Heat not burn vaporizer devices

Abstract

Vaporizer devices for generating an inhalable aerosol are provided. In one exemplary implementation, a vaporizer device includes a cartridge and a device body having a receptacle configured to receive the cartridge. The cartridge includes vaporizable material, heater chamber(s), heating element(s), inlet(s), airflow outlet channel(s), and airflow outlet(s). The heating element(s) are configured to heat the vaporizable material to generate a vapor, and the inlet(s) are configured to allow external air to enter the heater chamber(s) and entrain the vapor. The airflow outlet channel(s) are in fluid communication with the heater chamber(s), and include at least one condensation chamber configured to condense the entrained vapor with ambient air to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol. The airflow outlet(s) are configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol to a user, and in fluid communication with the at least one condensation chamber. In some aspects, a perimeter of the heating element(s) defines at least a portion of a perimeter of the heater chamber(s) which contain the vaporizable material.

Description

HEAT NOT BURN VAPORIZER DEVICESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 422,899 filed Nov 4, 2022 and entitled “HEAT NOT BURN VAPORIZER DEVICES,” to Application No. 63 / 443,978 filed Feb 7, 2023 and entitled “HEAT NOT BURN VAPORIZER DEVICES,” and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 447,890 filed February 23, 2023 and entitled “HEAT NOT BURN VAPORIZER DEVICES.” The disclosures of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to vaporizer devices, including vaporizer devices comprising a vaporizer body configured to heat a cartridge containing vaporizable material.BACKGROUND

[0003] Vaporizer devices, which can also be referred to as vaporizers, electronic vaporizer devices, or e-vaporizer devices, can be used for delivery of an aerosol (for example, a gas-phase and / or a condensed-phase material suspended in a stationary or moving mass of air or some other gas carrier) containing one or more active ingredients by inhalation of the aerosol by a user of the vaporizer device. For example, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) include a class of vaporizer devices that are battery powered and that can be used to simulate the experience of smoking, but without burning of tobacco or other substances. Vaporizer devices are gaining increasing popularity both for prescriptive medical use, in delivering medicaments, and for consumption of tobacco, nicotine, and other plant-based materials. Vaporizer devices can be portable, self-contained, and / or convenient for use.

[0004] In use of a vaporizer device, the user inhales an aerosol, colloquially referred to as “vapor,” which can be generated by a heating element that vaporizes (e.g., causes a liquid or solid to at least partially transition to the gas phase) a vaporizable material, which can be liquid, a solution, a solid, a paste, a wax, and / or any other form compatible for use with a specific vaporizer device. The vaporizable material used with a vaporizer device can be provided within a cartridge (e.g., a separable part of the vaporizer device that contains vaporizable material) that includes anoutlet (e.g., a mouthpiece or an outlet in fluid communication with a mouthpiece) for inhalation of the aerosol by a user.

[0005] To receive an inhalable aerosol generated by a vaporizer device, a user may, in certain examples, activate the vaporizer device by taking a puff, by pressing a button, and / or by some other approach. A puff as used herein can refer to inhalation by the user in a manner that causes a volume of air to be drawn into the vaporizer device such that the inhalable aerosol is generated by a combination of vaporized material (e.g., gas-phase material) with the volume of air.

[0006] An approach by which a vaporizer device generates an inhalable aerosol from a vaporizable material involves heating the vaporizable material (e.g., within a cartridge, an insert, a vaporization chamber, a heater chamber, an oven, and / or a compartment associated with a heating element) to cause at least a portion of the vaporizable material to be converted to vaporized material (e.g., gas-phase material). A vaporization chamber, heater chamber, oven, or the like can refer to an area or volume in the vaporizer device within which a heat source (for example, a conductive, convective, and / or radiative heat source) causes heating of a vaporizable material to produce a vaporized material and allow the vaporized material to mix with air to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the vaporizer device.

[0007] Vaporizer devices can be controlled by one or more controllers, electronic circuits (for example, sensors, heating elements, buttons, switches), and / or the like on or in the vaporizer device. Vaporizer devices can also wirelessly communicate with an external controller (e.g., a computing device such as a personal computer or smartphone).

[0008] In some implementations, vaporizer cartridges that contain solid vaporizable material (e.g., comprising plant material such as tobacco leaves and / or parts of tobacco leaves) must be heated to undesirably high temperatures in order to cause inner regions of the vaporizable material to be heated to a minimum temperature required for vaporization. As a result, portions of the solid vaporizable material contained within a vaporizer cartridge can burn or char at these high temperatures and produce combustion or partial combustion byproducts (e.g., chemical elements or chemical compounds) that may have undesirable characteristics, such as unpleasant smells or tastes, negative health impacts, etc. Furthermore, uniform heating of the vaporizable material in current conduction-based vaporizers may be difficult to achieve due to the low thermal conductivity of certain vaporizable materials (e.g., plant materials, such as tobacco). Accordingly, controlled and even distribution of heat is desirable in such devices.

[0009] Some issues with current vaporizer devices include the inability to efficiently and effectively heat the vaporizable material without wasting a significant amount of energy. For example, some vaporizer devices include a heater body surrounding a tobacco consumable, requiring the entire heater body to be heated to create an oven. Such a configuration does not provide intimate contact with all heated surfaces, and additional energy is required to maintain a sufficiently high temperature in an area that is exposed to the airstream, thereby losing at least a portion of thermal energy produced by the heater that could have been used to heat the tobacco material. As such, energy may be wasted as the generated heat is not effectively utilized.

[0010] Vaporizer devices configured to embed some or part of a heater apparatus inside of the tobacco material may include airflow passing through the tobacco material thereby prohibiting tight tobacco compaction around the heater, thus diminishing heat transfer from the heater to the tobacco material. Furthermore, vaporizer devices with a heater element embedded within or at least partially surrounded by the tobacco may also experience cleaning and hygiene issues. For example, as the heater pierces the tobacco, residue may be left on the heater element after use, thereby requiring the user to clean the heater element before continued use.SUMMARY

[0011] Aspects of the current subject matter relate to vaporizer devices including various implementation of a vaporizer body and / or cartridge of vaporizable material configured to generate an inhalable aerosol. For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It is to be understood that not all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular implementation. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented, embodied, or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving all advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The various features and items described herein may be incorporated together or separable, except as would not be feasible based on the current disclosure and what a skilled artisan would understand from it.

[0012] In various implementations, a cartridge for use with a vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol includes a heater portion and a mouthpiece portion. The heater portion includes a heating element configured to heat a vaporizable material to generate a vapor. The heating element can define at least a portion of a perimeter of a heater chamber containing thevaporizable material. The heater portion further includes one or more cartridge inlets configured to allow external air to enter the heater chamber and entrain the vapor. The mouthpiece portion includes at least one vapor inlet, one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with the heater chamber through the at least one vapor inlet, and at least one airflow outlet configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol to a user. The mouthpiece portion can further include at least one bypass air inlet. The one or more airflow outlet channels can be in fluid communication with ambient air through the least one bypass air inlet. The one or more airflow outlet channels includes at least one condensation chamber configured to condense the entrained vapor (e.g., with the ambient air) to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol. The at least one airflow outlet is in fluid communication with the at least one condensation chamber.

[0013] In optional variants of the implementations described, the cartridge has a cartridge distal end and a cartridge proximal end opposite the cartridge distal end. The at least one airflow outlet is proximate the cartridge proximal end and / or the one or more cartridge inlets are proximate the cartridge distal end.

[0014] In optional variants of the implementations described, the cartridge has a cartridge length between the distal end and the proximal end of the cartridge, a cartridge depth that is transverse to the cartridge length, and a cartridge width that is transverse to the both the cartridge length and the cartridge depth, the cartridge width is longer than the cartridge depth, and the cartridge length is longer than both the cartridge depth and the cartridge width.

[0015] In optional variants of the implementations described, the cartridge has opposing long sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge width, a perimeter of the cartridge includes the long sides and the short sides, and the perimeter of the cartridge defines a non-cylindrical cross-section of the cartridge that is perpendicular to the cartridge length.

[0016] In optional variants of the implementations described, the cartridge width is at least 1.5 times as long as the cartridge depth.

[0017] In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one bypass air inlet includes a plurality of bypass air inlets, the mouthpiece portion further includes a plurality of bypass channels extending from each of the plurality of bypass air inlets to a corresponding one of a plurality of bypass outlets, and each of the plurality of bypass channels is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

[0018] In optional variants of the implementations described, the one or more airflow outlet channels include a first airflow outlet channel and a second airflow outlet channel, spaced apart along the cartridge width.

[0019] In optional variants of the implementations described, at least a portion of the plurality of bypass channels are angled, downward with respect to a plane formed by the cartridge width and the cartridge depth, and towards the at least one vapor inlet, into a corresponding airflow outlet channel of the one or more airflow outlet channels to produce turbulent airflow within the at least one condensation chamber.

[0020] In optional variants of the implementations described, at least a portion of the plurality of bypass channels are angled, upwards with respect a plane formed by to the cartridge width and the cartridge depth, and towards the at least one airflow outlet, into a corresponding airflow outlet channel of the one or more airflow outlet channels to produce turbulent airflow within the at least one condensation chamber.

[0021] In optional variants of the implementations described, at least a portion of the plurality of bypass channels are offset from each other, along the cartridge width and along the cartridge length, to produce turbulent airflow within the at least one condensation chamber.

[0022] In optional variants of the implementations described, the mouthpiece portion further includes a mouthpiece insert, and one or more of the at least one vapor inlet, the at least one bypass air inlet, and the one or more airflow outlet channels are formed through the mouthpiece insert.

[0023] In optional variants of the implementations described, each of the at least one vapor inlet, the at least one bypass air inlet, and the one or more airflow outlet channels are laser cut through the mouthpiece insert.

[0024] In optional variants of the implementations described, the one or more airflow outlet channels originate at the at least one vapor inlet and terminate at the at least one airflow outlet.

[0025] In optional variants of the implementations described, the mouthpiece insert is proximate the proximal end of the cartridge, and the mouthpiece insert is in fluid communication with the least one airflow outlet. Optionally the mouthpiece insert is an end cap.

[0026] In optional variants of the implementations described, the mouthpiece insert includes an air-permeable or vapor-permeable material configured to allow the inhalable aerosol to pass through the material.

[0027] In optional variants of the implementations described, the mouthpiece insert includes a pass-through filter includes a hollowed volume configured to allow the inhalable aerosol to pass through the hollowed volume.

[0028] In optional variants of the implementations described, the mouthpiece insert includes one or more of paper material, cardstock, corrugated material, cardboard, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic, cellulose acetate, non- wood plant fibers, flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and esparto.

[0029] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heater portion further includes a heater insert proximate the distal end of the cartridge, and the heater insert is in fluid communication with the one or more cartridge inlets. Optionally the heater insert is an end cap.

[0030] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heater insert includes an air- permeable material configured to allow the external air to pass through the material.

[0031] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heater insert includes a pass- through filter includes a hollowed volume configured to allow the external air to pass through the hollowed volume.

[0032] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heater insert includes one or more of paper material, cardstock, corrugated material, cardboard, tobacco paper, temperature- resistant plastic, cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers, flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and esparto.

[0033] In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one vapor inlet includes a first vapor inlet and a second vapor inlet, the one or more airflow outlet channels includes a first airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with the first vapor inlet, a second airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with the second vapor inlet, and a third airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with each of the first airflow outlet chamber and the second airflow outlet chamber. Optionally the third airflow outlet channel is in fluid communication with the at least one airflow outlet.

[0034] In optional variants of the implementations described, a width of the third airflow outlet channel along the cartridge width is greater than a combined width of both the first airflow outlet channel and the second airflow outlet channel along the cartridge width.

[0035] In optional variants of the implementations described, the first airflow outlet channel and the second airflow outlet channel are formed within a first insert, and the third airflow outlet channel is formed within a second insert.

[0036] In optional variants of the implementations described, the second insert is stacked on top of the first insert along the cartridge length, and optionally the mouthpiece further includes a third insert that is an end cap staked on top of the second insert along the cartridge length.

[0037] In optional variants of the implementations described, the one or more airflow outlet channels includes a first airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with the at least one vapor inlet, a second airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with the first airflow outlet channel and the at least one airflow outlet, and a third airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with the first airflow outlet channel and the at least one airflow outlet.

[0038] In optional variants of the implementations described, a width of the first airflow outlet channel along the cartridge width is greater than a combined width of both the second airflow outlet channel and the third airflow outlet channel along the cartridge width.

[0039] In optional variants of the implementations described, the first airflow outlet channel is formed within a first insert, and the second airflow outlet channel and the third airflow outlet channel are formed within a second insert.

[0040] In optional variants of the implementations described, the second insert is stacked on top of the first insert along the cartridge length, and optionally the mouthpiece further includes a third insert that is an end cap staked on top of the second insert along the cartridge length.

[0041] In optional variants of the implementations described, the mouthpiece portion further includes a divider, and the mouthpiece portion further includes walls defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

[0042] In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one vapor inlet includes a first plurality of vapor inlets formed through the divider and a second plurality of vapor inlets formed through the one or more walls.

[0043] In optional variants of the implementations described, the divider abuts the walls such that the first plurality of vapor inlets are adjacent the second plurality of vapor inlets.

[0044] In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one bypass air inlet is formed though the walls and adjacent the second plurality of vapor inlets to produce turbulent airflow within the at least one condensation chamber.

[0045] In optional variants of the implementations described, each of the at least one bypass air inlet and each of the at least one vapor inlet include openings, in fluid communication with the one or more airflow outlet channels, that are less than 1 mm in diameter.

[0046] In optional variants of the implementations described, the cartridge further includes a divider defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels, and the mouthpiece portion further includes walls further defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

[0047] In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one vapor inlet includes a plurality of vapor inlets formed through the divider, and the divider abuts the walls such that the plurality of vapor inlets are adjacent the at least one bypass air inlet.

[0048] In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one bypass air inlet is formed though the walls and adjacent the plurality of vapor inlets to produce turbulent airflow within the at least one condensation chamber.

[0049] In optional variants of the implementations described, the mouthpiece portion further includes a divider, the divider includes the at least one vapor inlet and the at least one bypass air inlet, and the divider is in fluid communication with the one or more airflow outlet channels.

[0050] In optional variants of the implementations described, the mouthpiece portion further includes a plurality of baffles within the one or more airflow outlet channels, and each of the plurality of baffles extends from one of the short sides of the cartridge, along at least part of the cartridge width, and towards the other of the short sides of the cartridge.

[0051] In optional variants of the implementations described, the plurality of baffles produces an airflow path within the at least one condensation chamber that is elongated relative to a length of the mouthpiece portion along the cartridge length.

[0052] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element includes a first end and a second end, and the first end and the second end of the metal sheet meet at a joint location. Optionally the heating element includes a metal sheet having the first end and the second end.

[0053] In optional variants of the implementations described, the first end and the second end of the metal sheet are glued together at the joint location, welded together at the joint location, and / or mechanically interlocked together at the joint location.

[0054] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element has opposing long sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge width, the perimeter of the heating element includesthe long sides and the short sides, and the perimeter of the heating element defines a non- cylindrical cross-section of the heating element that is perpendicular to the cartridge length.

[0055] In optional variants of the implementations described, the joint location is disposed at one of the opposing short sides.

[0056] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element has opposing long sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge width, the perimeter of the heating element includes the long sides and the short sides, and the perimeter of the heating element defines a non- cylindrical cross-section of the heating element that is perpendicular to the cartridge length.

[0057] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element is in physical contact with the vaporizable material.

[0058] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element is wrapped around, pressed into thermal contact with, and / or arranged to deliver heat directly to the vaporizable material to generate the vapor.

[0059] In optional variants of the implementations described, the cartridge further includes a layer of material or wrapper surrounding at least part of the heater portion and at least part of the mouthpiece portion, the layer of material or wrapper connecting the heater portion with the mouthpiece portion.

[0060] In optional variants of the implementations described, the vaporizable material includes tobacco and a humectant. The humectant can include vegetable glycerin, and the vaporizable material includes 30-50% vegetable glycerin by dry weight. The tobacco can include dried tobacco leaves and dried tobacco stems.

[0061] In optional variants of the implementations described, the tobacco is separate from the humectant. The tobacco can occupy a first volume and the humectant can occupy a second volume, with the first volume being greater (larger volume) than the second volume. The first volume and the second volume can be approximately the same dimensions, the first volume can be smaller than the second volume, and / or the second volume can surround the first volume.

[0062] In optional variants of the implementations described, an interior portion of the cartridge is sprayed with the humectant.

[0063] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element includes a susceptor configured to absorb and convert magnetic and / or electromagnetic energy to generate heat.

[0064] In optional variants of the implementations described, the susceptor includes aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or invar. In optional variants of the implementations described, the susceptor includes stainless steel.

[0065] In optional variants of the implementations described, the susceptor includes a non- ferritic and / or non-magnetically permeable material, and the susceptor is configured to generate the heat based (e.g., primarily or entirely) on eddy currents. Optionally the susceptor is not configured to generate the heat based on hysteresis. In optional variants of the implementations described, the susceptor includes a ferritic material, and the susceptor is configured to generate the heat based (e.g., primarily or entirely) on hysteresis.

[0066] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element includes a paper-backed metal material. In optional variants of the implementations described, the paperbacked metal material includes a meal layer disposed interior to one paper layer or disposed between two paper layers.

[0067] In optional variants of the implementations described, the external air includes ambient air passing along an airflow inlet path. Optionally the airflow inlet path includes a path configured to allow for passage of the ambient air from outside of the vaporizer device, along an exterior surface of the cartridge, and into the cartridge through the one or more cartridge inlets.

[0068] In various implementations, a method for assembling a cartridge includes forming a heater portion and forming a mouthpiece portion. The heater portion can be formed to include a vaporizable material, a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material to generate a vapor, and one or more cartridge inlets. The heating element can define at least a portion of a perimeter of a heater chamber containing the vaporizable material. The one or more cartridge inlets are configured to allow external air to enter the heater chamber and entrain the vapor. The mouthpiece portion can be formed to include, at least one vapor inlet, one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with the heater chamber through the at least one vapor inlet, and at least one airflow outlet configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol to a user. The mouthpiece portion can further include at least one bypass air inlet. The one or more airflow outlet channels can be in fluid communication with ambient air through the at least one bypass air inlet. The oneor more airflow outlet channels includes at least one condensation chamber configured to condense the entrained vapor (e.g., with the ambient air) to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol. The at least one airflow outlet is in fluid communication with the at least one condensation chamber.

[0069] In optional variants of the implementations described, the mouthpiece portion includes an insert and each of the at least one vapor inlet, the at least one bypass air inlet, and the one or more airflow outlet channels are laser cut through the insert. The one or more airflow outlet channels can originate at the at least one vapor inlet and terminate at the at least one airflow outlet.

[0070] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element is wrapped around, pressed into thermal contact with, and / or arranged to deliver heat directly to the vaporizable material to generate the vapor.

[0071] In optional variants of the implementations described, the method further includes wrapping a layer of material or wrapper around at least part of the heater portion and at least part of the mouthpiece portion, the layer of material or wrapper connecting the heater portion with the mouthpiece portion.

[0072] In optional variants of the implementations described, the method further includes forming a divider portion. The divider portion can include a divider defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels. The mouthpiece portion can further include walls further defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

[0073] In optional variants of the implementations described, the method further includes forming the vaporizable material. Forming the vaporizable material can include (a) mixing tobacco and a first amount of vegetable glycerin to form a first mixture, (b) forming a shape from the first mixture, (c) adding the shape into the heater portion, and / or (d) adding a second amount of vegetable glycerin to the shape while the shape is disposed within the heater portion. In optional variants of the implementations described, the formed vaporizable material includes 30-50% vegetable glycerin by dry weight.

[0074] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element includes a first end and a second end, and the first end and the second end of the metal sheet meet at a joint location. Optionally the heating element includes a metal sheet having the first end and the second end.

[0075] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element has opposing long sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge width, the perimeter of the heating element includes the long sides and the short sides, and the perimeter of the heating element defines a non- cylindrical cross-section of the heating element that is perpendicular to the cartridge length. Optionally the joint location is disposed at one of the opposing short sides.

[0076] In various implementations, a vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol includes a cartridge and a device body. The device body includes a receptacle configured to insertably receive the cartridge. The cartridge can be any one of the cartridges described herein (e.g., above and below, within this summary section).

[0077] In optional variants of the implementations described, the vaporizer device further includes one or more device inlets configured to allow external air to enter the receptacle.

[0078] In optional variants of the implementations described, the receptacle includes ridges configured to couple to the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle, and the one or more device inlets are formed through the plurality of ridges.

[0079] In optional variants of the implementations described, the ridges include a first plurality of ridges configured to couple to the cartridge proximate a distal end of the cartridge, and the ridges include a second plurality of ridges configured to couple to the cartridge away from the distal end of the cartridge.

[0080] In optional variants of the implementations described, the ridges include a first plurality of ridges configured to couple to the heater portion of the cartridge, and the ridges include a second plurality of ridges configured to couple to the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge.

[0081] In optional variants of the implementations described, the receptacle is configured to insertably receive the cartridge at a distal end of the cartridge, and a proximal end of the cartridge remains outside of the receptacle when the distal end of the cartridge is received in the receptacle.

[0082] In optional variants of the implementations described, the receptacle is configured to insertably receive the heater portion of the cartridge, and the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge remains outside of the receptacle when the heater portion of the cartridge is received in the receptacle.

[0083] In optional variants of the implementations described, the receptacle is configured to insertably receive and couple to the cartridge via a snap-fit, press-fit, friction fit, or magnetic attachment.

[0084] In optional variants of the implementations described, the device body includes the heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material to generate the vapor, the cartridge includes, instead of the heating element, a metal configured to provide the heat to the vaporizable material, and the metal instead defines at least the portion of the perimeter of the heater chamber containing the vaporizable material.

[0085] In various implementations, a vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol includes a heating element configured to heat a vaporizable material to generate a vapor, at least one inductive coil configured to generate a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the heating element, and a controller. The controller can be configured to apply power to the at least one inductive coil to generate the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field, derive an inductance and a resistance of the at least one inductive coil, and adjust the power applied to the at least one inductive coil based on the derived inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil.

[0086] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to estimate a temperature of the heating element based on the derived inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil, and adjusting the power applied to the at least one inductive coil is based on the estimated temperature of the heating element.

[0087] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to select an operating temperature for the heating element, and adjusting the power applied to the at least one inductive coil is further based on the operating temperature of the heating element.

[0088] In optional variants of the implementations described, estimating the temperature of the heating element includes measuring a first inductance and a first resistance of the at least one inductive coil during a first time period, measuring a second inductance and a second resistance of the at least one inductive coil during a second time period, comparing the first inductance with the second inductance to determine an inductance difference, comparing the first resistance with the second resistance to determine a resistance difference, and / or comparing the inductance difference and the resistance difference.

[0089] In optional variants of the implementations described, comparing the inductance difference and the resistance difference includes dividing the resistance difference by the inductance difference.

[0090] In optional variants of the implementations described, estimating the temperature of the heating element is based on a temperature coefficient of resistivity of the heating element.

[0091] In optional variants of the implementations described, the first time period is a time period during which the at least one inductive coil is not generating the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the heating element.

[0092] In optional variants of the implementations described, the second time period is a time period during which the at least one inductive coil is not generating the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the heating element.

[0093] In optional variants of the implementations described, the second time period is a time period during which the at least one inductive coil is generating the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the heating element.

[0094] In optional variants of the implementations described, the vaporizer device includes at least one sense coil configured to sense the inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil and / or an inductance and a resistance of the heating element, and the sense coil is disposed proximate the at least one inductive coil and / or the heating element.

[0095] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to apply a voltage to the at least one sense coil during the first time period and during the second time period, and the first inductance, the first resistance, the second inductance, and the second resistance are derived based on the applied voltage. Optionally the applied voltage is a direct current (DC) voltage.

[0096] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to apply a voltage to the at least one inductive coil during the first time period and during the second time period, and the first inductance, the first resistance, the second inductance, and the second resistance are derived based on the applied voltage. Optionally the applied voltage is a direct current (DC) voltage.

[0097] In optional variants of the implementations described, adjusting the power applied to the at least one inductive coil includes: adjusting a duty cycle of the power applied to the at leastone inductive coil, adjusting a voltage of the power applied to the at least one inductive coil, and / or adjusting a frequency of the power applied to the at least one inductive coil.

[0098] In optional variants of the implementations described, adjusting the power applied to the at least one inductive coil includes adjusting a duty cycle of the power applied to the at least one inductive coil, and the duty cycle includes a time period, for each cycle of the duty cycle, during which the power is not applied to the at least one inductive coil to heat the heating element and the inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil are derived.

[0099] In optional variants of the implementations described, the power applied to the at least one inductive coil includes an alternating current (AC) voltage applied to heat the heating element via the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field.

[0100] In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one inductive coil includes a plurality of inductive coils configured to generate respective magnetic and / or electromagnetic fields, the controller is configured to independently apply and adjust power applied to each of the at plurality of inductive coils, and the controller is further configured to derive a respective inductance and a respective resistance of each of the plurality of inductive coils. Optionally, the adjusting of power applied to each of the plurality of inductive coils is independently based on the respective inductance and resistance of each of the plurality of inductive coils.

[0101] In optional variants of the implementations described, the plurality of inductive coils includes two, three, four, or more inductive coils. Optionally each of the plurality of inductive coils are configured to heat different regions of the heating element.

[0102] In optional variants of the implementations described, the vaporizer device includes one or more flux concentrators configured to direct energy generated by the at least one inductive coil towards the heating element, and the one or more flux concentrators at least partially surround the at least one inductive coil.

[0103] In optional variants of the implementations described, the vaporizer device includes at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the at least one inductive coil, and adjusting the power applied to the at least one inductive coil is based on the measured temperature of the heating element. Optionally the at least one temperature sensor is in close proximity to the at least one inductive coil.

[0104] In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one temperature sensor includes a thermistor, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) circuit, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) circuit, and / or a thermocouple.

[0105] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one inductive coil at an operating frequency, and the operating frequency is the same or different for each of the at least one inductive coil.

[0106] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one inductive coil at a first operating frequency when applying power to heat the heating element, and to operate each of the at least one inductive coil at a second operating frequency when applying power to derive the inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil, and the first operating frequency is the same or different than the second operating frequency.

[0107] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the calibration mode to: heat the at least one inductive coil; measure inductance and resistance measurements of the at least one inductive coil as it cools; and store the inductance and resistance measurements in a look up table. Optionally the controller is further configured to adjust the power applied to the at least one inductive coil based on comparison to the inductance and resistance measurements stored in the look up table.

[0108] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element includes aluminum, and optionally the heating element is wrapped at least in part around an exterior perimeter of the vaporizable material and configured to heat exterior perimeter of the vaporizable material.

[0109] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element includes a non-ferritic and / or non-magnetically permeable material, and the heating element is configured to generate the heat based on eddy currents. Optionally the heating element is not configured to generate the heat based on hysteresis.

[0110] In optional variants of the implementations described, the vaporizer device includes sensing circuitry coupled to electrical leads of the at least one inductive coil, the sensing circuitry configured to measure the inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil, and thecontroller is configured to derive the inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil based on the[OHl] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to detect presence of the heating element via the at least one inductive coil.

[0112] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to determine whether the heating element is valid, and enable heating of the heating element after determining the heating element is valid.

[0113] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to determine whether the heating element is deformed, and adjust properties of the generation of the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field when the heating element is deformed.

[0114] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to determine a position of the heating element, and adjust properties of the generation of the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field based on the position of the heating element.

[0115] In optional variants of the implementations described, the vaporizer device includes a cartridge including the heating element, and a device body including a receptacle configured to inseitably receive the cartridge, and the at least one inductive coil. In optional variants of the implementations described, the cartridge can be any one of the cartridges described herein (e.g., described above or below, within this summary section).

[0116] In optional variants of the implementations described, the cartridge has a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, a cartridge length between the distal end and the proximal end of the cartridge, a cartridge depth that is transverse to the cartridge length, and a cartridge width that is transverse to the both the cartridge length and the cartridge depth, the cartridge width is longer than the cartridge depth, the cartridge has opposing long sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge width, a perimeter of the cartridge includes the long sides and the short sides, and the perimeter of the cartridge defines a non-cylindrical cross-section of the cartridge that is perpendicular to the cartridge length.

[0117] In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one inductive coil includes a first inductive coil proximate a first side of the receptacle and a second inductive coil proximate a second side of the receptacle that is opposite the first side, and the first side of thereceptacle and the second side of the receptacle are each proximate one of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle.

[0118] In optional variants of the implementations described, the vaporizer device includes a first flux concentrator proximate the first inductive coil, the first flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the first inductive coil towards the receptacle, and a second flux concentrator proximate the second inductive coil, the second flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the second inductive coil towards the receptacle.

[0119] In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one inductive coil includes a first plurality of inductive coils proximate a first side of the receptacle and a second plurality of inductive coils proximate the second side of the receptacle that is opposite the first side, and the first side of the receptacle and the second side of the receptacle are each proximate one of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle.

[0120] In optional variants of the implementations described, the vaporizer device includes a first flux concentrator proximate the first plurality of inductive coils, the first flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the first plurality of inductive coils towards the receptacle, and a second flux concentrator proximate the second plurality of inductive coils, the second flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the second plurality of inductive coils towards the receptacle.

[0121] In optional variants of the implementations described, each of the first plurality of inductive coils are disposed to generate a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat one of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle, and the second plurality of inductive coils are disposed to generate a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the other of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle.

[0122] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one inductive coil at one or more operating frequencies.

[0123] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one inductive coil according to a normal power mode, a boost power mode, a measurement mode, a cartridge detection mode, a pre-heating mode, a standby mode, and / or a calibration mode.

[0124] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the normal power mode in a frequency range of 100 kHz to 200 kHz or 250 kHz to 350 kHz.

