e-cigarette liquids with a PV / VG ratio of 50:50, this is 280 degrees Celsius (±20 degrees Celsius). It has also been found that accurate temperature control of the heating element significantly extends its lifespan, thus minimizing the environmental impact of these items. This accurate temperature control of the atomizing element, along with the use of refillable bottles, has been found to synergistically and effectively minimize the overall environmental impact of the AYR system, as the cartridge has a longer lifespan before needing replacement, and the refillable bottles themselves are recyclable.

[0066] Now, we will examine each variant in more detail.

[0067] AYRVape Overview

[0068] In the AYRVape, the AYR vaporizer body 10 uses a pre-filled e-cigarette liquid cartridge 2. The cartridge 2 is "closed," meaning that each cartridge is sealed after being filled with authorized e-cigarette liquid and ultimately cannot be refilled by the user: this ensures compliance with safety regulations (such as the European Tobacco Products Regulation 2014 / 40 / EU) and ensures that only the highest quality e-cigarette liquid from authorized sources is present in the cartridge.

[0069] Different flavors in the capsule use different colors on the lower half; this is the part that is fully inserted into the main body of the vaporizer; small cutouts 3 in the main body 10 of the vaporizer indicate the color, so the user can see the flavor at a glance. The main body 10 of the vaporizer includes a USB charging port and can be recharged from a standard USB charger docking point or platform 4.

[0070] However, the internal construction of the smoker or vaporizer body 1 differs from conventional bodies in that it has features that enable it to be used with refillable tips or pods (not just conventional prefilled, enclosed pods (i.e., products filled by the manufacturer and sold to consumers and not intended for refilling)). It has a fluid intake nozzle or orifice and valve that can be connected to an external e-liquid source; in the AYR system, this is a 10ml e-liquid refill bottle 5. The fluid intake nozzle or orifice is connected via a liquid tube or pathway that carries the liquid (externally electrically pumped for the AYRBase 6 and AYRCase 7 variants; internally pumped for the AYRMod variant 8) to a refillable atomizing pod 11 located at the top of the body 10. The body includes circuitry to detect the liquid level in the refillable tip or pod so that automatic refilling can be started and stopped correctly; it also includes temperature regulation circuitry to ensure that the atomizer heats the liquid to the correct temperature; and it also includes the same anti-counterfeiting or authentication features as the prefilled pod 2, ensuring that only authorized pods 11 can be used with the system.

[0071] The vape device 10 can track a wide variety of performance and other data. It can transmit this data to the desktop docking station 6 or the portable refilling and recharging case 7 via physical contact. The docking station 6 or case 7 can then include an integrated Wi-Fi or 3G / 4G / 5G connection to a web server that provides age verification services and data analysis, or can be connected or docked with an accessory that provides such a connection. Alternatively, the vape device 10 itself can include a short-range wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or UWB) to the user's smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, or other device (the term "smartphone" is generally used to cover any type of connected device) and use the smartphone's connectivity capabilities to connect to the remote server. Direct connection from the vape device 10 or 8 to the smartphone and then to the web can also be achieved (e.g., via Web Bluetooth and a smartphone browser that supports Web Bluetooth and runs on iOS, Android, UWB, or any other suitable system).

[0072] The connection to the web-server-based age verification system enables the server to send an unlock signal (directly or indirectly) to the vape device 10, either directly or via any intermediary device in place, so that normal vape use is only possible if the user passes the age requirement of the age verification system. The vape device 10 also captures a wide range of device and usage information, which may be particularly relevant if the device is used as part of a clinical trial, or if the user is interested in monitoring usage (e.g., as an aid to a smoking or nicotine cessation program).

[0073] AYRBase Overview

[0074] As described above, the pre-filled non-refillable cartridge 2 can be replaced with a refillable cartridge or nozzle 11. This brings us to the AYRBase6 variant; the same AYRVape vaporizer body 10 can be placed in a tabletop docking base or base 6; a small (e.g., 10ml) liquid refill bottle 5 is inserted into the docking base 6, and a small electric micro-pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump, a piezoelectric pump, or other low-cost pump) is inserted into the docking base, which then automatically draws liquid from the refill bottle 5 and pumps it into the body of the vaporizer 10; the liquid then flows upward through the body via a liquid channel and into the refillable nozzle 11.

[0075] The refillable cartridge or tip 11 includes a liquid level sensing subsystem (e.g., a capacitive sensing plate within the liquid reservoir of the cartridge 11, which gradually fills with liquid during refilling). This liquid level sensing subsystem enables the measurement of changes in the capacitance of the reservoir via a capacitive sensing circuit. When the sensed liquid level in the tip reservoir falls below a defined amount, it automatically activates the electric micropump. When the liquid level in the tip reservoir reaches the defined amount and, therefore, sufficient liquid is present in the refillable tip liquid reservoir, it automatically deactivates the electric micropump. Once refilling stops, the vaping device can be used.

[0076] For AYRBase6, docking unit 6 includes a power charging system for charging the rechargeable battery in the vaporizer body 10; a typical user docks the vaporizer body 10 into docking unit 6; body 10 is then refilled from the liquid refill bottle 5 (which typically takes 10 seconds to complete a refill of 1 mL) and continues to recharge the battery in the vaporizer; many users like to dock vaporizers 10 and 11 at night, just as they dock their smartphones or connect them to a charger. In the morning, vaporizers 10 and 11 are ready to use, with a fully rechargeable battery and a full liquid reservoir, just like a fresh vaporizer.

[0077] The AYR Refill Bottle 5 eliminates the cost and waste associated with handling conventional, single-use, non-refillable prefilled cartridges; these conventional non-refillable prefilled cartridges are practically impossible to recycle because they include not only the plastic casing but also the filament heating coil and ceramic wick. However, the AYR Refill Bottle 5 is fully recyclable. Furthermore, while its capacity is limited to 10ml in the EU, these limitations may not apply in other markets; therefore, bottles of 50ml or 100ml or larger can be used, providing a very economical source of liquid from a fully recyclable source.

[0078] Refillable AYR cartridges or tips using conventional heating wire wound around a ceramic core typically need to be replaced after 30 mL of liquid has passed through them, as residue builds up over time and affects vapor performance. Because conventional pre-filled tips contain 0.7–1.5 mL of liquid, AYR refillable tips last 20 to 40 times longer than non-refillable tips or cartridges in conventional systems.

[0079] The combination of a large refill bottle and a very durable atomizer allows for economical and environmentally friendly vaping. As a result, AYR is significantly more energy-efficient than conventional atomizer-based pod-based vaping devices such as Juul. TM The cartridge is more environmentally friendly. It uses more advanced atomization technologies designed for longer lifespan, such as micro-engineered stainless steel blades, for example, the Disturber Plate from British American Tobacco. TM Refillable AYR tips for systems) may need to be replaced less frequently and may therefore be more environmentally friendly.

[0080] AYRBase6 includes a Wi-Fi connection to the user's smartphone; the smartphone can then communicate with a remote server. A small icon appears next to the app icon on the user's smartphone screen, which looks like an app icon (but is not actually an app; it could be something purchased from the Apple App Store, Android Play Store, or other digital distribution centers); selecting this icon automatically runs a routine that loads a specific URL into the smartphone's web browser; this is the URL of a remote server that provides age verification services and can also ingest and analyze usage data from the device.

[0081] AYRCase Overview

[0082] The same vapor device body 10 with a refillable nozzle 11 can be used not only with the AYRBase6 docking base, but also with the AYRCase7 portable cartridge (in... Figure 1 (Seen in the third section from the left). The AYRCase7 includes the same micropump as the AYRBase6 and uses the same 10mL refill bottle. However, it is a completely portable solution, allowing users to take the AYR vaporizers 10 and 11 away for several days at a time, fully protected in case 7, and automatically recharged with electricity and refilled with atomizable liquid whenever the vaporizers 10 and 11 are inserted back into case 7. Vaporizers 10 and 11 remain fully compatible with prefilled case 2, allowing users to try different flavors of prefilled case 2, and then purchase the more expensive 10mL refill bottle 5 after selecting one or more preferred flavors.

[0083] AYRMod Overview

[0084] The final variant is an all-in-one vaporizer with a large battery, typically at least 2000mAh, called the AYRMod8; larger or smaller batteries are also available. The same refill bottle 5 is now inserted directly into the vaporizer 8; the vaporizer 8 also works with the same refillable nozzle 11 used in the AYR series. The main difference is the higher battery performance, thus appealing to users who prefer a more powerful "mod" type vaporizer and experience. The AYRMod8 vaporizer is also fully compatible with the pre-filled cartridge 2; therefore, users can try different flavors of pre-filled cartridges and then purchase a more expensive 10mL (or other capacity) refill bottle 5 after selecting one or more favorite flavors. As mentioned above, regulations in some markets allow refills larger than 10mL, and the AYRMod8 is available in markets with refill bottles of 20mL or larger.

[0085] In the table below, we summarize some of the key features of AYR that are not found in conventional pod-type vape systems.

[0086]

[0087]

[0088] The following table lists the types of data collected by the AYR Vapor System (all data is time-stamped) and, subject to user consent and applicable data protection laws, sent to a remote server for analysis.

[0089]

[0090]

[0091]

[0092] Because AYR is a data-centric, fully connected system, it enables the generation of valuable feedback and rich insights. These can be real-time or near real-time, with the vapor device itself connected to a remote server (e.g., the vapor device can deliver real-time data because it includes an integrated wireless module, or it can send data in real-time via Bluetooth to a smartphone, which then forwards the data to the remote server). Alternatively, data can be downloaded from the vapor device to a portable or desktop docking station, for example, at night when the vapor device returns to the docking station for overnight power recharging, and then the docking station sends the data; this can only be done once or twice a day. This accurate and comprehensive data is particularly important for public health agencies and scientists who want to better understand how to use vapor devices.

[0093] We summarize these in the table below:

[0094]

[0095]

[0096] Now, we will delve deeper into capturing specific features in AYR that are not present in traditional vaping systems.

[0097] Vaping devices for use with pre-filled and refillable tips or pods

[0098] In the preceding sections, we described how AYR can be a hybrid vaporizer: it can use conventional pre-filled closed chambers 2 (sometimes called cartons); these slide, snap, or mount onto the body 10 of the AYR vaporizer 1; magnetic latches can be used. However, it can use a refillable chamber 11, which slides, snaps, or mounts onto the body 10 of the AYR vaporizer 1 in a conventional manner. The vaporizer 10 can be inserted into a refill docking station (such as the desktop docking station 6 for AYRBase or the portable box 7 for AYRCase) and connected to a pump in docking stations 6, 7, with a refill bottle 5, which then automatically refills the liquid in the vaporizer chamber 11. Alternatively, the vaporizer itself can include a pump and a refill container 5, as in AYRMod. This platform approach increases component reuse across multiple devices (each serving a different market segment), reduces engineering development time due to commonality across core aspects of all devices, and reduces regulatory costs and workload because components related to regulatory approval are largely shared.

[0099] We can summarize and generalize this feature as follows:

[0100] A handheld vaping device configured for use with;

[0101] (a) A non-user-refillable combination atomizer and liquid reservoir (or “cassette”) that (i) can be attached to and removed from the body of the device, and (ii) can be supplied to the end user in the case of pre-filled liquid; and can also be used with:

[0102] (b) A user-refillable combination atomizer and liquid reservoir (or “chamber”) which (i) can be attached to and removed from the body of the device, and (ii) is configured to be automatically refilled multiple times with liquid using a fluid delivery system.

[0103] Some optional features:

[0104] • The pre-filled and refillable compartments are matched in size and shape so that the same vaporizer body can be used with both pre-filled and refillable compartments.

[0105] • The main body of the vapor device is configured to slide, dock, or otherwise engage with a tabletop docking base, which is itself configured to refill and recharge the refillable compartments assembled to the device.

[0106] • The main body of the device is configured to slide, dock, or otherwise engage with a portable docking base, which is itself configured to refill and recharge the refillable compartment assembled to the device.

[0107] • The portable docking base is a box that can safely store devices and automatically refill and recharge them.

[0108] The main body of the vapor fume device includes a fluid path from a fluid inlet to a rod, nozzle, or orifice, which is configured to engage with a reciprocating orifice, rod, or nozzle in a refillable chamber.

[0109] The main body of the vaporizer includes a slot or other opening that exposes a portion of a compartment that is inserted into or otherwise engaged with the main body, allowing the user to identify the flavor of the liquid in the compartment.

[0110] • The refillable compartment includes a level sensing subsystem.

[0111] The main body of the vapor fume device includes a subsystem that measures or uses signals from a liquid level sensing subsystem in a refillable compartment.

[0112] The main body of the vapor fume device includes a subsystem that sends signals from a liquid level sensing subsystem in a refillable compartment to a microcontroller that controls the fluid delivery system.

[0113] The microcontroller is located in the vape device itself, in the desktop docking unit, or in the portable case docking unit.

[0114] • The fluid delivery system is located in the vape device itself, or in a desktop or portable cartridge dock, and is configured to refill a refillable cartridge that fits to the device.

[0115] • When the liquid level in the liquid reservoir of the refillable compartment reaches a preset level or amount, the fluid delivery system automatically stops pumping.

[0116] The handheld vaping device includes a rechargeable battery, a fluid delivery system, a liquid level sensing subsystem, and a liquid refill container.

[0117] The handheld electronic cigarette device includes a rechargeable battery and is configured to work with an external fluid delivery system and an external liquid level sensing subsystem.

[0118] • Refillable pods pre-filled with liquid are also provided at the point of sale.

[0119] • In the event that the point of sale is out of liquid, a refillable reservoir is provided that is configured to be refilled using a pump.

[0120] • The pre-filled compartment includes certified chips or modules.

[0121] • The refillable pod includes an authentication chip or module.

[0122] The vape device body includes an authentication subsystem that reads the identity chip or module and only operates when the authentication routine is passed.

[0123] • Prefilled or refillable cartridges use atomizers that are one of the following: cotton coils and wire coils; ceramic coils and wire coils; ceramic coils and planar coils; ceramic coils and non-planar coils; coilless and coilless atomizers; metal blade atomizers.

[0124] In this document, we will adopt an approach that describes the generalization of a feature and some optional features that can be implemented using that feature. Any such generalized feature can be combined with any one or more other compatible generalized features, and any optional feature can be combined with any one or more generalized features and any one or more other optional features.

[0125] Prefilled and refillable tips or pods for use with different vaping device types

[0126] In the foregoing sections, we also examined the characteristics of handheld vaporizers 10 and 8, which can be used with different types of cartridges (pre-filled closed cartridge 2 and automatically refillable cartridge 11). In AYR, the pre-filled cartridge and the refillable cartridge work with a portable vaporizer that can be refilled from a tabletop docking station 6 (AYRDock) or a portable docking station 7 (such as a refill and recharge box (AYRCase)), and the vaporizer is a standalone device 8 (AYRMod8) to which a refill bottle 5 or container can be directly attached. Therefore, we can also consider refillable cartridges that can be used with different types of vaporizers, such as standalone vaporizers with an integrated pump and refillable bottle; vaporizers combined with a refill docking station for the device; and vaporizers combined with a refill docking box for the device.

