Electronic vaporizer system

Abstract

To provide an electronic vaporizer system that includes a personal vaporizer (PV) and a portable case that is removable and can store the PV.SOLUTION: An electronic cigarette vaporizer system includes a vaporizer 1 and a single piezo-electric pump 6 that both withdraw e-liquid from a cartridge or chamber 3 and also pumps controlled amounts of e-liquid for atomizing in the vaporizer 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The field of the invention relates to electronic vaporizer systems. One example of an electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapestick, inhaler, modding kit, personal vaporizer (PV), advanced personal vaporizer (APV) or electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). Typically, "PV" or "vaporizer" is used herein as a general term for an electronic vaporizer, i.e., the unit that the user actually places on their lips and inhales. An electronic vaporizer system includes this unit. An electronic vaporizer can deliver nicotine and other substances and can be a household appliance or a medicamentally approved nicotine drug delivery system.

[0002] In the context of electronic cigarettes, PVs vaporize "e-liquid" or vaping substances to produce a non-pressurized vapor or mist for inhalation for pleasure or stress relief, replicating or replacing the experience of smoking. An "e-liquid" or vaping substance is a liquid (or gel or other state) capable of producing a vapor or mist for inhalation, the primary purpose of which is to deliver nicotine or other compounds, such as pharmaceuticals. PVs are therefore mass-market consumer products that may be comparable to cigarettes, and are typically used by smokers as part of a tobacco reduction or cessation program. The main components of vaping e-liquids are usually a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin. E-liquids can contain a variety of flavors and come in a range of nicotine strengths. Thus, users following a nicotine reduction or cessation program can choose reduced nicotine concentrations, including zero-strength nicotine e-liquids. The term "e-liquid" is used herein to refer generically to any type of vaping substance. [Background technology]

[0003] Conventional designs of refillable e-cigarettes are somewhat complex, as refilling the e-liquid typically requires the user to unscrew the e-cigarette and then manually drip a small amount of e-liquid onto the atomizing coil. Thus, the overall user interaction with a conventional refillable e-cigarette (encompassing all aspects of how the user controls, refills, recharges, and generally interacts with the device) can be complex, which is reflected in its design. The design is often rather technical, using various control buttons. The overall user interaction is rarely intuitively obvious. This is very different from the uncomplicated and simple (and very attractive to smokers) ritualistic act of opening and lighting a conventional cigarette pack. The complex user interaction that characterizes conventional refillable e-cigarettes is not the simple and attractive ritualistic act of opening and lighting a cigarette pack.

[0004] Designing an e-cigarette system that replicates the simplicity of a traditional cigarette represents a considerable challenge but is believed to be key to mass-market adoption of e-cigarettes by smokers and therefore offering considerable public health potential. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is an electronic cigarette vaporizer system that includes a vaporizer and a single piezoelectric pump, both of which draw e-liquid from a cartridge or chamber and pump a controlled amount of e-liquid for atomization within the vaporizer.

[0006] Optional features in the implementation include:

[0007] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein a piezoelectric pump transports e-liquid into a vaporizer reservoir, the reservoir surrounding the vaporizer atomization unit.

[0008] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, in which the piezoelectric pump is in a case that allows the vaporizer to be stored, a cartridge is attached or inserted into the case, and the case refills the vaporizer with liquid and recharges the vaporizer's battery.

[0009] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the cartridge is insertable or attachable to the case by an end user.

[0010] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the piezoelectric pump is in the vaporizer and the cartridge or chamber is insertable into or integral with the vaporizer.

[0011] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the piezoelectric pump or its control or driver circuitry provides data to an electronics module that enables the module to determine, estimate or infer, using knowledge of the total number of pumping cycles and the amount pumped per cycle, or the pumping frequency, pumping duration and amount pumped per cycle, the amount of liquid pumped from or remaining in the cartridge or chamber, or other related data.

[0012] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the piezoelectric pump, or its control or driver circuitry, or a sensor in line with the pump, provides data to the electronics module that enables the module to determine, estimate or infer when to stop pumping liquid.

[0013] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the pump or its control or driver circuitry provides data to an electronics module that enables the module to determine, estimate or infer whether a cartridge has been illicitly filled because the cartridge provides an amount of liquid that exceeds the normal capacity of the cartridge.

[0014] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above in which the operating parameters of the pump are automatically changed depending on whether it is pumping air or e-liquid.

[0015] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the operating parameters of the pump are automatically modified depending on the ambient temperature and / or the temperature of the e-liquid and / or the viscosity of the e-liquid.

[0016] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the operating parameters include an actuator frequency.

[0017] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer is approximately the same size and shape as a cigarette.

[0018] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, which is refillable with e-liquid only when the electronic vaporizer is inserted into a refilling case that includes a piezoelectric pump for transferring e-liquid to the vaporizer and is complete, intact and undisassembled.

[0019] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above that is operable in a "discrete" mode that reduces the amount of vapor produced by the vaporizer compared to a normal mode.

[0020] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above that is operable in a "power" mode to increase the amount of vapor produced by the vaporizer while monitoring the temperature of the vaporizer's heating element to ensure that excessively high temperatures associated with undesirable compounds in the vapor produced by the heating element are not reached.

[0021] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the case for the vaporizer includes an automatic lift mechanism that raises the vaporizer a few millimeters above the case, allowing a user to easily grasp and pull the vaporizer out of the case.

[0022] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, comprising a case for the vaporizer and including a non-contact sensor for detecting attachment / detachment or withdrawal of the vaporizer from the case.

[0023] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the piezoelectric pump includes multiple piezoelectric actuators, and the microcontroller independently adjusts the phase or timing or power of each voltage pulse that triggers the piezoelectric actuators.

[0024] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, comprising an e-liquid cartridge or other form of parent reservoir designed to supply e-liquid to the vaporizer, the cartridge including a pneumatic valve.

[0025] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, comprising an e-liquid cartridge designed to provide e-liquid to a vaporizer, the cartridge including a chip for storing and outputting data defining a unique identification of the cartridge and / or the e-liquid stored in the cartridge, the cartridge adapted to be inserted within or form an integral part of the electronic vaporizer system.

[0026] an e-liquid cartridge designed to provide e-liquid to a vaporizer, the cartridge including two openings, a first opening being used to fill the cartridge in a filling line and then covered with a bung or plug or other form of seal; the second opening is sealed by a septum or other form of seal designed to be penetrated or punctured by a needle or stem that draws e-liquid from the cartridge during use; An electronic vaporizer system as defined above.

[0027] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, comprising a cartridge designed to provide e-liquid to the vaporizer, the cartridge including a chip that stores data relating to a batch number of the e-liquid stored in the cartridge, the cartridge being adapted to be inserted within the electronic vaporizer system or to form an integral part of the electronic vaporizer system.

[0028] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, comprising an air pressure valve or device that allows excess air to escape from the vaporizer's e-liquid reservoir while the vaporizer is pressure-filling the vaporizer with e-liquid.

[0029] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes a ceramic cell atomization unit located inside the e-liquid reservoir, and the pneumatic valve is a wall of the ceramic cell that has a surface in contact with the e-liquid in the reservoir.

[0030] The vaporizer (i) vaporizes the e-liquid pumped by the piezoelectric pump; and (ii) a mechanical valve that (i) is pushed up from the seat so that the vaporizer can automatically fill the e-liquid, and (ii) at other times returns and seals against the seat so that there is no risk of the e-liquid spilling from inside the vaporizer when the vaporizer is being vaped or inhaled therefrom.

[0031] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit).

[0032] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, comprising a contact sensor and programmed to detect a particular plurality of different types of touch-based input, the contact sensor being included in the vaporizer and / or a case for the vaporizer.

[0033] The vaporizer does not need to be disassembled to be filled with e-liquid, but instead is filled from user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges. An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes a front portion that includes a wick and heating assembly but does not include an e-liquid cartridge, the front portion being removably adapted to the body of the vaporizer to allow for the use of a replacement front portion, such that when the original wick or heating element begins to deteriorate, for example, the replacement front portion is provided to the end user and has no e-liquid therein.

[0034] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes a heating element, a power source, and an electronics module that manages the supply of power, current or voltage to the heating element, and the electronics module controls or supplies pulses of power, current or voltage to the heating element.

[0035] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes a heating element and further includes or cooperates with an electronics module that (i) detects characteristics of the supply of power, current or voltage to the heating element and (ii) determines whether those characteristics are related to degradation of the heating element.

[0036] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes a heating element and further includes or cooperates with an electronics module that (i) detects a characteristic of the resistance of the heating element and (ii) uses an inference of temperature derived from the resistance as a control input.

[0037] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes a heating element, an air pressure sensor, and a microcontroller, and the microcontroller uses a signal from the air pressure sensor to store, process, or determine the extent of each inhalation.

[0038] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes a heating element and a microcontroller, and the microcontroller monitors or measures an electrical characteristic of the heating element and uses it to automatically identify the type of heating element as a control input.

[0039] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes a heating element and a microcontroller, and the microcontroller monitors or measures or uses data regarding the external or ambient temperature and uses it as a control input.

[0040] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes a heating element and a microcontroller, and the microcontroller monitors or measures the airflow velocity or pressure drop relative to an air pressure sensor or other sensor and uses it as an input to control the power supplied to the heating element.

[0041] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes a heating element for heating the e-liquid and a microcontroller, the microcontroller determining the type and / or characteristics of the e-liquid being used and using this as an input to automatically control the power supplied to the heating element to heat the e-liquid in a manner appropriate for that particular type of e-liquid or e-liquid having those characteristics.

[0042] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer has a square or rectangular cross-section with rounded corners and includes an elongated PCB inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer.

[0043] An electronic vaporizer system as defined above, wherein the vaporizer includes a heating or atomizing unit, the unit including a protective elastomeric wall or barrier configured to (i) fit the unit inside a body of the vaporizer and prevent leakage around the outside of the unit while e-liquid is delivered under pressure to a reservoir surrounding the unit, and (ii) allow e-liquid to pass from the e-liquid reservoir outside the unit into the unit.

[0044] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic cigarette vaporizer case with a vaporizer partially extending from the case. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic cigarette vaporizer case with the vaporizer fully extended from the case. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an electronic cigarette vaporizer system. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an electronic cigarette vaporizer system. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates diagrammatically the nature of connections in an electronic cigarette vaporizer system. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an electronic cigarette vaporizer system. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an electronic cigarette vaporizer system. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view of the main components of the case of the electronic cigarette vaporizer system. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the main components of the case. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the main components of the case. [Figure 9C] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the main components of the case. [Figure 9D] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the main components of the case. [Figure 9E] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the main components of the case. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the main components of a cartridge for an electronic cigarette vaporizer system. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a side view of the main components of a cartridge for an electronic cigarette vaporizer system. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the main components of one design of the atomization unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main components of the atomization unit. [Figure 14] Shown is a user replaceable tip and nebulizer unit. [Figure 15] 1 shows the tip and vaporizer air pressure equalization valve. [Figure 16] An exploded view of the air pressure equalization valve is shown. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of an air pressure equalization valve of a vaporizer. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an air pressure equalization valve and an atomization unit of a vaporizer. [Figure 19A] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an air pressure equalization valve and atomization unit of a vaporizer showing airflow patterns. [Figure 19B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vaporizer and airflow pattern. [Figure 19C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vaporizer. [Figure 20] 1 shows a ceramic cell atomization unit with silicone end pieces. [Figure 21] 1 shows a ceramic cell atomization unit with silicone end pieces. [Figure 22] 1 shows a ceramic cell atomization unit with silicone end pieces. [Diagram 23] 1 shows a ceramic cell atomization unit with silicone end pieces. [Figure 24] 1 shows a ceramic cell atomization unit with silicone end pieces. [Diagram 25] 1 shows a ceramic cell atomization unit with silicone end pieces. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main elements of the vaporizer, each separated. [Figure 27] An exploded view of some of the main elements of the main body of the vaporizer (thus excluding the atomization unit and mouthpiece and e-liquid filling mechanism). [Figure 28] An exploded view of the main elements of the e-liquid filling end of the vaporizer. [Figure 29] A cross-sectional view of the vaporizer in the case while filling with e-liquid. [Diagram 30]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vaporizer showing the fill end. [Diagram 31] A cross-sectional view of a vaporizer with a cotton wick from one angle. [Figure 32A] Cross-section of a cotton wick vaporizer from two different angles. [Figure 32B] Cross-section of a cotton wick vaporizer from two different angles. [Figure 33A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer using a ceramic cell atomization unit. [Figure 33B] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer using a ceramic cell atomization unit. [Figure 34A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the fully assembled vaporizer. [Figure 34B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the fully assembled vaporizer. [Diagram 35] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system. [Diagram 36] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Key figures used in the drawings JPEG2025011267000002.jpg11865 JPEG2025011267000003.jpg12165 JPEG2025011267000004.jpg7665

[0047] We now describe the implementation of the present invention in the following four sections.

[0048] Section A: Overall system introduction from a user experience perspective Section B: Overview of some of the main components of the system Section C: A brief list of key features Section D: A more detailed explanation of these key features

[0049] Please note that most of these features are not inventive. The claims define the invention.

[0050] Section A: Overall system introduction from a user experience perspective A high level view of an overall electronic vaporizer system implementing the present invention from a user experience perspective will now be described, reference may be made to WO2015 / 128665, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[0051] 1 and 2 show perspective views of an electronic vaporizer e-cigarette system that implements the present invention. The system includes a case that (i) stores an electronic vaporizer PV, (ii) also refills the PV with e-liquid from a small 10 mL e-liquid closed cartridge that the user inserts into the case, and (iii) also recharges the PV's battery. Thus, when the PV is withdrawn from the case, as shown in FIG. 2, the electronic vaporizer PV is ready for use and has a full reservoir of e-liquid (depending on how long it has been stored in the case) and a fully charged battery. Refilling the PV with e-liquid and recharging the PV's battery occurs automatically when the PV is inserted back into the case.

[0052] The PV contains a series of six LEDs along one face. All the LED lights are illuminated at the beginning of a vape "session" and fade out (the lights furthest from the vapor fade out first) indicating the amount remaining in the vaporizer. The session lasts for a typical amount of cigarettes (8-10 puffs). Once all the lights are out, the vaporizer must be returned to the case for further vape sessions. This vape session is typically of comparable duration to a standard cigarette and replicates well-understood smoker behaviors, gestures and cues. Conventional refillable e-cigarettes often have tanks that store the equivalent of five or ten cigarettes and do not provide a clear beginning and end to a vape session that corresponds to smoking a regular cigarette, making it easy to consume excess nicotine. The LEDs fade out gradually, corresponding to smoking one cigarette. Because it is a fading modality, it is easier to regulate (and therefore reduce) nicotine consumption using the present vaporizer design.

[0053] The brightness of the LEDs is adjusted according to the intensity of the ambient light (e.g. in low light the LEDs will automatically dim) and reduced in "discrete" mode ("discrete" mode allows the user to vape discretely, for example by reducing vapor and the LED lighting will be dimmed or even not lit at all).

[0054] Unlike traditional refillable e-cigarettes, the PV does not contain any physical buttons to press to operate the PV, and is therefore much closer to a traditional cigarette than other e-cigarettes, which generally contain multiple control buttons - something that many old-fashioned smokers find irritating. Because the primary purpose of this product is to benefit public health by appealing to smokers to reduce or quit smoking, the principle of nullification design keeps this product as simple as possible, with a device that replicates the form factors, rituals, actions, cues and gestures of traditional smoking, even in a refillable device. This makes the product attractive to existing smokers. For example, the PV can be easily held between two fingers, like a traditional cigarette. This is not possible with traditional refillable e-cigarettes, which usually contain a large and bulky battery pack.

[0055] When a PV is stored in the case, it typically takes 30 to 90 seconds to fully recharge with e-liquid. Generally, the battery of a PV is not fully discharged during a vaping session. The PV is intended to be stored in the case and is therefore periodically replenished. A full charge of a PV battery can take an hour or more, but it may only take a few minutes to go from, say, 90% to a full 100% capacity. Thus, in a typical usage scenario, a vaper may use the product to vape the equivalent of one cigarette, and then replace the PV in the case over an hour or more. Each time the user removes the PV from the case, it is then fully filled with power and e-liquid, replicating the removal of a new cigarette from a pack.

[0056] The end or tip of the PV containing the heating element is a user replaceable component. The user can pull off the tip and replace it with a new tip. This is useful if one type of heating element (such as a coil or wick) in the tip lasts for more than a few months or if the tip becomes damaged.

[0057] The 10mL cartridge in the case stores the equivalent of approximately 50-100 cigarettes of e-liquid, making replacement easy when the user runs out of e-liquid and needs to replace the cartridge, or when the user wants to try a different flavor or strength of e-liquid.

[0058] The cartridges are "closed", meaning that they are sealed after filling with approved e-liquid and cannot be refilled by the end user. This ensures compliance with safety regulations (e.g. the European Tobacco Products Regulation 2014 / 40 / EU) and ensures that only the highest quality e-liquid from certified sources is present in the cartridge. Also, since filling the PV with e-liquid occurs while the PV is in the case, the risk of leakage is minimized, in contrast to "open tank" systems, which must all be refilled manually. Furthermore, since filling is fully automated, the user does not need to disassemble the PV for filing. Disassembly is typically required for refillable electronic vaporizers. Finally, since the main battery (1400mAh battery) and the main e-liquid reservoir (10mL) are contained in the portable carrying case, this means that the PV itself contains a relatively small battery (120mAh) and a relatively small e-liquid reservoir (total volume approx. 0 The PV requires only 1.4 mL of e-liquid (approximately 0.2 mL of this volume filled with e-liquid). This in turn means that the PV itself can be much smaller than a conventional refillable electronic vaporizer, and in fact has a size and shape similar to a conventional cigarette, but with the capabilities of a device that includes a much larger battery and e-liquid reservoir. This makes electronic vaporizer systems much more attractive to smokers who want to stop smoking and start vaping (e.g., for health reasons, because vaping doesn't leave smelly residue and doesn't yellow fingers and teeth), but are often put off by the conventional designs of refillable electronic vaporizers, which are often bulky and unattractive. As mentioned above, a vaporizer the size and shape of a slim cigarette can be held in the same way as a cigarette, allowing the user to replicate familiar gestures and actions associated with conventional smoking.

[0059] By having a PV the size (approximately 9.7 cm long, 1 cm wide) and shape (nearly cylindrical or tubular, with rounded corners) of a cigarette, and drawn from a case similar in size to a cigarette packet, the system mimics the behavioral or ritualistic aspects of smoking that are highly appealing to smokers - nicotine reduction therapies that ignore these aspects are much less appealing to smokers and therefore significantly less likely to result in adherence to a smoking cessation program. Thus, the system replicates the ritualistic act of handling an object similar in size to a packet of 20 cigarettes, opening that packet, and drawing a cigarette, and replicates the tactile familiarity of holding and inhaling from an object the size of a cigarette. This combination is believed to be important in achieving large-scale consumer adoption of e-cigarettes. One objective of the product is to provide a vaping system that is a much more effective smoking cessation tool than traditional e-cigarettes.

[0060] To recap, the electronic vaporizer system shown in Figures 1 and 2 provides a PV with the compactness and form factor of a traditional cigarette, but with the vaping capabilities of much larger and bulkier refillable PVs, such as "open tank" systems, because (i) it still has access to a large and powerful battery, but this battery is now transferred to the case and is not part of the vaporizer, and (2) it still has access to a large 10 mL e-liquid tank, but this battery is now in the case and is not part of the vaporizer.

[0061] The complete dimensions are as follows:

[0062] Vaporizer: (mm: width x depth x height) 10 x 10 x 97 mm Vaporizer replaceable tip: 10 x 10 x 24 mm Case: 15.5 x 63 x 117.5mm Capsule: 12.5 x 26.9 x 55 mm

[0063] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of the system, showing the main components. The case 100 contains a hinged PV holder 2, a battery 5 similar to that in a mobile phone, and a removable cartridge 3 that stores e-liquid. The e-liquid is dispensed from the cartridge 3 using a piezoelectric micro-pump 6 within the case 100, which passes the e-liquid through a fill stem 4 and into the PV. The piezoelectric pump 6 may be attached to the main electronics board of the case 100 or the base of the hinged PV holder 2, or may be integrated into the cartridge 3, or may even be within the PV itself.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic vaporizer PV1 slides in and out of the hinged holder 2 of the recharging and refilling case 100, and once the PV1 is stored within the case 100, the hinged holder 2 closes, completely protecting the PV and different from conventional electronic vaporizer systems. Unlike, it ensures that there is no real possibility of e-liquid leaking from the PV into your pocket, bag, etc.

