Electric charcoal for hookah

Abstract

A portable heating device for a hookah or pipe and method of use thereof, comprising: a housing adapted to be housed therein: a heating mechanism based on an electrical or combustible fluid; an energy source for the heating mechanism; the temperature sensor is suitable for sensing the temperature in the shell; a control unit operably coupled to the heating mechanism and the temperature sensor, the control unit adapted to control activation of the heating mechanism based on sensor data from the temperature sensor; and an activation switch adapted to activate the portable heating device.

Description

[0001] Technical field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a portable heating device, in particular for use with a hookah / water pipe.

[0003] Background of the Invention

[0004] Hookahs are water pipes used to smoke specially prepared tobacco blends that come in a variety of different flavors. They typically work by passing charcoal-heated air through the tobacco blend and ultimately through a water-filled chamber. The user then inhales the smoke through the tube and mouthpiece.

[0005] The burning of charcoal used to heat hookah tobacco may pose additional health risks (beyond the harmful and addictive chemicals released from the tobacco) because the combustion process produces dangerous substances such as carbon monoxide, metals and other chemicals.

[0006] Figure 1A It is a prior art schematic diagram of a hookah / water pipe 10. The hookah is composed of the following components:

[0007] The bowl 12 contains tobacco or smoking preparation T.

[0008] Bowl rod 14 is the part where the rod is attached to the bowl.Place burning charcoal, and collect fallen embersCoal tray 16 is a place for placing burning coals, and also collects fallen embers.

[0009] A rod 18 connects the bowl, base and hose together.

[0010] The hose 20 is a long, flexible section of hollow tubing.

[0011] Hose Connectors and Hose Ports 22. A hose port, also called a hose adapter, is the component that the hose plugs into. A hose connector is the part of the hose that connects to the hose port.

[0012] The stem core 24 is the bulky portion of the stem that connects to the base and includes the hose port and release valve.

[0013] When blowing into the hose, the release / purge valve 26 releases smoke from the base. The ball bearing prevents air from entering through the valve when inhaling.

[0014] The lower rod 28 is the portion of the rod that is submerged in the water.

[0015] The diffuser 30 breaks up the air bubbles to make the smoking process quieter.

[0016] The base 32 contains water.

[0017] The hose handle 34 is the suction nozzle of the hose.

[0018] Figure 1B A prior art foil covered hookah bowl is shown. One method of heating a hookah is to use a foil covered bowl, which is also considered the traditional method. Aluminum foil 40 is tightly wrapped around the bowl and a large number of small holes are poked in the top to allow air circulation. Some hookah-specific aluminum foils have pre-poked holes. Charcoal 42 is placed directly on top of the foil and tobacco is placed inside the bowl.

[0019] Figure 1C A diagram showing how a hookah works. The user draws air through a hose. The suction causes air to flow through the coals. The tobacco is heated and produces smoke. The smoke flows down the valve stem and through water to cool it (and possibly filter out some harmful chemicals). The smoke fills the base and exits through the hose. Summary of the invention

[0020] According to the present invention, a portable heating device for a hookah or water pipe is provided, which comprises: a shell, suitable for accommodating: a heating mechanism; an energy source for the heating mechanism; a temperature sensor, suitable for sensing the temperature inside the shell; a control unit, operably coupled to the heating mechanism and the temperature sensor, the control unit being suitable for controlling the activation of the heating mechanism based on sensor data from the temperature sensor; and an activation switch, suitable for activating the portable heating device.

[0021] According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention, the heating mechanism is an electrical heating element. According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention, the energy source is a rechargeable power supply unit, such that the portable heating device can be used without being connected to an external energy source while the power supply unit is being charged. According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention, the power supply unit is a rechargeable battery adapted to be recharged from an electrical grid or a portable power pack; or wherein the power supply unit is a photovoltaic cell.

[0022] According to further features, the temperature sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), a thermistor, and a semiconductor-based integrated circuit.

[0023] According to further features, the housing further comprises a plurality of vents adapted to allow excess heat to escape. According to further features, the housing has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side wall, and wherein the bottom surface comprises an opening for a heat transfer element for transferring heat from the heating mechanism to a target object.