[0127] We can summarize it as follows:

[0128] A vaporizer system comprising (i) a refillable nozzle or cartridge, and (ii) a prefilled, non-refillable nozzle or cartridge, respectively configured to be mounted in or attached to two or more of the following vaporizers:

[0129] (a) The main body of a portable vapor device without an integrated liquid transfer pump;

[0130] (b) The main body of a portable vaporizer configured to engage with a liquid refill docking section including a liquid pump;

[0131] (c) A portable vaporizer body configured to engage with a portable cartridge including a liquid pump; and

[0132] (d) The main body of a portable vaporizer with an integrated liquid pump.

[0133] Some optional features:

[0134] • The pre-filled and refillable compartments are matched in size and shape so that the same vaporizer body can be used with both pre-filled and refillable compartments.

[0135] The portable vapor device body includes a fluid path from a fluid inlet to a rod, nozzle, or orifice configured to engage with a reciprocating orifice, rod, or nozzle in a refillable chamber.

[0136] The main body of a portable vaporizer includes a slot or other opening that exposes a portion of a compartment that is inserted into or otherwise engaged with the device, allowing the user to identify the flavor of the liquid in the compartment.

[0137] • The refillable compartment includes a level sensing subsystem.

[0138] The portable vapor device includes a subsystem that measures or uses signals from a liquid level sensing subsystem in a refillable compartment.

[0139] The portable vaporizer body includes a subsystem that sends signals from the liquid level sensing subsystem in the refillable pod to the microcontroller that controls the fluid delivery system.

[0140] The microcontroller is located in the vape device body itself, in the desktop docking part or in the portable box docking part.

[0141] • The fluid delivery system is located in the vape device body itself, or in a desktop or portable cartridge dock, and is configured to refill a refillable cartridge that fits to the device.

[0142] • When the liquid level in the liquid reservoir of the refillable compartment reaches a preset level or amount, the fluid delivery system automatically stops pumping.

[0143] The handheld vaping device includes a rechargeable battery, a fluid delivery system, a liquid level sensing subsystem, and a liquid refill container.

[0144] The vape device body includes a rechargeable battery and is configured to cooperate with an external fluid delivery system and an external liquid level sensing subsystem.

[0145] • Refillable pods pre-filled with liquid are also provided at the point of sale.

[0146] • In the event that there is no liquid at the point of sale, a refillable reservoir configured to be refilled using a pump is provided.

[0147] • The pre-filled compartment includes certified chips or modules.

[0148] • The refillable pod includes an authentication chip or module.

[0149] The vape device body includes an authentication subsystem that reads the identity chip or module and only operates when the authentication routine is passed.

[0150] AYRCase system

[0151] We will now describe the AYR system in more detail. We will describe the complete AYRCase system.

[0152] Figure 2The refill and refill cartridge of the AYRCase is shown, generally indicated by 200; it stores the personal e-cigarette device, namely the PV e-cigarette device, which is visible at its top at 201, as shown in Figure 3. The cartridge 200 includes a PV ejector switch 202, which, when pushed, releases a stop that would otherwise be held in place by a spring compressed when the PV is fully inserted into the cartridge; this allows the PV 201 to rise a few millimeters, so the user can easily grasp it (e.g., when holding the cartridge with one hand, the user can trigger the stop and then fully grasp the PV with his or her lips to remove it from the cartridge). The cartridge includes a display (not shown) on its top surface that displays various operating parameters (e.g., whether the cartridge is pumping liquid; the liquid level in the refill bottle; the battery level in the cartridge; the connection status). A ribbed metal extrusion 203 provides the housing; this is low-cost and allows for the easy implementation of different materials, colors, and finishes. The extrusion 203 is a one-piece sleeve that slides above the internal frame, allowing for quick and efficient assembly and disassembly for repair or recycling. The box is activated by pressing or touching the on / off button 204.

[0153] exist Figure 3 The image shows a PV or e-cigarette device: it includes an e-cigarette device body 301 and a mouthpiece or cartridge 302 that slides onto the e-cigarette device body 301 and is secured by a magnetic or friction latch. As mentioned above, the mouthpiece of this cartridge can be a pre-filled, single-use, non-recyclable mouthpiece that includes a small liquid reservoir and an integrated heated atomizer. Alternatively, it can be a refillable mouthpiece. The lower external dimensions of both types of cartridges are identical, so they can both be fitted into the e-cigarette device body 303. Careful positioning of the various interfaces (power, data, and liquid) is required to ensure compatibility between the pre-filled and refillable cartridges and the device body 301. In addition to the refillable e-cigarette device body 301, the AYR system also includes a standard e-cigarette device body (not shown) that is only compatible with pre-filled cartridges; this is a very low-cost version for users who only wish to use pre-filled cartridges.

[0154] Like the case, a ribbed metal extrusion 304 provides the outer shell; this is also low-cost and easily available in different materials, colors, and finishes. The extrusion 304 is a one-piece sleeve that slides over the internal frame, making assembly and disassembly for repair or recycling quick and efficient. A series of eight LED lights 303 run down one side of the device body 303; when the vape device is removed from the case and ready for the smoking phase, all eight LEDs illuminate. A timer or other measurement system gradually extinguishes each light; for example, after 10 seconds or 5 puffs (or another number of puffs), the first or top light extinguishes. After another 10 seconds or 5 puffs, the first and second lights extinguish. And so on, until all lights are extinguished, having delivered or inhaled approximately the amount of nicotine consumed in one cigarette. The final light can be programmed to last longer than the others, corresponding to the typical habit of smokers seeking to get the most from their final cigarette holder. The AYR system mimics smoking habits whenever possible: by doing so, it maximizes the likelihood that smokers will switch from smoking to vaporization.

[0155] Returning to the box, we can remove the metal sleeve extrusion part 400, such as... Figure 4 We can see the PV 401 in its storage position, along with the 10 mL nebulizable liquid refill bottle 402, the main battery 403, and the electric peristaltic pump 404. Figure 5 Box 501 is shown, with refill bottle 502 outside box 501; bottle 502 includes a child-protective cap 503; such cap 503 is removed during normal use before the bottle 502 is inserted into box 501.

[0156] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through the case with the liquid refill bottle 601 in place but the PV removed, showing the channel 602 that receives the PV. The key elements in the case are the main battery 603, which is used to recharge the smaller battery in the PV; and a motor 604 that drives a peristaltic pump 605, which automatically draws liquid from the refill bottle 601 along food-grade tubing (not shown) that resists leaching of e-cigarette liquid. The tubing continues to the liquid supply nozzle and valve 606 in the case; when the PV is pressed down against the nozzle, the valve opens, allowing liquid to be pumped into the PV device body and up into the tip.

[0157] Figure 7The PV is shown; the nozzle or cartridge 701 is shown removed from the body 702 of the PV; it is held in place in the PV by a small magnet. The nozzle or cartridge 701 can be prefilled with liquid at the liquid filling plant and cannot be refilled at all. Alternatively, it can be refilled using a cartridge or other form of docking station. The external dimensions and shape are the same for both variants for full compatibility. The prefilled cartridge includes colored ribs 703; different colors are used for cartridges with different liquid flavors. The refillable cartridge has a different color or pattern. The ribs 703 slide into slots 704 in the cartridge; the ribs have a dual function: first, to ensure that the cartridge 701 slides into the device body 702 in the correct orientation (physical and electrical interface asymmetry), and second, to indicate the type or flavor of the cartridge being used.

[0158] Figure 8 A cross-section of a refillable variant of the PV is shown. It includes a liquid filling orifice and valve 801, and a liquid path 802 from the liquid filling orifice and valve 801 to a liquid nozzle 803 that matches an orifice in the base of a refillable suction head 804. The liquid path 802 is formed by a molded channel in a plastic frame to which the main components of the PV (e.g., a small rechargeable battery, main circuit board) are attached, and on which a metal extrusion sleeve 805 can slide to form the finished vaporizer. Thus, the frame molding forms three sides of the liquid delivery channel 802; it is covered with an ultrasonically welded plastic or PET film; this is an inexpensive and easy-to-manufacture method for creating a liquid path in a PV and eliminates the need for a separate small-bore liquid tube.

[0159] like Figure 9As shown, the PV has a liquid filling nozzle 901 that mates with a liquid filling orifice in the base of the refillable cartridge. The PV includes a pressure drop signal nozzle 902 connected to a pressure sensor within the PV; when a user inhales, negative pressure is transmitted to the pressure sensor via the pressure drop signal nozzle 902. This pressure drop path is completely separated from any airflow path that may contain e-cigarette liquid or condensate droplets to minimize the risk of damage to the pressure sensor from nicotine liquid or other chemicals that could impair its proper operation. This separation is particularly important when using sensitive pressure measurement devices, such as solid-state MEMS-type pressure sensors, as these devices need to be protected from e-cigarette liquid contamination and benefit from having a dedicated and unique pressure path. These types of sensors are particularly useful when the device needs to accurately track detailed metrics about inhalation—that is, not just simply counting each inhalation, but accurately measuring and recording the intensity, depth, volume, duration, and air velocity profiles of each inhalation over time (and also operating on exhalation data, in the form of a spirometer, where the sensor is used to track exhalation data—data that can be particularly valuable in clinical trials of smokers to track improvements in lung function, for example, when trial participants reduce or stop smoking).

[0160] The power supply to the heating coil is achieved via electrical contacts, one of which is shown as 904.

[0161] The PV also includes four spring-loaded connectors 903 that provide electrical and signal contacts to the capacitive sensor circuitry. The sensor circuitry is located in the external mating section of the AYRDock and AYRCase variants; it is located within the vaporizer of the AYRMod variant. The refillable chamber includes a pair of capacitive plates in its liquid reservoir, and four spring-loaded pins provide a signal between the capacitive plates and the capacitive sensing circuitry, which is either a dedicated chip or an ASIC incorporating the required circuitry.

[0162] Figure 10 The base of the PV is shown; when the PV is pushed down against the filling nozzle in this case, the spring-loaded filling valve 101 is disengaged, and an unobstructed liquid path is provided from the filling hole 102 in the base of the PV upward through the liquid passage 103 to the suction head filling nozzle.

[0163] Figure 11This is an exploded view of the atomizer head. Key components include the base cap 110, four spring-loaded pin contacts 111, a liquid filling port with a one-way valve 112 (this valve only opens when the pump actively pumps liquid to the head's liquid reservoir under pressure), a liquid rod 113 located above the valve 112, and the silicone atomizer base 114 where the atomizing unit is located. The atomizing unit contains a ceramic wick 115, around which a stainless steel heating coil wire 116 is wound; however, any other atomization system is possible. A power cord 117 supplies power to the heating coil wire 116.

[0164] The silicone inner cylinder, located within the generally cylindrical silicone outer sheath 119, is formed by a lower section called a flue 118 and an upper section 120 supporting the ceramic core 115. The silicone flue 118 is located on the atomizer base 114. Air flows upward through the central hole of the flue 118 and over the core 115 and coil 116, forming an aerosol comprising liquid droplets. A liquid reservoir is formed on the inner surface of the mouthpiece 121 and the outer surface of the silicone outer sheath 119. A pair of channels are formed between the silicone outer sheath 119 and the silicone inner components 118, 120 assembled within the outer sheath 119; these channels are liquid channels that supply liquid from the liquid reservoir upward into the core 115. A pair of stainless steel capacitive sensing plates 122 and 123 are located inside the liquid reservoir. Subsequent figures will be expanded upon based on the description.

[0165] Figure 12 The fully reassembled tip is shown, but only the mouthpiece 121 is lifted. A pair of stainless steel capacitive sensing plates 122 and 123 are shown; these capacitive sensing plates connect the front Figure 11 The silicone outer sheath 119 completely surrounds the upper and lower sections of the inner silicone cylinders 118 and 120. Capacitive plates 122 and 123 have flat sides and a curved, partially cylindrical central section 124; the partially cylindrical central section 124 sits atop the cylindrical silicone outer sheath 119. When the mouthpiece 121 is fitted onto the atomizer base 114, the area outside the stainless steel capacitive sensing plates 122 and 123 and the plastic mouthpiece 121 serves as a liquid reservoir and is therefore typically filled with liquid; the cover 121 slides over the unit, and double O-rings prevent liquid leakage.

[0166] During use, the typical scenario involves the level sensing system determining whether the liquid level in the reservoir is above or below a threshold, typically 1 / 2 full or 2 / 3 full. This measurement routine occurs (e.g., via an accelerometer chip within the reservoir) when the PV is placed in the cartridge and the cartridge is oriented vertically—this significantly reduces the challenge of accurately sensing the amount of liquid in the reservoir by limiting filling to occur only when the device is vertical. If the level is below the threshold, the pump is activated and continues pumping liquid into the suction head reservoir until the threshold is reached.

[0167] More details of the liquid level sensing system are given in Section D.

[0168] Figure 13 The arrangement is shown with one of the stainless steel capacitive sensing plates removed, leaving only the rear sensor plate 122; it shows a generally cylindrical silicone outer sheath 119 forming the inner surface of the liquid reservoir. The silicone outer sheath 119 shows two ridges 130 extending upwards on each side; inside the sheath 119 are lower and upper generally cylindrical silicone inner parts 118, 120; these parts 118, 120 are tightly fitted within the silicone outer sheath 119, away from channels behind each ridge: each channel is a liquid path 131 from the reservoir into the wick; the channel is formed by the gap between the inner surface of the silicone outer sheath 119 and the outer surface of the silicone parts 118, 120 defined by the ridges 130. The gap (not shown) between the opposing capacitive sensing plates 122 and 123 is evident; a gap is required for capacitive measurements. In order to make accurate and consistent capacitance measurements, the capacitive plates need to be separated accurately and consistently; small ribs or features on the silicone outer sheath 119 and the atomizer base 132 make this possible.

[0169] Figure 14 The internal structure is shown more clearly in a perspective cross-sectional view of the fully assembled chamber; the silicone outer sheath 119 includes ridges that define a pair of internal channels 131 through which liquid can pass; the cross-section is a slice through these channels 131. The silicone internal components located inside the silicone outer sheath 119 are formed by a lower section called a flue 118 and an upper component 120 supporting the ceramic core 115. Air flows upward through the flue 118 and through a pair of opposing angled holes 140 into the atomizing chamber surrounding the ceramic core 115 and the heating coil 116.

[0170] As described above, the ceramic cartridge 115 is mounted within the upper silicone inner cylinder 120. Liquid channel 131 supplies liquid to the ceramic cartridge. In conventional cartridges, the atomizing coil is located at the base of the cartridge; this is undesirable for refillable systems, as these systems require a method for purging air from the reservoir when it is pumped in; this implies some form of air valve or channel connecting the fluid to the external atmosphere for pressure equalization. Figure 14 In this configuration, a vent 142 is sealed by a breathable but liquid-impermeable barrier 143. However, the presence of the vent 142 or channel means that if the coil is placed at the base, normal static atmospheric pressure will tend to cause liquid to leak out of the reservoir via the coil and down through the base of the chamber. This is much easier to achieve in conventional chambers because there is no direct vent to the liquid reservoir; when the liquid is depleted, a partial vacuum is created, which tends to limit liquid leakage. In the AYR system, the atomizing element (e.g., coil 118 and coil 116, or any other atomizing device is possible) is placed at least vertically midway within the liquid reservoir. It is closer to the mouthpiece opening or outlet, thus providing hotter vapor. It is typically 10-15 mm from the end of the mouthpiece. It extends approximately 20-25 mm upward from the base of the chamber and approximately 10-15 mm upward from the base of the liquid reservoir. Figure 15 It is an engineering drawing of a specific implementation that provides a precise diagram.

