Leak-resistant vaporizer device

Abstract

To provide leak-resistant vaporizer cartridges and / or vaporization apparatuses for use with vaporizable liquid materials including cannabis oils.SOLUTION: Described in some aspects are leak-resistant vaporizer cartridges and / or vaporization apparatuses for use with vaporizable liquid materials including cannabis oils.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a joint venture of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 398,494, filed September 22, 2016. This application is directed to, or claims priority to, U.S. Patent Application 15 / 396,584, entitled "Leak-Resistant Vaporizer Cartridge for Use With Cannabinoids," filed December 31, 2016, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] Technical Field The present subject matter relates generally to vaporization devices and methods of using and / or manufacturing vaporization devices. Such devices broadly include systems and devices that generate and deliver aerosols containing a vaporized material that are inhaled by a user. In particular, embodiments of the present subject matter relate to methods and structures that may result in reduced leakage of liquid vaporized material from vaporization devices.

[0003] Background technology Vaporization devices include a broad category of systems, devices, etc. that can produce an inhalable aerosol by heating an evaporant such that at least some of the evaporant is vaporized into a flowing gas stream. The device produces a vaporized evaporant or combines with other components of the flowing gas stream to form an inhalable aerosol. Such devices may include electric vaporizers. Electric vaporizers typically heat the evaporant using resistive heating provided to a heating element from a battery or other power source under the control of an electrical control circuit. Vaporizers also use other heat sources (e.g., combustion or oxidation of a fuel source, etc.). Vaporization devices consistent with the subject matter of this application may be referred to by various terms, such as inhalable aerosol devices, aerosolizers, vaporizers, electric vaporizers, electric vaporizers, etc. Such devices are typically configured for use with one or more evaporant materials. Heat is applied to the evaporant material to generate an inhalable aerosol. Vaporizable materials, in various embodiments of such devices, may include solids (e.g., herbs, tobacco, cannabis, etc. (including products extracted from such materials)), liquids (e.g., extracts, waxes, specific compounds, solutions containing one or more such materials, etc.), and combinations of both solids and liquids.

[0004] Certain types of vaporizers include or are configured to include a tank, other reservoir, or volume having the vaporizing material. Such devices, particularly those that vaporize or evaporate liquid vaporizing material to produce aerosol components, may also include air tubes or other structures to guide airflow along the air path and the structure of the atomizer or vaporizer. The atomizer or vaporizer may include a wicking structure (e.g., a porous wick that may be formed of ceramic, fibrous material, cloth, and / or other materials) to draw the liquid vaporizing material from the reservoir toward the heating area and heat supply of the heating section.

[0005] In some embodiments, the atomizer or vaporizer structure may include a vapor-producing wick and resistive coil subassembly. An embodiment of such a structure may include a cartridge and vaporizer body system. In this system, the cartridge includes a reservoir containing the vaporizing material in at least a partially liquid state. Air enters the cartridge via one or more air inlets and may be forced (e.g., drawn or passed) through a heated area. Heating of the vaporizing material in this heated area produces a vapor that is drawn into the airflow. This process may result in the air becoming fully saturated with one or more gas-phase components of the vaporizing material. As the vapor-laden air flows along the air path, it comes into contact with a cooling surface. This cooling surface may condense the drawn-in vapor. Such a system is generally configured to encourage the formation of aerosol particles to be drawn into the airflow via this condensation mechanism. Meanwhile, some of the condensed gas-phase components may be directly deposited on the cooling surface and removed from the airflow, returning to a liquid phase in the cartridge or other parts of the vaporizing device. Furthermore, depending on the complexity of the air path, additional mass of evaporative material may be lost from the airflow via deposition of aerosol particles on surfaces in the air flow path or other parts of the vaporizer. Such processes may result in some mass of liquid phase evaporative material and / or water or other liquid being present in parts of the vaporizer other than the reservoir that initially contains the evaporative material. Parts of the vaporizer where evaporative material may condense or deposit may include the mouthpiece, electronic circuitry, etc. Depending on the amount and type of such evaporative material that deposits on parts of the vaporizer and / or elsewhere, user dissatisfaction (e.g., due to potentially unpleasant contact with liquid rather than inhalable aerosol) and / or problems with the electronic circuitry may result.

[0006] In some vaporizer configurations, liquid vaporizer and / or condensed water or other liquids may be present in the cartridge outside of the reservoir and / or elsewhere within or on the vaporizer body due to leakage, which may occur due to pressure differences between the interior volume of the vaporizer reservoir and atmospheric conditions (which may result, for example, from changes such as altitude relative to the aircraft, temperature changes, mechanical deformation of the non-rigid reservoir container structure).

[0007] Summary of the Invention Aspects of the subject matter of the present application relate to a vaporizer device. The vaporizer device includes one or more absorbent pads or members that are internal to the device. The absorbent pads or members are configured to prevent leaks without impeding airflow or vapor production. Generally, vapor droplets and particles may accumulate on a filter pad. The filter pad is off-axis relative to the vapor path.

[0008] A vaporizer consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter comprises: a reservoir configured to contain an evaporative material; a mouthpiece configured to deliver an aerosol comprising the evaporative material to a user; an air flow path having an air flow path axis; a heating element configured to heat the evaporative material and vaporize the evaporative material into air drawn into the vaporizer along the air flow path; the air flow passage is connected to an air intake; Air outside the vaporizer enters the vaporizer and the mouthpiece through the air inlet; the air flow passage passes adjacent to the heating element; A pad is included located in or near the mouthpiece and away from the airflow axis.

[0009] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the present subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the following description, are included to explain certain principles of the disclosed embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the accumulation of water droplets and vapor on a pair of filter pads that are off-axis relative to the air flow path of the device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the accumulation of water droplets and vapor on a pair of filter pads that are off-axis relative to the air flow path of the device.

[0012] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a vaporizer with a pair of filter pads that are off-axis relative to the airflow path of the device. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a vaporizer with a pair of filter pads that are off-axis relative to the airflow path of the device.

[0013] [Figure 4A] FIGURE 4A illustrates an exemplary vaporizer device that includes two pairs of absorbent filter pads as described herein. FIGURE 4A illustrates a cartridge that is disposed within the reusable portion of the device. [Figure 4B] FIGURE 4B illustrates an exemplary vaporizer device that includes two pairs of absorbent filter pads as described herein, and shows a cartridge that is disposed within the reusable portion of the device.

[0014] [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows a vaporizer body (e.g., the reusable part of the vaporizer of Figures 4A-4B) in a bottom perspective view. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows a vaporizer body (e.g., the reusable part of the vaporizer of Figures 4A-4B) in a front view. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C shows a vaporizer body (e.g., the reusable part of the vaporizer of Figures 4A-4B) in a top perspective view (looking into the cartridge receiving portion including the electrical contacts). [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D shows a vaporizer body (e.g., the reusable part of the vaporizer of FIGS. 4A-4B) in a side view. [Figure 5E] Figure 5E shows a vaporizer body (e.g., the reusable part of the vaporizer of Figures 4A-4B) in a top view. [Figure 5F] Figure 5F shows a vaporizer body (e.g., the reusable part of the vaporizer device of Figures 4A-4B) in a bottom view showing the electrical connection for connecting to a charger or other wired electrical connection.

[0015] [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows a cartridge for the device of Figures 4A-4B, this Figure being a bottom perspective view. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows the cartridge of the device of Figures 4A-4B, this Figure 6B being the bottom surface. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C shows the cartridge of the device of Figures 4A-4B in a top perspective view (showing the opening towards the mouthpiece). [Figure 6D] Figure 6D shows a cartridge for the device of Figures 4A-4B, which is an exploded view of the cartridge of Figure 6A.

[0016] [Figure 7A] Figure 7A shows another view of a cartridge as described herein, this time from a bottom perspective. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B shows another view of a cartridge as is described herein, this time a top perspective view. [Figure 7C] Figure 7C shows another view of a cartridge as described herein, this time a front view. [Figure 7D]Figure 7D shows another view of a cartridge as described herein, this time a side view. [Figure 7E] Figure 7E shows another view of a cartridge as described herein, this time a bottom view. [Figure 7F] Figure 7F shows another view of a cartridge as described herein, this time a top view.

[0017] [Figure 8A] Figure 8A shows a variation of the vaporizer base of a vaporizer into which a cartridge such as that shown in Figures 7A-7F may be inserted. This Figure 8A is a bottom perspective view. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B shows a variation of a vaporizer base of a vaporizer into which a cartridge such as that shown in Figures 7A-7F may be inserted, in a top perspective view showing the cartridge receiving portion of the vaporizer base. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C shows a variation of the vaporizer base of a vaporizer into which a cartridge such as that shown in Figures 7A-7F may be inserted. This Figure 8C is a front view of the vaporizer base. [Figure 8D] Figure 8D shows a variation of the vaporizer base of a vaporizer into which a cartridge such as that shown in Figures 7A-7F may be inserted. This Figure 8D is a side view of the vaporizer base. [Figure 8E] Figure 8E shows a variation of the vaporizer base of a vaporizer into which a cartridge such as those shown in Figures 7A-7F may be inserted. This Figure 8E is a rear view of the vaporizer base. [Figure 8F] Figure 8F shows a variation of the vaporizer base of a vaporizer into which a cartridge such as that shown in Figures 7A-7F may be inserted. This Figure 8F is a bottom view of the vaporizer base. [Figure 8G] Figure 8G shows a variation of the vaporizer base of a vaporizer into which a cartridge such as that shown in Figures 7A-7F may be inserted. This Figure 8G is a top view of the vaporizer base.

[0018] [Figure 9A]Figure 9A shows an assembled vaporizer device including a vaporizer cartridge as shown in Figures 7A-7F fully attached and held in a vaporizer base as shown in Figures 8A-8G. Figure 9A is a bottom perspective view of the assembled vaporizer device. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B shows an assembled vaporizer device including a vaporizer cartridge as shown in Figures 7A-7F fully attached and held in a vaporizer base as shown in Figures 8A-8G, which is a top perspective view of the assembled vaporizer device. [Figure 9C] Figure 9C shows an assembled vaporizer device including a vaporizer cartridge as shown in Figures 7A-7F fully attached and held in a vaporizer base as shown in Figures 8A-8G. This Figure 9C is a front view of the assembled vaporizer device. [Figure 9D] Figure 9D shows an assembled vaporizer device including a vaporizer cartridge as shown in Figures 7A-7F fully attached and held in a vaporizer base as shown in Figures 8A-8G. This Figure 9D is a side view of the assembled vaporizer device. [Figure 9E] Figure 9E shows an assembled vaporizer device including a vaporizer cartridge as shown in Figures 7A-7F fully attached and held in a vaporizer base as shown in Figures 8A-8G. Figure 9E shows a rear view of the assembled vaporizer device. [Figure 9F] Figure 9F shows an assembled vaporizer device including a vaporizer cartridge as shown in Figures 7A-7F fully attached and held in a vaporizer base as shown in Figures 8A-8G. This Figure 9F is a bottom view of the vaporizer device. [Figure 9G] Figure 9G shows an assembled vaporizer device including a vaporizer cartridge as shown in Figures 7A-7F fully attached and held in a vaporizer base as shown in Figures 8A-8G. This Figure 9G is a top view of the vaporizer device.

