Personal Vaporization Units

Abstract

The vaporizer includes a reservoir (or cartridge) for holding the precursor composition. The reservoir has a passageway configured such that the precursor composition does not freely flow out of the reservoir at ambient temperature. An infrared radiation source is activated to heat the precursor composition and reduce its viscosity. An entrainment passageway is in communication with an outer end of the passageway such that when an airflow is directed through the entrainment passageway, the airflow draws the heated precursor composition from the passageway and entrains it in the airflow. The entrained precursor is vaporized and / or further vaporized by the heat from the infrared radiation source before being inhaled by the user.

Description

[Brief description of the drawings]

[0001] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating the elements of a personal vaporization unit. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the elements of a personal vaporization unit. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a diagram showing the elements of a personal vaporization unit. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is a diagram showing the elements of a personal vaporization unit. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1E is a diagram showing the elements of a personal vaporization unit. [Figure 1F] FIG. 1F is a diagram showing the elements of a personal vaporization unit. [Figure 1G] FIG. 1G is a diagram showing the elements of a personal vaporization unit. [Figure 1H] FIG. 1H is a diagram showing the elements of a personal vaporization unit. [Figure 1J] FIG. 1J is a diagram showing the elements of a personal vaporization unit.

[0002] [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a personal vaporization unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a diagram illustrating a personal vaporization unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a diagram illustrating a personal vaporization unit according to the first embodiment.

[0003] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a personal vaporization unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C illustrates a personal vaporization unit according to a second embodiment.

[0004] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a personal vaporization unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a personal vaporization unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C illustrates a personal vaporization unit according to a second embodiment.

[0005] [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A illustrates a personal vaporization unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a personal vaporization unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C illustrates a personal vaporization unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D illustrates a personal vaporization unit according to a third embodiment.

[0006] [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a personal vaporization unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating a personal vaporization unit according to a fourth embodiment.

[0007] [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a personal vaporization unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C illustrates a personal vaporization unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D illustrates a personal vaporization unit according to a fifth embodiment.

[0008] [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a sixth embodiment.

[0009] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a seventh embodiment.

[0010] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to an eighth embodiment.

[0011] [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a diagram showing personal vaporization units according to ninth and tenth embodiments. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing personal vaporization units according to the ninth and tenth embodiments. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a diagram showing personal vaporization units according to the ninth and tenth embodiments. [Figure 11D] FIG. 11D is a diagram showing personal vaporization units according to the ninth and tenth embodiments.

[0012] [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to an eleventh embodiment.

[0013] [Figure 13A]FIG. 13A illustrates an embodiment of a sealed filling system for a personal vaporization unit cartridge. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B illustrates an embodiment of a sealed filling system for a personal vaporization unit cartridge.

[0014] [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A illustrates an embodiment of a vacuum filling system for a personal vaporization unit cartridge. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B illustrates an embodiment of a vacuum filling system for a personal vaporization unit cartridge. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14C illustrates an embodiment of a vacuum filling system for a personal vaporization unit cartridge.

[0015] [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A illustrates an embodiment of a system for sealing a personal vaporization unit cartridge. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B illustrates an embodiment of a system for sealing a personal vaporization unit cartridge.

[0016] [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 16C] FIG. 16C is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 16D] FIG. 16D is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 16E] FIG. 16E is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 16F] FIG. 16F shows a personal vaporization unit according to a twelfth embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 17A]FIG. 17A is a diagram showing a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a diagram showing a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17C is a diagram showing a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 17D] FIG. 17D shows a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 17E] FIG. 17E is a diagram showing a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the thirteenth embodiment.

[0018] [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A illustrates an embodiment of a reservoir body of a personal vaporization unit cartridge. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B illustrates an embodiment of a reservoir body of a personal vaporization unit cartridge.

[0019] [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A illustrates an embodiment of a flow path assembly of a personal vaporization unit. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B illustrates an embodiment of a flow path assembly of a personal vaporization unit. [Figure 19C] FIG. 19C illustrates an embodiment of a flow path assembly of a personal vaporization unit.

[0020] [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20C is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a fourteenth embodiment.

[0021] [Figure 21A] FIG. 21A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a fifteenth embodiment.

[0022] [Figure 22A] FIG. 22A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a sixteenth embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 23A] FIG. 23A is a diagram showing a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B is a diagram showing a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 23C] FIG. 23C is a diagram showing a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 23D] FIG. 23D is a diagram showing a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 23E] FIG. 23E is a diagram showing a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 23F] FIG. 23F is a diagram showing a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 23G] FIG. 23G shows a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the seventeenth embodiment.

[0024] [Figure 24A] FIG. 24A shows a personal vaporization unit according to an eighteenth embodiment. [Figure 24B] FIG. 24B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to an eighteenth embodiment.

[0025] [Figure 25A] FIG. 25A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a nineteenth embodiment. [Figure 25B]FIG. 25B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a nineteenth embodiment. [Figure 25C] FIG. 25C is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a nineteenth embodiment. [Figure 25D] FIG. 25D is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a nineteenth embodiment.

[0026] [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of a particle collision portion and a flow channel.

[0027] [Figure 27A] FIG. 27A illustrates an embodiment of a heater and heater housing assembly. [Figure 27B] FIG. 27B illustrates an embodiment of a heater and heater housing assembly.

[0028] [Figure 28A] FIG. 28A illustrates an embodiment of a flow director and a channel. [Figure 28B] FIG. 28B illustrates an embodiment of a flow director and a channel. [Figure 28C] FIG. 28C illustrates an embodiment of a flow director and a channel. [Figure 28D] FIG. 28D illustrates an embodiment of a flow director and a channel.

[0029] [Figure 29A] FIG. 29A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twentieth embodiment. [Figure 29B] FIG. 29B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twentieth embodiment. [Figure 29C] FIG. 29C is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twentieth embodiment. [Figure 29D] FIG. 29D shows a personal vaporization unit according to a twentieth embodiment.