[0065] When the PV 1 is fully inserted into the holder 2, a filing stem 4 in the case 100 protrudes into the opening of the PV. When the case is fully closed and the user touches a control button, panel or switch in the case or a fully automated mechanism is triggered, a piezoelectric micropump 6 in the case 100 is activated, pumping a metered amount of e-liquid (typically 0.2 mL) into the PV, typically filling a small 0.2 mL to 0.6 mL e-liquid reservoir in the PV itself. For example, 0.2 mL is an amount that roughly corresponds to one cigarette, but this amount can vary greatly and depends on many different factors. In any case, a 0.4 mL reservoir should generally correspond to several cigarettes. While it is possible to design PVs with much larger reservoirs, such as 2 mL or more, there are user experience advantages to a PV that is roughly equivalent to a few cigarettes, or even just one cigarette.

[0066] The pump 6 stops pumping when the required amount of e-liquid has been transferred. At that time, the PV can continue to be stored in the case, and while the PV is stored, the small battery of the PV is recharged by the main battery in the case. When the holder 2 is hinged open by a trigger action (i.e., the user pulling on the base of the hinged holder 2), the PV1 gently and automatically rises a few mm from the holder using an ejection mechanism (e.g., magnetic or spring-based) to allow the user to eject it. The PV1 is at this point like a completely fresh electronic vaporizer, fully refilled with e-liquid and the battery is fully topped off with charging. Since the relatively small capacity battery of the PV is periodically replenished by the main battery of the case, the vaping ability of the PV is very good and comparable to a very bulky PV with a large built-in battery. The latter is the kind of product that many smokers are reluctant to try, as it seems idiosyncratic and unstable to many smokers. A non-contact switch, such as a reed switch in the case, can detect the removal of the PV and the reinsertion of the PV.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically that the system is digitally connected. The case transmits data via short-range wireless, such as Bluetooth, to an app running on the user's smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, or other computing device. For example, if the case detects that the level of e-liquid in the cartridge is getting low, it sends a message to the app on the user's smartphone to alert the user. The app gives the user the option to order a replacement cartridge from an electronic order processing platform. The case may also include a 3G, LTE, or other form of wireless data module to communicate directly with a remote server. Key features of the app include:

[0068] Connect to the case via your smartphone's Bluetooth connection -Through the app you can: Track usage ○ Purchase another capsule directly to your home ○Find the nearest store ○ Set goals – financial, health, or related uses ○ Adjust the basic settings of the vaporizer and case ○Get recommendations based on usage and preferences ○ Check when new flavors are launched ○ Receive special promotions ○ Ask a friend to recommend it o Set the system to auto-refill so you never run out of capsules again and don't have to keep monitoring the liquid level.

[0069] The case includes a USB C port for power and data transfer. This case can only be used with certified chargers that can complete a satisfactory USB C handshake. This eliminates the risk of using cheap, uncertified chargers.

[0070] The case contains an electronics module that controls the operation of the piezoelectric pump and records usage statistics to improve customer service. The case collects usage statistics and other data and transmits them over the Internet via a Bluetooth-connected smartphone running a proprietary application or directly to the manufacturer's database.

[0071] The following data is recorded and transmitted to the factory or manufacturer's database:

[0072] · Power-up and power-down events, both in the case and also in the PV, making it possible to measure the frequency and nature of handling. The time of all use events (e.g., users who always use their device first thing in the morning are likely to be highly dependent on smoking and therefore would be very helpful to track their progress with a nicotine reduction program) -System runtime (helps improve battery usage and estimate fluid usage). Vape counts (i.e. number and frequency of inhalations). Vape strength (i.e. inhalation strength). Battery health. Charge / discharge / charge events. -Vape coil temperature. Vape coil malfunction. -Other malfunctions. External temperature (to compensate for battery health and coil heating to ensure the coil is at its optimum heating temperature regardless of ambient temperature). E-liquid flavour, strength, ingredients and batch number Other information recorded by the app: The app could, for example, ask the user to rank their cravings for cigarettes at various times during the day, both before and after using the electronic vaporizer, e.g. on a scale of 1 to 10, and further the app could ask the user if they still smoke cigarettes, how many times and at what time, if they suffer from side effects, if the user feels fit, etc. This could provide valuable data showing the effectiveness of the product, particularly as part of smoking reduction programs and other clinical trial data useful to scientists and regulators. · All data is encrypted and standard data integrity techniques are used to ensure data cannot be tampered with and privacy is maintained.

[0073] As the case is a connected device, it can be locked remotely - for example, if the owner loses the case, is not in direct control of it, or wants to ensure that someone else (such as a child) cannot use it - the case can be locked from an application on a connected smartphone.

[0074] Each capsule contains an authentication chip programmed with data such as the filling date, the batch number of the e-liquid, where the e-liquid was obtained from, and the amount of tax or duty paid. Thus, if a particular batch of e-liquid is found to be contaminated, a message identifying the contaminated batch can be sent to all cases worldwide. The cases check the e-liquid batch number of each cartridge before filling it from the cartridge and identify the contaminated batch. A case will not be filled from a cartridge with a batch number that matches a list of cases. Similarly, stolen or counterfeit cartridges, or cartridges on which taxes have not been properly paid, can be identified by the manufacturer and a message sent to all cases to prevent their use. Finally, because the use of e-cigarettes (e-vaporizers) may be illegal in some locations and countries, a smartphone application could use the location location capabilities of its host smartphone to determine whether the device is in a location where e-vaporizer use is permitted and, if appropriate, disable the case and / or PV. This could operate at a country level or even down to a specific building, plane, etc.

[0075] Section B: Overview of some of the main components of the system Section A looked at the vaping system from a user experience perspective. Here in Section B we provide an overview of three of the system's main components: Section B1: Fluid Transfer Systems Overview Section B2: Overview of e-liquid cartridges Section B3: Overview of PV atomizing coils

[0076] Section B1: Fluid Transfer Systems Overview An isometric exploded view of the system is shown in Figure 6. The case 100 contains the chassis assembly 10 on which all the major components are mounted. The chassis assembly 10 slides into the case assembly 14.

[0077] Mounted on the chassis assembly are the electronics module on PCB assembly board 11, the piezoelectric micropump 6, the e-liquid inlet tube 12 that feeds the micropump 6, and the hinged PV holder 2 into which the user slides the PV 1. A replaceable 10mL cartridge 3 slides into the side of the case 100 and engages against a wire spring 13. As will be described in more detail below, the cartridge 3 includes a rubber septum which is pierced by a needle 7 when the cartridge 3 is fully inserted into the case. The needle 7 leads via a thin tube 12 to the piezoelectric micropump 6.

[0078] The supply or inlet tube 12 includes a sensor 8 that can detect whether it is liquid or gas being fed to the piezoelectric micropump 6. It is very useful to know this, since the piezoelectric pump will operate in different modes depending on the viscosity of the material being pumped. For example, if air is entering the piezoelectric pump, the piezoelectric pump should operate at a high frequency, such as 150-400 Hz (preferably 300 Hz). However, if the pump is pumping e-liquid at room temperature, the piezoelectric pump should operate at a much lower frequency, such as 7-20 Hz (and preferably 15 Hz). If the e-liquid is much more viscous (e.g. the ambient temperature is very cold), the piezoelectric pump may need to operate much slower. It is therefore very useful to be able to automatically change the cycle time or frequency of the piezoelectric pump based on an automatic assessment of the substance being pumped. One way this can be achieved is by having the sensor in the input line that feeds the piezoelectric pump include a pair of electrical contacts on either side of the tube. When there is e-liquid in a section of the tube and the sensor is placed around it, there is a large resistance (but one that can be measured by the electronics module in the case). If there is air in that area, the resistance will be infinite or too high to measure. Once e-liquid is detected, that information can be combined with an ambient temperature measurement from a solid-state thermometer in the case to control the piezoelectric pump so that it operates at an optimal cycle time or frequency. Other sensing methods are possible, for example, a capacitive sensor or an infrared sensor (which passes light through the inlet tube and detects high or low levels of light absorption) can easily detect if air or liquid is present in the piezoelectric pump inlet tube.

[0079] When the piezoelectric pump 6 has a pair of piezoelectric actuators, one problem that can arise is that each actuator will start to operate slightly differently over time. For the pump to operate properly, both actuators need to operate in the same way, delivering exactly the same amount of liquid for each pumping stroke. Due to this mismatch in operation and output, pumping capacity can significantly degrade over time. In the present system, the microcontroller can independently adjust the phase or timing of each voltage pulse that triggers the piezoelectric actuators. So, for example, one actuator may be given a slightly longer or stronger voltage pulse than the other if this improves the imbalance. The microcontroller can continuously or periodically monitor the efficiency of the overall pump (e.g., using a small MEMS-based flow sensor) and adjust the phase relationship until optimal pumping capacity is achieved. For example, if one actuator is delivering less e-liquid than the other, the power supplied to the first actuator can be increased. For example, the start of the voltage pulse can be brought forward, or the peak voltage supplied to the first actuator relative to the second actuator can be increased. The microcontroller can monitor the pumping performance of the entire unit and adjust various parameters until optimum pumping is achieved.

[0080] The outlet tube from the piezoelectric micropump 6 leads to a fill stem or tube (not shown in Figure 6, but shown in Figure 9 as numeral 4) at the bottom of the hinged holder. This fill stem engages with a fill opening in the bottom end (or side) of the PV, as will be described below.

[0081] Materials must be carefully selected for compatibility with nicotine. For example, nicotine can react with some plastics (such as polycarbonate), leach compounds from other plastics, and evaporate from other materials. The tube 12 can be made of an inert, nicotine-compatible material such as Tygon™ LMT55. The piezoelectric pump can be an MP6 micropump from Bartels Mikrotechnik GmbH with an actuator made of polyimide.

[0082] Figure 7 is an isometric exploded view of the chassis assembly components from Figure 6. Specifically, Figure 7 shows the hinged PV holder 2, the micropump 6 mounted on the PCB assembly board 11, and the chassis 10. Figure 7 also shows the trigger latch assembly 15, which the user presses to eject the cartridge 3 using the force of the wire spring 13. Electrical contact is made to a ring contact on the PV via contact assembly 16. Power and data are sent through contact assembly 16.

[0083] FIG. 8 is a front and rear elevational view of the fully assembled system with the cartridge inserted in place and the hinged holder in the open position.

[0084] FIG. 9 shows five cross-sectional views (FIGS. 9A-9E) of the chassis assembly. FIG. 9A shows a top view with an empty PV holder 2 and a small display panel 17 that uses simple graphics to show information about the system (battery charge status, e-liquid fill status, etc.). A cross-section line XX is drawn and FIG. 9B is a side cross-sectional view along line XX. Shown are the main battery 5, the hinged PV holder 2 and the fill stem 4. At the base of the fill stem 4 is a simple spring-loaded stainless steel ball 16 that acts as a stop valve. As the piezoelectric pump 6 pumps e-liquid into the PV, the stainless steel ball 16 rises from its seat, allowing e-liquid to pass upwards through the fill stem 4. As soon as the piezoelectric pump 6 stops pumping, the stainless steel ball 16 rests back to seal the fill stem, preventing downstream droplets of e-liquid from dripping out. The read / write data contact 13 contacts the data lead for a security or authenticator chip fixed to the cartridge. Figure 9C FIG. 9 shows a PCB assembly board 11 located adjacent to a case battery 5 mounted to a chassis assembly 10. A piezoelectric pump 6 is attached to the battery 5 and is fed with e-liquid through an e-liquid inlet tube 12. An infrared sensor 8 is positioned around the e-liquid inlet tube 12 to detect whether there is air or e-liquid (as the light absorption of e-liquid is much greater than that of air) in the inlet tube at that time. The inlet end of the e-liquid inlet tube 12 is connected to a needle 7. This needle pierces a septum in the cartridge, allowing e-liquid to be drawn out of the cartridge by the piezoelectric pump 6. FIG. 9D shows a rear view of the needle 7. FIG. 9E shows a side view of the battery 5.

[0085] The main features of the case are: Case Feature 1: The case contains a piezoelectric pump. The case contains a piezoelectric pump for transferring a small but precise amount of e-liquid from a cartridge or other parent reservoir to the child reservoir of the PV.

[0086] Case Feature 2: The case or PV has a "discrete" mode. In "discrete" mode, the PV reduces the amount of vapor produced or its density (e.g., lowers the coil temperature by 10%), but keeps the temperature within a range where the vapor volume or density is reduced while the vaping experience is still good. This is useful in restaurants and offices.

[0087] Case Feature 3: The case or PV includes a "power mode" that monitors the temperature of the coil. The user can activate a button or sensor on the PV to, for example, increase the amount of vapor produced, but it also measures or estimates or limits critical coil temperatures to ensure they stay within safe operating temperatures.

[0088] Case Feature 4: The case has a PV ejection mechanism, which is an automatic lift mechanism (e.g., magnetic or spring-based) that gently raises the PV a few mm above the case, making it easier for the user to grasp when the case is opened.

[0089] Case Feature 5: A non-contact sensor in the case detects when the PV is removed from the case. A non-contact sensor (e.g., a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, or other magnetic sensor) detects when the PV enters or leaves the charging / recharging case.

[0090] Case Feature 6: A sensor in the feed line to the fluid transfer mechanism (e.g., a piezoelectric pump) senses characteristics of the flow through the feed line and automatically alters operation of the fluid transfer mechanism in response to the detected or inferred properties of the material passing through the feed line (e.g., air or e-liquid, and the viscosity of the e-liquid).

[0091] · Case Feature 7: Detecting imbalances in the operation of piezoelectric actuators forming a pair of piezoelectric actuators and altering the phase or voltage profile supplied to the actuators to resolve the imbalances.

[0092] Section D provides further details on each of these features.

[0093] Section B2: Overview of e-liquid cartridges Figure 10 is an isometric exploded view of the cartridge components. The cartridge includes a body 20 made of a transparent plastic material compatible with nicotine storage (such as HDPE - High Density Polyethylene, PETG - Polyethylene Terephthalate, or COC - Cyclic Olefin Copolymer) with two openings on its top surface. The e-liquid inlet opening 21 on the left side of the body is used when the cartridge is filled on an automatic or semi-automatic filling line. 1 1. 0 mL of e-liquid is passed through the cartridge via the fill head and then all oxygen is purged from inside the cartridge with inert argon gas to prevent oxidation of the nicotine. A plug 22 or other form of seal then seals or closes the opening 21. A rubber septum 24 sits within the opening 23 and is sealed in place by a ring 25, sealing the opening 23 which is the e-liquid exit opening. The septum 24 is a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) / silicone / PTFE disc.

[0094] The cartridge thus includes two openings: (a) an outlet opening 23 sealed by a septum 24 designed to be pierced or punctured by a needle or stem of the case to withdraw e-liquid from the cartridge, and (b) an inlet opening 21 which is used to fill the cartridge on a filing line and is then covered by a bung or plug 22. Opening 21 allows for fast and efficient filling on an automated filling line, allows for reliable sealing of the cartridge to minimize the risk of contamination, and allows for easy integration of the cartridge with the case, all at a very low cost.

[0095] An adhesive, tamper-evident strip 26 is then applied to the top of the plug 22 and the top of the septum 24 and ring 25. The body includes a standard scavenger tube 27 fixed to the outlet 23 which leads to the rubber septum 24 so that the last drops of e-liquid in the cartridge can be extracted.

[0096] An air pressure valve is included in the cartridge. If an air pressure valve is not provided, a partial vacuum is created when the cartridge is emptied, slowing the transfer of fluid from the cartridge. The valve also prevents contaminants from entering the cartridge / reservoir, thereby preserving the condition and stability of the e-liquid. It also allows only a limited amount of air into the cartridge (e-liquid can degrade with long-term exposure to free-flowing air).

[0097] The valve has the following structure: A lid 28 is placed against one face of the cartridge body. The lid 28 contains small air holes 29 to allow air to enter and exit the plenum 30, which is formed by the lid 28 as one face, the raised portion of the lid 28 as a side, and a Porex™ PTFE sheet 31 facing the lid as the other face. The sheet can be any material that is impermeable to e-liquid but breathable in both directions, thus allowing equalization of air pressure within the cartridge. PTFE is particularly suitable as it is very stable in the presence of e-liquid and therefore does not introduce contaminants. The plenum 30 provides a large surface area air / PTFE interface. Other materials besides PTFE are possible. For example, paper coated with PTFE may be suitable. The air side of the PTFE sheet 31 can include thin strands of polypropylene to increase the surface area and facilitate welding to the clear plastic body 20.

[0098] Another feature is that each cartridge has a unique serial number written into a 1-Wire flash memory chip or authenticator 32, such as the Maxim DS28E15 security chip. After the cartridge is installed in the case, a microcontroller (MCU) in the case reads the serial number and verifies that the hash function is valid. If the verification is good, the cartridge is used to refill the PV. If not, the MCU in the case inhibits the use of liquid from such cartridge.

[0099] The manufacturer would track all serial numbers so that if some cartridges were found to be defective, they could identify all cartridges produced as part of the same batch, and a signal would be sent to the case to prevent the cartridge from being used and an explanatory message would be sent to the smartphone. The term microcontroller as used herein includes other forms of processors, microprocessors, ASICs, and the like.

[0100] The MCU can also write data to the chip 32, for example the estimated or measured amount of e-liquid remaining in the cartridge, so that illegally refilled cartridges can be identified by the MCU (as they can be tracked to have dispensed significantly more than the cartridge's known volume - e.g. 10 mL) and rendered unusable.

[0101] Upon manufacture, filling or fulfillment (or a combination thereof), data is burned into the chip defining flavor, nicotine strength, batch number, date of manufacture, payment of taxes, and any other useful information. The cartridge is then packaged and ready for shipment. Figure 11 shows the side, top, and front views of the cartridge. The total fluid capacity is 11.6cc.

[0102] Additionally, the cartridge can include a bag-in-bottle or BiB system, for example, which allows the cartridge contents to be nearly completely emptied, avoiding waste while also protecting the cartridge contents from oxidation and contamination. Materials such as DuPont Surlyn can be used for the inner bag.

[0103] The main features of the cartridge are as follows: Cartridge Feature 1: The cartridge or other form of parent reservoir contains a pneumatic valve. Cartridge feature 2: The cartridge contains a memory chip ·Cartridge feature 3: The cartridge contains two e-liquid openings, one is the inlet and the other is the outlet. Cartridge feature 4: Cartridges store the batch number of the e-liquid they are filled with, allowing them to be filled with a specific batch number and voided remotely.

[0104] Section D describes these features in more detail.

[0105] Section B3: Overview of PV atomizing coils Turning now to the wick and heating coil assembly, Figure 12 is an isometric exploded view of the components of one type of wick and heating coil assembly. The wick 35 can take a number of different forms, including a ceramic cell such as Shenzen Smoore Technology Limited's cCell, or a more traditional cotton wick coil arrangement.

[0106] FIG. 12 illustrates the latter. In this figure, a "z" shaped section of compressed cotton 35 or porous ceramic is shown with a body that is positioned longitudinally along the long axis of the PV electronic vaporizer in the vaporization chamber, blocking the air flow path through that chamber. One end of the wick 35 forms a right angle with the body and includes an end that protrudes into the e-liquid reservoir. The other end of the wick also forms a right angle with the body and includes an end that protrudes into the e-liquid reservoir. Around the wick body 35 is wound a NiChrome wire heating element 36. Other materials for the heating element such as titanium, tungsten and other materials can also be used, with the key design criteria for material selection being to minimize the risk of harmful products entering the user's lungs, especially as the heating element begins to degrade. A coil assembly 37 is mounted inside a tube 38 and closed at one end by a body 39 and at the other end by an end cap 40 that seals with an "O" ring 41. Tube 38 forms the inner wall of the e-liquid reservoir. This small reservoir, approximately 0.2 mL in volume, surrounds tube 38. A cotton wick 35 protrudes into the reservoir through a gap in the side of tube 38 and draws e-liquid from the reservoir.