[0019] [Figure 10A]FIG. 10A is an exploded view of the cartridge of FIGS. 7A-7F with the parts arranged in a linear fashion.

[0020] [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is another exploded view of the cartridge of Figures 7A-7F, showing the components positioned adjacent to each other in approximate vertical positions relative to the assembly.

[0021] [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a semi-perspective view (with the exterior casing, mouthpiece, and cartridge housing of the vaporizer base visible) showing the air path through an assembled vaporizer device as shown in Figures 7A-9G.

[0022] [Figure 11B] 11B shows a front view of an embodiment of a vaporizer base with a permeable outer housing (case or shell) showing the cartridge receiving end including the connector and intake port. [Figure 11C] 11C shows a rear view of an embodiment of a vaporizer base with a permeable outer housing (case or shell) showing the cartridge receiving end including the connector and intake port.

[0023] [Figure 12] 12 is a partial enlarged view through the midline of the proximal (top) portion of the cartridge (indicated by dashed line 12-12' in FIG. 9A), showing the air path from the vaporization chamber to the mouthpiece opening.

[0024] [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view through the midline of a vaporizer device (including the vaporizer base to which the vaporizer cartridge connects). This cross-sectional view shows the air path during inspiration (exhale, inhale, etc.).

[0025] [Figure 14]Figure 14 shows a cross-section through the cartridge, showing a pair of absorbent pads below the mouthpiece (as shown by the cross-section along dashed line 14-14' in Figure 9B) and distally offset from the airflow path.

[0026] [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view through the midline of an assembled vaporizer as shown in FIG. 9A (through line 15A-15A' in FIG. 9A).

[0027] [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is another cross-sectional view through the midline of an assembled vaporizer as shown in FIG. 9A (through line 12-12' in FIG. 9A).

[0028] [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C shows another cross-sectional view through the assembled vaporizer (through line 15C-15C' in FIG. 9A).

[0029] [Figure 15D] Figure 15D is a cross-sectional view through the cartridge (through line 15D-15D' in the cartridge as shown in Figure 7A) which shows a pair of overflow filter pads that are off-axis relative to the airflow path of the device.

[0030] [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view (of line 16-16' in FIG. 9B) through another exemplary vaporizer device, this time near the base of the cartridge, which is inserted into the cartridge receptacle of the vaporizer base.

[0031] [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an electrical schematic of the heating element and connector, showing the Seebeck coefficient for a simplified model of the components of the heating circuit.

[0032] [Figure 18]Figure 18 shows a Seebeck measurement circuit for the correction of the vaporizer for the Seebeck effect. The Seebeck measurement circuit is configured as a two-terminal detection circuit.

[0033] [Figure 19] 19 shows another embodiment of the Seebeck measurement circuit of the vaporizer. This Seebeck measurement circuit is configured as a four-terminal (four-point) circuit.

[0034] [Figure 20A] 20A shows an example of a heating coil with different component conductors joined to form a resistive heater from which temperature measurements can be determined using a Seebeck detection circuit as described herein. [Figure 20B] 20B shows an embodiment of a heating coil with different component conductors joined to form a resistive heater, from which temperature measurements can be determined using a Seebeck detection circuit as described herein.

[0035] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is one example of a user interface (UI) for the devices described herein using an external controller (eg, smartphone, pad, etc.).

[0036] [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is another example of a UI for an apparatus as described herein.

[0037] [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 shows a process flow diagram illustrating method features consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0038] Wherever possible, like reference numbers refer to like structures, features, or elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Previously available vaporization devices fail to address one or more of the above-mentioned challenges or other problems involving the management of liquid evaporative material outside of a reservoir. In the case of evaporative liquids such as cannabis extracts, the liquid material is particularly oily and / or viscous. Evaporation of this liquid material can result in a viscous residue. This viscous residue can impair the operation of the vaporizer. Such problems are particularly troublesome. Additionally, vaporization of cannabis extracts is technically more challenging than vaporization of other liquids (such as nicotine solutions).

[0040] A solution to water droplet accumulation used in conventional e-cigarettes and / or other vaporization devices requires the integration of a filter pad along the airflow. A significant drawback of such a solution is that the filter pad along the airflow removes and absorbs a large portion of the inhalable aerosol. Also, having a filter pad along the airflow can impede or restrict the airflow when the user inhales toward the mouthpiece. Moreover, this airflow restriction generally increases as the filter becomes wet with liquid material. This forces the user to change the inhalation accordingly, which can increase the risk of the generated liquid being inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0041] Furthermore, the control of temperature when evaporating cannabis extracts and / or other evaporative substances may require high precision. Improved power management and control of the heater (atomizer) is preferred in many embodiments of vaporizers. In particular, vaporizers suitable for evaporating cannabis (e.g., liquid cannabis extract solutions, other plant-derived extracts, or oils) benefit from precise control of the heater used to generate vapor from evaporative substances containing such substances.

[0042] Especially when vaporizing drugs such as cannabis, it can be beneficial to give an immediate approximate (visual) estimate of the amount of substance consumed. Further aid can be realized from the use of preloaded, tightly controllable cartridges for use when consuming cannabis extracts.

[0043] Embodiments of the present subject matter relate to vaporization devices (including, but not limited to, vaporizer cartridges) and methods of manufacture, operation, and / or use that may provide assistance with one or more of the problems discussed above.

[0044] As described above, devices and / or methods consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter generally include an evaporant heater for generating one or more vapor phase components of the evaporant. The evaporant may include liquid and / or oily plant material. The one or more vapor phase components of the evaporant may condense after evaporation. Thus, an aerosol is formed in the air stream that can be delivered for inhalation by a user. In embodiments of the present subject matter, such vaporization devices are specifically configured for use with oil-based evaporant, such as cannabis oil.

[0045] One or more features of the present subject matter include one or more cartridges (also referred to as vaporizer cartridges) and a reusable vaporizer body (also referred to as vaporizer base, body, base, etc.) that can be used with a suitable vaporizing material (in embodiments, appropriately referred to as for use with the device, the characteristics, settings, etc. of the device being configured or capable of being configured to be compatible for use with the vaporizing material). The vaporizing material may include one or more liquids, such as oils, extracts, aqueous or other solutions of one or more substances that can be preferably delivered in the form of an inhalable aerosol.

[0046] In some embodiments, the vaporizable material comprises a viscous liquid such as cannabis oil. In some variations, the cannabis oil comprises 40-100% cannabis oil extract. The viscous oil may include 0.01-25% (e.g., 0.1-22%, 1%-20%, and / or 1%-15%) of a carrier to improve vapor formation such as propylene glycol, glycerol, and the like. In some variations, the vapor forming carrier is 1,3-propanediol. The cannabis oil may include cannabinoids (natural and / or synthetic) and / or terpenes. For example, any of the evaporative materials described herein may include one or more of CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), CBL (cannabicyclol), CBV (cannabivarin), THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), CBDV (cannabidivarin), CBCV (cannabichromene), CBGV (cannabigerovarin), CBGM (cannabigerol monomethyl ether), tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), one or more endocannabinoids (e.g., anandia The cannabinoids may include one or more cannabinoids (e.g., in a mixture) including synthetic cannabinoids such as: 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, 2-arachidonoyl glyceryl ether, N-arachidonoyl dopamine, pyridamine, lysophosphatide deliinositol, and / or one or more of JWH-018, JWH-073, CP-55940, dimethylheptylpyran, HU-210, HU-331, SR144528, WIN55, 212-2, JWH-133, levonantradol (nanthrodolam), and AM-2201.The oily evaporative material may include one or more terpenes, such as hemiterpenes, monoterpenes (e.g., geraniol, terpineol, limonene, myrcene, linalool, pinene, iridoids), sesquiterpenes (e.g., humulene, farnesene, farnesol), diterpenes (e.g., cafestol, kahweol, cembrene, and taxadiene), sesterterpenes (e.g., geranylfarnesol), triterpenes (e.g., squalene), sesqualterpenes (e.g., phenyldicadiol and tetraprenylcurcumene), tetraterpenes (lycopene, gamma-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene), polyterpenes, and norisoprenoids. For example, the oily evaporative materials described herein may contain 20-80% (e.g., 30-90%, 40-80%, 50-75%, 60-80%, etc.) cannabinoids, 0-40% (e.g., 1-30%, 10-30%, 10-20%, etc.) terpenes, and 0-25% carrier (e.g., polyethylene glycol).

[0047] In any of the oil-based evaporative materials described herein (including specifically cannabinoid-based evaporative materials), the viscosity may be within a predetermined range. This range is about 30 cP (centipoise) to 115 KcP (kilocentipoise). For example, the viscosity may be between 40 cP and 113 KcP. Outside this range, the evaporative material may fail to adequately vent to produce vapor as described herein. In particular, the oil may be made thin enough to allow venting at a rate beneficial to the devices described herein. The oil may also limit leakage. (For example, a viscosity less than 40 cP may cause leakage problems.) The subject matter of the present application may be particularly beneficial with respect to a vaporizer configured for use with the evaporative material. The evaporative material may be very bad, sticky, and / or may cause corrosion or other impediments to a good user experience, and / or may cause degradation or lack of durability of one or more vaporizer components. Leaks or other factors that lead to the presence of such material outside the reservoir of evaporative material can be highly undesirable for reasons described herein. Figures 7A-7F show features of an embodiment of a cartridge. The cartridge is configured for use with viscous oil-based evaporative material, such as cannabis oil (having a viscosity between 40 cP and 113 KcP at room temperature). In this embodiment, the cartridge 700 includes a flattened body having a generally elliptical cross section (see, for example, Figures 7E and 7F, which show top and bottom views), and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is attached to the body forming a reservoir portion that holds the evaporative material. The body 790 can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The mouthpiece includes one or more openings 792 at the proximal end. Outside of this proximal end, vapor can be inhaled by breathing through the device. The base may include a locking mechanism (e.g., tabs, recesses, magnetic locks, etc.) to couple and secure a cartridge within the cartridge receiving portion of a vaporizer base, such as reusable vaporizer base 800. Features of this vaporizer base 800 are shown in Figures 8A-8G.In this embodiment, the body of the vaporizer 800 may be elongated and include a shell or cover 890. The proximal end of the vaporizer base may include an opening that forms a cartridge receiver 892. As described in more detail below, the cartridge receiver may include one or more openings (e.g., side openings) to allow air flow to enter.

[0048] Any of these cartridges may alternatively include a rim, ridge, groove, protrusion, lip, etc. along the distal end to engage a favored portion of the vaporizer. For example, in FIG. 7D, cartridge 700 includes a groove or rim 795 at the distal end. This groove or lip 795 may engage a deflectable or deformable tab or protrusion on the cartridge receiver of the vaporizer. This may provide a snap fit. Typically, the cartridge fits into the cartridge receiver of the vaporizer by frictional engagement. The snap fit provides audible and / or tactile confirmation that the cartridge is retained. This engagement may lock or retain the cartridge in the receiver. Alternatively, this engagement may facilitate the cartridge being easily pulled out to remove the cartridge.

[0049] 7C, an elongated, flattened body 790 may have an internal reservoir portion 791 (e.g., for holding evaporated material) and a distal overflow leak chamber 793. As described below, these structures may be formed by internal components within the elongated, flattened body.