[0030] [Figure 30A]FIG. 30A is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twenty-first embodiment. [Figure 30B] FIG. 30B is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twenty-first embodiment. [Figure 30C] FIG. 30C is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twenty-first embodiment. [Figure 30D] FIG. 30D is a diagram showing a personal vaporization unit according to a twenty-first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] 1A-1J show elements of a personal vaporization unit. Personal vaporization unit (PVC) 100, PVC 101, PVC 102, and PVC 103 are operated by a user 150. The user 150 inhales the vapor produced by PVC 100 or PVC 101. PVC 100 and PVC 101 include a housing 106, a precursor composition 111, a precursor reservoir 132, a heater 126, a switch 136, and a battery 13. PVU 101 further includes a secondary reservoir 144 configured to hold at least a portion of the precursor composition 111 that has flowed out of precursor reservoir 132. In particular, secondary reservoir 144 is configured to hold at least a portion of the precursor composition 111 that has flowed out of precursor reservoir 132 in thermal contact or in thermal proximity with heater 126. Housing 106 includes an air inlet 107. In one embodiment, the housing 106 is constructed of or includes a polycarbonate material and / or other thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the precursor reservoir 132 is configured as a cartridge that is removable and replaceable from the PVU 100 and / or PVU 101. This removable and replaceable nature of the reservoir 132 allows for different precursor composition 111 compositions to be provided to the PVU 100 and / or PVU 101 and / or for the precursor composition 111 to be refilled. In some embodiments, the reservoir 132 is a cavity defined in whole or in part by the reservoir body 110. The reservoir body 110 includes or is comprised of a glass tube. It should be understood that the reservoir 132 includes at least a portion of the volume within the reservoir body 110. In some embodiments, the wall 133 of the reservoir 132 that defines the precursor passage 112 includes glass (e.g., is bonded to or is formed of a portion of a glass tube).

[0032] A first gap between the inner surface of the housing 106 and the outer surface of the precursor reservoir 132 defines an inlet passage 108 extending from the inlet 107 to the heater 126. A second gap between the inner surface of the housing 106 and the outer surface of the precursor reservoir 132 defines a vapor passage 104 extending from the heater 126 to the vapor outlet 142. The precursor reservoir 132 includes a precursor passage 112. An opening of the precursor passage 112 is proximate to the heater 126, and when the heater 126 is activated, the heater 126 can melt or soften (i.e., reduce the viscosity of) the precursor composition 111. In some embodiments, the precursor composition 111 is a solid at room temperature. In some embodiments, the precursor composition 111 can be a semi-solid (e.g., the consistency (softness) of warm but unmelted butter) or a thick liquid (e.g., the viscosity of honey or molasses) at room temperature.

[0033] In some embodiments, the heater 126 functions as an infrared radiation (IR) source. Thus, the heater 126 can heat (and thereby melt or soften) the precursor composition 111 without directly contacting the precursor composition 111. Similarly, the heater 126 may function to heat air and / or vapor flowing in the vicinity of the heater 126 without directly contacting the air and / or vapor. In embodiments, the shape and / or configuration of the end of the reservoir 132 containing the precursor passage 112 is configured to reflect and / or direct IR radiation from the heater 126. In particular, the shape and / or configuration of the end of the reservoir 132 containing the precursor passage 112 is configured to focus or concentrate IR radiation from the heater 126 on a desired target, volume, region, or material (e.g., the entrainment passage 118 and / or the precursor passage 112).

[0034] In some embodiments, the reservoir body 110 is composed of or includes glass (e.g., borosilicate glass). In some embodiments, the reservoir body 110 is composed of or includes plastic (e.g., high temperature, non-reactive, food safe, etc.). The reservoir body 110 is composed of or includes a molded, formed, or machined glass (or plastic) tube configured to hold the precursor composition 111 and release the heated precursor composition 113 via the precursor passage 112. In some embodiments, the precursor reservoir 132 is defined by the reservoir body 110 having a first end that is permanently or releasably closed (e.g., by a stopper, cap, sealing, or other element that functions to prevent the flow of the precursor composition 111 from the precursor reservoir 132).

[0035] The precursor reservoir 132 is defined by a reservoir body having a second end that is substantially closed except for the precursor passage 112. The precursor passage 112 is configured (e.g., diameter, length, and / or other dimensions) such that the precursor composition 111 does not freely flow out of the reservoir 132 unless the precursor composition 111 is heated to a threshold temperature above ambient temperature. In other words, the precursor passage 112 is of a diameter small enough to prevent the flow of the precursor composition 111 through the precursor passage 112 when the precursor composition 111 is within a selected or standardized temperature range that is dependent on the composition of the precursor composition 111. Examples of temperature ranges that do not allow the precursor composition 111 to flow through the precursor passage 112 include below 50° C., below 100° C., below 120° C., below 150° C., and below 200° C. Other ranges and / or temperature thresholds may be selected based on an interaction of the properties of the precursor composition 111 (e.g., melting point, viscosity vs. temperature curve), etc., with the hydrostatic conditions and the dimensions of the precursor passage 112.

[0036] When a user activates the PVU 100 by closing switch 136, current from battery 138 causes heater 126 to heat the precursor composition 111, thereby melting or reducing the viscosity of the precursor composition 111 in and / or around the precursor passages 112. This is illustrated in FIG. 1B by heated precursor composition 113.

[0037] When a user draws on the vapor outlet 142 (e.g., by inhaling), air is drawn into the PVU 100 via the air inlet 107. The air is drawn along the air inlet passage 108 and into the entrainment passage 118 between the heater 126 and the precursor passage 112. This is indicated in Figure 1C by the arrow pointing from the air inlet 107 to the entrainment passage 118.

[0038] In one embodiment, the heated precursor composition 113 is not heated by the heater 126 to such an extent that it can freely flow into the entrainment passage 118 without additional force. Rather, in this embodiment, the air flowing through the entrainment passage 118 (as provided by the inhalation of the user 150) provides additional force to rally the heated precursor composition 113 to flow from the entrainment passage 118. In this manner, the amount of heated precursor composition 113 drawn into the entrainment passage 118 (and thus ultimately inhaled by the user 150) is based on and / or determined by the amount and force of inhalation and inhalation by the user 150. Thus, the user 150 can increase the dose of inhaled precursor composition 111 (per inhalation) by inhaling more quickly, more forcefully, and / or for longer. Similarly, a less rapid, less forceful, or shorter inhalation (or inhalation profile) reduces the dose per inhalation delivered to the user 150.