[0125] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the boost power mode in a frequency range greater than 200 kHz and less than 500 kHz, or greater than 350 kHz and less than 500 kHz.

[0126] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the measurement mode to take inductance and resistance measurements of the at least one inductive coil.

[0127] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the cartridge detection mode to determine whether the cartridge is properly insertably received within the receptacle.

[0128] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the pre-heating mode to drive off water vapor in the cartridge.

[0129] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the calibration mode to: heat the at least one inductive coil; measure inductance and resistance measurements of the at least one inductive coil as it cools; and store the inductance and resistance measurements in a look up table.

[0130] In optional variants of the implementations described, the controller is further configured to estimate the temperature of the at least one inductive coil via comparison to the inductance and resistance measurements stored in the look up table.

[0131] In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one inductive coil includes Litz wire.

[0132] In various implementations, a device for generating an inhalable aerosol includes a cartridge and a device body. The cartridge includes a vaporizable material, a heater chamber, a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material to generate a vapor, one or more cartridge inlets configured to allow external air to enter the heater chamber and entrain the vapor,one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with the heater chamber, and at least one airflow outlet configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol to a user. The heating element can include a susceptor. The one or more airflow outlet channels can include at least one condensation chamber configured to condense the entrained vapor with ambient air to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol. The at least one airflow outlet can be in fluid communication with the at least one condensation chamber. The device body includes a receptacle configured to insertably receive the cartridge and circuitry configured to control heating of the heating element. The circuitry can include at least one inductive coil configured to generate a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field.

[0133] In optional variants of the implementations described, the heating element defines at least a portion of a perimeter of the heater chamber, and the heater chamber includes the vaporizable material.

[0134] In optional variants of the implementations described, the device further includes at least one bypass air inlet, and one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with the heater chamber through the at least one vapor inlet. The one or more airflow outlet channels are in fluid communication with ambient air through the least one bypass air inlet.

[0135] In optional variants of the implementations described, the cartridge can be any one of the cartridges described herein (e.g., described above within this summary section). In optional variants of the implementations described, the receptacle can be any one of the receptacles described herein (e.g., described above within this summary section). In optional variants of the implementations described, the at least one inductive coil can be any one of the inductive coils described herein (e.g., described above within this summary section). In optional variants of the implementations described, the circuitry can include any of the circuitry described herein, such as the various controllers described herein (e.g., described above within this summary section).

[0136] In various implementations, a method for generating an inhalable aerosol includes operating the vaporizer device in accordance with any of the methods of operation described herein. Other vaporizer devices configured to generate an inhalable aerosol, device bodies cartridge, methods for assembling device bodies, methods for assembling cartridge bodies, methods for generating an inhalable aerosol, and / or the like are described herein.

[0137] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of thesubject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. The claims that follow this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0138] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. In the drawings:

[0139] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0140] FIG. IB illustrates a block diagram of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0141] FIG. 1C illustrates a block diagram of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0142] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of an implementation of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0143] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective exploded view of an implementation of a cartridge for use with a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0144] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0145] FIG. 4B illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the vaporizer device of FIG. 4A, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0146] FIG. 4C illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0147] FIG. 4D illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0148] FIG. 4E illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0149] FIG. 4F illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0150] FIG. 4G illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0151] FIG. 4H illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0152] FIG. 41 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0153] FIG. 4J illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0154] FIG. 4K illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0155] FIG. 4L illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0156] FIG. 4M illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0157] FIG. 4N illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0158] FIG. 40 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0159] FIG. 4P illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0160] FIG. 4Q illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0161] FIG. 5 A illustrates a front perspective view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0162] FIG. 5B illustrates a front perspective view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0163] FIG. 5C illustrates a front perspective view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0164] FIG. 5D illustrates a front perspective view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0165] FIG. 5E illustrates a front perspective view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0166] FIG. 5F illustrates a front view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0167] FIG. 5G illustrates a side cross-sectional view taken across line B-B of the holder assembly in Figure 5F;

[0168] FIG. 5H illustrates a top view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0169] FIG. 51 illustrates a side cross-sectional view taken across line C-C of the holder assembly in Figure 5H;

[0170] FIG. 5J illustrates a side cross-sectional view taken across line C-C of the holder assembly in Figure 5H;

[0171] FIG. 6A illustrates a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0172] FIG. 6B illustrates a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0173] FIG. 6C illustrates a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0174] FIG. 6D illustrates a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0175] FIG. 6E illustrates a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0176] FIG. 6F illustrates a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0177] FIG. 6G illustrates a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0178] FIG. 6H illustrates a front cross-sectional perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0179] FIG. 61 illustrates a front perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0180] FIG. 61 illustrates a side perspective and cross-sectional views of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0181] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0182] FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of a heater for use in a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0183] FIG. 7C illustrates a perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0184] FIG. 7D illustrates a perspective view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0185] FIG. 7E illustrates a perspective exploded view of a vaporizer cartridge, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0186] FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0187] FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0188] FIG. 8C illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0189] FIG. 8D illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0190] FIG. 8E illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0191] FIG. 8F illustrates an exemplary cross-section of a cartridge and / or receptacle of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0192] FIG. 9A illustrates circuitry of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0193] FIG. 9B illustrates circuitry of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0194] FIG. 9C illustrates circuitry of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0195] FIG. 9D illustrates circuitry of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0196] FIG. 9E illustrates circuitry of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0197] FIG. 10A illustrates a side perspective view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0198] FIG. 10B illustrates a side perspective view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0199] FIG. 10C illustrates a side perspective view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0200] FIG. 10D illustrates a side perspective view of a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0201] FIG. 11A illustrates a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0202] FIG. 1 IB illustrates a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0203] FIG. 11C illustrates a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0204] FIG.1 ID illustrates a side perspective view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0205] FIG. 1 IE illustrates a side perspective view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0206] FIG. 1 IF illustrates a bottom perspective view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0207] FIG. 11G illustrates a side perspective view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0208] FIG. 11H illustrates a top perspective view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0209] FIG. I ll illustrates a cross-sectional view of a holder assembly for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0210] FIG. 12A illustrates a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0211] FIG. 12B illustrates a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0212] FIG. 12C illustrates a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0213] FIG. 12D illustrates a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0214] FIG. 12E illustrates a side perspective view of a cartridge and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0215] FIG. 13A illustrates a block diagram of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0216] FIG. 13B illustrates a block diagram of a heating element and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0217] FIG. 13C illustrates a block diagram of a heating element and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0218] FIG. 13D illustrates a block diagram of a heating element and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0219] FIG. 13E illustrates a block diagram of a heating element and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0220] FIG. 13F illustrates a block diagram of a heating element and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0221] FIG. 13G illustrates a block diagram of a heating element and inductors for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0222] FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view and corresponding top view of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0223] FIG. 14B illustrates a perspective view and corresponding top view of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0224] FIG. 14C illustrates a perspective view and corresponding top view of a heating element and inductor for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0225] FIG. 15A illustrates a perspective view of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0226] FIG. 15B illustrates a perspective view of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0227] FIG. 15C illustrates a perspective view of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0228] FIG. 15D illustrates a perspective view of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0229] FIG. 15E illustrates a perspective view of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0230] FIG. 16A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cartridge and vaporizer body for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0231] FIG. 16B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cartridge and vaporizer body for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0232] FIG. 17A illustrates a block diagram of vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0233] FIG. 17B illustrates a block diagram of vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0234] FIG. 17C illustrates a block diagram of vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0235] FIG. 17D illustrates a block diagram of vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0236] FIG. 17E illustrates a block diagram of vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0237] FIG. 17F illustrates a block diagram of vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0238] FIG. 17G illustrates a block diagram of vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter; and

[0239] FIG. 17H illustrates a block diagram of vaporizable material for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.

[0240] When practical, similar reference numbers denote similar structures, features, or elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0241] Implementations of the current subject matter include methods, apparatuses, articles of manufacture, and systems relating to vaporization of one or more materials for inhalation by a user. For example, various implementations of vaporizer devices are described herein that provide a number of benefits, including improved generation of controlled energy transfer to inductively heated vaporizer cartridges. For example, by providing multiple inductors, a singular wrapped susceptor, and / or feedback loops with sensors, localized heat transfer may be controlled over the course of use (e.g., each complete use of a vaporizer cartridge, from start to finish, referred to herein a vaporizing session).

[0242] An additional benefit that may be provided by various implementations of vaporizer devices described herein is improving contact between a heating element and / or heated surface of a heating system and a cartridge containing vaporizable material to ensure efficient and effective thermal transfer between the heating element and vaporizable material. For example, by maintaining intimate contact between the cartridge and the heating element and / or heated surface, thermal losses (e.g., to a surrounding housing of the vaporizer device) may be reduced, and heating efficiency (e.g., per amount of power consumption) may be increased. An additional benefit that may be provided by various implementations of vaporizer devices described herein is increased user satisfaction. For example, in some implementations, the proper mixing of relatively cool air (e.g., ambient temperature air) and heated air containing vaporized material can improve the formation of sub-micron sized aerosol particles, thereby reducing condensation of one or more compounds released during heating of the vaporized material onto internal surfaces (e.g., inhalation tubes and / or mouthpiece components) of the vaporizer device. Such condensates mayultimately be drawn into the mouth of a user in liquid form, thereby leading to unpleasant taste sensations, and are not available for inhalation, thereby reducing an amount of available inhalable product. Accordingly, by ensuring proper mixing and aerosol generation, implementations of the current subject matter can increase user satisfaction.

[0243] In some implementations, the vaporizable material can be placed within a location that is in direct contact with and / or in close proximity to a heating element of a heating system to allow for efficient and effective heat transfer from the heating element to the vaporizable material. In some implementations, a cartridge comprising the heating element and the vaporizable material (e.g., vaporizable material contained within an appropriately configured structure) can be placed within a vaporizer body that is configured to transfer energy to the heating element, such as by one or more inductors and / or completion of an electrical circuit that includes the heating element. In other implementations, a cartridge comprising the vaporizable material (e.g., vaporizable material contained within an appropriately configured structure) can be placed within a vaporization chamber, heater chamber, oven, or the like, in which case the area or volume in the vaporizer body within which a heating element causes heating of at least a portion of a vaporizable material includes an internal area or volume of the cartridge. Characteristics of an appropriately configured structure include being formed at least partially of metal and / or some other material that is durable under heating and that has a sufficient thermal conductivity, one or more openings through which air may enter the cartridge to aid in heating the vaporizable material and / or transfer of the vaporizable material as it is vaporized, one or more openings through which ambient air mixes with the vaporized material to form at least a portion of an inhalable aerosol, conveyance of the inhalable aerosol out of the cartridge, and / or the like. As such, the vaporizer devices, heating systems, cartridges, and vaporizable material described herein can provide more efficient heating of vaporizable material and formation of inhalable aerosol compared to some currently available vaporizer devices. Other benefits are described herein and are within the scope of this disclosure. It will be appreciated that aerosol formation can occur concurrently with (e.g., immediately after) vaporization of the vaporizable material, such as based on air that is present within or near the vaporizable material, and that the provision of ambient air can accelerate the formation of the inhalable aerosol.

[0244] The term “vaporizer device” as used in the following description and claims refers to any of a self-contained apparatus, an apparatus that includes two or more separable parts (e.g., avaporizer body that includes a battery and other hardware, a cartridge and / or insert that includes a vaporizable material, and / or a mouthpiece (including a mouthpiece portion of the cartridge) configured to deliver an inhalable aerosol to a user), and / or the like. A “vaporizer system,” as used herein, can include one or more components, such as a vaporizer device, a charger for charging the vaporizer device, a wired or wireless communication device in communication with the vaporizer device, a remote server in communication with the communication device, and / or the like. Examples of vaporizer devices consistent with implementations of the current subject matter include electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and / or the like. Such vaporizer devices can be hand-held devices that heat (such as by convection, conduction, radiation, induction, and / or some combination thereof) a vaporizable material to provide an inhalable dose of the material to a user. Vaporizer devices can be regarded as “generating” inhalable aerosols, as they provide the capabilities and / or functionality required to convert vaporizable material into inhalable aerosols (e.g., heat, airflow path(s), condensation chambers, etc.).

[0245] The vaporizable material used with a vaporizer device may optionally be provided within a cartridge (e.g., an insertable and removable part of the vaporizer device that contains the vaporizable material) which can be refillable when empty, or disposable such that a new cartridge containing additional vaporizable material of a same or different type can be used. A vaporizer device can be a cartridge-using vaporizer device, a cartridge-less vaporizer device, or a multi-use vaporizer device capable of use with or without a cartridge. Some cartridge implementations can include a vaporizable material, which can be packed to an appropriate density, as described herein. In some implementations, a vaporizer device can include a compartment (e.g., a receptacle, heater chamber, and / or the like) configured to receive a cartridge directly therein and heat the vaporizable material for forming an inhalable aerosol.

[0246] In some implementations, a vaporizer device can be configured for use with a liquid vaporizable material (for example, a carrier solution in which an active and / or inactive ingredient(s) are suspended or held in solution, or a liquid form of the vaporizable material itself) and / or a non-liquid vaporizable material (e.g., a paste, a wax, a gel, a solid, a plant material, and / or the like). A non-liquid vaporizable material can include a plant material that emits some part of the plant material as the vaporizable material (for example, some part of the plant material remains as waste after the material is vaporized for inhalation by a user) or optionally can be a solid form of the vaporizable material itself, such that all of the solid material can eventually be vaporized forinhalation. A liquid vaporizable material can likewise be capable of being completely vaporized, or can include some portion of the liquid material that remains after all of the material suitable for inhalation has been vaporized.

[0247] Implementations of vaporizable material can be partially made of a non-liquid vaporizable material, such as tobacco (e.g., leaves, stems, and / or the like), other plant substances, and / or other solids such as cotton. In such implementations, the vaporizable material further includes a humectant or other aerosol forming material or carrier, such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, an acid (e.g., organic acid such as benzoic acid, citric acid, etc.), and / or the like. As such, some implementations of the vaporizer device can be configured to use a vaporizable material that is at least partly made of one or more vaporizable materials (e.g., that includes one or more compounds that can be converted to the gas phase when the vaporizable material is heated to a sufficient temperature) for heating and forming an inhalable aerosol, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0248] FIGs. 1A-1C depict block diagrams illustrating example vaporizer devices 100a, 100b, 100c (collectively referred to as vaporizer device 100) consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. The vaporizer device 100 can include a power source 112 (for example, a battery, which can be a rechargeable battery), and a controller 104 (for example, a processor, circuitry, etc. capable of executing logic) for controlling delivery of heat from one or more heating elements 142 (collectively referred to as heating element 142) to cause at least a portion of the vaporizable material 102 (such as a solid, a liquid, a solution, a suspension, a part of an at least partially unprocessed plant material, etc.) of a cartridge 120 to be converted to the gas-phase. The controller 104 can be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with certain implementations of the current subject matter.

[0249] After conversion of some amount of one or more compounds present in the vaporizable material 102 to the gas phase, at least some of those gas-phase compounds can condense to form particulate matter in at least a partial local equilibrium with the gas phase as part of an aerosol, which can form some or all of an inhalable dose provided by the vaporizer device 100 during a user’s puff or draw on the vaporizer device 100. It should be appreciated that the interplay between gas and condensed phases in an aerosol generated by a vaporizer device 100 can be complex and dynamic, due to factors such as temperature (e.g., ambient or local at various points within the vaporizer device and / or cartridge), relative humidity, chemistry, vapor pressure of one or morevaporizable compounds, flow conditions in airflow paths (both inside the vaporizer device 100 and in the airways of a human or other animal), and / or mixing of the one or more compounds in the gas phase or in the aerosol phase with other air streams, which can affect one or more physical parameters of an aerosol. In some vaporizer devices, and particularly for vaporizer devices configured for delivery of relatively volatile compounds, the inhalable dose can exist predominantly in the gas phase (for example, formation of condensed phase particles can be very limited).

[0250] The heating element 142 can include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiative heater, inductive heater, and / or a convective heater. One type of heating element 142 is a resistive heating element, which can include a material (such as a metal or alloy, for example a nickelchromium alloy, or a non-metallic resistor) configured to dissipate electrical power in the form of heat when electrical current is passed through one or more resistive segments of the resistive heating element. Another type of heating element 142 is a susceptor, which can include a material (such as a metal or alloy, for example an aluminum alloy and / or a ferritic material such as a stainless steel alloy) configured to absorb and convert energy into heat when magnetic and / or electromagnetic energy is radiated into one or more segments of the susceptor. In various implementations of the current subject matter, the heating element 142 (e.g., a resistive heating element, a susceptor, and / or the like) is configured to generate heat for converting, to the gas phase, one or more compounds present in the vaporizable material 102 to generate an inhalable dose of the one or more compounds present in the vaporizable material 102. As described herein, in some implementations, the vaporizable material 102 includes a non-liquid vaporizable material including, for example, a solid-phase material (such as a gel, a wax, or the like) or plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves and / or tobacco stems).

[0251] In some implementations, the heating element 142 can be a part of the cartridge 120 (e.g., part of the disposable part of the vaporizer 100), as shown in the vaporizer device 100a of FIG. 1A. As illustrated, the cartridge 120 can include a mouthpiece portion 130 that includes one or more inserts 124 (e.g., one or more filters, such as illustrated by way of an example implementation of the insert 124 in FIGS. 1A and IB) and a heater portion 141 that includes vaporizable material 102 and one or more heating elements 142. In some implementations, the mouthpiece portion 130 can be releasably coupled to a part of the cartridge 120. In some implementations, the mouthpiece portion 130 can be integrated with the cartridge 120. In someimplementations, the mouthpiece portion 130 can include one or more elements of the cartridge 120 (e.g., airflow pathway, insert, end cap, vaporizable material, etc.), such as described herein.

[0252] In some implementations, the cartridge 120 can include one or more inserts 124, and each insert 124 can include one or more filters and / or filter material. For example, the one or more inserts 124 can be made of material that is one or both of non-vapor permeable and moistureresistant (e.g., resists damaging effects of water, at least to some extent). Such material can include one or more of metal, metal alloy, paper material such as cardstock, corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and / or the like. In some implementations, at least a part of the insert 124 can be inserted into and / or surrounded by one or more elements, including one or more elements associated with the cartridge 120 and / or vaporizer body 110. For example, one or more inserts 124 can be positioned adjacent to, in contact with and / or offset (e.g., along the length (as length is used and defined herein) of the cartridge 120) from one or more of a divider (e.g., divider 454 in FIG. 4G) and end cap (e.g., end cap 664 in FIG. 6B), as described herein. In some implementations, at least a part of the insert 124 can be exposed (e.g., not inserted into or surrounded by one or more elements), including an entire length (as length is used and defined herein) of the insert 124 can be exposed.

[0253] In some implementations, the heater portion 141 can optionally include one or more inserts 124, such as at the end of the vaporizable material 102 (e.g., distal end of the cartridge 120) to help retain the vaporizable material 102 within the cartridge 120. The one or more inserts 124 can contain a plurality of openings, such as inlets, channels, and / or outlets. In some implementations, at least a portion of the one or more inserts 124 can be permeable, such that vapor and / or aerosol may pass through the inserts 124. In some implementations, the heater portion 141 can be releasably coupled to a part of the cartridge 120. In some implementations, the heater portion 141 can be integrated with the cartridge 120. In some implementations, the heater portion 141 can include one or more elements of the cartridge 120 (e.g., airflow pathway, insert, vaporizable material, etc.), such as described herein. In some implementations, the heater portion 141 can include more than one separable and / or releasably coupleable parts. For example, one part of the heating portion 141 can be integrated with the cartridge 120 and a second part of the heating portion 141 can be integrated with an element apart from and / or outside of the cartridge 120, such as integrated with the vaporizer body 110.

[0254] The mouthpiece portion 130 and the heater portion 141 can be joined together via an outer layer, such as one or more layers of material (e.g., wrappers 122 (as shown by way of example in FIGS. 1A and IB), shells, or other comparable structural material or materials). In some aspects, the heater portion 141 can be regarded as including at least a portion of the cartridge 120 that is insertably received in the receptacle 118 and the mouthpiece portion 130 can be regarded as at least some of a portion of the cartridge 120 that remains outside of the receptacle 118 when the cartridge 120 is insertably received in the receptacle 118. In some implementations, the receptacle 118 can be configured to insertably receive and couple to the cartridge 120 via a snap-fit, press-fit, friction fit, magnetic attachment, and / or the like. In some implementations, the vaporizer body 110 can include a ledge 121 that at least partially defines an opening into the receptacle 118. The ledge 121 can include features, such as a chamfered edge, that facilitate placement of the cartridge 120 into the receptacle 118. As the term is used herein, it is not required that the entirety of the mouthpiece portion 130 be designed for insertion into a user’s mouth, only that the mouthpiece portion 130 is at or near the end of the cartridge 120 that is designed for the user to place into their mouth in use.

[0255] The heating element 142 can be wrapped around (at least in part), pressed into thermal contact with, or otherwise arranged to deliver heat directly to the vaporizable material 102 to cause release of one or more compounds into the gas phase. Within the vaporizer body, driving circuitry 143 (as shown in FIG. 1C) is provided for driving the heating element 142. For example, the driving circuitry 143 can include two or more electrical contacts (e.g., positioned at least partially within the receptacle 118) for providing an electrically conductive pathway between the power source 112 of the vaporizer body 110 and the heating element 142 of the cartridge 120, when the cartridge 120 is insertably received within the receptacle 118. In other implementations, the driving circuitry 143 can include one or more inductors, such as two or more inductive coils, configured to generate an electromagnetic field directed and positioned to affect the heating element 142, which can take the form of a susceptor, to cause the susceptor to generate heat.

[0256] In other implementations, the heating element 142 can be a part of the vaporizer body 110 (e.g., part of the durable or reusable part of the vaporizer 100), as shown in the vaporizer device 100b of FIG. IB. As illustrated, the cartridge 120 can include a mouthpiece portion 130 that includes one or more inserts 124 and a container portion 123 that includes vaporizable material 102. The mouthpiece portion 130 and the container portion 123 can be joined together via an outerlayer, such as one or more wrappers 122. The heating element 142 can be wrapped around (at least in part), pressed into thermal contact with, or otherwise arranged to deliver heat to the cartridge 120 containing the vaporizable material 102 to convert the one or more compounds from the vaporizable material 102 to the gas phase for subsequent inhalation by a user in a gas-phase and / or a condensed (for example, aerosol particles or droplets) phase. For example the heating element 142 can be positioned within the receptacle 118 and disposed to directly or indirectly heat the container portion 123 (e.g., by conductive or radiative, or convective heating), which in turn can heat the vaporizable material 102 contained therein. In related implementations, the heating element 142 can be positioned outside of the receptacle 118 and disposed to heat the receptacle 118 itself, so as to create an oven that provides convective and / or conductive heat. In either case, the heating element 142 can be at least partially or substantially wrapped around a perimeter of the receptacle 118. Such a heating element may be heated by one or more of a variety of mechanisms, such as for example electrical resistance, inductive heating, chemical or combustion-related heating (e.g., by burning or causing oxidation or other exothermic chemical conversion of a fuel material), thermal conduction from another heated element, radiative heating, convection, etc.

[0257] In other implementations, the heating element 142 can be a part of a cartridge 120 containing a liquid vaporizable material 102 in a liquid reservoir 182, as shown in the vaporizer device 100c of FIG. 1C. As illustrated, the cartridge 120 can include a mouthpiece portion 130 and a shell portion 192 containing a heater portion 141 and a reservoir 182 configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material 102. The mouthpiece portion 130 and the shell portion 192 can be integrally formed (e.g., manufactured as a single piece) or can be joined together via mechanical coupling means, such as snap fit, press fit, friction fit, adhesive, and / or the like. The heater portion141 can include a heating element 142 and a wicking material (not shown) configured to transfer the liquid vaporizable material 102 from the reservoir 182 to be in contact with the heating element142 via capillary action. In some implementations, the heating element 142 can be in direct contact with the wicking material, such as by being pressed against one or more sides of the wicking material, wrapped at least partially around the wicking material, and / or the like. The heating element 142 can be configured to generate heat to convert the one or more compounds from the vaporizable material 102 to the gas phase for subsequent inhalation by a user in a gas-phase and / or a condensed (for example, aerosol particles or droplets) phase. For example, the heater portion 141 can include circuitry configured to receive and / or convert an applied electromagnetic fieldinto an electrical current that is used to power, and thereby heat, the heating element 142. In some implementations, the heating element 142 itself can be configured to generate heat based on having a structure (e.g., material and shape) configured to receive and convert an applied electromagnetic field into an electrical current that is used to power, and thereby heat, the heating element 142. Accordingly, the heater portion 141 and / or heating element 142 can be powered via the driving circuitry 143, as described herein.

[0258] Where the vaporizable material 102 includes a non-liquid vaporizable material, the heating element 142 can be part of, or otherwise incorporated into or in thermal contact with, the walls of a heating chamber or compartment (e.g., receptacle 118) into which the cartridge 120 and / or the vaporizable material 102 is placed. Additionally or alternatively, the heating element 142 can be used to heat air passing into, through, or past the cartridge 120, to cause convective heating of the vaporizable material 102 (e.g., within the cartridge 120). In still other examples, the heating element 142 can be disposed in intimate contact with the vaporizable material 102 such that direct conductive heating of the vaporizable material 102 of the cartridge 120 occurs from within a mass of the vaporizable material 102, as opposed to only by conduction inward from walls of the heating chamber (e.g., an oven and / or the like). Convective heating of air passing through or past the cartridge 120 may also occur in such configurations. Additionally, conductive heating can occur by means of inductively heating the heating element 142. That is, the heating element 142 can generate heat based on conversion of electromagnetic energy into heat, and this heat may be conducted to other parts of the cartridge 120, such as for example other parts of the heating element 142 that are not as directly affected by the electromagnetic energy, the vaporizable material 102, other thermally conductive parts of the cartridge 120 or the vaporizer body 110, etc. The vaporizable material 102 may be vaporized by this heat based in part on being in contact with one or more surfaces of the heating element 142 and / or other materials that are conductively heated by the heating element 142.

[0259] The heating element 142 can provide heat to convert, to the gas phase, one or more compounds present in the vaporizable material 102 in association with a user puffing (e.g., drawing, inhaling, etc.) on a mouthpiece portion 130 and / or end of the vaporizer device 100 to cause air to flow from an air inlet, along an airflow path for assisting with forming an aerosol that can be delivered out through an air outlet in the mouthpiece portion 130 and inhaled by a user. Incoming air moving along the airflow path moves past (e.g., around, over, etc.) and / or throughthe cartridge 120 and / or vaporizable material 102 where compounds released from the vaporizable material 102 into the gas-phase are entrained into the air. The heating element 142 can be activated via the controller 104, which can optionally be a part of the vaporizer body 110 as discussed herein, causing current to pass from the power source 112 through a circuit including or otherwise electromagnetically coupled to (e.g., as part of an inductor-susceptor pairing) the heating element 142, which can be part of the vaporizer body 110. As noted herein, at least some of the entrained one or more gas-phase compounds can condense while passing through the remainder of the airflow path such that an inhalable dose of the one or more compounds in an aerosol form can be delivered from the air outlet (e.g., via the mouthpiece portion 130) for inhalation by a user.

[0260] In some implementations, the heating element 142 can be activated in association with a user interacting with the vaporizer device 100. For example, activation of the heating element 142 can be caused by automatic detection of a puff or other user interaction based on one or more signals generated by one or more sensors 113. The one or more sensors 113 and / or the signals generated by the one or more sensors 113 can include one or more of: a pressure sensor or sensors disposed to detect pressure along the airflow path of the vaporizer device 100 relative to ambient pressure or optionally to measure changes in absolute pressure; a temperature sensor or sensors, such as a thermistor, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) circuit such as a PTC thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) circuit such as an NTC thermistor, a thermocouple, and / or the like disposed to measure the temperature of the receptacle 118, the heating element 142, and / or some other component of the vaporizer body 110 or the cartridge 120; one or more circuits configured to determine a temperature of the heating element 142, for example based on measuring or determining a resistance and / or inductance of the heating element 142 via comparison to one or more resistors with a known resistance and / or one or more inductors with a known inductance; a motion sensor or sensors, such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or the like, configured to detect movement, vibration, orientation, position, acceleration, etc. of the vaporizer device 100; a flow sensor or sensors configured to detect a flow rate of air, gas, or liquid within the vaporizer device 100; a capacitive sensor configured to detect touch, such as of a user’s finger(s), palm(s), lip(s), etc. on some part of the vaporizer device 100; circuitry configured to detect interaction with the vaporizer device 100 via one or more input devices 116, such as buttons, other tactile control devices, or the like of the vaporizer device 100; circuitry configured to receive and process signalsfrom a computing device in communication with the vaporizer device 100; and / or circuitry configured for determining that a puff is occurring or imminent.

[0261] In some implementations, the vaporizer device 100 can be configured to start a heating cycle that can include a period of heating the heating element 142, receptacle 118, cartridge 120, and / or vaporizable material 102 to an operating (e.g., pre-determined) temperature or temperature range (e.g., a temperature or range sufficient to convert, to the gas phase, one or more compounds present in the vaporizable material 102). Once the heating element 142, receptacle 118, cartridge 120, and / or vaporizable material 102 reach the operating temperature or temperature range, the vaporizer device 100 can be configured to maintain or otherwise regulate the application of heat such that the vaporizable material 102 can be vaporized without burning. In some implementations, additional heat can be provided via the heating element 142 upon detection of an event, such as a user placing their lips on the vaporizer device 100, the user taking a puff on the vaporizer device 100, and / or any of the signals (e.g., generated by the one or more sensors 113) described herein. The heating cycle can terminate upon detection of an additional interaction with the vaporizer device 100 via the one or more input devices 116, upon determining that a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of the heating cycle, upon determining that a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last detection of a user puff, upon determining that a cartridge 120 is not present within the receptacle 118, as a result of other events, actions, detected durations of the same, and / or the like, consistent with implementations described herein.