[0171] Liquid passage 131 leads to the bottom of the liquid reservoir at its base 141, thus facilitating liquid entry into passage 131. When the user inhales, the pressure in passage 131 decreases, causing the liquid in passage 131 to rise and be supplied to the ceramic suction core 115, just as liquid can be drawn up along a suction tube. Once the user stops inhaling, the pressure drops and the liquid flows back down along passage 131; this prevents continuous contact between the liquid and suction core 115, which could otherwise lead to leakage of liquid through suction core 115 and outside the compartment. Liquid is pumped into the reservoir via valve 112 and liquid rod 113, which leads directly to the base of the liquid reservoir.

[0172] Figure 16The flue 118 is shown in more detail, including orifices 140 and 141. One orifice 140 directs air at approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise relative to the vertical position (viewed from one position); the other orifice 141 directs air at 45 degrees clockwise relative to the vertical position (viewed from the same position). This causes the air to form distorted vortices or other turbulence around the atomizing coil, resulting in better vapor production (e.g., higher and more consistent aerosol production) and a more uniform temperature distribution along the heating element. This minimizes the risk of hot spots and thus provides a more predictable aerosol composition and reduces the risk of contamination that may be caused by localized hot spots on the heating element.

[0173] Figure 16 Another cross-section of the entire assembled refillable suction head is shown.

[0174] Now, we will continue to the refill bottle, such as Figure 18 As shown. Its liquid capacity is typically 10 mL, but this capacity is chosen to comply with EU regulations; in other markets, significantly larger refill bottles are possible, thus providing greater value to consumers. The bottle has a body 170, which is an ultra-low-cost blown plastic bottle. A child-protective screw cap 171 is threaded onto the short neck. A molded feature 172 is present on the bottle shoulder, designed for snap-fitting or sliding-in small memory or chip.

[0175] Figure 19 This is an exploded view; bottle 170 includes a child safety cap 171 that screws onto a very short, threaded neck; unlike conventional e-cigarette liquid-filled bottles, there is no spout or conical protrusion from which the user can pour liquid; in the AYR system, liquid is automatically drawn out by a pump and the user never manually pours liquid from the bottle. The bottle includes an encryption chip or security authentication chip, which is press-fitted or slid into a small recess 172 in the top shoulder of the cap; the recess may have a dovetail shape to allow easy insertion and removal of the chip when cleaning the bottle for reuse or recycling. The chip can be read and written using a 1-wire protocol, wherein bottle 170 is inserted into a physical contact in the device (e.g., a box or desktop dock or a mod-type vaporizer).

[0176] Alternatively, wireless reading and writing of the chip can be achieved (e.g., using RFID). Wireless data reading from the chip is extremely useful for quickly reading bottles within bottle packaging—for example, by regulatory agencies or institutions wishing to inspect the origin of bottles and their contents; in factories, distributors, retailers, or end-users, agents can use wireless readers to scan all packaged bottles, download all data (e.g., unique serial number, batch number, liquid type) and write that data into a central database to accurately record which bottle is where; counterfeit goods can be easily identified because they either lack RFID data tags or the data on those tags is a duplicate of existing tags. The tag can also bear a tax or customs stamp or proof of paid duties; the agent can then quickly scan the bottle to verify that the correct duties have been paid. The same authentication chip can also be used for the container.

[0177] More specifically, the authentication chip stores a complete record of the bottle filling date, the liquid batch number for full traceability, and a consumption tax or tax payment record. The consumption tax payment record can be a unique sequence generated by the consumption tax payment system, bound to the liquid batch number, and written into the authentication chip when the capsule or bottle is filled with the liquid at the filling plant. This unique sequence is purchased by the device supplier (or capsule or refiller supplier) from the relevant government entity responsible for collecting consumption tax for the market where the capsule or bottle will be sold. The consumption tax number can be hashed (e.g., with the liquid batch number) or otherwise encrypted to make forgery difficult. If a valid, authentic, decrypted consumption tax record is not present in the capsule or refilled bottle, the vaporizer or docking station can be set to inoperable—that is, the vaporizer or docking station implements a check routine to decrypt and authenticate the consumption tax record; it can also store a record of an earlier consumption tax record, and only function if the consumption tax record is unique and not present in that record. Authentication can reside entirely within the vaporizer or docking station—that is, no communication with an external server is required. If the vaporizer or docking station is connected to the internet, it also uses a remote authentication server and shares excise tax data downloaded from the cartridge or refill bottle, thus creating a central record of the use of consumables for which excise tax has been paid, which is available for review and audit by government agencies. Authentication chips can be used to capture excise tax payments on other vaporizer consumables: for example, on the packaging of small tobacco sticks used in heated but not burned devices, enabling a single, unified global system to capture excise tax on products intended as alternatives to cigarettes. As government taxes on cigarettes decrease, it will become increasingly important to provide a cost-effective way to impose or collect taxes on liquid bottles, and to test the tariff or tax compliance of the bottles, and therefore, it is necessary to begin fiscally taxing vaporizers and their associated consumables, such as liquid bottles or atomizers.

[0178] The bottle includes an immersion tube that connects to an element or other form of seal or stop 182, which we call a “stopper”; the stopper 182 is located within the only opening of the bottle 170, which is closed by a child-protective threaded cap 171.

[0179] Figure 20 It is a cross-sectional view of the bottle, showing the cap or lid screwed on. Figure 21 and Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the bottle, with the cap or lid removed, as if the bottle were positioned within an AYRCase, AYRDock, or AYRMod device. The dovetail shape of the encryption chip recess 172 is clearly visible, as is the structure of the stopper.

[0180] The stopper 182 is cylindrical and sits within the short neck of the bottle. It includes an outer ring segment 210 through which air can flow into and out of the bottle's interior 212 to achieve pressure equalization. The underside of the ring 210 is sealed with a diaphragm 211 made of a porous, gas-permeable, but liquid-impermeable material (e.g., PTFE). During normal operation, when liquid is pumped from the bottle via the dip tube 181, air must enter the bottle's interior 212, as otherwise a partial vacuum would form, making it impossible to pump the liquid from the bottle.

[0181] During the filling of the bottle with liquid during manufacturing, conventional liquid filling equipment, such as that typically used for high-speed filling of e-cigarette liquid bottles, can be used to pour the liquid through the neck of the bottle; the stopper 182 is not in place. After filling, the stopper 182 is pushed into the bottle and the child-resistant cap 171 is tightened. This allows for fast and efficient bottle filling with minimal modification to existing e-cigarette liquid filling production lines.

[0182] When the bottle is in place in the box, docking section, or vapor device, the nozzle in the box or docking section is tightly fitted into the central hole 213 of the stopper 182 and above the inlet leading to the immersion tube 181; the nozzle is connected to a pump in the box, docking section, or device such that when the pump is started, liquid is drawn from the immersion tube 181, through the central hole, and then into the nozzle of the device.

[0183] Figure 23 A perspective view of a motor 220 for driving a peristaltic rotor is shown; a liquid conduit (not shown) connected to a nozzle that subsequently engages with a liquid refill bottle passes through a portion of the rotor; as the rotor rotates, it uses peristaltic movement to move liquid through the conduit from the bottle into a liquid reservoir in a refillable chamber or suction head of a vapor fume device. A rotating shaft 222 of the motor is mounted thereon with an eccentric ring 223; the outer surface of the eccentric ring 223 is a low-friction surface that contacts the low-friction surface of an outer circular ring 224. Figure 24 This is the front view of the system; Figure 25It includes a peristaltic tubing. When the motor shaft 222 and eccentric ring 223 rotate, the outer ring 224 moves laterally but does not rotate. A food-grade peristaltic tubing (tested to ensure minimal effects from nicotine or e-cigarette liquid) runs around a portion of the outer ring 224 and moves laterally, pressing against the tubing. When the most eccentric portion of the inner ring rotates, the surface of the ring above it is pushed radially outward. This portion rotates, and as it does so, it causes peristaltic compression of the tubing, forcing liquid along the tubing. This movement is fully reversible, allowing liquid to be extracted from vaping devices and refillable pods and then pumped back into the refill bottle. This is useful when changing flavors, as it minimizes flavor mixing.

[0184] We can summarize some of the main functions as follows:

[0185] High coil

[0186] For refillable, user-replaceable tips or cartridges or atomizers, we have found that the conventional placement of the atomizing unit at or near the base of the tip is problematic because the tip must vent to atmosphere to achieve pressure equalization during filling with liquid and consume the liquid in normal vaping. Because the atomizing unit typically includes a wick fed by gravity or capillary action from a liquid reservoir in the tip, the atmospheric pressure on the surface of the liquid in the liquid reservoir and the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid are sufficient to overcome any surface tension effects that would otherwise restrict the flow of liquid through the wick to the atomization chamber and there to the base or inhalation chamber of the tip, from which the liquid could easily leak out. We have found that a solution is to move the coil upward from the base to a sufficient vertical height in the tip so that leakage through the wick, caused by atmospheric pressure on the liquid and the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid in the liquid reservoir, does not occur. For example, if the liquid reservoir is typically filled to a height of x cm above the base of the tip, we position the wick feeding the atomizing unit so that the vertical distance between the wick's position and the normal maximum fill level of the reservoir is minimized; we could also position the wick itself at a distance of approximately x cm from the base, for example. Different wicking behaviors, wick geometries, and atomizer geometries (whether wick-containing or wick-less) will determine the optimal position.

[0187] We can summarize it as follows:

[0188] A vaporizer includes an automatically refillable liquid reservoir with a pressure equalization passage to the outside atmosphere; and an atomizing unit configured to draw liquid from the reservoir.

[0189] When the vertically oriented reservoir contains the maximum amount of liquid, the atomizing unit is positioned relative to the surface of the liquid in the reservoir such that the pressure applied to and / or exerted by the liquid is insufficient to cause the liquid to flow through the atomizing unit and result in liquid leakage.

[0190] Some optional features:

[0191] The pressure applied to a liquid and the pressure exerted by the liquid are caused by atmospheric pressure acting on the liquid surface and hydrostatic pressure due to the weight of the liquid.

[0192] • When the device is oriented vertically, and when the reservoir contains the maximum amount of liquid, the atomizing unit is placed at least partially on or above the surface of the liquid in the reservoir.

[0193] The atomizing unit includes a liquid path that allows liquid from the liquid reservoir to leak outside the surface of the chamber containing the atomizing unit and the liquid reservoir, and the atomizing unit is positioned vertically relative to the liquid reservoir such that pressure applied to and / or exerted by the liquid at any point in the liquid path is insufficient to cause the liquid to flow through the liquid path and cause liquid leakage.

[0194] • When the reservoir contains the maximum amount of liquid, when the device is vertically oriented, the liquid path in or through the atomizing unit is arranged substantially at or above the surface of the liquid in the reservoir, such that the pressure applied to the liquid at any point in the liquid path and / or the pressure exerted by the liquid is insufficient to cause the liquid to flow through the liquid path and cause liquid leakage.

[0195] • When the reservoir contains the maximum amount of liquid, when the device is vertically oriented, the liquid path in or through the atomizing unit is arranged close enough to the surface of the liquid in the reservoir that the pressure applied to the liquid and / or the pressure exerted by the liquid is insufficient to cause the liquid to flow through the liquid path and cause liquid leakage.

[0196] • When the reservoir contains the maximum amount of liquid, the atomizing unit is at least partially placed below the surface of the liquid in the reservoir, but when the reservoir contains the maximum amount of liquid, at least 90% of the vertical height of the liquid in the reservoir remains so when the device is vertically oriented.

[0197] • When the reservoir contains the maximum amount of liquid, the atomizing unit is placed at least partially below the surface of the liquid in the reservoir, but when the reservoir contains the maximum amount of liquid, at least 75% of the vertical height of the liquid in the reservoir remains so when the device is vertically oriented.

[0198] The atomizing unit includes a wick, and when the device is vertically oriented, the wick is at least partially placed on or above the surface of the liquid in the reservoir when the reservoir contains the maximum amount of liquid.

[0199] • The atomising unit comprises a wick and, when the device is oriented vertically, a lowermost portion of the wick is positioned at or above the surface of the liquid in the reservoir when the reservoir contains a maximum amount of liquid.

[0200] The liquid reservoir and atomising unit are formed in the form of a tip or capsule that is user replaceable and slides into or otherwise engages the main body of the steam device.

[0201] We can also use the base of the liquid reservoir as a benchmark to view this from a structural rather than functional perspective:

[0202] A smoke-generating device comprising an automatically refillable liquid reservoir having a maximum vertical liquid height H measured from the base of the reservoir; and an atomizing unit configured to draw liquid from the reservoir; wherein, when the device is placed vertically, the atomizing unit is positioned substantially above the base of the reservoir or above the base at a position at least 1 / 4H from the base of the reservoir.

[0203] Some optional features:

[0204] The atomizing unit should be placed at least 1 / 3H upward from the base.

[0205] The atomizing unit should be placed at least 1 / 2H upward from the base.

[0206] • The liquid reservoir and atomizing unit are designed to be replaceable by the user and can be slid into the main body of the vapor chamber or other attachments or compartments.

[0207] Atomizer positioned near the mouthpiece

[0208] One consequence of moving the atomizer from its traditional position at the base of the cartridge or mouthpiece is that it is now closer to the mouthpiece. This, in turn, results in hotter vapor, which is generally more satisfying for smokers hoping to use vaping to quit.

[0209] We can summarize it as follows:

[0210] A smoke-generating device includes an automatically refillable liquid reservoir and an atomizing unit configured to draw liquid from the reservoir and provide aerosol to a mouthpiece; wherein the midpoint or center of the atomizing unit is located less than 20 mm from the end of the mouthpiece, and preferably located between 10 mm and 15 mm from the end of the mouthpiece.

[0211] siphon

[0212] One challenge AYR engineers faced when moving the atomizer upwards from the base of the vape head was how to supply liquid to the atomizer unit. For conventional vape head designs, atmospheric pressure or hydrostatic pressure / gravity combined with the capillary action of the coil is usually sufficient, as the coil and atomizer unit are typically located at the base of the cartridge or atomizer. In AYR, the liquid supply path had to prevent excessive liquid from entering the atomizer unit, which would lead to leaks, and also prevent insufficient liquid from reaching the atomizer unit, as this would result in a poor vapor experience.

[0213] The solution is to use one or more narrow liquid supply channels that extend from the base of the liquid reservoir upwards to the wick; these are sufficiently constricted in cross-section that the normal inhalation behavior at the device's mouthpiece (which creates negative pressure in the atomizing chamber relative to the atmosphere), and therefore the negative pressure in the wick leading to the atomizing chamber, is sufficient to cause the liquid in the supply channels to rise, contact, and enter the wick, and thus the atomizing chamber, even when the liquid level in the reservoir is low or the reservoir is level. In a broad sense, we can call it a siphon, meaning any system through which liquid flows. (In a narrower sense, a siphon can be considered a combination of atmospheric pressure pushing liquid up the tube, which we have in the AYR system, and then gravity pulling it down below the liquid level in the source, which we don't have). In practice, the operation is more akin to sucking liquid up through a straw.