[0107] The design of Figure 12 is particularly easy to mass assemble since it requires very few steps to complete, and because the heating element and wick run longitudinally through the vaporization chamber, there is no straight through path for air through the vaporization chamber, but instead the incoming air must flow around the heating element and wick, which results in a better vaping experience.

[0108] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fully assembled wick and coil assembly. It shows the e-liquid stainless steel supply pipe 42 (which connects to a piezoelectric micropump during filling to fill with e-liquid from a cartridge) that surrounds the tube 38 and feeds into a concentric reservoir, generally designated 44. After the e-liquid is pumped into the reservoir 44, it is drawn into the coil assembly by the wick. Air must be diverted through inlet 45 and over and around the coil and assembly 37. Chamber 43 is the atomization chamber, and the heated droplets of e-liquid are carried by air passing over the coil through opening 46. However, if the airflow needs to be diverted over and around the coil assembly, a vortex is created to more efficiently draw the e-liquid droplets.

[0109] 14, the fully assembled wick and coil assembly 50 is inserted into a coil holder 52 which acts as the mouthpiece. The coil holder 52 can be press-fit into the PV's main tube 51 which contains the battery, electronics, and e-liquid fill opening (at the end of the PV furthest from the mouthpiece).

[0110] The combined mouthpiece / coil holder 52 can be easily removed from the tube and replaced with a new or different combined mouthpiece / coil holder. Thus, as soon as there is any sign of deterioration of the wick or coil, and perhaps as soon as the user simply wants to try a different wick / coil design (as it may provide different vape characteristics), the user may simply pull off the old coil holder 52 and insert a new one. Thus, the PV includes a front portion 52 that includes the wick and heating assembly but does not include the e-liquid cartridge. The front portion is removable so that, for example, a replaceable front portion can be used when the original wick or heating element begins to deteriorate. The remainder of the PV can be reused with the new front portion 52.

[0111] It should be noted that the case is equipped with a micro-pump (e.g., a piezoelectric or peristaltic pump, or any other effective, reliable, accurate, and low-cost form of pump) that can be used in reverse to completely drain the PV of e-liquid, so that when the coil holder is replaced, there is very little dripping of e-liquid. Activation of reverse pumping can be done through the controls of the case, or through an app on a connected smartphone. For example, if the PV is stored in the case, the user opens the associated app on the smartphone. One option is "Drain PV when replacing coil holder". When activated, the app sends a control signal to the electronics module in the case, which in turn activates the micro-pump to completely drain the PV. When switching between flavors, it can be useful to vape with an entirely flavorless e-liquid. Thus, a "wash" routine with flavorless e-liquid is supported.

[0112] The PV contains an air pressure valve or device that allows excess air to escape from the e-liquid "child" reservoir within the PV. Air needs to escape from that reservoir in the PV when the child reservoir is filled with e-liquid, and during normal use air needs to enter the child reservoir once the e-liquid is consumed because a partial vacuum would otherwise be created. This tends to prevent or delay the e-liquid in the child reservoir from wicking / entering the atomizing coil unit. A PV air pressure relief system used with the cotton-type wick of Figures 11-13 is shown in Figures 15-19.

[0113] Figure 15 is an exploded view of the PV tip assembly. The coil core assembly 50 shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14 is inserted into a cast aluminum alloy LM25 tip casting 52. The tip casting for the mouthpiece 52 is inserted into the body 53. The tip casting mouthpiece 52 contains an air pressure relief system. It includes a rounded rectangular membrane 90 on one side of the mouthpiece 52, secured by a slug 91. On the opposing side of the casting 52 is a second circular PTFE membrane 92 secured in place by a slug 93. Other materials are possible in place of the PTFE membrane, and they must be porous to air but impermeable to e-liquid. Sintered metal is one alternative material. Porous ceramics can also be used.

[0114] Figure 16 shows the arrangement of Figure 15, but from a different perspective. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of this structure. There is an interference fit between each slug 91, 93 and the body 53. This creates a compressive force on each PTFE membrane 90, 92 which each rests on a bead 95.

[0115] Figure 18 is a longitudinal cross section at the line marked XX in Figure 17. In addition to the components shown in Figure 17, the cross section shows the e-liquid supply pipe 42 which feeds the reservoir 44. Air travels upward through each of the PTFE membranes 90, 92 and passes along air passages 96, 97 formed in the top of the tip casting 52.

[0116] 19A shows a fluid path 98 and an air path 99. Note that air can flow in and out of the PV through this air path, and if the air pressure inside the PV drops (e.g., in an aircraft flying at high altitude), air should enter the reservoir 44 and prevent e-liquid from leaking out of the PV.

[0117] Figure 19B shows a perspective view of the air passage 96 formed in the top of the tip casting 52, with the arrows indicating the air escape path 99. Figure 19C shows a perspective view of the tip casting 52 with the slug removed.

[0118] When using ceramic cells such as Shenzen Smoore's T28, the cylindrical wall of the ceramic cell itself acts as an air pressure valve, since the wall itself has two-way ventilation. Between pressurized filings of a PV with a ceramic cell, or if the surrounding air pressure drops, air can enter the atomization chamber through the wall, which exits to the outside. Conversely, if the surrounding air pressure increases, it is possible for air to flow through the ceramic wall into the internal reservoir of the PV. In either case, air pressure equalization is reliably achieved, and no additional air pressure relief system is required, as shown in Figures 15 to 19.

[0119] However, ceramic cells present a leakage problem when filled under pressure, as occurs with the described design. This problem is solved by using a pair of silicone washers, end caps or "O" rings on either end of the cylindrical ceramic cell. This is shown in Figures 20-25.

[0120] 20-22, a ceramic cell, such as Shenzen Smoore's T28cCell, is a short cylinder 84 of ceramic material that surrounds a heated wire 88 that spirals along the inner bore of the cylinder. The heated wire is connected to a power bushing 87. E-liquid is drawn through the porous ceramic walls of the cylinder 84, where it comes into contact with the heated wire 88, creating a mist of atomized e-liquid vapor in the atomization chamber 43, from which it is drawn by the user's inhalation. The ceramic cell is typically wrapped in cotton and then placed inside a metal tube. The e-liquid wets the cotton, forming an e-liquid reservoir around the ceramic coil, and is then wicked through the ceramic walls. When the user releases this It works well when manually dripping e-liquid into the atomizing unit of the type. However, if the e-liquid reservoir around the ceramic coil is pumped under pressure, this, like the piezoelectric pump-based system described, will cause the cotton wrap to leak and the ceramic coil to be wetted very unevenly. By providing silicone end caps 85 and 86 around the ceramic coil 84, these problems are solved. The part of the ceramic coil 84 that is not covered by the silicone end caps 85 and 86 is about 2 mm wide, which is enough to contain the e-liquid and distribute it evenly through the ceramic wall 84. Also, a piece of cotton may be wrapped around this exposed part of the coil to reduce e-liquid ingress.

[0121] FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the removable and user replaceable components of the mouthpiece 52, including the ceramic cell 84. The ceramic cell 84 with silicone end caps 85, 86 is disposed within the metal tube 38. The metal tube 38 includes a pair of opposing circular e-liquid inlet openings (approximately 2 mm in diameter) that line up over the portions of the ceramic coil 84 that are not covered by the silicone end caps 85, 86. The metal tube 38 is disposed within the tip tube 51. An annular region forms an e-liquid reservoir 44 around the metal tube 38. An e-liquid supply tube supplies e-liquid to the reservoir 44. A front seal 47 and a back seal 49 seal each end of the reservoir. A silicone rubber stopper 48 closes one end of the tube 38 and includes a central opening 46 through which e-liquid vapor generated in the atomization chamber 43 can pass. A front tip 89 defines the front of the mouthpiece.

[0122] The silicone end caps form a protective silicone barrier, making the coil stronger and impact resistant. Silicone is a good insulator, so it prevents the tip from getting too hot and burning the user's lips. It also improves the thermal efficiency of the heating element. Other suitable materials such as rubber or soft plastic, or another type of elastomer, can be used instead of silicone. The requirements for the material are that (i) it can form an effective seal around the ceramic unit, (ii) it can withstand high temperatures, (iii) it does not introduce any toxic compounds into the e-liquid, (iv) it is easy to mold around the ceramic unit, and (v) it is thermally insulating.

[0123] Figure 24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (but looking in the opposite direction as compared to Figure 23) of the ceramic coil 84, silicone end caps 85, 86 and silicone rubber stopper 48. Figure 25 is an exploded view of all the mouthpiece components shown in cross-section in Figure 23.

[0124] Figure 26 shows the entire electronic vaporizer PV, with a mouthpiece or coil holder 52 (and including the components shown in Figure 25) at one end, a main body tube 53, and an e-liquid fill end including a check valve assembly 54 at the rightmost end.

[0125] 27 is an exploded view of the main body. It includes an outer tube 53 and a chassis 55 that holds the main components, including a battery 56 and a fluid conduit 42 that passes e-liquid from the e-liquid fill end (not shown) up through the main body and into a reservoir that surrounds the wick and coil assembly (not shown). Within the chassis is a small electronic circuit PCB 58 that contains a small processor or MCU and digital I / O, with power and data I / O present via two metal rings mounted on the outside of the tube, as described below. The PCB 58 may also be positioned to extend above the battery near one of the major faces of the outer tube 53.

[0126] PCB58 contains an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that detects when it is lifted and out of the case in order to control and / or track certain behaviors. The IMU is a microcontroller inside the PV. The PV is also connected to a microcontroller (MCU). The PV can also sense when a user is touching it, for example with a capacitance sensor. This provides a control signal to the MCU in the PV, so that movements related to the user holding the PV can be distinguished from other movements of the PV.

[0127] An airflow sensor 59 is used to detect airflow and activate the heating element. The PCB also includes a temperature sensor. The airflow sensor 59 can also be used to operate as a spirometer, for example, measuring airflow and / or peak flow when the user is inhaling and blowing on the PV, and when the vape function is not activated. This can be very useful for smokers with compromised lung function who would like a simple way to track improvements in lung function that are very likely associated with quitting smoking. This can be an added incentive to continue a smoking cessation program based on using the device. Spirometer data captured by the airflow sensor can also be sent to the user's app and displayed on the smartphone running the app to be shared with a physician.

[0128] The PV MCU can measure or estimate the resistance of the coil. If the resistance of the coil is higher than a certain limit, it can be said that the coil needs to be replaced. Similarly, if the resistance starts to fluctuate, that is also an indication that the coil needs to be replaced.

[0129] The PV's MCU directly measures the current and voltage delivered to the coil. From this data it calculates the coil's resistance. We have empirically mapped the resistance against temperature for various coil / atomization combinations and can store that map in MCU accessible memory, allowing the PV's MCU to estimate the coil temperature to ensure it is optimal. This is particularly useful during "power" mode where increased power is delivered to the coil, as it becomes important to be able to ensure that the coil temperature is not so high that it creates undesirable compounds.

[0130] Another feature is that each particular type of coil (e.g., design, material, type of heating coil, etc.) has a unique resistance profile that is seen when a small current is passed through the coil (this is done momentarily before the full current for heating purposes is applied). This resistance profile is detected by the microcontroller and then compared to stored profiles to find the closest match. The microcontroller uses knowledge of the appropriate type of coil being used to ensure optimal use. For example, different coil types may have different optimum operating temperatures and maximum safe temperatures. For a typical Kanthal wire coil, the optimum temperature has been found to be around 130°C, with a 60%-40% VG mixture and relatively little moisture. The MCU can determine the temperature of the coil through an empirical mapping of the detected resistance against previously calculated or directly measured temperatures, with an accuracy of around ±10°C or better. The maximum coil temperature was set at 150°C, as temperatures above 160°C may be associated with the release of undesirable contaminants. The different optimum and maximum temperatures are a function of the particular coil material and coil assembly design (e.g., ceramic coils can operate at higher temperatures), as well as the e-liquid being used. The particular type of e-liquid the device uses (including flavor, water content, PV / VG mix, etc.) is known from data in the cartridge, and this data is used by the MCU to set the optimum and maximum temperatures.

[0131] Another advantage of sensing or inferring the coil temperature is that it quickly compensates for high airflows and very low ambient temperatures, which tend to cool the coil very quickly. The PV also contains a built-in temperature sensor that measures the ambient temperature and provides that data to the MCU. If the air is -5°C, the PV will provide significantly more power to the coil than if the air temperature is +30°C. to achieve the optimum 130°C operating temperature. A longer or more intense pre-heat of the coil can be triggered before the first draw is detected by the air pressure sensor in the PV. For example, when first opening the case with extremely cold air, or when the PV is first pulled from the case, pre-heat can begin faster and at a higher power to ensure the coil is at its optimum temperature when the first draw is taken.

[0132] The PV's MCU also monitors each puff to measure e-liquid consumption and heating coil degradation.

[0133] Returning to the specific components shown in Figure 27, a power line 60 is shown with a rear electrically insulating spacer 61, a power plate 62 connected to the power line 60, and a front electrically insulating spacer 63. The power plate 62 provides power from the battery 56 to the heating coil assembly.

[0134] Figure 28 shows an exploded view of the e-liquid fill end of check valve assembly 54 of Figure 26. Attached to check valve body 70 are (moving from right to left in the drawing) a power ring 71, an insulating ring 72, a second power ring 73, a further insulating ring 74, and a third power ring 75. Electrical contact pins 76, 77, and 78 pass through the rings. Both power and data are transmitted through these power rings.

[0135] Inside the check valve body 70 is an e-liquid fill or stop valve. It includes a spring 80 attached to a spring guide 79 that biases a stainless steel 316L ball 81, which acts as a stop valve.

[0136] Thus, the e-liquid filing mechanism of the PV is a simple orifice or nozzle sealed with a spring-loaded stainless steel 316L ball. As shown in Figure 29, when the PV is fully inserted into the hinged holder, a short filing tube or stem or spigot 83 at the base of the hinged holder pushes the ball 81 from its seat 82, exposing a fluid transfer path upward from the filing tube, through the steel ball 81, through the PV and into the "child" reservoir around the core and coil assembly.

[0137] The piezoelectric pump can be manually activated by the user by touching a button or other hard or soft switch on the case. Alternatively, the case can be set to automatically fill the PV whenever the PV is placed back in the case and the case is closed. Either way, filing will automatically end when the electronics in the case determine that there is enough e-liquid in the PV. For example, the electronics can monitor the power, current or voltage used by the micro-pump. This will begin to rise when the PV reaches its maximum capacity. At this time, the micro-pump can automatically switch off (or switch back, even temporarily, to draw a small amount of e-liquid from the PV so there is no chance of the PV being overfilled).

[0138] A stop valve is included at the base of the spigot 83. This is a simple ball valve that is biased closed but is pushed open to allow e-liquid to flow when the PV is fully inserted into the case. When the PV is removed, the ball valve returns to a closed position, preventing liquid from spilling out of the filing tube or spigot 83. This is shown in Figure 9B.

[0139] A small spring-loaded damping plug sits around a short filing tube or stem or spigot, gently raising the PV when the hinged holder is opened. The PV can be raised approximately 5mm to facilitate removal from the case, mimicking the ritualistic act of removing a cigarette from a pack.

[0140] Figure 31 and Figures 32A and 32B show various cross-sections of a PV that uses a cotton wick. As mentioned earlier, a PV (using either a cotton wick or a ceramic cell) is roughly the same size as a regular cigarette, about 10 cm long and 1 cm wide. The cross-section is a rectangle with rounded corners (a "squircle"). This shape allows a long, rectangular circuit board to be included in the PV, allowing more design freedom for the placement of the PCB. If the PV case were circular, the PCB would likely have to be mounted exactly on the diameter, leaving little room for the battery. Therefore, a square cross-section is a much better shape, as incorporating a long PCB and battery inside the casing allows the PCB to be placed very close to one of the long sides of the PV, thus freeing up battery volume. The PV also includes a narrow pipe to transport the e-liquid from the fill end to the reservoir around the heating element. This pipe can be accommodated in a corner of the PV casing just above the PCB. Therefore, a square outline tube with rounded corners is an effective shape for containing these elements.

[0141] The steel ball valve 81 is shown facing away from its seat 82, but in a normal vape it is biased against the seat to seal. When the PV is filled with e-liquid, the e-liquid passes upwards over the ball valve 81 along the fluid conduit 57 into the reservoir 44. From the reservoir 44, the e-liquid passes along the wick 35 into the atomization chamber. When the user inhales from the PV, air is drawn in through an air inlet in the PV (not shown, but typically located on the PCB so that air is not drawn in) and drawn out of the air outlet 46, activating the air pressure sensor 59. The MCU on the board 58 then sends power from the battery 56 to the heating coil 36, which rises to 130° C. and rapidly heats and vaporizes the e-liquid in the wick 35. The vapor is delivered through the outlet 46 to the user's mouth.

[0142] 33A-33C are cross-sectional views of a PV using a ceramic cell 84. Moving from right to left, e-liquid fills the PV and travels along the supply tube 42 through a stainless steel ball valve 81 into the e-liquid reservoir 43 surrounding the ceramic cell 84. The e-liquid wicks into the ceramic cell 84 via opening 57. The vapor is inhaled through the outlet opening 46. The entire mouthpiece unit 52 can be unhooked or clipped onto the body 53 if desired, allowing the mouthpiece to be replaced if necessary. The main PCB 58 sits above the battery 56.

[0143] 34A and 34B are drawings of the exterior of a ceramic cell-based PV.

[0144] The main features of PV are as follows:

[0145] PV Feature 1: PV contains a pneumatic valve PV feature 2: PV contains a mechanical valve that is pushed up from its seat during filling. PV feature 3: The PV or case has an IMU PV feature 4: PV includes a contact sensor PV feature 5: "z"-shaped core heating coil PV feature 6: PV has replaceable cores and coils PV feature 7: Pulsed power to the coil PV feature 8: Detecting coil deterioration PV feature 9: Estimating coil temperature PV Feature 10: Monitoring each puff to measure e-liquid consumption and heating coil degradation PV Feature 11: Monitor coil characteristics to identify the type of coil installed. PV Feature 12: Monitors external or ambient temperature to ensure coils are at optimum operating temperature PV Feature 13: Monitor airflow to ensure coils are at optimum operating temperature PV Feature 14: Uses data from cartridge to prescribe e-liquid and control coil heating PV characteristic 15: PV has a cross section of a squirrel PV Feature 16: Silicone cap for ceramic cell

[0146] Section D describes these features in more detail.

[0147] 35 and 36 are flow charts illustrating the operation of an electronic vaporizer.

[0148] While this implementation is an electronic vaporizer system, the innovative features may also be applied to inhalation systems that provide substances other than nicotine, such as medications, such as asthma medications, or any other drug that can be effectively delivered to the lungs, as well as vitamins, recreational drugs such as marijuana (where their use is legal), etc. Thus, the term "e-liquid" may be generalized to any drug, or any substance, including legally permissible recreational drugs.

[0149] Section C: Key Features There are several interesting features of the present e-cigarette vaporizer system, which we will now list categorized as related to the case, cartridge, and PV. Note that each feature can be used with one or more of the other features, and no single feature is required.

[0150] Case Features Case feature 1: The case contains a piezoelectric pump Case feature 2: Case or PV has a "discrete" mode Case Feature 3: Case or PV includes "power mode" with coil temperature monitor Case feature 4: The case has a PV discharge mechanism Case feature 5: A non-contact sensor inside the case detects the attachment and detachment of the PV from the case Case Feature 6: Piezoelectric Pump Feedline Sensor Case Feature 7: Correcting imbalance of twin actuators in piezoelectric pumps

[0151] Cartridge Features Cartridge Feature 1: The cartridge or other form of parent reservoir contains a pneumatic valve Cartridge feature 2: The cartridge contains a memory chip Cartridge feature 3: The cartridge contains two e-liquid openings Cartridge feature 4: Cartridges remember the batch number of the e-liquid they contain and can be remotely deactivated using a specific batch number.