[0024] According to further features, the target object is a smoking preparation, such as a smoking preparation including a tobacco component. According to further features, the target object includes a tobacco component covered in a foil.

[0025] According to further features, the control unit is configured to instruct an actuator to activate the heating mechanism until the temperature sensor senses that a first predetermined temperature threshold has been reached, at which point the control unit instructs the actuator to deactivate the heating mechanism, until the temperature sensor senses that a second predetermined temperature threshold has been reached, at which point the control unit instructs the actuator to reactivate the heating mechanism; wherein the first temperature threshold is higher than the second temperature threshold.

[0026] According to another embodiment, a portable heating device for a hookah is provided, comprising: a shell suitable for accommodating: a heating mechanism; an energy source for the heating mechanism, the energy source comprising a combustible fluid storage and an ignition device; a temperature sensor suitable for sensing the temperature inside the shell; a control unit operably coupled to the heating mechanism, the energy source and the temperature sensor, the control unit being suitable for controlling the activation of the heating mechanism based on sensor data from the temperature sensor; and an activation switch for activating the portable heating device.

[0027] According to further features, the heating mechanism is a mechanism for burning a combustible fluid. According to further features, the heating mechanism is a gas burner.

[0028] According to further features, the flammable fluid reservoir is a replaceable or refillable gas canister, such that when the reservoir is filled, the portable heating device can be used without being connected to an external energy source. According to further features, the gas canister includes a fragrance, the fragrance being adapted to be dispensed with the fluid in the gas canister.

[0029] According to further features, the ignition device is an electrical lighter.

[0030] According to further features, the control unit is configured to instruct a valve of the reservoir to open and activate the ignition device to ignite the combustible fluid, the valve remaining open until a first predetermined temperature threshold is reached, at which time the control unit instructs the valve to close until a second predetermined temperature threshold is reached, at which time the control unit instructs the valve to reopen and activate the ignition device; and wherein the first temperature threshold is higher than the second temperature threshold.

[0031] According to another embodiment, a method for preparing a hookah or water pipe and generating smoke is provided, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: filling a hookah bowl with a smoking preparation;

[0032] Placing an electrical or combustible fluid-based portable heating device on top of the smoking preparation in the hookah bowl; activating the heating device; and inhaling smoke through a hose of a hookah or water pipe, wherein the hose is in fluid communication with the smoking preparation.

[0033] According to further features, the portable heating device is rechargeable or refillable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1A-Figure 1C A water pipe of the hookah type in the prior art is shown;

[0036] Figure 2A-2E are various views of an exemplary embodiment of a portable heating device of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an electrically driven embodiment of a heating device;

[0038] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a gas burner portable heating device 300 for a hookah / water pipe; and

[0039] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method 500 for preparing a hookah or water pipe and generating smoke is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The principles and operation of the electrical heating mechanism according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying description.

[0041] The terms "hookah" and "water pipe", "waterpipe" and variations thereof are used interchangeably herein and, for the purposes of this document, are intended to refer to any type of smoking device based on smoking, in which the smoking formulation is heated and passed through a fluid (e.g., water) before being inhaled by the user.

[0042] Using coal to smoke is very unhealthy because coal and its smoke are toxic. Burning coal affects the quality of the environment and creates air pollution. Generally speaking, burning coal is a form of environmental pollution.

[0043] The present invention relates to a device used as an energy and high heat generating unit to burn tobacco in a hookah without the need for additional burning coal. In a preferred embodiment, the product is adapted to use a disposable and / or rechargeable energy source, such as batteries and / or gas. In an embodiment, the device uses electrical energy, gas and / or solar energy.

[0044] Figure 2A-2E Various views are shown of an exemplary embodiment of a heating device according to the invention. Figure 2A is an isometric top view of the device, with the bottom portion rendered transparent. Figure 2B is an isometric bottom view of the device, with the bottom portion rendered transparent. Figure 2C is a top view of the device. Figure 2D is an isometric cross-sectional view of the device. Figure 2E is an exploded view of the device 100 .