[0039] In one embodiment, the entrainment passage 118 can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional in shape to increase the flow of air across the opening of the precursor passage 112. For example, the passage 112 may be configured (e.g., radially, not shown in FIGS. 1A-1I) to induce swirls in the air flowing near the opening of the precursor passage 112. In some embodiments, one or more selected hydrodynamic effects, such as the Venturi effect and / or Coanda, are used (with or without swirls) to aid in the flow of the heater precursor composition 113 into the air flowing through the entrainment passage 118. In some embodiments, the configuration, shape, and / or dimensions of the entrainment passage 118, as well as its relationship and configuration near the end of the precursor passage 112 in communication with the entrainment passage 118, are configured with or include all or part of what are commonly known as air ejectors, venturi pumps, or vacuum ejectors.

[0040] Heated precursor composition 113 is drawn from precursor reservoir 132 and vaporized by moving, entrained, heated air to form vapor 140. This is illustrated in FIG. 1C by the arrows from heated precursor composition 113 and through entrainment passage 118 leading to vapor 140. As used herein, the term "vapor" should be understood to include not only the state of precursor composition 111 (and other precursors and precursor compositions disclosed herein) as a gas, but also aerosol forms / states and / or mixtures of gas and aerosol states.

[0041] The vapor 140 is then drawn along a vapor path, exits the PVU 100 through a vapor outlet 142, and is inhaled by a user 150. This is illustrated in FIG. 1C by the arrow that extends along the vapor path 104 from the vapor 140 to the user 150.

[0042] In embodiments, one or more walls of the precursor reservoir 132 may be displaced or may be subjected to a force or pressure. When the force, displacement, or pressure acts to expand the volume of the precursor reservoir 132, the precursor composition 111 experiences a lower pressure relative to ambient conditions. This lower pressure tends to draw the precursor composition 111 (particularly the heated precursor composition 113) back into the precursor reservoir 132. This is illustrated in FIG. 1D by the arrow displacing the left side of the reservoir 130 to increase the volume of the reservoir 130.

[0043] When a force, displacement, or pressure acts to decrease the volume of precursor reservoir 132, precursor composition 111 is subjected to an elevated pressure relative to ambient conditions. This elevated pressure tends to expel precursor composition 111 (and particularly heated precursor composition 113) from precursor reservoir 132. This is illustrated in FIG. 1E by the arrow displacing the left side of reservoir 130 to decrease the volume of reservoir 130.

[0044] 1F-1H further illustrate the structure and operation of PVU 101. In addition to the elements described with respect to PVU 100, PVU 101 includes a secondary reservoir 144. Secondary reservoir 144 is configured to receive precursor composition 111 from precursor reservoir 132. In particular, when heater 126 is operated to generate heated precursor composition 113, the lower viscosity of heated precursor composition 113 allows heated precursor composition 113 to flow from precursor reservoir 132 to secondary reservoir 144. This is illustrated in FIG. 1G by the arrows of heated precursor composition 113 flowing into secondary reservoir 144. In an embodiment, heated precursor composition 113 is heated sufficiently to flow into secondary reservoir 144 without vaporizing heated precursor composition 113. In an embodiment, this is accomplished when user 150 activates heater 126 without inhaling through vapor outlet 142.

[0045] In another embodiment, the heated precursor composition 113 is heated enough to flow into the secondary reservoir 144 without vaporizing by having two operating states of the heater 126: (1) a low-power operating state that heats the precursor composition 111 to a temperature at which the heated precursor composition 113 flows into the secondary reservoir 144 without vaporizing, and (2) a high-power operating state that heats the precursor composition 111 to a temperature at which the heated precursor composition 113 vaporizes and also vaporizes the precursor composition 111 present in the secondary reservoir 144. Typically, the high-power operating state is used while the user 150 is inhaling. The operating state of the PVU 101 with the heater 126 power sufficient to vaporize the precursor composition 111 stored in the secondary reservoir 144 is shown in FIG. 1H.

[0046] In other embodiments, the heater 126a may be configured to act as an electrical fuse. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1I by PVU 102. In one embodiment, the material (e.g., nichrome, tungsten, evaporated conductor, etc.) and / or geometry of the heater 126a may be selected such that when there is too much current passing through the heater 126a, at least a sacrificial portion 127a of the heater 126a melts, thereby stopping or interrupting the current from the battery 138. Thus, the heater 126a is configured with or includes a sacrificial portion 127a that, once operating in the overcurrent region, becomes open circuit and must be replaced.

[0047] In another embodiment, the PVU 100 may include an electrical fuse. This embodiment is shown in PVU 103 in FIG. 1J. In this embodiment, the fuse 127b is connected in series with the heater 126 and the battery 138 such that if too much current flows through the heater 126, a portion of the fuse 127b melts, thereby stopping or interrupting the current from the battery 138. Thus, if the heater 126 operates in the overcurrent region, the fuse 127b will open circuit and will need to be replaced.

[0048] 2A-2E show a personal vaporization unit according to a first embodiment. In FIGS. 2A-2E, the PVU 200 includes a mouthpiece 202, a vapor passageway 204, an outer housing 206, an air inlet 207, an air inlet passageway 208, a reservoir body 210, a precursor passageway 212, a heater housing 216, a base 220, an electrode 222, an electrode O-ring 224, a heater 226, a threaded portion 230, a reservoir 232, and a vapor outlet 242. The reservoir 232 comprises at least a portion of the volume within the reservoir body 210. In some embodiments, the walls of the reservoir 232 that define the precursor passageway 212 comprise glass (e.g., bonded to a glass tube or formed from a precursor portion of a glass tube). Threads 230 allow PVU 200 to be screwed to a battery (e.g., battery 138) and to provide switched power to heater 226 (not shown in Figures 2A-2E) via electrodes 222. PVU 200 is constructed and operates in a similar manner to PVU 100 described herein; therefore, for the sake of brevity, its description is omitted with respect to Figures 2A-2E. Figures 2B and 2C are cross-sectional views of PVU 200 along different cut lines additionally illustrating the formation and separation of intake passage 208 from vapor passage 204, and communication between heater housing 216 and precursor passage 212.