[0262] As discussed herein, the vaporizer device 100 consistent with implementations of the current subject matter can be configured to connect (e.g., wirelessly or via a wired connection) to a computing device (or optionally two or more devices) in communication with the vaporizer device 100. To this end, the controller 104 can include communication hardware 105. The controller 104 can also include a memory 108. The communication hardware 105 can include firmware and / or can be controlled by software for executing one or more protocols for the communication.

[0263] A computing device can be a component of a vaporizer system that also includes the vaporizer device 100, and can include its own hardware for communication, which can establish a wireless communication channel with the communication hardware 105 of the vaporizer device 100. For example, a computing device used as part of a vaporizer system can include a general- purpose computing device (such as a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, some otherportable device such as a smartwatch, or the like) that executes software to produce a user interface for enabling a user to interact with the vaporizer device 100. In other implementations of the current subject matter, such computing device used as part of a vaporizer system can be a dedicated piece of hardware such as a remote control or other wireless or wired device having one or more physical or soft (e.g., configurable on a screen or other display device and selectable via user interaction with a touch-sensitive screen or some other input device 116 like a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor buttons, or the like) interface controls. The vaporizer device 100 can also include one or more outputs 117 or devices for providing information to the user. For example, the outputs 117 can include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to provide feedback to a user based on a status and / or mode of operation of the vaporizer device 100. The one or more LEDs can be single-color LEDs and / or multicolored LEDs (e.g., both may be separately used).

[0264] In the example in which a computing device provides signals related to activation of the heating element 142, or in other examples of coupling of a computing device with the vaporizer device 100 for implementation of various control or other functions, the computing device executes one or more computer instruction sets to provide a user interface and underlying data handling. In one example, detection by the computing device of user interaction with one or more user interface elements can cause the computing device to signal the vaporizer device 100 to activate the heating element 142 to reach an operating temperature for creation of an inhalable dose of aerosol. Other functions of the vaporizer device 100 can be controlled by interaction of a user with a user interface on a computing device in communication with the vaporizer device 100.

[0265] The temperature of the heating element 142 of the vaporizer device 100 can depend on a number of factors, including an amount of power or energy delivered to the heating element 142, a duty cycle at which power or current is delivered, a time during which the power or current is delivered, an efficiency of the heating element 142 converting current to heat, conductive and / or radiative heat transfer to other parts of the vaporizer device 100 and / or to the environment, latent heat losses due to vaporization of the vaporizable material 102, convective heat losses due to airflow (e.g., air moving across the heating element 142 and / or an area heated by the heating element 142 when a user puffs on the vaporizer device 100), and / or the like.

[0266] As noted herein, to reliably activate the heating element 142 and / or heat the heating element 142 to a desired temperature, in some implementations of the current subject matter the vaporizer device 100 may make use of signals from the one or more sensors 113. For example,the one or more sensors 113 can include a pressure sensor, to determine when a user is inhaling. The one or more sensors 113 can optionally be positioned in the airflow path and / or can be connected (for example, by a passageway or other path) to an airflow path containing an airflow inlet for air to enter the vaporizer device 100 and an airflow outlet via which the user inhales the resulting aerosol such that the one or more sensors 113 experiences changes (for example, pressure changes) concurrently with air passing through the vaporizer device 100 from the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet. In some implementations of the current subject matter, the heating element 142 can be activated in association with a user’s puff, for example by automatic detection of the puff, or by the one or more sensors 113 detecting a change (such as a pressure change) in the airflow path.

[0267] Additionally or alternatively, to maintain the heating element 142 at a desired temperature, in some implementations of the current subject matter the vaporizer device 100 may make use of other signals from one or more sensors 113. For example, the one or more sensors 113 can include a capacitive, conductive, and / or electromagnetic sensor, to determine the inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of the heating element 142. The one or more sensors 113 can optionally be positioned in a location that is in physical contact with the heating element 142 (for example, within the receptacle 118) or in a location that is sufficiently close to the heating element 142 to measure the variations in an electromagnetic field affecting the heating element (e.g., within, touching, or proximate to at least some part of the receptacle 118). In some implementations, the one or more sensors 113 can be in electrical communication with an inductor configured to inductively heat the heating element 142 and / or configured to determine the inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of the inductor. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more sensors 113 can include a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the inductor and / or heating element 142. Based on information derived from the one or more sensors 113, the controller 104 can be configured to estimate a temperature of the heating element 142, as described herein. In some implementations, the heating element 142 can be activated in association with an estimated temperature of the heating element 142, for example by comparison of the detected inductance and / or resistance of the heating element 142 via the one or more sensors 113 with a suitable sensing circuit.

[0268] The one or more sensors 113 can be positioned on or coupled to (e.g., electrically or electronically connected, physically or via a wireless connection) the controller 104 (e.g., a printedcircuit board assembly or other type of circuit board). To take measurements accurately and maintain durability of the vaporizer device 100, it can be beneficial to provide a seal that is sufficiently resilient to separate an airflow path from other parts of the vaporizer device 100. The seal, which can be a gasket, can be configured to at least partially surround the one or more sensors 113 such that connections of the one or more sensors 113 to the internal circuitry of the vaporizer device 100 are separated from a part of the one or more sensors 113 exposed to the airflow path. Such arrangements of the seal in the vaporizer device 100 can be helpful in mitigating against potentially disruptive impacts on vaporizer components resulting from interactions with environmental factors such as water in the vapor or liquid phases and / or to reduce the escape of air from the designated airflow path in the vaporizer device 100. Passage of air, liquid, or other fluid passing and / or contacting circuitry of the vaporizer device 100 can cause various unwanted effects, such as altered pressure readings, and / or can result in the buildup of material, such as moisture or residue, errant portions of the vaporizable material 102, etc., in parts of the vaporizer device 100 where they can result in poor pressure signal, degradation of the one or more sensors 113 or other components, and / or a shorter life of the vaporizer device 100. Leaks in the seal can also result in a user inhaling air that has passed over parts of the vaporizer device 100 containing, or constructed of, materials that may not be desirable to be inhaled.

[0269] When the one or more sensors 113 includes an electrically conductive surface for measuring the resistance of the heating element 142, the one or more sensors 113 can additionally or alternatively be positioned on a surface that is biased against some part of the heating element 142. For example, the one or more sensors 113 can be disposed on a surface of a spring or other resiliently deformable structure, or otherwise biased by a spring or other resiliently deformable structure, such that the one or more sensors 113 remains in physical contact with a surface of the heating element 142. Such arrangements of a spring or other resiliently deformable structure in the vaporizer device 100 can be helpful in mitigating against potentially disruptive impacts on vaporizer components resulting from interactions with environmental factors such as those described herein.

[0270] In vaporizer devices in which the power source 112 is part of a vaporizer body 110 and the heating element 142 is disposed in the cartridge 120 configured to couple with the vaporizer body 110, the cartridge 120 and vaporizer device 100 may include electrical connection features (e.g., electrical contacts, conductors, and the like) for completing a physical circuit that includesthe controller 104 (e.g., a printed circuit board, a microcontroller, or the like), the power source 112, and the heating element 142. The circuit completed by these electrical connections can allow delivery of electrical current to the heating element 142 (e.g., resistive heating element) and may further be used for additional functions, such as measuring a resistance of the heating element 142 for use in determining and / or controlling a temperature of the resistive heating element based on a thermal coefficient of resistivity of the resistive heating element. In some implementations, a different circuit may be provided for measuring a resistance of the heating element 142, compared to the circuit that allows for delivery of the electrical current to the heating element 142, such as a circuit that includes one or more sensors 113 and the heating element 142, as described herein.

[0271] Alternatively, the power source 112 can be part of a vaporizer body 110 and the heating element 142 can be disposed in the cartridge 120 and configured as a susceptor to be electromagnetically coupled with one or more inductor coils that are part of the driving circuitry 143 in the vaporizer body 110. A physical circuit in the vaporizer body 110 includes the controller 104 (e.g., a printed circuit board, a microcontroller, or the like), the power source 112, and the one or more inductor coils, which can be or form part of the driving circuitry 143. The physical circuit delivers electrical current to the one or more inductor coils and may further be used for additional functions, such as measuring an impedance of the heating element 142 for use in determining and / or controlling a temperature of the heating element 142 based on a thermal coefficient of resistivity of the heating element 142. In some implementations, a different circuit may be provided for measuring impedance of the heating element 142, compared to the circuit that allows for delivery of the electrical current to the one or more inductor coils, such as a circuit that includes one or more sensors 113 as described herein.

[0272] In some implementations, the receptacle 118 can include all or part of the heating element 142 (e.g., a heating coil, resistive heating element, etc.) that is configured to conductively, radiatively, convectively, etc. heat the cartridge 120 received in the receptacle 118, such as for forming an aerosol to be inhaled by a user of the vaporizer device 100. For example, the receptacle 118 can include various implementations of the heating element 142 that are configured to receive and / or be placed in contact with the cartridge 120. Various implementations of the heating element 142, the receptacle 118, and the cartridge 120 are described herein for integration within and / or use with a variety of vaporizer bodies 110 for forming inhalable aerosol.

[0273] In some implementations, the cartridge 120 can be configured for insertion in the receptacle 118, such as for forming contact between an outer surface of the cartridge 120 and one or more inner walls of the receptacle 118. In some implementations, the cartridge 120 can have a same or a similar shape as the receptacle 118. In some implementations, the cartridge 120 can include a square or rectangular shape. In some implementations, the cartridge 120 can include a circular cross-section and / or a cylindrical shape. In some implementations, the cartridge 120 can have a non-circular cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 120 is inserted into the receptacle 118. The non-circular cross-section(s) of the cartridge 120 and / or receptacle 118 can include two sets of parallel or approximately parallel opposing sides (e.g., having a parallelogram-like shape), or other shapes, including curved shapes, having rotational symmetry of at least order two. For example, FIGs. 8A-8F illustrate example cross-sections of the cartridge 120 and / or receptacle 118, including a rectangular shape (FIG. 8A), a rounded rectangular shape (FIG. 8B), an elliptical or oval shape (FIG. 8C), or other shapes that include comers, bends, edges, protrusions, recesses, and / or the like (FIGs. 8D-8F). In this context, approximate shape indicates that a basic likeness to the described shape is apparent, but that sides of the shape in question need not be completely linear and vertices need not be completely sharp. Rounding of both or either of the edges or the vertices of the cross-sectional shape is contemplated in the description of any non-circular cross-section referred to herein.

[0274] In some implementations, at least one of the one or more inner walls forming the receptacle 118 can include the heating element 142 and / or include thermally conductive material. For example, cartridge 120 configurations in which the cartridge 120 forms a sliding fit and / or forms close contact with the receptacle 118 can allow for efficient heat transfer between the heating element 142, the receptacle 118, and the cartridge 120, thereby causing efficient and effective heating of the vaporizable material 102 within the cartridge 120. In other implementations, at least one of the one or more inner walls forming the receptacle 118 can include ridges that only contact the cartridge 120 in specific locations, in order to minimize conductive heat losses from the cartridge due to physical contact with surfaces of the vaporizer body 110 that are not actively heated. For example, cartridge 120 configurations in which the heater portion 141 (or other thermally conductive parts) of the cartridge 120 only contacts the receptacle 118 in certain regions, such as regions distal to the heating element(s) 142, can allow for maintaining a higher temperatureat the heating element 142, thereby causing efficient and effective heating of the vaporizable material 102 within the cartridge 120.

[0275] Furthermore, the cartridge 120 can include compressed and / or higher density configurations of non-liquid vaporizable material 102, which can further contribute to efficient and effective heating and converting, to the gas phase, one or more compounds present in the vaporizable material 102. For example, vaporizable material 102 in a compressed and / or high- density configuration can include a minimal amount of air or pockets of air in the vaporizable material 102 thereby increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of transferring heat within the vaporizable material 102. Such a configuration can allow for reduced power consumption at least because less heating power is needed to effectively heat the vaporizable material 102 to a temperature sufficient to cause release of inhalable substances. Additionally, lower temperatures (e.g., at a contact surface of an oven or heating element) can be used to heat the vaporizable material 102 at least because of the improved heating efficiency of the vaporizable material 102, which can also reduce power consumption and formation of hazardous byproducts resulting from heating the vaporizable material at higher temperatures. Various implementations of the cartridge 120 are described herein that include the vaporizable material formed in compressed and / or high- density configurations for achieving at least some of the benefits described above.

[0276] In some implementations, the vaporizer device 100 can include a heating system configured to receive and heat the vaporizable material 102 for generating an inhalable aerosol. For example, implementations of the heating system can include one or more heating elements 142 positioned at, against, near, within, outside, and / or along the walls of the receptacle 118 (e.g., extending along at least a portion of the wall(s) at the distal end (e.g., bottom) of the receptacle 118, extending along at least a portion of each of the distal wall(s) and / or side wall(s) of the receptacle 118, etc.). In some implementations, the one or more heating elements 142 can be configured to heat one or more of the walls of the receptacle 118 from the outside to the interior of the receptacle 118 (e.g., with the vaporizable material 102 being in the interior of the receptacle 118). In another example, implementations of the heating system can include one or more heating elements 142 positioned at, against, near, within, outside, and / or along the walls of the cartridge 120 (e.g., extending along at least a portion of the wall(s) at the distal end (e.g., bottom) of the cartridge 120, extending along at least a portion of each of the distal wall(s) and / or side wall(s) of the cartridge 120, etc.). In some implementations, the one or more heating elements 142 can formone or more of the walls of the cartridge 120 to heat from the outside to the interior of the cartridge 120 (e.g., with the vaporizable material 102 being in the interior of the cartridge 120 and optionally, in the interior of the heating element 142).

[0277] The heating system can also include at least one airflow pathway, which can be configured to move heated air through the vaporizable material 102. As will be described in greater detail below, the heating system can be configured to receive the cartridge 120 and heat the cartridge 120 using at least one heating element 142 to provide an inhalable aerosol via one or more airflow pathways for inhalation by a user.

[0278] Various implementations of such heating systems of vaporizer devices 100 are described herein that provide a number of benefits, including evenly distributing heat through the vaporizable material 102 of the cartridge 120. This can result in improved inhalable aerosol generation, less energy and / or lower average temperatures required to form inhalable aerosol, and increased user satisfaction with the device use and consumption of the vaporizable material 102.

[0279] In some implementations, the heating system of the vaporizer device 100 is configured to heat a non-liquid vaporizable material, such as a tobacco-based material. For example, the vaporizer body 110 can include one or more heater portions 141 or containers 123 that each accept and heat vaporizable material 102 via one or more heating elements 142, thereby generating an inhalable aerosol. In some implementations, the vaporizer device 100 may include one or more airflow pathways that extend through the cartridge 120 positioned within a respective receptacle 118, and out through a mouthpiece portion 130 to a user.

[0280] In some implementations, the cartridge 120 may include one or more barriers configured to contain vaporizable material 102 and / or hold the components of the cartridge 120 together. The one or more barriers may be provided by the heating element 142 itself, a container 123, an insert 124, an outer layer, such as one or more wrappers 122, and / or the like. The one or more barriers can be made of material that is one or both of non-vapor permeable and moistureresistant (e.g., resists damaging effects of water, at least to some extent). Such material can include one or more of metal, metal alloy, paper material such as cardstock, corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and / or the like.

[0281] In some implementations, use of a metal such as aluminum in the heating element 142 and / or a container 123 may be advantageous where efficient heat transfer (e.g., requiring less energy to spread across a larger region) is required, which can be the case where a singular heat source is provided. In other implementations, a metal such as stainless steel in the heating element 142 and / or a container 123 may be advantageous where efficient heat transfer is of less concern, such as where multiple heat sources are disposed to heat different regions of the cartridge 120. Containing the vaporizable material 102 within a non-vapor permeable and / or moisture-resistant barrier can protect the receptacle 118 and / or other portions of the vaporizer device 100 from vapor deposits and / or remains of the vaporizable material, such that cleaning of the heating element 142 and / or other portions of the vaporizer device 100 after use may not be required. Stated another way, one or more of the heating element 142, the container 123, the insert 124, and / or the outer layer (e.g., one or more wrappers 122) may provide a barrier between the vaporizable material 102 and the components of the vaporizer body 110, with the barrier optionally being non-vapor permeable and / or moisture-resistant.

[0282] The heater 141 of FIG. 1A and / or the container 123 of FIG. IB cartridge 120 can be configured to hold the vaporizable material 102 with a lid, outer layer and / or inner layer(s) (e.g., wrapper(s) 122), insert 124, and / or other component configured to retain the vaporizable material 102 therein. Various implementations of a heating system and cartridge 120 are described in greater detail below.

[0283] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an implementation of a vaporizer device 200, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. The vaporizer device 200 can be an implementation of one or more components of the vaporizer device 100 of FIGs. 1A-1B. Separately, any of the structure of functionality described with respect to the vaporizer device 200 of FIG. 2 can be implemented in or by the vaporizer device 100 of FIGs. 1A-1B.

[0284] For example, as illustrated, the vaporizer device 200 can include a vaporizer body 210, a receptacle 218, and a ledge 221 outside of the receptacle 218. As described herein, a cartridge 220 containing vaporizable material 202 (including any implementation of the vaporizer material 102 of FIGs. 1A-1C) can be inserted into the receptacle 218, and at least a portion of the cartridge 220 can remain outside of the receptacle 218, such as the mouthpiece portion 230 that can include an airflow outlet 228. The heater portion 241 of the cartridge 220 can be inserted into and / or at least partially enclosed within the receptacle 218. Although the mouthpiece portion 230 and theheater portion 241 can be approximately the same size in length (e.g., 1 : 1) along the cartridge 220 length, other relative sizes are contemplated (e.g., approximately 1 :2, 2:3, 3 :4, 4:5, 5:4, and / or the like).

[0285] As illustrated, the cartridge 220 can extend from a cartridge proximal end 220a to a cartridge distal end 220b and contain two or more portions, such as a heater portion 241 and a mouthpiece portion 230. The total distance between the cartridge proximal end 220a and the cartridge distal end 220b can be regarded as the cartridge 220 length, for example, extending along the y-axis as illustrated in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 3). Furthermore, any component of the cartridge 220 can be referred to as having a length as referenced by the y-axis in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 3).

[0286] As also illustrated, the vaporizer body 210 can extend from a body proximal end 210a to a body distal end 210b. The total distance between the body proximal end 210a and the body distal end 210b can be regarded as the vaporizer body 210 length, for example, extending along the y-axis as illustrated in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 5A). Furthermore, any component of the vaporizer body 210, as well as the vaporizer device 200, can be referred to as having a length as referenced by the y-axis in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 5A with respect to components of the vaporizer body 210).

[0287] The cartridge 220 can be regarded as having two additional dimensions that are transverse to the cartridge 220 length, which are the depth and the width. As referred to herein, the cartridge 220 depth can be the distance between two points on opposing faces (e.g., surface areas, which can be substantially the same size and shape when rotated about a central longitudinal axis) of the exterior of the cartridge 220, in a dimension that is perpendicular to the cartridge 220 length, for example, extending along the z-axis as illustrated in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 3). Furthermore, any component of the cartridge 220 can be referred to as having a depth as referenced by the z-axis in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 3). In some aspects, the cartridge 220 depth can be understood as the greatest distance of the cartridge 220 along the z-axis and / or the distance between two opposing points on the exterior of the cartridge 220 (e.g., with the opposing points being opposite each other along an axis that is perpendicular to the center of the cartridge 220 width). As referred to herein, the cartridge 220 width can be the distance between two points on opposing faces of the exterior of the cartridge 220, in a dimension that is perpendicular to both the cartridge 220 length and the cartridge 220 depth, and is the longer of thetwo transverse dimensions, for example, extending along the x-axis as illustrated in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 3). Furthermore, any component of the cartridge 220 can be referred to as having a width as referenced by the x-axis in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 3). In some aspects, the cartridge 220 width can be understood as the greatest distance of the cartridge 220 along the x-axis and / or the distance between two opposing points on the exterior of the cartridge 220 (e.g., with the opposing points being opposite each other along an axis that is perpendicular to the center of the cartridge 220 depth). Accordingly, the axis along which the cartridge 220 width extends can be referred to as the first transverse axis and / or the cartridge long axis, and the axis along which the cartridge 220 depth extends can be referred to as the second transverse axis and / or the cartridge short axis.

[0288] A surface of the cartridge 220 extending primarily along the cartridge 220 width can be referred to as a long side of the cartridge 220 and / or as being on a long side of the cartridge 220, and a surface of the cartridge 220 extending primarily along the cartridge 220 depth can be referred to as a short side of the cartridge 220 and / or as being on a short side of the cartridge 220. Each of the referenced surfaces of the cartridge 220 can be a surface area on the exterior of the cartridge 220. In some aspects, the longer opposing faces can be regarded as being on the long / longer sides of the cartridge 220, offset along the cartridge 220 depth, and the smaller opposing faces can be regarded as being on the short / shorter sides of the cartridge 220, offset along the cartridge 220 width. It will be appreciated that this terminology can be applied to any implementation of a cartridge and its subcomponents described herein (e.g., heater portion, mouthpiece portion, layer of material, wrapper, and / or the like), and this terminology is not redefined with respect to each implementation for the sake of brevity.

[0289] The vaporizer body 210 can also be regarded as having two additional dimensions that are transverse to the vaporizer body 210 length, which are the depth and the width. As referred to herein, the vaporizer body 210 depth can be the distance between two points on opposing faces of the exterior of the vaporizer body 210, in a dimension that is perpendicular to the vaporizer body 210 length, for example, extending along the z-axis as illustrated in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 5 A). Furthermore, any component of the vaporizer body 210, as well as the vaporizer device 200, can be referred to as having a depth as referenced by the z-axis in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 5 A with respect to components of the vaporizer body 210). In some aspects, the vaporizer body 210 depth can be understood as the greatest distance of the vaporizer body 210along the z-axis and / or the distance between two opposing points on the exterior of the vaporizer body 210 (e.g., with the opposing points being opposite each other along an axis that is perpendicular to the center of the vaporizer body 210 width). As referred to herein, the vaporizer body 210 width can be the distance between two points on opposing faces of the exterior of the vaporizer body 210, in a dimension that is perpendicular to both the vaporizer body 210 length and the vaporizer body 210 depth, and is the longer of the two transverse dimensions, for example, extending along the x-axis as illustrated in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 5 A). Furthermore, any component of the vaporizer body 210, as well as the vaporizer device 200, can be referred to as having a width as referenced by the x-axis in FIG. 2 (and as also illustrated in FIG. 5A with respect to components of the vaporizer body 210). In some aspects, the vaporizer body 210 width can be understood as the greatest distance of the vaporizer body 210 along the x-axis and / or the distance between two opposing points on the exterior of the vaporizer body 210 (e.g., with the opposing points being opposite each other along an axis that is perpendicular to the center of the vaporizer body 210 depth). Accordingly, the axis along which the vaporizer body 210 width extends can be referred to as the first transverse axis and / or the vaporizer body long axis, and the axis along which the vaporizer body 210 depth extends can be referred to as the second transverse axis and / or the vaporizer body short axis.

[0290] It will be appreciated that elements described herein (e.g., vaporizer device, cartridge, vaporizer body, and component thereof) can have surfaces defined in Euclidean or non-Euclidean spaces. Dimensions of ends, sides, faces, and / or the like that exist in non-Euclidean spaces can be regarded as dimensions of the referenced ends, sides, faces and / or the like that exist in Euclidean spaces. The distance between any two ends, sides, faces, points, etc. can be equal to the shortest distance between two opposing points at the center of each identified structure, component, region, portion, etc. However, in the event a structure, component, region, portion, etc. is not uniform in shape (e.g., convex or concave ends of a cartridge 220 and / or vaporizer body 210), the distance can be equal to the longest distance along a plane or volume that intersects the identified ends, sides, points, etc., orthogonal to the identified ends, sides, points, etc.

[0291] The term “heater portion” as used herein can refer to a portion (e.g., region and / or subset of the components) of a cartridge that includes a heating element or is otherwise heated in use. The term “mouthpiece portion” as used herein can refer to a portion (e.g., region and / or subset of the components) of a cartridge that includes a mouthpiece or other component to which a userapplies their mouth in use. Although the cartridges are generally described herein with respect to a heater portion and a mouthpiece portion for simplicity, it will be appreciated that additional portions can be provided within the cartridge, which can be at least partially upstream, between, downstream, adjacent, within and / or exterior to the heater portion and / or mouthpiece portion. For example, an external wrapper or shell can be exterior to both the heater portion and mouthpiece portion, a space or component(s) can be disposed between the heater portion and mouthpiece portion, the heater portion can include an insert and / or end cap upstream or at least partially within the heater portion, the mouthpiece portion can include an insert and / or end cap downstream or at least partially within the mouthpiece portion, and / or the like.As illustrated, the vaporizer device 200 can include one or more input devices 216a, 216b (collectively referred to as input devices 216), such as a pair of input devices 216a on opposing sides of the vaporizer body 210 and / or one or more input devices 216b on the ledge 221. In some implementations, the one or more input devices 216 can include a button (e.g., plastic, metal, elastomeric), a capacitive sensor, and / or the like. A controller of the vaporizer device 200, similar to controller 104 of FIGs. 1A-1B, can be configured to detect actuation (e.g., touch or force) of the one or more input devices 216 based on signals or data provided by the one or more input devices 216. In implementations where multiple input devices 216 are present, a controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to activate the vaporizer device 200 only in response to detecting actuation of all of the input devices 216 (e.g., two input devices 216a located at opposing sides of the vaporizer body 210). It can be beneficial to provide multiple input devices 216 in different locations that are less likely to each be activated accidentally (e.g., in locations most likely to be touched all at the same time only during active use of the vaporizer device 200).

[0292] In some implementations, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to select predetermined operating temperatures and / or heating profiles from among N temperatures or profiles. In accordance with these implementations, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured (and thereby a user can be allowed) to select a temperature or profile based on detecting actuation of the one or more input devices 216. In some implementations, two or more input devices 216 (e.g., input devices 216a) can be used to increase and decrease the currently selected operating temperature (also referred to as target temperature) and / or profile between a range of zero (0) through N temperatures and / or profiles, where zero means the vaporizer device 200 is in an “off’ state (e.g., not actively heating the receptacle 218but otherwise configured to detect interactions with one or more components of the vaporizer device 200). Accordingly, one of the two or more input devices 216 can be actuated to increase the currently selected operating temperature and / or profile and another of the two or more input devices 216 can be actuated to decrease the currently selected operating temperature and / or profile. The two or more input devices 216 can be actuated to provide for switching between the “off’ state and an “on” state (e.g., where the “on” state starts at the lowest pre-configured temperature and / or profile) when both of the two or more input devices 216 or a dedicated one of the two or more input devices 216 are / is actuated (e.g., held down or pressed) for a predetermined time. In other implementations, one input device 216 can be actuated to increase the temperature and / or profile through a range of zero (0) through N operating temperatures and / or profiles, and / or the one input device 216 can be held down to switch between the “off’ state and the “on” state.

[0293] In some implementations, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to operate (e.g., power the heating element 142 as described herein) at one or more predetermined operating temperatures, such as based on a default or user-selected heating profile. For example, in some heating profiles, the controller of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to power the heating element 142 at a first operating temperature for a first period of time, power the heating element 142 at a second operating temperature for a second period of time, power the heating element 142 at a third operating temperature for a third period of time, and / or the like. In some implementations, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to power the heating element 142 at approximately 270 degrees Celsius for approximately 20 seconds, power the heating element 142 at approximately 250 degrees Celsius for the next 25 seconds, and power the heating element 142 at approximately 220 degrees Celsius for a remainder of a vaporizing session (e.g., until the cartridge is sufficiently used and / or a max duration of time is reached).

[0294] In some implementations, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to detect when the heater portion 241 is present within the receptacle 218 and / or for a sufficient duration of time. In response to determining that the heater portion 241 is present within the receptacle 218 and / or for a sufficient duration of time, the controller of the vaporizer device 200 can switch the vaporizer device 200 between the “off’ state and the “on” state, increase the temperature to a range of zero (0) through N target temperatures, implement a predetermined (e.g., user-selected) profile from a plurality of zero (0) through N different profiles, and / or the like.

[0295] In some implementations, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to determine whether a cartridge 220 is spent and / or should be changed. This can occur when all, most, or an estimated threshold amount of one or more compound present in the vaporizable material 202 contained within the cartridge 220 has been converted to the gas phase, when an insufficient amount or quality of the vaporizable material 202 is present to provide an inhalable aerosol that would be satisfying to a user, and / or the like. For example, based on the length of time the cartridge 220 is heated, the temperatures at which the cartridge 220 is heated across the length of time or the temperatures at each of a plurality of time segments (which can be measured via the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 as described herein), and / or the like, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to determine that the cartridge 220 is spent and / or should be changed. Based on determining that the cartridge 220 is spent and / or should be changed, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be figured to provide an indication that the cartridge 220 is spent and / or should be changed, switch the vaporizer device 200 into the “off’ state, and / or the like. During operation, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to provide indications of an estimated amount of vaporizable material 202 left in the cartridge 220 and / or an estimated amount of time remaining in a vaporizing session during which the vaporizable material 202 may be used (e.g., a period of time starting when the vaporizer device 200 is heated or when the receptacle 218 reaches a predetermined operating temperature and ending when the cartridge 220 is spent and / or should be changed). In some implementations, the controller 104 can be contained in and / or in communication with the vaporizer body 210 and / or the cartridge 220.