[0045] refer to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E , like parts are referenced using like reference numerals. The device 100 includes a housing or shell 110 having a plurality of openings formed therein. A top opening 112 is provided for an on / off button. A vent 114 allows excess heat to escape. A side opening 116 is adapted to receive a gas refill cartridge or a USB power cord, depending on the type of energy source in the device. A bottom opening 118 is a heating inlet through which heat generated within the device is directed out of the shell 110 to heat the tobacco.

[0046] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an electrically driven embodiment of a heating device. For clarity, each embodiment will be numbered individually, but will follow the convention: Figure 2A-2D The exemplary embodiment in is labeled as apparatus 100 . Figure 3 The electric drive embodiment in the embodiment is labeled as device 200, Figure 4 The gas powered embodiment in the embodiment 100 is labeled as device 300. For each of the depicted embodiments 100, 200, 300, the same components will be indicated by the same number after the 1, 2 or 3 indicating the embodiment number. Thus, for example, the housing of device 100 is labeled as housing 110, while the same housing in device 200 is labeled as housing 210, and in device 300, housing 310. The same or similar components are labeled accordingly as described above, and any component described in one embodiment should be deemed to be described in all embodiments, with corresponding adjustments made as necessary according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] The housing 210 has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side wall. The housing may include more than one housing part. For example, the top surface and the side wall may be formed by a single piece, and the bottom surface may be a separate shell. The housing 210 includes a vent 214, a top opening 212 and a bottom opening 218 for opening / closing a button 220, and heat H is guided to heat tobacco T through the bottom opening 218. The device 200 is an electric drive heating mechanism. For example, the device 200 may be used for heating tobacco (or tobacco or other smoking preparations) in a hookah / water pipe. The device includes a heating element 230 positioned above the bottom opening 218. Once the heating element is turned on by the button 220, the operation of the heating element is controlled by a control unit, such as a control unit embedded in a chip 232. The chip is operably coupled to the heating element 230 and a temperature sensor 233, for example, via a wired connector 234.

[0048] Any suitable option of electronic chip 232 can be used to control heating element 230. Chip 232 can have temperature sensor 233 embedded thereon, or can be operably coupled to a separate temperature sensor. Examples of temperature sensors include, but are not limited to: thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermistors, and semiconductor-based integrated circuits. Many examples of electronic chips are known in the art. Two example options are discussed below.

[0049] An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is an integrated circuit (IC) chip that is customized for a specific purpose rather than intended for general use, such as a chip designed to operate in a digital voice recorder or a high-efficiency video codec, or in this case, a temperature-controlled heating element. ASIC chips are typically manufactured using metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) technology, like MOS integrated circuit chips.

[0050] An ASIC typically includes an entire microprocessor, memory blocks including ROM, RAM, EEPROM, flash memory and other large building blocks. Such an ASIC is often referred to as a SoC (System on a Chip).

[0051] Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are a modern improvement on breadboard technology, which means that they are not designed for a specific application like ASICs. Programmable logic blocks and programmable interconnects allow the same FPGA to be used in many different applications. The control unit can be an ASIC, FPGA, or any other related mechanism known in the art.

[0052] The device 200 includes a power source or energy source. In an exemplary embodiment, the energy source is a power supply unit 236, such as a battery and / or a photovoltaic cell. The battery 236 can be replaceable and / or rechargeable. The rechargeable battery can be charged by connecting to a power outlet (grid) via a cable and / or, for example, by connecting to a power bank (e.g., a portable charger, a desktop or laptop battery, etc.) via a USB charger cable. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply unit can be charged by a solar device (not shown).

[0053] The device is turned on and off by a power button. An example of an on / off switch 220 activates and deactivates the portable heating device 200. A control unit 232 is operably coupled to the heating mechanism 230 and the temperature sensor 233. The control unit is adapted to control activation of the heating mechanism based on sensor data from the temperature sensor. For example, the control unit is configured to instruct the actuator to activate the heating mechanism until the temperature sensor senses that a first predetermined temperature threshold has been reached, at which point the control unit instructs the actuator to deactivate the heating mechanism until the temperature sensor senses that a second predetermined temperature threshold has been reached, at which point the control unit instructs the actuator to reactivate the heating mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the first temperature threshold is higher than the second temperature threshold.