[0049] 3A-3C show a personal vaporization unit according to a second embodiment. In FIG. 3A-3C, PVU 300 includes mouthpiece 302, vapor passage 304, outer housing 306, air inlet 307, air inlet passage 308, reservoir body 310, precursor passage 312, heater housing 316, base 320, electrode 322, electrode O-ring 324, heater 326, mouthpiece O-ring 334, and threaded portion 330. Threaded portion 330 allows PVU 300 to be screwed to a battery (e.g., battery 138) and to provide switched power to heater 326 (not shown in FIG. 3A-3C) via electrode 322. PVU 300 is constructed and operates in a manner similar to PVU 100 described herein. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, its description will be omitted with respect to FIG. 3A-3C. 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views of the PVU 300 along different cut lines, additionally illustrating the formation and separation of the intake passage 308 from the vapor passage 304, and the communication between the heater housing 316 and the precursor passage 312.

[0050] 4A-4C show a personal vaporization unit according to a second embodiment. In FIG. 4A-4C, the PVU 400 includes a mouthpiece 402, a vapor passageway 404, an outer housing 406, an air inlet 407, an air inlet passageway 408, a reservoir body 410, a precursor passageway 412, a heater housing 416, a base 420, an electrode 422, an electrode O-ring 424, a heater 426, a mouthpiece O-ring 434, and a threaded portion 430. The threaded portion 430 allows the PVU 400 to be screwed onto a battery (e.g., battery 138) to provide switched power to the heater 426 (not shown in FIG. 4A-4C) via the electrode 422. The PVU 400 is constructed and operates in a manner similar to the PVU 100 described herein. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, its description will be omitted with respect to FIG. 4A-4C. 4B and 4C are cross-sectional views of the PVU 400 along different cut lines, additionally illustrating the formation and separation of the intake passage 408 from the vapor passage 404, as well as the communication between the heater 416 and the precursor passage 412.

[0051] 5A-5D show a personal vaporization unit according to a third embodiment. In FIG. 5A-5D, PVU 500 includes mouthpiece 502, vapor passageway 504, outer housing 506, reservoir body 510, precursor passageway 512, heater housing 516, base 520, electrode 522, electrode O-ring 524, heater 526, mouthpiece O-ring 534, mouthpiece O-ring 535, base O-ring 536, base O-ring 537, and threaded portion 530. Threaded portion 530 allows PVU 500 to be screwed to a battery (e.g., battery 138) to provide switched power to heater 526 (not shown in FIG. 5A-5D) via electrode 522. PVU 500 is constructed and operates in a similar manner to PVU 100 and other PVUs described herein, except that, in contrast to PVU 100, the air intake function is accomplished by a passageway in electrode 522. The air and steam flows of the PVU 500 are shown in Figure 5B. Thus, for the sake of brevity, general matters such as intake, heating, entrainment (intake, mixing), etc. will not be discussed with respect to Figures 5A-5D. Figure 5C is an isometric cross-sectional view of an additional view of the PVU 500. Figure 5D is an isometric cross-sectional view of the base and heater element of the PVU 500.

[0052] 6A-6D show a personal vaporization unit according to a fourth embodiment. In FIGs. 6A-6D, PVU 600 includes mouthpiece 602, vapor passageway 604, outer housing 606, reservoir body 610, precursor composition 611, precursor passageway 612, heater housing 616, base 620, electrode 622, electrode O-ring 624, heater 626, mouthpiece O-ring 634, mouthpiece O-ring 635, base O-ring 636, base O-ring 637, threads 630, and secondary reservoir 644. Threads 630 allow PVU 600 to be screwed onto a battery (e.g., battery 138) to provide switched power to heater 626 (not shown in FIGs. 6A-6D) via electrode 622. PVU 600 is constructed and operates in a similar manner to PVU 101 and other PVUs described herein, except that in contrast to PVU 100, the air intake function is accomplished by passages in electrode 622. The air and vapor flows for PVU 600 are illustrated in FIG. 6B. Thus, for the sake of brevity, general matters such as intake, heating, entrainment, etc. will not be discussed further with respect to FIGS. 6A-6D. FIG. 6C is an isometric cross-sectional view of the base and heater element of PVU 600 further illustrating PVU 600.

[0053] FIG. 6D shows the secondary reservoir 644 in more detail. The secondary reservoir 644 is formed in the heater housing 616 such that the unvaporized precursor composition 611 is "captured" by the secondary reservoir 644 when it flows out of the precursor reservoir 632 via the precursor passage 612 and is not vaporized. The secondary reservoir 644 captures and / or holds the unvaporized precursor composition 611 using one or more of gravity, surface tension, capillary action, and / or viscosity change (e.g., cooling). Thus, it should be understood that the secondary reservoir 644 may perform the same function for the PVU 600 as the secondary reservoir 144 does for the PVU 101. Thus, for the sake of brevity, the function, operating principle, etc. of the secondary reservoir 644 of the PVU 600 will not be described herein with respect to FIG. 6D.

[0054] 7A-7D show a fifth embodiment of a personal vaporization unit. In FIGS. 7A-7D, PVU 700 includes mouthpiece 702, vapor passageway 704, outer housing 706, air inlet 707, reservoir body 710, precursor composition 711, precursor passageway 712, heater housing 716, base 720, electrode 722, electrode O-ring 724, mouthpiece O-ring 734, mouthpiece O-ring 735, base O-ring 736, threads 730, lead seal 761, gland seal 764, laser diode 766, laser target 767, laser lead passageway / insulator 768, and ground conductor 769. Threads 730 allow PVU 700 to be screwed to a battery (e.g., battery 138) and to provide switched power to heater 726 (not shown in FIGS. 7A-7D) via electrode 722. PVU 700 is constructed and operates similarly to PVU 100 and other PVUs described herein, except that the heating function performed by heater 126 is performed by laser diode 766 switchably irradiating laser target 767 with light (e.g., infrared light), thereby increasing the temperature of laser target 767 and thus the precursor composition 711 in reservoir 732. Thus, for the sake of brevity, general matters such as inhalation, heating, entrainment, etc. will not be described with respect to Figures 7A-7D. Figure 7C is an isometric cross-sectional view of PVU 700, further illustrating PVU 700. Figure 7D is an exploded view of PVU 700, further illustrating PVU 700.