[0050] 10A and 10B show, via an exploded view, features of an example cartridge configured for using liquid evaporative material in accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter of the present application as described herein. In this example, the device includes a cartridge body 1005. The cartridge body 1005 may be transparent, opaque, and / or translucent. The cartridge body 1005 may form a reservoir of liquid evaporative material, and in particular liquid evaporative material having a viscosity such as the cannabinoid oils described herein. The cartridge may include an external seal (e.g., O-ring 1009) that seals the mouthpiece 403 over the body 1005. The cartridge body 1005 may be sealed at its top (proximal end), below the mouthpiece 403, by a molded-in plug 888. The plug 888 covers a number of openings that may be used to fill the tank. A vaporization chamber may be formed at the bottom (distal end) of the cartridge. The vaporization chamber may be formed from a cannula and a housing part 1011. The housing part 1011 includes one or more openings. The wick (wick and coil core 443) enters this opening and enters the chamber. The wall forming the vaporization chamber separates the vaporization chamber from the tank and connects to a back 1013 forming the bottom (distal end) of the tank inside the cartridge body. As shown in the figure, this back can be sealed (e.g. by an O-ring 1015) from inside the cartridge body towards the cartridge body. The air chamber is formed between the bottom plate 1019 of the cartridge and the back 1013 of the tank. One or more (e.g. two) air openings 796, 796' (see FIG. 7E) formed in this bottom plate 1019 allow air to pass (after entering the cartridge receiver through one or more openings 894 (see FIG. 8D) in the side) through the distal end of the cartridge, through the air chamber section and through the opening towards the vaporization chamber. The bottom plate 1019 forming the bottom of the cartridge may provide or include one or more (two) electrical connectors. The electrical connector is configured to mate with a connector on the vaporizer base. These contacts may be, for example, wiper contacts or peel-off contacts.10A and 10B, these contacts are shown as cans 1021, 1021' with an opening into which a pin from the vaporizer base protrudes to make the electrical contact.

[0051] The vaporizer body may include a battery housed inside the cover 890 and one or more control circuits. The control circuit may control a heater located in the cartridge. The heater may typically include a heating coil (resistance heater) in thermal contact with the wick. Alternatively, an additional connector made of a different material (e.g., a conductive material) may connect the heating coil to an electrical contact at the base of the cartridge. The control circuit may include one or more additional circuits, such as a Seebeck measurement circuit, which corrects offsets and other errors in determining the temperature and power provided to the device. The control circuit may include, control, and / or communicate with a battery regulator (which may regulate the battery output, regulate the charging / discharging of the battery, and provide notifications indicating conditions such as a low battery charge). The control circuit may include, control, and / or communicate with outputs such as a display, one or more LEDs, one or more LCDs, a tactile output, or a combination thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-9G, the device includes four (RGB) LEDs 897. The LEDs are arranged in a pattern. (e.g., circular, spiral, floral patterns; other patterns may include, for example, linear patterns.) Any of the devices described herein may include wireless communication circuitry that is part of, connected to, and / or controlled by the control circuitry. The device may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote processor (e.g., a smart phone, a pad, a wearable electronic device, etc.). This configuration may enable the device to receive control information (e.g., setting temperature, resetting dose counter, etc.) and / or output information (dose information, operating information, error information, temperature setting information, charging / battery information, etc.).

[0052] The device includes one or more inputs, such as an accelerometer, a lip detection input, a contact input. In a vaporizer device, the device does not include any visible buttons, switches, or user-external inputs on the exterior surface of the cartridge or vaporizer base. In this vaporizer device, the input may be an accelerometer (coupled to, part of, and / or controlled by the control circuit). The accelerometer and part of the control circuit of the accelerometer may be configured to detect tapping on the device (e.g., the case), rotating the device (e.g., about the major or minor axis of the device), and / or other intentional motions related to the device. In some variations, the device may include circuitry for sensing / detecting when a cartridge is connected and / or removed from the vaporizer base. For example, the cartridge detection circuitry may determine the status of a cartridge being connected to the device based on the electrical state of electrical contacts in the cartridge receiver of the vaporizer base. For example, with respect to the vaporizer base shown in FIG. 5C, two electrical contacts 595, 595′ are shown. When a cartridge is not inserted into the device, the circuit is open (e.g., between electrical contacts 595 and 595'). When a cartridge is inserted, electrical contacts 595, 595' (shown in Figs. 5C, 11B) engage with contacts on the cartridge (such as wiping contacts that scrub away leaking and / or dried evaporative material on the surface of the electrode contacts). When the resistance between the contacts changes within a discernible range (from an open circuit), the controller (through a separate or integrated cartridge detection circuit) can determine that a cartridge has been inserted. Other cartridge detection components can be used instead or in addition, including trip switches (that are activated when a cartridge is present) and / or the like. Any of the devices described herein may include one or more breath detection components. This breath detection component includes a pressure sensor (e.g., a microphone coil) 1109 with a connection to the inside of the cartridge receiver, as shown in Fig. 11B.

[0053] The vaporizer body may include a connector 899 (as shown in FIG. 8F) at the distal end for connecting the device to a charger and / or data connection. The internal battery may be charged by connecting the device to the connector. Alternatively, other electrical connectors and / or inductive charging may be used.

[0054] 9A-9G show an embodiment of a vaporizer device 900 from various perspectives, with the cartridge 700 fully inserted into the vaporizer body 800. The device may be a small, lightweight, portable device that may be safely stored in a pocket, container, or the like.

[0055] When actuated, a user may start the vaporizer (already fully charged) by inhaling (e.g., inhaling) through the mouthpiece. The device may detect the inhalation (e.g., using sensors configured to detect changes in temperature or power applied to the heating element, e.g., pressure sensors, flow sensors, including anemometer detectors, and / or the like) and increase the power toward a pre-determined temperature preset. The power may be adjusted by the controller using detection of changes in the resistance of the heating coil and the temperature coefficient of resistivity to determine the temperature. As described in more detail below, the determination of temperature and / or the power applied may optionally be compensated for in the presence of different electrically conductive materials connecting the resistive heater to the power source. In this case, since the Seebeck effect is an issue, a detection circuit may be used that estimates and compensates for this potential source of error.

[0056] In any of the devices consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter, the temperature may be adjusted or selected by the user. As noted above, in some variations, the device may not include external controls or user input. Alternatively, the device may allow the user to select a temperature, e.g., 100°C, from a number (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or more) of the preset heating / evaporation temperatures described above. This is accomplished by allowing the user to adjust a pair of different inputs inside the device (e.g., rather than from a control on the surface of the device) within a time period (e.g., within 60 seconds, within 50 seconds, within 45 seconds, within 40 seconds, within 30 seconds, within 20 seconds, within 10 seconds, between 1 and 60 seconds, between 2 and 60 seconds, between 3 and 60 seconds, etc.). Such detection may be accelerometer inputs (e.g., 1 or more taps, 3 or more taps, rotating the device around its long axis, etc.) within a predetermined time period after removing and / or inserting a cartridge. For example, the device may be placed in a temperature selection mode by shaking the device (e.g., for one or more seconds, two or more seconds, etc.) and then removing the cartridge to allow the user to select a temperature. When in the temperature selection mode, the user may choose from a number (e.g., four) of preset temperatures, for example, by tapping the housing of the device (or another pre-set action) to cycle through the preset temperatures. The preset temperatures are displayed on an output (e.g., LED, monitor, LCD, etc.) of the device.

[0057] Some other input of the device that is not a button, particularly an external button (or connected), may be used in a predefined start-up sequence (e.g., a tapping pattern detected by an accelerometer after cartridge insertion / removal, etc.), or a set of sequential independent actuations. For example, the device may be in temperature selection mode after removing and inserting a cartridge three times in quick succession (e.g., within 5 seconds of each step). In any of the variations described herein, simply shaking the device may cause an output to be used to display information about the status of the device (e.g., charge level). Additional inputs not using buttons (e.g., removing a cartridge and / or inserting a cartridge) within a predefined time period may allow an operating temperature to be selected.

[0058] In some variations, the device includes multiple (e.g., four) presets, and optional additional user-settable presets (e.g., a fifth or more presets). Alternatively, or additionally, an external controller (smartphone, pad, computer, etc.) may be in communication with the device to allow the operating temperature to be set and / or selected.

[0059] In an embodiment, the device may be activated to allow the user to select the operating temperature (set mode) by shaking the device with the cartridge inserted. In some variations, this may change the indicator (e.g., a multi-colored LED on the face of the device). For example, a battery life indicator may be displayed using multiple LEDs arranged in a particular pattern (e.g., X-shaped pattern 897 shown in FIG. 8C). When in this state, removing the cartridge may result in a temperature setting mode. The device may automatically cycle through, for example, four (or more than five, depending on the user) presets. The user may select one preset by reinserting the cartridge at the appropriate time. In some variations, the preset temperatures may be 270°C, 320°C, 370°C, 420°C. In some variations, the user may change or include additional presets within the temperature range at each preset, for example, within the operating range of 270-420°C. Other preset temperatures may be utilized.

[0060] As mentioned above, devices consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may be operated by an external processor that receives inputs and / or outputs to control operation of the device as described herein. For example, a vaporizer may be operated by application software that allows for control of temperature or other functional settings and / or allows for storage, display, and / or communication of information, including dosage information, about operation and / or about use. As described herein, an approximate estimate of the dose may be determined based on the power provided to the heater (resistive coil) during (gradual) inhalation, e.g., the power provided to the coil increasing with time of inhalation. This approximate "dose" estimate may be accumulated with use of a particular cartridge. (For example, when a cartridge is inserted, an approximate "dose" estimate may be accumulated and / or displayed until approximately the "session" of the cartridge is reached and the cartridge is removed.)

[0061] For example, Figures 21 and 22 show exemplary user interfaces for application software that allow a user to set and / or adjust the preset temperature of the device. In the user interface shown in Figure 21, the user may select a preset temperature. Figure 22 shows using the application software to control the state and operation of the device. For example, the user may lock / unlock the device and confirm use (e.g., by dose estimation).

[0062] As described herein, devices consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may allow a user to play one or more interactive "games" with the device. For example, any of these devices may include an entertainment mode that can be entered by manipulating the device (e.g., by tapping, shaking, spinning, spitting in a predefined pattern, etc.). In general, an entertainment mode may include one or more presentations (e.g., LED light displays, tones / music, vibration patterns, or combinations thereof) and / or a game. The device may be configured to allow selection of the presentation or game state to be played. Or, the device may randomly select one of them. In general, the game may be interactive. The game may allow a user to provide input, i.e., exhale / airflow detection, insert and / or remove a cartridge, etc., via one or more inputs, such as, for example, device motion, via detection of a gesture such as touching the device, or via buttons and / or capacitive sensors (e.g., lip detection, etc.).

[0063] For example, the entertainment mode may include a game, such as a pattern following game, in which the device presents an output (e.g., one or more LEDs that light up in a predetermined pattern and / or color). The device (e.g., a controller) may also determine whether a response input by a user is associated with a predefined response. Generally, the same controller used to control the heater may be used to control the entertainment mode, including the game. Alternatively, a separate controller may be used and may be in communication with the controller that controls the heater.