[0054] The bottom surface includes openings 218 for heat transfer elements 231 to transfer heat from the heating mechanism to the target object. The heat transfer element may be a metal plate or grill connected to the heating element 230. The heating mechanism may include any type of related heating element known in the art.

[0055] A heating element is a component made up of electrically conductive and insulating materials, designed for heating purposes. The basic core of an electrical heater is that the heating element alloy converts electrical energy into heat energy when subjected to an electric current. It is the electrical load part of the heater that takes place. When heat is generated in this manner, it is called resistance heating. It is also known as Joule heating.

[0056] Electrically conductive heating element wires are present within a frame of electrically insulating material. The wires may be corrugated, coiled, or straight. Examples of heating elements include, but are not limited to: flexible heaters, silicone rubber heaters, polyimide heaters, thick film heaters, PTC heaters, cartridge heaters, strip heaters, and tubular heaters.

[0057] Flexible heaters (also called flex heaters) are surface heaters that can be bent to conform to the surface being heated. They can be shaped during the manufacturing process to accommodate complex geometries. Flexible heaters include thin film, foil or wire wound heating elements made from a variety of alloys.

[0058] Silicone rubber heaters consist of one or more heating elements sandwiched between two sheets of vulcanized silicone rubber. The rubber is insulating, yet thermally conductive. The element sandwiched between the rubber is a thin foil alloy that has been etched. Polyimide heaters are similar to silicone rubber heaters in that they are thin, flat etched heating elements. They are lighter weight and more flexible than silicone.

[0059] Thick Film Heaters are low profile (thin) heaters manufactured using precision devices to produce two dimensional geometries over a wide range of watts and voltages. Ideal for applications requiring fast response and temperature uniformity. The thin profile is ideal where space is limited. These heaters can reach very high temperatures.

[0060] PTC heaters (positive temperature coefficient heaters) contain trace amounts of conductive material such as carbon black mixed with an electrically insulating but thermally conductive material such as silicone rubber. The two leads buried in this material do not come into physical contact. The ratio of conductive material to electrically insulating material is carefully controlled during the manufacturing process.

[0061] The cartridge heater consists of a coil surrounded by an insulating powder (usually magnesium oxide) and enclosed in a tapered sheath. All terminals exit from the same end.

[0062] A strip heater is a relatively flat rectangular heater made from a mica tape that has been wrapped with a ribbon of metal wire. The assembly is sandwiched between two other sheets of mica and then wrapped in a metal sheath. If you bend a strip heater into a loop, then you have a strip heater. They are clamped around the base of pipes, barrels, and kettles. They are used to heat fluids and aid in the melting of solids.

[0063] Tubular heaters have a coil surrounded by a ceramic insulating powder which is encased in a metal sheath.

[0064] Another possible configuration is Figure 4 shown. Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a gas burner portable heating device 300 for a hookah / water pipe. The device 300 includes a housing 310 and an on / off switch 320. The housing 310 has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall. The housing may include more than one housing portion. For example, the top surface and the side wall may be formed by a single piece, and the bottom surface may be a separate shell piece. The housing 310 includes a vent 314, a top opening 312 for an on / off button 320, and a bottom opening 308 through which heat H is directed to heat tobacco T.

[0065] Device 300 is a portable heating device using a combustible fluid. For example, device 300 can be used to heat tobacco (or tobacco or other smoking preparations) in a hookah / water pipe. The device includes a heating mechanism 330. Once the device is turned on by button 320, the operation of the heating mechanism is controlled by a control unit, such as a control unit embedded in a chip 332. Chip 332 is similar to chip 232 detailed above. These details also apply to chip 332 and should be considered to be fully repeated here, with corresponding adjustments as appropriate. The chip is operably coupled to heating mechanism 330 and temperature sensor 333. Temperature sensor 333 is the same or similar to temperature sensor 233 described in detail above. These details also apply to temperature sensor 333 and should be considered to be fully repeated here, with corresponding adjustments as appropriate.

[0066] exist Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the heating mechanism 330 is a gas burner. The energy source for the gas burner includes a combustible fluid reservoir and an ignition device. Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reservoir is a gas canister 336. In an embodiment, the cartridge is replaceable and / or refillable so that when the reservoir is filled, the portable heating device can be used without being connected to an external energy source. The canister can be inserted through an opening 316 in the side wall of the housing.