[0055] 8A-8C show a personal vaporization unit according to a sixth embodiment. In FIGS. 8A-8C, PVU 800 includes mouthpiece 802, vapor passageway 804, outer housing 806, air inlet 807, reservoir body 810, precursor passageway 812, heater housing 816, base 820, electrode 822, electrode O-ring 824, mouthpiece O-ring 834, mouthpiece O-ring 835, base O-ring 836, threads 830, lead seal 861, lens 862, gland seal 864, laser diode 866, laser target 867, laser lead passageway / insulator 868, and ground conductor 869. Threads 830 allow PVU 800 to be screwed to a battery (e.g., battery 138) and to provide switched power to heater 826 (not shown in FIGS. 8A-8C) via electrode 822. PVU 800 is constructed and operates similarly to PVU 700 described herein, except that lens 862 focuses light from laser diode 866, thereby concentrating more light energy on laser target 867, thereby more efficiently heating the precursor composition in reservoir 832. Thus, for the sake of brevity, general matters such as aspiration, heating, entrainment, etc. will not be discussed further with respect to Figures 8A-8C, which is an exploded view of PVU 800 additionally showing PVU 800.

[0056] FIG 9 illustrates a seventh embodiment of a personal vaporization unit. In FIG 9, the PVU 900 includes a mouthpiece 902, vapor passageway 904, outer housing 906, air inlet 907, reservoir body 910, precursor passageway 912, heater housing 916, base 920, electrode 922, electrode O-ring 924, mouthpiece O-ring 934, mouthpiece O-ring 935, base O-ring 936, threads 930, lead seal 961, blackbody absorber target 963, gland seal 964, laser diode 966, laser lead passageway / insulator 968, and ground conductor 969. The threads 930 allow the PVU 900 to be screwed onto a battery (e.g., battery 138) to provide switched power to the heater 926 (not shown in FIG 9) via electrode 922. PVU 900 is constructed and operates similarly to PVU 700 described herein, with the exception that, as an optional feature, blackbody absorber target 963 includes a material adapted to absorb the wavelengths of light emitted by laser diode 966 and relatively efficiently convert that light to heat. Thus, for the sake of brevity, generalized matters of inhalation, heating, entrainment, and the like will not be discussed further with respect to FIG.

[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates a personal vaporization unit according to an eighth embodiment. In FIG. 10, the PVU 1000 includes a mouthpiece 1002, a vapor passageway 1004, an outer housing 1006, an air inlet 1007, a reservoir body 1010, a precursor passageway 1012, a heater housing 1016, a base 1020, an electrode 1022, an electrode O-ring 1024, a mouthpiece O-ring 1034, a mouthpiece O-ring 1035, a base O-ring 1036, threads 1030, a lead seal 1061, a crystal target 1063, a gland seal 1064, a laser diode 1066, a laser lead passageway / insulator 1068, and a ground conductor 1069. The threads 1030 allow the PVU 1000 to be screwed onto a battery (e.g., battery 138) and to provide switched power to the heater 1026 (not shown in FIG. 10) via the electrode 1022. PVU 1000 is constructed and operates similarly to PVU 700 described herein, with the exception that, as an optional feature, crystal target 1063 includes a material (e.g., silicon dioxide mineral) adapted to resonate in response to modulated (e.g., pulse width modulated, amplitude modulated, etc.) light emitted by laser diode 1066, thereby converting the modulated light into heat based at least in part on the resonance. In other words, laser diode 1066 may be controlled to emit pulses (or waveforms) of light at or near the resonant frequency of crystal target 1063, thereby physically resonating crystal target 1063, thereby generating heat (e.g., via friction). Thus, for the sake of brevity, the generalities of inhalation, heating, entrainment, and the like are omitted from discussion with respect to FIG. 10.

[0058] 11A-11D show personal vaporization units according to ninth and tenth embodiments. In Figures 11A-11B, the PVU 1100 includes a mouthpiece 1102, a vapor passageway 1104, an outer housing 1106, an air inlet 1107, a reservoir body 1110, a precursor passageway 1112, a heater housing 1116, a heater (i.e., infrared emitter) 1126, a base 1120, an electrode 1122, an electrode O-ring 1124, a mouthpiece O-ring 1134, a mouthpiece O-ring 1135, a base O-ring 1136, a threaded portion 1130, a lead seal 1161, a gland seal 1164, a lead passageway / insulator 1168, and a ground conductor 1169. Threads 1130 allow the PVU 1100 to be screwed to a battery (e.g., battery 138) to provide switched power to a heater 1126 (not shown in FIGS. 11A-11B) via electrodes 1122. The PVU 1100 is constructed and operates similarly to PVU 100 and other PVUs described herein; therefore, for the sake of brevity, general matters such as intake, heating, entrainment, etc. will not be discussed further with respect to FIGS. 11A-11B.

[0059] 11C-11D show the PVU 1101. FIG. 11C is a detailed view showing a reflective (e.g., IR-reflective) coating / sleeve 1171 disposed between the heater 1166 and the heater housing 1116. The reflector 1171 may be an IR-reflective material, such as gold, silver, aluminum, or a composition that includes an IR-reflective material. In some embodiments, the reflector 1171 is applied to the inside of the heater housing 1116 using techniques such as evaporation, sputtering, spraying, electroplating, and the like. Thus, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the reflector 1171 may be thin (e.g., 1-10 μm) and / or integral with the heater housing 1116. In one embodiment, the reflector 1171 does not contact the heater 1166 to prevent shorting one or more conductive and / or heating elements of the heater 1166 to the reflector 1171.