[0214] We can summarize it as follows:

[0215] A smoke-generating device includes an automatically refillable liquid reservoir and an atomizing unit configured to draw liquid from the liquid reservoir and provide an aerosol to a mouthpiece, wherein the liquid reservoir is connected to the bottom of one or more liquid channels and the atomizing unit is connected to the top of the channels or each channel, each channel being configured such that when a user inhales through the mouthpiece, a decrease in air pressure causes liquid to flow upward along the channel or each channel and into the atomizing unit.

[0216] Some optional features:

[0217] • When the user stops inhaling, the liquid will stop flowing upward in that channel or each channel.

[0218] • Each channel is connected to the liquid reservoir at the base of the liquid reservoir.

[0219] • Select the length or cross-sectional area of ​​each channel to provide sufficient liquid delivery to the atomizing unit while minimizing liquid leakage from the mouthpiece.

[0220] • The liquid reservoir includes an air-permeable but liquid-impermeable liquid diaphragm that allows venting to the outside atmosphere.

[0221] The liquid reservoir, atomising unit, mouthpiece and passageway are formed in the form of a tip or capsule that is replaceable by the user and slides into or otherwise engages the main body of the steam device.

[0222] The atomizing unit consists of a ceramic wicking element that lies horizontally when the tip is upright.

[0223] • Each channel is formed as a recess in a generally cylindrical member which is press-fit or friction-fitted into a larger generally cylindrical member.

[0224] • When the vertically oriented reservoir contains the maximum amount of liquid, the atomizing unit is placed in a vertical position relative to the liquid surface in the reservoir, so that the air pressure acting on the liquid surface is insufficient to cause the liquid to flow through the atomizing unit and cause liquid leakage.

[0225] • When the device is placed upright, the atomising unit is placed substantially above the base of the reservoir, at a position at least 1 / 4 H upwards from the base of the reservoir.

[0226] The liquid reservoir, atomising unit, mouthpiece and passageway are formed in the form of a refillable tip or pod that is replaceable by the user and slides into or otherwise engages the main body of the steam device.

[0227] turbulence

[0228] Another challenge AYR engineers faced when moving the atomizing unit upward from the base of the nozzle was that the air flowing upward to the atomizing unit has a much longer flow path than in conventional atomizer pods. In conventional pods, the atomizing unit is typically placed at the base of the pod and, therefore, very close to the start of the air inlet path. The problem with extending the length of the air flow path is that it increases the likelihood and degree of laminar airflow. Laminar airflow above the atomizing unit is undesirable because it results in restricted contact between the area above the heating surface and the moving air, and the moving air is not evenly distributed over the heating surface. This can lead to hot spots on the heating surface that are higher than desired. Even in highly localized areas, excessive temperatures can lead to the formation of undesirable byproducts or contaminants in the vapor. In the AYR atomizing unit, a specific mechanism is used to introduce turbulence. Air flowing up the "flue" to the atomizing unit strikes one or more nozzles or holes at the top of the flue, which are configured to direct the laminar air into a turbulent pattern or vortex.

[0229] We can summarize it as follows:

[0230] A smoke generator includes an atomizer and an air supply nozzle system configured to direct air drawn in through the smoke generator onto the atomizer, wherein the air supply nozzle system includes one or more nozzles or orifices configured to direct air at an angle or direction relative to the vertical to generate a substantially non-laminar, non-turbulent, non-torsional, or non-vortex airflow on the atomizer.

[0231] Some optional features:

[0232] • Each nozzle or orifice is configured such that air exits the nozzle or orifice at an angle of at least 5 degrees to the vertical axis passing through the atomizer.

[0233] • Each nozzle or orifice is configured such that air exits the nozzle or orifice at an angle of at least 10 degrees to the vertical axis passing through the atomizer.

[0234] • Each nozzle or orifice is configured such that air exits the nozzle or orifice at an angle of at least 20 degrees to the vertical axis passing through the atomizer.

[0235] • Each nozzle or orifice is configured such that air exits the nozzle or orifice at an angle of at least 30 degrees to the vertical axis passing through the atomizer.

[0236] • Each nozzle or orifice is configured such that air exits the nozzle or orifice at an angle of at least 40 degrees to the vertical axis passing through the atomizer.

[0237] • Each nozzle or orifice is configured such that air exits the nozzle or orifice at an angle of at least 50 degrees to the vertical axis passing through the atomizer.

[0238] • There is at least one pair of nozzles or holes, each nozzle being laterally displaced from the line defining the middle of the atomizer and configured to guide air in the opposite direction to the other nozzle, such that the air forms a vortex flowing around the atomizer.

[0239] • The air supply nozzle system is located above an air duct or chimney that supplies air to the air supply nozzle system in a non-turbulent or substantially laminar manner.

[0240] • The atomizer is placed in an air duct that provides significant laminar flow characteristics to the air.

[0241] • The atomizer and nozzle or orifice are formed in a refillable or prefillable head or chamber that is user-replaceable and slides or engages with the body of the atomizing device.

[0242] PET-covered channels

[0243] Complex vaporizers like the AYR can be quite expensive and difficult to manufacture; cost reduction is always a priority. The normal route for transporting liquid upwards through the vaporizer from an inlet port connected to a pump (external in the AYRBase and AYRCase variants, and internal in the AYRMod variant) is via a dedicated tube. However, the available space for the tube is very limited, so the tube must be very narrow and have high tolerances; and the bends in the tube are difficult to manufacture, thus imposing design constraints. In the AYR vaporizer body, we use a molded plastic part forming an internal frame to which the battery, circuit boards, and other major components are attached; we form a narrow channel within this molded part. This channel forms three sides of the liquid path upwards through the vaporizer. A translucent plastic film is ultrasonically welded to form the cover of the channel in a manner used in different, dissimilar cases, namely, in inkjet printer cartridges where the distance for transporting liquid ink from the ink reservoir to the inkjet printhead is short.

[0244] The channel doesn't need to be straight; it can be twisted. This is easily accomplished in plastic molding. This provides us with a fluid delivery path that is very inexpensive to manufacture, thus reducing commodity costs and ensuring reliability.

[0245] We can summarize it as follows:

[0246] A smoke-generating device includes: (i) a liquid reservoir that supplies liquid to an atomizer; (ii) a port, orifice, or nozzle configured to allow the device to be filled with an atomizable liquid from a liquid source; and (iii) a liquid path that connects the liquid reservoir to the port, orifice, or nozzle; and wherein the liquid path includes a channel covered by a plastic film.

[0247] Some optional features:

[0248] • The side of the passage is formed by the frame or other components that are integrated with the main body of the steam fume device.

[0249] • The side of the passage is formed by a plastic molded frame for a steam fume device.

[0250] The film is PET.

[0251] • The membrane is ultrasonically welded to the side of the channel.

[0252] • A channel includes one or more directional changes.

[0253] Capsule or bottle characteristics

[0254] Quick Refill Bottle

[0255] In the previous section, we described how the AYR design reduces the cost of goods for smoking devices. The same requirement exists for reducing the cost of goods for refillable liquid bottles; for the bottle, the priority is even greater because it is the primary consumable item in the AYR system and the typical consumer will purchase twenty or more refill bottles for each vaping device.

[0256] For refill bottles, a key element is ensuring they can be filled quickly and efficiently at the liquid filling plant; and doing so with an inexpensive and easy-to-manufacture structure that is easy to recycle. In AYR's case, the typical 10mL refill bottle is a low-cost blow-molded bottle with a short, threaded neck; the spout allows for the insertion of a nozzle connected to an automated liquid filling system or for pouring liquid into the bottle; no expensive modifications to the industry-standard liquid filling plant are required. Once filled, a structure we call a "stopper" is inserted into the neck; the stopper is specifically configured to engage with the liquid refill system in the vaporizer or docking station or cartridge. More specifically, the stopper is a single molded piece supporting two different functions; it has a central hole that receives the e-cigarette liquid nozzle connected to the liquid pump; this central hole connects to the immersion tube, which extends down to the base of the bottle and ensures that all liquid in the bottle can be pumped out. Surrounding the central hole in the stopper is an annular aperture through which air can flow into and out of the bottle, allowing the pressure to quickly equalize to atmospheric pressure; a liquid-impermeable but air-permeable barrier closes one face of the annular air passage.

[0257] We can summarize it as follows:

[0258] A liquid refill bottle having a mouth configured to (i) allow a nozzle connected to an automated liquid filling system to be inserted or otherwise used to pour liquid into the bottle through the mouth while the bottle is being filled at a filling plant, and (ii) receive a plug or seal configured to both engage the fluid delivery system and allow equalization of gas pressure within the bottle.

[0259] Some optional features:

[0260] • The stopper is made from a single moulded piece.

[0261] The stopper includes a first hole configured to receive a liquid filling nozzle from a refilling system to draw liquid from the bottle, and a second hole configured to allow air to flow into and out of the bottle during filling or emptying of the bottle due to equalization of air pressure within the bottle.

[0262] • The first hole is an internal channel or opening.

[0263] • The nozzle is frictionally fitted into the first hole.

[0264] The second hole is the external channel.

[0265] • The external passages are arranged concentrically around the internal passages.

[0266] • The second hole includes a vent that allows air to pass through but not the e-cigarette liquid.

[0267] • The first hole is connected to the immersion tube.

[0268] The stopper includes a first nozzle configured to engage with a liquid filling port as part of a refill system to draw liquid from the bottle, and a second nozzle or aperture configured to enable air to flow into and out of the bottle during filling or emptying of the bottle due to equalization of air pressure within the bottle.

[0269] The first nozzle is an internal nozzle.

[0270] • The first nozzle is frictionally engaged to engage with the liquid filling orifice, which is part of the refill system.

[0271] • Secondary nozzles or holes are arranged around the inner nozzle.

[0272] • The second nozzle or orifice is arranged concentrically around the inner nozzle.

[0273] The second nozzle or aperture includes a vent hole that is permeable to air but impermeable to e-cigarette liquid.

[0274] • During the manufacturing process, the liquid is poured into or pumped into the bottle through the bottle opening, then the stopper is fitted into the bottle, and finally the child safety cap is fitted into the bottle.

[0275] The bottle is a blown plastic bottle.

[0276] • The bottle is not refillable by the user.

[0277] The bottle is essentially rigid.

[0278] • The bottle includes a neck defining a mouth, and the neck is a threaded neck configured for tightening a child-resistant cap.

[0279] Dual-purpose liquid filling bottle

[0280] The AYR bottle is a rigid, blow-molded bottle. It's specifically designed to work with the AYR automated liquid refill system. However, so-called open tank systems remain popular; these require a liquid refill bottle that the user places over an open atomizer or engages the filling nozzle in a vaping device, then simply squeezes to manually drip or pump the liquid into the device. The AYR bottle can be modified so that it can also be used to fill open tank systems; therefore, it needs to have flexible walls rather than rigid ones.

[0281] We can summarize it as follows:

[0282] A flexible-walled liquid-filled bottle configured to: (a) be manually squeezed to enable a consumer to manually deliver liquid to a reservoir in a vape device, and (b) be received in a vape system and connected to a pump in the vape system that automatically pumps liquid from the bottle to a liquid reservoir that supplies the liquid to an atomizing unit.

[0283] Bottle with dovetail recess for security or data chip

[0284] A key advantage of the AYR system is that its primary consumable (refill bottles) is recyclable. Recyclability is crucial because tens of millions of these bottles can be manufactured. One feature that can complicate recycling is the presence of small authentication chips or memory devices, which can be cryptographically secure; these devices store various data items (e.g., match number, manufacturing date, liquid type, and a counter that decrements each time a limited amount of liquid is pumped from the bottle). Authentication chips or memory devices are typically glued into place, but this presents a problem for recycling, including cleaning the bottle for reuse. In AYR refill bottles, specially shaped channels receive the memory device and mechanically hold it within; it can then be pressed out of the bottle for recycling. The channels can be simple dovetail-shaped recesses into which standard memory chips can easily slide or press; when the bottle is returned for recycling, the memory device can be easily slid out or pushed out of the recess and recycled separately.

[0285] We can summarize it as follows:

[0286] A liquid refill bottle configured to engage a fluid delivery system in a vape system, the bottle including a section or recess into which an authentication chip or other authentication memory component can be physically inserted and then retained by the shape of the section or recess until physically removed to enable the bottle to be recycled.

[0287] Some optional features:

[0288] • The segments are dovetail shaped segments and the components slide into the segments.

[0289] • No glue or other chemical adhesives are required to secure the parts in the appropriate position within the section or recess.

[0290] • The chip or component stores data that defines the liquid contents of the bottle.

[0291] • Chips or components store data that defines the temperature-related properties of a substance.

[0292] • The chip or component stores data related to the number of times liquid has been drawn from the bottle or the amount of liquid drawn from the bottle, to prevent the bottle from becoming unusable when it is refilled by the end user.

[0293] The chip uses an EEPROM emulation mode, which causes the counter to decrease irreversibly.

[0294] nozzle bag

[0295] The bottles described above are rigid plastic bottles. Another method is to use nozzle pouches configured to store nicotine e-cigarette liquids, or CBD or THC liquids. Soft pouches are used for other foods and liquids, but their use for nicotine e-cigarette liquids, or CBD or THC liquids has not yet been determined. Figure 35 A soft bag with a short pouch is shown; the soft bag can be installed in a plastic carriage; the filling dock or box includes a carriage, which the user slides out of the dock or box and then slides the soft bag into the carriage, thereby locking the recess or channel extending around the nozzle or neck of the soft bag in the carriage by means of features or ridges; this ensures accurate alignment of the nozzle with the nozzle in the dock or box that is connected to the fluid delivery system when the carriage slides back into the dock or box.

[0296] We can summarize it as follows:

[0297] A bag made of one or more flexible barrier membranes and including a nozzle configured to engage with a fluid delivery system in a vapor fume system.

[0298] Some optional features:

[0299] • The bag is completely filled when it is filled with liquid, so that there is virtually no air inside the nozzle bag.

[0300] • The bag is a vertical spray nozzle bag.

[0301] • In the case of a carriage receiving bag, the bag is configured to engage with the carriage as part of the atomization system.

[0302] The bag is directly connected to a fluid delivery system configured to automatically draw liquid from the bag and transfer it to a reservoir in the atomization system.

[0303] The fluid delivery system is configured to automatically extract fluid and any air from the bag.

[0304] The fluid delivery system pumps air from a part of the atomizing system or air in communication with the atomizing system through a diaphragm or device.

[0305] The bag stores data (e.g. stored in a chip, barcode or QR code etc.) defining the temperature-related properties of the substance (e.g. e-liquid, CBD) in the bag.

[0306] • The bag includes a silicone plug that is inserted after filling, which allows liquid to flow out of the bag and prevents air from flowing back into the bag.

[0307] • The bag or nozzle bag stores e-cigarette liquid or CBD and has been vacuum sealed.

[0308] A bag or spout bag stores e-liquid or CBD and includes a chip that uses an EEPROM emulation mode that irreversibly decrements a counter.

[0309] • The fluid delivery system includes a valve that prevents or restricts the flow of air back into the bag or nozzle bag.

[0310] • The valve is part of the pump used to pump liquid from a bag or spout bag, such as the rollers or rotors used in a peristaltic pump.