[0067] The ignition mechanism in the exemplary embodiment is an electric lighter 340. The electric lighter can be powered by a battery. The ignition mechanism and / or the reservoir can include a servo mechanism for opening and closing the valve of the reservoir / gas tank. In an embodiment, the servo mechanism is integrated into the reservoir (e.g., the gas tank) and communicates with the control unit. In an embodiment, the servo mechanism is separated from the reservoir / gas tank and is suitable for opening and closing the valve of the reservoir / gas tank. The servo mechanism communicates electrically with the control unit (e.g., embedded on the chip 333). The valve of the reservoir / gas tank can be unbiased and controlled by the servo mechanism. The valve of the reservoir / gas tank can be biased to a closed state (e.g., the valve can be spring-loaded). In this case, the servo mechanism opens the valve by applying a force to overcome the biasing mechanism, and controls the closing of the valve by releasing the pressure on the biasing mechanism, allowing the biasing mechanism to automatically close the valve.

[0068] The gas burner 330 has, for example, a turbine burner head 331. The heating mechanism includes a gas coupler 338, to which a gas (or other combustible fluid) tank 336 is coupled and through which the gas passes when the valve of the gas tank is opened. A servo mechanism for controlling the valve of a reservoir (e.g., a gas tank) may be accommodated in the gas coupler 338. Therefore, reference numeral 338 may be applied to the servo mechanism as well as the gas coupling. The housing has a porous bottom surface 308, such as a grille, through which the heat H from the flame is dissipated.

[0069] The control unit is configured to instruct the canister to discharge fluid and instruct the electrical lighter to ignite the fluid. The cartridge discharges fluid (e.g., with a valve controlled by a servo mechanism as described above) to heat the tobacco / smoking preparation until the temperature sensor senses that a first predetermined temperature threshold has been reached, at which point the control unit instructs the servo-controlled valve to close, deactivating the heating mechanism, until the temperature sensor senses that a second predetermined temperature threshold has been reached, at which point the control unit instructs the valve to open and instructs the electrical lighter to ignite the fluid. The first temperature threshold is higher than the second temperature threshold.

[0070] In some embodiments, the gas canister includes an aroma, fragrance, or perfume that is released along with the gas and adds an aromatic scent to the hookah smoking experience.

[0071] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method 500 for preparing a hookah or water pipe and generating smoke is shown.

[0072] Step 502 includes filling a hookah bowl with a smoking preparation;

[0073] Step 504 includes placing a portable heating device on top of the hookah bowl. The portable heating device may be an electrical heating device similar to device 200 or a combustible fluid based heating device similar to device 300.

[0074] Step 506 includes activating a heating device.

[0075] Step 508 includes inhaling the smoke through a hose of a hookah or water pipe, wherein the hose is in fluid communication with the smoking formulation.

[0076] In an embodiment, the portable heating device is rechargeable or refillable.

[0077] The implementation of the method and / or system of the embodiment of the present invention may include performing or completing the selected task manually, automatically or in combination thereof. In addition, the actual instrument and device of the embodiment of the method and / or system of the present invention may implement several selected tasks by using the hardware, software or hardware of the operating system or a combination thereof.

[0078] For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a chip or circuit.As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a plurality of software instructions executed by a computer using any suitable operating system.

[0079] As used herein, the singular form "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0080] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and / or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[0081] It should be understood that, for the sake of clarity, certain features of the invention described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for the sake of brevity, various features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination, or in a manner suitable for any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without these elements.

[0082] In the discussion, unless otherwise stated, adjectives such as "substantially" and "about" that modify conditions or relationship characteristics of one or more features of an embodiment of the present invention should be understood to mean that the condition or feature is defined to be within an acceptable tolerance range for the operation of the embodiment for its intended application.

[0083] Positional terms such as "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "bottom", "below", "low", "top", "above", "elevated", "high", "vertical", and "horizontal" and grammatical variations thereof that may be used herein do not necessarily mean, for example, that a "bottom" component is lower than a "top" component, or that a component "below" is really "lower" than another component, or that a component "above" is really "higher" than another component, as these directions, components, or both may be flipped, rotated, moved in space, placed in a diagonal direction or position, placed horizontally or vertically, or similarly modified. Therefore, it should be understood that the terms "bottom", "below", "top", and "above" may be used for exemplary purposes only to illustrate the relative positioning or placement of certain components, to indicate a first component and a second component, or both.