[0060] 12A-12B show a personal vaporization unit according to an eleventh embodiment. In FIG. 12A-12B, the PVU 1200 includes a mouthpiece 1202, a vapor passageway 1204, an outer housing 1206, an air inlet 1207, a reservoir body 1210, a precursor passageway 1212, a heater housing 1216, an integrated heater 1226, a base 1220, an electrode 1222, an electrode O-ring 1224, a mouthpiece O-ring 1234, a mouthpiece O-ring 1235, a base O-ring 1236, a threaded portion 1230, a lead seal 1261, a gland seal 1264, a lead passageway / insulator 1268, and a ground conductor 1269. Threads 1230 allow PVU 1200 to be screwed to a battery (e.g., battery 138) to provide switched power to an integrated heater 1226 (not shown in FIGS. 12A-12B) via electrodes 1222. In one embodiment, integrated heater 1226 is or includes a cartridge heater. In another embodiment, integrated heater 1226 is or includes a ceramic heater. PVU 1200 is constructed and operates similarly to PVU 100 and other PVUs described herein. Thus, for the sake of brevity, general matters such as intake, heating, entrainment, etc. will not be discussed with respect to FIGS. 12A-12B.

[0061] 13A-13B show an exemplary sealing and filling system for a personal vaporization unit cartridge. In FIGS. 13A-13B, the cartridge 1305 includes a precursor reservoir 1332, a septum 1355, and a septum plug 1356. The precursor reservoir 1332 includes a precursor passageway 1312. The cartridge 1305 is positioned within the housing 1306 such that the precursor passageway 1312 is in close proximity to the heater 1326. It should be understood that the cartridge 1305 may thus be filled while still inside the personal vaporization unit (e.g., by removing the mouthpiece to access the septum 1355). However, this is merely an exemplary configuration during a filling operation. In other embodiments (not shown), the cartridge 1305 may be removed from the personal vaporization unit to perform the filling operation.

[0062] FIG. 13B shows cartridge 1305 during a filling operation. In FIG. 13B, filling needle 1358 penetrates septum 1355. Filling needle 1358 is inserted through septum 1355 such that the open end of filling needle 1358 can deliver precursor composition 1311 from filling syringe / reservoir 1357 across septum 1355 to fill precursor reservoir 1332 with precursor composition 1311. When filling needle 1358 is removed from precursor reservoir 1332 by withdrawing the end of filling needle 1358 outside septum 1355, septum 1355 self-seals to retain precursor composition 1311 within precursor reservoir 1332.

[0063] In some embodiments, the septum 1355 is constructed of a malleable material such as silicone rubber. The septum 1355 may be constructed of a self-healing material such as a silicone plug. The self-healing properties of the material of the septum 1355 allow a fill needle 1358 or other fill tube to be inserted into the cartridge 1305. When the cartridge 1305 is not filled, the septum 1355 functionally seals the cartridge 1305 such that the precursor composition 1311 cannot flow out of the cartridge 1305.

[0064] 14A-14C show a vacuum filling system for a personal vaporization unit cartridge. In FIG. 14A, cartridge 1405a includes a precursor reservoir 1432a having a precursor passageway 1412a. To fill cartridge 1405a, an open end 1406a of precursor reservoir 1432a is positioned below the surface of a pool of precursor composition 1411. The end of precursor reservoir 1432a having precursor passageway 1412a is positioned above the surface of the pool of precursor composition 1411. A vacuum 1472, or a pressure less than ambient air pressure, is applied to precursor passageway 1412a, thereby drawing precursor composition 1411 from the pool into precursor reservoir 1432a. This is similar to the way liquid is drawn into a straw. A sealing cap 1471a can surround all or a portion of the precursor passage 1412a and / or the precursor reservoir 1432a to allow the vacuum 1472 to draw the precursor composition 1411 onto the surface of the precursor pool and into the precursor reservoir 1432a.

[0065] In FIG. 14B, cartridge 1405b includes a precursor reservoir 1432b having precursor passages 1412b. To fill cartridge 1405b, precursor passages 1412b of precursor reservoir 1432b are positioned below the surface of the pool of precursor composition 141. An open end 1406b of precursor reservoir 1432b is positioned above the surface of the pool of precursor composition 1411. A vacuum 1472 or a pressure less than ambient air pressure is applied to open end 1406b, thereby drawing precursor composition 1411 from the pool into precursor reservoir 1432b through precursor passages 1412b, similar to how liquid is drawn into a straw. A sealing cap 1471b surrounds all or a portion of open end 1406b to allow vacuum 1472 to draw precursor composition 1411 onto the surface of the precursor pool and into precursor reservoir 1432b.

[0066] In FIG. 14C, cartridge 1405c includes a precursor reservoir 1432c having a fill passage 1473. To fill cartridge 1405c, fill passage 1473 of precursor reservoir 1432c is positioned below the surface of the pool of precursor composition 1411. Open end 1406c of precursor reservoir 1432c is positioned above the surface of the pool of precursor composition 1411. A vacuum 1472 or a pressure less than ambient air pressure is applied to open end 1406c, thereby drawing precursor composition 1411 from the pool through fill passage 1473 and into precursor reservoir 1432c. This is similar to how liquid is drawn into a straw. A sealing cap 1471c surrounds all or a portion of open end 1406c to allow vacuum 1472 to draw precursor composition 1411 onto the surface of the precursor pool and into precursor reservoir 1432c.

[0067] 15A-B show an embodiment of a system for sealing a personal vaporization unit cartridge. In FIGS. 15A-B, sealed cartridges 1505a-b include a precursor reservoir 1532 that holds a precursor composition 1511. The precursor reservoir 1532 includes a precursor passageway 1512. In FIG. 15A, sealed cartridge 1505a includes a silicone (and / or rubber, plastic, shrink wrap, etc.) plug 1577 to prevent leakage of the precursor composition 1511 through the precursor passageway 1512. Sealing the other end of the precursor reservoir 1532 is a child resistant foil 1576 and septum 1575 seal crimped around the end of the precursor reservoir 1532. The foil 1576 and septum 1575 are similar to those used to seal injection vials. However, the septum 1575 in this system may be used to fill the precursor reservoir 1532 .

[0068] 15B, sealed cartridge 1505b includes a silicone (and / or rubber, plastic, shrink wrap, etc.) plug 1574 to prevent spillage of precursor composition 1511 through the end opposite the precursor passage 1512. Sealing the precursor passage 1512 end of precursor reservoir 1532 is child resistant foil 1578 attached via adhesive 1579.