[0311] B. Software / Electronic Components

[0312] Figure 26 This is a schematic block diagram of the refill and recharge box (AYRCase) and the key electronic components in the Wi-Fi docking section where the box is located. Figure 30 The diagram shows the appearance of the cartridge and Wi-Fi docking station, as well as the data connection scheme. The Wi-Fi docking station reads data from the vaping device and refill bottle, and then sends the data to a remote server via a local Wi-Fi link and then via the internet; the remote server performs various functions, such as age verification and data analysis. The user's smartphone can display data (such as nicotine usage data) on a website hosted by the remote server, which is particularly useful for those trying to quit nicotine. There is no direct connection between the smartphone and the vaping device and Wi-Fi docking station. Wi-Fi connectivity can be implemented not only in the docking station alone, but also directly in the cartridge or directly in the vaping device itself. Direct connection between the docking station or the vaping device is also typically possible via Bluetooth. The smartphone then sends the data (wireless or Wi-Fi) to the remote server.

[0313] return Figure 26The box includes an electric pump and pump controller, a rechargeable battery and related electronics (including a PMIC, power management IC), a microcontroller, and a 1-wire protocol interface for the PV and liquid refill bottles or capsules. It includes USB-C charging and data ports. In this configuration, data (e.g., usage data and device performance data) is stored in memory (4 Mbit serial flash memory); when the box is docked with a Wi-Fi docking station, this data is transmitted to the docking station via the 1-wire interface, and then to a web-based remote server via a local Wi-Fi connection.

[0314] Figure 27 This is a schematic block diagram of the key electronic components in the vaporizer body and refillable nozzle. The vaporizer body (labeled "PV") includes a capacitive measuring chip or circuitry, which will be described in detail later. The vaporizer body also includes an accelerometer (i.e., any type of orientation sensor) used to determine when the vaporizer is substantially upright or vertical; as determined by the accelerometer, the device is configured to allow refilling only when the personal vaporizer is substantially upright or vertical. Allowing refilling only when the device is substantially upright or vertical greatly simplifies the measurement of the liquid level in the reservoir within the vaporizer and ensures that it is not overfilled or underfilled.

[0315] Due to the number of discrete electronic components, there is considerable room to integrate many of these components into a custom ASIC; this results in faster manufacturing, higher reliability, and lower costs. Figure 28 This demonstrates how a custom ASIC (i.e., an AYRBase implementation) can be used in a Wi-Fi docking section that also refills and recharges the vaporizer: the ASIC typically includes not only Wi-Fi but also Bluetooth functionality, a PMIC (Power Management IC), a microcontroller, USB processing, and a pump interface. Figure 29 The document also illustrates how a custom ASIC can be used in a vapor chamber: this ASIC may include coil voltage and current sensing circuitry for temperature regulation of the heating element, a microcontroller, capacitance measurement circuitry, a coil on / off switch, a serial flash memory device, and a PMIC. The custom ASIC may also include UWB functionality.

[0316] We can summarize and generalize the key features as follows:

[0317] Age verification, anti-counterfeiting vapor

[0318] A major issue in the vaping industry is the prevalence of counterfeit pods, which allow users to easily refill authorized pods with illegal or contaminated liquids. Another major issue is the easy availability and appeal of these devices to young people, despite responsible manufacturers targeting them exclusively at adult smokers. These two issues are interrelated, as counterfeit pods or contaminated liquids are particularly dangerous to underage users (who are inherently more susceptible to contamination), who are in turn more likely to purchase counterfeit or contaminated liquids because they are often cheaper and available through unregulated channels typically sold only to adults.

[0319] One feature of AYR is that it provides a unified solution to these related problems. In the AYR system, the refill bottle includes an authentication chip. But the pod itself is also counterfeit-resistant (e.g., it includes a secure authentication chip that includes a unique ID that is only usable by authorized pods), and the smoking device can verify the presence of a satisfactory ID on any container attached to the smoking device. The device includes a connection to a remote server (typically via a connected smartphone) that enables the device to tell the server the pod's unique ID and obtain permission to use the pod; thus, the server can prevent the use of any duplicate pods with duplicate IDs.

[0320] The connection is also used to allow the user (usually again using a connected smartphone) to interact with a web-server-based age verification system: for example, when a particular user uses a new smoking device for the first time, the user must pair the device with their smartphone and initiate the web-server-based age verification system; this can use a variety of age verification methods to ensure that the user is an adult (e.g., checking voting status, credit card availability, passport or driver's license records, etc.); only when the user has been verified as an adult can the paired vaping device be unlocked. This overall approach minimizes the risks associated with underage use and the use of counterfeit pods or pods that have been refilled with contaminated liquids.

[0321] We can summarize it as follows:

[0322] A vaporizer system includes: an atomizer compartment pre-filled with an atomizable liquid; and a vaporizer body, wherein the compartment includes an authentication chip or memory, and the vaporizer body includes a compartment authentication subsystem that enables the compartment to be used with the body when a certain compartment standard is met.

[0323] Furthermore, the main body of the vaporizer also includes a wireless connection subsystem, which (i) exchanges data with an application or browser running on the user's smartphone, the application or browser being connected to a web server-based age verification and cartridge use system, and (ii) is configured to unlock the main body only when the user passes the age requirement of the age verification system and the cartridge is authorized for use, so that the vaporizer can be used normally.

[0324] Some optional features:

[0325] • An authentication chip or memory is a memory, security chip, or encryption chip that stores an identifier that enables the authentication, verification, or determination of the origin of the compartment and / or the liquid within it.

[0326] • The pod authentication subsystem (a) determines, locally or using a remote server, whether the value stored in the authentication chip or memory meets the pod standards, and (b) allows the use of the pod only if those pod standards and age requirements are met.

[0327] • Each time a cartridge is used (such as each inhalation), a counter or memory on the certification chip is decremented, and the counter is initially set to a number corresponding to the expected total number of inhalations for a single prefilled cartridge. The cartridge certification subsystem is configured to prevent further use of a particular cartridge once the counter drops below the set number.

[0328] • The memory uses an EEPROM emulation mode, which causes the counter to decrease irreversibly.

[0329] • Each time an inhalation occurs, the capsule authentication subsystem sends a signal to the authentication chip or memory on the capsule.

[0330] Each time an inhalation occurs, the pod authentication subsystem decrements a counter on the authentication chip or memory on the pod.

[0331] • The compartment authentication subsystem reads an identifier from the authentication chip or memory on the compartment, which enables the origin of the compartment to be verified or determined, and the wireless connectivity subsystem is configured to (i) send the identifier to a remote server for processing, and (ii) receive a permission or denial signal from the remote server.

[0332] • The browser automatically runs or executes the URL of the web server-based age verification system, and the wireless connectivity subsystem connects to the web server via Wi-Fi.

[0333] • When a user touches an icon designed to be displayed as an application icon on their smartphone device, a browser is opened or launched to run the URL.

[0334] • The main body of the vapor device includes a Wi-Fi connection module, or is configured to dock with a docking base or box that includes a Wi-Fi connection module.

[0335] The vaping device body includes a location module, such as a GPS or UWB module, and the module sends location data to a geofence system, which determines whether the vaping device body is in an area where vaping is allowed or not, and sends a signal to the vaping device body to lock the device from use when it is in an area where vaping is not allowed.

[0336] The vape device body includes a receiver that listens for location-specific signals, such as those from a UWB beacon, and locks out of use when it picks up such a signal.

[0337] • Web server-based age verification systems use one or more of the following to verify a user's age: self-verification by the user; age verification using a linked credit card or other age-verified payment card or system; age verification using information from the user's passport; age verification using information from the user's social security or national insurance or similar records; age verification using information from the user's driver's license; age verification using information from one or more of the user's social media accounts; and age verification using information obtained from a behavioral analytics system.

[0338] Non-user refillable bottle

[0339] Using standard cartridges or nozzles, authorized users may purchase legal cartridges, use them, and then refill them with new liquid, which may contain illicit ingredients or contaminants that could cause injury or illness. The cartridge can then be returned to the vaporizer. To prevent such user-refilled liquid refills, AYR refill bottles include a safety memory chip with a counter set to a suitable number, such as 256. Each time liquid is automatically drawn from the refill bottle via the fluid delivery system, the system checks the counter and decrements it by one. Once the counter reaches zero, the fluid delivery system will no longer draw liquid from the bottle; effectively, it cannot be reused even if the user intends to refill it with liquid. The same system can be used with pre-filled cartridges.

[0340] We can summarize it as follows:

[0341] A vaporization system includes: a liquid refill bottle or container and a liquid transfer system configured to automatically transfer liquid from the bottle or container to a liquid reservoir in a vaporization device; and wherein the container includes a counter in a memory chip configured to change its value when an event of a defined type affects the bottle or container, such that when the counter reaches a limit (e.g., zero) or other value, the bottle or container is locked and prohibited from further use.

[0342] A liquid refill container for storing liquid for a vaping device, wherein the capsule includes a counter in a memory chip, the counter being configured to change its value when a defined type of event affects the capsule, such that when the counter reaches a limit (e.g., zero) or other value, the container is locked from further use.

[0343] As mentioned above, the method of using a safety counter applies not only to refill bottles but also to prefilled atomizer compartments.

[0344] We can summarize it as follows:

[0345] A vaping system comprising a pre-filled liquid cartridge configured for use with a vaping device, the cartridge including a counter in a memory chip, the counter being configured to change its value when a defined type of event impacts the cartridge, such that when the counter reaches a limit (e.g., zero) or other value, the cartridge is locked from further use.

[0346] A pre-filled liquid cartridge configured for use with a vaping device includes a counter in a memory chip, the counter being configured to change its value when a defined type of event impacts the cartridge, such that when the counter reaches a limit (e.g., zero) or other value, the cartridge is locked from further use.

[0347] Some optional features:

[0348] • The defined event type is using a capsule, such as extracting liquid from a container.

[0349] • The capsule includes a memory chip with an EEPROM emulation mode that enables a counter in the chip to be written every time a defined event type affects the capsule.

[0350] • A counter starts at a set number (such as 256) and is decremented by 1 each time a defined event type affects the capsule.

[0351] • The controller must read a value greater than 1 from the counter in order to allow liquid to be drawn from the container.

[0352] The pod is configured to slide into or otherwise engage with the main body of the vaporizer.

[0353] PIN lock

[0354] Another feature of the AYR devices is that users can lock and unlock them; the box includes a locking system in which the user must enter the correct numerical sequence or other identifier to activate or unlock the system. A simple and low-cost system combines a screen (such as a low-cost OLED matrix display, e.g., 96×64) with a simple mechanical scrolling actuator that allows the user to input forward, backward, and selection controls.

[0355] This allows users to quickly enter, for example, a 4-digit security PIN code to lock and unlock the device. The system can be adapted to allow users to scroll through different numbers or other identifiers and select the appropriate one. The system can be implemented on the refill box or docking station of the vaping device or directly on the personal vaping device itself.

[0356] Thermostatic drive

[0357] The AYR system can regulate the temperature of the heating element to 20 degrees Celsius or higher. Accurate temperature regulation is crucial because it means understanding and testing the safety of the vapor composition; most atomizer heating systems lack effective temperature regulation, and therefore coil temperatures can spike, potentially leading to the formation of undesirable chemicals in the inhaled vapor. Accurate temperature regulation is also important because it can significantly extend the lifespan of the atomizer. The AYR system operates by measuring the current flowing through the heating element within a known voltage range; based on this data, the system calculates the resistance and then looks up the temperature from stored data on the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heating element. This is fed into the closed-loop temperature regulation system; the power duty cycle from the PWM current source supplying current to the heating element is adjusted to ensure the temperature is at the desired level or range. The closed loop is supplied with liquid damping for the atomizer system.

[0358] We can summarize it as follows:

[0359] A liquid atomization system having a heating element configured to heat an atomizable liquid and produce steam, atomization, or mist, wherein the liquid atomization system is controlled by a thermostatic driver that measures the current through the heating element directly or indirectly using a power supply with a known voltage, and enables a microcontroller or processor to (a) calculate or determine the resistance of the heating element, and (b) calculate the temperature coefficient of resistance of the material made of the heating element based on stored data, or (c) find the temperature of the heating element;

[0360] Furthermore, the driver is configured to use a closed-loop temperature control algorithm to adjust power, current, or voltage to stabilize the temperature of the heating element at a preset level or range by adjusting the power duty cycle.

[0361] Some optional features:

[0362] The driver runs a closed-loop temperature control algorithm and periodically adjusts the power duty cycle after each current measurement instance.

[0363] It measures the current approximately 30 times per second.

[0364] • When the liquid is PV / VG e-cigarette liquid, the preset level is approximately 280 degrees Celsius.

[0365] • The preset level varies depending on the type or chemical composition of the liquid.

[0366] The heating element is made of a material with a substantially linear temperature coefficient of resistance (such as stainless steel 316L).

[0367] • The control loop is configured to be thermo-mass damped by the atomizable liquid.

[0368] Beautiful Data Terminated

[0369] Because the vape device transmits data to a host device (e.g., a docking station or case), it's important that the data remain intact. However, the vape device can be quickly withdrawn from the dock and case, and removed if sending or receiving data would cause corruption. We address this issue by providing a small switch (in the device, case, or dock) that triggers immediately after the vape device is moved out of position, but before data contact is lost (via spring-mounted pogo pins). These pins maintain contact temporarily as the vape device is moved upward and out of the dock or case. When the switch is activated, a control routine overrides the data transfer, terminating it quickly but in a controlled manner.

[0370] We can summarize it as follows:

[0371] A liquid refill device that stores a vape device and enables the vape device to be ejected or withdrawn, and the refill device and / or the vape device includes a switch that (a) activates when the vape device begins to be ejected or withdrawn from the refill device and (b) sends a signal to ensure that any data communication between the vape device and the refill device is terminated in a controlled manner before the data connection is lost.

[0372] Vertical refill

[0373] Measuring the liquid level in very small reservoirs (with a capacity of approximately 2 mL) is challenging. The AYR system needed to perform this inexpensively and reliably in mass-produced products. AYR uses a sophisticated level-sensing system that determines whether the liquid level in the refillable tank is below a threshold and therefore requires refilling. While a built-in accelerometer can be used to compensate for device tilt, this is not entirely reliable. Instead, AYR measures the liquid level in the refillable liquid container specifically when the vaporizer to which the tank is attached is substantially upright or vertical. This is achieved using an accelerometer, which can be located in the vaporizer or the docking section, or both. Only when the device is substantially upright or vertical and a level measurement indicating that the liquid level in the tank reservoir is below a threshold has been completed can the fluid delivery system be activated and liquid be pumped from the refill bottle to the liquid reservoir.

[0374] We can summarize it as follows:

[0375] A vaporization system configured to automatically refill the electronic cigarette device only when the device or its liquid reservoir is substantially upright or vertical.

[0376] Some optional features:

[0377] The system includes an accelerometer that transmits data to the system when it is substantially upright or vertical.

[0378] • The fluid delivery system and the pumping of liquid from the refill bottle into the liquid reservoir can only be started when the device is substantially upright or vertical and a level measurement indicating that the liquid level in the tank reservoir is below the threshold has been completed.