[0152] Features of PV PV Feature 1: PV contains a pneumatic valve PV feature 2: PV contains a mechanical valve that is pushed up from its seat during filling. PV feature 3: The PV or case has an IMU PV feature 4: PV includes a contact sensor PV feature 5: "z"-shaped core heating coil PV Feature 6: PV has replaceable cores and coils PV feature 7: Pulsed power to the coil PV feature 8: Detecting coil deterioration PV feature 9: Estimating coil temperature PV Feature 10: Monitors each puff to measure e-liquid consumption and heating coil degradation ring PV Feature 11: Monitor coil characteristics to identify the type of coil installed. PV Feature 12: Monitors external or ambient temperature to ensure coils are at optimum operating temperature PV Feature 13: Monitor airflow to ensure coils are at optimum operating temperature PV Feature 14: Uses data from cartridge to prescribe e-liquid and control coil heating PV characteristic 15: PV has a cross section of a squirrel PV Feature 16: Silicone cap for ceramic cell

[0153] In this section, important features of the present electronic vaporizer system are described in more detail and generalized from specific implementations.

[0154] Case Features 1-5

[0155] Case Feature 1: The case contains a piezoelectric pump. The case (or PV or cartridge) contains a piezoelectric pump that transfers a small but precise amount of e-liquid from the cartridge or parent reservoir to the child reservoir of the PV. This also allows for mixing from multiple cartridges. The piezoelectric pump can be used as a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer e-liquid from the cartridge or parent reservoir to the child reservoir of the PV. It can also be used in reverse to suck back any residual e-liquid in the PV.

[0156] Since the amount dispensed can be precisely metered, this means that the PV (or the case or cartridge or associated application running on the smartphone) can precisely determine the total consumption of e-liquid and / or the amount of e-liquid remaining in the cartridge and the PV itself. This in turn can be used in an automatic reordering function. For example, when the system sees that the cartridge is down to its last 20% amount of e-liquid, the app running on the user's smartphone can prompt the user with a message asking if the user would like to order a replacement cartridge(s). Low-cost piezoelectric pumps, typically used to dispense ink in inkjet printers, can be used, as well as more expensive pumps, such as those made for pumping blood plasma. It is noted that piezoelectric pumps are very expensive items and are quite suitable for premium category electronic vaporizer devices. Where keeping costs to a minimum is important, mechanical pumping devices, such as those described in WO2015 / 128665, can be used instead.

[0157] The pump operates at low pressure under 1 psi (even higher pressures are possible) and has a flow rate of 0.4-0.6 mL per minute, so it will fill a completely empty PV in 60-90 seconds (or half that, since the PV is already half full if the PV was used to vape a single session after the last time it was fully filled). The pump can be activated manually by the user touching a button or other hard or soft switch on the case. Alternatively, the case can be set to automatically fill the PV whenever the PV is placed back in the case and the case is closed. In either case, filing will automatically end when the electronics in the case determine that there is enough e-liquid in the PV. For example, the electronics can monitor the power, current or voltage used by the micro pump. This will start to ramp up when the PV reaches its maximum capacity. The micro pump can automatically switch off (or switch back, even temporarily, to draw a small amount of e-liquid from the PV, so there is no chance of overfilling the PV). The micro pump can also be switched back, or rapidly, to remove blockages or clean the system. It can also be operated by forward and backward pumping.

[0158] A sensor can be placed in the inlet tube that feeds the piezoelectric pump to determine if air or e-liquid is entering the piezoelectric pump. The pumping frequency of the e-liquid must be significantly lower for efficient pumping of the e-liquid. Or other parameters can also be changed to ensure the effectiveness of the pump. Also, the viscosity of the e-liquid affects the piezoelectric pump; as the viscosity increases, the pumping frequency should be lowered. Viscosity can be measured directly with a suitable sensor (e.g., a MEMS sensor) or can be inferred from the ambient temperature and / or the temperature of the e-liquid (viscosity is temperature dependent).

[0159] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0160] An electronic cigarette vaporizer system that includes a single piezoelectric pump that draws liquid from a cartridge or chamber and pumps a controlled amount of e-liquid for atomization in a vaporizer.

[0161] Optional features include one or more of the following: The piezoelectric pump transports e-liquid into the vaporizer's reservoir, which surrounds the vaporizer's atomizing unit. The pump is in a case that allows for the storage of a removable personal vaporizer, a cartridge is attached or inserted into the case, and the case refills the vaporizer with e-liquid and recharges the vaporizer's battery. The cartridge or chamber is removably insertable or attachable to the case. The piezoelectric pump is in the vaporizer. The cartridge or chamber is removably insertable or integral to the vaporizer. The pump is a piezoelectric pump, for example of the kind used to transport ink in inkjet printers or to pump other liquids such as blood plasma The pump is a piezoelectric pump capable of reliably pumping liquids across a range of e-liquid viscosities from -10°C to +40°C. The pump has an input feed line connected to the cartridge and an output feed line connected to a fill nozzle that engages with the PV or vaporizer when the vaporizer is placed inside the case to refill the e-liquid. · A pump is included in the vaporizer, which also contains a cartridge. · The cartridge is not pressurized enough to expel the liquid. Cartridges are filled with inert gas during manufacture. The pump (or its control or driver circuitry) provides data to the electronics module (PV and / or case, and / or elsewhere, such as the MCU of a connected smartphone) that enables the module to determine, estimate, or infer (e.g., using knowledge of the total number of pumping cycles and amount pumped per cycle, or the pumping frequency, duration of pumping, and amount pumped per cycle) or other relevant data (ambient and ambient temperature of the e-liquid may also be measured or inferred, and the results taken into account). The module uses this data to determine the amount of liquid consumed and evaluates whether the amount is within user-specified limits. If the consumed liquid is equal to or exceeds a specified limit, the module can display a warning message, for example on the case, on the PV or in a connected smartphone application. If too much nicotine appears to have been consumed, the device could stop functioning completely, but this is an extreme measure and instead Note that this can be counterproductive as it may simply encourage users to smoke tobacco. The pump (or its control or driver circuitry) or a sensor in line with the pump provides data to the electronics module that enables the module to determine, estimate or infer when to stop pumping liquid in the personal vaporizer reservoir to prevent overfilling the personal vaporizer. ○ The data is the current drawn by the pump, or the electrical resistance offered by the pump, or the output of a pressure sensor along the pump The electronics module uses that data, along with data regarding the amount of liquid being pumped into the personal vaporizer, to determine, estimate or predict when to stop pumping liquid into the personal vaporizer's reservoir. The pump (or its control or driver circuitry) provides data to the electronics module that enables the module to determine, estimate or infer whether the cartridge has been illegally filled because it is delivering an amount of liquid that exceeds the cartridge's normal capacity. The pump flow rate is 0.4mL~0.6mL / min. ·The pump delivers less than 1 psi or less than 5 psi of pressure for the e-liquid. ·The pump is activated by the user touching a panel on the case or a button or switch. The pump can be operated in reverse to draw liquid from the personal vaporizer, for example to minimize contamination of the liquid when switching flavors. The pump can also be operated in reverse, or with rapid forward and reverse pumping, to remove blockages or clear the system. Whenever the personal vaporizer is placed into storage or refill mode, i.e. closed into the storage case, the pump will automatically operate. · May prevent the pump from pumping liquid from certain cartridges in cases where the cartridges have been identified as being defective or containing faulty or contaminated e-liquid. The pump's operating parameters change automatically depending on whether you are pumping air or e-liquid The pump's operating parameters change automatically depending on the ambient temperature and / or the e-liquid temperature and / or the e-liquid viscosity Operating parameters include actuator frequency The electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system and the liquid is an e-liquid. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are filled from closed, user-replaceable cartridges of liquid. Electronic vaporizers may only be refilled with e-liquid when inserted into a refill case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring liquid to the vaporizer and is whole, intact, and undisassembled.

[0162] Other aspects include the following. An electronic cigarette system including a piezoelectric micropump that is operable by a user to extract e-liquid from a removable cartridge.

[0163] An electronic cigarette system including a piezoelectric micropump operative to transport e-liquid to a reservoir within a PV.

[0164] The device features a peristaltic microfiber that allows the user to extract e-liquid from a removable cartridge. An electronic cigarette system including a clo pump.

[0165] An electronic cigarette system including a peristaltic micropump operable to transport e-liquid to a reservoir of a PV.

[0166] Note that there may be one pump for both extraction and transfer, or one pump for each operation. Thus, another embodiment is an electronic vaporizer system that includes a single piezoelectric pump for drawing e-liquid from an e-liquid cartridge or chamber, and an additional piezoelectric pump that pumps a controlled amount of e-liquid into a separate reservoir within the electronic vaporizer.

[0167] Another aspect is a storage case for an electronic cigarette vaporizer, the case including: (a) a closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridge for insertion into or otherwise attached to a case, the cartridge including a septum sealing an opening in a body of the cartridge; (b) a needle or stem arranged to puncture or penetrate the septum when the cartridge is moved into position; (c) a piezoelectric pump connected to the needle or stem that draws e-liquid from the cartridge and pumps it into the vaporizer when the vaporizer is placed into the storage case and the user activates a control switch (e.g., on the case and / or in the app) or (ii) e-liquid filling begins automatically.

[0168] · The case may contain several different cartridges, all feeding the pump through a mixer unit.

[0169] Another aspect is a case for storing and refilling e-liquid and refilling an electronic cigarette vaporizer, the case including a piezoelectric pump for transferring a quantity of e-liquid to a secondary reservoir within the personal vaporizer.

[0170] Other optional features: The piezoelectric pump can also be used in reverse to extract residual e-liquid from a personal vaporizer. The amount of e-liquid delivered by the piezoelectric pump is measured. The metered data makes it possible to measure or estimate the total consumption of e-liquid and / or the amount of e-liquid remaining in the cartridge or even in the personal vaporizer itself. The weighing data is used in the automatic reordering feature for new cartridges. A piezoelectric pump is a type of piezoelectric pump typically used in inkjet printers to deliver ink or to pump blood plasma. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system.

[0171] One final aspect: a piezoelectric pump adapted to operate to draw e-liquid from an e-liquid cartridge or reservoir and pump a controlled amount of the e-liquid into a reservoir or chamber of an electronic cigarette vaporizer. This adaptation can be the specific selection of materials used in the piezoelectric pump to be compatible with nicotine, such as using a polyimide material.

[0172] Case feature 2: Case or PV has "discrete" mode. PV is "discrete" mode. The PV includes a "screte mode". For example, to reduce the amount of vapor produced, the user can activate a button or sensor on the PV (or case, or connected app), which changes the operation of the atomizer's operation to reduce the vapor produced. For example, the power used can be reduced, or, if possible, the ratio of VG compared to PG can be increased, for example, if the case or PV can mix different proportions of PG and VG, or the frequency or other operating parameters (e.g., duty cycle) of the piezoelectric, thermal bubble jet, or ultrasonic atomizer can be changed. As a result, the density or thickness of the vapor produced by the PV can be significantly reduced, which is particularly useful indoors when the user just wants to vape individually. The strength of the "hit" can also be reduced, as the amount of nicotine inhaled is reduced, which is useful if the user wants to reduce their nicotine consumption.

[0173] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0174] An electronic cigarette vaporizer system operable in a "discrete" mode to reduce the amount of vapor produced by a vaporizer forming part of the system compared to a normal mode.

[0175] Optional features include one or more of the following: "Discrete" mode makes the vapor produced less visible or noticeable compared to normal mode. The system includes a button or sensor that, when selected or activated, alters the operation of the vaporizer in a manner that reduces vapor produced. The user can activate a button or sensor on the system (e.g., on the PV or in the case), or a connected application running on a connected smartphone or other device, which changes the operation of the atomization or heating device so as to reduce the vapor produced compared to normal mode. "Discrete" mode involves a reduction in the power supplied to or used by the atomization or heating unit, for example by 10%, compared to normal mode. ·The atomizing or heating unit is powered using a pulsed signal, the duty cycle of which is varied to reduce the power by e.g. 10% compared to normal mode. ·The pulsed signal is a PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) signal. "Discrete" mode involves an increase in the percentage of VG (vegetable glycerin) compared to PG (propylene glycol) in the vaporizing e-liquid compared to normal mode. "Discrete" modes involve varying the frequency or other operating parameters (e.g., duty cycle) of a piezoelectric, thermal bubble jet, or ultrasonic atomizer. "Discrete" mode involves reducing the maximum temperature of the heating element in the atomization unit by, for example, 10% compared to normal mode. ·A microcontroller within the vaporizer monitors the temperature of the heating element, for example, ensuring a good vape experience but the amount of vapor remains within a smaller range. ·An electronic vaporizer system is an e-cigarette system. Electronic vaporizer systems are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers are filled from user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges. An electronic vaporizer may only be refilled with e-liquid if it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid to the vaporizer, and is complete, intact, and undisassembled. Electronic vaporizers are filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump. Electronic vaporizers contain lights that illuminate to indicate the amount of e-liquid that has been consumed; these lights are dimmed or turned off when the vaporizer is in “discrete” mode.

[0176] Case Feature 3: The case or PV includes a "power mode." For example, to increase the amount of vapor produced, the user can activate a button or sensor on the case or PV, or a connected app, which changes the operation of the atomizer's operation to increase the vapor produced. For example, the power used can be increased, or the frequency or duty cycle of a piezoelectric, thermal bubble jet, or ultrasonic atomizer can be increased, while monitoring the coil temperature to ensure that excessively high temperatures, associated with undesirable compounds in the vapor, are not reached.

[0177] Additionally or alternatively, the system may increase the proportion of PG compared to VG, if possible. For example, the case or PV may mix different proportions of PG and VG. As a result, the density or thickness of the vapor produced by the PV may be significantly increased. The strength of the "hit" may also be increased, due to the greater amount of nicotine inhaled.

[0178] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0179] An electronic cigarette vaporizer system operable in a "power" mode which increases the amount of vapor produced by a vaporizer forming part of the system, but monitors the temperature of the vaporizer's heating element to ensure that the heating element does not reach excessively high temperatures associated with undesirable compounds in the vapor produced.

[0180] Optional features include one or more of the following: The system includes a button or sensor that changes the operation of the heating element, increasing the amount of steam it produces compared to normal. A button or sensor may be located on the vaporizer, or on the vaporizer case, or on a connected application running on a connected smartphone or other device. -PV does not include a "power mode" button. ·PV does not include other control buttons. "Power" mode involves an increase in the percentage of PG compared to VG in the vaporized e-liquid. "Power" mode involves varying the frequency or other operating parameters (e.g., duty cycle) of a piezoelectric, thermal bubble jet or ultrasonic atomizer while monitoring the temperature of the heating element to ensure it is maintained at a safe temperature. The vaporizer includes or is interfaced with an electronics module that (i) detects a characteristic of the resistance of the heating element and (ii) uses an inference of temperature derived from that resistance as a control input. The temperature of the heating element is estimated from data stored in the electronics module that is empirically derived for a particular heating coil design. The electronics module controls the power delivered to the heating element to ensure that it does not exceed approximately 130°C or 10% of normal temperature. The electronics module uses resistance measurements to control the power delivered and does not calculate the derived temperature. The system includes a "discrete" mode that reduces the amount of vapour produced by the vaporiser that forms part of the system compared to normal. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Coil temperature monitoring is achieved as described below (see "PV Feature 9") Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not include any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. · Electronic vaporizers are filled from user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges · Electronic vaporizers are refillable with e-liquid only if they are inserted into, and remain complete, intact, and undisassembled in, a refill case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid to the vaporizer Electronic vaporizers are filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump. Electronic vaporizers contain lights that illuminate to indicate the amount of e-liquid that has been consumed. These lights are set to shine brighter when the vaporizer is in "power" mode compared to its normal brightness level.

[0181] Case feature 4: The case has a PV ejection mechanism. The case includes an automatic lift mechanism (e.g., magnetic or spring-based) that gently lifts the PV a few mm out of the case when the case is opened so that it can be easily grasped by the user and prevents it from falling if tilted upside down. A mechanical lift system may be a simple pivoting lever that contacts a part of the PV (e.g., its front face). When the PV is fully inserted into the case, a damping spring is placed under tension. When the PV is to be detached from the case (e.g., by pressing an attachment / detachment button), the lever gently lifts the PV, e.g., about 12 mm. A magnetic lift mechanism may include a permanent magnet in a part of the PV and an adjacent electromagnet located within the case and powered by the main battery in the case. By slowly energizing the electromagnet when the PV needs to be detached, the PV is moderately lifted out of the case.

[0182] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0183] A case for an electronic cigarette vaporizer that includes an automatic lift mechanism (e.g., magnetic or spring-based) that gently lifts the vaporizer a few millimeters above the case, allowing a user to easily grasp the vaporizer and pull it out of the case.

[0184] Optional features include one or more of the following: The case refills the vaporizer with e-liquid and also recharges the vaporizer's battery. The lift mechanism is a pivoting lever that contacts a portion of the vaporizer (e.g., the front) and a damped spring that is placed under tension when the vaporizer is fully inserted into the case, such that the lever gently lifts the vaporizer, e.g., about 12 mm, when the vaporizer is removed from the case. The lift mechanism is a permanent magnet in one part of the vaporizer and an adjacent electromagnet located inside the case and powered by the main battery in the case. By slowly energizing the electromagnet when it is necessary to attach or detach the PV, the vaporizer is lifted moderately out of the case. The lift mechanism is a damped spring that is placed under tension when the vaporizer is fully inserted into the case or when the case is closed. A latch holds the spring in tension and releases it when the case is opened, allowing the spring to extend and lift the vaporizer. Gently raise the evaporator approximately 1 cm so that it can be easily grasped. The case includes a liquid fill nozzle or stem or opening that engages with the vaporizer to allow e-liquid to enter the vaporizer from a reservoir or cartridge within the case. The lift mechanism is activated automatically when the case is opened. The case includes a hinged holder into which the vaporizer is slid and stored, and the holder hinges open to open the case. ·The case contains a sensor that detects when the vaporizer is pulled out of the case. ·When the lift mechanism is activated, a signal is sent to the vaporizer, causing it to turn on or otherwise change its state. The case is part of an electronic vaporizer system, such as an e-cigarette system. The case is part of a pharma- ceutical approved nicotine drug delivery system. The case contains a holder for an electronic vaporizer and is roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and have no control buttons to prevent the smooth ejection of the vapor from the case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. · Electronic vaporizers are filled from user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges · Electronic vaporizers may only be refilled with e-liquid if they are inserted into a refill case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid to the vaporizer and is complete, intact, and undisassembled Electronic vaporizers are filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0185] Case feature 5: Detecting PV insertion / removal from the case with a non-contact sensor. A non-contact sensor (e.g., a magnetic sensor such as a reed switch, Hall effect sensor, etc.) detects when the PV enters or leaves the charging / recharging case by sensing the presence, proximity, or movement of a small magnet or metal piece in the PV (or some other mechanism that disturbs the local magnetic field around the sensor); non-contact switches such as magnetic sensors have the advantage of being robust and reliable, and unlike physical (e.g., electrical) contacts, they do not affect the smooth, tactile nature of inserting and withdrawing the PV from the case. Similarly, light sensors can be used. For example, a light sensor in the PV can detect when light is incident on the PV to infer that the PV is now in an open case or is no longer in the case at all. Alternatively, the case can include a small light sensor facing an LED light source in the case, and withdrawing the PV triggers the light sensor because light from the LED is now incident on the sensor. Many variations of sensors are possible. When the PV detects that it has been pulled out, it can automatically begin heating the atomization coil so that the PV is at its optimal operating temperature when the user takes their first vape.

[0186] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0187] An electronic cigarette vaporizer system including a case and a vaporizer stored within the case, the system including a non-contact sensor for detecting attachment or removal of the vaporizer from the case.