[0069] 16A-16F show a personal vaporization unit according to a twelfth embodiment. In FIG. 16A-16F, for the sake of brevity, some elements of the PVU 1600, such as the mouthpiece, inlet, base, electrodes, O-rings, etc., are not shown. In FIG. 16A-16F, the PVU 1600 includes a vapor passage 1604, an outer housing 1606, an inlet passage 1608, a reservoir body 1610, a precursor passage 1612, an entrainment hole 1615, a heater housing 1616, a flow separator 1619, a heater 1626, a reservoir 1632, and a vapor passage 1604. The reservoir 1632 constitutes at least a portion of the volume within the reservoir body 1610. The heater housing 1616 of the PVU 1600 has an end disposed within the reservoir 1632. The end of the heater housing 1616 disposed within the reservoir 1632 (and thus in contact or communication with the precursor composition 1611) contains the precursor passage 1612. Entrainment holes 1615 are disposed radially around the heater housing 1616. The heater 1616 is disposed within the heater housing 1616 via an end opposite the precursor passage. The radially disposed entrainment holes 1615 are disposed longitudinally along the heater housing 1616 between the end of the heater 1626 closest to the precursor passage 1612 and the end of the heater housing 1616 having the precursor passage 1612. The heater housing 1616 and heater 1626 thus define a cavity into which the precursor composition 1611 may enter via the precursor passage 1612 and may be heated (or further heated) by the heater 1626 (via convection, or radiation, or both). In operation, the heated (and / or vaporized) precursor composition 1611 may then be drawn (e.g., by a user's inhalation) from the cavity through entrainment holes 1615. In some embodiments, the volume of this cavity determines the amount of precursor composition 1611 that a user can inhale in one inhalation and / or over a selected period of time (e.g., until it melts and refills the cavity and / or at least to the level (size) of entrainment holes 1615).

[0070] 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of the PVU 1600 along different cut lines (e.g., perpendicular to each other) to additionally illustrate the formation and separation of the air inlet passages 1608 from the vapor passages 1604 (i.e., by flow separator 1619) near the heater housing 1616. FIGS. 16C-16D illustrate the flow of air, precursor composition 1611, and vapor 1640 as the PCU(PVU) 1600 is operated. FIG. 16E is a top view of a cross section cut through the entrainment holes to illustrate the radial flow of air around the heater housing 1616 and entrainment holes 1615, thereby entraining the heated / melted precursor composition 1611 and exiting the cavity as (or becoming) vapor 1640. FIG. 16F is an exploded view of some illustrated elements of the PCU(PVU) 1600 to additionally illustrate the relationship between these elements.

[0071] 17A-17E show a variation of the personal vaporization unit according to the thirteenth embodiment. In FIG. 17A-17E, for the sake of simplicity, some elements of the PVU 1700 and PVU 1701 are not shown, such as the outer housing, mouthpiece, air inlet, base, electrodes, O-rings, vapor passages, and air inlet passages. In FIG. 17A-17B, the PVU 1700 includes a reservoir body 1710, a precursor passage 1712, a heater housing 1716a, a heater 1726, a reservoir 1732, a child-resistant foil 1776, a septum 1775, and a seal crimp 1777. The reservoir 1732 includes at least a portion of the volume within the reservoir body 1710. The heater housing 1716a of the PVU 1700 has an end disposed within the reservoir 1732. The end of heater housing 1716a that is disposed within reservoir 1732 (and thus in contact or communication with precursor composition 1711) includes precursor passage 1712. Encapsulated within the walls of heater housing 1716a is heater 1726. Heater 1726 thus surrounds at least a portion of the cavity formed by the hollow interior of heater housing 1726a.

[0072] In Figures 17C-17E, PVU 1701 includes a reservoir body 1710, a precursor passageway 1712, a heater housing 1716b, a heater 1726, a reservoir 1732, a child-resistant foil 1776, a septum 1775, and a seal crimp 1777. The reservoir 1732 comprises at least a portion of the volume within the reservoir body 1710. The heater housing 1716b of the PVU 1700 has an end disposed within the reservoir 1732. The end of the heater housing 1716b disposed within the reservoir 1732 (and thus in contact or communication with the precursor composition 1711) comprises the precursor passageway 1712. Encapsulated within the walls of the heater housing 1716b is a heater 1726. Thus, the heater 1726 surrounds at least a portion of a cavity formed by the hollow interior of the heater housing 1726a.

[0073] The radially disposed entrainment holes 1715 are located longitudinally along the heater housing 1716b between the end of the heater housing 1716b having the precursor passage 1712 and the opposite end of the heater housing 1716b. The heater housing 1716b thus defines a cavity into which the precursor composition 1711 can enter via the precursor passage 1712 and can be heated (or further heated) (via convection or radiation or both) by the heater 1726. In operation, the heated (and / or vaporized) precursor composition 1711 is then drawn from the cavity (e.g., by a user's inhalation) via the entrainment holes 1715. In some embodiments, the volume of this cavity determines the amount of precursor composition 1711 that a user can inhale in one inhalation and / or over a selected period of time (e.g., until it melts and refills the cavity and / or at least to the level (size) of the entrainment holes 1715).

[0074] 18A-18B show an exemplary reservoir body of a personal vaporization unit cartridge. In FIGS. 18A-18B, the reservoir body 1810 is a substantially hollow cylinder (i.e., forming a reservoir 1832) that is open at a first end and closed at a second end except for a precursor passageway 1812. The exterior surface of the cylinder includes one or more grooves or depressions extending the length of the cylinder to function as first flow paths 1804a-1804b. A second flow path 1818 is formed in the bottom (closed) end of the cylinder. The second flow path 1818 and the ends of the first flow paths 1804a-1804b are disposed substantially perpendicular to one another around the circular end of the reservoir body 1810. In one embodiment, the reservoir body 1810 may include glass or be substantially entirely composed of glass.

[0075] In one embodiment, airflow may be drawn into the second flow path 1818 (e.g., by a user's inhalation) and flow across the precursor passage 1812, thereby entraining the precursor composition held by the reservoir 1832 to form a vapor. The vapor may then flow along the first flow paths 1804a-b toward the user. Thus, the first flow paths 1804a-b should be understood to function similarly to the vapor passage 104, etc. (but without the need for gaps between the first flow paths 1804a-b). Similarly, the second flow path 1818 may be understood to function similarly to the entrainment passage 118, and the precursor passage 1812 may be understood to function similarly to the precursor passage 112.