[0379] Light Mode

[0380] The AYR vaporizer includes a series of lights on the device; these lights gradually dim as the user inhales, and all lights turn off completely after the user has inhaled an equivalent amount of nicotine or sustained an equivalent duration compared to smoking a single cigarette. These lights can be reused for other effects, such as light patterns created using a series of lights controlled by an accelerometer within the vaporizer.

[0381] We can summarize it as follows:

[0382] A vaporizer includes a series of lights that gradually turn off as the user inhales the e-cigarette, but can also be controlled to illuminate together or in a sequential sequence, or otherwise form a light pattern.

[0383] Some optional features:

[0384] • There are five or more lights in a row on one side of the steam fumigation device.

[0385] • There are one or more circular light rings around the vapor fume device.

[0386] The accelerometer provides input to a microcontroller, which in turn controls a series of lights.

[0387] • The light mode is when all lights pulse simultaneously.

[0388] • The lamp mode is the sequential illumination of lamps to form a pattern in which the vapor device can be moved downwards, up and down, and upwards.

[0389] • A specific light pattern indicates that the nozzle needs to be changed.

[0390] • The indicator for a specific light pattern needs to be refilled with liquid.

[0391] • The specific light mode indicator has been locked and is prohibited from use.

[0392] C. Data and Connections

[0393] AYR Session

[0394] For smokers hoping to quit by transitioning to e-cigarettes, a major challenge is that most e-cigarette devices make it difficult to establish a relationship between the amount of nicotine inhaled while vaping and the amount that would normally be inhaled from cigarettes. Some conventional e-cigarette cartridges contain the same amount of nicotine as 20 cigarettes, but there's no precise way to know when you've consumed or inhaled the equivalent of just one regular cigarette's worth of nicotine.

[0395] AYR addresses this issue by allowing users (when configuring their AYR device) to adjust settings to suit parameters such as time and / or number of inhalations. AYR delivers approximately the same amount of nicotine per normal or average inhalation as a single cigarette of the brand the user actually smokes. As previously mentioned, the AYR vaporizer has a series of lights (typically eight) extending along one side of the device, which gradually dim as the session continues; the session ends when all lights are off. After the session ends, the user will either have to wait a preset time, return the device to its case (if any), or take some other action or step that makes it easier for them to interrupt and thus control the amount of vaping they inhale—all of which are somewhat related to their smoking habits.

[0396] By mimicking smoking habits in this way and providing clear visual, auditory, and / or tactile feedback on the progress of a session (including the start and end of the session), the risk of increased nicotine consumption when users switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes can be minimized. Users can set nicotine consumption reduction or withdrawal goals via the app, and these goals can be achieved by changing parameters of consecutive sessions or session programs.

[0397] We can summarize it as follows:

[0398] A vaporization system configured to enable the vaporization device to be used for a single session, i.e., a session of vaping for a limited time or a limited degree, during which the vaporization device is operable and provides visual, tactile, and / or auditory markers for the start and end of the session.

[0399] Furthermore, the system is configured to receive from the user the selection or indication of the type or brand of cigarettes they are currently smoking, and then the system automatically adjusts the time or other parameters of a single session such that during the session, the amount of nicotine generated by the vaporizer or inhaled by the user is approximately equal to the amount of nicotine associated with smoking a single cigarette of a particular type or brand.

[0400] Some optional features:

[0401] • The session is a preset time during which the vapor generator can operate before automatic and temporary shutdown.

[0402] • A session is a preset level of e-cigarette use (such as the number of inhalations or the amount of liquid vaporized), during which the vaporizer can operate automatically and temporarily stop operation.

[0403] Programming the vaping device to automatically cease operation within a user-defined preset time after a session ends.

[0404] • Program the vaporizer so that it automatically resumes normal operation when it returns to its docking section or box, and then is withdrawn from the docking section or box.

[0405] The system includes a smartphone or tablet application that is configured to allow users to type in a specific type or brand of cigarettes.

[0406] The system is configured to receive from the user their selection or instruction of a nicotine reduction or abstinence target, and then automatically adjust the timing or other parameters of a single session so that the amount of nicotine generated by the vaporizer during that session meets the user's nicotine reduction target.

[0407] Wi-Fi connected vaporizer

[0408] AYR is a "connected" e-cigarette device; "connected" means that the device has some form of data connection, or has the ability to send data, or receive data, or send and receive data, for example, directly or indirectly to the user's smartphone or smartwatch and / or a remote server. Connectivity also enables the user to control the vape device from their smartphone and the like, and enables the vape device to send useful data (such as consumption or usage data, or battery charge data or liquid level data) to the remote server. Connectivity also enables consumers to order consumables (e.g., new pre-filled pods or heating strips, etc.). Connectivity also enables rich behavioral insights to be obtained from the data.

[0409] Connected vaporizers have been discussed for many years; connectivity is supported by including a data connectivity system (e.g., a Bluetooth modem and a mobile application for the user's smartphone) within the device itself.

[0410] The overwhelmingly standard way to achieve connectivity is through a Bluetooth connection, linking a vaping device to a user's smartphone running a mobile app: it represents a very strong technological bias that influences the typical engineer's thinking. Faced with the challenge of making a non-connected vaping device into a connected vaping device accessible from a user's smartphone, the typical engineer's inevitable response is to include Bluetooth connectivity directly into the vaping device and build a companion mobile app, which can then be purchased from the smartphone vendor's app store.

[0411] However, including a Bluetooth modem in a portable vaping device is problematic because it greatly increases the complexity of the device and introduces new failure modes—although it may seem relatively simple, ensuring that Bluetooth works reliably on a wide variety of smartphones and other devices can be a challenge.

[0412] Furthermore, not all users want or use the connection. For privacy reasons, a large number of potential users will be warned that their devices are connected; for these potential users, simply not activating the connection is not enough, as they fear that covert surveillance may still occur.

[0413] The requirement that mobile applications (e.g., from the Apple App Store or Google's Android Store) be available on a user's smartphone operating system introduces further complexity. However, the OS vendor may impose different rules on which applications are offered or excluded from their store. For example, Google's Android Store is currently very lenient. Apple's App Store, however, does not allow companion apps for nicotine vaporizers. But they do allow companion apps for devices that support the inhalation of CBD or THC. And these rules can change in the short term; for example, Google's Android Store could choose to also ban apps related to nicotine vaporizers.

[0414] This presents a surprisingly complex set of technical challenges in designing a portable vaporizer system:

[0415] It has potential connectivity, but with minimal cost and complexity.

[0416] • It has potential connectivity, but will not compromise the privacy of users who are sensitive to this issue.

[0417] • It has potential connectivity, but is not affected by inconsistent rules imposed by device vendors on companion apps offered in their online app stores.

[0418] While it's possible to integrate full 3G or 4G wireless connectivity into the vaping device, this would significantly increase the price; instead, it's best to leverage existing connectivity infrastructure. The routing we chose for the AYRCase is for data collection from both the vaping device and the box; when the vaping device is inserted into the box, the box collects data from the PV. The box itself does not include a Wi-Fi module, although this is a possible variation.

[0419] In the current variant, the box is inserted into a thin mating section (see...). Figure 30 The docking unit does indeed include a Wi-Fi module and a Wi-Fi antenna. It also powers the box via a USB-C port to charge the internal rechargeable battery. The box transmits data to the Wi-Fi docking unit via USB-C, and then sends that data through the local Wi-Fi network to which the docking unit is normally attached. The data is sent to a remote server for processing; when the user opens a web browser with a specific URL, the relevant data is provided to that user.

[0420] BLE is used as a transmission protocol running over Wi-Fi, allowing the vaping device to appear as an IoT endpoint without requiring a smartphone app from an app store. Instead, a web browser is sufficient. A single connectivity API, the BLEAPI, is used; the box treats the Wi-Fi and charging dock as an additional BLE module with the same interaction protocol and communicates with it based on BLE characteristics (e.g., notifying users that characteristics of a given UUID have changed). The AYR-specific protocol on top of BLE is implemented only once and is used to communicate with the connected smartphone and the web-based user app; the web-based user app will appear as an icon on the user's smartphone screen like a regular app icon from an app store or Android store, although it is not actually displayed. Therefore, the AYRCase dock is essentially a charging platform with a built-in Wi-Fi module.

[0421] The Wi-Fi module can also be included in the docking section, which can be sized to receive only individual vapor devices. The docking section in the AYRDock variant (which both recharges and refills the vapor device with liquid) can also itself include the Wi-Fi module.

[0422] We can summarize and generalize as follows:

[0423] A steam fume system comprising:

[0424] (i) a vaporizer, the vaporizer including a rechargeable battery and a data port; and

[0425] (ii) a first charging system for the vaporizer and configured to supply power to the rechargeable battery; and

[0426] (iii) A separate second charging system configured to receive power from the vaporizer and supply power to the rechargeable battery, and to receive data from the vaporizer via a data port; and

[0427] (iv) A mobile website configured to be hosted on a remote server and accessible from an end user’s smartphone, smartwatch or other personal device;

[0428] Furthermore, the second charging system includes a Wi-Fi module, chip, or unit configured to transmit data received from the vaporizer via the Internet to a mobile website hosted on a remote server.

[0429] The first charging system is typically just a standard USB charging cable that can be plugged directly into the vaporizer. The second charging system is typically one of the following:

[0430] (a) a charging dock into which the vape device docks directly and which has a built-in Wi-Fi-based data connection;

[0431] (b) A refill and recharge box into which the vaporizer is inserted, along with a docking section for the box having a data connection based on built-in Wi-Fi, such as Figure 30 As shown;

[0432] (b) A refill and recharge box into which a vaporizer is inserted for storage, wherein the box itself has a data connection based on built-in Wi-Fi;

[0433] (d) A USB charging cable including a Wi-Fi module, which is directly inserted into the vaporizer;

[0434] (e) A USB charging cable terminating in a platform having a USB connector, wherein the platform includes a Wi-Fi module and the vaporizer device is docked with the platform.

[0435] This architecture addresses the complex set of technical challenges outlined above. As mentioned above, data is sent from the mobile website to a remote server for processing and, if possible, display. Because a mobile website is used, and there's no need for apps to be downloaded from device manufacturers' app stores (e.g., Apple's App Store or Google's Android Store), the mobile website can provide full and consistent functionality across all devices (whether Apple iOS or Android), regardless of whether the inhaled substance is nicotine, CBD, THC, or other present substances. Full functionality, such as ordering fresh pre-filled capsules or other consumables, is available. Furthermore, users who don't want any form of connectivity can simply use a first charging system without data connection (this could be as simple as a USB power cable). They will have complete confidence that there is no possibility of compromising data privacy, as they can simply opt out of using a second charging system, which will provide additional connectivity. Other users who genuinely wish to use their smartphones or other smart devices for data connectivity and a fully functional connectivity experience can simply use a second charging system (e.g., a charging dock to which the vape device is connected and has a built-in Wi-Fi-based data connection); or a refill and recharge box to which the vape device is inserted, wherein the box itself is placed into the dock with a built-in Wi-Fi-based data connection; or a refill and recharge box to which the vape device is inserted, wherein the box itself has a built-in Wi-Fi-based data connection; or a USB charging cable including a Wi-Fi module.

[0436] Some optional features:

[0437] The first charging system is a charging cable that can be directly plugged into the electronic cigarette device.

[0438] The first charging system is a desktop docking station, but it does not have any Wi-Fi modules, chips, or units.

[0439] • The first charging system is a dock that connects to a USB or other port in a computer or other device to receive power from the computer or other device.

[0440] • The second charging system is a charging docking unit, into which the vapor generator is directly connected, and the charging docking unit has a data connection based on built-in Wi-Fi;

[0441] • The second charging system is a refill and recharge box into which the vaporizer is inserted, plus a docking part for the box with a data connection based on built-in Wi-Fi;

[0442] • The second charging system is a refill and recharge box into which the vaporizer is inserted for storage, and the box itself has a data connection based on built-in Wi-Fi.

[0443] The second charging system is a USB charging cable that includes a Wi-Fi module.

[0444] The second charging system is a USB charging cable terminated on a platform with a USB connector, which includes a Wi-Fi module.

[0445] • BLE is used as a transmission protocol that runs over Wi-Fi, enabling vaporizers to appear as IoT endpoints.

[0446] • BLE is used as a transmission protocol that runs over Wi-Fi, allowing the vapor device to appear as an IoT endpoint, thus eliminating the need for a smartphone app from an app store and instead requiring only a web browser.

[0447] The system uses a single connection API, namely the BLE API.

[0448] Another approach is to integrate the Wi-Fi module directly into the vaporizer itself, without a separate interface; this can be summarized as follows:

[0449] A portable vaporizer system comprising:

[0450] (i) a portable vaporizer, the vaporizer including a rechargeable battery and a data port; and

[0451] (i1) a mobile website configured to be hosted on a remote server and accessible from an end user's smartphone, smartwatch, or other personal device; and wherein

[0452] The vaporizer includes a Wi-Fi module, chip, or unit configured to send data to a mobile website hosted on a remote server via the Internet.

[0453] Server Analysis

[0454] As mentioned above, AYR is a Wi-Fi connected device that provides data to a server (with the user's consent), which analyzes the data and generates consumer or behavioral insights based on the usage data. This contrasts with standard approaches that require a Bluetooth connectivity module and a smartphone app, which may not be compatible with critical operating systems such as Apple iOS. A Wi-Fi connected device is crucial for obtaining representative, high-quality data to gain consumer or behavioral insights; a vaping system using only Bluetooth connectivity may bias coverage towards users who can pair their vaping system with an Android smartphone, thus compromising the quality of the resulting data and consequently impacting insights.

[0455] We can summarize it as follows:

[0456] A vaporizer data analysis system includes a vaporizer system and a remote server, wherein the vaporizer system collects usage data related to how consumers use the device and sends the usage data directly or indirectly to the remote server connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi; the vaporizer device establishes a Wi-Fi connection, and then the server analyzes the data and generates consumer or behavioral data insights based on the usage data.

[0457] Some optional features:

[0458] • Wi-Fi connectivity is provided by the charging docking unit, into which the vaporizer is directly connected, and the charging docking unit has a data connection based on built-in Wi-Fi.

[0459] • Wi-Fi connectivity is provided by a refill and recharge box into which the vaporizer is inserted, along with a docking station for the box that has a data connection based on built-in Wi-Fi.

[0460] • Wi-Fi connectivity is provided by a refill and recharge box into which the vaporizer is inserted for storage, and the box itself has a data connection based on built-in Wi-Fi.

[0461] • Wi-Fi connectivity is provided by a USB charging cable that includes a Wi-Fi module, which is plugged directly into the vaporizer.

[0462] • Wi-Fi connectivity is provided by a USB charging cable that terminates at a platform with a USB connector, which includes a Wi-Fi module and to which the vaporizer docks.

[0463] • Data is used to correlate the flavor and strength of the atomized liquid; and remote servers generate data, including feedback (such as real-time feedback), to the liquid filling and logistics system to ensure that the most popular flavors are available in stores and online when needed.

[0464] • Data is used to correlate the flavor and strength of the newly vaporized effervescent liquid; and remote servers generate data, including feedback (such as real-time feedback), to the liquid and flavor room to ensure the rapid, evidence-based creation and rollout of new flavors, including those that appeal to smokers rather than minors.