[0188] Other optional features: When it detects that the vaporizer has been pulled out, the vaporizer's electronic circuitry changes state. Change state to ready mode · Change state to a ready or preheat mode in which the inhalation detector operates. - Change state to a heating mode where the atomization unit is at least partially activated, ensuring that the vaporizer is fully heated when the first inhale is taken. When the vaporizer detects that the vaporizer has been removed from the case, or when the vaporizer receives data indicating that the vaporizer has been removed from the case, it automatically begins heating the atomization unit to ensure that the vaporizer is at an optimal operating temperature when the user takes their first vape. The case contains some or all of the non-contact sensors The vaporizer includes some or all of the non-contact sensor. The sensor is a non-contact magnetic sensor such as a reed switch or Hall effect sensor that detects when the PV enters or leaves the charging / refilling case by sensing the presence, proximity, or movement of a small magnet or metal piece within the PV, or some other mechanism that disturbs the local magnetic field around the sensor. · A light sensor in the PV detects when light is incident on the PV and infers that the PV is now in an open case or is no longer in a case at all. The case contains a small LED light source and a sensor. When a vaporizer is in the case and light reflected from the vaporizer is detected by the sensor, the LED lights up. Pulling the vaporizer out triggers the light sensor as light is no longer reflected from the vaporizer to the sensor. The sensor is the IMU in the PV The case is a refill and recharge case. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. The case contains a holder for an electronic vaporizer and is roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and have no control buttons to prevent the smooth ejection of the vapor from the case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. · Electronic vaporizers are filled from user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges · Electronic vaporizers may only be refilled with e-liquid if they are inserted into a refill case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid to the vaporizer and is complete, intact, and undisassembled Electronic vaporizers are filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0189] Case Feature 6: Piezoelectric Pump Feedline Sensor The e-liquid supply or inlet tube contains a sensor that can detect whether liquid or gas is being supplied to the piezoelectric micropump. It is very useful to know this, as the piezoelectric pump will operate in different modes depending on the viscosity of the material being pumped. It is therefore very useful to be able to automatically change the cycle time or frequency of the piezoelectric pump based on an automatic assessment of the substance being pumped.

[0190] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0191] An electronic cigarette vaporizer system including a piezoelectric pump that pumps e-liquid to an electronic vaporizer, wherein a sensor detects whether air or e-liquid is present in a liquid feed line to the piezoelectric pump and adjusts operating parameters of the pump accordingly.

[0192] Other optional features: The operating parameter that is adjusted is the frequency of the actuator in the piezoelectric pump. The operating parameter to be adjusted is the flow rate delivered by the piezoelectric pump The operating parameter to be regulated is the pressure delivered by the piezoelectric pump When the sensor detects that air is entering the piezoelectric pump, the piezoelectric pump is controlled to operate at a high frequency, such as 150-400Hz (and preferably 300Hz). When the sensor detects that e-liquid is in the piezoelectric pump, the piezoelectric pump is controlled to run at a lower frequency, for example 7-20Hz (and preferably 15Hz). The temperature measurement device provides further input that can be used to adjust one or more operating parameters of the piezoelectric pump. The ambient temperature and / or the temperature of the e-liquid is measured by a temperature measuring device. The lower the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device, the lower the piezoelectric pump will operate at. The viscosity measuring device provides further input that is used to adjust one or more of the operating parameters of the piezoelectric pump. As viscosity increases, the piezoelectric pump operates at a lower frequency The sensor contains a pair of electrical contacts on either side of the tube. If e-liquid is present in the section of the tube the sensor is positioned around, there will be a large resistance. If there is air in that section, the resistance will be infinite or too high to measure. The sensor is a capacitance sensor. The sensor is an infrared sensor. -Piezoelectric pump and sensor are in the case -Piezoelectric pump and sensor in the vaporizer Piezoelectric pump and sensor are housed in a user-replaceable cartridge · Electronic vaporizers are filled from user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges · Electronic vaporizers may only be refilled with e-liquid if they are inserted into a refill case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid to the vaporizer and is complete, intact, and undisassembled

[0193] Case Feature 7: Correcting imbalance of twin actuators in piezoelectric pumps When a piezoelectric pump has twin piezoelectric actuators, one problem that can occur is that each actuator will begin to operate slightly differently over time. For the pump to work properly, both actuators need to operate identically and deliver exactly the same amount of liquid for each pump stroke. Due to this mismatch in operation and output, pumping capacity can degrade significantly over time. In the present system, the microcontroller can independently adjust the phase or timing or power of each voltage pulse that triggers the piezoelectric actuators until both actuators operate optimally together.

[0194] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0195] An electronic cigarette vaporizer system including a piezoelectric pump having multiple piezoelectric actuators, where a microcontroller independently adjusts the phase or timing or power of each voltage pulse that triggers the piezoelectric actuator.

[0196] Other optional features: The microcontroller continuously or periodically monitors the efficiency or capacity of the overall pump and adjusts the phase, timing or power supplied to each piezoelectric actuator relationship until or so as to achieve optimum pumping capacity. Pumping capacity is measured using flow sensors, such as MEMS-based flow sensors. If one actuator is delivering less e-liquid than the other actuator, the power delivered to that first actuator will be increased or the power delivered to the other actuator will be decreased. For a less effective actuator, either the peak voltage supplied to that actuator is increased or the peak voltage supplied to the other actuator is decreased. For the less effective actuator, advance the start of the voltage pulse for that actuator or delay the start of the voltage pulse for the other actuator. The microcontroller continuously or periodically adjusts various parameters affecting the capabilities of each actuator until optimal pumping from the entire piezoelectric pump is achieved. The piezoelectric pump is in the case. -There is a piezoelectric pump in the vaporizer. The piezoelectric pump is housed in a user replaceable cartridge. An electronic vaporizer may only be refilled with e-liquid if it is inserted into a refill case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid to the vaporizer and is complete, intact, and undisassembled.

[0197] Another aspect is a piezoelectric pump having multiple piezoelectric actuators, where a microcontroller independently adjusts the phase or timing or power of each voltage pulse that triggers a piezoelectric actuator in the piezoelectric pump. The microcontroller continuously or periodically monitors the efficiency or capacity of the overall pump and adjusts the phase, timing or power supplied to each piezoelectric actuator relationship until or so as to achieve optimal pumping capacity.

[0198] Cartridge Features 1-4 Cartridge feature 1: The cartridge or other form or parent reservoir contains an air pressure valve. When the height of fluid in the cartridge / reservoir drops (e.g. because fluid is moving into the PV child reservoir), atmospheric pressure causes the air pressure valve to open, allowing air to flow in and ensuring equalization of air pressure. Air pressure equalization or normalization is also important whenever the atmospheric pressure changes (e.g. being in an airplane) or the temperature changes, causing the e-liquid in the cartridge to expand or contract, as it prevents leakage of the e-liquid that might otherwise occur. If no air pressure valve is provided, a partial vacuum will form when the cartridge is emptied, slowing the transfer of fluid from the cartridge.

[0199] The valve also prevents contaminants from entering the cartridge / reservoir, thus preserving the condition and stability of the e-liquid.

[0200] The cartridge is non-refillable, tamper evident, and has an airtight seal that preserves the stability of the e-liquid during transport and storage. The lid of the cartridge contains small air holes to allow air to enter and exit the plenum, a ridge in the lid as a side, and a PTFE sheet facing the lid as the other side. The PTFE sheet is impermeable to the e-liquid but breathable, allowing for equalization of air pressure within the cartridge. The plenum provides a large surface area air / PTFE interface. The PTFE membrane is typically constructed from PTFE powder that is sintered and formed into a bulky microporous structure. The membrane is in the form of a rectangle approximately 50mm x 10mm, 0.25mm thick, resulting in a large surface area. It is ultrasonically welded with a similar sized lid molded window opening. The cartridge material is HDPE, which can be effectively ultrasonically welded to PTFE. Materials other than PTFE can be used if they have the appropriate properties of being impermeable to the e-liquid but breathable. For example, PTFE coated paper may be suitable.

[0201] Instead of a PTFE sheet, a simple mechanical valve, for example a duckbill valve, can be used instead.

[0202] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0203] An e-liquid cartridge or other form of parent reservoir designed to deliver e-liquid to an electronic cigarette vaporizer, where the cartridge includes a pneumatic valve.

[0204] Other optional features: The pneumatic valve is designed so that as the fluid level inside the cartridge / reservoir drops (e.g. because you are transferring fluid to a child reservoir in the PV), atmospheric pressure will allow the pneumatic valve to admit air, ensuring equalization of air pressure. During use, the cartridge engages with a fluid-transfer mechanism that extracts e-liquid from the cartridge. The valve is breathable but impermeable to e-liquid. The valve is made of oleophobic material The valve is made of hydrophobic or superhydrophobic material The valve is an air-porous, e-liquid impermeable layer or membrane that allows for equalization of air pressure within the cartridge. The valve is an air-porous, e-liquid impermeable PTFE layer or membrane. The valve is an air-porous, e-liquid impermeable PTFE-coated paper layer or membrane. The PTFE layer or membrane contains air-facing strands of polypropylene or other plastic to increase the air-interface surface area and / or facilitate welding to the cartridge body. The valve is a mechanical valve, such as a duckbill valve. Cartridges are non-refillable, tamper evident and have an airtight seal to preserve the stability of the e-liquid during storage and transport. The cartridge has a lid that contains small air holes to allow air to enter and exit a plenum chamber, the plenum chamber being formed by (i) the lid as one side of the plenum and (ii) an internal ridge in the lid as one side of the plenum and an air-porous, e-liquid impermeable sheet facing the lid as the opposite side of the plenum, the sheet being in contact with the e-liquid in the cartridge. The sheets are ultrasonically welded with a lid forming a window opening of similar size. Cartridge material is HDPE, PETG or COC ultrasonically welded to PTFE. The cartridge is not pressurized enough to expel the e-liquid. During manufacture, the cartridges are filled with an inert gas. The cartridge is adapted to be inserted or attached to a portable personal storage and carrying case for an electronic vaporizer, and is further adapted to engage a fluid transfer system within the case. The cartridge is adapted to be inserted or attached to an electronic vaporizer and is further adapted to engage a fluid delivery system within the vaporizer. The cartridge contains an integral fluid transfer mechanism. -The cartridge capacity is 10mL or less.

[0205] The term can also be generalized beyond e-liquid cartridges to cartridges with any type of liquid. A cartridge or other form of parent reservoir designed to supply liquid to an electronic vaporizer, where the cartridge includes a pneumatic valve. A cartridge or other form of parent reservoir. The cartridge may include each of the features defined above.

[0206] Cartridge feature 2: Cartridge with chip Most electronic vaporizer e-cigarettes allow the user to refill the liquid tank with something, which can potentially cause high toxicity, coil contamination, and device malfunction. This system does not allow such manual refilling with the closed cartridge. To verify compliance and indicate tampering, each cartridge has a unique serial number written into a 1-Wire flash memory chip (we use the term "chip" to indicate solid-state memory, microcontroller, or microprocessor). This chip is a Maxim DS28E15 security chip or authenticator. After the cartridge is installed, the case reads the cartridge's serial number and checks whether the hash function is valid. If the verification is successful, the cartridge is used to refill the e-cigarette. If not, the case prevents the use of the liquid in this cartridge. The memory chip is the same type of chip used in inkjet cartridges, and its operation is the same.

[0207] The cartridge also stores the level in its internal memory. For example, the case measures or estimates the amount of e-liquid that has been pumped from the cartridge and stores a record of the estimated e-liquid left in the cartridge (assuming the cartridge started with 10mL of e-liquid). The case writes this value to the cartridge. If the cartridge is removed but not fully used, it will keep the last level in memory. The case also stores this level. When you install the cartridge back into the case, the case will read this number and use it. The cartridge can be transferred to another case and the new case will read the correct level for that cartridge and write the new height after any use and placing it back into the cartridge.

[0208] By reading and storing serial numbers, the case can also collect usage statistics and transmit them via the internet to a factory database (see above).

[0209] Each cartridge has information about when and where it was produced, as well as whether or not taxes were paid and when, and using that information, along with the current time and data from the user's smartphone, it can detect if the liquid in the cartridge is old or counterfeit.

[0210] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0211] An e-liquid cartridge designed to provide e-liquid for an electronic cigarette vaporizer system, the cartridge including a chip that stores and outputs a unique identification of the cartridge and / or data defining the e-liquid stored in the cartridge, the cartridge adapted to be inserted into or form an integral part of the electronic vaporizer system.

[0212] Other optional features: During use, the cartridge engages with a fluid-transfer mechanism that extracts e-liquid from the cartridge. The cartridge contains an integral fluid transfer mechanism. The data stored and output by the chip defines one or more of the flavor, nicotine strength, manufacturing batch number, manufacturing or filling date, tax data, and the amount of e-liquid stored in the cartridge. Electronic vaporizer systems use e-liquid from cartridges to electronically vaporize The electronic vaporizer PV includes a storage case adapted to refill the cartridge and recharge the battery of the electronic vaporizer PV. The chip outputs a unique ID and / or data defining the e-liquid stored in the cartridge to a microcontroller or microprocessor within the case. The cartridge is adapted to be inserted or attached to a portable personal storage and carrying case for an electronic vaporizer and is further adapted to engage a fluid transfer system within the case. The chip outputs a unique ID and / or data defining the e-liquid stored in the cartridge to a microcontroller or microprocessor within the case, where the unique ID and / or data controls operation of the fluid transfer system. The cartridge is adapted to be inserted or attached to an electronic vaporizer and further adapted to engage a fluid delivery system within the vaporizer. The chip outputs a unique ID and / or data defining the e-liquid stored within the cartridge to a microcontroller or microprocessor within the case, where the unique ID and / or data controls operation of the fluid delivery system. The cartridge contains an integral fluid transfer mechanism. · Electronic vaporizer systems are electronic cigarettes (PV). Electronic vaporizer systems are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Cartridges are non-refillable, tamper evident and have an airtight seal to maintain the stability of the e-liquid during storage and transport. The cartridge includes a data transfer contact(s), such as a contact using a single wire protocol. -The cartridge capacity is 10mL or less. The cartridge contains two openings, the first opening is used to fill the filing line cartridge and is then covered with a bung or plug, and the second opening is sealed by a septum designed to be penetrated or punctured by a needle or stem to withdraw the e-liquid from the cartridge. · A single wire connection is used to read data from the chip. The unique identification information, data defining the e-liquid stored in the cartridge, is processed by a processor within the device in which the cartridge is inserted or attached (e.g., a case or vaporizer in which the cartridge is inserted or attached). A processor within the device receives data from the remote server and either enables the cartridge in the case or disables it from being used in the device. The processor calculates or determines if the unique identification information is valid and sends a signal to enable or prevent the fluid transfer mechanism from operating with the cartridge. The device's processor writes the data to the chip and back. The data written back to the chip includes an estimate or measurement of the amount of e-liquid remaining in or provided by the cartridge. Estimates or measurements are derived from data from or related to the pump, e.g. number of pumping cycles Estimates or measurements are calculated using ambient temperature and / or e-liquid temperature A processor within the device stores the amount of e-liquid remaining in or provided by each cartridge, as defined by the cartridge's unique identification. A processor in the device reads the amount of e-liquid remaining in the cartridge or provided by the cartridge from the chip, compares it to stored data regarding the amount of e-liquid remaining in the cartridge or provided by the cartridge, and determines the amount of e-liquid remaining in the cartridge or provided by the cartridge as represented by the chip. The invention prevents a cartridge from being used if the amount of e-liquid dispensed exceeds the cartridge's stored data, rendering refilling of unauthorized cartridges useless. -Do not pressurize the cartridge to the point that it expels e-liquid. Cartridges are filled with inert gas during manufacturing

[0213] It can be generalized beyond e-liquid cartridges to any liquid cartridge designed to provide liquid to an electronic vaporizer system, the cartridge including a chip that stores and outputs (i) a unique identification for the cartridge and (ii) data defining the liquid stored in the cartridge, and is adapted to be inserted into or form an integral part of the electronic vaporizer system.

[0214] Cartridge feature 3: Cartridge with two openings

[0215] Filling e-liquid cartridges or cartomizers on an automatic or semi-automatic line traditionally requires a thin needle to pierce the rubber seal into the cartridge or cartomizer. When the needle is withdrawn, the rubber seal closes on itself. This filling process must be done carefully, which adds cost to the process. However, filling large volumes of cartridges needs to be done very cost-effectively and quickly. The present system eliminates the need for a needle to pierce the seal during the filing stage. Instead, the cartridge is designed with two openings. One opening is used for filing with a filing tube and there is no puncturing of the rubber seal. The other has a rubber seal that is only punctured when the cartridge is inserted into a refill case. This approach balances the need for high speed filing of e-liquids on an automatic or semi-automatic manufacturing line with the need for reliable storage of e-liquid in the cartridge and reliable delivery of e-liquid from the cartridge when inserted into a refill case, at low cost and with minimal fit.

[0216] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0217] An e-liquid cartridge designed to supply e-liquid to an electronic cigarette vaporizer, the e-liquid cartridge including two openings, A cartridge in which a first opening is used for filling the filing line cartridge and is then covered with a bung or plug or other form of seal, and a second opening is sealed by a septum or other form of seal designed to be penetrated or punctured by a needle or stem which draws the e-liquid from the cartridge during use.

[0218] Optional Features: The strip covers one or both openings. The strips are adhesive and tamper evident The strip must be removed by the user before use. Alternatively, the strip does not need to be peeled back by the user prior to use because it includes a gap across the second opening that is large enough to allow a fill needle or stem to pass through the gap to extract e-liquid from the cartridge, but small enough to indicate tampering with the septum or other seal to the second opening. The opening is on one side of the cartridge. -Purge the cartridge with inert gas before filling it with e-liquid The first opening is large enough to allow for quick filling of e-liquid on an automated or semi-automated production line -The cartridge is not pressurized enough to expel e-liquid. In use, the cartridge penetrates the septum or seal that covers the second opening of the cartridge. The e-liquid then engages a fluid transfer mechanism that extracts the e-liquid from the cartridge via a needle or stem. The cartridge is adapted to be inserted or attached to a portable personal storage and carrying case for an electronic vaporizer and is further adapted to engage a fluid transfer system within the case. The cartridge is adapted to be inserted or attached to an electronic vaporizer and is further adapted to engage a fluid delivery system within the vaporizer. The cartridge contains an integral fluid transfer mechanism. -The cartridge capacity is 10mL or less.

[0219] The term "e-liquid cartridge" can be generalized to any type of cartridge with any type of liquid. A cartridge designed to provide liquid to a vaporizer, comprising two openings: A cartridge in which a first opening is used for filling the filing line cartridge and is then covered with a bung or plug or other form of seal and a second opening is sealed by a septum or other form of seal designed to be penetrated or punctured by a needle or stem which draws liquid from the cartridge during use.

[0220] Cartridge feature 4: Cartridges remember the batch number of the e-liquid they are filled with and can be remotely deactivated using a specific batch number Product safety is of paramount importance in the e-cigarette, and also in the pharmaceutical, category. While every care is taken to ensure that all e-liquids meet all applicable toxicological and other safety standards, it remains possible that contaminants may be inadvertently introduced, or that research may reveal that ingredients previously thought to be safe may in fact be harmful. Because the cartridge stores secure chip data identifying the specific batch number of the e-liquid used and the unique ID of that cartridge, and is designed to function with a connected vaporization system (i.e., one that can receive data from a remote server), the vaporization system can be remotely controlled without the need for user input to not use a batch that is considered potentially harmful. For example, if a batch is identified as potentially harmful, a signal from the server can be sent that is received by an app running on the user's smartphone, which in turn is used to send a message to the case with the affected batch number or unique ID. The case can then store that batch number and / or unique ID, and then compare the batch numbers or unique IDs of all cartridges inserted into the case with that stored number. If there is a match, the case can disable or prevent use of the affected cartridge and can write warning data to the cartridge's chip to prevent its further use. A warning message can then be displayed on the case and on the user's smartphone to advise them to use a different cartridge instead.

[0221] The same technique can be applied to manufacturing date data held on a chip on the cartridge: for example, a microcontroller in the case could check that the manufacturing date is within a required tolerance, say six months if the shelf life is six months, and prohibit use if the cartridge is older than six months.