[0064] The one or more games may include a memory game, in which the device presents a sequence of outputs and determines whether a sequence of responses input by a user is related to a predetermined sequence of responses. The one or more games may include a triggered output game, in which the device presents outputs in response to predetermined user input. For example, the device presents a series of LEDs that are in different positions and / or colors based on the angle or movement at which the user holds the device.

[0065] The one or more games may include a game of chance, in which the device is configured to display a random pattern of one or more colors, tones, or vibrations in response to a predetermined user input. The entertainment mode may include a display game, in which the output includes a plurality of LEDs, and the device is configured to cause the LEDs to cycle through a predetermined sequence of colors in response to the predetermined user input. The entertainment mode may include a tone game, in which the output includes a plurality of tones, and the device is configured to perform a predetermined sequence of tones in response to the predetermined user input.

[0066] As described above, the device may be configured to switch between normal and entertainment modes by providing one or more predetermined user actions to the input. For example, the device may be rotated. In one variation, the input of the device comprises an accelerometer. The device may also be configured to switch between normal and entertainment modes by rotating the device (e.g., three or more times) about one or more directions.

[0067] In addition to or instead of games, the entertainment mode may include entertainment outputs (displays) that are activated upon entering the entertainment mode. For example, as described above, the entertainment outputs may include the display of one or more colors and / or patterns, a tone or sequence of tones, a vibration or sequence of vibrations in the output.

[0068] [Leak prevention]

[0069] The devices described herein, consistent with embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, may be configured to prevent or reduce leakage of evaporative material. As discussed above, leakage of liquid evaporative material, such as oil-based evaporative material (especially cannabinoid oil), is particularly troublesome in vaporizers because the evaporative material can be dirty and dry into a viscous, tar-like substance that can interfere with the operation of the device, particularly the reusable portion (e.g., the vaporizer base). Leaking of liquid evaporative material is undesirable.

[0070] Consistent with embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the devices described herein may include one or more absorbent pads or members configured to prevent leaks without impeding airflow or vapor generation. Typically, vapor droplets and particles may accumulate on a filter pad that is off-axis relative to the vapor path.

[0071] A vaporization system consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may include a heating element, including a resistive heating element, that can heat the vaporization material such that the temperature of the material increases. Vapor can be produced by heating the material.

[0072] In some scenarios, the vaporizer may include an "atomizer" or "cartomizer" configured to heat the aerosol to form a solution (e.g., vaporizer). The vaporizer may be heated to a sufficient temperature (e.g., between 200-500°C, between 250-450°C, between 270-420°C, etc.) to vaporize. The device may include one or more preset vaporization temperatures and control (via a controller including feedback logic) the temperature to a predetermined and / or selected temperature.

[0073] The sprayer may include a small heating element configured to heat and / or vaporize at least a portion of the evaporative material and a wicking material that may draw the liquid evaporative material into the sprayer (e.g., heater). If the device includes a wicking material, the wicking material may include silica fiber, cotton, ceramic, hemp, stainless steel mesh, and / or rope cable. The wicking material may be configured to draw the liquid evaporative material into the sprayer without the use of a pump or other mechanically moving parts. A resistive wire may be wound on the wicking material and connected to the anode and cathode of a current source (e.g., energy source). The resistive wire may be a coil. When the resistive wire is active, the resistive wire (or coil) may increase in temperature in response to a current flowing through the resistive wire to generate heat. The heat may be transferred to at least a portion of the evaporative material by conductive, convective, and / or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of the evaporative material is evaporated.

[0074] Instead of or in addition to a nebulizer, the vaporizer may be configured as a "cartomizer" that generates an aerosol from the vaporized material for inhalation by the user. The cartomizer may comprise a cartridge and a nebulizer. The cartomizer may comprise a heating element encased by a liquid-impregnated polyfoam that acts as a container for the vaporized material (e.g., liquid). The cartomizer may be reusable, refillable, and / or disposable. The cartomizer may be used with a tank for external storage of the vaporized material.

[0075] Air may be drawn into the vaporizer to carry the vaporized aerosol away from the heater. The aerosol then cools or condenses to form liquid particles suspended in the air. The air may be drawn into the mouthpiece by the user. For example, any of the devices described herein may include an intake channel or passageway. The intake channel may be fluidly connected to the heater such that vapor formed by the heater passes through the intake channel. The intake channel may also be fluidly connected to the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be integral to the device (including the cartridge).

[0076] One or more aspects of the vaporizer may be designed and / or controlled to deliver vapor to a user with one or more predetermined characteristics. For example, aspects of the vaporizer that may be designed and / or controlled to deliver vapor with predetermined characteristics may include heating temperature, heating mechanism, air inlet, internal volume of the device, and / or material configuration.

[0077] Energy may be required to operate the heating element. The energy may be obtained from a battery in electrical communication with the heating element. Alternatively, a chemical reaction (e.g., combustion or other exothermic reaction) may provide the energy to the heating element.

[0078] The term "aerosol" generally refers to a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or other gas. Generally, the aerosols described herein are liquid aerosols in which the liquid particles in the air predominate (e.g., more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%). The liquid or solid particles of the aerosol may vary in average bulk size. This bulk changes from monodisperse aerosols with particles of a common size, which can be produced in a laboratory, to polydisperse colloidal systems that exhibit a range of particle sizes. As the size of these particles increases, the settling velocity of the particles increases, which makes the aerosol settle faster. This settling velocity makes the aerosol less dense so that the aerosol remains in the air for a shorter time. Interestingly, aerosols with smaller particles are thicker and denser because the aerosol has more particles. The number of particles has a larger effect on light scattering than the size of the particles (at least in the range of possible particle sizes). Thus, a vapor cloud with smaller, more abundant particles will be denser than a cloud with larger, less abundant particles.

[0079] Vapor refers to a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical point. As described herein, vapor includes many liquid aerosols. For convenience, the terms vapor and aerosol, which generally refer to liquid aerosols, may be used interchangeably herein, as is common in the art of electrical vaporizers.

[0080] The methods and devices described herein have a wide range of application for inhaling an active substance, such as a botanical, a drug, a nutraceutical, or other substance that is inhaled to provide a benefit or inspiration to the end user. In some embodiments, the devices described herein include a tank having a liquid with an active ingredient, such as nicotine, cannabis, or a cannabinoid.

[0081] The term "cannabis" refers to plants of the Cannabis genus, and loose-leaf products, or extracts thereof. As noted above, the term "cannabinoid" refers to plant-derived or synthetic compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors and may have biological effects. Cannabinoids include acids, salts, and biologically active stereoisomers. Representative cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerol (CBG), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (D8THC), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9THC), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabinolic acid (CBNA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), cannabidiol (CBD), CBCA (cannabichromate), cannabichromene (CBC), or CBLA (cannabicyclolic acid), and / or salts or stereoisomers of the above.

[0082] The devices for generating inhalable aerosols described herein may include a battery, a cartridge or tank containing or configured to contain evaporative material, at least one input (e.g., in some variations that do not include any inputs on the exterior surface of the device, e.g., "buttonless"), and a body having circuitry for controlling the device.

[0083] 1 and 2, a vaporizer 200 consistent with an embodiment of the subject matter of the present application is shown. The vaporizer 200 includes two filter pads 222a, 222b. The filter pads 222a, 222b are spaced from the central axis of the air path 212. As the vapor travels through the air tube 208 and begins to return to a liquid state, both condensation and particle collection occur. As the vapor exits the air tube 208 into the air path 212, water droplets (see FIG. 1) and larger particles (see FIG. 2) are filtered into the pads 222a, 222b (i.e., via gravity) without interfering with the user's inhalation of the device.

[0084] One or more pads (including pads 222a, 222b) used with the vaporizer described herein may be formed of a moisture absorbent material. The moisture absorbent material may allow water droplets to escape quickly and disperse quickly within it. Thus, the moisture absorbent material may be hydrophilic. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, cotton, e.g., non-woven cotton, Lintner paper, felt, cellulose, or hydrophilic polymers. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more pads may be formed to have a curved shape or direction. Alternatively, one or more pads may be a substantially flat panel. Consistent with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, one or more pads may be formed of thin sheets of two or more layered materials.

[0085] One or more pads may be located in or near the mouthpiece to capture water droplets before being inhaled by the user. Also, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, one or more pads may be raised against or near the interior surface of the vaporizer to minimize interference with vaporizer components. Alternatively, one or more pads may be spaced away from the interior wall to maximize the surface area available for absorbing water droplets. These pads may be rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, square, or other shapes. The shape and size of the pads are chosen to maximize collection of moisture and particles and minimize interference with the air path.

[0086] 3A and 3B, another embodiment of a vaporizer 300 using water droplet deposition pads 322a and 322b is shown. The vaporizer 300 includes a cartridge 301 that can be attached to a reusable part 311. (The reusable part 311 may include electronics that power the device, etc.) As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cartridge 301 includes a tank 302, a heater assembly 343, an air tube 308 that forms an air path, and a mouthpiece 303. As shown, the pads 322a and 322b are rectangular and flat, and are located parallel inside the mouthpiece 303 on either side of the air tube 308 (i.e., away from the axis of the air tube 308). The vaporizer 300 may also include any of the features described in U.S. Patent Application 15 / 053,927 "Vaporizer System and Method," filed February 25, 2016, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016-0174611A1. The entirety of this application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0087] 4A-6B, another embodiment of a vaporizer 400 using one or more pads is shown. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the vaporizer 400 includes a reusable part 411 and a cartridge 401. The diameter of the device 400 is greater than its width (e.g., 1.2 times or more, 1.3 times or more, 1.4 times or more, 1.5 times or more, 1.6 times or more, 1.7 times or more, 1.8 times or more, 1.9 times or more, etc.). This configuration results in the device having a substantially long and flat shape.

[0088] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the reusable part 411 includes a shell 431. The shell 431 may house the electronics that operate the vaporizer 400. The reusable part 411 may also include a visual indicator 421, such as one or more LEDs, to indicate the operating status of the vaporizer 400. The distal end of the reusable part 411 (shown in Figures 5A and 5F) includes a charging element 433 configured to charge the device. Additionally, the proximal end of the device (shown in Figure 5E) includes contacts 595, 595' for maintaining an electrical connection with the cartridge 401.

[0089] 6A-6D, a cartridge 401 is shown. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 6D, the cartridge 401 includes a tank 441 configured to hold a liquid evaporative material, a heater 443 (e.g., a wick and coil assembly) configured to heat the evaporative material in the tank 441, and an air tube 408 forming an air path extending from the tank 441 to the mouthpiece 403. The cartridge 401 may include an outer seal (e.g., an O-ring 409) that seals the mouthpiece 403 with the tank 441. The tank 441 may be sealed at a top (at a proximal end) below the mouthpiece 403 by plugs 404a, 404b that cover a number of openings that may be used to fill the tank 441. (See FIGS. 6B, 6D) Contacts 535a, 535b are configured to connect with contacts 595, 595′ of the reusable part 411 for providing power to activate the wick and coil assembly 443. At the distal end of the cartridge 401, the walls of the elongated flat tubular tank body 441 and a bottom cover plate 691 form an overflow leak chamber 699. This overflow leak chamber 699 is shown with a pair of absorbent pads 445a, 445b located along (radially) the long walls of the overflow leak chamber. One or more optional covers 693 (e.g., felt covers) may be included (which also act as absorbents).