[0296] The vaporizer device 200 can include a plurality of outputs 217 (e.g., LEDs) that can be similar to the output(s) 117 (e.g., vibration, sound, and / or the like), and the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to illuminate one or more of the LED outputs 217 in response to detecting actuation of one or more of the input devices 216, in response to detecting a cartridge 220 has been inserted into the receptacle 218, to indicate one or more of the following: the currently selected operating temperature and / or temperature profile; the current temperature of the receptacle 218; the current temperature of the receptacle 218 relative to the currently selected operating temperature and / or temperature profile; the current temperature of the receptacle 218 has reached the currently selected operating temperature, an estimated amount of useable vaporizable material remaining in a cartridge 220 (e.g., by selectively illuminating more or less ofthe LED outputs 217); an estimated amount of time remaining in a vaporizing session (e.g., by selectively illuminating more or less of the LED outputs 217); an indication that the cartridge 220 is spent and / or should be changed; and / or the like. In some implementations, the one or more input devices 216 can include one or more of the LEDs described (additionally or alternatively to the LED outputs 217), be at least partially surrounded by the LEDs, and / or be positioned relative to the LEDs such that a perimeter (e.g., halo) of light at least partially surrounds a perimeter of the one or more input devices 216.

[0297] The controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to illuminate the LEDs (e.g., the plurality of LED outputs 217 and / or LEDs proximate one or more of the input devices 216) in one or more colors and / or according to one or more patterns. For example, the controller 104 of the vaporizer device 200 can be configured to illuminate the LEDs according to different colors to indicate a current temperature of the receptacle 218 (e.g., oven), blink one or more times to indicate the current temperature of the receptacle 218 has reached the currently selected operating temperature, and / or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 104 can be configured to provide haptic feedback (e.g., via one or more outputs 217, such as a motor, a linear resonant actuator, and / or the like) to indicate the one or more input devices 216 have been pressed, whether the vaporizer device 200 has switched between the “off’ state and / or the “on” state (e.g., that the receptacle 218 is heating up), a current temperature of the receptacle 218 (e.g., in a periodic pattern with increasing frequency), whether the current temperature of the receptacle 218 has reached the currently selected operating temperature, when threshold amounts of the estimated amount of useable vaporizable material remaining in a cartridge 220 are reached, when threshold amounts of estimated amounts of time remaining in the vaporizing session are reached, that the cartridge 220 is spent and / or should be changed, and / or the like.

[0298] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an implementation of a cartridge 320 in an exploded schematic form, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. The cartridge 320 can be an implementation of one or more components of the cartridges 120 of FIGs. 1A-1B and / or the cartridge 220 of FIG. 2, and / or can be configured for use within a vaporizer device such as the vaporizer devices 100a, 100b of FIGs. 1A-1B and / or the vaporizer device 200 of FIG. 2. As used herein, an “end cap” can refer to at least one of a variety of materials and / or elements that are positioned adjacent a side of vaporizable material and / or a container for containing vaporizable material within the cartridge 120. In some implementations, the end capcan be positioned at an end of the cartridge 120. In some implementations, the end cap can be positioned offset (e.g., along the length of the cartridge 120) from an end of the cartridge 120, including not being a most distal or proximal element along an implementation of the cartridge 120. For example, the end cap can form a part of an outer surface of the cartridge 120 and / or the end cap can be fully contained within the outer surface of the cartridge 120.

[0299] As illustrated, the heater portion 341 can include a heating element 342 and vaporizable material 302. The heating element 342 and / or the vaporizable material 302 can extend between a heater portion proximal end 341a and a heater portion distal end 341b. In implementations where the heater portion 341 width is greater than the heater portion 341 depth (e.g., in a 3:2 ratio, 9:5 ratio, 2: 1 ratio, 9:4 ratio, 5:2 ratio, or greater ratio), heat transfer may be more efficient. For example, relative to a cylindrical surface, a heating element 342 that includes two wider, opposing surface areas (e.g., faces) with a shorter distance between the two opposing surfaces can allow for a vaporizer device that only needs to actively heat from one or two of the opposing sides, as opposed to on all surfaces of a cylindrical surface. The remaining portions of the heating element 342 that are not actively heated can be configured to absorb and redistribute heat from the nearby regions that are actively heated, thereby providing heat to a much larger surface area of the vaporizable material 302 compared to a cylindrical surface. While this non-cylindrical structure (e.g., elliptical or oval) is harder to manufacture than a cylindrical structure, it provides benefits to the user by making the system easier and more comfortable to use (e.g., more ergonomic structure that fits the natural shape of a user’s lips). Additionally, the use of less power due to increased efficiency allows for longer battery life and / or less spatial constraints on the vaporizer device (e.g., a smaller battery may be used). Ultimately, the manner in which the heating element 342 is heated can affect the temperature at which the vaporizable material 302 is heated and / or the rate at which one or more compounds present in the vaporizable material 302 are converted to the gas phase and / or otherwise released from the vaporizable material 302.

[0300] As discussed herein, the heating element 342 can be configured to convert electrical energy into heat (e.g., through inductive heating, resistive heating, etc.). However, in some implementations, the heating element 342 of FIG. 3 may instead be regarded as a container (e.g., similar to the container 123 of FIG. IB) that receives heat from an external heat source and distributes it to the vaporizable material 302. In implementations in which inductive heating is used to heat the heating element 342, providing a wider surface area also has further benefits. Forexample, it is easier to generate eddy currents in wider and flatter surfaces as compared to a smaller or curved surface. Additionally, larger surface areas of a heating element 342 allow for more surface area of the heating element 342 to be in direct and thermal contact with a larger area of the vaporizable material 302. These eddy currents can be generated over a larger surface area using less energy and / or the larger surface area can provide multiple, smaller regions that may be selectively targeted using a plurality of smaller inductors. In this regard, use of susceptors that are inductively heated, at least primarily, via formation of eddy currents rather that via hysteresis (as is the case for susceptors comprising magnetic and / or ferritic materials) can be advantageous. In implementations where eddy currents are the primary (e.g., entire) form of heat generation, the inductive coil(s) can include or otherwise be formed of Litz wire. As used herein, Litz wire can refer to a wire formed from a plurality of strands of metal (e.g., 5 strands, 10 strands, 20 strands, 40 strand, etc.) that are twisted or braided together, and may optionally include an outer insulation material, an internal core of material, and / or the like.

[0301] In some implementations, a susceptor is provided that is non-ferritic and / or non- magnetically permeable. For example, aluminum can be considered as non-ferritic and non- magnetically permeable, and thereby substantially unaffected by hysteresis. With no or substantially no influence on temperature created via hysteresis, the temperature of non-ferritic and / or non-magnetically permeable susceptors can be derived based on the direct relationship of the temperature of the susceptor and eddy currents, as described herein. Although inductors and / or inductive coils may be referred to herein as “heating” susceptors and / or heating element, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that heating in this sense can be regarded as an inductor generating magnetic and / or electromagnetic energy that is radiated into and absorbed by one or more segments of a susceptor, which is in turn converted into heat via eddy currents and / or hysteresis.

[0302] In some implementations, the heating element 342 extends between all or at least some part of the heater portion 341 length, and defines an interior volume between the heater portion 341 depth and width. The vaporizable material 302 can fill the majority of the volume, but other components may be present, such as an end cap configured to seal an end of the volume. In some implementations, the vaporizable material 302 can be formed from tobacco leaves (e.g., dried, cut, shredded, and / or reconstituted), tobacco stems (dried, cut, shredded, and / or ground), a carrier, and / or an acid (e.g., an organic acid such as benzoic acid, citric acid, and / or the like). The ratio oftobacco leaves to tobacco stems can be based on the total desired amount of nicotine to be delivered, and can vary with the strain of tobacco used. Tobacco stems can provide a similar sensation to smoking when vaporized, but with a lower nicotine content. The carrier can be formed of vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and / or the like. In some implementations, the carrier can form 30-50% of the total weight of the vaporizable material 302. Because tobacco naturally includes some moisture, the percentage by weight of the carrier can be measured with respect to the dried weight of the vaporizable material.

[0303] Including a carrier such as vegetable glycerin as at least 30% of the dried weight of the vaporizable material 302 can create a smoother inhalable aerosol and provide a unique experience to users that is more pleasant than smoking combustible cigarettes and other available heat-not- burn products. For example, cartridges 320 containing vaporizable material 302 with a carrier forming at least 30% of the dried weight of the vaporizable material 302 can allow for a lower temperature of vaporization (e.g., by as much as approximately 100 degrees Celsius), and therefore less odor, higher flavor extraction efficiency, net reduction in HPHCs (harmful and potentially harmful constituents) such as via less charring, a more tunable experience, a more uniform vaporization of nicotine from tobacco over time, a faster heat up time (e.g., 10-15 seconds compared to 20-30 seconds, or more), and / or the like. In example implementations of the vaporizable material 302, the tobacco leaves and tobacco stems are in an approximately 1: 1, 1 :2, 2:3, 3:4, or 4:5 ratio and vegetable glycerin forms at least 30% of the dried weight of the vaporizable material 302, such as approximately 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or less than 50%. For example, in some implementations, the vaporizable material 302 includes tobacco leaves and tobacco stems in an approximately 1: 1 ratio, and approximately 35% by weight (dried) of vegetable glycerin. Having a carrier in higher quantities can result in degradation of components of the vaporizer body 110, 120, such as the receptacle 118, 218 if not properly compensated for.

[0304] In some implementations, a carrier (e.g., vegetable glycerin) can be added at multiple stages in the assembly of the cartridge 320. For example, as part of a first series of steps, tobacco material (e.g., tobacco leaves and / or stems) can be dried and mixed with a carrier to form a mixture in which the carrier forms at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, or at least 35% of the dried weight of the vaporizable material 302. Prior to mixing the tobacco material with the carrier, the tobacco material can be cut, shredded, and / or the like. For example, the tobacco material can be formed as cut rag tobacco, such that it has a better ability to absorb the carrier. As part of a secondseries of steps, the resulting mixture can be formed into a shape (e.g., slug) that can be more easily incorporated into the cartridge 320, and additional carrier material can be applied to the shape and / or a portion of the cartridge 320. For example, in some implementations, an interior portion of the cartridge 320 (e.g., an interior of the heating element 342) can be sprayed with additional carrier material. Additionally or alternatively, additional carrier material can be applied to the formed shape of vaporizable material 302, such as by spraying and / or injection, before and / or after the vaporizable material is disposed within an interior volume of the heating element 342. Once the cartridge 320 is completely assembled, the carrier can form at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, or at least 50% of the dried weight of the vaporizable material 302. Assembly in this manner can allow for the use of less complicated machinery for mixing tobacco material with a carrier, while also providing a cartridge 320 with a higher concentration of carrier in the vaporizable material 302. In some aspects, applying additional carrier to the exterior of the formed shape of vaporizable material 302 and / or interior of the heating element 342 can help to provide a more uniform vapor and aerosol over time, relative to vaporizable material 302 that is formed via a simple mixture of tobacco material and a carrier, as the heat generated by the heating element 342 is more likely to vaporize the carrier first.

[0305] In order to control the composition of the inhalable aerosol, it can be beneficial to separate the tobacco material and the carrier of the vaporizable material. For example, FIGs. 17A- 17H illustrate block diagrams of various implementations of tobacco material 1798 and a carrier 1799 that can be combined into different forms of vaporizable material 1702a-1702h. As illustrated in FIG. 17A, the tobacco material 1798 and carrier 1799 can occupy approximately the same volume within the vaporizable material 1702a, and be positioned opposite each other relative to a cross-section defined by the length and width of the vaporizable material 1702a. As illustrated in FIG. 17B, the tobacco material 1798 can occupy a volume that is less than the volume occupied by carrier 1799a and 1799b within the vaporizable material 1702b (e.g., in a 1 :2 ratio, a 1 :3 ratio, and / or the like), and the tobacco material 1798 can be positioned upstream and off axis from a cross-section defined by the length and width of the vaporizable material 1702a. As illustrated in FIG. 17C, the tobacco material 1798 and carrier 1799 can occupy approximately the same volume within the vaporizable material 1702c, and be positioned opposite each other relative to a crosssection defined by the length and depth of the vaporizable material 1702c. As illustrated in FIG. 17D, the tobacco material 1798 can occupy a volume that is greater than the volume occupied bycarrier 1799 within the vaporizable material 1702d (e.g., in a 2: 1 ratio, a 3 : 1 ratio, and / or the like), and the volume occupied by carrier 1799 can surround the volume occupied by the tobacco material 1798. As illustrated in FIG. 17E, the tobacco material 1798 and carrier 1799 can occupy approximately the same volume within the vaporizable material 1702e, and be positioned on top of each other relative to a cross-section defined by the depth and width of the vaporizable material 1702e. As illustrated in FIG. 17F, the tobacco material 1798 and carrier 1799 can occupy different volumes within the vaporizable material 1702f, and be positioned on top of each other relative to a cross-section defined by the depth and width of the vaporizable material 1702f, with an air gap in between the tobacco material 1798 and carrier 1799, As illustrated in FIGs. 17G and 17H, the tobacco material 1798 and carrier 1799 can occupy different volumes within the vaporizable material 1702g, 1702h and be positioned opposite each other relative to a cross-section defined by the length and width of the vaporizable material 1702g, 1702h.

[0306] In each of the implementations of FIGs. 17A-17H, vaporized material from heating the tobacco material 1798 and heating the carrier 1799 can be combined to form a combined vaporized material, such as at or near the intersection of the volumes occupied by the tobacco material 1798 and the carrier 1799. The volume in which the combined vaporized material is formed can be in fluid communication with a vapor inlet 1735, which can be similar to the vapor inlets 335, 435, 635 described herein. In some implementations, a separate heating element 342 and / or inductor can be included to heat the respective volumes of tobacco material 1798 and carrier 1799. Accordingly, different amounts of heat can be separately applied to the tobacco material 1798 (e.g., higher temperature) and the carrier 1799 (e.g., lower temperature) to optimize the user experience. In any of the implementations of FIGs. 17A-17H, a wi eking material comprising the carrier 1799 can be included to retain the carrier 1799 within a desired volume.

[0307] In some implementations, the heating element 342 can be formed of metal, such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, brass, zirconium, stainless steel (ferritic or non-ferritic), nickel, and / or the like. As described herein, aluminum is beneficial for spreading heat and stainless steel is better for localized heat. For an inductive heating approach, use of a non-magnetic material, such as aluminum, allows the creation of eddy currents in the susceptor heater, while a magnetic material, such as ferritic stainless steel, is inductively heated by a hysteresis mechanism. Different inductor coil arrangements are generally needed for these two heating approaches, which can have different requirements such as an amount of power required to generate anelectromagnetic field. However, in some implementations, the heating element 342 is non-ferritic and non-magnetically permeable, which can simplify the design of the vaporizer device 100, 200 and allow for tighter control in heating of the heating element 342.

[0308] The heating element 342 can be formed of one or more pieces, and can define all or substantially all of the walls (e.g., a bottom wall and perimeter along the longitudinal axis, either or both of which can have perforations or other openings) that define the volume into which the vaporizable material 302 may be inserted. However, for ease of manufacturability, the heating element 342 can be a single sheet of metal that is configured to wrap (at least partially) around the perimeter of the heater portion 341, The two ends of the heating element 342 sheet can meet or be in proximity to each other, at or near a joint location 345, as shown in FIG. 3, and optionally form a continuous loop. In some aspects, when assembled within the cartridge 320, a surface of the heating element 342 primarily facing towards and / or touching the vaporizable material 302 can be regarded as an interior face of the heating element 342 and a surface of the heating element 342 primarily facing away from and / or not touching the vaporizable material 302 can be regarded as an exterior face of the heating element 342. When the heating element 342 is formed of a paperbacked metal, the exposed surface of the metal material can be regarded as an interior face of the heating element 342 and the exposed surface of the paper material can be regarded as an exterior face of the heating element 342. In implementations where an assembled heating element 342 includes overlapping and / or intersecting portions, the interior face and the exterior face of the heating element 342 can be defined with respect to the heating element 342 prior to assembly. In some aspects, a joint location 345 can be regarded as a location or region, at or near an end of the heating element 342, such as where the end of the heating element 342 is at or near another end or another region of the heating element 342. When portions of the heating element 342 overlap, the joint location 345 can optionally be regarded as the overlapping portion, bounded in part by the ends of the heating element 342. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects a joint location 345 can be regarded as a location or region, at or near where a joint is formed (e.g., via direct physical contact, welding, gluing, and / or the like) between two portions of the heating element 342.

[0309] Optional variants of the heating element 342 and joint location 345 are illustrated in FIGs. 15A-15E as heating elements 1542a-1542e (collectively, heating el ements(s) 1542) andjoint locations 1545. In some implementations, a portion of the heating element 342, 1542 proximateone end of the heating element 342, 1542 (e.g., relative to a sheet of material that forms the heating element 342, 1542) at least partially overlaps with a portion proximate another end of the heating element 1542, such as proximate the joint location 345, 1545. The overlapping portions can be welded, glued, crimped, interlocked, pressed, or otherwise connected together. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15E, the overlapping portions of the heating element 1542e can be connected together with the exterior face of the heating element 1542e proximate one end of the heating element 1542e contacting the interior as shown in FIG. 15E, interior face of the heating element 1542e proximate another end.

[0310] The overlapping or intersecting portions of the heating element 1542 can be large enough that they form a capacitive region 1549, which can improve performance of the heating element 1542 by providing a path for electrical current to flow across or through the capacitive region 1549. The capacitive region 1549 can be regarded as (or at least including) a region of the heating element 1542 where a path for electrical current to flow is formed between overlapping, intersecting, or otherwise connected, adjacent portions of the heating element 1542.

[0311] In some implementations, the overlapping portions of the heating element 1542 in the joint location(s) 1545 and / or capacitive region 1549 can be connected together (e.g., welded, glued, crimped, interlocked) together such that any intermediate non-metal or non-conductive portions of the heating element 1542 are sufficiently broken down or removed to provide a path for electrical current to flow between the overlapping portions. For example, if the heating element 1542 is formed from a paper-backed metal, the intermediate paper portion between the two overlapping metal portions of the heating element 1542 can be broken down or removed such that electrical current can flow between the metal portions.

[0312] In some implementations, an electrically conductive adhesive can be applied to the overlapping or intersecting portions (e.g., within the joint location(s) 1545 or capacitive region 1549), which can further improve the path for current flow. For example, the electrically conductive adhesive can include a glue or paste including silver, gold, copper, graphite, aluminum and / or other conductive materials.

[0313] In some implementations, the ends of the heating element 1542 are bent (e.g., both inwards towards or both outward away from the vaporizable material 302, such as at approximately right angles), proximate the joint location 345, and the intersecting portions are welded, glued, crimped, interlocked, or otherwise connected together. In other implementations, the ends of theheating element 1542 can be formed into complementary shapes that are designed to mechanically interlock, such as with opposing tabs formed at opposing ends of the heating element 342, 1542 (e.g., relative to a sheet of material that forms the heating element), configured to secure to each other when the opposing ends of the heating element 342, 1542 are combined.

[0314] In other implementations, the heating element 1542 is made of sufficiently rigid material such that the ends do not need to be physically coupled to each other, but can be in contact with each other. In other implementations, the ends of the heating element 1542 are in close proximity to each other but do not physically touch (see e.g., FIG. 15B). For example, the heating element 1542 can be configured to wrap around between 95% to 99%, greater than 90%, and / or less than 100% of an interior perimeter of the cartridge 320 and / or an interior perimeter of the heater portion 341. In other implementations, the ends of the heating element 1542 are in close proximity to each other and one or more bridges (which can also form one or more capacitance regions 1549) between the heating element 1542 ends are formed via welding (e.g., laser welding, ultrasonic knurling, electron beam welding, gas flame welding, friction welding, etc.), and / or the like. For example, as illustrated in FIGs. 15C and 15D, bridges can be formed as the illustrated capacitive regions 1549. In other implementations, the heating element 1542 is formed as a single, continuous loop of material without ajoint location 345, 1545 (see e.g., FIG. 15A).

[0315] As described herein, specific portions of the heating element 342, 1542 can be modified (e.g., during manufacture, during use, etc.) to provide particular electrical properties that allow for more control over the current flowing through heating element 342, 1542.

[0316] Having a heating element 342 in the form of a continuous loop can create an electrically conductive path around the heating element 342. Being formed in the shape of continuous loop can increase the efficiency of the heating element 342 and thereby the efficiency of the vaporizer devices 100 utilizing such structures. However, such improvements in efficiency can be greater for systems where the heating element 342 is inductively heated via an inductor that is in the form of a coil wrapped, in a plurality of turns, around a region near the perimeter of the heating element 342 (see e.g., inductor 543 of FIG. 5D).

[0317] In other implementations, inductive coils that are not wrapped around an area near the perimeter of the heating element 342 can be utilized such that it is easier to manufacture each heating element 342 and / or cartridge 320. For example, inductive coils that are instead placed in, but not completely wrapped around, different regions near the perimeter of the heating element342 can be implemented such that a complete, electrically conductive path around the heating element 342 is not required to achieve an efficient system (see e.g., FIGs. 5A-5C, FIGs. 11A-1 II, 12A-12E, 13A-13G, 14A-4C). In accordance with such implementations, each heating element 342 and / or cartridge 320 can be manufactured such that the ends of the heating element 342 meet at the joint location 345 without interlocking or welding, which can make manufacturing more efficient and / or cheaper.

[0318] In this regard, non-cylindrical cartridges 320 and receptacles 118, 218 that are configured to receive the non-cylindrical cartridges 320 can have additional advantages that are not present in traditional, cylinder-based systems. For example, a non-cylindrical cartridge 320 that is configured to fit within a corresponding receptacle 118, 218 in only one or two orientations, can allow for certain components of the vaporizer body 110, 210 and cartridge 320 to be disposed at a particular orientation each time. As such, to benefit from the cheaper manufacturing without interlocking or welding while still increasing efficiency each heating element 342 and / or cartridge 320 can be manufactured such that the joint location 345 is disposed in a specific, known location, such as on one of the shorter sides of the cartridge 320, or one of the longer sides of the cartridge 320. The placement of the joint location 345 can be beneficial if the joint location 345 is disposed in a location that is away from the driving circuitry 143, such as inductive coils configured to generate an electromagnetic field. In some aspects, the joint location 345 can be regarded as being off-axis of the primary plane of electromagnetic fields generated by the inductive coils and / or in a location that is outside of a perimeter of each inductive coil. If the joint location 345 was instead disposed near the driving circuitry 143 (e.g., within the primary plane of an electromagnetic field generated by an inductive coil and / or in a location that is within a perimeter of an inductive coil), this would decrease the coupling efficiency between the inductive coil and the heating element 342, and thereby decrease the efficiency of the entire system.

[0319] In some implementations, the heating element 342 can be manufactured to include a structure that is optimized and / or tuned in a manner that results in the desired coupling with inductive coils. For example, it is possible to make a simple structure for the heating element 342 that couples very well with inductive coils but ultimately results in the heating element 342 reaching too high of a temperature, thereby burning the vaporizable material 302. In some aspects, this issue may be present only in certain regions of the vaporizer material 302, and thereby make it beneficial to more evenly absorb and / or distribute energy across the heating element 342.Accordingly, in some implementations, the heating element 342 can be perforated or cut (e.g., via a laser) to adjust its coupling efficiency, such as by making torturous paths for the eddy currents to flow through the heating element 342.

[0320] In example implementations, the heating element 342 is made to include an aluminum alloy or other metal, such as aluminum foil, which can be in a range of 50-150 pm thick, such as 50-100 pm thick, 60-80 pm thick, 70-90 pm thick, 75-85 pm thick, and optionally approximately 80 pm thick. In some implementations, the heating element 342 can include a paper-backed metal, which can increase the structural integrity and / or rigidity of a cartridge manufactured with such a structure, relative to the structural integrity of a shape formed with certain metals alone (e.g., aluminum). For example, the paper-backed metal can include a layer of metal disposed interior to at least one layer of paper such that the metal layer is in direct contact with and / or can provide better thermal transfer to the vaporizable material 302, and may optionally be disposed between (e.g., sandwiched) two layers of paper. In such implementations, the metal can be in a range of 3- 15 pm thick, such as 5-10 pm thick, 6-8 pm thick, and optionally approximately 6.5 pm thick. In related implementations, the paper layer(s) and the metal layer can be sized such that the overall thickness of the heating element 342 is in a range of 50-150 pm thick, such as 50-100 pm thick, 60-80 pm thick, 70-90 pm thick, 75-85 pm thick, and optionally approximately 80 pm thick. Accordingly, the paper layer can be in a range of 35-145 pm thick, such as 40-100 pm thick, 50- 70 pm thick, 55-75 pm thick, 60-80 pm thick, 65-75 pm thick, and optionally approximately 70 pm thick. The total thickness of the heating element 342 can be measured as either inclusive or exclusive of the thickness of any wrapper 322 that is wrapped around the heating element 342, as described herein. For example, a wrapper 322 that is exterior to and / or connecting the heater portion 341 and the mouthpiece portion 330 can be included within or excluded from the thickness measurements described herein. For example, the wrapper 322 can be made out of one or more of a cardstock, corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and / or the like.

[0321] If a thinner metal is used for the heating element 342, then increases in coupling efficiency and / or higher temperatures of the heating element 342 with lower total energy can be achieved. The metal of the heating element 342 can include an aluminum alloy, such as aluminum foil. In other implementations, the metal can include another alloy, such as invar. In some implementations, the heating element 342 can be formed of a cladded metal, which can takeadvantage of benefits of different metals. For example, the heating element 342 can comprise a cladding metal formed from an aluminum alloy and stainless steel, which could take advantage of the higher coupling efficiency of stainless steel and the higher heat transfer of aluminum.

[0322] In implementations where the heating element 342 comprises or is comprised within a paper-backed metal that includes an exterior paper layer and an interior metal layer, an additional material may be provided between the metal layer of the heating element 342 and the vaporizable material 302. For example, a layer of reconstituted tobacco can be disposed between the metal layer of the heating element 342 and the vaporizable material 302. Placing an additional layer of material between the heating element 342 and the vaporizable material 302 can provide a buffer for unwanted substances being vaporized and / or forming part of the aerosol that is inhaled by a user. Separately, the additional layer of material can absorb substances (e.g., liquid) from the vaporizable material 302 when the vaporizable material 302 is heated. For example, if glue is used to form the shape of the heating element 342, the additional material can provide a benefit of absorbing any glue or other materials from the metal layer and / or vaporizable material 302. In other implementations, an additional material (e.g., layer of reconstituted tobacco) may additionally or alternatively be provided between the metal layer of the heating element 342 and the exterior paper layer. Such implementations can also similarly provide a benefit of absorbing any glue or other materials, from the metal layer and / or the exterior paper layer. For example, if glue is applied to the exterior paper layer the additional layer of material can absorb any glue that comes off of the paper layer, provide a buffer that prevents the heat generated by the metal layer from causing any burning or degradation in the glue, and / or the like. In some implementations, multiple paper layers can be provided exterior and / or interior to the metal layer of the heating element 342.

[0323] In some implementations, one or more paper layers exterior and / or interior to the metal layer of the heating element 342 can be coated with and / or formed of material that is configured to absorb liquid from the vaporizable material 302 to reduce the occurrence of any liquid exiting the cartridge 320 (e.g., being left as residue in the vaporizer body 110, 210). For example, a layer of paper material external to the metal layer can be coated with a material that repels liquid and / or is non-liquid permeable (or at least has a lower liquid permeability than typical paper materials used in cigarettes) such that the direction of flow of any liquid from the vaporizable material 302 can be controlled (e.g., such that it does not leak out of a perimeter of the heating element 342and / or cartridge 320). In such implementations, any liquid from the vaporizable material 302 can be retained within the cartridge 320 itself, such as through the use of inserts (e.g., filters) and / or end caps at or near the heater portion proximal end 341a and / or the heater portion distal end 341b, such as the inserts and end caps described herein.

[0324] Although the paper-backed metal is described as including paper or reconstituted tobacco, other materials can be implemented instead, such as one or more of corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic (e g., PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and / or the like, and paper is only described herein for simplicity. Although various layers of materials are described as being internal or external, there can be additional materials that are internal or external to each of the described materials. For example, if the heating element 342 comprises or is comprised within a paper-backed metal that includes an exterior paper layer and an interior metal layer, an additional material may be provided on the exterior of the exterior paper layer when the cartridge 320 is finally assembled, such as an additional wrapper 122 and / or the wrapper 322 in the mouthpiece portion 330 extending to the exterior of the heater portion 341. In various implementations that include a heating element 342 formed as a metal susceptor, the heating element 342 can be configured to heat air passing at or near the exterior of the cartridge 320, prior to the air entering the cartridge 320 and passing through the vaporizable material 302.

[0325] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the mouthpiece portion 330 can include an insert 324 that is wrapped in a wrapper 322 or some other shell or layer of material. The wrapper 322 can be similar to the outer layer (e.g., wrapper(s) 122) of FIGs. 1A-1B. For example, the wrapper 322 can be made of material such as one or more of a paper material such as cardstock, corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and / or the like. The insert 324 can be similar to the insert(s) 124 of FIGs. 1 A-1B. For example, the insert 324 can be made of material such as one or more of paper material such as cardstock, corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and / or the like.

[0326] The insert 324 and / or layer of material (e.g., wrapper 322) can extend between a mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a and a mouthpiece portion distal end 330b, and the total distance between these two ends can be referred to as the mouthpiece portion 330 length. Similarto the heater portion 341, the mouthpiece portion 330 can include a shorter mouthpiece portion 330 depth transverse to its length, and a longer mouthpiece portion 330 width that is transverse to both its length and depth. These dimensions can extend in the same axes as the heater portion 341.

[0327] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the insert 324 can include a plurality of airflow outlet channels 326 that extend from a plurality of corresponding vapor inlets 335 at the mouthpiece portion distal end 330b to a plurality of corresponding airflow outlets 328 at the mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a. The airflow outlet channels 326 thereby form a fluid connection between the heater portion 341 and the airflow outlets 328, such that vapor generated in the heater portion 341 may be drawn towards a user at the mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a, and ultimately out of the airflow outlets 328 as an inhalable aerosol. Proximate to the mouthpiece portion distal end 330b (at least more proximate than to the mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a), the insert 324 can further include a plurality of bypass channels 338 that each extend from corresponding bypass air inlet 329 to corresponding bypass outlets 327, and thereby form a fluid connection between the airflow outlet channels 326 and ambient air. In some implementations, the airflow outlet channels 326 and / or the bypass channels 338 can be created via a laser-cutting operation through walls of the insert 324 during the manufacturing process.