[0084] "Coupled with" means "coupled with" either indirectly or directly.

[0085] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow charts, or both may be used to describe embodiments, the techniques are not limited to these diagrams or corresponding descriptions. For example, the flow need not pass through each of the boxes or states shown, nor need it proceed in the exact order shown and described.

[0086] It should be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference should not be interpreted as there being only one of the element.

[0087] In the specification and claims of this application, each verb "comprise", "include" and "have" and their variant forms are used to indicate that the object of the verb is not necessarily a complete list of the components, elements or parts of the subject of the verb.

[0088] Unless otherwise stated, in a list of optional options, the use of the word "and / or" between the last two members means that one or more of the listed options may be selected.

[0089] Although the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is susceptible to numerous variations, modifications and other applications. Therefore, the invention described in the following claims is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A portable heating device for a hookah or water pipe, characterized in that: include: A housing adapted to accommodate: a heating mechanism; an energy source for heating the mechanism; a temperature sensor, adapted to sense the temperature inside the housing; a control unit operatively coupled to the heating mechanism and the temperature sensor, the control unit being adapted to control activation of the heating mechanism based on sensor data from the temperature sensor; as well as An activation switch is adapted to activate the portable heating device.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The heating mechanism is an electrical heating element.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The energy source is a rechargeable power supply unit, such that the portable heating device can be used without being connected to an external energy source while the power supply unit is being charged.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The power supply unit is a rechargeable battery adapted to be recharged from an electrical grid or a portable power pack; or wherein the power supply unit is a photovoltaic cell.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The temperature sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), a thermistor, and a semiconductor-based integrated circuit.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing also includes a plurality of vents adapted to allow excess heat to escape.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side wall, and wherein the bottom surface includes an opening for a heat transfer element for transferring heat from the heating mechanism to a target object.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The target objects include tobacco components.

9. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The target object comprises tobacco components covered in a foil.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to instruct an actuator to activate the heating mechanism until the temperature sensor senses that a first predetermined temperature threshold has been reached, at which time the control unit instructs the actuator to deactivate the heating mechanism until the temperature sensor senses that a second predetermined temperature threshold has been reached, at which time the control unit instructs the actuator to reactivate the heating mechanism; The first temperature threshold is higher than the second temperature threshold.

11. A portable heating device for a hookah, characterized in that: include: A housing adapted to accommodate: a heating mechanism; an energy source for the heating mechanism, the energy source comprising a flammable fluid reservoir and an ignition device; a temperature sensor, adapted to sense the temperature inside the housing; a control unit operatively coupled to the heating mechanism, the energy source and the temperature sensor, the control unit being adapted to control activation of the heating mechanism based on sensor data from the temperature sensor; as well as An activation switch for activating the portable heating device.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The heating mechanism is a mechanism for burning a combustible fluid.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that The heating mechanism is a gas burner.

14. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The combustible fluid reservoir is a replaceable or refillable gas canister such that when the reservoir is filled the portable heating device may be used without being connected to an external energy source.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The gas canister includes a fragrance adapted to be dispensed with the fluid in the gas canister.

16. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The ignition device is an electric lighter.

17. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The control unit is configured to instruct a valve of the reservoir to open and activate the ignition device to ignite the combustible fluid, the valve remaining open until a first predetermined temperature threshold is reached, at which time the control unit instructs the valve to close until a second predetermined temperature threshold is reached, at which time the control unit instructs the valve to reopen and activate the ignition device; and The first temperature threshold is higher than the second temperature threshold.

18. A method for preparing a hookah or water pipe and generating smoke, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: Filling a hookah bowl with a smoking preparation; placing a portable heating device according to claim 1 or 11 on top of the smoking preparation in the hookah bowl; activating the heating device; and The smoke is inhaled through a hose of a hookah or water pipe, wherein the hose is in fluid communication with the smoking formulation.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The portable heating device is rechargeable or refillable.

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