[0465] • Data is used to correlate the geographical location of the flavor and strength of the atomized liquid; and remote servers generate data, including feedback (such as real-time feedback), to the capsule filling and logistics system to ensure that the most popular flavors are sold in stores and online in the cities or regions where they are most needed.

[0466] • The data used relates to characteristics associated with underage liquid consumers, and remote servers generate data including warning messages for those consumers or others.

[0467] • The data used relates to characteristics associated with underage liquid consumers, and remote servers generate data, including alarm signals, for adults or organizations such as schools or universities.

[0468] • The usage data is associated with the geographic location of underage liquid consumers and vaping devices, and remote servers generate data, including alarm signals, for adults or organizations such as schools or universities.

[0469] • The usage data relates to characteristics associated with underage liquid consumers, and remote servers generate data including signals to disable or lock vaping devices.

[0470] • The data is related to the liquid level in the device and any associated capsules; and the remote server generates data including messages prompting users to purchase more capsules or liquids (e.g., via electronic orders) and offers special offers / coupons usable in stores or online.

[0471] • The data used is related to the flavor and / or strength of the atomized liquid; and remote servers will generate real-time feedback to consumers suggesting other flavors they might like.

[0472] • Data was used to correlate with self-reported levels of continued smoking; and a remote server generated real-time feedback on the positive health effects of reduced cigarette consumption.

[0473] • Data usage relates to patterns or usage over time; and remote servers generate data related to any association with advertising or marketing to determine the effectiveness of the advertising or marketing.

[0474] • Usage data relates to patterns or usage over time; and remote servers generate data that provides insights into product usage for regulatory agencies or healthcare service providers.

[0475] Usage data relates to the number of uses, the duration of each session, or the amount of liquid consumed; and remote servers generate data that provides real-time insights into usage.

[0476] • The data is related to the user's age, gender, and other demographic data; and remote servers generate real-time demographic insights into the people using the device.

[0477] UWB-connected steam fume device

[0478] The UWB (Ultra-Wideband) standard enables the addition of very low-cost and low-power chips to electronic devices, allowing these devices to achieve location awareness accuracy down to centimeters and exchange data (such as location data) with other devices, including UWB-enabled smartphones like the Apple iPhone 11. Therefore, UWB-enabled vaping devices can pinpoint their location very accurately and share that location with other devices; this would allow vaping devices to be automatically disabled in areas where vaping is prohibited (such as airplanes, school buildings, or large school buildings); for example, UWB beacons (fixed or mobile) in vaping-prohibited areas might continuously broadcast messages or markers, which any UWB-enabled vaping device that is sufficiently close or within a defined vaping-prohibited area will pick up; the vaping device will automatically process the reception of the message or marker, causing itself to disable; the vaping device will display a warning light or message alerting the user to the reason for this disabling. UWB beacons could be authorized users' smartphones or tablets: school teachers could therefore activate the marker or message at any time or location, thus disabling any vaping device that picked up the marker or message.

[0479] We can summarize it as follows:

[0480] A portable vaporizer includes a UWB chip or an ASIC with integrated UWB functionality.

[0481] Some optional features:

[0482] • A UWB chip or an ASIC with integrated UWB functionality provides geolocation and / or geofencing capabilities to prevent the portable vapor device from operating in a restricted area.

[0483] • The vapor device listens for specific messages or flags broadcast from the UWB device, which cause the device to automatically disable itself.

[0484] • Vaping devices use UWB to track their location and determine whether they are in a location where vaping is permitted or not, and if they are in a location where vaping is not permitted, they will disable themselves.

[0485] • The vaporizer uses UWB to track its location and shares that location with another UWB-enabled device.

[0486] • A UWB-enabled device that shares location data determines whether vaping is permitted at the location of the vaporizer, and if not, sends a flag or message to the vaporizer.

[0487] • The UWB-enabled device that shares location data is a smartphone.

[0488] • The device that enables UWB sharing of location data is the docking unit, which will refill the vaporizer with liquid and recharge the battery in the vaporizer.

[0489] • The UWB enabled device that shares location data is a portable refill and recharge case that will refill the vaping device with liquid and recharge the battery in the vaping device.

[0490] D. Liquid Handling and Refilling

[0491] As described earlier in this document, AYR uses an active fluid management system to automatically refill a small liquid reservoir or chamber (typically with a liquid capacity between 1 mL and 2 mL) in the vaporizer to a predetermined fixed threshold. This small reservoir supplies liquid to the atomizing unit, which generates an aerosol from the liquid. This active fluid management system automatically and without user intervention refills the vaporizer with liquid from a larger reservoir (typically a user-replaceable but non-refillable bottle, such as a 10 mL refill bottle). The active fluid management system is very compact and cost-effective, relying on measuring the capacitance of the small chamber; this capacitance varies with the volume of liquid in the chamber. While this section describes capacitive systems in detail, the AYR system can also use other level sensing technologies, such as simple optical systems in which a beam of light is emitted upwards through a transparent wall-mounted liquid reservoir; if the beam is interrupted by absorption by a certain type of liquid in the reservoir, the system assumes that the reservoir is at least half full and does not initiate pumping. However, if the beam is not interrupted in this manner, the system will assume the reservoir needs refilling and initiate pumping. The beam and sensor are located in the docking section or housing.

[0492] However, we found that the capacitance measurement system is reliable and cost-effective.

[0493] Basic Operations

[0494] Figure 31 A simplified block diagram of the core components of the entire vapor chamber system is shown. The fluid reservoir 301 in the vapor chamber contains a heating coil 302, which is supported in a silicone sleeve. The amount of fluid in the small chamber is sensed by reading the capacitance between two capacitor sensor plates 303 within the chamber.

[0495] The capacitance is approximately proportional to the amount of e-cigarette liquid in the chamber. The microcontroller 304 in the refill device controls the peristaltic pump 305 by comparing the capacitance of a small liquid reservoir in the vaporizer to a preset threshold. If the capacitance falls below the threshold, the microcontroller activates the pump and draws liquid from a sealed reservoir (e.g., a 10 mL refill bottle), then pumps the liquid into the liquid reservoir 301 until the level reaches the threshold.

[0496] Closed-loop control

[0497] The refill function is activated only after the vaporizer has completed its vaping session, the vaporizer has returned to the refill unit (e.g., the desktop docking station for AYRBase or the refill and recharge box for AYRCase), and the vaporizer is placed upright. In the case of a vaporizer with an integrated internal liquid pump (AYRMod), the refill function is activated again after the vaporizer has completed its vaping session and is placed upright.

[0498] Once activated, the microcontroller implements closed-loop control of the pump, pumping liquid until a predetermined threshold is reached. This maintains the liquid level in the smoke generator at approximately the same level. In the AYR device, this level is approximately 50%-60% of the maximum liquid capacity of 2 mL - approximately 1 mL.

[0499] Capacitance measurement

[0500] The parallel resonance method is used to measure the capacitance of sensors in vaping devices. An oscillator circuit is constructed using an inductor and capacitor to store energy; the exact resonant frequency is sensed; and the value of the external sensing capacitor is calculated based on this resonant frequency.

[0501] To ensure high accuracy and repeatability, each measurement circuit is individually calibrated on the production line to compensate for all stray capacitances in the circuit board and in the interconnect between the smoke generator and the measurement circuit.

[0502] Figure 32 A simplified schematic is shown. The circuit is designed to measure capacitance in the 0-20pF range. Calibration constants obtained from the production line calibration process are stored in non-volatile memory (located in the vapor fume device) and used by system software to eliminate static stray capacitance. The current implementation uses an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to form the oscillator and frequency measurement functions. Over time, this could evolve into a discrete, more cost-effective design; integrating as many functions as possible into a custom ASIC is a key method to reduce the commodity cost or COG of the device.

[0503] Liquid characterization and certification

[0504] The change in capacitance of the sensor is proportional to the amount of liquid in the chamber, but it also depends on the chemical composition of the liquid (e.g., nicotine strength, whether it is nicotine salt, flavoring used, amount of water present, amount of PV and VG) and the temperature of the liquid.

[0505] This means that each liquid formulation needs to be characterized based on the relationship between the liquid's weight and capacitance readings, and these constants need to be stored along with the liquid in a large reservoir (e.g., a 10 mL refill bottle). This data is stored in a small serial ROM chip attached to the large reservoir, and can then be read by a microcontroller in the vaporizer before filling begins.

[0506] In addition, the ROM chip contains (i) an encryption key used for authenticating the storage unit (capsule); and (ii) a decremental counter (only) to prevent refilling of unknown liquids. If authentication and refill prevention are not required, the characteristics of the e-cigarette liquid can be optically stored on the capsule to reduce costs, for example, in the form of a barcode or other glyphs.

[0507] Figure 33 The test results are shown, depicting the relationship between liquid mass and sensor capacitance for two different samples of the same liquid from the measuring circuit system. Error bars across the samples are also displayed. While sufficient linearity and absolute accuracy are shown, these readings could be further improved by adding a calibration step. However, this illustrates the basic ability to detect with sufficient accuracy whether the liquid mass in a small liquid reservoir is above or below a threshold and to keep the pump off or on, respectively.

[0508] Temperature compensation

[0509] The capacitance reading depends not only on the volume of liquid in the reservoir containing the capacitor plates, but also typically on the liquid's formulation. The capacitance reading may also be slightly dependent on the liquid's temperature. To compensate for this temperature variation in the thresholds that trigger the pump to remain off or on, a temperature sensor measuring the ambient temperature is located near the smoke generator nozzle. The microprocessor uses the temperature sensor to compensate for the temperature's effect on the thresholds. These thresholds are characterized by 5°C and 45°C and are stored in a serial ROM on the 10mL bottle or capsule. If the ambient temperature exceeds this range, the microprocessor also prevents the smoke generator from being filled.

[0510] Figure 34 This illustrates the change in the original capacitance reading over time with ambient temperature when the smoke generator is first heated to 45°C and then cooled to 5°C using an actual AYR-based capacitance-based level measurement system. Readings were obtained from seven pipette tips at 5°C and 20°C (each circle in the graph is associated with a single device), and from eight pipette tips at 40°C. Each pipette tip contained 1.4 g of liquid. As can be seen, the range of the measured capacitance changes almost no with temperature, and therefore for the specific system used in AYR, such as... Figure 31 As shown, there is no need to compensate for purely temperature-dependent capacitance changes.

[0511] Taste changes

[0512] The peristaltic pump is bidirectional, so when a change in liquid flavor is needed, the microcontroller can reverse the pumping action of the e-liquid from the generator head and return it to the main reservoir or refill bottle. This won't completely empty the generator of all e-liquid, as some will remain submerged in the heating coil, but it helps reduce odor contamination.

[0513] We can summarize and generalize the following key characteristics:

[0514] Liquid level sensor

[0515] A steam fume system comprising:

[0516] (a) An automatically refillable liquid reservoir that supplies liquid to the atomizer;

[0517] (b) A liquid level sensing subsystem that directly or indirectly measures, infers, or detects the amount or level of liquid in a liquid reservoir by measuring the electrical characteristics of the liquid reservoir based on changes in the amount or level of liquid in the liquid reservoir; and

[0518] (c) A fluid delivery system configured to automatically deliver liquid to a liquid reservoir under the control of a level sensing subsystem.

[0519] Some optional features:

[0520] Electrical characteristics

[0521] • The electrical characteristics measured by the level sensing subsystem are capacitance, or variables corresponding to capacitance, such as resonant frequency.

[0522] The liquid level sensing subsystem is a capacitive sensing system that uses two capacitive sensors in the liquid reservoir to measure capacitance, and the capacitance changes approximately inversely proportional to the amount or level of liquid in the reservoir.

[0523] The liquid level sensing subsystem detects the resonant frequency of an LC resonator circuit, including a capacitive sensor in the liquid reservoir, and converts the measured resonant frequency into a digital value corresponding to the capacitance, which corresponds to the liquid level in the liquid reservoir.

[0524] • The measured shift in resonant frequency corresponds to the change in capacitance, which in turn corresponds to the change in liquid level in the liquid reservoir.

[0525] • The level sensing subsystem is individually calibrated during manufacturing or build-up using calibration parameters that compensate for stray capacitance, and these parameters are stored in the memory of the vapor system that includes the calibrated level sensing subsystem.

[0526] • The liquid level sensing subsystem is connected to a sensor located in or associated with the liquid reservoir, and is excited by an AC signal. It then uses a parallel resonant circuit to measure the capacitance, which varies with the liquid level in the liquid reservoir.

[0527] • The electrical characteristics measured by the level sensing subsystem include one or more of the following: impedance, reactance, or resistance, or digital values ​​corresponding to impedance, reactance, or resistance.

[0528] • The liquid level sensing subsystem is connected to a sensor located in or associated with the liquid reservoir, and is excited by an AC signal. The impedance is then measured using a bridging circuit, and the impedance varies with the liquid level in the liquid reservoir.

[0529] The liquid level sensing subsystem is connected to a sensor located in or associated with a liquid reservoir and is excited by an AC signal at a sufficiently high frequency, such as a 100 kHz signal, that the capacitive reactance is the dominant component of the impedance of the liquid reservoir, thereby reducing the effects of resistance (which is more susceptible to changes in the orientation of the device); the impedance is then measured using a bridge circuit, and the impedance varies with the liquid level in the liquid reservoir.

[0530] • The liquid level sensing subsystem is connected to a sensor located in or associated with the liquid reservoir, and is excited by an AC excitation signal, such as a 100 kHz signal, and its impedance is approximately proportional to the attenuation of the excitation signal.

[0531] Features of the liquid level sensing subsystem

[0532] • The liquid level sensing subsystem provides closed-loop control of the fluid delivery system, which is configured to pump liquid into a reservoir until a predetermined electrical characteristic threshold is reached.

[0533] • The predetermined electrical characteristic threshold corresponds to the liquid reservoir being filled to approximately half full.

[0534] • The total capacity of the liquid reservoir is approximately 2 ml.

[0535] • The predetermined electrical characteristic threshold corresponds to approximately 1 ml of liquid in the liquid reservoir.

[0536] The level sensing subsystem compares the measured electrical characteristics with one or more stored values ​​of those electrical characteristics and controls the fluid delivery system based on the comparison results.

[0537] • The fluid delivery system is configured to pump liquid into the liquid reservoir under the control of the liquid level sensing subsystem until a preset electrical characteristic threshold is measured.

[0538] • The level sensing subsystem activates the pump if the measured electrical characteristic drops below a predetermined level and deactivates the pump if the measured electrical characteristic reaches the same predetermined level.

[0539] • The level sensing subsystem activates the pump if the measured electrical characteristic exceeds a predetermined level, and shuts off the pump if the measured electrical characteristic drops below approximately the same predetermined level.

[0540] • The liquid level sensing subsystem activates the pump if the amount or level of liquid in the liquid reservoir falls below a predetermined level.

[0541] • If the liquid volume or level in the liquid reservoir reaches a predetermined level, the level sensing subsystem shuts down the pump.

[0542] • If the liquid volume or level in the liquid reservoir is below a predetermined level, the level sensing subsystem starts the pump, and if the liquid volume or level in the liquid reservoir reaches approximately the same predetermined level, the level sensing subsystem shuts off the pump.