[0328] The heater portion 341 can include one or more cartridge inlets (e.g., though-holes) at the heater portion distal end 341b configured to allow external air (i.e., external to the cartridge 320, such as ambient air) to enter the volume defined at least in part by the heating element 342. In some aspects, the volume defined at least in part by the heating element 342 can be referred to as a heater chamber, as it is a physically bound location in which heating is occurring. The heater chamber can be in fluid communication with the heater portion proximal end 341a, which may include one or more outlets. Accordingly, the one or more outlets at the heater portion proximal end 341a can be in fluid communication with the one or more cartridge inlets at the heater portion distal end 341b, via the heater chamber.

[0329] When a user draws on the mouthpiece portion 330 at the mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a, this can cause external air to enter one or more cartridge inlets (e.g., though-holes) at the heater portion distal end 341b and cause ambient air to enter the plurality of bypass air inlets 329 at approximately the same time. The external air that enters at the heater portion distal end 341b can subsequently pass through the vaporizable material 302 as it is heated to entrain the vaporized material (also referred to as “vapor”) generated within the heater chamber including thevolume defined at least in part by the heating element 342. Meanwhile, the air that entered the plurality of bypass air inlets 329 can subsequently pass through the plurality of bypass channels 338 and out of their corresponding bypass outlets 327, entering their respective airflow outlet channels 326. The air that entrains the vaporized material 302 in the heater chamber (including the volume defined at least in part by the heating element 342) can subsequently pass through one or more outlets at the heater portion proximal end 341a and into the plurality of vapor inlets 335 at the mouthpiece portion distal end 330b, entering the plurality of airflow outlet channels 326. As the vapor and air from the heater portion 341 traverse the plurality of airflow outlet channels 326, they mix with the ambient air that entered through the plurality of bypass air inlets 329 to form an inhalable aerosol. The area in which the mixing and / or condensation occurs can be referred to as a condensation chamber. Accordingly, each of the plurality of airflow outlet channels 326 can include one or more condensation chambers configured to condense the entrained vapor with the ambient air to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol. For example, at least a part of one or more airflow outlet channels can include one or more condensation chambers. In some implementations, the entirety or majority of an airflow outlet channel 326 of the plurality of airflow outlet channels 326 can include one or more condensation chambers. As such, in some implementations, a part of at least one airflow outlet channel 326 may not include at least one condensation chamber. In some implementations, the condensation chamber (e.g., area in which the mixing and / or condensation occurs) can be a part of an element and / or space that is separate from and / or outside of the airflow outlet channel 326. The inhalable aerosol ultimately travels out of the plurality of airflow outlets 328 at the mouthpiece portion proximal end 330a and into the mouth of a user. Accordingly, the plurality of airflow outlets 328 can be in fluid communication with the at least one condensation chamber in a corresponding one of the plurality of airflow outlets 328, and / or configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol to a user. Collectively, the path of air, vapor, and inhalable aerosol within the cartridge 320 can be referred to as the airflow path of the cartridge 320. The overall airflow path of a vaporizer device that includes the cartridge 320 is further defined by the vaporizer body, which is described in greater detail below. Although the flow of “air” is described herein, depending on the location within or even outside of the cartridge 320, the “air” can contain other matter, such as gas-phase and / or condensed-phase material suspended in a stationary or moving mass of air or some other gas carrier (e.g., an aerosol), a liquid or solid at least partially transitioned to the gas phase (e.g., a vaporizable material), and / or the like.

[0330] Generating an inhalable aerosol in this manner can be beneficial, as it provides a larger fluid volume within which the aerosol can be formed and cool. For example, compared to a singular airflow outlet channel, providing two independent airflow outlet channels 326 within the mouthpiece portion 330 can increase the total fluid volume within which the aerosol can be formed and cooled, while still providing smaller fluid volumes that are easier to control, provide a better restriction to draw, and in which a larger overall portion of the vapor is able to independently mix with ambient air.

[0331] Although illustrated as a generally flattened cylindrical shape, a cross-section of the mouthpiece portion 330 and / or the heater portion 341 can be a different shape. For example, in some implementations, a cross-section of the mouthpiece portion 330 and / or the heater portion 341 can be similar to one or more of the cross-sections of FIGs. 8A-8F. The cross-section may be anywhere between the respective distal and proximal ends of each of the mouthpiece portion 330 and / or the heater portion 341.

[0332] Although the heater portion 341 and the mouthpiece portion 330 are illustrated separately in FIG. 3, they may be combined, such as by one or more external layers (e.g., similar to the wrappers 122 of FIGs. 1A-1B). For example, the layer(s) / wrapper(s) can be made of material such as one or more of a paper material such as cardstock, corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and / or the like. Separately, in some implementations, more or less components and / or features may exist in the heater portion 341 and / or the mouthpiece portion 330, the components and / or features of the heater portion 341 and / or the mouthpiece portion 330 may be disposed in different locations and / or take different physical forms, and / or components of the heater portion 341 and the mouthpiece portion 330 may be swapped.

[0333] Although the various airflow pathways are all illustrated as being formed through a singular insert 324, there may be more than one insert 324 and / or additional or alternative components within the mouthpiece portion 330 through which the airflow pathways are defined. Additionally, although multiple instances or singular instances of the various features and components are described, more or less instances may be provided. Further, although the various features and components that define the airflow path have been illustrated and described as being at specific locations and taking specific shapes, other locations and / or shapes are contemplated.For example, although the bypass channels 338 are illustrated as being defined in a direction that is approximately parallel to the mouthpiece portion 330 depth in some implementations the bypass channels 338 can be angled downward (i.e., forming an angle below the first transverse axis). For example, the bypass channels 38 can be angled, such as angled upward and / or downward with respect to the cartridge 120 width and / or towards at least one vapor inlet 335. This can introduce more turbulence into the airflow path and promote better mixing of air and vapor. Various implementations of these alternative cartridge configurations are described in greater detail below.

[0334] FIGs. 4A-4Q illustrate cross-sectional schematics of various implementations of a vaporizer device 400a-q consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. For purposes of simplicity only, certain components of the vaporizer devices 400a-q are not illustrated. Further, these vaporizer devices 400a-q can be implementations of one or more components of the vaporizer devices 100a, 100b of FIGs. 1A-1B, the vaporizer device 200 of FIG. 2, and / or the cartridge 320 of FIG. 3.

[0335] As illustrated in FIGs. 4A-4B, the vaporizer device 400, 400a can include a vaporizer body 410 and a cartridge 420 containing a vaporizable material 402. The vaporizer device 400, 400a illustrated in FIG. 4B is taken along cross-section A-A from FIG. 4A. As illustrated, the vaporizer body 410 can include a holder assembly 458 and one or more sensors 413. The holder assembly 458 can include a frame 447 defining a receptacle 418, and can optionally include a plurality of ridges 446 within the receptacle. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, external to the frame 447 and the receptacle 418, the holder assembly 458 can include or otherwise be coupled to one or more inductors 443 and / or one or more flux concentrators 448. In some implementations, each of the one or more inductors 443 can include an inductive coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field. In some implementations, each of the one or more flux concentrators 448 can include a magnetic material (e.g., ferritic material) configured to control and / or direct an electromagnetic field, generated by a respective inductor 443, such as by changing magnetic properties of the field. In some implementations, each of the one or more flux concentrators 448 can include a nanocrystal material, a nanometal material, and / or the like. Although various implementations are described with the holder assembly 458 including inductor(s) 443 and / or flux concentrator s) 448, it will be appreciated that such configurations of the holder assembly 458 are not required. In some implementations the inductor(s) 443 and / or flux concentrator(s) 448 can be secured to or within other components of the vaporizer body 410 that do not define the receptacle418. For example, the inductor(s) 443 can be secured to or within a holder assembly 458 and the flux concentrator s) 448 can be secured to or within other component(s) of the vaporizer body 410 that are external to the holder assembly 458 (e.g., component(s) that are further away from the receptacle 418 and closer to the external shell of the vaporizer body 410). Alternatively, the inductor(s) 443 and the flux concentrator(s) 448 can be secured to or within other component(s) of the vaporizer body 410 that are external to the holder assembly 458.

[0336] In some implementations, the plurality of ridges 446 can be configured to retain the cartridge 420 within the receptacle 418, such as by applying force against the heater portion 441 of the cartridge 420. In some implementations, the cartridge 420 can be large enough to apply force in a direction that is opposite the force of the plurality of ridges 446, potentially resulting in a slight deformation of the heater portion 441. As illustrated, the plurality of ridges 446 can be positioned on one or both of the longitudinal walls and the lateral walls of the cartridge receptacle 418. Although the plurality of ridges are illustrated as bulges, other geometries can be used.

[0337] As illustrated, the cartridge 420 can include a mouthpiece portion 430 and a heater portion 441 within one or more layers of material (illustrated as wrapper(s) 422).

[0338] The heater portion 441 can include one or more heating element(s) 442, which at least partially defines a volume within which the vaporizable material 402 is held. The heating element(s) 442 can be configured to heat the vaporizable material 402 to generate a vapor. As described herein, the heat can be generated through inductive means, although conductive and / or convective heating can also be provided. For example, eddy currents may be induced in the heating element(s) 442 via induction, which in turn cause the heating element(s) 442 to heat up. If the vaporizable material 402 is in direct contact with the heating element(s) 442, then the vaporizable material 402 may be heated via conductive heating at the points of direct contact. Additionally and / or alternatively, the heat produced by the heating element(s) 442 can be picked up by air passing along or near the heating element(s) 442 and distribute the heat to portions of the vaporizable material 402 that are not in physical contact with the heating element(s) 442, thereby heating the vaporizable material 402 via convective heating. The volume within which the vaporizable material 402 is held can be regarded as a heater chamber. For example, the volume defined at least in part by the heating element 442 can be referred to as a heater chamber. Accordingly, the heating element(s) 442 can define at least a portion of a perimeter of a heater chamber containing the vaporizable material, and in some implementations define substantially allof the perimeter. Arrows shown extending from the heating element 442 can indicate a direction of heat flow and / or heat transfer from the heating element 442, such as the opposing sets of horizontal arrows extending from the heating element 442 and directed towards a center of the heating chamber defined by the heating element 442 and / or towards a center of the vaporizable material 402, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4Q. As shown in FIG. 4P, arrows are also shown extending from the heating element 442 extending along an end of the cartridge 420 and indicate a direction of heat flow and / or heat transfer from the heating element 442 and directed towards a center of the heating chamber defined by the heating element 442 and / or towards a center of the vaporizable material 402. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4Q, arrows that are not extending from the heating element 442 can indicate a direction of fluid flow (e.g., airflow, inhalable aerosol, etc.) and / or a fluid pathway (e.g., airflow pathway, inhalable aerosol pathway, etc.).

[0339] The heater portion 441 can include an end cap at the cartridge distal end 420b to hold the vaporizable material 402 therein and / or define a lower boundary of the volume (e.g., heater chamber). However, in some implementations, the vaporizable material 402 can be formed with sufficient rigidity (e.g., in the form of a puck or another pre-formed shape) that an end cap is not necessary. In the event an end cap is included, it can include one or more cartridge inlets (e.g., though-holes) such that ambient air may enter the heater chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the end cap can include an air-permeable material such that air may enter the heater chamber through the material. The end cap can be regarded as a filterend cap (see FIG. 4H), and / or include material such as one or more of paper material such as cardstock, corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), cellulose acetate, nonwood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and / or the like. For example, the end cap can include corrugated paper material that is pressed or formed to fit within a region at the cartridge distal end 420b.

[0340] In some implementations, the material forming the one or more heating elements 442 can be further extended to enclose the cartridge distal end 420b and help retain the vaporizable material 402 (see e.g., FIG. 4N). Accordingly, the one or more heating elements 442 can include a plurality of cartridge inlets such that external air (i.e., external to the cartridge 420, such as the air within the receptacle 418) may enter the heater chamber. The plurality of cartridge inlets in the one or more heating elements 442 can be through-holes formed in the direction of the cartridge 420 longitudinal dimension. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of cartridge inlets in theone or more heating elements 442 can be through-holes formed in one or more directions that are perpendicular to the cartridge 420 longitudinal dimension, such as around a perimeter of the one or more heating elements 442 and / or proximate the cartridge distal end 420b. In the event the vaporizable material 402 is exposed at the cartridge distal end 420b (e.g., no end cap may be used), the boundary formed by the distal ends of the one or more heating elements 442 and / or the one or more layers of material (e.g., wrapper(s) 422) can form one cartridge inlet such that ambient air may enter the heater chamber.

[0341] As illustrated between FIGs. 4A-4B, the mouthpiece portion 430 can include one or more inserts 424. The one or more inserts 424 can include first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b that extend from corresponding first and second vapor inlets 435a, 435b, proximate the intersection of the mouthpiece portion 430 and the heater portion 441, to corresponding first and second airflow outlets 428a, 438b at the cartridge proximal end 420a. The first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b thereby form a fluid connection between the heater portion 441 and the first and second airflow outlets 428a, 428b, such that vapor generated in the heater portion 441 may be drawn towards a user at the cartridge proximal end 420a, and ultimately out of the first and second airflow outlets 428a, 428b as an inhalable aerosol. Proximate to the intersection of the mouthpiece portion 430 and the heater portion 441, the insert 424 can further include first and second bypass channels 438a, 438b that each extend from corresponding first and second bypass air inlets 429a, 429b to corresponding first and second bypass outlets 427a, 427b, and thereby form a fluid connection between the first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b and ambient air. In some implementations, the airflow outlet channels 426 and / or the bypass channels 438 can be created via a laser-cutting operation through walls of the insert 424 during the manufacturing process. It will be appreciated that the cross-sectional views of FIGs. 4B-4P can be regarded as illustrating the bypass air inlets 429, a portion of the bypass channels 438, and the airflow outlets 428 in the locations labeled as the bypass air inlets 429. However, the bypass air inlets 429 are illustrated and described for convenience.

[0342] It will be appreciated that the cross-sections are limited, and do not illustrate the fact that there are, for example, four bypass channels 438 (each with corresponding air inlets and outlets) in accordance with the implementation of FIGs. 4A-4B. However, as described herein, there may be more or less bypass channels 438, and the bypass channels 438 may take a different shape than what is illustrated. For example, each of the illustrated rectangular (cuboid) bypasschannels 438 can be replaced with more and / or differently sized rectangular (cuboid) bypass channels 438 (see e.g., FIGs. 4C, 4G, 41). In other implementations, the illustrated rectangular (cuboid) bypass channels 438 can be replaced with a plurality of circular (cylindrical) bypass channels 438, such as two, three, four, etc. circular (cylindrical) bypass channels 438. In such implementations, if there are two airflow outlet channels 426, each will have two sets of bypass channels 438, and the cartridge 420 could therefore include eight, twelve, sixteen, etc. bypass channels 438. Instead of the rectangular (cuboid) or circular (cylindrical) bypass channels 438, other geometries of the bypass channels 438 can be created.

[0343] When a user draws on the mouthpiece portion 430 at the cartridge proximal end 420a, this can cause ambient air to enter the receptacle 418 of the device body 410 at the airflow inlets 434, cause the air residing in the receptacle 418 to enter one or more inlets at the cartridge distal end 420b, and cause ambient air to enter the bypass air inlet(s) 429 at the same time. The air that enters the receptacle 418 from the airflow inlets 434 can travel along the airflow inlet path 432 to the cartridge distal end 420a, where it can continually flow into the one or more cartridge inlets located there. In some implementations, the plurality of ridges 446 can define the shape and size of the airflow inlets 434 into the receptacle 418, as described in greater detail below.

[0344] The air that enters at the cartridge distal end 420b can subsequently pass through the vaporizable material 402 as it is heated to entrain the vaporized material generated within the heater chamber. Meanwhile, the air that entered the bypass air inlet(s) 429 can subsequently pass through the bypass channels 438 and out of their corresponding bypass outlets 427, entering their respective airflow outlet channels 426. The air that entrains the vaporized material in the heater chamber can subsequently pass into the vapor inlets 435, entering the airflow outlet channels 426. As the vapor and air from the heater portion 441 traverse the airflow outlet channels 426, they mix with the ambient air that entered through the bypass air inlet(s) 429 to form an inhalable aerosol. The area in which the mixing and / or condensation occurs can be referred to as a condensation chamber. Accordingly, each of the airflow outlet channels 426 can include one or more condensation chambers configured to condense the entrained vapor with the ambient air to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol. This inhalable aerosol ultimately travels out of the airflow outlets 428 at the cartridge proximal end 420a and into the mouth of a user. Accordingly, the plurality of airflow outlets 328 can be in fluid communication with the at least one condensation chamber in a corresponding one of the plurality of airflow outlets 328, and / or configured to deliverthe inhalable aerosol to a user. Collectively, the path of air, vapor, and inhalable aerosol through the vaporizer device 400 can be referred to as the airflow path of the vaporizer device 400.

[0345] The one or more sensors 413 can include a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, measurement circuitry configured to measure properties of the various components of the vaporizer body 410 and / or cartridge 420, and / or the like. In some implementations, the pressure sensor can be configured to detect changes in pressure that occur along the airflow path of the vaporizer device 400. Detected pressure drops can be used to determine when a user is inhaling, which can in turn be used to increase the power applied to the heating element(s) 442 to maintain or increase the temperature of the heating element(s) 442. Additionally or alternatively, the detected pressure drops can be used to count the number of puffs taken, which can in turn be used for other operations, such as stopping the application of power to the heating element(s) 442 (e.g., placing the vaporizer device 400 in a sleep or off state).

[0346] In some implementations, the one or more sensors 413 can include measurement circuitry configured to derive one or more properties of the heating element(s) 442 and / or inductor(s) 443, such as resistance, inductance, and / or temperature. In some aspects, the measurement circuitry can include circuitry configured to directly measure the one or more properties and / or circuitry configured to estimate the one or more properties based on other data (e.g., obtained via direct measurement, obtained processed and / or filtered measurement data, obtained from memory, and / or the like). The resistance and / or inductance of the heating element(s) 442, for example, can be used to estimate the temperature of the heating element(s). The resistance, inductance, and / or temperature can be used to maintain and / or alter the application of power to the heating element(s) 442, such as to achieve a target temperature. For example, altering the application of power can include increasing or decreasing the total power applied to the inductor(s) 443 and / or heating element(s) 442, adjusting a duty cycle of power applied to the inductor(s) 443 and / or heating element(s) 442, and / or the like. A duty cycle of power applied to the heating element(s) 442 can include a defined (e.g., predetermined and / or dynamically determined) period of time during which power is applied and a defined (e.g., predetermined and / or dynamically determined) period of time during which power is not applied during a given cycle of time. In some implementations, a default duty cycle can include 48 milliseconds (ms) of applying power and 2 ms of not applying power, every 50 ms.

[0347] Within the period of time during which power is not applied, the resistance and / or inductance of the heating element(s) 442 can be derived. If the derived resistance, inductance, and / or temperature are above a respective threshold (e.g., target temperature), the period of time during which power is applied can be decreased and / or the period of time during which power is not applied can be increased, in order to maintain a stable temperature at the heating element(s) 442 (e.g., target temperature). If the derived resistance, inductance, and / or temperature are below the same or a different respective threshold (e.g., target temperature), the period of time during which power is applied can be increased (up to a maximum value, which can be the same as the default value) and / or the period of time during which power is not applied can be decreased (down to a minimum value, which can be the same as the default value). For example, the same period of time (e.g., the last 2 ms) in each duty cycle (50 ms) may always be dedicated to deriving the resistance and / or inductance of the heating element(s) 442, regardless of the resistance, inductance, and / or temperature, and even if power is not being applied for a longer period of time.

[0348] However, in some implementations, the default duty cycle can be defined to apply power during the entire cycle of time (e.g., 50 ms out of each 50 ms), with measurements being taken at predetermined intervals (e.g., at the beginning or end of each duty cycle) regardless of whether power is being applied to the heating element(s) 442. The default duty cycle can be adjusted to include a period of time during which power is not applied during the duty cycle, based on the measured or derived value(s). This can be achieved, for example, by providing separate driving circuitry (e.g., including one or more inductors 443) and measurement circuitry (e.g., including a sensor 413), as described herein. Although temperature control can be achieved based on controlling the application of power to the heating element(s) 442 according to duty cycles as described herein, additionally or alternatively temperature control can be achieved based on controlling the voltage applied to the inductor(s) 443 and / or heating element(s) 442.

[0349] Implementations in which eddy currents are used to heat the vaporizable material 402, such as by use of heating element(s) 442 comprising a susceptor formed from aluminum and / or another non-ferritic metal, closed loop temperature control can be implemented with greater accuracy. For example, in implementations where the heating element(s) 442 are in direct contact with the vaporizable material 402, more accurate estimations of the current temperature of the vaporizable material 402 can be obtained and used in feedback loop temperature control, such asin accordance with the temperature control methodologies, components, circuitry, and / or the like described herein.

[0350] In some implementations, the measurement circuitry can be similar to the circuitry 973a-e illustrated in FIGs. 9A-9E. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the circuitry 973a can include a power source AC (alternating current) (grounded) connected to a capacitor C, which is coupled with the inductive coil(s) 943 (LCOIL). As illustrated, the inductive coil(s) 943 can include an inductive component L and a resistive component R, although not necessarily physically formed from an inductor and a resistor (see FIGs. 5A-5J for examples of the physical construction of LCOIL). The inductive coil(s) 943 can be coupled in series or in parallel with the capacitor C, depending on whether the power source simulates an AC voltage or an AC current. The end of the inductive coil(s) 943 that is not coupled with the capacitor C and / or power source can be coupled to ground. Sense circuit 913 can be coupled to each end of the inductive coil(s) 943 to measure the inductance L and the resistance R of the inductive coil(s) 943, for use in the temperature control processes described herein.

[0351] In some implementations, temperature control can be implemented based on comparing derived (e.g., measured) inductive and / or restive values at different points in time and / or at different frequencies. For example, in some implementations the sense circuit 913 can be configured to measure or derive a first inductance LA and / or a first resistance RA of the inductive coil(s) 943 when AC power is not applied to the inductive coil(s) 943 by the power source AC, which can be referred to as measuring the inductance and / or resistance of the inductive coil(s) 943 at DC (direct current) (e.g., 0 Hz). Measuring at DC can reduce or eliminate the impact that the heating element(s) 442 have on the inductive coil(s) 943. The sense circuit 913 can be further configured to measure a second inductance LB and a second resistance RB of the inductive coil(s) 943 at a time while power is being applied by the power source AC, such as when heating a heating element(s) 442 (not shown). These measurements can be taken to determine the effect that the heating element(s) 442 has on the inductive coil(s) 943. These measurements can be taken at a specific frequency, such as within a range of 100 kHz to 1 MHz. Based on these measured values, the sense circuit 913 and / or other circuitry (e.g., a controller 104 in communication with the sense circuit 913) can be configured to derive (e.g., estimate) the temperature of the heating element(s) 442. For example, the ratio of resistance over inductance (e.g., Rc / Lc) caused by the heating element(s) 442 can be estimated based on the equation (RA - RB) / (LA - LB). Because theinductance of the heating element(s) 442 generally does not change with temperature, the result of this equation (Rc / Lc) can be used with other information about the heating element(s) 442 and / or inductive coil(s) 943 to derive the temperature of the heating element(s) 442 at the time the measurements were taken. As described herein, the derived temperature of the heating element(s) 442 can be used to regulate the temperature of the heating element(s) 442, such as by providing the same, more, or less power and / or for the same, longer, or shorter durations of time, which can be implemented to heat the heating element(s) 442 at or near a target temperature.

[0352] For example, in some implementations, the result of the equation (Rc / Lc) and a thermal coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heating element(s) 442 can be combined to derive an estimated temperature of the heating element(s) 442. The heating element(s) 442 can be manufactured such that it has a specific TCR, optionally with some level of tolerance. This specific TCR value and / or the tolerance can be stored in the vaporizer device 420, such as in memory 108, in the sense circuit 913, and / or the like. In other implementations, the TCR of the heating element(s) 442 can be measured periodically and / or upon the occurrence of specific events, such as upon insertion of the heating element(s) 442 in the vaporizer body 410, based on predetermined criteria such as a change of inductance and / or resistance over time or rate of change of inductance and / or resistance over time, before and / or after heating the heating element(s) 442, at set intervals of time before and / or after heating the heating element(s) 442, and / or the like.

[0353] In some implementations, a Curie temperature of the heating element(s) 442 can be utilized to maintain heat applied to the vaporizable material 402 in a particular range. A Curie temperature of an object can be regarded as a temperature at which particles of the object are substantially non-magnetic. For example, in implementations where the heating element(s) 442 is made of a nickel and iron alloy (e g., Invar), the heating element 442 can be configured such that it does not reach higher than a known temperature (e.g., 240°C). As such, the heating element(s) 442 can be regarded as self-regulating. Otherwise, the existence of metals with a known Curie temperature can be factored into the heater control methodologies described herein. For example, in some implementations, a controller 104 and / or other circuitry can be configured to monitor the heating element(s) 442 magnetic properties as it is transitioning to its Curie temperature, and regulate the heating element(s) 442 such that it stays at or near its Curie temperature. For example, the controller 104 can be configured to decrease the application of power and / or energy to theheating element(s) 442 when it is at or near its Curie temperature such that additional power and / or energy is not wasted.

[0354] In various implementations, depending on the shape of the heating element(s) 442, multiple inductive coils 943 can be used to heat the heating element(s) 442. For example, one inductive coil 943 can be used to generate an electromagnetic field to heat each of two opposing long sides of the heating element(s) 442. In other implementations, sets of two, three, four, five, six, or more inductive coils 943 can be used to generate electromagnetic fields to each heat two opposing long sides of the heating element(s) 442 (see FIGs. 5A-5J for examples of the physical construction and / or locations of the inductive coils 943).

[0355] When multiple inductive coils 943 are implemented, each can be configured to operate at the same frequency and / or different frequencies. For example, in some implementations all of the inductive coils 943 can be configured, via their structure and / or corresponding circuitry such as a controller 104, to operate at substantially the same operating frequency, which can change over time. All of the inductive coils 943 can be configured to operate at a first frequency when power is not being applied to heat the heating element(s) 442 (which can be 0 Hz), at a second frequency when power is being applied to heat the heating element(s) 442 in a first heating mode (e.g., during a pre-heating mode, a standby mode, a normal power mode, and / or the like), and / or at a third frequency when power is being applied to heat the heating element(s) 442 in a second heating mode (e.g., where more power is applied relative to the first heating mode, such as in a normal power mode, a boost power mode, and / or the like).

[0356] In other implementations, one or more of the inductive coils 943 can be configured to operate at a different frequency or frequencies from the remaining inductive coils 943. In accordance with these implementations, the inductive coils 943 can be configured to operate at substantially the same frequency during certain times or modes while also being configured to operate at different frequencies during certain times or modes. For example, in implementations where sets of two or more inductive coils 943 are provided to respectively heat opposing sides of the heating element(s) 442, one of the inductive coils 943 or one of the inductive coils 943 from each set can be configured to operate at a different frequency while the remaining inductive coils 943 operate at the same frequency. With each of the inductive coils 943 being positioned near different portions of the heating element(s) 442, information derived from the inductive coil 943(or coils) operating at a different frequency can be used to derive additional information about the heating element(s) 442.

[0357] In implementations where one inductive coil 943 is used to heat each of the long sides of the heating element(s) 442, each of the inductive coils 943 can be configured to operate at substantially the same frequency (FA) during certain modes and / or times, and each of the inductive coils 943 can be further configured to operate at a different frequency (FB) during other modes and / or times. For example, a first inductive coil 943 LCOILA that is near side “A” of the heating element(s) 442 and a second inductive coil 943 LCOILB that is near side “B” of the heating element(s) 442 can, during a first Mode / Timei be configured to both operate at frequency FA. During a second Mode / Timez the first inductive coil 943 LCOILA can be configured to operate at frequency FB while the second inductive coil 943 LCOILB can be configured to remain operating at frequency FA. During a third Mode / Timei the first inductive coil 943 LCOILA can be configured to operate at frequency FA while the second inductive coil 943 LCOILB can be configured to operate at frequency FB. During each of the Modes / Times, measurements of the properties of the inductive coils 943 can be taken, such as inductance and / or resistance measurements. These measurements can be compared against expected values for the measurements to derive additional information about the heating element 442, such as whether the heating element 442 is deformed. For example, if some combination of the inductance and / or resistance measurements taken during the second Mode / Time differ from the same combination of the inductance and / or resistance measurements taken during the third Mode / Times, then it can be concluded that the heating element 442 is deformed on side A or side B of the heating element 442. Although two Frequencies FA,B are discussed, additional frequencies can be applied during heating and / or measurement of the heating element(s) 442, such as Frequencies FA-N.

[0358] Frequency FA can be a frequency at which the heating element(s) 442 is heated to vaporize the vaporizable material 402. However, frequency FA can alternatively be a frequency at which the heating element(s) 442 is not heated to vaporize the vaporizable material 402. For example, frequency FA can be a frequency that is lower than the frequency at which the heating element(s) 442 is heated. Frequencies FB-N can additionally or alternatively include a frequency at which the heating element(s) 442 is heated, a frequency at which the heating element(s) 442 is not heated (e.g., lower or higher frequencies than the frequency at which the heating element(s) 442 is heated), and / or can be adjusted dynamically based on measurements of the heatingelement(s) 442 and / or the like. In various implementations, Frequencies FA, FB, etc. are within a range of 0 Hz to 1 MHz. In order to derive more information about the heating element(s) 442, additional distinct frequencies can be used. For example, measurements can be taken while operating one or more of the inductive coils 943 at approximately 50 kHz, 100 kHz, 150 kHz, 200 kHz, 250 kHz, 300 kHz, 350 kHz, 400 kHz, 500 kHz, etc. (e.g., in ranges of ± 5 kHz, ± 10 kHz, ± 15 kHz, etc.).