[0222] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0223] An electronic cigarette vaporizer system including a cartridge designed to provide a liquid or other substance for an electronic vaporizer system, the cartridge including a chip that stores data related to a batch number of the substance stored in the cartridge, The electronic cigarette vaporizer system, wherein the adapter is adapted to be inserted into or form an integral part of the electronic vaporizer system.

[0224] Optional Features: The electronic vaporizer system reads the data from the chip on the cartridge, compares it with stored data, and depending on the result of the comparison, either blocks or allows the use of the substance. · The electronic vaporizer system prevents use of the substance by preventing or not initiating the use of a fluid transfer mechanism that would otherwise transfer a portion of the substance from the cartridge. The electronic vaporizer system prevents use of the substance by sending a signal to the chip which, when read by the electronic vaporizer system, sets a flag or other marker on the chip. The flag or marker disables or prevents the cartridge from expelling any of the material from the cartridge. Electronic vaporizer systems receive a radio signal that controls the deactivation of a particular cartridge. The electronic vaporizer system receives a radio signal containing a bad or unused batch number. The wireless signal that controls the deactivation of a specific cartridge, batch number, or range of batch numbers is sent from a connected smartphone app or other personal device, which in turn receives a radio control signal from a remote control center. · Data relating to the batch number of the substance stored in the cartridge is a number or other identifier that allows the specific substance in the cartridge to be traced back to its manufacturer. The data regarding the batch number of the substance stored in the cartridge is the batch production number. The data regarding the batch number of the substance stored in the cartridge is a unique ID for that cartridge. The case or a connected smartphone app or other personal device stores data related to the batch numbers of cartridges that have been used or inserted into the electronic vaporizer system. · The cartridge is not pressurized sufficiently to release the substance. Cartridges are filled with inert gas during manufacturing In use, the cartridge engages a fluid transfer mechanism that extracts material from the cartridge. The substance is e-liquid. The chip stores data regarding the date of manufacture of the substance stored in the cartridge, and the system reads the date data from the chip in the cartridge and prevents or allows the use of the substance depending on the date. The cartridge is adapted to be inserted or attached to a portable personal storage and carrying case for an electronic vaporizer and is further adapted to engage a fluid transfer system of the case. The cartridge is adapted to be inserted or attached to an electronic vaporizer and is further adapted to engage a fluid delivery system of the vaporizer. The cartridge contains an integral fluid transfer mechanism. -The cartridge capacity is 10mL or less.

[0225] This feature can be further generalized as a cartridge forming part of the electronic vaporizer cigarette system defined above.

[0226] PV Features 1-16 PV Feature 1: The PV contains a pneumatic valve. The PV contains a pneumatic valve or device that allows excess air to escape from an e-liquid "child" reservoir within the PV. The "child" reservoir is a reservoir within the PV that the "parent" reservoir fills directly. The "parent" reservoir can be an e-liquid cartridge that is removable from the PV or the case. This child reservoir is designed to allow the atomizing coil unit to draw a controlled amount of e-liquid for vaping. The e-liquid in the secondary child reservoir is typically wicked to the atomizing coil unit.

[0227] Thus, for recaps, a parent reservoir, typically a user removable and replaceable sealed or closed e-liquid capsule or cartridge, perhaps 5 mL or 10 mL in volume, is inserted into the PV or refill / recharge case, and a fluid transfer mechanism operates to transfer e-liquid from the capsule or cartridge to a "child" reservoir within the PV, typically 2 mL or less (0.2 mL in the illustrated implementation). The heating coil unit is configured to gradually wick or otherwise transfer a portion of the e-liquid from the child reservoir during normal vaping operations.

[0228] If that reservoir is full of e-liquid under pressure, air needs to be allowed to escape from the child reservoir in the PV, otherwise excessively high pressure may build up in the e-liquid in the child reservoir, which may cause the e-liquid to exit through the atomizing coil unit, and thus may find its way out through the vapor intake opening connected to the coil unit, leading to leakage. Also, air needs to enter the child reservoir during normal use and consumption of e-liquid, because otherwise a partial vacuum would be created, which would tend to prevent or delay the e-liquid in the child reservoir from wicking / entering the atomizing coil unit.

[0229] Also, if the ambient air pressure can change, for example inside an aircraft where the ambient pressure can quickly become significantly lower than atmospheric pressure at sea level, the valve operates to ensure that the air pressure in the reservoir can quickly and reliably equalize with the ambient air pressure in the aircraft cabin, again preventing leakage of e-liquid from the PV.

[0230] Thus, the PV may include a valve that equalizes or changes or approximates ("normalizes") the air pressure of the PV to the ambient air pressure, for example, to prevent leakage when the PV is being filled with e-liquid and to ensure proper operation while the PV is consuming e-liquid.

[0231] The pneumatic valve or device may have no moving parts, instead there may be a barrier. The barrier may be made of an air-porous material, such as a sintered polymer or metal, and may be coated with or otherwise include a barrier or layer of an air-porous substance that is not porous to the e-liquid, such as an oleophobic material or a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic material, e.g. PTFE or a suitable porous ceramic. The pneumatic valve or device may be arranged to allow air to flow out of the "child" reservoir. Similarly, air may be allowed to flow into the child reservoir when the e-liquid is consumed, and also when the ambient pressure increases (e.g. when the aircraft descends from a high altitude). Examples of suitable oleophobic materials are sintered phosphor bronze, sintered stainless steel and sintered PU plastic.

[0232] If the vaporizer uses a traditional cotton wick and coil, the air valve is separate from the wick, but if it uses a ceramic coil (typically a hollow ceramic wicking cylinder with an embedded heating coil wound inside a hollow core), the ceramic material itself acts as the air valve since the ceramic is breathable.

[0233] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0234] An electronic cigarette vaporizer that includes an air pressure valve or device that allows excess air to escape from the vaporizer's e-liquid reservoir while the vaporizer is being pressure-filled with e-liquid.

[0235] Other optional features: The reservoir is a child reservoir that is filled by a parent reservoir, which may be a cartridge that is removable from the vaporizer or a case that stores, refills, and recharges the vaporizer. The reservoir supplies the e-liquid and the atomization unit is designed to draw a controlled amount of e-liquid for vaping. The parent reservoir is a user removable and replaceable sealed or closed capsule or cartridge for e-liquid having a volume of 10 mL or less that is inserted into or otherwise used by the PV or a portable refill / recharging case for the PV. The fluid transfer mechanism operates to transfer e-liquid from the capsule or cartridge to a child reservoir of the PV having a volume of 3 mL or less. The vaporizer includes a ceramic cell (i.e., a ceramic atomization unit) and the air pressure device is the wall of the ceramic cell. The ceramic cell includes a cylindrical wicking cylinder with a cylindrical bore and an embedded heating coil wound inside the bore. The reservoir is a chamber located outside the outer wall of the ceramic cell. The child reservoir includes (i) one or more small channels and (ii) a second child reservoir that surrounds the atomization unit and is fed by the small channel(s) from which e-liquid is drawn (e.g. by a wick or other porous member) into the atomization unit (e.g. a heating coil in an air chamber). A valve or device allows air to enter the vaporizer's child reservoir as the vaporizer consumes liquid during normal use. A valve or device allows air to enter a secondary reservoir when the surrounding air pressure changes, such as in an aircraft. The valve or device is a barrier made of an air-porous material, such as a sintered polymer or metal, that is coated with or otherwise contains a barrier or layer of an air-porous substance that is not porous to the e-liquid. The barrier or layer of air-porous material that is not porous to the e-liquid is an oleophobic material, or a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic material. A valve or device in which the oleophobic material is one of sintered phosphor bronze, sintered stainless steel and sintered PU plastic. The air-porous material is a PTFE membrane. The PTFE membrane is compressed and fixed into an opening connected to an air passageway leading to a child reservoir. The valve or device is made of porous ceramic material. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. · Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and contain no control buttons · The vaporizer will automatically activate if it detects that it has been removed from the case in which it is stored if not removed. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges An electronic vaporizer may be refilled with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refill case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid under pressure from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is complete, intact, and undisassembled. Electronic vaporizers use a piezoelectric pump to fill the e-liquid.

[0236] PV feature 2: The PV contains a mechanical valve that is pushed up from its seat when filled. The PV contains a mechanical valve that opens when the PV is filled. For example, to fill the PV with e-liquid, a nozzle or stem from a refill case or cartridge is inserted into the e-liquid fill opening of the PV (or the PV is inserted into a refill case or cartridge). This causes a valve located directly behind the e-fill opening to be pushed open or up from its seat, moving against the biasing force of a small spring so that e-liquid can flow freely from the nozzle or stem into a child reservoir within the PV.

[0237] When the nozzle or stem is withdrawn (e.g., when the PV is withdrawn from its refill case or a filled cartridge or capsule is withdrawn from a filling position in the PV where the capsule fits directly within the PV and there is no separate refill and recharge case), the valve returns to its seat and automatically closes.

[0238] Thus, when the PV is not being actively filled with e-liquid, for example when it is being held for vaping or stored in a bag, the valve is fully closed, thereby preventing e-liquid in the PV's "child" reservoir from leaking into the user's mouth. In this case, the child reservoir includes a supply pipe that leads to a second child reservoir that surrounds the atomization unit and through which e-liquid is drawn (e.g. by a wick or other porous member) into the atomization chamber (e.g. a heating coil in an air chamber).

[0239] When the PV is withdrawn from the case or the stem from the filling "parent" reservoir is withdrawn from the PV, the valve rests back under the biasing force of a small spring and then the valve reseals to its seat, preventing leakage of any e-liquid from the PV's child reservoir. Ensuring there is no leakage from the e-liquid filling process is particularly important if the PV's fill nozzle or opening is at the same end as the suction nozzle, but this solution applies regardless of the location of the fill nozzle or opening.

[0240] A stem or nozzle, protruding from a removable cartridge or other form of parent reservoir, or connected to the cartridge via a micropump, engages a valve in the PV and pushes it out of its seat, and through a duckbill valve or a series of two or more duckbill valves. As the stem or nozzle is withdrawn, the duckbill wipes any droplets of e-juice off the stem, ensuring that those droplets do not land on any surface where they may be ingested by the user or leak out of the PV, but are instead retained within the cavity of the PV behind the duckbill valve.

[0241] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0242] An electronic cigarette vaporizer that includes a mechanical valve that (i) pushes up from a seat to allow the vaporizer to automatically fill with e-liquid from a fluid transfer mechanism, and (ii) moves back to seal the seat when the vaporizer is vaped or inhaled upon at other times (e.g., when filling is complete).

[0243] Other optional features: Nozzles or nozzles of e-liquid filling devices, such as refill cases or removable cartridges The nozzle or stem is inserted into the PV to fill the PV with e-liquid, which causes the valve to be pushed open or lifted off its seat and move against the biasing force of a small coil spring or other biasing device, allowing e-liquid to flow freely from the e-liquid filling device through the nozzle or stem and into the child reservoir of the PV. The e-liquid filling device is a refillable case or a removable e-liquid cartridge. When the nozzle or stem is withdrawn, the valve returns to its seat, thereby automatically closing. When the valve is open, the PV child reservoir fills and the fluid transfer mechanism pumps e-liquid into the PV. The child reservoir includes a supply pipe that leads to a second child reservoir that surrounds the atomization unit, from which the e-liquid is drawn (e.g. by a wick or other porous member, e.g. a ceramic cell) into the atomization unit (e.g. a heating element in an air chamber). The stem or nozzle on the refill case or cartridge that engages and pushes the valve of the PV off of its seat passes through a duckbill valve or a series of two or more duckbill valves. As the PV is withdrawn from the stem or nozzle, the duckbill wipes any e-liquid droplets from the stem or nozzle, ensuring that those droplets are not deposited on any surface where they may be ingested by the user, but are instead retained within the cavity of the PV behind the duckbill valve. A stem or nozzle, such as on a refill case or cartridge, that engages the valve of the PV and pushes it off its seat, includes a stop valve to shut off the e-liquid when the vaporizer is withdrawn from the stem or nozzle. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not include any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges · The electronic vaporizer can be refilled with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refill case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled. · The electronic vaporizer is filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0244] PV feature 3: There is an IMU in the PV or case. The PV contains an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to detect when it is being raised and when it is out of the case so that it can start heating (e.g. activating the atomizing coil). It also knows if it is left on the table so it can be powered down. Movement related data can be stored and uploaded to a server (e.g., sent via Bluetooth to the user's connected smartphone, which in turn sends the data to the server). Movement data can be combined with data from a pressure-activated sensor or a switch that detects inhalation. This data can be useful as it indicates how the PV is being used, the duration of a vape session, etc. Fully equipping a vaporizer in this way, including tracking the time of every event, generates data that can be very useful to scientists and regulators looking to better understand how these products are being used so that designers can improve the systems.

[0245] The case also senses its movement using an IMU or accelerometer. The BakoPV also has capacitive sensors that check if one or both of the sensors are actually in the user's hand. This allows the case to safely update the PV firmware by detecting when it is not in the user's hand and is not stationary, so the PV does not move, which could corrupt the firmware. This also allows the case to stop the refill process if it is upside down.

[0246] Additionally, based on information collected from the device's sensors, the device can calculate user activity patterns and use this for various purposes, such as firmware updates and indicating battery and liquid levels via LEDs on the front device panel.

[0247] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0248] An electronic cigarette vaporizer that includes an IMU (inertial measurement unit).

[0249] Other optional features: The IMU allows the vaporizer to detect when it has been elevated and left the case in which it is stored, allowing it to change state. · State change is turned on. The change of state may also include initiating heating of the atomizing element. Data from the IMU allows the vaporizer to know if it is not being used (e.g. if it is placed on a table) and can power it down. Movement data from the IMU is combined with data from a pressure-activated sensor or switch in the vaporizer that detects inhalation. -Times of all events, including moving events, are recorded. Data collected by the vaporizer is sent from the vaporizer for external storage. -External storage is the memory of the case in which the vaporizer is stored. The electronic vaporizer includes data transfer contact(s) that engage with the data transfer contact(s) on the case. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges The electronic vaporizer is refillable with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled. The electronic vaporizer is connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0250] Another feature is the case of an electronic vaporizer that includes an IMU (inertial measurement unit) to detect when it is being processed.

[0251] PV feature 4: The PV includes a contact sensor. The PV and / or case can sense when touched, for example by a capacitance sensor. It can be programmed to detect specific touch inputs and control the PV accordingly. For example, touch inputs do not only activate or deactivate the PV, but also more sophisticated activations. For example, tap the body of the PV twice to bring it to heat; tap three times to bring it to sleep; or the PV can automatically turn on and start heating after detecting that it is being held with at least two fingers. The sensor can detect touch control inputs anywhere on the PV, or in a specific area. Using a capacitance sensor eliminates the need for a separate button. A touch input detected on the case can turn on the display panel of the case. A specific touch input can trigger pre-heating of a PV stored within the case, or cause the PV to extend from the case or become otherwise exposed or accessible (if the case does not include a manually hinged holder but includes other designs that allow the PV to be pulled out or out of the case). All contact data can be stored and uploaded to a server (e.g., sent via Bluetooth to the user's connected smartphone and then to the server). This data can be useful as it indicates how the PV is being used, the duration of a vaping session, etc. The use of contact sensors instead of physical push buttons allows the PV and / or case to be sleek and simple, unlike traditional cigarettes and their packs.

[0252] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0253] An electronic cigarette vaporizer system including a contact sensor and programmed to detect a plurality of different types of touch-based inputs and control the PV accordingly, the contact sensor being included in the vaporizer and / or the vaporizer casing.

[0254] Other optional features: Touch inputs may include one or more of the following: Activating or deactivating the vaporizer; Turning the vaporizer light on or off (which can indicate the amount of e-liquid consumed); Dimming the vaporizer light; Changing the color of the vaporizer light; Changing the power delivered to the heating element. Touch input includes one or more defined taps or moving a finger(s) along the surface of the vaporizer or case in a predefined pattern or gesture. After detecting that the PV is being held by at least two fingers, it can automatically turn on the main circuits (i.e., circuits other than those required for touch sensing) and start heating. All touch inputs to the vaporizer generate contact data that is stored on the vaporizer and transmitted to external storage -External storage is the memory of the case in which the vaporizer is stored. The electronic vaporizer includes data transfer contact(s) that engage with the data transfer contact(s) on the case. The contact data is transmitted via short-range wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) to the user's connected smartphone, which then transmits it to a server. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are the same size as cigarettes and do not contain push-button controls. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges The electronic vaporizer is refillable with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled. The electronic vaporizer is connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism. The case can wake up the display panel of the case when it detects that it has been touched.

[0255] PV feature 5: "z" core coil It is not easy to design a particular shaped core and coil that is both efficient and fast to manufacture. One design uses a "z" shaped core.

[0256] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0257] 1. A wick and coil assembly for a PV e-cigarette vaporizer, the wick having a body around which a heating element is disposed, comprising: (a) a body disposed longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the PV electronic vaporizer within a vaporization chamber and blocking an airflow path through the chamber; (b) one end of the wick is angled relative to the body and includes an end that protrudes into the e-liquid reservoir; (c) the other end of the wick is angled relative to the body and includes an end that protrudes into the e-liquid reservoir; assembly.

[0258] Other optional features: ·One or both ends of the core are perpendicular to the body of the core. Each end faces in a different direction. Each end faces the same direction. The heating coil is wrapped around the body of the wick. The assembly is placed into a tube, which forms the inner surface of the e-liquid reservoir. The e-liquid reservoir is fitted with a user-replaceable cartridge. The core is cotton. The core is made of porous ceramic. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges The electronic vaporizer is inserted into a refill case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers are connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0259] PV Feature 6: PV with replaceable wick and coil. The nebulizer unit may last less time than other components of the vaporizer, especially when using a cotton wick. Being able to replace the tip containing the nebulizer coil with a new nebulizer tip is very useful.

[0260] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0261] An electronic cigarette vaporizer that does not disassemble for refilling with e-liquid, but instead is refilled by a user from a replaceable e-liquid cartridge, The vaporizer includes a front portion that includes a wick and heating assembly, but does not include an e-liquid cartridge, and the front portion is removably secured to the body of the vaporizer to allow for the use of a replacement front portion, such as when the original wick or heating element begins to deteriorate, a replacement front portion is provided to the end user, but without e-liquid therein.

[0262] Optional features include: The front magnetically latches onto the vaporizer body. The front part is pressed into the vaporizer body. The front part screws into the body of the vaporizer. The core contains cotton material The core contains ceramic material The ceramic material is a ceramic cell, and the heating element is inside the ceramic cell. The front portion connects or joins to an opening, channel or pipe in the body of the vaporizer and includes an opening, channel or pipe through which the e-liquid passes. Deterioration of the heating element is automatically detected by the electronics module which monitors the electrical characteristics of the heating element and determines if the characteristics are related to element deterioration. The electrical characteristic is the resistance of the heating element. The electronics module generates a signal indicating that the front should be changed if degradation of the heating element is detected. The micro pump operates to expel e-liquid from the wick and heating assembly when the front part is removed from the body of the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges The electronic vaporizer is refillable with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled. The electronic vaporizer is connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0263] PV feature 7: Pulsed power to the coil It utilizes pulse width modulation of the coil current. The PWM is generated by the PV's MCU (microcontroller unit) and sent to a power switch which commutates the current through the coil. Upon receiving a signal from the pressure sensor indicating inhalation, the MCU will begin generating a PWM signal with maximum duty cycle to heat the coil as fast as possible, then reduce it to maintain the coil temperature in the operating range according to a pre-mapped temperature calculation stored in the MCU.

[0264] The PWM varies from about 90% to a 1-10% duty cycle for preheating, and then to 0% when idle.

[0265] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0266] An electronic cigarette vaporizer comprising a heating element, a power source, and an electronics module that manages the supply of power, current or voltage to the heating element, the electronics module controlling and supplying pulses of power, current or voltage to the heating element.