[0090] As shown in Figures 4A-5D, device 400 further includes openings in the side of shell 431 configured as air inlets 762a, 762b adjacent to openings (air inlets) 662a, 662b at the distal end of cartridge 401 that open (see, e.g., Figures 6A, 6B) to an overflow leak chamber (not shown). As shown in Figure 11A (a cross-sectional view of device 400 at the center), air flow path 777 extends from air inlets 762a, 762b to air inlets 662a, 662b through tube 408 until it reaches stop 433 (see also Figure 12), where it extends along the inner surface of mouthpiece 402 (between pads 422a, 422b) and splits into two independent paths that exit through an exhaust port of mouthpiece 403.

[0091] As shown in Figs. 6D, 10A-10B, 12-14, parallel absorbent pads 422a, 422b may be arranged inside the mouthpiece 403. The absorbent pads 422a, 422b may be rectangular and parallel to each other. The absorbent pads 422a, 422b may be substantially parallel to the flat side of the device 400 (parallel to the plane of length l and width w in Fig. 4A) and positioned parallel to each other. The pads 422a, 422b may be fully pressed against the inner wall of the mouthpiece 403 so as to easily capture the liquid flowing along the wall. The distance between the two pads 422a, 422b may be, for example, 3-6 mm, 4-5 mm, or about 4.8 mm. The gap between the absorbent pads 422a, 422b effectively prevents the pads from interfering with the air flow path when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 403.

[0092] 6D and 13, overflow pads 445a, 445b are positioned within an overflow leak chamber adjacent, i.e., below, the tank 441 to absorb liquid that may leak from the tank 441 during use. The overflow pads 445a, 445b may be similarly positioned parallel to one another and / or against the sides of the shell 431 as described above with respect to pads 422a, 422b.

[0093] 13 (a cross-section of device 400 through pads 422a, 422b, 445a, 445b) shows air flow paths 777 in dotted lines relative to the arrangement of pads 422a, 422b, 445a, 445b. Air paths 777 run alongside all of pads 422a, 422b without penetrating them. That is, pads 422a, 422b, 445a, 445b run off-axis relative to air paths 777 and do not impede the user's inhalation. However, pads 422a, 422b, 445a, 445b absorb the most liquid, and therefore are positioned such that air paths 777 move along and / or in contact with pads 422a, 422b, 445a, 445b.

[0094] In use (i.e., when a user inhales on the device), the device 400 may be held horizontally with a width w vertically and a diameter d horizontally (see FIG. 4A). Thus, at least one of the pads 422a, 422b, and / or 445a, 445b is substantially horizontal when the user inhales on the device. This configuration ensures that gravity will pull droplets or particles down towards the lower pad 422a, 422b, and / or 445a, 445b. Also, having two pads 422a, 422b, and / or 445a, 445b ensures that droplets are captured whether the user holds the device with pad 422a or 445a on top or pad 422b or 445b on top. This may prevent interference with the electronics of the device and may also prevent liquid from entering the reservoir into the user's mouth when the user inhales on the device.

[0095] 15A-15D, exemplary device 800 is similar to device 400, except that it has a single plug 888 (i.e., instead of the two tank seals 404a, 404b shown in FIG. 6D) located near the cartridge portion (and thus similar reference numbers are used). Plug 888 is configured to simultaneously seal both exhaust ports of mouthpiece 403 and also seal around tube 408.

[0096] With respect to the embodiments herein, although multiple sets of absorbent pads are shown, only a single off-axis (i.e., "off-air path") pad may be used at each location. Similarly, two or more (e.g., 3, 4, 5, or more) off-axis pads, such as strips of absorbent material, may be used. Similarly, only a single set of pads may be used.

[0097] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the absorbent pad may be located only in the cartridge area (i.e., the waste portion). In other embodiments, additional absorbent pads may be used in the reusable portion of the device.

[0098] Wicks for use with any of the vaporizers consistent with the embodiments described herein may be large enough to handle larger viscosity liquids (e.g., liquids containing cannabinoids). For example, the wick may be larger than 1.5 mm in diameter, such as about 2 mm in diameter.

[0099] As shown in Figure 16, according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the openings 962a, 962b (also referred to as inlets) to the cartridge 901 may include protective annular rings 992a, 992b or seals around their perimeter that extend from the inner wall of the cartridge. The rings 992a, 992b may prevent spilled liquid from splashing toward the inlets 962a, 962b. As shown in Figure 16, the rings may be lips or ridges that protrude toward the overflow leak chamber.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 16, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the contacts 935a, 935b of the reusable part 911 of the device 900 may be pin contacts, while the contacts 1035a, 1035b of the cartridge 901 may be annular contacts or pin receivers configured to connect with pins. Also, in some embodiments, the pin receiver 1035 may include a spring-loaded wiping mechanism on its inner diameter. The spring-loaded wiping mechanism may be configured to wipe the pin as it passes through the pin receiver. As a result, vapor residue on the pin may be removed to maintain proper electrical connection between the pin and the pin receiver.

[0101] [Power and temperature control]

[0102] According to embodiments of the present subject matter, the vaporizer may be controlled so that the temperature used to vaporize the evaporant is maintained within a preset range (e.g., within a few degrees Celsius (e.g., + / - 3°C, 2°C, 1°C, 0.5°C, etc.) at one or more preset temperatures as described above). Typically, a microcontroller may control the temperature of a resistive heater (e.g., a resistive coil, etc.) based on the change in resistance with temperature (e.g., TCR). For example, the heater may be a suitable resistive heater such as a resistive coil. Typically, the heater is coupled to a heater controller via two or more connectors (conductive wires or lines) such that the heater controller provides power (e.g., from a power source) to the heater. The heater controller may include regulation control logic for regulating the temperature of the heater by regulating the power provided. The heater controller may include a dedicated or general purpose processor, circuitry, etc., and may typically be connected to a power source and receive input from the power source to regulate the power provided to the heater.

[0103] For example, a device consistent with embodiments described herein may include logic to determine the temperature of the heater based on the TCR of the heating element (resistive coil), which in turn is based on the resistance of the coil being sensed. The resistance of the heater (e.g., resistive heater) may be measured (R heater ), and the controller may use known characteristics of the heater (e.g., temperature coefficient of resistance) for the heater to determine the temperature of the heater. For example, the resistance of the heater may be sensed by a sensing circuit connected at electrical contacts with the cartridge, and this resistance is compared to a target resistance. Typically, the target resistance is the resistance of the resistive heater at the target temperature. In some cases, this resistance may be estimated from the resistance of the resistive heating element at ambient temperature (baseline).

[0104] In some variations, a reference resistance (Rreference) can be used to set the target resistance. The ratio of the heater resistance to the reference resistance (Rheater / Rreference) is linearly related to the heater temperature (above room temperature) and can be directly converted to the temperature to be calibrated. For example, the change in heater temperature relative to room temperature can be calculated using a formula such as (Rheater / Rreference-1)*(1 / TCR), where TCR is the temperature coefficient of resistivity of the heater. In one example, the TCR of a particular device heater is 0.00014 / °C. When determining the fractional doses and doses described herein, the temperature values ​​used (e.g., the temperature of the evaporated material at the dose interval Ti described in detail below) represent smaller units than the resistivity (e.g., Rheater / Rreference). Alternatively, the temperature values ​​can represent normalized / corrected temperatures (e.g., in °C).

[0105] When controlling the vaporizer by comparing the measured resistance of the resistive heater to a target resistance, the target resistance may be initially calculated, preset at the time of shipment, and / or calibrated upon user activation. For example, as described in more detail below, the target resistance of the resistive heater when the device is in operation may be set by the baseline resistance of the resistive heater in addition to the rate of change of the baseline resistance. As discussed above, the resistance of the heating element in ambient air is the baseline resistance. For example, the target resistance may be based on the resistance of the resistive heater at ambient temperature and a target change in temperature of the resistive heater.

[0106] As mentioned above, the target resistance of the resistive heater may be based on the target temperature of the heating element. Any of the devices and methods for using same herein may include determining the target resistance of the resistive heater based on the resistance of the resistive heater at ambient temperature and the rate of change of the resistance of the resistive heater at ambient temperature.

[0107] Consistent with embodiments described herein, the resistance of the resistive heater of the vaporizer may be measured (using a resistance measurement circuit) and compared to a target resistance by using a voltage divider. Alternatively, or in addition, any of the methods and apparatus described herein may use a Wheatstone bridge to compare the measured resistance of the resistive heater to a target resistance and adjust the power based on this comparison to increase / decrease the power provided.

[0108] In any of the variations described herein, adjusting the power provided to the resistive heater may include comparing the resistance of the resistive heater (actual resistance) to a target resistance using a voltage divider, a Wheatstone bridge, an amplified Wheatstone bridge, or an RC charge time circuit.

[0109] When using the applied resistance and / or power to determine the temperature of the device and / or control the temperature to vaporize, there may be unexpected differences between the actual temperature and the temperature previously detected or determined using only the heater resistance. This problem becomes particularly severe when the distance between the heating element (e.g., resistive coil) and the electrical input to the cartridge (from the vaporizer base to the power contacts) is large (as shown in FIG. 15A) or when the conductive material between the heater and the contacts changes. If the conductive material between the contacts, electrical wiring, and resistive coil changes, the thermoelectric effect caused by this change in electrical properties (resistance) may cause errors when determining the applied power.

[0110] In the cartridge embodiment described above, the heating coil may be connected to the electrical contacts by extension wires 1054, 1054' (see, for example, FIG. 10B). Because the extension wires are of different materials, a voltage (EMF) may be generated at the junction between the different conductors if there is a temperature gradient. This thermoelectric effect is called the Seebeck effect and may generate a voltage based on the material properties of the different conductors. In the embodiment described above, the heating coil, extension, and core are approximately symmetrical. However, during normal use, the temperature may not be uniform between the three, which may cause a temperature gradient. This may result in a non-uniform voltage. This difference may cause errors in the control of the heater (power applied) and / or in the estimation of temperature.

[0111] At any particular time, the effect may be relatively small (and therefore overlooked); however, the cumulative effect may cause a significant loss of accuracy and temperature control. Other systems attempt to circumvent this problem by varying the resistance of the material used in the resistive heater, which may require more power. This may reduce the overall contribution of the offset EMF voltage due to mismatched thermoelectric properties. This in turn requires more power consumption; thus, given the battery (and resulting power).

[0112] Alternatively, any of the devices described herein may include a precision resistance measurement circuit to ascertain the resistance of a heating element (e.g., a coil formed from a resistive heating alloy wire) when heated and not heated to control the temperature of the coil based on the change in coil resistance from room temperature to the evaporation temperature, as described above. For example, in one embodiment, the measurement circuit is an amplified Wheatstone bridge, in which the heating element (when connected) is one half of two voltage dividers in the Wheatstone bridge, and the voltages of the two voltage dividers are inputs to a differential op-amp circuit. This control circuit may be modified as described herein to account for the mismatch in thermoelectric properties that causes the offset voltage.