[0359] In some implementations, multiple inductive coils 943 may be disposed near each of side A and / or side B of the heating element(s) 442. For example, in accordance with TABLES 1- 3 below, LCOILAI and LCOILA2 may be disposed near side A and LCOILBI and LCOILB2 may be disposed near side B. In accordance with these example implementations, each of the inductive coils 943 can be driven at different frequencies and / or at different times. At some of all of the time frames and / or frequencies, the inductive coils 943 can be used to derive information about the heating element(s) 442, as described herein.

[0360] As shown in TABLE 1, all of the inductive coils 943 can be configured to start in mode / timei at Frequency FA, and sequentially for each mode / timez-s thereafter, only one of the inductive coils 943 operates at Frequency FB while the remainder operate at the original FA. In some implementations, the pattern of sequential changing frequencies can be repeated with FB being a different value, such as by cycling through a repeating sequence of frequencies FB-N.TABLE 1

[0361] As shown in TABLE 2, all of the inductive coils 943 can be configured to start in mode / timei at Frequency FA, and sequentially for each mode / time2-5 thereafter, only one of the inductive coils 943 operates at a different frequency while the remainder operate at the original FA. In accordance with the implementation in TABLE 2, each of the inductive coils 943 sequentially operate across a plurality of Frequencies FB-N.TABLE 2

[0362] As shown in TABLE 3, all of the inductive coils 943 can be configured to start in mode / timei at Frequency FA, and sequentially for each mode / timez-s thereafter, a plurality of the inductive coils 943 operate at a different frequency FB while the remainder operate at the original FA. In accordance with the implementation in TABLE 3, each of the inductive coils 943 can operate at Frequency FB at the same time as an inductive coil 943 on the same side or an opposite side therefrom. It will be appreciated that a larger number of inductive coils 943 and / or measurements taken at different frequencies can increase the accuracy the system, such as by making more precise determinations as to the location of a deformation, for example.TABLE 3

[0363] As such, various measurements of the heating element(s) 442 can be taken while the heating element(s) 442 is being actively heated and / or while the heating element(s) 442 is not actively heated. Measurements of the heating element(s) 442 can be taken while the heating element(s) 442 is actively heated in a normal power mode, a boost power mode, and / or the like. In some implementations, an inductive coil that is actively heating the heating element(s) 442 to vaporize the vaporizable material 402 in a normal power mode can be configured to operate in a frequency range of 100 kHz to 200 kHz or 250 kHz to 350 kHz. An inductive coil that is activelyheating the heating element(s) 442 to vaporize the vaporizable material 402 in a boost power mode can be configured to operate in a frequency range that higher than the frequency range in the normal power mode, such as greater than 200 kHz or greater than 350 kHz, and optionally less than 500 kHz. Measurements of the heating element(s) 442 can be taken while the heating element(s) 442 may or may not be actively heated, such as in a cartridge detection mode, a preheating mode, a measurement mode, a standby mode, and / or the like.

[0364] In some implementations, an inductive coil 943 that is operating in a measurement mode can be configured to operate at a plurality of different frequencies and / or frequency ranges while not actively heating the heating element(s) 442 to vaporize the vaporizable material 402. Information sensed or measured through the inductive coil 943 in this mode can be used to determine whether there are any irregularities and / or deformations in the heating element(s) 442. In various implementations, only a portion of the inductive coils 943 may be operating in the measurement mode while the remainder of the inductive coils 943 are operating in a normal power mode or boost power mode. Depending on a level and / or location of deformation detected, the vaporizer device 400 (e.g., via the controller 104) can be configured to compensate for the deformation, prevent activation of the inductive coils 943, provide an indication to the user that a deformed heating element 442 and / or cartridge 420 has been detected (e.g., via one or more outputs 117, such as one or more LEDs), and / or the like. In some implementations, compensating for the deformation can include applying more or less power to the area of the heating element 442 that has been determined to be deformed.

[0365] In some implementations, an inductive coil 943 that is operating in a cartridge detection mode can be configured to operate at a plurality of different frequencies and / or frequency ranges while not actively heating the heating element(s) 442 to vaporize the vaporizable material 402. Information sensed or measured through the inductive coil 943 in this mode can be used to determine whether an object present in the vaporizer device 420, such as heating element(s) 442, have certain defined properties of an object designed for use with the vaporizer device 420. If and when heating element(s) 442 having the correct properties are detected, the vaporizer device 420 can be configured to allow the inductive coils 943 to operating in a normal power mode and / or boost power mode. If an object is detected but does not have one or more of the defined properties, then the inductive coil 943 may be disabled from heating. In some implementations, a definedproperty of the heating element(s) 442 can be an inductance measurement and / or resistance measurement.

[0366] In some implementations, an inductive coil 943 that is operating in a pre-heating mode can be configured to operate at one or a plurality of different frequencies to bring the heating element(s) 442 to a temperature that is suitable for vaporization. Additionally or alternatively, the pre-heating mode can include selectively heating different portions of the heating element(s) 442 to drive off at least a portion of the water vapor in the vaporizable material 402. If a user inhales on the vaporizer device 420 when the aerosol has a higher water vapor content, such as in the first few inhalations, the user may experience a taste that is less pleasant. Accordingly, it can be beneficial to drive off as much of the water vapor content as possible, prior to a user inhaling on the vaporizer device 400. In some implementations, user activation of the pre-heating mode may automatically occur when a user activates the device, such that the pre-heating mode is always executed prior to a normal power mode or a boost power mode.

[0367] Although various frequencies and modes are discussed with respect to the inductive coils 943 specifically, it is contemplated that other measurement circuitry, such as one or more of the sensing coils 513 discussed with respect to FIGs. 5A-5J, can optionally be provided and configured to additionally or alternatively measure the heating element(s) 442. For example, the measurement circuitry can be configured to measure information about the heating element(s) 442 during a normal power mode, boost power mode, measurement mode, cartridge detection mode, pre-heating mode, standby mode, and / or the like. In implementations where such measurement circuity is present (e.g., one or more sensing coils 513), the measurement circuitry may be configured such that it measures the restiveness, inductance, temperature, and / or other properties of the heating element(s) 442, such as at one or a plurality of different frequencies, does not generate an electromagnetic field for heating the heating element(s) 442, operates while the inductive coils 943 are heating the heating element(s) 442, operates while the inductive coils 943 are not heating the heating element(s) 442, and / or the like.

[0368] In some implementations, information about the inductive coils 943, such as their inductance, resistance, temperature, and / or the like can be measured in one or more of the described modes and used to control the power or voltage applied, such as to heat the heating element(s) 442 at different temperatures (e.g., target temperatures), as described herein. Althoughreference is made to the long sides of the heating element(s) 442, other configurations are contemplated depending on the shape and / or position of the heating element(s) 442.

[0369] Other implementations exist where additional or alternative information about the inductive coil(s) 943 can be measured and / or used to estimate the temperature of the heating element(s) 442, such as via the circuitry 973b illustrated in FIG. 9B. In such implementations, the temperature and / or other properties of the inductive coil(s) 943 can be measured by a coil temperature sensor 983 in close proximity to the inductive coil(s) 943. In some implementations, the coil temperature sensor can include a thermistor, a PTC circuit such as a PTC thermistor, an NTC circuit such as an NTC thermistor, a thermocouple, and / or the like. In accordance with such implementations, the sense circuitry 913 and / or other circuitry can be configured to regulate the application of power to the heating element(s) 442, based on a detected temperature of the inductive coil(s) 943, in addition to or alternatively from the measured inductance and resistance. For example, a specific, detected rise in temperature of the inductive coil(s) 943 can be correlated to a rise in temperature of the heating element(s) 442, such that the power and / or energy applied to the heating element(s) 442 can be reduced and / or maintained.

[0370] Other implementations exist where information about the inductive coil(s) 943 can be measured and / or used to estimate the temperature of the heating element(s) 442 in a different manner, such as via the circuitry 973c illustrated in FIG. 9C. In such implementations, the inductive coil(s) 943 can be part of the driving circuitry (for heating the heating element(s) 442)) and the sense circuit 913 is part of a different circuit. In operation, the sense circuit 913 is instead configured to measure properties of the inductive coil(s) 943 and / or heating element(s) 442 wirelessly (e.g., without direct, wired connection), such as through a connected sense coil. Additionally or alternatively, the implementations of FIG. 9C can be configured to operate with the use of a coil temperature sensor 983 as described herein, such as via the circuitry 973d illustrated in FIG. 9D.

[0371] In some implementations, the sense circuit 913 can be configured to communicate wirelessly with the driving circuitry such that it does not impact performance of the inductive coil(s) 943, such as via the circuitry 973 e illustrated in FIG. 9E. For example, a resonant circuit formed of the capacitor C and connected inductive coil(s) 943 can operate in accordance with a known or measurable resonant frequency, and can be used to wirelessly power the heating element(s) 442 and / or measure information about the heating element(s) 442, such as inductanceand / or resistance. In some implementations, the inductance and / or resistance of the heating element(s) 442 can be determined based on measuring the resonant frequency of the inductive coil(s) 943 and comparing the measurements against the known resonant frequency of the inductive coil(s) 943 (e.g., without the presence of the heating element(s) 442). For example, the measurements can be implemented via monitoring and / or measuring the ringing of the inductive coil(s) 943. In some implementations, information about the heating element(s) 442 can be measured and / or determined based on the time and / or speed at which the oscillation of an alternating current (e g., sine wave) used to power the heating element(s) 442 stops (e.g., returns to zero). Such techniques can be beneficial by providing much faster measurements (e.g., in the order of microseconds) compared with determinations that require more direct measurements of the inductance and / or resistance of the heating element(s) 442.

[0372] In some implementations, the inductive coils 943 can be configured to measure information from something other than the heating element 442, such as for the purposes of calibration and / or estimation. For example, an inductive coil 943 that is operating in a calibration mode can be configured to operate at a plurality of different frequencies and / or frequency ranges when a heating element(s) 442 is not present. Information sensed or measured through the inductive coils 943 in this mode can be used to determine an expected change in inductance and / or resistance, which can be stored in a look-up table for use in monitoring the inductive coils when a heating element(s) 442 is present. The sensed information can come from operation of another inductive coil 943, such one or more inductive coils 943 on an opposing side of the vaporizer device 420. For example, in some implementations, one or more of the inductive coils 943 (e.g., all) can be configured to heat each other up to a predetermined temperature and / or for a predetermined amount of time, and the inductance and / or resistance can be measured and / or stored for each of the one or more inductive coils 943. The data derived from this monitoring can be used to define one or more parameters of each inductive coil(s) 943, which can be factored into the temperature control methodologies described herein. In some implementations, this calibration mode can be implemented as part of a manufacturing process and / or periodically after the device has been sold (e.g., be a recommended user-selectable mode).

[0373] Returning to FIG. 4A, the one or more inductors 443 can be configured to generate an electromagnetic field, and the one or more flux concentrators 448 can be configured to direct the electromagnetic field towards the one or more heating elements 442, as described in greater detailbelow. When the one or more heating elements 442 receive the electromagnetic field, they can be configured to convert the current to heat, in order to heat the vaporizable material 402.

[0374] In implementations where only one airflow outlet channel 426 is included, such as through the insert 424 in the mouthpiece portion 430 as illustrated in the vaporizer device 400c of FIG. 4C, the airflow outlet channel 426 can be longer along the cartridge 420 width compared to each individual airflow outlet channel 426 if two or more airflow outlet channels 426 are included. Providing a singular airflow outlet channel 426 can provide an aerosol that is more homogenous compared to two separate airflow outlet channels 426. Separately, providing a larger airflow outlet channel 426 and / or a larger mixing chamber or a greater degree or tortuosity in the aerosol outlet path can increase the residence time the vapor and air spend within the airflow outlet channel 426, as well as increase contact with cooler surfaces, which can help to cool the resulting aerosol to an even lower temperature and promoting proper aerosol formation (e.g., nucleation). As used to herein, proper aerosol formation can refer to formation of an aerosol that is desirable to a user (e.g., is not too hot, does not include larger particles, provides a particular sensation in the mouth, etc.).

[0375] As with the vaporizer device 400a of FIG. 4A, bypass air inlet(s) 429 may be disposed on both major faces of the cartridge 420 (i.e., the faces separated by the cartridge 420 depth) that are in fluid communication with the singular airflow outlet channel 426 of FIG. 4C. Each of the two sets of bypass channels 438 may include one or more rectangular (cuboid) bypass channels 438, one or more circular (cylindrical) bypass channels 438, and / or one or more bypass channels 438 of other geometries. In some implementations, the bypass channels 438 can be offset from each other along the cartridge 420 length and the cartridge 420 width to generate turbulence within the airflow outlet channel (see FIG. 41). Such turbulence can further promote mixing of air and vapor in the generation of the inhalable aerosol. The vaporizer device 400, 400c can include at least some of the same components of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A-4B, except as noted. Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400c identified and discussed herein can be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4B and / or 4D-4Q, except as noted or where impractical.

[0376] In implementations where differently shaped airflow outlet channels 426 are included, such as through one or more inserts 424 in the mouthpiece portion 430 as illustrated in the vaporizer device 400d of FIG. 4D, the airflow outlet channels 426 can be different distances alongthe cartridge 420 width. For example, as illustrated first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b can be disposed in a lower region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to the cartridge distal end 420b and further from the cartridge proximal end 420a, along the cartridge 420 length) and a third airflow outlet channel 426c can be disposed in an upper region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to the cartridge proximal end 420a and further from the cartridge distal end 420b, along the cartridge 420 length).

[0377] Advantages with this configuration exist compared to using the two independent airflow outlet channels 426 in the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A-4B or the individual airflow outlet channel 426 in the vaporizer device 400c of FIG. 4C. For example, the individual benefits of each can be attained together. When the air and vapor from the heater portion 441 enter the independent first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b and mix with ambient air from their respective bypass air inlet(s) 429, the smaller fluid volumes provide a better restriction to draw and spaces in which a larger overall portion of the vapor is able to independently mix with ambient air, helping to cool the air and vapor faster. Thereafter, when the air and vapor enter the larger third airflow outlet channel 426c, aerosol generation can benefit from the increased residence time within the third airflow outlet channel 426c, helping the air and vapor to cool for longer, and provide for better mixing that results in a more homogenous aerosol. Further, the change in size between the smaller and larger airflow outlet channels 426 can introduce turbulence to help promote mixing, provide a longer and / or more tortuous airflow path to increase cooling time, and therefore promote proper aerosol formation.

[0378] In some implementations, the first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b can be channels within a first insert 424 and the third airflow outlet channel 426c can be a channel within a second insert 424. The first insert 424 can be stacked on top of the second insert 424, along the cartridge 420 length in a direction from the cartridge distal end 420b to the cartridge proximal end 420a. The first and second inserts 424 can also be held together to form the mouthpiece portion 430 (e g., held within a layer of material, wrapped together within a wrapper 422, and / or the like), and an additional layer of material (e.g., wrapper 422) can be included that holds the mouthpiece portion 430 together with the heater portion 441. The vaporizer device 400, 400d can include at least some of the same components of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A-4B, except as noted. Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400d identified and discussed herein can be combined intoany of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4C and / or 4E-4Q, except as noted or where impractical.

[0379] Although the first and second outlet channels 426a, 426b are illustrated in FIG. 4D as being in fluid communication with a singular, larger third airflow outlet channel 426c, each of the first and second outlet channels 426a, 426b can alternatively be in fluid communication with their own, separate and respective larger third and fourth airflow outlet channels 426c, 426d as illustrated in FIG. 4Q. As such, various implementations of the cartridges 420 described herein can include more controlled regions in which the vaporized material mixes with ambient air for cooling and / or promotion of proper aerosol formation. As further illustrated in FIG. 4Q, each of the first and second outlet channels 426a, 426b can be provided with two bypass air inlets 429 each, resulting in a cartridge 420 with eight bypass air inlets 429 total.

[0380] Other implementations exist where differently shaped airflow outlet channels 426 are included, such as through one or more inserts 424 in the mouthpiece portion 430 as illustrated in the vaporizer device 400e of FIG. 4E. For example, as illustrated a first airflow outlet channel 426a can be disposed in a lower region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e g., closer to the cartridge distal end 420b and further from the cartridge proximal end 420a, along the cartridge 420 length) and second and third airflow outlet channels 426b, 426c can be disposed in an upper region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to the cartridge proximal end 420a and further from the cartridge distal end 420b, along the cartridge 420 length).

[0381] Advantages with this configuration exist compared to using the two independent airflow outlet channels 426 in the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A-4B or the individual airflow outlet channel 426 in the vaporizer device 400c of FIG. 4C. For example, the individual benefits of each can be attained together. When the air and vapor from the heater portion 441 enter the first airflow outlet channel 426a and mix with ambient air from the bypass air inlet(s) 429, aerosol generation can benefit from the increased residence time within the first airflow outlet channel 426a, helping the air and vapor to cool for longer, and provide for better mixing that results in a more homogenous aerosol. Thereafter, when the air and vapor enter the smaller, independent second and third airflow outlet channels 426b, 426c, the smaller fluid volumes provide a better restriction to draw and are easier to control. Separately, the presence of the two smaller volumes after the larger volume can help to introduce turbulence to help promote mixing, provide a longerand / or more tortuous airflow path to increase cooling time, and therefore promote proper aerosol formation.

[0382] In some implementations, the first airflow outlet channel 426a can be a channel within a first insert 424 and the second and third airflow outlet channels 426b, 426c can be channels within a second insert 424. The first insert 424 can be stacked on top of the second insert 424, along the cartridge 420 length in a direction from the cartridge distal end 420b to the cartridge proximal end 420a. The first and second insert 424 can also be held (e.g., wrapped) together within a layer of material (e.g., wrapper 422) so that they may form the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., held within a layer of material, wrapped together within a wrapper 422, and / or the like), and an additional layer of material (e.g., wrapper 422) can be included that holds the mouthpiece portion 430 together with the heater portion 441. The vaporizer device 400, 400e can include at least some of the same components of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A-4B, except as noted. Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400e identified and discussed herein can be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4D and / or 4F-4Q, except as noted or where impractical.

[0383] Other implementations exist where additional and / or different inserts 424 are included, such as the first and second inserts 424a, 424b in the mouthpiece portion 430 as illustrated in the vaporizer device 400f of FIG. 4F. For example, as illustrated first insert 424a can be disposed in a lower region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to the cartridge distal end 420b and further from the cartridge proximal end 420a, along the cartridge 420 length) and the second insert 424b can be disposed in an upper region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to the cartridge proximal end 420a and further from the cartridge distal end 420b, along the cartridge 420 length).

[0384] The first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b can be channels within a first insert 424a and a second insert 424b can be positioned downstream of the airflow outlet channels 426. The second insert 424b can be stacked on top of the first insert 424a, along the cartridge 420 length in a direction from the cartridge distal end 420b to the cartridge proximal end 420a. The first and second inserts 424a, 424b can also be held together to form the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., held within a layer of material, wrapped together within a wrapper 422, and / or the like), and an additional layer of material (e.g., wrapper 422) can be included that holds the mouthpiece portion 430 together with the heater portion 441.

[0385] In some implementations, the second insert 424b can include an air-permeable material such that aerosol may exit the mouthpiece portion 430 and be inhaled by a user, but may provide additional fdtration (e.g., active filtration to remove constituent parts of the aerosol). The second insert 424b can include material such as one or more of paper material such as cardstock, corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and / or the like. The vaporizer device 400, 400f can include at least some of the same components of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A- 4B, except as noted. Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400f identified and discussed herein can be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4E and / or 4G-4Q, except as noted or where impractical.

[0386] Other implementations exist where the insert(s) 424 take up a smaller percentage of the volume in the mouthpiece portion 430 and / or other components are used instead as illustrated in the vaporizer device 400g of FIG. 4G. For example, one or more inserts 424 can be disposed in an upper region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to the cartridge proximal end 420a and further from the cartridge distal end 420b, along the cartridge 420 length) and a divider 454 can be disposed in a lower region of the mouthpiece portion 430 (e.g., closer to the cartridge distal end 420b and further from the cartridge proximal end 420a, along the cartridge 420 length). As described herein, the divider 454 can be regarded as part of the mouthpiece portion 430 or part of a separate divider portion. In some implementations, at least a portion of the divider portion can be disposed within the receptacle 418 when the cartridge 420 is inserted into the vaporizer body 410 and / or at least a portion of the divider portion can be disposed outside of the receptacle 418 when the cartridge 420 is inserted into the vaporizer body 410. As illustrated, one or more walls 433 can be provided within the mouthpiece portion 430 to maintain the rigidity of the mouthpiece portion 430 so that it is resistant to deformation under force (e.g., crumpling, breaking, etc.) and / or easier to manufacture. As illustrated, the wall(s) 433 can extend along the cartridge 420 length, between the insert(s) 424 and the divider 454 (e.g., in the region downstream of the divider 454 and upstream of the insert 424). The wall(s) 433 define at least a portion of a perimeter of the airflow outlet channel 426, and in some implementations, the wall(s) 433 define substantially all of the perimeter of the airflow outlet channel 426. In some implementations, the airflow outlet channel 426 can be formed between and / or defined by the wall(s) 433 and the insert(s) 424, andoptionally by the divider 454 in implementations where the wall(s) 433 form a hollow shape (e.g., a hollow, flattened cylinder).

[0387] In some implementations, the divider 454 can include a solid end, define an open end opposite the solid end, and include a solid boundary that extends between the two ends (e.g., along a perimeter of the divider 454, where the perimeter can be substantially the same at the solid end and the open end). As illustrated, the divider 454 can be disposed within the mouthpiece portion 430 with the solid end more proximate the cartridge proximal end 420a and the open end more proximate the cartridge distal end 420b, facing the heater chamber in the heater portion 441. In some aspects, the divider 454 can be regarded as having an upside-down cup shape (relative to the cartridge distal end 420b being considered the ground). A plurality of vapor inlets 435 can be formed through the solid end of the divider 454, such that the vaporized material and external air from the heater chamber may enter the airflow outlet chamber 426.

[0388] In some implementations, the walls 433 can similarly include a solid end, define an open end opposite the solid end, and include a solid boundary that extends between the two ends (e.g., along a perimeter of the walls 433, where the perimeter can be substantially the same at the solid end and the open end). As illustrated, the divider 454 can be disposed within the mouthpiece portion 430, with the open end more proximate the cartridge proximal end 420a and the closed end more proximate the cartridge distal end 420b. In some aspects, the walls 433 can be regarded as having a cup shape. A plurality of bypass air inlets 429 can formed through the solid boundary of the walls 433, such that ambient air may enter the airflow outlet chamber 426. Further, a plurality of vapor inlets 435 can be formed through the solid end of the walls 433, such that the vaporized material and external air from the heater chamber, and more immediately, from the vapor inlets 435 of the divider 454, may enter the airflow outlet chamber 426.

[0389] In some implementations the solid end of the walls 433 can abut (e.g., physically touch and / or in proximity to) the solid end of the divider 454, which can help to simplify the manufacturing process. In some implementations, the vapor inlets 435 and the bypass air inlets 429 formed in the divider 454 and the walls 433 can be sized to create a jet-stream effect. For example, in some implementations, each of the vapor inlets 435 and the bypass air inlets 429 can be circular holes that are less than 1 mm in diameter, less than 0.5 mm in diameter, or less than 0.25 mm in diameter. In some implementations, each of the vapor inlets 435 and the bypass air inlets 429 are the same size. However, in other implementations, the vapor inlets 435 are largerthan the bypass outlets 427, such that the jet stream effect from the ambient air has a stronger effect on the slower-moving air passing through the vapor inlets 435. The vapor inlets 435 and the bypass air inlets 429 can be created via a laser-cutting operation during the manufacturing process.

[0390] In some implementations, the divider 454 may extend out of the distal end of the mouthpiece portion 430 such that it may couple with, be inserted within, and / or touch the exterior of the heater portion 441. In accordance with these implementations, the divider 454 can be regarded as part of the mouthpiece portion 430 only, as part of both the mouthpiece portion 430 and the heater portion 441, or may be regarded as an intermediate portion disposed between the mouthpiece portion 430 and the heater portion 441. For example, in some implementations the insert(s) 424, wall(s) 433, and the divider 454 can all be held (e.g., wrapped) together in a first layer of material (e.g., wrapper 422) to form the mouthpiece portion 430, the heating element(s) 442 can be disposed around the vaporizable material 402 to form the heater portion 441, and an additional layer of material (e.g., wrapper 422) can hold the mouthpiece portion 430 and the heater portion 441 together to form the cartridge 420.

[0391] The insert 424 can include an air-permeable material such that aerosol may exit the mouthpiece portion 430 and be inhaled by a user, but may provide additional filtration (e.g., active filtration to remove constituent parts of the aerosol). The insert 424 can include material such as one or more of paper material such as cardstock, corrugated material such as cardboard or paper, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), cellulose acetate, non-wood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and / or the like.

[0392] The vaporizer device 400, 400g can include the at least some of the same components of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A- 4B, except as noted. Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400g identified and discussed herein can be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4F and / or 4H-4Q, except as noted or where impractical.

[0393] Other implementations exist where one or more insert(s) 424 can be disposed within the heater portion 441, as illustrated in the vaporizer device 400h of FIG. 4H. For example, one or more first inserts 424a can be disposed in a lower region of the heater portion 441 (e.g., proximate and / or forming at least a portion of the cartridge distal end 420b). The first insert(s) 424a can include material that is air-permeable so that air may enter the heater chamber through the material, such as one or more of paper material such as cardstock, corrugated material such ascardboard or paper, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic (e.g., PET), cellulose acetate, nonwood plant fibers such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and / or esparto, and / or the like.

[0394] In some implementations, an end cap may instead be disposed in the location of the first insert(s) 424a, and may comprise one or more cartridge inlets (e.g., as discussed with respect to FIG. 4A). As disclosed above, the end cap can refer to at least one of a variety of materials and / or elements that are positioned adjacent a side of vaporizable material and / or a container for containing vaporizable material within any implementation of the cartridge disclosed herein. In some implementations, the end cap can be positioned at an end of the cartridge. In some implementations, the end cap can be positioned offset (e.g., along the length of the cartridge) from an end of the cartridge, including not being a most distal or proximal element along an implementation of the cartridge. For example, the end cap can form a part of an outer surface of the cartridge and / or the end cap can be fully contained within the outer surface of the cartridge. The vaporizer device 400, 400h can include at least some of the same components of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A-4B, except as noted. Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400h identified and discussed herein can be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4G and / or 4I-4Q, except as noted or where impractical.

[0395] Other implementations exist where multiple bypass air inlets 429 are offset from each other to create a turbulent airflow, such as those illustrated in the vaporizer device 400i of FIG. 41. As described herein, the cartridge 420 can include one or more airflow outlet channels 426 in fluid communication with ambient air through at least one bypass air inlet 429 formed on each of the long sides of the cartridge 420. As illustrated, the cartridge 420 can include first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b, each with their own respective set of first and second bypass air inlets 429a, 429b, on a first long side of the cartridge 402. As illustrated, each subsequent bypass air inlet 429, in the direction of the cartridge airflow, can be offset from the prior bypass air inlet 429 (on an exterior face of the cartridge 420) along the cartridge 420 length and / or the cartridge 420 width. Stated another way, as the external air and vapor pass through each airflow outlet channel 426, they can be joined and / or disrupted by a sequence of ambient air streams that are sequentially offset from each other by an angle formed between the cartridge 420 length and the cartridge 420 width (e.g., other than 90 degrees, such as between 50 degrees and 40 degrees, between 60 degrees and 30 degrees, between 70 degrees and 20 degrees, between 80 degrees and10 degrees, and / or the like). It will be appreciated that such placement of the bypass air inlets 429 can introduce turbulence into the cartridge airflow path and / or within the one or more condensations chambers, which can promote cooling and / or condensation of the vapor into the inhalable aerosol.

[0396] Matching sets of bypass air inlets 429 can exist on the second long side of the cartridge 402 (not shown), however other patterns can exist between the first and second sides of the cartridge 420. For example, while one side of the cartridge can include the three bypass air inlets 429 shown, the other side of the cartridge can include only two bypass air inlets that are staggered and / or disposed within the spaces between the illustrated three bypass air inlets 429, offset along the cartridge 420 depth, or four bypass air inlets 429 that are offset in a similar manner. In other implementations, the number of bypass air inlets 429 on each side can be the same, and the pattern can be the same or different. For example, while the subsequent bypass air inlets (along the direction of the cartridge airflow) of the sets of first and second bypass air inlets 429a, 429b are illustrated as alternating between being closer to the center of the long sides and further from the center of the long sides (but still bounded by the locations of the respective first and second airflow outlet channels 426a, 426b), the pattern of the bypass air inlets 429 on the opposite side can alternate between being further from the center of the long sides and closer to the center of the long sides. In some implementations the two sets of bypass air inlets 429 can function independently (e.g., have little to no effect on the airflow outlet channel 426 with which they are in fluid communication).

[0397] As discussed above, the smaller individual airflow outlet channels 426 provide fluid volumes that can be more easily controlled while also exposing a larger overall volume of vapor to ambient air. The ability to introduce a large amount of turbulence into the airflow outlet channels 426 as described herein can be one implementation of such control. Nevertheless, the geometry and / or locations of the bypass air inlets 429 can be implemented in a manner that still increases the turbulence within a singular, larger airflow outlet channel 426. As described herein, each of the rectangular (cuboid) bypass channels 438 defined in part by the bypass air inlets 429 can be replaced with more and / or differently sized rectangular (cuboid) bypass channels 438, a plurality of circular (cylindrical) bypass channels 438, and / or other geometries. The vaporizer device 400, 400i can include at least some of the same components of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A-4B, except as noted.Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400i identified and discussed herein can be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4H and / or 4J-4Q, except as noted or where impractical.