[0267] Other optional features: The pulse is PWM. Pulses are supplied at a high switching frequency. High switching frequency is 1~10KHz. · PWM changes from about 90% to 1-10% duty cycle for preheating, and to 0% when idle. Pulsing extends the battery life of your vaporizer. · The current or voltage is controlled or shaped to minimize the creation or release of potentially harmful substances. Pulsing controls the temperature of the heating element to minimize the production or release of potentially harmful substances by the vaporizer. The temperature of the heating element is estimated from the resistance of the heating element. Use PWM control to perform discrete mode vaping (see case feature 2), i.e. reducing the amount of vapor produced by the vaporizer compared to normal mode. Uses PWM control to perform power mode vaping (see case feature 3), i.e. increasing the amount of vapor produced by the vaporizer compared to normal mode, while monitoring the temperature of the vaporizer heating element to ensure it does not reach excessively high temperatures associated with undesirable compounds in the vapor. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges An electronic vaporizer may only be refilled with e-liquid when it is inserted into a refill case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer and is complete, intact, and undisassembled. Electronic vaporizers use a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism to connect to and fill with e-liquid.

[0268] PV feature 8: Detecting coil deterioration When the coil resistance rises above a certain limit, it is said that the coil needs to be replaced. Large variations in the coil resistance are treated as coil malfunctions (e.g. could be due to a bad contact).

[0269] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0270] An electronic cigarette vaporizer that includes a heating element and further includes or cooperates with an electronics module that (i) detects characteristics of the supply of power, current or voltage to the heating element and (ii) determines whether those characteristics are associated with degradation of the heating element.

[0271] Other optional features: The deterioration of the heating element causes the resistance of the heating element to increase. The resistance of the heating element is verified by the electronics module passing a test current through the heating element sufficient to allow a measurement of the resistance. The test current is set to a level or duration that does not cause the temperature of the heating element to rise to the vape temperature, for example 130°C. If the electronics module measures a very large resistance of the heating element, above a predefined threshold, this indicates that the heating element is faulty. The electronics module stores records of the measured characteristics and determines whether those stored records exhibit variations indicative of degradation of the heating element. The electronics module generates a signal indicating that the heating element should be replaced. The signal provides a visual indication to the vaporizer and / or the case housing the vaporizer and / or a device wirelessly connected to the case. The vaporizer contains the power supply and electronics module. The vaporizer is housed in a case which also contains a power supply and electronics module. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges The electronic vaporizer is refillable with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled. The electronic vaporizer is connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0272] PV feature 9: Estimating coil temperature Since the system uses a microcontroller MCU to control the entire coil heating process, its computing power is used to indirectly use this MCU to Most electronic vaporizers on the market do not allow you to control the coil temperature. This leads to the following problems: The e-liquid will boil and drip hot from the mouthpiece Low liquid level causes coil overheating, leading to highly toxic fumes

[0273] In this system, the MCU measures or estimates the coil temperature of an electronic vaporizer via resistance control of the coil, a much more accurate method since there is no thermal resistance between the coil and the temperature sensor.

[0274] This measurement technique relies on the fact that the dependence of resistance on temperature in the range 50-200°C is approximately linear. Therefore, the MCU directly measures the current and voltage supplied to the coil. From this data, the coil resistance is calculated. We empirically mapped the resistance against temperature for various coil / atomization combinations. For example, in our laboratory experiments, using a KangerTech 1.5 Ohm coil, the coil resistance R(T)=-1.714 * An empirical formula of T+1.68 was obtained.

[0275] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0276] The vaporizer includes a heating element and further includes or cooperates with an electronics module that (i) detects a characteristic of the resistance of the heating element and (ii) uses an inference of temperature derived from the resistance as a control input.

[0277] Other optional features: The temperature of the heating element is inferred from data stored in the electronics module that is empirically derived for a particular heating element design. The electronics module controls the power delivered to the heating element to ensure it stays below approximately 130°C and within tolerances. The electronics module utilizes resistance measurements to control the power delivered and does not calculate derived temperature. The electronics module applies multiple techniques designed to ensure the heating element is at its optimum heating temperature, including estimating the resistance of the heating element, and weights the signal from each technique. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges The electronic vaporizer is refillable with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled. The electronic vaporizer is connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0278] PV Feature 10: Monitor each puff to measure e-liquid consumption and heating coil degradation Tarring The electronics module also enables the PV to count each draw from the electronic vaporizer. The PV contains a conventional pressure sensor that determines when the user starts and stops inhaling. The MCU counts these start and stop events and measures the time between them. This "draw" or "inhale" time is used to calculate e-liquid consumption.

[0279] The PV can also estimate if the coil should be cleaned or replaced with a new one, because it can estimate how many draws the coil should achieve. This count of vapes or inhalations also allows it to estimate the height of liquid in the PV, since each inhalation uses an approximate or inferable amount of e-liquid. It can modify that approximation in light of feedback from other parts of the system. For example, because the piezoelectric pump delivers a precise amount of e-liquid for each pumping motion, and the MCU tracks the number of pumping motions required to fill the PV each time, it knows with great precision how much e-liquid will be delivered to the PV in the next fill cycle. So, it can use this information from the case to know how much e-liquid has been pumped into the PV.

[0280] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0281] An electronic cigarette vaporizer including a heating element, an air pressure sensor, and a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller stores, processes, or determines the extent of each puff using a signal from the air pressure sensor.

[0282] Other optional features: The microcontroller calculates the approximate e-liquid consumption from the intensity of each puff or provides data that enables an external processor to calculate the approximate e-liquid consumption. The microcontroller calculates, or provides data to enable an external processor to perform, when the heating element needs to be cleaned or replaced based on the number and / or severity of inhalations. The microcontroller calculates the approximate amount of e-liquid remaining in the vaporizer based on the calculated approximate e-liquid consumption. The microcontroller calculates the approximate amount of e-liquid remaining in the vaporizer based on the calculated approximate e-liquid consumption and using data from other elements within the vaporizer or a case for refilling the vaporizer. The degree of inhalation is a function of one or more of duration, peak flow, and average flow. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges The electronic vaporizer is inserted into a refill case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers are connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0283] PV Feature 11: Monitor coil characteristics and identify coil type. Being able to automatically identify the type of coil (e.g., heating wire material, other characteristics) is useful because different types of coils may have different optimum and maximum safe temperatures and may respond differently to the pulsed power techniques described above.

[0284] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0285] An electronic cigarette vaporizer, the vaporizer including a heating element and a microcontroller, the microcontroller monitoring or measuring an electrical characteristic of the heating element and using it to automatically identify the type of heating element as a control input.

[0286] Other optional features: The vaporizer is operable to use different types of heating elements having different electrical characteristics. The vaporizer can store a record of different values ​​or profiles of the electrical property and the type of heating element associated with each value or profile, and then compare any monitored or measured electrical property to that record to determine the likely type of heating element present in the vaporizer. ·The electrical property is monitored or measured by passing a current through the element that is not sufficient to heat the heating element to its operating temperature. Electrical characteristics include the resistance of the heating element. The microcontroller automatically applies various heating parameter controls, including optimum and maximum operating temperatures, depending on the type of heating element identified. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges The electronic vaporizer is refillable with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled. The electronic vaporizer is connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0287] PV Feature 12: Monitors external or ambient temperature to ensure coils are at optimum operating temperature Conventional electronic vaporizers do not operate well in cold conditions (e.g., below 0°C) because the coil operates below its optimal operating temperature. Include a temperature measurement sensor in the PV or case that controls the power delivered to the coil (for example, increase the power when it is very cold).

[0288] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0289] An electronic cigarette vaporizer, the vaporizer including a heating element and a microcontroller, the microcontroller monitoring or measuring or using data regarding the external or ambient temperature and using it as a control input.

[0290] Other optional features: The control input automatically regulates the power supplied to the heating element to ensure that the element operates at its optimum temperature. If the ambient temperature is monitored or measured as being too cold, the power to the heating element is automatically increased to compensate. If the ambient temperature is monitored or measured as being too cold, the pre-heat function will automatically activate prior to the first puff to bring the heating element to the optimum temperature. The vaporizer includes or cooperates with an electronics module that (i) detects a characteristic of the resistance of the heating element and (ii) uses an inference of temperature derived from that resistance as a control input. The temperature of the heating element is inferred from data stored in the electronics module that is empirically derived for a particular heating element design. The microcontroller applies multiple techniques designed to ensure the heating element is at its optimum heating temperature, including estimating the coil resistance, and weights the signal from each technique. The electronics module uses resistance measurements to control the power delivered and does not calculate derived temperature. The electronics module controls the power delivered to the heating element to ensure it stays below approximately 130°C and within tolerances. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges The electronic vaporizer is refillable with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled. The electronic vaporizer is connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism. The electronic vaporizer includes a temperature measurement sensor for measuring the ambient temperature. The electronic vaporizer receives data or control signals from a temperature measuring sensor within the vaporizer case.

[0291] PV Feature 13: Monitor airflow to ensure coils are at optimum operating temperature Traditional electronic vaporizers contain an air pressure sensor that acts as a simple switch. When air passes the sensor, the system assumes the user is inhaling and immediately applies power to the heating coil. However, a very hard inhale can cool the coil compared to a very light inhale. The air flow rate or pressure drop at the air pressure sensor is detected and used as an input to a microcontroller that controls the power delivered to the heating coil. Thus, it is possible to compensate for a very hard inhale by applying more power during the inhale compared to a very light inhale. This ensures that the heating coil is kept at its optimal heating temperature. This technique can be combined with other techniques designed to ensure that the coil is at its optimal heating temperature, such as estimating the resistance of the coil (which is empirically mapped to the coil temperature).

[0292] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0293] An electronic cigarette vaporizer including a heating element and a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller monitors or measures the airflow velocity or pressure drop across an air pressure sensor or other sensor and uses it as an input to control the power supplied to the heating element.

[0294] Other optional features: The microcontroller compensates for very heavy inhalations by applying more power during inhalation compared to very light inhalations. The microcontroller regulates the power to ensure that the heating element is kept at its optimum heating temperature. The vaporizer includes or cooperates with an electronics module that (i) detects a characteristic of the resistance of the heating element and (ii) uses an inference of temperature derived from that resistance as a control input. The temperature of the heating element is inferred from data stored in the electronics module that is empirically derived for a particular heating element design. ·The microcontroller applies multiple techniques designed to ensure the heating element is at its optimum heating temperature, including estimating the resistance of the heating element, and weights the signal of each technique.·The electronics module uses the resistance measurement to control the power delivered and does not calculate a derived temperature. The electronics module controls the power delivered to the heating element to ensure it stays below approximately 130°C and within tolerances. · An electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system. Electronic vaporizers are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges The electronic vaporizer is refillable with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled. The electronic vaporizer is connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0295] PV Feature 14: Uses data from cartridges that define e-liquid type to control coil heating

[0296] Different e-liquids have different optimum temperatures for vaping. For example, water content can significantly affect the optimum and maximum temperature that the heating coil should reach for best flavor, ensuring there is no significant risk of harmful products in the vapor. Conventional electronic vaporizers cannot take this into account and automatically change the temperature that the heating coil reaches. The present system can.

[0297] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0298] 1. An electronic cigarette vaporizer comprising a heating element for heating an e-liquid and a microcontroller, the microcontroller determining the type and / or characteristics of the e-liquid being used and using this as an input to automatically control the power supplied to the heating element to heat the e-liquid in a manner appropriate for that particular type of e-liquid or e-liquid having those characteristics.

[0299] Other optional features: The e-liquid is dispensed from a cartridge, the cartridge containing a record of the type and / or characteristics of the e-liquid stored in the cartridge, and the microcontroller reads the record or provides data from the record. The cartridge contains a memory that stores the type and / or characteristics of the e-liquid contained in the cartridge, and the vaporizer or case into which the cartridge is inserted can read that data from the memory. The variable in e-liquid type is the water content of the substance. The vaporizer includes or cooperates with an electronics module that (i) detects a characteristic of the resistance of the heating element and (ii) uses an inference of temperature derived from that resistance as a control input. The temperature of the heating element is inferred from data stored in the electronics module that is empirically derived for a particular heating element design. The electronics module applies multiple techniques designed to ensure the heating element is at its optimum heating temperature, including estimating the resistance of the coil, and weights the signal from each technique. The electronics module uses resistance measurements to control the power delivered and does not calculate derived temperature. The electronics module controls the power delivered to the heating element to ensure it stays below approximately 130°C and within tolerances. The electronic vaporizer system is an e-cigarette system and its substance is e-liquid. Electronic vaporizer systems are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette. Electronic vaporizers are roughly the same size as a cigarette and do not contain any control buttons. Electronic vaporizers automatically activate when they detect that the vaporizer has been removed from its storage case. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle or rectangular cross section with rounded corners and contain a long PCB that is inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer. Electronic vaporizers have a squircle cross section Electronic vaporizers use only closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges. Refillable The cartridge stores a record of the type of substance stored and / or its characteristics on a chip, and the vaporizer reads or provides data from the chip. The electronic vaporizer is refillable with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled. The electronic vaporizer is connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

[0300] PV characteristic 15: PV has a squircle cross section As mentioned above, the PV is roughly the same size as a regular cigarette, roughly 10 cm long and 1 cm wide. It has a square cross section with rounded corners. This shape allows the PV to contain a long, rectangular circuit board (a "squircle"), allowing more design freedom for the placement of that PCB. If the PV's casing was circular and the PCB was long, it would likely have to be mounted exactly to the diameter, and would leave little room for the battery. Thus, the square cross section is a much better shape to contain the long PCB and battery inside the casing. The PV also contains a narrow pipe to transport the e-liquid from the fill end to the reservoir around the heating element. This pipe can be housed in a corner of the PV casing. Finally, the PV's outer casing contains a series of small LEDs that light up to indicate the amount of e-liquid consumed, mimicking the way a cigarette decreases in length as it burns, for example. So for a full reservoir of e-liquid, the entire row of perhaps 5 or 6 LEDs will be illuminated, and as the vape progresses the LEDs will gradually light up less and less until only the LED closest to the user's mouth is illuminated. The LEDs are mounted on a very narrow circuit board. This facilitates SMT (surface mount technology) manufacturing of the LEDs on the PCB, so they are cheaper if they are flat. It is also easier to fasten a flat PCB to the flat side of the PV versus a circular surface. A square tube with rounded corners is therefore a useful shape to contain these various elements.

[0301] This feature can be generalized as follows.

[0302] An electronic cigarette vaporizer, wherein the vaporizer is approximately the same size as a cigarette, has a square or rectangular cross-section with rounded corners, and includes an elongated PCB inserted lengthwise into the vaporizer.

[0303] Optional Features: The PCB is not mounted at the midpoint of the cross section, but at a different location closer to the main surface of the vaporizer to allow more space for the rechargeable battery. The PCB is mounted closed and runs parallel to the main surface of the vaporizer. -The cross section is squircle The vaporizer contains a thin pipe that transports the e-liquid from the fill end to a reservoir around the heating element. This pipe runs along one inside corner of the vaporizer. The electronic vaporizer system is an e-cigarette system and its substance is e-liquid. Electronic vaporizer systems are a medically approved nicotine drug delivery system. Electronic vaporizers are the same size and shape as cigarettes. Electronic vaporizers are the same size and shape as cigarettes, and the vaporizer does not contain any control buttons. - Electronic vaporizers must not be removed from the case in which they are stored. Once detected, it will be activated automatically. Electronic vaporizers are refillable only with closed, user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges The electronic vaporizer is refillable with e-liquid only when it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid from a user-replaceable closed e-liquid cartridge to the vaporizer, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled. The electronic vaporizer is connected to and filled with e-liquid using a piezoelectric pump fluid transfer mechanism. Electronic vaporizers are filled exclusively from user-replaceable e-liquid cartridges An electronic vaporizer may only be refilled with e-liquid if it is inserted into a refilling case that contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring e-liquid to the vaporizer and is complete, intact, and undisassembled.

[0304] PV Feature 16: Silicone cap for ceramic cell Heating elements are typically mass-produced by companies that specialize in the manufacture of these very units. The fully assembled units are then supplied to the company that manufactures the vaporizer. The units are then inserted into the body of the vaporizer on the manufacturing line. To minimize leakage of e-liquid from the edges of the units, the mass producers typically supply them wrapped in a thin layer of cotton material. While this provides a seal around the units, the seal is not effective, especially when the e-liquid is dispensed under pressure, because the cotton quickly soaks through and then no longer prevents leakage. As a result, conventional designs of cotton-wrapped heating elements are not satisfactory for this purpose.

[0305] Instead of the cotton material, a pair of silicone end caps are provided that fit onto either end of the heating unit. The heating unit with the silicone end caps can then be press fit into the body of the vaporizer. The silicone forms a tight seal around the unit, preventing unwanted leakage when e-liquid is pumped under pressure into a reservoir surrounding the heating unit.

[0306] This approach is particularly useful when using ceramic heating units.

[0307] It can be generalized as follows:

[0308] A heating or atomizing unit for an electronic cigarette vaporizer, the unit including a protective elastomeric wall or barrier configured to (i) allow the unit to fit inside a body of the vaporizer and prevent leakage around the outside of the unit while e-liquid is provided under pressure to a reservoir surrounding the unit, and (ii) allow e-liquid to pass from the e-liquid reservoir outside the unit into the unit.

[0309] Optional features include: The unit is a ceramic cell. The ceramic cell is cylindrical. The protective elastomeric wall or barrier is a pair of end caps that fit on either end of the unit · A gap is created between each end cap, through which e-liquid can pass to reach the outer surface of the ceramic cell, then through the ceramic and into the cell's atomization chamber (if there is a heating element). Cotton material is placed in the gap The elastomer has one or more (preferably all) of the following properties: (i) a ceramic unibody; The materials are selected to have the following characteristics: (i) form an effective seal around the unit; (ii) withstand high temperatures (e.g., above 200°C); (iii) not introduce any toxic compounds into the e-liquid; and (iv) be easy to mold around the unit. Elastomers are insulating materials. The elastomer is silicone. Elastomers are rubber The unit is roughly cylindrical and the elastomer forms a thin wall or barrier around the curved surface of the cylinder. The elastomer forms a thin wall or barrier on one or both sides of the unit The unit is a ceramic heating unit. Ceramic heating units contain a cylindrical ceramic wicking material with a central hollow bore around which the heating element is formed. The unit is manufactured using an insert molding manufacturing process The unit is dropped into a round fixture with a radius approximately 1mm larger than the radius of the unit, and elastomer is poured into the gap to form a wall or barrier. At the location of the wall or barrier, an e-liquid passage hole is formed in the wall or barrier, which is designed to control the delivery of e-liquid.

[0310] Another feature is an electronic cigarette vaporizer including a heating or atomizing unit as defined above.

[0311] Note: Each of the above generalizations focuses on e-cigarette vaporizers. In each case, electronic vaporizers can be further generalized to include vaporizers that are not limited to allowing nicotine to be inhaled, but allow for other substances, including medicines.

[0312] Other features This section lists various miscellaneous features present in vaping systems.

[0313] Other 1: The PV includes an oleophobic barrier that separates the vaporization chamber from the portion of the PV that includes the electronics and the battery. The PV includes a washer or other form of barrier that allows air to pass through but not the e-liquid. The barrier separates the portion of the PV that includes the battery and the electronics from the portion of the PV that the e-liquid or vapor contacts. The washer / barrier does not have moving parts, but instead can be made of an air-porous material, such as a sintered polymer or metal, and is coated with or otherwise includes a layer or barrier of a substance that is air-porous but not permeable to e-liquid, such as an oleophobic material or a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic material. Examples of suitable oleophobic materials are sintered phosphor bronze, sintered stainless steel, sintered PU plastic.

[0314] Other 2: The PV has interchangeable covers. The PV includes user-interchangeable covers to allow the user to customize the appearance of the PV. The covers may be clipped onto the cover.