[0113] Conventional resistance measurement systems typically use two-terminal or four-terminal sensing circuits and are prone to measurement errors when the load being measured is a voltage source or has another unknown voltage applied to the sensing circuit. As mentioned above, in vaporizers that use a resistive heating element (usually a coil), extension leads are often used to deliver power to the heating element with minimal Joule heating and losses in the path between the heating element (where Joule heating is required) and the power source (usually a battery or power supply). For ease of manufacture, these extension leads are often the only connection between the device (or the contacts that connect to the device) and the heating element. Therefore, measurements of the resistance of the heating element always include measurement errors resulting from the resistance of the extension leads and mismatch in thermoelectric properties (Seebeck errors). The heating element and the extension leads (three conductors when considered individually) each have a portion of a temperature gradient along their length. This temperature gradient also creates an electromotive force in each conductor (EMF, which is a voltage that can be measured even if the conductor is open circuited). This electromotive force is Eemf=-S∇T, where S is the Seebeck coefficient of the conductor, which depends strongly on the conductor material (but also on the temperature of the conductor), and ∇T is the temperature gradient across the material. Ideal materials for the heating element and extension leads will likely have different Seebeck coefficients. Also, the temperatures of the two junctions between each extension lead and the heating element may be different when heated (due to acceptable asymmetries in both the heating element assembly and the heat transferred from the heating element and extension leads, as would be expected in a mass-produced product). Thus, a net EMF is passed through the extension (considered a load in any vaporization system, where a pair of extension leads electrically connects the heating element to the device) and the heating element. This distorts the resistance measurement, making temperature control of the heating element using the measured resistance impossible if this effect is not corrected for. Typically, the measured resistance of a heating element is distorted due to mismatched thermoelectric properties (e.g., the Seebeck effect) whenever a temperature difference and material transition exists between the two heating element terminals to which a contact or extension is connected.

[0114] In FIG. 17, a simplified model of a heating element with two extension leads of the same material is shown. In this embodiment, the combination of the heating element and the extension leads is connected to the device at the open end of the extension leads. Thus, the resistance measurement of the heating element is made through the extension leads that connect to the heating element. S1 and S3 are constant coefficients depending on the material properties (Seebeck coefficients) of the materials of the two extension leads, respectively. Also, S2 is the Seebeck coefficient of the heating element. T1 and T4 are the temperatures at the end of the extension that electrically connects to the vaporizer. T2 and T3 are the temperatures of the connection between the extension leads and the heating element. (This connection may be a weld, crimp, solder joint, or other electrical connection.) The EMF, Enet, is expected to distort the resistance measurement if Enet, as shown below, is not 0. Enet from the Seebeck effect is expected to be the following equation:

[0115] Enet=-S1(T2-T1)-S2(T3-T2)-S3(T4-T3)

[0116] To show how the temperature difference between T2 and T3 creates a non-zero Enet, consider a further simplified model. In this model, the temperatures at the two open ends (as shown) of the conductive path are assumed to be the same and close to the temperature of the device (T1=T4). This is an acceptable simplification in a system such as this one. In this system, the extensions connect to electrical junctions with large thermal mass at T1 and T4. Since the two extension leads are the same material (S1=S3), it is assumed that the Seebeck coefficients of the two extensions are the same. This simplifies the above equation to the following:

[0117] Enet = (S2-S1)(T2-T3)

[0118] From the above formula, if S2 and S1 are not equal (the heating element and the extension leads have different Seebeck coefficients) and T2 and T3 are not equal (T2 and T3 are the net non-zero temperature gradient across the two points where the heating element meets the extension), then Enet will not be zero. This Enet will distort the resistance measurement made by the device. For comparison, the EMF of the heating element alone, without the extension leads, can be considered.

[0119] Enet = S2 (T2-T3)

[0120] If the heating element is connected directly to the electrical junctions, which are a large thermal mass, T2 and T3 are very close together and the Seebeck effect would be expected (and could be measured) to result in a negligible error in the resistance measurement. In other systems where extension leads are used, the Seebeck effect distorts the measured resistance and makes temperature control impossible if the Seebeck effect is not compensated for.

[0121] Also, some systems without extension leads may show a temperature difference between T2 and T3 depending on the assembly of the device and heating element. If this temperature difference is large, this effect may need to be corrected for accurate resistance measurements. The above simple model with extension leads and heating element is provided to show the source of the heating element EMF. In most systems, there are additional material transitions and temperature gradients in each material in the resistance measurement path. As shown below, it is not necessary to fully know or model all the material transitions and junction temperatures to correct for this effect. The heating element EMF (due to the Seebeck effect) can be easily measured and used to correct for the error it introduces in the resistance measurement.

[0122] In a vaporizer consistent with the embodiments described herein, the vaporizer uses the heating element resistance measured for temperature control of the heating element as described above. The heating element EMF can be measured and used to control the applied power and / or temperature estimate. The Seebeck effect is found to be the main cause of the heating element EMF when no current (or constant current) is flowing through the element at any given time, and is the only known cause of the heating element EMF. The measured heating element EMF can be used to correct for resistance measurement errors caused by the heating element EMF. The resistance measurement (which is distorted by the Seebeck EMF) and the Seebeck EMF measurement can be used together to calculate the exact heating element resistance. This exact heating element resistance can be used to control the average temperature of the heating element.

[0123] The influence of the heating element EMF on the resistance measurement depends on the measurement circuit used. Since the heating element EMF causes measurement errors in all known resistance measurement circuits, the heating element EMF can be measured independently to compensate for the errors caused in the resistance measurement. The sensitivity of the resistance measurement to the heating element EMF can be known so that the measured heating element EMF is used correctly to calculate the heating element resistance from the two measurements obtained. For example, the same differential op-amp used for the resistance measurement can also be used for the heating element EMF measurement. In the resistance measurement, the heating element can be powered through a voltage divider so that a measurable voltage is applied to the heater. This measurable voltage is compared to a reference voltage or summed with another reference voltage and amplified by the differential op-amp circuit. For the heating element EMF measurement, no voltage is applied to the heating element. This allows the EMF to be measured directly. This EMF is compared to another close reference voltage and amplified by the same differential op-amp used for the resistance measurement.

[0124] The same amplification circuit can be used so that the sensitivity of both the resistance measurement and the heating element EMF measurement to the heating element EMF is the same. The two measurements can be used to calculate the exact resistance of the heating element, i.e. the raw reading difference between the measured heating element EMF when the device is heating and when it is not heating for a period of time (when the heating element reaches thermal equilibrium in the device, the Seebeck EMF is 0). This measurement is also subtracted from the raw resistance reading before other calculations are performed to yield the heating element resistance from the corrected resistance reading.

[0125] FIG. 18 shows an example of a measurement circuit that may be used as part of a vaporizer according to certain embodiments of the present subject matter. The operation of this circuit to control the resistance of the heating element during heating is shown below (with the following signal and component names referring to the signals and components from the circuit diagram of FIG. 18). All output boxes (1801, 1803, 1805, 1807, 1809, 1811, 1813) except for H+ 1821 are connected to a microcontroller, not shown. The timings described below are for one representative software embodiment and may be different or modified for different embodiments. The heating element is connected between H+ 1821 and GND.

[0126] In FIG. 18, when the device heats up, the HEATER 1807 is PWM-activated to connect VBAT to H+ 1821 via Q5 (which powers the heating element with the battery voltage) at a duty cycle to produce a known power at the heating element. When the device is heating up or is awake but not heating, every 3.9 ms (measured at 256 Hz), the HEATER 1807 is kept off and the HM_PWR 1805 (which powers the differential op-amp circuitry and is the reference voltage required for the measurements) is kept on for 268 μs. Thus, either the resistance of the heating element or the EMF of the heating element can be measured. The resistance and EMF of the heating element are measured every 7.8 ms (resistance and EMF are measured each time the measurement is made). The first 200 μs of this 268 μs measurement time band is a settling time for the op-amp output to stabilize as presented by the microcontroller (HM_OUT 1809). ADC is performed by the microcontroller on HM_OUT1809 between AREF_HM_OUT1801 and GND during the last 68 μs of the measurement time band. For the heating element resistance measurement, HM_NEG_REF_EN1803 is on to energize the heating element. Thus, the voltage divider formed by R19 and the heating element can be compared by the differential op-amp circuit (comprising U5, R21, R22, R23, and R33) to a fixed voltage divider formed by the combinations of R20, R32, and R28, R29, and R30. These combinations of R20, R32, and R28, R29, and R30 are used to keep HM_OUT1809 within a usable voltage range between AREF_HM_OUT1801 and GND for the range of heating element resistances that the device can recognize. HM_SCALE_0-2 1813 can be left floating (high impedance) or tied to GND in the microcontroller using R28-30 to set the range of the resistance measurement of the circuit.

[0127] For the heating element EMF measurement, HM_NEG_REF_EN 1803 is off to allow H+ to float to a predefined voltage which is the heating element EMF (relative to GND). Also, SEEBECK_REF_EN 1815 is on so that the fixed reference used by the differential op-amp circuit is close enough to the heating element EMF. Thus, HM_OUT 1809 is available (between AREF_HM_OUT 1801 and GND) over the range of the expected heating element EMF when the heating element is heated. The heating element EMF may be on the order of + / -3mV. The heating element EMF measurement circuitry may measure in the range of + / -5mV. The measurement circuitry produces a non-zero ADC value when the device is not heating at any time and the EMF is zero. This value is used to make the displayed value of the heating element EMF "0" when used in the resistance calculation. The resistance calculation is shown below.

[0128] Heating element resistance = (resistance measurement ADC raw value - (EMF measurement ADC raw value - EMF measurement ADC 0 value)) * resistance measurement sensitivity + resistance measurement offset

[0129] The resistance measurement sensitivity and offset may be solved for using circuit component values ​​and included in the device (e.g., in the device's firmware, hardware, or software) depending on the scale of the resistance measurement being operated on (selected using HM_SCALE_0~2 1813).

[0130] The baseline resistance (resistance measured when the heating element is not heated for a period of time) is used to calculate a target resistance that corresponds to a target average heating element temperature based on the heating element resistivity vs. temperature curve.

[0131] As mentioned above, the resistance measurement circuit may be a two-terminal sensing circuit. In other variations, four-terminal sensing is used to mitigate the effects of variable contact resistance and the resistance of wires or leads in series with the resistance measurement of the heating element. Changes in contact resistance and resistance of wires / leads have a negligible effect on resistance measurement and temperature control. While these effects may be more significant in some variations having smaller resistance heating elements, different heating elements, and device assemblies. In this case, a four-terminal (also known as four-point) resistance and EMF measurement circuit may be used, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0132] In Figure 19, the operation of the circuit for controlling the resistance of the heating element is shown when the following are connected to a microcontroller, not shown, so that heating can occur (with the following signal and component names referring to signals and components from the circuit diagram above, namely signals 1903, 1905, 1907, 1909, 1911, 1913, 1915, 1917). However, the timing below is merely representative and may be varied. In Figure 19, HI+ 1822 and HV+ 1826 connect directly to one terminal of the heating element, while HV- 1828 and HI- 1824 connect directly to the other terminal of the heating element.

[0133] When the device is heating, the HEATER 1907 is PWM operated to connect VBAT to H+ 1822 through Q2 (which supplies the battery voltage to the heating element) at a certain duty cycle to produce a known power at the heating element.