[0398] Other implementations exist where the vaporizable material 402 can have different geometries, such as illustrated in the vaporizer device 400j of FIG. 4J. For example, in some implementations a space may be provided between the vaporizable material 402 and the mouthpiece portion 430, such as within the proximal end of the heater portion 441. Additionally or alternatively, the vaporizable material 402 can include a plurality of cartridge inlets 425, such as at the cartridge distal end 420a. The vaporizer device 400, 400j can include at least some of the same components of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A-4B, except as noted. Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400j identified and discussed herein can be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4I and / or 4K-4Q, except as noted or where impractical.

[0399] Other implementations exist where additional structures can be present within and / or between the heater portion 441 and / or the mouthpiece portion 430, such as those illustrated in the vaporizer device 400k of FIG. 4K. As illustrated in FIG. 4K, the cartridge 420 can further comprise a divider 454 comprising a plurality of bypass air inlets 429. The divider 454 can be implemented as component that is in the shape of a ring or donut, which can include a cross-section that takes the form of the cross-section of the cartridge (e.g., elliptical or oval). In some implementations, the internal space formed by the divider 454 can be generally hollow. To prevent the vaporizable material 402 from entering the divider 454, where it may block one or more of the bypass air inlet(s) 429, the divider 454 can include one or more standoffs that at least partially close the bypass air inlet(s) 429 from the upstream end of the cartridge 420 (e.g., cartridge distal end 420b) while keeping the bypass air inlet(s) 429 open to the downstream end of the cartridge (e.g., cartridge proximal end 420a). In some implementations the divider 454 can include a solid or partially solid end (e.g., floor) at the upstream end of the divider 454. For example, the divider 454 can include grates, a mesh material, and / or the like at the upstream end of the divider 454.. The benefits of such implementations can be similar to those of FIG. 4E discussed herein, with the additional benefit that multiple different airflow outlet channels 426 do not need to be made within the same insert 424 or some combination of two or more different inserts 424. Instead, the divider 454 can be implemented as a simpler component that is held (e.g., wrapped or inserted) within alayer of material (e.g., wrapper 422), together with the heater portion 441 and the mouthpiece portion 430, and through which the bypass air inlet(s) 429 are created (e.g., by laser-cutting, molding, pre-formed holes, and / or the like, as described herein).

[0400] The vaporizer device 400, 400k can include at least some of the same components of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A- 4B, except as noted. Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400k identified and discussed herein can be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4J and / or 4L-4Q, except as noted or where impractical.

[0401] Other implementations exist where additional or alternative structures can be present within the mouthpiece portion 430 that lengthen the distance air must travel before reaching the airflow outlet(s) 428, such as those illustrated in the vaporizer device 4001 of FIG. 4L. For example, as illustrated the mouthpiece portion 430 can include a plurality of baffles 455 that divert airflow within the airflow outlet channel 426. In some implementations, the baffles 455 can extend across a majority of the cartridge 420 width, covering one end of the cartridge 420 width and leaving open a space at the opposite end of the cartridge 420 width. Each, subsequent baffle 455, along the direction of the cartridge airflow path, can be disposed to leave open a space at a different end from the immediately preceding baffle 455. For example, if a first baffle 455 is disposed to leave open a space at a first side of the cartridge 420 (e.g., a first short side), then a subsequent second baffle 455 is disposed to leave open a space at a second side of the cartridge 420 (e.g., a second short side, opposite the first short side along the cartridge 420 width), and this alternating pattern can continue for each subsequent baffle 455. In various implementations, the cartridge 420 can include one baffles 455, two baffles 455 (see FIG. 4M), three baffles 455, four baffles 455 (see FIG. 4L), five baffles 455 (see FIG. 6F), etc. The open spaces can form part of the airflow path along which the external air and vapor may travel, providing an airflow path with a longer, overall distance compared to an airflow path that travels straight through the mouthpiece portion along the cartridge 420 length. Further, the multiple changes in direction of the airflow path can introduce turbulence to help promote mixing, provide a longer and / or more tortuous airflow path to increase cooling time, and therefore promote proper aerosol formation.

[0402] In some implementations, the airflow outlet channel 426 can include a larger, open volume (e.g., condensation chamber) downstream of the baffles 455 and upstream of the airflow outlet(s) 428 (e.g., proximate the cartridge proximal end 420a), such as what is illustrated in thevaporizer device 400m of FIG. 4M. Including the larger, open volume can promote the production of an aerosol that is more homogenous and / or can increase the residence time the vapor and air spend within the airflow outlet channel 426, helping to cool the resulting aerosol to an even lower temperature and promoting proper aerosol formation. Further, the change in size between the smaller and larger portions of the airflow outlet channels 426 can introduce turbulence to help promote mixing, provide a longer and / or more tortuous airflow path to increase cooling time, and therefore promote proper aerosol formation.

[0403] The vaporizer devices 400, 4001, 400m can include at least some the same components of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A- 4B, except as noted. Separately, the components of vaporizer devices 400, 4001, 400m identified and discussed herein can be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4K and / or 4N-4Q, except as noted or where impractical.

[0404] Other implementations exist where the one or more heating element(s) 442 can have different geometries, such as illustrated in the vaporizer device 400n of FIG. 4N. For example, the material forming the one or more heating elements 442 can be further extended to enclose and / or form at least a portion of the cartridge distal end 420b. Such a configuration can help retain the vaporizable material 402 within the cartridge 420. In accordance with such implementations, the one or more heating elements 442 can include a plurality of cartridge inlets 425 such that external air (i.e., external to the cartridge 420, such as the air within the receptacle 418) can enter the heater chamber formed at least in part by the heating element(s) 442. The plurality of cartridge inlets 425 can be through-holes formed in the direction of the cartridge 420 longitudinal dimension. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of cartridge inlets 425 can be through-holes formed through the heating elements 442 in one or more directions that are perpendicular to the cartridge 420 longitudinal dimension, such as around a perimeter of the one or more heating elements 442 and / or proximate the cartridge distal end 420b, illustrated by the dashed boxes.

[0405] As illustrated the bottom of the heating element(s) 442, that form and / or are proximate the cartridge distal end 420b, can include a plurality of cartridge inlets 425 configured to allow external air to enter the heater chamber within the heating element(s) 442. As illustrated, the heating elements 442 can heat the vaporizable material from a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the cartridge 420 length and from a direction that is approximately parallel to the cartridge 420 length. The vaporizer device 400, 400n can include at least some the samecomponents of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A-4B, except as noted. Separately, the components of vaporizer device 400, 400n identified and discussed herein can be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4M and / or 4O-4Q, except as noted or where impractical.

[0406] Other implementations exist where the cartridge 420 can be heated externally by conductive and / or convective heat, such as illustrated in the vaporizer device 400o of FIG. 40. For example, rather than the heater portion 441 of the cartridge including the heating element(s) 442, the heater portion 441 can instead include a container 423 configured to hold the vaporizable material 402. The container 423 can take the form (e g., material and / or geometry) of any of the heating elements described herein, but is instead configured to receive heat from one or more external heating elements 442 (e.g., external to the cartridge 420, such as within the receptacle 418 or otherwise configured to heat the receptacle 418 itself) and redistribute the heat to the vaporizable material 402, rather than generate heat independently (such as with inductive heating). As illustrated the bottom of the container 423, that forms and / or is proximate the cartridge distal end 420b, can include a plurality of cartridge inlets 425 configured to allow external air to enter the heater chamber within the container 423. As illustrated, the heating elements 442 can heat the container 423 from a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the cartridge 420 length. However, other implementations exist where the heating elements 442 also heat the container 423 from a direction that is approximately parallel to the cartridge 420 length, such as illustrated in the vaporizer device 400p of FIG. 4Q.

[0407] The vaporizer devices 400, 400o, 400p can include at least some of the same components of, and otherwise operate in the same or similar manner as, the vaporizer device 400a of FIGs. 4A-4B, except as noted. Separately, the components of vaporizer devices 400, 400o, 400p identified and discussed herein can be combined into any of the other vaporizer devices 400 described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4N, except as noted or where impractical.

[0408] In order to control the thermal efficiency of the vaporizer devices described herein, it can be beneficial to provide an air gap between portions of the cartridge 420 and the receptacle 418 into which the cartridge is received, while still keeping the cartridge 420 secure within the receptacle 418. For example, FIGs. 16A and 16B illustrates cross-sectional views of a cartridges 1620 and vaporizer bodies 1610 for use in a vaporizer device. As illustrated, each of the cartridges 1620 include a heating element 1642, and the vaporizer bodies 1610 include airflow inlet(s) 1634,airflow inlet path(s) 1632, ridges 1646, inductors 1643, flux concentrators 1648, and frames 1647, which can be implemented similar to the corresponding components of vaporizer devices 400 of FIGs. 4A-4Q. As can be seen by comparison of the temperatures gradients of the heating element 1642 in FIG. 16A and 16B, having components of the vaporizer body 1610 closer to the heating element 1642 can decrease the thermal efficiency of the system. This is due in part to heat lost into components of the vaporizer body 1610, such as the frame 1647. Accordingly, in some implementations, an air gap can be provided between the heating element 1642 and other components of the vaporizer body 1610, such as an interior perimeter of the receptacle 1618. As shown in FIG. 16B, ridges 1646 can be provided to secure portions of the cartridge 1620 other than the heating element 1642, such as at a mouthpiece portion of the cartridge 1620 and / or an end cap in the heater portion of the cartridge 1620 (which does not contain the heating element 1642). In some implementations, the air gap is defined in part by a distance between the exterior of the cartridge 1620, proximate the heating element 1642, and the interior walls of the receptacle 1618. For example, this length can be between approximately one half and one third the depth of the cartridge 1620.

[0409] FIGs. 5A-5J illustrate different schematics and views of various implementations of a holder assembly 558, 558a-d consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. These holders 558, 558a-d can be implementations of one or more components of the vaporizer body 110 of FIGs. 1A-1B, the vaporizer body 210 of FIG. 2, and / or the vaporizer bodies 410 of FIGs. 4A- 4Q, such as the holder assembly 458.

[0410] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the holder assembly 558, 558a can include a frame 547 defining a receptacle 518 for insertion of a cartridge. The frame 547 can include two long sides and two short sides, similar to the cartridges described herein. For example, the long sides of the frame 547 can be configured to align with the long sides of the cartridge and the short sides of the frame 547 can be configured to align with the short sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle 518. As disclosed above, a surface of the cartridge (e.g., cartridge 220) extending primarily along the cartridge width can be referred to as a long side of the cartridge and / or as being on a long side of the cartridge, which can align with the long side of the frame 547. Additionally, a surface of the cartridge (e.g., cartridge 220) extending primarily along the cartridge depth can be referred to as a short side of the cartridge and / or as being on a short side of the cartridge 220, which can align with the short side of the frame 547. It will beappreciated that this terminology can be applied to any implementation of a cartridge (including its subcomponents described herein) and frame 547, and this terminology is not redefined with respect to each implementation for the sake of brevity. As illustrated, the frame 547 can include an inductor 543 formed as a spiral coil on a long side of the frame 547. Inductor 543 coils depicted and / or described as spiral coils herein can take the form of parallel or anti-parallel pancake or Helmholtz structures, although other structures are contemplated. The electrical leads 544a that power the inductor 543 can be disposed on a short side of the frame. The electrical leads 544a that power the inductor 543 can be electrically coupled with a controller and / or driving circuit for powering the inductor 543 as described herein. As described herein, the inductor 543 can be configured to generate an electromagnetic field for generating heat in a heating element of the cartridge, which can take the form of a susceptor.

[0411] As described herein, it can be desirable to measure an inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of the heating element for use in determining and / or controlling a temperature of the heating element, such as based on a thermal coefficient of resistivity of the heating element. Various circuit may be provided for measuring the inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of the heating element, such as the sensing coil 513. In some implementations, the sensing coil 513 can be disposed in an open center region 562 of the inductor 543 and / or on a long side of the frame 547, such as illustrated in FIG. 5 A. In such implementations, the sensing coil 513 can be in the form of a spiral coil. As illustrated, the electrical leads 544b the power the sensing coil 513 can be disposed at the distal end 561 of the frame 547. In some implementations, the illustrated and described sensing coils 513 can be inductors 543 configured to generate an electromagnetic field for generating heat in a heating element (e.g., susceptor) of the cartridge. In accordance with these implementations, one or more (e.g., all) of the inductors 543 can be configured to measure the inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of the heating element as described herein.

[0412] In some implementations, the open center region 562 in the middle of the inductor 543 can be increased in size, which can lead to an increased efficiency in delivering energy to the heating element of the cartridge in the receptacle 518. For example, in a circular region defined by a radius that extends from the center of the inductor 543 to the outer-most turn of the inductor 543, the open center region 562 in which turns of the inductor 543 are not present can occupy 20- 50% of the surface area of the circular region. In some implementations, the open center region 562 can take up 30-40% of the circular region. In some aspects, having a larger open center region562 can result in increased efficiency in delivering energy from the inductor 543 into the heating element to be heated via the magnetic or electromagnetic field. In implementations where the illustrated and described sensing coils 513 are additionally or alternatively configured as inductors 543, the collective set of inductors 543 can be configured to heat separate regions of the heating element. For example, a first region of the heating element adjacent the illustrated sensing coils 513 can be heated independently from a second region of the heating element adjacent the illustrated inductors 543. In this manner, greater control over aerosol production over the life of a cartridge can be provided.

[0413] As illustrated in FIGs. 5B-5D, the sensing coil 513 can be disposed within a region near a proximal end 560 of the frame 547. The sensing coil 513 can be wrapped around the frame 547 a plurality of times, so that the sensing coil 513 is capable of measuring inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of the heating element. Within this region, the sensing coil 513 can still be disposed in sufficiently close proximity to the heating element of the cartridge, which can be configured to extend up to or proximate the opening of the receptacle 518 when the cartridge is inserted within the receptacle 518. In accordance with these implementations, the inductor 543 may not include an open center region 562. Other locations and / or configurations for the sensing coil 513 are contemplated, as described herein (see e.g., FIG. 51), including selectively powering one or more of the inductors 543 off to use the inductor 543 as a sensing coil, without the presence of a separate sensing coil 513. Alternatively, the illustrated and described sensing coils 513 can be inductors 543 configured to generate an electromagnetic field for generating heat in a heating element (e.g., susceptor) of the cartridge. In accordance with these implementations, one or more (e.g., all) of the inductors 543 can be configured to measure the inductance, resistance, and / or impedance of the heating element as described herein.

[0414] As illustrated in FIG. 5C, a long side of the frame 547 can include a plurality of inductors 543a-d, which can be in the form of spiral coils, and each have their own, independent sets of electrical leads 544a-d that can be coupled to a controller and / or driving circuit. As described herein, each of the plurality of inductors 543 a-d can be powered off and on independently, such that different regions of a heating element can be selectively heated. For example, all of the inductors 543 a-d can be powered at the same time and with the same amount of power, all or some of the inductors 543 a-d can be powered at the same time and but withdiffering amounts of power, and / or only a portion of the inductors 543a-d can be powered at the same time and with the same or different amounts of power.

[0415] Although one set of four inductors 543a-d are illustrated and an additional set of inductors on the opposing long side are described, other numbers of inductors 534 are contemplated. For example, sets of two inductors 543 on each of the opposing long sides are contemplated, which can be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal dimension or transverse to the longitudinal dimension. Separately, sets of three, five, six, or more inductors 543 are contemplated, and it is not required that the same number of inductors 543 be implemented on each of the long sides. Other implementations exist in which the inductor(s) 543 do not take the shape of a spiral coil, such as the inductor 543 of FIG. 5D, wrapped around the short and long sides of the frame 547 multiple times. In some implementations, a plurality of inductors 543 can be disposed in series along the frame 547 (e.g., between the proximal end 560 and the distal end 561 of the frame 547), such as two, three, or more inductors 543. For example, the plurality of inductors 543 can be formed as solenoid coils, with a space along the frame 547 between each inductor 543.

[0416] In some implementations, the long and short side of the frame 547 that are shown can be the same or similar to the long and / or short side of the frame 547 that are not shown. For example, the long side of the frame 547 that is not shown in FIGs. 5A and 5B can also include an inductor 543, such that the receptacle 518 is between two opposing inductors 543. Such a configuration can provide benefits, such as by heating a wider surface area of the heating element, into which it is easier to generate eddy currents using less energy. The long side of the frame 547 that is not shown in FIG. 5C can similarly also include a plurality of inductors 543, such that more control can be provided over how and where heat is generated.

[0417] In some implementations, the various configurations and positions of the illustrated and described inductors 543 and / or sensing coils 513 (additionally or alternatively configured as inductors) of FIGs. 5A-5D can be at least partially combined. For example, in some implementations, the illustrated inductor 543 of FIG. 5B can be substituted with the illustrated inductor 543 and sensing coil 513 of FIG. 5 A (on both opposing long sides of the frame 547). Additionally or alternatively, the illustrated sensing coil 513 in FIG. 5B can be implemented at each of the proximal end and the distal end of the frame 547 (and each be implemented as sensing coils and / or inductors). Accordingly, separate regions of the heating element adjacent theillustrated inductors 543 and / or sensing coils 513 can be heated independently to provide greater control over aerosol production, as described herein. It will be appreciated that the ability to heat the heating element in as many independent regions is desirable, but that the implementation of more inductors 543 and / or sensing coils 513 is more expensive and more complicated (e.g., in order to properly account for mutual inductance).

[0418] In various implementations, the shape and / or structure of the inductors 543 can be varied to increase and / or tune their efficiency, such as based on their coupling efficiency with a heating element of a cartridge in the receptacle 518. For example, one or more of the inductors 543 can include varying numbers of cross-sections, shapes, strand counts, strand gauges, and / or the like of coils. The coils could also be bent to have the same general curvature as the heating element to improve performance, or could be straightened (e.g., along the cartridge width) to limit the coupling efficiency to a specific degree. In some implementations, a flex based coil can be used to decrease manufacturing costs of the device and the consumables, such as by only requiring a relatively thin aluminum layer.

[0419] In some implementations, a cartridge for use with a holder assembly 558 that includes multiple inductors 543 can include regions with different susceptibilities. For example, a cartridge can be manufactured to include different materials and / or thicknesses in certain regions depending on each region’s intended proximity to an inductor 543. In some implementations, a cartridge can be manufactured to include a first material and / or material of a first thickness in a first region (or set of first regions) that is disposed at or near a first inductor 543 (or set of first inductors 543), and a second material and / or material of a second thickness in a second region (or set of second regions) that is disposed away from the first inductor 543 (or set of first inductors 543). In some aspects, if multiple inductors 543 are used, the regions of the cartridge that are between the set of first regions can include the second region(s).

[0420] As illustrated in FIG. 5E, the heating element 542 that forms part of the cartridge containing vaporizable material can be sized and configured to fit within the receptacle 518 of the holder assembly 558e. As described herein, the heating element 542 can be configured as a susceptor to be electromagnetically coupled with one or more inductor coils. Within the receptacle 518, there can be a plurality of ridges 546 configured to retain the cartridge, and thereby the heating element 542 within the receptacle 518. The holder assembly 558e can include a ledge 590 that at least partially defines an opening into the receptacle 518. The ledge 590 can include features, suchas a chamfered edge, that facilitate placement of the cartridge into the receptacle 518. When the holder assembly 558e is within a fully assembled vaporizer body 110, 210, 410, 1610, the ledge 590 of the holder assembly 558e can form at least a portion of a proximal end of the vaporizer body 110, 210, 410, 1610 (e.g., ledge 121, 221) or the ledge 590 of the holder assembly 558e can be recessed from the proximal end of the vaporizer body 110, 210, 410, 1610.

[0421] As illustrated, in FIGs. 5E-5G, taken along cross-section B-B of FIG. 5F, the holder assembly 558 can include a pair of inductors 543a, 543b on the long sides of the frame 547, each with a corresponding flux concentrator 548a, 548b disposed against the exterior face of the inductors 543. That is, each of the pair of inductors 543a, 543b can be disposed (e g., sandwiched) between a corresponding flux concentrator 548a, 548b and long sides of the frame 547. As described herein, each of the flux concentrators 548 can be configured to direct the electromagnetic fields generated by each of the inductors 543, towards the one or more heating elements 542 when it is disposed within the receptacle, to generate heat in a more concentrated manner. That is, the electromagnetic fields generated by each of the inductors 543 that would otherwise be directed outside of the direction of the receptacle 518 can instead be directed towards the receptacle 518, further optimizing the heating process and / or requiring less energy to operate.

[0422] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5H, the plurality of ridges 546 can be disposed around an inner perimeter of the receptacle 518. As illustrated in FIGs. 51 and 5 J, taken along cross-section C-C of FIG. 5H, the ridges 546 can take different forms. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 51, one or more of the ridges 546 can take the form of a bar that extends along a longitudinal dimension of the receptacle 518, such as between a proximal end and a distal end of the receptacle 518. In some implementations, a sensing circuit 513 can be included on a surface of at least one of the ridges 546. Such a sensing circuit 513 can be configured to physically contact the heating element 542 to measure the resistance of the heating element 542 at any point in time. As illustrated in FIG. 5J, one or more of the ridges 546 can be separated into two portions, such as a portion that is proximate the distal end and another portion that is proximate the proximal end of the receptacle. To minimize potentially damaging the cartridge and / or heating element 542, the ridges 546 can include angled surfaces that better guide the cartridge into the receptacle 518. In some implementations, the different forms of the ridges 546 discussed with respect to FIGs. 51-5 J can each be implemented within the same receptacle.

[0423] Other configurations of the inductors 543 and holder assembly 558 are contemplated, such as the inductors and / or holder assemblies illustrated in FIGs. 11A-11I, 12A-12E, and 13A- 13G. For example, FIGs. 11A-11C illustrate perspective views of a cartridge 1120 and various configurations of inductors 1143a, 1143b (collectively referred to as inductor(s) 1143) for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. As illustrated in FIG. 11 A, a center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be configured to be disposed at or near separate, respective short sides of the cartridge 1120 when the cartridge 1120 is inserted and / or each inductor 1143a, 1143b can take the shape of a c-shaped or oblong coil. A c-shaped coil can refer to an inductor 1143a, 1143b with two opposing ends that are in the shape of the letter “C”, and approximately parallel edges between the opposing ends. An oblong coil can refer to an inductor 1143a, 1143b having a generally rectangular shape with two opposing ends that are rounded. The opposing ends of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be defined by a location of the outer-most turn of a wire defining the inductor 1143a, 1143b. The center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be regarded as a point or line that is central to the length, width, and / or depth of the inductor 1143a, 1143b, such as from the perspective of the inductor 1143a, 1143b when it is flattened. The center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be configured to be disposed proximate a center of the heating element 1142 of the cartridge 1120 on each short side of the heating element 1142 (e.g., central point or cross-section along the length of the heating element 1142), when the cartridge 1120 is inserted. The inductors 1143a, 1143b can form part of a holder assembly 1158a which defines a receptacle (not shown) configured to receive the cartridge 1120, with the heating element 1142 disposed substantially within the receptacle when the cartridge 1120 is inserted.

[0424] As illustrated in FIG. 1 IB, a center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can instead be configured to be disposed at or near separate, respective long sides of the cartridge 1120 when the cartridge 1120 is inserted and / or each inductor 1143a, 1143b can take the shape of a flattened circular, oval, c-shaped or oblong coil. The center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be configured to be disposed proximate a center of the heating element 1142 of the cartridge 1120 on each long side of the heating element 1142 (e.g., central point or cross-section along the length of the heating element 1142), when the cartridge 1120 is inserted. The inductors 1143a, 1143b can form part of a holder assembly 1158b which defines a receptacle (not shown) configured to receive the cartridge 1120, with the heating element 1142 disposed substantially within the receptacle when the cartridge 1120 is inserted.

[0425] As illustrated in FIG. 11C, a center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can instead be configured to be disposed at or near the same short side of the cartridge 1120 when the cartridge 1120 is inserted and / or each inductor 1143a, 1143b can take the shape of a c-shaped or oblong coil. The center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be configured to be disposed away from a center of the heating element 1142 of the cartridge 1120 on the short side of the heating element 1142 (e.g., central point or cross-section along the length of the heating element 1142), when the cartridge 1120 is inserted. For example, the heating element 1142 can be regarded as having two sections, divided by a cross-section along the length of the heating element 1142 (e.g., with the cross-section central to the length of the heating element 1142), with a top section that is closer to the mouthpiece of the cartridge 1120 and / or higher along the length when the cartridge 1120 is placed on a flat surface with the heating element 1142 proximate the flat surface, and a bottom section that is further from the mouthpiece of the cartridge 1120 and / or lower along the length when the cartridge 1120 is placed on a flat surface with the heating element 1142 proximate the flat surface. Accordingly, the center of the first inductor 1143a can be configured to be disposed proximate a center of the top section of the heating element 1142 on the short side of the heating element 1142 (e.g., central point or cross-section along the length of the top section of the heating element 1142) and the center of the second inductor 1143b can be configured to be disposed proximate a center of the bottom section of the heating element 1142 on the short side of the heating element 1142 (e.g., central point or cross-section along the length of the bottom section of the heating element 1142), when the cartridge 1120 is inserted. The inductors 1143a, 1143b can form part of a holder assembly 1158c which defines a receptacle (not shown) configured to receive the cartridge 1120, with the heating element 1142 disposed substantially within the receptacle when the cartridge 1120 is inserted. In alternative implementations, the inductors 1143a, 1143b can instead be configured to be disposed proximate centers of the top section and the bottom section of the heating element 1142 on the long side of the heating element 1142 (e.g., central point or cross-section along the respective heights of each of the top section and the bottom section of the heating element 1142), when the cartridge 1120 is inserted.

[0426] As described herein with respect to at least FIGs. 12A-12E and 13A-13G, more or less inductors 1143a, 1143b can be present and / or be positioned in different locations relative to the locations illustrated in FIGs. 11A-11C. Although not illustrated, one or more flux concentratorscan be configured to direct the electromagnetic field of each of the inductors 1143a, 1143b in a direction of the heating element 1142, similar to flux concentrators 448, 548 described herein.

[0427] FIGs. 11D-11I illustrate perspective views of additional various configurations of inductors 1143 for use in a vaporizer device, consistent with implementations of the current subj ect matter. As illustrated in FIG. 11D, a center of each of two inductors 1143a, 1143b can be configured to be disposed at or near separate, respective short sides of the heating element 1142 of a cartridge when the heating element 1142 is inserted into a receptacle of a holder assembly 1158d. The center of each inductor 1143a, 1143b can be regarded as a point or line that is central to the length, width, and / or depth of the inductor 1143a, 1143b, such as from the perspective of the inductor 1143a, 1143b when it is flattened. Each inductor 1143a, 1143b can optionally take the shape of a c-shaped or oblong coil. The center of each inductor 1143 a, 1143b can be configured to be disposed proximate a center of the heating element 1142 on each short side of the heating element 1142 (e.g., central point or cross-section along the length of the heating element 1142), when the heating element 1142 is inserted into the holder assembly 1158d.

[0428] As illustrated, each of the inductors 1143a, 1143b can include an open center region 1162 in a center of the respective inductor 1143a, 1143b. In some implementations, the open center regions 1162 in the centers of the inductors 1143a, 1143b can provide an increased efficiency in delivering energy to the heating element 1142. For example, the open center regions 1162 can occupy a region that is 15-50% or 20-40% of the total surface area of the inductors 1143a, 1143b, with the total surface area of the inductors 1143 a, 1143b being defined by the area bounded by the outer-most turns of the wire defining the inductor 1143a, 1143b and inclusive of the area of the open center regions 1162. In some aspects, having a larger open center region 1162 can result in increased efficiency in delivering energy from the inductors 1143a, 1143b into the heating element 1142. The size and shape of the open center region 1162 can be dependent on the size and shape of the respective inductor 1143a, 1143b. For example, the open center region 1162 can be c-shaped or oblong based on the inductors 1143a, 1143b being c-shaped or oblong.

[0429] As illustrated, one or more flux concentrators 1148 can be disposed proximate and exterior to the inductors 1143a, 1143b (e.g., between the inductors 1143a, 1143b and an external shell of the vaporizer body that includes the inductors 1143a, 1143b and one or more flux concentrators 1148). The one or more flux concentrators can be configured to direct the electromagnetic field of each of the inductors 1143 a, 1143b in a direction of the heating element1142, similar to flux concentrators 448, 548 described herein. As illustrated, a separate flux concentrator 1148 can be disposed proximate each respective inductor 1143a, 1143b and separated by a gap between the flux concentrators 1148 that is proximate the long side of the holder assembly 1158d. However, in some implementations a single flux concentrator 1148 can be disposed substantially around a perimeter of the holder assembly 1158d. The holder assembly 1158d can include or be in close proximity to the inductors 1143a, 1143b and the flux concentrator s) 1148. The holder assembly 1158d can define a receptacle (not shown) configured to receive the heating element 1142.

[0430] As illustrated, the first inductor 1143a can be electrically coupled to first electrical leads 1144a that are configured to power the first inductor 1143a and the second inductor 1143b can be electrically coupled to second electrical leads 1144b that are configured to power the second inductor 1143b. The electrical leads 1144a, 1144b can be electrically coupled with a controller and / or driving circuit for powering the respective inductors 1143a, 1143b as described herein.