[0315] Other 3: PV magnetically latches in case. The PV, or the chassis holding the PV in the case, is magnetically latched to the case (e.g., one or more magnets are placed somewhere on the PV or chassis to ensure that the charging and / or data contacts on the PV latch to corresponding contacts in the case). For example, a small neodymium magnet in the case and a matching magnet or metallic item on the PV (or vice versa) ensures that when the PV is almost fully inserted into the case, it will retract the rest of its way to a safe final position. It is not just the parent e-liquid reservoir (e.g., an e-liquid cartridge inserted into the case) that is magnetically latched to the case. It is also a necessary location for fluid transfer from the primary ridge to the secondary reservoir within the PV.

[0316] The charging and data transfer contacts in the PV and the case are optimally and securely positioned in contact with one another. The magnets keep the PV from falling out of the case if the case is upside down, and eliminate bounce due to contact, i.e., when the PV is dropped into the case. Additionally, they ensure that the fluid transfer mechanism is correctly positioned (e.g., a fill opening or nozzle in the PV lines up correctly with a fill stem or nozzle from a cartridge or other form of parent reservoir). In one implementation, one or more small magnets near the battery and data contacts ensure that the corresponding battery and data contacts of the PV and the case magnetically latch to one another when the PV is fully inserted into the case, or into the portion of the chassis of the case that holds the PV. The magnets need not be located near the contacts, but could be located in a suitable location, for example, at one end of the PV, or anywhere along the main body of the PV.

[0317] While it is known to magnetically secure the charging contacts of a PV to the power electrodes in a charging case, it is not known to utilize magnetic latching to ensure that not only are the power contacts precisely and securely positioned relative to one another, but also the data contacts and fluid transfer mechanism. Magnetic latching can be applied to any one or more of the power contacts, data contacts, and fluid transfer mechanism. When applied directly to just the power contacts (e.g., only the power electrodes have adjacent magnets), there is no need to have multiple magnets in the PV or case, since the data contacts and fluid transfer mechanism can be precisely aligned anyway.

[0318] Similarly, a small neodymium magnet in the case and a matching magnet or metallic item in the hinged chassis described above (or vice versa) ensures that when the chassis is nearly fully closed, it retracts the rest of the way to a locked final position, which is also the position required for the transfer of fluid from the parent e-liquid reservoir (e.g., an e-liquid cartridge inserted in the case) to the child reservoir in the PV. Again, this eliminates contact bounce, provides a good tactile feel that locks the chassis into the case, and ensures that the power and data connections are correctly aligned.

[0319] Other 4: PV's replaceable tips contain their own integrated atomizing heating element and are separable from the PV's e-juice reservoir (cartomizers can be said to contain replaceable tips with heating elements, but they do contain e-juice reservoirs).

[0320] Miscellaneous 5: The PV has a heated nozzle. Parts of the PV (particularly the nozzle) where e-liquid vapor may condense if the nozzle is cold are heated using an electric heating element or the like. Condensation of e-liquid vapor on the internal components of the PV is problematic if condensed droplets may flow into the user's mouth. If these components are heated (e.g., using an electric heating coil thermally connected to the component(s)), the likelihood of condensation forming can be reduced. Heating the components can also be used to warm the e-liquid vapor to a desired temperature. This is particularly useful when e-liquid atomization occurs using a non-heated system, such as ultrasonic atomization using piezoelectric or other forms of droplet-on-demand systems.

[0321] Miscellaneous 6: The cartridge contains a piezoelectric pump for transferring small, yet precise and reliable, metered amounts of e-liquid. The piezoelectric pump can be used as an e-liquid transfer mechanism to transfer e-liquid from the cartridge or parent reservoir to the child reservoir of the PV. It can also be used in reverse to draw back residual e-liquid in the PV. Because the amount dispensed can be precisely metered, this allows the PV (or case, or associated application running on the smartphone) to calculate the total consumption and / or consumption of e-liquid. This means accurately determining the amount of e-liquid remaining in the cartridge and in the PV itself. This can then be used in an automatic reordering feature. For example, if the system sees that a cartridge is down to its last 20% e-liquid amount, an app running on the user's smartphone can prompt the user with a message asking if they would like to order a replacement cartridge(s). A low-cost piezoelectric pump, typically used to deliver ink in inkjet printers, can be used.

[0322] Miscellaneous 7: The atomizer is integrated into a removable lid or cap that leads to the cartridge. When the PV engages with the lid / cap, the lid / cap fills with a small amount of e-liquid and latches onto the PV. So when you lift the PV, the lid latches onto one end. So every cartridge has its own atomizer.

[0323] Other 8: The cartridges can be packaged in containers the same size as conventional cigarette packets, allowing distribution through existing cigarette vending machines and point-of-sale systems.

[0324] Other 9: The case is the same size as a cigarette packet. The case or its packaging is the same size as a traditional cigarette packet (e.g. a packet of 20 cigarettes). For example, this allows distribution through existing cigarette vending machines and point-of-sale systems.

[0325] Miscellaneous 10: Case Includes Removable Covers. The case includes removable, e.g. clip-on, cover or decorative panel(s) to allow the user to customize the look. A major side of the case can be removed and a new side pressed into place.

[0326] Other 11: The PV includes a removable cartridge and a mechanical seal valve. The PV includes a removable e-liquid cartridge that is inserted or attached directly to the PV without the need for a separate refill and recharge case. The fluid transfer mechanism transfers the e-liquid from the cartridge to a child reservoir of the PV. That child reservoir supplies e-liquid to a separate atomization unit (i.e., the child reservoir is separate from the atomization unit but supplies e-liquid to it via, for example, a channel or some other mechanism). The cartridge is similar in structure to the cartridges described elsewhere in this specification, but is not intended for insertion into a refill / recharge case. The e-liquid cartridge is an airtight, closed unit and cannot be refilled by the user. The filling or fluid transfer mechanism is similar. The cartridge's micropump operates by moving the cartridge relative to the rest of the PV, transferring e-liquid from the cartridge to a child reservoir in the PV. The PV includes the mechanical valve described above so that it is raised from its seat when a filling device or the stem or nozzle of the cartridge is introduced. This valve prevents any e-liquid from leaking during or after the filling of the PV's child reservoir. The cartridge may remain inside the PV or may be attached to the PV while the PV is being vaped. The PV may include any of the other features listed above. The cartridge includes some form of air pressure equalization, as in the other cases, as when the volume of the fluid decreases, a partial vacuum is created behind the fluid to slow the transfer. However, with a bellows-type cartridge, the lost volume is automatically compensated for. The cartridge may include any of the other features listed above.

[0327] Other 12: E-liquid is transferred from a parent reservoir using a piston or other device that reduces the internal volume of the parent reservoir. A cartridge or other form of parent reservoir stores e-liquid. A plunger, piston or other means of reducing the internal volume of the parent reservoir is actuated, and as the internal volume decreases, e-liquid is forced from the nozzle into the child reservoir of the PV. The foil cap seals the nozzle before use and is pierced by a hollow spigot or tube when the cartridge is inserted into a device to fill the PV (the device can be the case or the PV itself).

[0328] Plungers, pistons, etc. can be pushed forward using a screw that rotates within a thread inside the reservoir to directly push the plunger or piston forward, or a rack and pinion system in which the user rotates a thumbwheel as a pinion, which causes the plunger to be connected to a rack that is pushed forward as the thumbwheel is rotated.

[0329] Similarly, there may be a rotating end cap attached to the external threads of the reservoir. Rotating the end cap drives a plunger or piston forward.

[0330] Plungers, pistons etc. can also be forced forward using a rotary cam: rotating the end cap forces a cam follower forward in a linear fashion relative to the plunger / piston, forcing it forward.

[0331] The plunger, piston, etc. may also move forward inside a tube or other device and be connected to an outer collar or other device that sits on the outside of the tube and moves forward along a slot in the tube. When the user pulls the collar forward along the slot, the plunger is also pushed forward. The outer collar may also be attached to a screw thread such that turning the collar moves it forward along the thread and as it does so, the plunger moves forward.

[0332] Alternatively, the plunger or piston can include a magnet (e.g., formed as a collar or other device) and another magnet (e.g., formed as an outer collar on the outside of the magnetic collar on the plunger) can move forward and advance the magnetic collar on the plunger. The outer magnetic collar can be attached to a screw thread such that when the outer magnetic collar is rotated it advances along the thread, thus advancing the inner magnetic collar and plunger as well, decreasing the volume of the chamber and forcing the e-liquid out.

[0333] In all of the above cases, the piston or plunger moves forward. But equally, the plunger remains fixed and the body of the parent reservoir moves in a direction that reduces the internal volume of the parent reservoir. This approach is especially plausible if the parent reservoir is inserted directly into the PV and not a separate refill / recharge.

[0334] The plunger or piston can also force the e-liquid out of an opening in the parent reservoir, at the end of the cartridge facing the plunger, or elsewhere as well. For example, the opening can be in a stem or nozzle through the plunger.

[0335] Miscellaneous 13: E-liquid is transferred from a deformable parent reservoir. A cartridge or other form of parent reservoir stores the e-liquid. This is connected to a chamber, such as a bellows, which increases in internal volume, drawing e-liquid from the parent reservoir and then decreasing, allowing e-liquid to be expelled to a child reservoir in the PV. There is a one-way valve at each end of the chamber. When one valve closes the other valve opens. So, for example, the valve at the cartridge / parent end of the chamber opens to fill the chamber while the valve at the other end remains closed. If the chamber is compressed the valve at the cartridge / parent end of the chamber closes and the valve at the other end opens, allowing fluid to be transferred to the child reservoir in the PV.

[0336] The chambers may be, for example, bellows (e.g., silicone) with folds or ridges that move apart when the chambers are inflated and move together when the chambers are deflated. The present invention can be formed as follows:

[0337] The chamber may be a simple deformable tube, such as a rubber tube. The tube is squeezed to squirt the e-liquid out of the chamber. By allowing the tube to regain its shape, the e-liquid is drawn from the parent into the tube. Again, there is a one-way valve at each end of the chamber, so that when one valve closes the other opens. Another variation that removes the need for one-way valves at each end is a rotary pump with lobes or vanes that, when rotated, push the e-liquid through the tube.

[0338] Other 14: Archimedes Screw. A cartridge or other form of parent reservoir stores the e-liquid. Turning the Archimedes Screw inside the reservoir moves the e-liquid through the reservoir and out a nozzle at one end into the child reservoir in the PV.

[0339] Other 15: Gravity Feed. A cartridge or other form of parent reservoir stores the e-liquid. A gravity-based fluid transfer mechanism can be used to transfer the e-liquid from the parent reservoir to the child reservoir of the PV. Air pressure equalization can be achieved by using a vent. This allows air to enter the reservoir when fluid leaves it, but prevents any e-liquid from leaking out or passing through. For example, the vent may have no moving parts, but instead is an air-porous material, such as a sintered polymer or metal, and is coated with a layer or barrier of an air-porous but not permeable to e-liquid, such as an oleophobic or hydrophobic material. Various form factors for the cartridge / reservoir are possible, such as concentric rings formed to fit around the PV, a spiral tube that wraps around the PV, a serpentine or matrix tube that wraps around the PV.

Claims

1. 1. An electronic vaporizer system including a personal vaporizer (PV) and a removable portable case capable of storing said PV, the PV includes (1) an IMU (inertial measurement unit), (2) a heating element, and (3) a power source, the heating element being powered by the power source to heat a nicotine-containing substance and form a heated, inhalable nicotine vapor; The IMU is configured to detect when the PV is removed from the carrying case in which it was stored. and enabling the PV to detect when the PV is turned on and changing the state of the PV; The system further includes an electronics module that manages the supply of power, current or voltage to the heating element, the electronics module controlling and supplying pulses of power, current or voltage to the heating element, the electronic vaporizer system.

2. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1 , wherein the change in state of the PV is to turn it on.

3. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the changing of the PV state includes starting to heat the heating element.

4. 4. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein data from the IMU enables the PV to know if it is not in use and can be powered down.

5. 5. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein movement data from the IMU is combined with data from a pressure-activated sensor or switch in the PV that detects inhalation.

6. 6. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the PV includes a contact sensor programmed to provide a control signal when touched by a user.

7. 7. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 6, which automatically turns on main circuitry, i.e., circuitry other than that required for touch sensing, after detecting that the PV is being held by at least two fingers.

8. 8. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the PV includes a contact sensor programmed to detect a specific number of different types of touch inputs that provide different control functions.

9. 10. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 8, wherein the particular plurality of different types of touch inputs include one or more of: activating or deactivating the PV; turning on or off a light on the PV; dimming a light on the PV; changing the color of a light on the PV; or changing the power supplied to the heating element.

10. 10. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 6, wherein the touch-based input comprises one or more defined taps or moving a finger(s) along a surface of the PV or carrying case in a predefined pattern or gesture.

11. 11. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 6, wherein the contact sensor is a capacitance sensor.

12. 12. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the PV includes a microcontroller (MCU) and control signals are provided to the MCU within the PV to enable movements associated with a user holding the PV to be distinguished from other movements of the PV.

13. 13. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the portable case includes an IMU that detects when the portable case is being handled.

14. 14. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the pulses utilize PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).

15. 15. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the pulses are delivered at a high switching frequency.

16. 16. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 15, wherein the high switching frequency is 1-10 KHz.

17. 17. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 14, wherein the PWM duty cycle is about 90% when heating.

18. 18. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 14, wherein the PWM duty cycle during preheat is about 1-10%.

19. 19. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 14, wherein at idle, the PWM duty cycle is 0%.

20. 20. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the PV includes an MCU that generates a PWM signal with a maximum duty cycle to heat the coil as quickly as possible and then ramps down to keep the temperature of the heating element within an operating range according to pre-mapped temperature calculations stored in the MCU.

21. 21. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the pulse extends battery life of the PV.

22. 22. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein power, current or voltage is controlled or configured to minimize the production or emission of potentially harmful substances by the PV.

23. 23. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the pulsing controls the temperature of the heating element to minimize the production or release of potentially harmful substances.

24. 24. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the temperature of the heating element is inferred from a resistance of the heating element.

25. 25. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the PV cooperates with an electronics module that (i) detects a characteristic of the resistance of the heating element and (ii) uses an inference of temperature derived from the resistance as a control input.

26. 26. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 24 or 25, wherein the temperature of the heating element is inferred from data stored in the electronics module that is empirically derived for a particular heating element design.

27. 27. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the electronics module controls the power supplied to the heating element to ensure that it remains below about 130°C and within a tolerance.

28. 28. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the electronics module utilizes resistance measurements to control the power delivered and does not calculate derived temperature.

29. 29. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1 , further comprising a “discrete” mode of vaping that uses PWM control to reduce the amount of vapor produced by the PV compared to a normal mode.

30. 30. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 29, wherein the "discrete" mode renders the vapor produced less visible or noticeable compared to the normal mode.

31. 31. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 29 or 30, wherein the system includes a button or sensor that, when selected or activated, alters the operation of the vaporizer in a manner that reduces vapor production.

32. 32. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the "discrete" mode includes reducing power supplied to or used by the heating element as compared to a normal mode.

33. 33. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the "discrete" mode involves an increase in the proportion of VG (vegetable glycerin) relative to PG (propylene glycol) in the nicotine-containing material being vaporized, as compared to the normal mode.

34. 34. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the "discrete" mode includes reducing a maximum temperature of the heating element compared to a normal mode.

35. 35. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 34, wherein the "discrete" mode includes reducing the maximum temperature of the heating element by 10% compared to a normal mode.

36. 29. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein PWM control is used to perform a "power" mode vape to increase the amount of vapor produced by the PV compared to normal mode, while monitoring the temperature of the heating element of the PV to ensure that it does not reach excessively high temperatures associated with undesirable compounds in the vapor.

37. 37. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 36, including a button or sensor that alters operation of the heating element to produce an increased amount of vapor compared to normal.

38. 38. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 37, wherein the button or sensor is on the PV, or on a case for the PV, or on a connected application running on a connected smartphone or other device.

39. 37. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 36, wherein the PV does not include a "power" mode button.

40. 40. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 36-39, wherein the "power" mode involves an increase in the proportion of PG compared to VG of the nicotine-containing material vaporized.

41. 41. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 36-40, wherein the electronics module controls the power supplied to the heating element during the "POWER" mode to ensure that when increased power is supplied to the heating element, the temperature does not exceed approximately 130°C or 10% of normal.

42. 42. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 29-41, wherein the "discrete" mode or the "power" mode includes altering the frequency or other operating parameters of a piezoelectric, thermal bubble jet, or ultrasonic atomizer.

43. 43. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 42, wherein another operating parameter of the piezoelectric, thermal bubble jet, or ultrasonic atomizer is a duty cycle.

44. 44. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 29 to 43, wherein the heating element is powered using a pulsed signal, and the duty cycle of the pulsed signal is varied to be decreased or increased compared to a normal mode.

45. 45. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein the electronics module applies multiple techniques designed to ensure optimal heating of the heating element, including estimating the resistance of the heating element, and weighting the signal of each technique.

46. 46. ​​The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 45, wherein the time of all events, including movement events, is recorded.

47. 47. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1, wherein data collected by the PV is transmitted from the PV to external storage.

48. 48. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 47, wherein the external storage is a memory of the portable case in which the PV is stored.

49. 49. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 48, comprising data transfer contacts that engage data transfer contacts of the carrying case.

50. 50. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 49, including a 3G, LTE, or other form of wireless data module for wirelessly connecting to an application on a user's smartphone or for communicating directly with a remote server.

51. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein the connection enables one or more of the following functions: track usage; purchase additional capsules directly to your home; find the store closest to you; set financial, health, or usage related goals; adjust basic settings of the PV and the carrying case; get recommendations based on usage and preferences; see when new flavors are launched; receive special promotions; get recommendations from friends; or set the system for automatic refills.

52. 52. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 51, wherein the system is configured to determine whether the PV is in a location where its use is permitted and, if appropriate, to disable the PV.

53. 53. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 52, wherein the location is determined using a location feature service of a connected smartphone application.

54. 54. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 52 or 53, wherein the location includes a country level, a specific building, or an airplane.

55. 55. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 54, which can be remotely locked via a smart phone application to prevent use by children.

56. 56. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 55, wherein the electronic vaporizer system is an electronic cigarette system.

57. 57. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1-56, wherein the electronic vaporizer system is a pharma-ceutical approved nicotine drug delivery system.

58. 58. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1-57, wherein the PV is approximately the same size as a cigarette.

59. 59. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1-58, wherein the PV is approximately the same size as a cigarette and does not include any control buttons.

60. 60. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 59, wherein the PV is automatically activated upon detecting that the PV has been removed from the carrying case in which it is stored.

61. 61. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 60, wherein the PV has a squircle or rectangular cross-section with rounded corners and includes an elongated PCB that is inserted vertically into the PV.

62. 62. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1 , wherein the PV has a squircle cross-section.

63. 63. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 62, wherein the carrying case includes a closed, user-replaceable cartridge, and the PV is refillable exclusively with the closed, user-replaceable cartridge.

64. 64. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 63, wherein the PV is refillable only when inserted into the carrying case, which contains a fluid transfer mechanism for transferring the nicotine-containing substance from the user-replaceable closed cartridge to the PV, and is whole, intact, and undisassembled.

65. 65. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 64, wherein the portable case includes a mains power source, and the power source within the PV is rechargeable from the mains power source when inserted into the portable case.

66. The PV includes a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being a front portion of the PV, and the heat generating 66. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 1 , further comprising a body, the front portion being removably adapted to the body of the PV such that a replacement front portion can be used when an original heating element begins to deteriorate.

67. 67. The electronic vaporizer system of claim 66, wherein the heating element is disposed within a unit, the unit including a protective elastomeric wall or barrier configured to (i) allow the unit to fit inside the mouthpiece and prevent leakage around the outside of the unit while the nicotine-containing substance is delivered under pressure to a reservoir within the mouthpiece, and (ii) allow the nicotine-containing substance to pass from the reservoir outside the unit into the unit.

68. 68. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 1 to 67, wherein the electronics module (i) detects changes in the resistance of the heating element by measuring and comparing the supply of power, current, or voltage to the heating element, and (ii) determines whether the changes are associated with degradation of the heating element.

69. 69. The electronic vaporizer system of any one of claims 66 to 68, wherein the electronics module generates a signal upon detecting degradation of the heating element to indicate that the mouthpiece should be replaced.

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