[0134] When the device is heating or in the powered up state but not heating, every 3.9 ms (256 Hz measurement), the HEATER1907 is kept off and the HM_PWR1905 (power supply to the differential opamp circuit and reference voltage required for the measurement) is kept on for 268 μs. Thus, either the resistance of the heating element or the EMF of the heating element can be measured. The resistance and EMF of the heating element are measured every 7.8 ms (resistance and EMF are measured each time a measurement band is taken). The first 200 μs of this 268 μs measurement band is the settling time for the opamp output presented by the microcontroller (HM_OUT1915) to stabilize. The ADC is done by the microcontroller on HM_OUT1915 between AREF_HM_OUT1913 and GND during the last 68 μs of the measurement band.

[0135] For heating element resistance measurements, HM_WS_ISRC_EN 1903 is on to energize the heating element through R20 and HI+ / -. Thus, the voltage across HV+ / - can be measured by the differential summing op-amp circuit (comprising U2, R19, R23-25, and optionally R10-14, R17, and R21). HM_WS_POS_REF_EN 1903 is on to sum GND through R19 and HV+ through R25. Some combination of HM_SCALE_0-5 is on to sum HV- through R24 and VBAT through each combination of R10-14 to keep HM_OUT 1915 within a usable voltage range between AREF_HM_OUT 1913 and GND for the range of heating element resistances the device can recognize.

[0136] For the heating element EMF measurement, HM_WS_ISRC_EN 1903 is off to allow HV+ to float to a predefined voltage which is the heating element EMF (relative HV-). That is, HM_WS_POS_REF_EN 1909 is off to sum the voltage divider of R17, R21, R19 through R19 with HV+ through R25. Also, HM_SCALE0-4 1911 are all off to provide no summing, only negative feedback at the negative input of the opamp. This differential summing configuration keeps HM_OUT 1915 in a usable range (between AREF_HM_OUT 1913 and GND) over the range of expected heating element EMF when the heating element is heated. With the above values, the heating element EMF measurement circuitry can measure between + / - 3.5mV. The measurement circuitry produces a non-zero ADC value when the device is not heating at any time and the EMF is 0. This value is used to make the displayed value of the heating element EMF "0" when used in the resistance calculation.

[0137] The resistance calculation is shown below.

[0138] Heating element resistance = (resistance measurement ADC raw value - (EMF measurement ADC raw value - EMF measurement ADC 0 value)) * resistance measurement sensitivity + resistance measurement offset The resistance measurement sensitivity and offset may be solved for using circuit component values ​​and included in the device (e.g., in the device's firmware, hardware, or software) depending on the resistance measurement scale being operated on (selected using HM_SCALE_0-4 1911).

[0139] The baseline resistance (resistance measured when the heating element is not heated for a period of time) is used to calculate a target resistance that corresponds to a target average heating element temperature based on the heating element resistivity vs. temperature curve.

[0140] As mentioned above, the mismatch in thermoelectric properties and the resulting EM (e.g., Seebeck EMF) can be a potential source of resistance measurement error in data obtained from controlled testing of vaporizer prototypes (e.g., using a heating element with extension leads). A single heating element operating with temperature control of the heating element (using the measured resistance of the heating element without compensating for this EMF) can consistently operate at higher power when connected in one polarity relative to the other polarity. It has been shown that the asymmetry of the heating element assembly (in this case, the wick and coil) can consistently produce a higher temperature at one of the junctions of the two heating elements / extension leads. This results in an offset voltage that is consistent at the operating temperature that distorts the resistance measurement in one direction where the heating element is connected in one polarity, and in the other direction where the heating element is connected in the other polarity. The measured resistance is controlled during these tests. However, these devices do not precisely control the temperature of the heating element because the measurement is distorted by this offset EMF resulting from the mismatch in thermoelectric properties of the components. With the above compensation used to correct for errors in resistance measurements, it is shown in control tests that the polarity of the heating element does not affect the power required to keep the heating element at operating temperature. This shows that the compensation produces an accurately calculated heating element resistance that eliminates the effects of offset EMF. This provides much more accurate temperature control of the heating element than would be the case if uncompensated.

[0141] Thus, in any of the variations described herein, a vaporizer consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter may include an offset correction circuit (also referred to as a Seebeck correction circuit) for correcting offset voltages resulting from a mismatch in thermoelectric properties between the resistive heating coil and a conductive connector that connects the resistive heating coil to an input of a power source in the cartridge (e.g., from a vaporizer base that includes a vaporizer power controller). The offset correction circuit may be located in the vaporizer base and connected between mating connectors 595, 595' for mating with the cartridge connector, and may determine offset voltages due to a mismatch in thermoelectric properties between the heating (resistive) coil and the wires that connect the coil to the connector of the cartridge. Also described herein are methods for correcting for the mismatch in thermoelectric properties (Seebeck effect) between the coil and the wires (electrical extensions) that connect to the electrical connectors.

[0142] [Dose monitoring]

[0143] As discussed above, vaporizers consistent with embodiments of the subject matter described herein may additionally or alternatively detect and display the dose of the applied substance. U.S. Patent Application 14 / 960,259 (filed April 12, 2015 and published as U.S. Patent Publication 2016-0157524-A1), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes examples of dose determination methods (and devices including dose determination components). In general, these methods can be used to accurately calculate the dose just prior to a small time increment based on the power applied to the heater and the temperature of the heater (or the substance in contact with the heater). The total dose is determined by summing these small increments over a desired time range. These methods are incorporated herein by reference and may be made more accurate by correcting the applied power as described above (e.g., taking into account offset EMFs due to the Seebeck effect).

[0144] Alternatively or additionally, methods and devices are described herein that can provide a rough approximation of the dose based on the power provided over time to vaporize the substance inside the cartridge. Herein, this can be referred to as the consumption of the cartridge or vaporized substance, etc. (the consumption of the vaporized substance in the cartridge, i.e., an indication of consumption). In general, the device can collect power during operation of the device (e.g., the power provided over time during exhalation / inhalation, and / or the power provided over this time multiplied by the time of inhalation).

[0145] The device may further provide an output of the consumption. In particular, this output may be a qualitative approximation. For example, the output may gradually increase the number, intensity, and / or color of one or more LEDs on the surface of the device. For example, in this case, the consumption (dose) is not an absolute amount, but an indicator or numerical display of the power provided (power provided to the coil) to evaporate the substance over time. In FIG. 9C, for example, when the user first installs the cartridge and the device is set to display the consumption / dose, the four LEDs 897 may initially be off or lit in a neutral color (e.g., white). As the user draws on the device and evaporates the substance in the cartridge, the number of lit LEDs may increase. Also, the intensity and / or color of the lighting may increase to indicate an increase in the dose or consumption. For example, the calculation of the power provided over time may determine whether to increase the number of lit LEDs of a particular color and / or intensity, change the color and / or intensity, etc., based on the number or predetermined increments.

[0146] The accumulated dose can be reset manually (e.g., using an application, shaking the device, etc.) or by removing the cartridge. Alternatively, or in addition, to the qualitative outputs described above, a quantitative estimate based on power can be displayed or output to a remote processor (e.g., a smartphone, etc.).

[0147] [Thermocouple as a heater]

[0148] In a vaporization device consistent with embodiments of the subject matter described herein, the heater may be configured as a thermocouple junction. See, for example, FIGS. 20A and 20B. Thus, a thermocouple junction (comprising materials with different thermoelectric properties) may be used to measure temperature at a point along the heater coil. As described above, this allows the device to resistively determine the temperature along the heater coil using the thermoelectric properties described above. Thus, similar to those described above, the heating element functions as both a heater and a temperature sensor. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, a resistive heater may comprise two different conductors (e.g., stainless steel and titanium) welded together. When the heater (heating coil) heats, at the junction of the two different materials, the different materials heat differently, creating a temperature gradient and a resulting offset voltage (EMF) due to the Seebeck effect described above. This effect may be used to determine the temperature at the junction. (However, as described above, the TCR, temperature coefficient of resistance, is generally used to determine the average temperature across the heater.)

[0149] The Seebeck effect also occurs at the junction between the poles at the heater end and the passive conduit. The compensation circuit described above is intended to compensate for the effect. However, it is also possible to exploit the effect for more localized temperature measurements. Compare for example Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B. In Fig. 20A, the junction is located in the center of the heating element. In this case, determining an offset voltage based on the temperature allows for accurate temperature determination. In particular, this embodiment relates to a convection vaporizer, which has a (relatively) large heater and the user notes the temperature at the exhaust end.

[0150] In vaporization systems where the heating element is connected to the device through extension leads, if the Seebeck coefficients are known for both materials, the measured Seebeck EMF can be used to determine the final temperature gradient across the heating element. In some models, this measurement can be used to approximately control the maximum temperature of the heating element instead of, or in addition to, the average temperature of the heating element. This measurement can also be used to perform quality control at the location where the heating element assembly is manufactured. In vaporization systems where the heating element is connected to the device through extension leads, if the Seebeck coefficients are known for both materials, the Seebeck EMF can be used to determine the final temperature gradient across the heating element. This temperature gradient can be used to predict the average air temperature at a point downstream of the heating element with conventional air flow paths and thermal models of the system. As mentioned above, this may be particularly beneficial in convection (hot air) evaporation systems, as the two measurements obtained from the actuator (resistance and Seebeck EMF) allow precise temperature control of the air flowing from the exhaust of the heating element without additional sensors in the air path or connected to the heating element.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 20A, the Seebeck effect alone or in conjunction with resistance measurements can be used to control the temperature of a heating element that has a material transition (junction) at the location where the temperature should be controlled. This essentially forms a thermocouple from a resistive heating alloy. Thus, the Seebeck EMF can be measured to control the temperature at the hot junction of the thermocouple resistance heater. The junction can be located where the heating element is expected to be hottest to control the maximum temperature of the heating element. The control algorithm can use a target average temperature of the heating element (calculated using resistance and EMF measurements) and a maximum allowable temperature of the heating element (calculated using only EMF measurements). A device that knows both the average temperature of the heating element and the maximum temperature of the heating element will know more about the temperature gradient along the heating element and will be better suited to predicting the mass of material that will evaporate during heating than a device that only knows the maximum or average temperature of the heating element. (A device that knows the exact mass of vaporized material is important for dosage control in a vaporizer.) The extension, when used in such a system, may be of the same material as the intended heating element, or may be of larger gauge to reduce losses in the extension. Alternatively, an extension may be used that has a Seebeck coefficient very similar to that of the two heating element sections. Thus, the Seebeck EMF can be used to control the temperature of the hot junction (with a small contribution from the heating element / extension junction to the final Seebeck EMF).

[0152] [Cartridge-less vaporizer]

[0153] Any of the features described herein may be included in vaporizers that do not require a separate use (eg, a removable cartridge), including vaporizers such as loose-leaf vaporizers.