[0431] As illustrated, in FIG. 1 IE, the first inductor 1143a described with respect to FIG. 1 ID can be replaced with first inductor 1143a and third inductor 1143c, and the second inductor 1143b described with respect to FIG. 1 ID can be replaced with second inductor 1143b and fourth inductor 1143d. The inductors 1143 a- 1143d (collectively referred to as inductor(s) 1143) can be disposed on, within, or proximate holder assembly 1158e. Each of the inductors 1143a-1143d can respectively be electrically coupled to their own electrical leads 1144a-1144d. If two flux concentrators 1148 are included, then a first flux concentrator 1148 can be disposed proximate and exterior to the first and third inductors 1143a, 1143c, and a second flux concentrator 1148 can be disposed proximate and exterior to the second and fourth inductors 1143b, 1143d. Implementations of FIG. 1 IE can otherwise be the same or similar to the implementations described with respect to FIG. 1 ID.

[0432] As illustrated, in FIG. 1 IF, the center of each of the two inductors 1143a, 1143b described with respect to FIG. 11D can instead be configured to be disposed at or near separate, respective long sides of the heating element 1142 of a cartridge (not illustrated) when the heating element 1142 is inserted into a receptacle of a holder assembly 1158f. Implementations of FIG. 1 IF can otherwise be the same or similar to the implementations described with respect to FIG. 11D.

[0433] As illustrated, in FIG. 11G, the first inductor 1143a described with respect to FIG. 1 IF can be replaced with first inductor 1143a and third inductor 1143c, and the second inductor 1143b described with respect to FIG. 1 IF can be replaced with second inductor 1143b and fourth inductor 1143d. The inductors 1143a-l 143d can be disposed on, within, or proximate holder assembly 1158g. Each of the inductors 1143a- 1143d can be respectively electrically coupled to their own electrical leads 1144a-1144d. If two flux concentrators 1148 are included, then a first flux concentrator 1148 can be disposed proximate and exterior to the first and third inductors 1143a, 1143c, and a second flux concentrator 1148 can be disposed proximate and exterior to the second and fourth inductors 1143b, 1143d. Implementations of FIG. 11G can otherwise be the same or similar to the implementations described with respect to FIG. 1 IF (and thereby, FIG. 1 ID).

[0434] As illustrated, in FIG. 11H, the heating element 1142 and its respective cartridge can be formed to have a cylindrical shape (along the cartridge length). As such, the heating element 1142 may not be considered as having long sides and short sides. Accordingly, three inductors 1143a, 1143b, 1143c can be configured to be disposed at or near a perimeter of the heating element 1142 of the cartridge when the heating element 1142 is inserted into a receptacle of a holder assembly 1158h. In some implementations, each of the three inductors 1143a, 1143b, 1143c are equally spaced apart from each other, around a perimeter of the holder assembly 1158h. Each of the inductors 1143a-l 143c can be respectively electrically coupled to their own electrical leads 1144a-l 144c. Three flux concentrators 1148 can be included, with each flux concentrator 1148 disposed proximate and exterior to a respective inductor 1143a, 1143b, 1143c. In some implementations, other numbers of inductors 1143 can be present, such as two inductors 1143, three inductors 1143, four inductors 1143, six inductors 1143, or the single inductor 1143 illustrated in FIG. 111. Implementations of FIGs. 11H and 1 II can otherwise be the same or similar to the implementations described with respect to FIG. 1 ID.

[0435] In operation, each of the inductors 1143a-l 143d can be configured to generate an electromagnetic field to heat the heating element 1142, ...

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cartridge for use with a vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the cartridge comprising: a heater portion comprising: a heating element configured to heat a vaporizable material to generate a vapor, the heating element defining at least a portion of a perimeter of a heater chamber containing the vaporizable material; and one or more cartridge inlets configured to allow external air to enter the heater chamber and entrain the vapor; and a mouthpiece portion comprising: at least one vapor inlet; at least one bypass air inlet; one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with the heater chamber through the at least one vapor inlet, the one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with ambient air through the least one bypass air inlet, the one or more airflow outlet channels comprising at least one condensation chamber configured to condense the entrained vapor with the ambient air to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol; and at least one airflow outlet configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol to a user, the at least one airflow outlet in fluid communication with the at least one condensation chamber.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cartridge has a cartridge distal end and a cartridge proximal end opposite the cartridge distal end, wherein the at least one airflow outlet is proximate the cartridge proximal end and the one or more cartridge inlets are proximate the cartridge distal end.

3. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the cartridge has a cartridge length between the distal end and the proximal end of the cartridge, a cartridge depth that is transverse to the cartridge length, and a cartridge width that is transverse to the both the cartridgelength and the cartridge depth, and wherein the cartridge width is longer than the cartridge depth, and the cartridge length is longer than both the cartridge depth and the cartridge width.

4. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the cartridge has opposing long sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge width, wherein a perimeter of the cartridge comprises the long sides and the short sides, and wherein the perimeter of the cartridge defines a non-cylindrical cross-section of the cartridge that is perpendicular to the cartridge length.

5. The cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the cartridge width is at least 1.5 times as long as the cartridge depth.

6. The cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one bypass air inlet comprises a plurality of bypass air inlets, wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises a plurality of bypass channels extending from each of the plurality of bypass air inlets to a corresponding one of a plurality of bypass outlets, wherein each of the plurality of bypass channels is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

7. The cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the one or more airflow outlet channels comprise a first airflow outlet channel and a second airflow outlet channel, spaced apart along the cartridge width.

8. The cartridge of any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of bypass channels are angled, downward with respect to a plane formed by the cartridge width and the cartridge depth, and towards the at least one vapor inlet, into a corresponding airflow outlet channel of the one or more airflow outlet channels to produce turbulent airflow within the at least one condensation chamber.

9. The cartridge of any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of bypass channels are angled, upwards with respect a plane formed by to the cartridge width and the cartridge depth, and towards the at least one airflow outlet, into a corresponding airflow outlet channel of the one or more airflow outlet channels to produce turbulent airflow within the at least one condensation chamber.

10. The cartridge of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of bypass channels are offset from each other, along the cartridge width and along the cartridge length, to produce turbulent airflow within the at least one condensation chamber.

11. The cartridge of any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises a mouthpiece insert, and wherein one or more of the at least one vapor inlet, the at least one bypass air inlet, and the one or more airflow outlet channels are formed through the mouthpiece insert.

12. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein each of the at least one vapor inlet, the at least one bypass air inlet, and the one or more airflow outlet channels are laser cut through the mouthpiece insert.

13. The cartridge of any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the one or more airflow outlet channels originate at the at least one vapor inlet and terminate at the at least one airflow outlet.

14. The cartridge of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the mouthpiece insert is proximate the proximal end of the cartridge, and wherein the mouthpiece insert is in fluid communication with the least one airflow outlet, optionally wherein the mouthpiece insert is an end cap.

15. The cartridge of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the mouthpiece insert comprises an air-permeable or vapor-permeable material configured to allow the inhalable aerosol to pass through the material.

16. The cartridge of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the mouthpiece insert comprises a pass-through filter comprising a hollowed volume configured to allow the inhalable aerosol to pass through the hollowed volume.

17. The cartridge of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the mouthpiece insert comprises one or more of paper material, cardstock, corrugated material, cardboard, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic, cellulose acetate, non- wood plant fibers, flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and esparto.

18. The cartridge of any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein the heater portion further comprises a heater insert proximate the distal end of the cartridge, wherein the heater insert is in fluid communication with the one or more cartridge inlets, optionally wherein the heater insert is an end cap.

19. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein the heater insert comprises an air-permeable material configured to allow the external air to pass through the material.

20. The cartridge of any one of claims 18 to 19, wherein the heater insert comprises a pass-through filter comprising a hollowed volume configured to allow the external air to pass through the hollowed volume.

21. The cartridge of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the heater insert comprises one or more of paper material, cardstock, corrugated material, cardboard, tobacco paper, temperature-resistant plastic, cellulose acetate, non- wood plant fibers, flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw, and esparto.

22. The cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 21, wherein the at least one vapor inlet comprises a first vapor inlet and a second vapor inlet, wherein the one or more airflow outlet channels comprises a first airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with the first vapor inlet, a second airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with the second vapor inlet, and a third airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with each of the first airflow outlet chamber and the second airflow outlet chamber, wherein the third airflow outlet channel is in fluid communication with the at least one airflow outlet.

23. The cartridge of claim 22, wherein a width of the third airflow outlet channel along the cartridge width is greater than a combined width of both the first airflow outlet channel and the second airflow outlet channel along the cartridge width.

24. The cartridge of any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the first airflow outlet channel and the second airflow outlet channel are formed within a first insert, and wherein the third airflow outlet channel is formed within a second insert.

25. The cartridge of claims 24, wherein the second insert is stacked on top of the first insert along the cartridge length, optionally wherein the mouthpiece further comprises a third insert that is an end cap staked on top of the second insert along the cartridge length.

26. The cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 21, wherein the one or more airflow outlet channels comprises a first airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with the at least one vapor inlet, a second airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with the first airflow outlet channel and the at least one airflow outlet, and a third airflow outlet channel in fluid communication with the first airflow outlet channel and the at least one airflow outlet.

27. The cartridge of claim 26, wherein a width of the first airflow outlet channel along the cartridge width is greater than a combined width of both the second airflow outlet channel and the third airflow outlet channel along the cartridge width.

28. The cartridge of any one of claims 26 to 27, wherein the first airflow outlet channel is formed within a first insert, and wherein the second airflow outlet channel and the third airflow outlet channel are formed within a second insert.

29. The cartridge of claim 28, wherein the second insert is stacked on top of the first insert along the cartridge length; optionally wherein the mouthpiece further comprises a third insert that is an end cap staked on top of the second insert along the cartridge length.

30. The cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 29, wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises a divider, and wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises walls defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

31. The cartridge of claim 30, wherein the at least one vapor inlet comprises a first plurality of vapor inlets formed through the divider and a second plurality of vapor inlets formed through the one or more walls.

32. The cartridge of claim 31, wherein the divider abuts the walls such that the first plurality of vapor inlets are adjacent the second plurality of vapor inlets.

33. The cartridge of any one of claims 31 to 32, wherein the at least one bypass air inlet is formed though the walls and adjacent the second plurality of vapor inlets to produce turbulent airflow within the at least one condensation chamber.

34. The cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 33, wherein each of the at least one bypass air inlet and each of the at least one vapor inlet comprise openings, in fluid communication with the one or more airflow outlet channels, that are less than 1 mm in diameter.

35. The cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 29, further comprising a divider defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels, wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises walls further defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

36. The cartridge of claim 35, wherein the at least one vapor inlet comprises a plurality of vapor inlets formed through the divider, wherein the divider abuts the walls such that the plurality of vapor inlets are adjacent the at least one bypass air inlet.

37. The cartridge of any one of claims 35 to 36, wherein the at least one bypass air inlet is formed though the walls and adjacent the plurality of vapor inlets to produce turbulent airflow within the at least one condensation chamber.

38. The cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 29, wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises a divider, wherein the divider comprises the at least one vapor inlet and the at least one bypass air inlet, and wherein the divider is in fluid communication with the one or more airflow outlet channels.

39. The cartridge of any one of claims 4 to 38, wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises a plurality of baffles within the one or more airflow outlet channels, wherein each of the plurality of baffles extends from one of the short sides of the cartridge, along at least part of the cartridge width, and towards the other of the short sides of the cartridge.

40. The cartridge of claim 39, wherein the plurality of baffles produces an airflow path within the at least one condensation chamber that is elongated relative to a length of the mouthpiece portion along the cartridge length.

41. The cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 40, wherein the heating element comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of the metal sheet meet at a joint location, optionally wherein the heating element comprises a metal sheet having the first end and the second end.

42. The cartridge of claim 41, wherein the first end and the second end of the metal sheet are glued together at the joint location, welded together at the joint location, and / or mechanically interlocked together at the joint location.

43. The cartridge of any one of claims 41 to 42, wherein the heating element has opposing long sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge width, wherein the perimeter of the heating element comprises the long sides and the short sides, and wherein the perimeter of the heating element defines a non-cylindrical cross-section of the heating element that is perpendicular to the cartridge length.

44. The cartridge of claim 43, wherein the joint location is disposed at one of the opposing short sides.

45. The cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 42, wherein the heating element has opposing long sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge width, wherein the perimeter of the heating element comprises the long sides and the short sides, and wherein the perimeter of the heating element defines a non-cylindrical cross-section of the heating element that is perpendicular to the cartridge length.

46. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 45, wherein the heating element is in physical contact with the vaporizable material.

47. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 46, wherein the heating element is wrapped around, pressed into thermal contact with, and / or arranged to deliver heat directly to the vaporizable material to generate the vapor.

48. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 47, further comprising a layer of material or wrapper surrounding at least part of the heater portion and at least part of the mouthpiece portion, the layer of material or wrapper connecting the heater portion with the mouthpiece portion.

49. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 48, wherein the vaporizable material comprises tobacco and a humectant.

50. The cartridge of claim 49, wherein the humectant comprises vegetable glycerin, and wherein the vaporizable material comprises 30-50% vegetable glycerin by dry weight.

51. The cartridge of any one of claims 49 to 50, wherein the tobacco comprises dried tobacco leaves and dried tobacco stems.

52. The cartridge of any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein the tobacco is separate from the humectant.

53. The cartridge of any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein the tobacco occupies a first volume and the humectant occupies a second volume, and wherein the first volume is greater than the second volume.

54. The cartridge of claim 53, wherein the first volume and the second volume are approximately the same dimensions.

55. The cartridge of claim 53, wherein the first volume is smaller than the second volume.

56. The cartridge of claim 53, wherein the second volume surrounds the first volume.

57. The cartridge of any one of claims 49 to 56, wherein an interior portion of the cartridge is sprayed with the humectant.

58. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 57, wherein the heating element comprises a susceptor configured to absorb and convert magnetic and / or electromagnetic energy to generate heat.

59. The cartridge of claim 58, wherein the susceptor comprises aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or invar.

60. The cartridge of any one of claims 58 to 59, wherein the susceptor comprises stainless steel.

61. The cartridge of any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the susceptor comprises a non- ferritic and / or non-magnetically permeable material, and wherein the susceptor is configured to generate the heat based on eddy currents, optionally wherein the susceptor is not configured to generate the heat based on hysteresis.

62. The cartridge of any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the susceptor comprises a ferritic material; and wherein the susceptor is configured to generate the heat based on hysteresis.

63. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 62, wherein the heating element comprises a paper-backed metal material.

64. The cartridge of claim 63, wherein the paper-backed metal material comprises a meal layer disposed interior to one paper layer or disposed between two paper layers.

65. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 63, wherein the external air comprises ambient air passing along an airflow inlet path; optionally wherein the airflow inlet path comprises a path configured to allow for passage of the ambient air from outside of the vaporizer device, along an exterior surface of the cartridge, and into the cartridge through the one or more cartridge inlets.

66. A method for assembling a cartridge, the method comprising: forming a heater portion comprising: a vaporizable material; a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material to generate a vapor, the heating element defining at least a portion of a perimeter of a heater chamber containing the vaporizable material; and one or more cartridge inlets configured to allow external air to enter the heater chamber and entrain the vapor; andforming a mouthpiece portion comprising: at least one vapor inlet; at least one bypass air inlet; one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with the heater chamber through the at least one vapor inlet, the one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with ambient air through the at least one bypass air inlet, the one or more airflow outlet channels comprising at least one condensation chamber configured to condense the entrained vapor with the ambient air to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol; and at least one airflow outlet configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol to a user, the at least one airflow outlet in fluid communication with the at least one condensation chamber.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the mouthpiece portion comprises an insert and wherein each of the at least one vapor inlet, the at least one bypass air inlet, and the one or more airflow outlet channels are laser cut through the insert, wherein the one or more airflow outlet channels originate at the at least one vapor inlet and terminate at the at least one airflow outlet.

68. The method of any one of claims 66 to 67, wherein the heating element is wrapped around, pressed into thermal contact with, and / or arranged to deliver heat directly to the vaporizable material to generate the vapor.

69. The method of any one of claims 66 to 68, further comprising: wrapping a layer of material or wrapper around at least part of the heater portion and at least part of the mouthpiece portion, the layer of material or wrapper connecting the heater portion with the mouthpiece portion.

70. The method of any one of claims 66 to 69, further comprising: forming a divider portion comprising: a divider defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels, wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises walls further defining at least a portion of the one or more airflow outlet channels.

71. The method of any one of claims 66 to 70, further comprising:forming the vaporizable material, wherein forming the vaporizable material comprises: mixing tobacco and a first amount of vegetable glycerin to form a first mixture; forming a shape from the first mixture; adding the shape into the heater portion; and adding a second amount of vegetable glycerin to the shape while the shape is disposed within the heater portion.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein the formed vaporizable material comprises 30- 50% vegetable glycerin by dry weight.

73. The method of any one of claims 66 to 72, wherein the heating element comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of the metal sheet meet at a joint location, optionally wherein the heating element comprises a metal sheet having the first end and the second end.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein the heating element has opposing long sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge width, wherein the perimeter of the heating element comprises the long sides and the short sides, and wherein the perimeter of the heating element defines a non- cylindrical cross-section of the heating element that is perpendicular to the cartridge length, optionally wherein the joint location is disposed at one of the opposing short sides.

75. A vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the vaporizer device comprising: the cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 65; and a device body comprising a receptacle configured to insertably receive the cartridge.

76. The vaporizer device of claim 75, further comprising one or more device inlets configured to allow external air to enter the receptacle.

77. The vaporizer device of claim 76, wherein the receptacle comprises ridges configured to couple to the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle, wherein the one or more device inlets are formed through the plurality of ridges.

78. The vaporizer device of claim 77, wherein the ridges comprise a first plurality of ridges configured to couple to the cartridge proximate a distal end of the cartridge, and wherein the ridges comprise a second plurality of ridges configured to couple to the cartridge away from the distal end of the cartridge.

79. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 77 or 78, wherein the ridges comprise a first plurality of ridges configured to couple to the heater portion of the cartridge, and wherein the ridges comprise a second plurality of ridges configured to couple to the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge.

80. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 75 to 79, wherein the receptacle is configured to insertably receive the cartridge at a distal end of the cartridge, and wherein a proximal end of the cartridge remains outside of the receptacle when the distal end of the cartridge is received in the receptacle.

81. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 75 to 80, wherein the receptacle is configured to insertably receive the heater portion of the cartridge, and wherein the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge remains outside of the receptacle when the heater portion of the cartridge is received in the receptacle.

82. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 75 to 81, wherein the receptacle is configured to insertably receive and couple to the cartridge via a snap-fit, press-fit, friction fit, or magnetic attachment.

83. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 75 to 82, wherein the device body comprises the heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material to generate the vapor, wherein the cartridge comprises, instead of the heating element, a metal configured to provide the heat to the vaporizable material, and wherein the metal instead defines at least the portion of the perimeter of the heater chamber containing the vaporizable material.

84. A vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the vaporizer device comprising: a heating element configured to heat a vaporizable material to generate a vapor;at least one inductive coil configured to generate a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the heating element; a controller configured to: apply power to the at least one inductive coil to generate the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field; derive an inductance and a resistance of the at least one inductive coil; and adjust the power applied to the at least one inductive coil based on the derived inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil.

85. The vaporizer device of claim 84, wherein the controller is further configured to: estimate a temperature of the heating element based on the derived inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil, wherein adjusting the power applied to the at least one inductive coil is based on the estimated temperature of the heating element.

86. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 85, wherein the controller is further configured to: select an operating temperature for the heating element, wherein adjusting the power applied to the at least one inductive coil is further based on the operating temperature of the heating element.

87. The vaporizer device of any one of claim 85 to 86, wherein estimating the temperature of the heating element comprises: measuring a first inductance and a first resistance of the at least one inductive coil during a first time period; measuring a second inductance and a second resistance of the at least one inductive coil during a second time period; comparing the first inductance with the second inductance to determine an inductance difference; comparing the first resistance with the second resistance to determine a resistance difference; and comparing the inductance difference and the resistance difference.

88. The vaporizer device of claim 87, wherein comparing the inductance difference and the resistance difference comprises dividing the resistance difference by the inductance difference.

89. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 85 to 88, wherein estimating the temperature of the heating element is based on a temperature coefficient of resistivity of the heating element.

90. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein the first time period is a time period during which the at least one inductive coil is not generating the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the heating element.

91. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 87 to 90, wherein the second time period is a time period during which the at least one inductive coil is not generating the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the heating element.

92. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 87 to 90, wherein the second time period is a time period during which the at least one inductive coil is generating the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the heating element.

93. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 87 to 92, further comprising at least one sense coil configured to sense the inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil and / or an inductance and a resistance of the heating element, wherein the sense coil is disposed proximate the at least one inductive coil and / or the heating element.

94. The vaporizer device of claim 93, wherein the controller is further configured to apply a voltage to the at least one sense coil during the first time period and during the second time period, wherein the first inductance, the first resistance, the second inductance, and the second resistance are derived based on the applied voltage, optionally wherein the applied voltage is a direct current (DC) voltage.

95. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 87 to 91 , wherein the controller is further configured to apply a voltage to the at least one inductive coil during the first time period and during the second time period, wherein the first inductance, the first resistance, the secondinductance, and the second resistance are derived based on the applied voltage, optionally wherein the applied voltage is a direct current (DC) voltage.

96. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 95, wherein adjusting the power applied to the at least one inductive coil comprises: adjusting a duty cycle of the power applied to the at least one inductive coil, adjusting a voltage of the power applied to the at least one inductive coil, and / or adjusting a frequency of the power applied to the at least one inductive coil.

97. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 96, wherein adjusting the power applied to the at least one inductive coil comprises adjusting a duty cycle of the power applied to the at least one inductive coil, and wherein the duty cycle comprises a time period, for each cycle of the duty cycle, during which the power is not applied to the at least one inductive coil to heat the heating element and the inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil are derived.

98. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 97, wherein the power applied to the at least one inductive coil comprises an alternating current (AC) voltage applied to heat the heating element via the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field.

99. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 98, wherein the at least one inductive coil comprises a plurality of inductive coils configured to generate respective magnetic and / or electromagnetic fields, wherein the controller is configured to independently apply and adjust power applied to each of the at plurality of inductive coils, and wherein the controller is further configured to derive a respective inductance and a respective resistance of each of the plurality of inductive coils, wherein the adjusting of power applied to each of the plurality of inductive coils is independently based on the respective inductance and resistance of each of the plurality of inductive coils.

100. The vaporizer device of claim 99, wherein the plurality of inductive coils comprises two, three, four, or more inductive coils, optionally wherein each of the plurality of inductive coils are configured to heat different regions of the heating element.

101. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 100, further comprising one or more flux concentrators configured to direct energy generated by the at least one inductive coiltowards the heating element, wherein the one or more flux concentrators at least partially surround the at least one inductive coil.

102. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 101, further comprising at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the at least one inductive coil, wherein adjusting the power applied to the at least one inductive coil is based on the measured temperature of the heating element, optionally wherein the at least one temperature sensor is in close proximity to the at least one inductive coil.

103. The vaporizer device of claim 102, wherein the at least one temperature sensor comprises a thermistor, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) circuit, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) circuit, and / or a thermocouple.

104. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 103, wherein the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one inductive coil at an operating frequency, wherein the operating frequency is the same or different for each of the at least one inductive coil.

105. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 104, wherein the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one inductive coil at a first operating frequency when applying power to heat the heating element, and to operate each of the at least one inductive coil at a second operating frequency when applying power to derive the inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil, wherein the first operating frequency is the same or different than the second operating frequency.

106. The vaporizer device of one of claims 84 to 105, wherein the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the calibration mode to: heat the at least one inductive coil; measure inductance and resistance measurements of the at least one inductive coil as it cools; and store the inductance and resistance measurements in a look up table, optionally wherein the controller is further configured to adjust the power applied to the at least one inductive coil based on comparison to the inductance and resistance measurements stored in the look up table.

107. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 106, wherein the heating element comprises aluminum, optionally wherein the heating element is wrapped at least in part around anexterior perimeter of the vaporizable material and configured to heat exterior perimeter of the vaporizable material.

108. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 107, wherein the heating element comprises a non-ferritic and / or non-magnetically permeable material, and wherein the heating element is configured to generate the heat based on eddy currents, optionally wherein the heating element is not configured to generate the heat based on hysteresis.

109. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 108, further comprising sensing circuitry coupled to electrical leads of the at least one inductive coil, the sensing circuitry configured to measure the inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil, wherein the controller is configured to derive the inductance and resistance of the at least one inductive coil based on the110. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 109, wherein the controller is further configured to detect presence of the heating element via the at least one inductive coil.

111. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 110, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine whether the heating element is valid; and enable heating of the heating element after determining the heating element is valid.

112. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 111, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine whether the heating element is deformed; and adjust properties of the generation of the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field when the heating element is deformed.

113. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 112, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine a position of the heating element; and adjust properties of the generation of the magnetic and / or electromagnetic field based on the position of the heating element.

114. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 113, further comprising: a cartridge comprising the heating element; and a device body comprising: a receptacle configured to insertably receive the cartridge; and the at least one inductive coil.

115. The vaporizer device of claim 114, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge in accordance with any of claims 1 to 65.

116. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 114 to 115, wherein the cartridge has a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, a cartridge length between the distal end and the proximal end of the cartridge, a cartridge depth that is transverse to the cartridge length, and a cartridge width that is transverse to the both the cartridge length and the cartridge depth, wherein the cartridge width is longer than the cartridge depth, the cartridge has opposing long sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge depth and opposing short sides that are offset from each other along the cartridge width, wherein a perimeter of the cartridge comprises the long sides and the short sides, and wherein the perimeter of the cartridge defines a non-cylindrical crosssection of the cartridge that is perpendicular to the cartridge length.

117. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 114 to 116, wherein the at least one inductive coil comprises a first inductive coil proximate a first side of the receptacle and a second inductive coil proximate a second side of the receptacle that is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the receptacle and the second side of the receptacle are each proximate one of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle.

118. The vaporizer device of claim 117, further comprising: a first flux concentrator proximate the first inductive coil, the first flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the first inductive coil towards the receptacle; and a second flux concentrator proximate the second inductive coil, the second flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the second inductive coil towards the receptacle.

119. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 114 to 116, wherein the at least one inductive coil comprises a first plurality of inductive coils proximate a first side of the receptacle and a second plurality of inductive coils proximate the second side of the receptacle that is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the receptacle and the second side of the receptacle are each proximate one of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle.

120. The vaporizer device of claim 119, further comprising: a first flux concentrator proximate the first plurality of inductive coils, the first flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the first plurality of inductive coils towards the receptacle; and a second flux concentrator proximate the second plurality of inductive coils, the second flux concentrator configured to direct energy generated by the second plurality of inductive coils towards the receptacle.

121. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 119 to 121, wherein each of the first plurality of inductive coils are disposed to generate a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat one of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle, and wherein the second plurality of inductive coils are disposed to generate a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field to heat the other of the opposing long sides of the cartridge when the cartridge is insertably received within the receptacle.

122. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 121, wherein the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one inductive coil at one or more operating frequencies.

123. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 122, wherein the controller is further configured to operate each of the at least one inductive coil according to a normal power mode, a boost power mode, a measurement mode, a cartridge detection mode, a pre-heating mode, a standby mode, and / or a calibration mode.

124. The vaporizer device of claim 123, wherein the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the normal power mode in a frequency range of 100 kHz to 200 kHz or 250 kHz to 350 kHz.

125. The vaporizer device of one of claims 123 to 124, wherein the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the boost power mode in a frequency range greater than 200 kHz and less than 500 kHz, or greater than 350 kHz and less than 500 kHz.

126. The vaporizer device of one of claims 123 to 125, wherein the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the measurement mode to take inductance and resistance measurements of the at least one inductive coil.

127. The vaporizer device of one of claims 123 to 126, wherein the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the cartridge detection mode to determine whether the cartridge is properly insertably received within the receptacle.

128. The vaporizer device of one of claims 123 to 127, wherein the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the pre-heating mode to drive off water vapor in the cartridge.

129. The vaporizer device of one of claims 123 to 128, wherein the controller is further configured to operate one or more of the at least one inductive coil according to the calibration mode to: heat the at least one inductive coil; measure inductance and resistance measurements of the at least one inductive coil as it cools; and store the inductance and resistance measurements in a look up table.

130. The vaporizer device of claim 129, wherein the controller is further configured to estimate the temperature of the at least one inductive coil via comparison to the inductance and resistance measurements stored in the look up table.

131. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 84 to 130, wherein the at least one inductive coil comprises Litz wire.

132. A device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the device comprising: a cartridge comprising: a vaporizable material; a heater chamber; a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material to generate a vapor, the heating element comprising a susceptor; one or more cartridge inlets configured to allow external air to enter the heater chamber and entrain the vapor; one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with the heater chamber, the one or more airflow outlet channels comprising at least one condensation chamber configured to condense the entrained vapor with ambient air to form at least a portion of the inhalable aerosol; and at least one airflow outlet configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol to a user, the at least one airflow outlet in fluid communication with the at least one condensation chamber; and a device body comprising: a receptacle configured to insertably receive the cartridge; and circuitry configured to control heating of the heating element, the circuitry comprising at least one inductive coil configured to generate a magnetic and / or electromagnetic field.

133. The device of claim 132, wherein the heating element defines at least a portion of a perimeter of the heater chamber, and wherein the heater chamber comprises the vaporizable material.

134. The device of any one of claims 132 to 133, further comprising at least one bypass air inlet; one or more airflow outlet channels in fluid communication with the heater chamber through the at least one vapor inlet, wherein the one or more airflow outlet channels are in fluid communication with ambient air through the least one bypass air inlet.

135. The device of any one of claims 132 to 134, wherein the cartridge comprises the cartridge according to any of claims 1 to 65.

136. The device of any one of claims 132 to 135, wherein the receptacle comprises the receptacle according to any of claims 74 to 82.

137. The device of any one of claims 132 to 136, wherein the at least one inductive coil comprises the at least one inductive coil according to any of claims 84 to 131.

138. The device of any one of claims 132 to 137, wherein the circuitry comprises the controller according to any of claims 84 to 131.

Images