[0543] • The liquid level sensing subsystem measures the orientation of the reservoir, or receives input from the subsystem measuring the orientation of the reservoir, and allows measurement of electrical characteristics and / or refilling only if the orientation is within a preset range.

[0544] • The liquid level sensing subsystem measures the orientation of the reservoir, or receives input from the subsystem that measures the orientation of the reservoir, and allows measurement of electrical characteristics and / or refilling only if the orientation is substantially vertical.

[0545] • Utilizing an ASIC that includes measurement circuitry for a level sensing subsystem that measures said orientation of the reservoir, or receives input from a subsystem that measures the orientation of the reservoir.

[0546] Atomizer Features

[0547] • The liquid reservoir forms part of the refillable tip, the entire refillable tip being replaceable by the end user when it reaches the end of its useful life.

[0548] • Nebulizers with porous wicks, ceramic or other porous materials are fed liquid directly from the liquid reservoir without an intermediate reservoir or liquid conduit.

[0549] • Atomizers with porous cores, ceramic or other porous materials supply liquid indirectly from a liquid reservoir via an intermediate reservoir or one or more liquid conduits such as a liquid siphon.

[0550] • The liquid level sensing subsystem can be operated for use in any of the following types of vaporizers: portable vaporizers; refill and recharge cartridges that both refill and recharge vaporizers stored in the cartridges; docking bases that both refill and recharge vaporizers placed in the docking bases; and integrated vaporizers with a battery of at least 1000mAh.

[0551] • The vaporizer uses a ceramic suction core.

[0552] • The vaporizer uses a flat ceramic core, which has a substantially flat surface and a heating element formed or positioned on the surface.

[0553] • The steam fume device uses micro-engineered stainless steel blades.

[0554] • The fluid delivery system draws liquid from user-replaceable, fully recyclable, closed refillable capsules or bottles and pumps it to a liquid storage tank.

[0555] • Fluid delivery systems include electric peristaltic pumps.

[0556] Sensor construction features

[0557] • The liquid level sensing subsystem is connected to a sensor, which includes a sensor plate or structure placed inside the liquid reservoir.

[0558] The liquid level sensing subsystem includes two opposing capacitive sensor plates or other structures, each comprising a pair of substantially flat side sections and a central circular or curved section, the side sections of these opposing plates or other structures being substantially parallel to each other.

[0559] • A central circular or curved section surrounds the tube assembly in which the atomizer is mounted.

[0560] • The opposite plate or other structure is located inside the liquid reservoir.

[0561] The liquid level sensing subsystem includes a sensor plate or other structure mounted against one or more ribs or other physical features configured to ensure consistent and accurate separation of the opposing plate or other structure.

[0562] • The liquid level sensing subsystem includes a capacitive sensor plate or other structure mounted outside the liquid reservoir and actually located in the refill dock.

[0563] The liquid level sensing subsystem includes two opposing capacitive sensor plates or other structures, each comprising substantially flat side sections that are substantially parallel to each other and mounted outside the liquid reservoir and actually positioned within the refill dock.

[0564] • The liquid level sensing subsystem is connected to a sensor located in or associated with a liquid reservoir, which includes a pair of sensor plates or other structures having substantially concentric sections.

[0565] • The liquid level sensing subsystem is connected to a sensor located in or associated with a liquid reservoir, which includes a pair of sensor plates or other structures made of the same metallic material such as stainless steel or copper.

[0566] • The electrical characteristics measured by the liquid level sensing subsystem are detected by a sensor that is at least partially integrated with the wall of the liquid reservoir.

[0567] • The capacitive sensor forms at least a portion of the inner and outer walls of the liquid reservoir.

[0568] • The outer wall of the liquid reservoir is part of the outer casing of the vapor fume device.

[0569] • The atomiser comprises a metal blade or plate, and the blade or plate forms part of a capacitive sensor plate or other structure.

[0570] Liquid-specific characteristics

[0571] • The liquid level sensing subsystem compensates for or adjusts the chemical composition or formulation of liquids of a particular flavor, strength, or type.

[0572] • Test each specific flavor, strength, or type of liquid and determine the electrical properties of each specific liquid as a function of the mass or weight of the liquid in the liquid reservoir, and store the relevant data values ​​in a manner accessible to the liquid level sensing subsystem.

[0573] • The electrical properties measured by the liquid level sensing subsystem depend on the chemical composition of the liquid in the liquid reservoir, and specific data values ​​for a particular composition, formulation, or type of liquid are stored in a memory such as a ROM or optical barcode on the liquid refill bottle used for the liquid, and can be accessed by the liquid level detection subsystem.

[0574] • The data values ​​of capacitance or capacitance-related data measured by the level sensing subsystem for a specific liquid at a threshold filling level are stored in a refill bottle for that specific liquid and can be accessed by the level detection subsystem.

[0575] • The mapping is for the quantity or mass of a specific liquid measured by the level sensing subsystem at one or more thresholds or values ​​related to the amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir. The data values ​​are stored and can be accessed by the vapor fume system.

[0576] • The data value is stored on the bottle or capsule that supplies the e-cigarette liquid.

[0577] • The data value is stored in a serial ROM chip on the bottle or capsule.

[0578] Data values ​​are stored in barcodes or other optically readable data.

[0579] Temperature-related characteristics

[0580] The liquid level sensing subsystem uses an ambient temperature sensor to compensate or adjust for the temperature of the liquid.

[0581] • The level sensing subsystem inhibits the fill operation if the measured temperature measured using the ambient temperature sensor falls outside of preset operating limits, such as 5°C and 45°C.

[0582] • Data sent to the liquid level sensing subsystem enables the liquid level sensing subsystem to compensate for temperature-related variability in the properties of liquids with different chemical compositions.

[0583] • The electrical characteristics measured by the level sensing subsystem are temperature-dependent, and the stored values ​​of the electrical characteristics include values ​​at and / or between the lower and upper operating ranges of the device, such as 5°C and 45°C.

[0584] The vapor fume system includes an ambient temperature sensor that provides temperature data to the liquid filling subsystem, enabling the subsystem to compare the measured electrical characteristics with values ​​suitable for the ambient temperature of the liquid reservoir.

[0585] The vapor system includes a temperature sensor located near or sufficiently close to the liquid reservoir to provide an estimate of the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir.

[0586] • Data values ​​characterizing how the capacitance of a particular e-cigarette liquid or range or type of liquids changes with temperature are stored and can be accessed by the e-cigarette system.

[0587] • Data values ​​characterizing how the capacitance of a specific e-liquid or a series or types of e-liquids varies between the lower and upper operating ranges are stored and accessible by the liquid filling subsystem.

[0588] • The stored data value of the electrical characteristic is stored in or on a liquid capsule that provides liquid to the liquid delivery system.

[0589] • The stored value of the electrical characteristic is stored in a ROM chip or other memory on the liquid capsule or bottle.

[0590] • Pre-stored values ​​of electrical properties are stored in an optically readable barcode on the liquid capsule or bottle.

[0591] On the other hand, there is a method for controlling the operation of a liquid transport subsystem as part of a vapor fume system, which includes the following steps: using a level sensing subsystem to measure data relating to the electrical characteristics of a liquid reservoir in the vapor fume system; the electrical characteristics changing according to the amount or level of liquid in the liquid reservoir; and automatically controlling the fluid transport system based on the measured data.

[0592] Capsules with liquid type data

[0593] As described above, a level sensing system detects changes in the electrical properties of a liquid reservoir, which depend on how full the reservoir is. These electrical properties can also vary by parameters such as the type of liquid, the nicotine strength of the liquid, whether the liquid is a nicotine salt, whether the liquid contains CBD or THC, the water content of the liquid, the PV / VG content of the liquid, and the flavor used. Therefore, if a level sensing system is to operate accurately and reliably across different liquid compositions, formulations, or liquid types, it must be able to access data defining or relating to these chemical compositions, formulations, or liquid types (more commonly, "liquid parameters"). For the AYR system, we have tested every possible liquid composition, formulation, or liquid and characterized the capacitance readings by the mass or weight of the liquid. These constants for a particular liquid composition, formulation, or liquid type are then stored in a refill bottle containing that particular composition, formulation, or liquid type. The data is stored in a machine-readable form, typically on a small, low-cost ROM chip.

[0594] We can summarize it as follows:

[0595] A capsule, bottle, or other form of container configured to engage with a fluid delivery system that automatically refills a liquid reservoir in a vapor device with liquid stored in the container;

[0596] When a container includes a liquid with a chemical composition, formulation, or type, the container includes machine-readable data relating to or associated with the electrical characteristics of the liquid reservoir, or is programmed with such data, which relates to the operation of the fluid delivery system by a level sensing subsystem based on measurements of the electrical characteristics or data relating to those electrical characteristics.

[0597] Some optional features:

[0598] The container includes a memory, such as a ROM chip or flash memory, which stores or encodes the electrical properties or related data of a particular liquid stored in the capsule.

[0599] • The container includes an optically machine-readable code, such as a barcode, which encodes the electrical properties of a particular liquid stored in the capsule or data related to those electrical properties.

[0600] • The level sensing subsystem reads the electrical characteristics of the liquid reservoir in the vapor device or associated pre-stored values ​​(such as capacitance or impedance) that indicate that the liquid reservoir is full of liquid, and compares the pre-stored values ​​with the measured electrical characteristics to determine whether the fluid delivery system should be started or stopped.

[0601] • Electrical properties depend on the chemical composition of the liquid, and pre-stored values ​​are specific to the particular type, variety, or aroma of the liquid.

[0602] • Electrical characteristics are temperature-dependent, and the pre-stored values ​​of electrical characteristics include values ​​at the lower and upper operating ranges of the device, such as 5°C and 45°C.

[0603] Liquid level sensing subsystems compensate or adjust for the chemical makeup or recipe of each specific flavor, strength, or type of liquid.

[0604] • Test each specific flavor, strength, or type of liquid and determine the electrical properties of each specific liquid as the mass or weight of the liquid in the liquid reservoir changes, and store the results in a manner accessible to the liquid level sensing subsystem.

[0605] The electrical properties measured by the liquid level sensing subsystem depend on the chemical composition of the liquid in the liquid reservoir, and specific values ​​for liquids of a particular composition, formulation, or liquid type are stored in a memory such as a ROM or optical barcode on the liquid refill bottle used for the liquid, and can be accessed by the liquid level detection subsystem.

[0606] • Data values ​​mapped by the liquid level sensing subsystem for capacitance or capacitance-related data measured at a threshold filling level for a specific liquid are stored in a refill bottle for the specific liquid and are accessible by the liquid level detection subsystem.

[0607] • Data values ​​of the quantity or mass of a particular liquid, mapped to capacitance or capacitance-related data measured by the liquid level sensing subsystem at one or more thresholds or values ​​related to the amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir, are stored and accessible by the vapor fume system.

[0608] • Data is stored in the bottle or capsule that supplies the e-cigarette liquid.

[0609] Data is stored in a serial ROM chip on the bottle or capsule.

[0610] • Data is stored in barcodes or other optically readable data.

[0611] • Electrical characteristics include temperature dependent electrical characteristics that enable the liquid level subsystem to compensate for changes in the ambient temperature of the atomizer reservoir.

[0612] • Temperature-related electrical characteristics are signals associated with the maximum level or amount of liquid in the atomizer reservoir at the upper and lower limits of the operating temperature of the device supplying the liquid to the container.

[0613] • The use of temperature-dependent electrical characteristics by a level sensing subsystem to measure, detect, or infer the level of liquid in a liquid reservoir.

[0614] • The temperature sensor measures the temperature in the device, and if the device temperature or a temperature related to the device temperature is above a high temperature threshold or below a low temperature threshold, the liquid level sensing subsystem is locked and inoperable.

Claims

1. A liquid atomization system having a heating element, the heating element being configured to heat an atomizable liquid and produce vapor, mist or aerosol, and the liquid atomization system being controlled by a thermostatic driver that measures the current through the heating element directly or indirectly using a power supply having a known voltage and enables a microcontroller or processor to (a) calculate or determine the resistance of the heating element, and (b) calculate the temperature coefficient of resistance of the material of which the heating element is made from stored data, or (c) find the temperature of the heating element; And wherein the driver is configured to regulate power, current or voltage using a closed-loop temperature control algorithm to stabilize the temperature of the heating element at a preset level or range by adjusting the power duty cycle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the driver runs a closed-loop temperature control algorithm and periodically adjusts the power duty cycle after each instance of measuring current.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the current is measured approximately 30 times per second.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the preset level is approximately 280 degrees Celsius when the liquid is PV / VG e-liquid.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the preset level varies depending on the type or chemical composition of the liquid.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the heating element is made of a material having a substantially linear temperature coefficient of resistance.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the material is stainless steel 316L.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuit is a control circuit configured to be damped by the thermal mass of the nebulizable liquid.

9. An e-liquid pod configured to slide, snap or fit into a vape device body, the pod comprising an e-liquid reservoir and a heated atomizer for generating vapor; wherein the pod is configured to slide, snap or fit into (i) a vape device body of one shape having a rechargeable battery of one capacity; and (ii) a vape device body of a different shape having a different rechargeable battery capacity.

10. The e-liquid pod of claim 9, configured to magnetically latch into a vape device body of any shape.

11. The e-liquid pod of claim 9, comprising a mouthpiece and a pod body, and the pod body is configured to slide into and out of a recess in a vape device body of each shape.

12. The e-liquid pod of claim 9, comprising a mouthpiece and a pod body, wherein the pod body is configured to slide into and out of a recess in a vape device body of each shape, and wherein the pod body is longer than the mouthpiece.

13. The e-liquid pod of claim 9, comprising a pod body configured to slide into a recess of a vape device body of any shape, having curved sides.

14. The e-liquid pod of claim 9, wherein the e-liquid reservoir surrounds the heated atomizer, the heated atomizer being located in a unit extending centrally upward along a long axis of the pod.

15. The e-liquid capsule of claim 14, wherein the unit extending centrally along the long axis of the capsule includes a pair of opposing apertures and the wick is positioned to receive e-liquid through the apertures and provide e-liquid to the atomizer located in the unit.

16. The e-liquid capsule of claim 14, wherein the unit extending centrally upward along the long axis of the capsule comprises a concentric outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall facing the e-liquid reservoir, and the inner wall containing the atomizer.

17. The e-liquid pod of claim 9, wherein the atomizer is located approximately 20-25 mm above the base of the pod.

18. The e-liquid capsule of claim 9, wherein the atomizer is one of: a cotton wick and wire coil; a ceramic wick and wire coil; a ceramic wick and planar coil; a ceramic wick and non-planar coil; a wick-less and coil-less atomizer; a metal vane-type atomizer.

19. The e-liquid capsule of claim 9, wherein the maximum liquid capacity of the e-liquid reservoir is 2 mL.

20. The e-liquid capsule of claim 9, wherein the e-liquid reservoir is a clear walled e-liquid reservoir.

21. The electronic liquid capsule of claim 9, wherein the electronic liquid capsule is configured to be pre-filled with liquid at a factory.

22. The e-liquid cartridge of claim 9, configured to be user-refillable.

23. The e-liquid cartridge of claim 9, configured to be non-user refillable.

24. The electronic liquid pod case of claim 9, configured to be automatically refillable using only a dedicated liquid refilling device, the dedicated liquid refilling device being a desktop dock or a portable case dock.

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