[0154] Such devices are described, for example, in each of the following applications, each of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference: U.S. Patent Application 13 / 837,438, filed March 15, 2013, U.S. Published Patent No. 2013-0312742 A1 U.S. Patent Application 15 / 166,001, filed May 26, 2016, U.S. Published Patent No. 2016-0262459 A1 U.S. Patent Application 14 / 581,666, filed December 23, 2014, U.S. Published Patent No. 2015-0208729 A1 U.S. Patent Application 15 / 053,927, filed February 25, 2016, U.S. Published Patent Application 2016-0174611 A1 U.S. Patent Application 15 / 257,748, filed September 6, 2016 U.S. Patent Application 15 / 257,760, filed September 6, 2016, U.S. Published Patent No. 2016-0374399 A1 U.S. Patent Application 15 / 257,768, filed September 6, 2016, U.S. Published Patent No. 2016-0366947 A1

[0155] For example, such devices may include a preset feature that allows the user to enter a temperature setting mode by pressing and holding a button (above or below the mouthpiece) for more than 0.6 seconds. Pressing the button again cycles through the 4+1 presets, for example. To exit the temperature setting, press the button again for more than 0.6 seconds. The presets may be, for example, 180C, 193C, 204C, or 216C.

[0156] Any of the devices described herein include haptic feedback with distinct characteristics for different scenarios, such as:

[0157] Trapezoidal input ( / ￣\) for power on and Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection

[0158] Quick click (||) for manual power off and Bluetooth disconnection

[0159] Two long clicks for the reached temperature (|￣||￣|)

[0160] 1 long click (|￣|) for standby and automatic shutoff when low temperature is reached

[0161] The user may also vary the intensity of these motion ranges via the application.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 23, a process flow chart 2300 illustrates features of a method. The method may optionally include some or all of the following: In step 2310, an operation is performed that includes causing heating and evaporation of an evaporant into air drawn into the vaporizer along an air flow path having an airflow axis. The air flow path connects an air inlet and a mouthpiece configured to deliver an aerosol having the evaporant to a user. Air from outside the vaporizer enters the vaporizer device through the air inlet. In step 2320, the air passes through a pad located in or proximate to the mouthpiece. The pad is configured to capture accumulated and / or condensed liquid from the air without requiring the air to pass through the pad.

[0163] While the disclosure set forth herein, including the drawings, may describe and / or exemplify these different variations independently, it is understood that all or some of these variations, or components thereof, may be combined.

[0164] Various representative embodiments have been described above. However, any of a number of modifications may be made to the various embodiments. For example, the order in which the various method steps described herein are performed may be largely altered in alternative embodiments. Also, in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped entirely. Any features of the various apparatus and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments but not in other embodiments. Thus, the foregoing description has been provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0165] In this specification, when a feature or element is described as being "on" another feature or element, the feature or element may be directly on the other feature or element, or there may be intervening features and / or elements as well. On the other hand, when a feature or element is described as being "directly" on another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements. Also, when a feature or element is described as being "connected," "attached," or "coupled" to another feature or element, it is understood that the feature or element may be directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element, or to intervening features or elements. On the other hand, when a feature or element is described as being "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements. While described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or illustrated may be applicable to other embodiments. Referring to a structure or feature disposed "adjacent" to another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0166] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular form "a" is intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, it is understood that the term "comprising" as used herein specifies the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as " / ".

[0167] Spatially relative terms such as "below" and "above" may be used herein for easy description of the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It is understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device shown is inverted, an element described as being "below" or "directly below" the other element or feature would be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the representative term "below" may include both an upward and downward orientation. The device may be oriented in other directions (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions). Spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted appropriately. Similarly, terms such as "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. are used herein for descriptive purposes only, unless otherwise indicated.

[0168] In this specification, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to describe various features or elements (including steps). However, these features or elements are not limited by these terms unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element described below may be referred to as a second feature or element. Similarly, a second feature or element described below may be referred to as a first feature or element without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0169] Throughout this specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprising" means that various components may be used together in methods and descriptions (e.g., compositions including apparatus and methods). For example, the term "comprising" should be understood to indicate the inclusion of any described elements or steps, but not the exclusion of other elements or steps.

[0170] As used herein and in the claims, including when used in the examples and unless expressly stated otherwise, all numbers may be construed as being preceded by the term "about" or "approximately", even if the term does not expressly indicate otherwise. The term "about" or "approximately" may be used when describing a size and / or location to indicate that the described value and / or location is within a reasonably expected range of the value and / or location. For example, a numerical value may have a value that is ±0.1% (or range of values) of the stated value, ±1% (or range of values) of the stated value, ±2% (or range of values) of the stated value, ±5% (or range of values) of the stated value, ±10% (or range of values) of the stated value, etc. Additionally, any numerical value described herein is understood to include about or approximately, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0171] The examples and figures contained herein illustrate, by way of illustration and not limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned above, other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes are made without departing from the scope of the disclosure of this application. While specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, any configuration calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. The disclosure of this application is intended to extend to any and all configurations or variations of the various embodiments. The above-mentioned embodiments may be combined with other embodiments not specifically described herein.

[0172] In the above specification and claims, phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more" appear following a conjunctive list of elements or features. Also, the term "and / or" appears following a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which such phrases are used, such phrases are intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or in combination with any of the other listed elements or features. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B," "one or more of A and B," and "A and / or B" are intended to mean "A only, B only, or both A and B," respectively. A similar interpretation is also intended for lists containing more than two items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, and / or C" are intended to mean "A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, respectively. Use of the term "based on" in the above specification and claims is intended to mean "based at least in part on," allowing for unrecited features or elements.

[0173] The embodiments described in the above specification do not represent all embodiments consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the subject matter described. While a few variations have been described in detail herein, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and / or variations may be provided in addition to those described herein. For example, the above-described embodiments may be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, and / or combinations and subcombinations of one or more features in addition to those disclosed herein. Also, the logic flow depicted in the accompanying drawings and / or described herein does not necessarily require the particular order depicted, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. The following claims may include other embodiments.

Claims

1. 1. A vaporization device comprising: a reservoir configured to contain an evaporative material; a mouthpiece configured to deliver an aerosol comprising the evaporative material to a user; an air flow path having an air flow path axis; a heating element configured to heat the evaporative material and vaporize the evaporative material into air drawn into the vaporizer along the air flow path; the air flow passage is connected to an air intake; Air outside the vaporizer enters the vaporizer and the mouthpiece through the air inlet; the air flow passage passes adjacent to the heating element; 11. A vaporizer comprising: a pad located in or near said mouthpiece and spaced from said airflow axis.

2. 10. The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the pad is configured to capture accumulated and / or condensed liquid from the air without requiring the air to pass through the pad.

3. 3. The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the pad is biased against an inner wall of the mouthpiece.

4. 4. The vaporizer of claim 1, further comprising an overflow leak chamber at the tip of the reservoir opposite the mouthpiece.

5. 5. The vaporizer of claim 4, wherein the overflow leak chamber is formed between a sidewall of the vaporizer and a bottom of a cover plate.

6. 5. The vaporizer of claim 4, wherein the air flow passage extends from the overflow leak chamber, through the reservoir, and to the mouthpiece.

7. 5. The vaporizer of claim 4, further comprising one or more absorbent pads within said overflow leak chamber and away from said airflow axis.

8. 8. The vaporizer of claim 7, wherein one or more of the absorbent pads are biased against a respective side wall of the vaporizer.

9. The air passage further includes an air tube that defines the air passage, 9. The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the air tube extends from a reservoir to a mouthpiece.

10. heating an evaporative material and vaporizing the evaporative material into air drawn into the vaporizer along an air flow path having an air flow axis; the air flow passage is connected to an air intake; Air outside the vaporizer enters the vaporizer via the air inlet and into a mouthpiece configured to deliver an aerosol comprising the evaporative material to a user; passing the air through a pad located in or near the mouthpiece; 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the pad is configured to capture accumulated and / or condensed liquid from the air without the air having to be passed through the pad.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pad is configured to capture accumulated and / or condensed liquid from the air without the air having to be passed through the pad.

12. 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, further comprising passing the air through an overflow leak chamber formed between a sidewall of the vaporizer and a bottom of a cover plate.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the overflow leak chamber comprises one or more absorbent pads spaced from the airflow axis.

14. A cartridge device, comprising: an elongated, flattened tubular body extending in a distal-to-proximal axial direction and having a width and diameter transverse to said distal-to-proximal axis; a reservoir within a proximal end of the elongated flat tubular body and configured to hold an evaporative material; a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the elongated flattened tubular body; and an overflow leak chamber at a distal end of the elongated, flattened tubular body; an air path extending from the overflow leak chamber, through the tank, and to the mouthpiece; a heater having a wick and a heating coil extending within the air passage; an opening from an exterior surface of the device to the overflow leak chamber; the opening is in fluid communication with the air path; and one or more absorbent pads within the overflow leak chamber.

15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the opening passes through a distal end of the overflow leak chamber.

16. 16. Apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the opening is surrounded by a lip within the overflow leak chamber.

17. one or more of the absorbent pads are positioned within the overflow leak chamber along the diameter; 17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that it is off-axis with respect to an air flow path extending from said opening, through said overflow leak chamber and into said air path.

18. 18. The device of any of claims 14 to 17, further comprising a pair of electrical contacts at a distal end of the cartridge device in electrical communication with the heater.

19. 19. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the mouthpiece is adapted to fit over the proximal end of the elongated, flattened tubular body.

20. 20. The device of any one of claims 14 to 19, further comprising one or more mouthpiece absorbent pads internal to the mouthpiece.

21. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein one or more of the mouthpiece absorbent pads are located within the mouthpiece, between a proximal end of the mouthpiece and the elongated, flattened tubular body.

22. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein one or more of the mouthpiece absorbent pads are off-axis with respect to an air flow path from the exterior of the mouthpiece and the air path.

23. 23. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 22, further comprising a cannula extending through the tank.

24. 24. Apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 23, wherein the one or more absorbent pads comprise a pair of planar absorbent pads arranged parallel to one another.

25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that the heater extends laterally in the air path.

26. 26. The device of any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the overflow leak chamber is enclosed within the distal end of the elongated, flattened tubular body.

27. a plug between the mouthpiece and the elongated flat tubular body; 27. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 26, characterized in that the plug closes the reservoir of the elongated flattened tubular body.

28. 28. An apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 27, characterized in that the distal end of the elongated flattened tubular body is configured to be frictionally secured within a body of a vaporizer.

29. 29. An apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 28, wherein the distal end of the elongated flattened tubular body is provided with a lip or rim configured to fit onto a body of a vaporizer.

30. A cartridge device, comprising: an elongated, flattened tubular body extending in a distal-to-proximal axial direction and having a width and a diameter transverse to said distal-to-proximal axis, said diameter being equal to or greater than 1.2 times said width; a reservoir within a proximal end of the elongated flattened tubular body and configured to hold a liquid evaporative material; a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the elongated flattened tubular body; and one or more mouthpiece absorbent pads within the mouthpiece; an overflow leak chamber at a distal end of the elongated flattened tubular body, the overflow leak chamber having a length along the axis from distal to proximal that is 0.5 to 2 times the length of the reservoir along the axis from distal to proximal; an air flow path extending from the overflow leak chamber through the reservoir proximate to the mouthpiece, the air flow path including a cannula extending through the reservoir; a heater having a wick and a heating coil extending within the air passage; an opening from an exterior surface of the device to the overflow leak chamber and fluidly connected to the air path; and one or more absorbent pads within the overflow leak chamber.

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