[0076] 19A-19C show an exemplary flow path assembly of a personal vaporization unit. In FIGS. 19A-19B, the flow path assembly 1900 includes a reservoir body 1910a and a housing 1906. In FIGS. 19A-19B, the reservoir body 1910a is a substantially hollow dodecagonal prism that is open at a first end and closed at a second end except for a precursor passage 1912a. The housing 106 is a hollow hexagonal (i.e., six-sided) cylinder. The reservoir body 1910a and the housing 1906 are sized such that at least two exterior sides / faces of the reservoir body 1910a contact corresponding interior sides / faces 1919a-1919b of the housing 1906 (i.e., the reservoir body 1910a is inscribed within the housing 1906). These contacts 1919a-b act as separate contact sides / faces of the reservoir body 1910a and the housing 1906, thereby defining longitudinal flow paths 1904a-c along the radial direction of the non-contacting space. In embodiments, the reservoir body 1910a and / or the housing 1906 may include glass or be substantially entirely made of glass. In embodiments, the reservoir body 1910a and the housing 1906 may be dimensioned such that the contacts 1919a-b are formed at the junctions (i.e., ends) of the exterior sides / faces of the reservoir body 1910a (i.e., where the reservoir body 1910a circumscribes the housing 1906). It should be understood that while the reservoir body 1910a has been selected to have 6 sides and the housing 1906 to have 12 sides, this is merely by way of example. Other numbers of sides / faces (e.g., 3, 4, 5, etc.) can be selected and appropriately dimensioned (e.g., inscribed or circumscribed) for either the reservoir body 1910a and / or the housing 1906 to form the contacts 1919a-1919c.

[0077] In FIG. 19C, the reservoir body 1910b is substantially cylindrically shaped, open at a first end, and closed at a second end except for the precursor passage 1912b. The housing 106 is a hollow hexagonal (i.e., six-sided) cylinder. The reservoir body 1910b and the housing 1906 are sized such that at least two interior sides / faces of the housing 1906 contact the exterior surface of the reservoir body 1910b (i.e., the reservoir body 1910a circumscribes the housing 1906). These contact points 1919d contact the sides / faces of the housing 1906 and the reservoir body 1910c separately, thereby defining the longitudinal flow paths 1904d-1904e along the radial direction of the non-contact space. In embodiments, the reservoir body 1910b and / or the housing 1906 may include glass or be substantially entirely composed of glass. It should be understood that the selection of a cylindrical shape for the reservoir body 1910a and an N-sided (e.g., 3, 4, 5, etc.) cylindrical shape for the housing 1906 is merely one example. The reservoir body 1910b may be selected as an N-sided (e.g., 3, 4, 5, etc.) cylindrical shape and the housing 1906 may be selected as a cylindrical shape, appropriately dimensioned (e.g., inscribed or circumscribed) to form the tangent point 1919d. It should be understood that the flow paths 1904a-1904e perform a similar function to the vapor passage 104, etc.

[0078] 20A-20C show a personal vaporization unit according to a fourteenth embodiment. In FIG. 20A-20C, the PVU 2000 includes a mouthpiece 2002, a vapor passageway 2004, an outer housing 2006, an air intake 2007, a reservoir body 2010, a precursor passageway 2012, a heater housing 2016, and an electrode 2022. The reservoir body 2010 has an outer shape that is cylindrical with a flat portion (i.e., a chord of a cylinder) along its length to define the vapor passageway 2004 together with the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2006. In an embodiment, the reservoir body 2010 and the housing 2016 include glass or are substantially made of glass. In some embodiments, due at least in part to the ability of the housing 2006 to substantially enclose the reservoir body 2010 (e.g., within the glass housing 2006), the PVU 2000 may have fewer parts, be less prone to incorrect assembly, and / or be less expensive to manufacture, compared to some other PVU embodiments.

[0079] 21A-21B show a personal vaporization unit according to a fifteenth embodiment. In FIG. 21A-21B, the PVU 2100 includes an outer housing 2106, a reservoir body 2110, a precursor passage 2112, an entrainment zone / gap 2114, a heater housing 2116, an IR reflector 2181, an IR reflector 2182, an IR reflector 2183, and a thermal insulator 2185. The IR reflectors 2181-2183 function at least to reflect IR radiation from the heater in the heater housing 2116 towards the entrainment zone / gap 2114 that would otherwise be wasted or absorbed elsewhere (e.g., by the housing 2106). The thermal insulator 2185 functions at least to thermally isolate the reservoir body 2110 from IR radiation (and heat therefrom) from the heater housing 2116. This may reduce undesired heating of portions of the precursor composition 2111 that are not in the vicinity of the precursor passage 2112 due to IR radiation (and / or heat) from the heater housing 2116 (and / or heated air and / or heated vapor). Figure 21B shows one example of an air / vapor flow pattern for the PVU 2100.

[0080] 22A-B show a personal vaporization unit according to a sixteenth embodiment. In FIG. 22A-B, PVU 2200 includes outer housing 2206, reservoir body 2210, precursor passageway 2212, entrainment zone / gap 2214, heater housing 2216, parabolic IR reflector 2281, and parabolic IR reflector 2282. Parabolic IR reflectors 2281-2282 function to at least reflect and focus IR radiation from a heater in heater housing 2216 towards entrainment zone / gap 2214. FIG. 22B shows an example of a precursor / air / vapor flow pattern for PVU 2200. 22A-B, reflectors 2281-2282 are paraboloidally shaped, but may have other shapes / geometry (e.g., spherical) that function to reflect and / or focus IR radiation onto / into entrainment zone / gap 2214, and particularly onto / into precursor composition 2211. In some embodiments, one or more of reflectors 2281-2282 (or another reflector not shown in FIGS. 22A-B) may function to reflect and / or focus IR radiation onto / into precursor passage 2212.

[0081] 23A-23G show variations of a personal vaporization unit according to a seventeenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23A-23G, one or more of the PVUs 2300a-2300d may include one or more of the vapor passages 2304a-2304c, outer housings 2306a-2306c, intake passages 2307a-2307e, reservoir body 2310, precursor passage 2312, heater housing 2316, and moving reservoir seal 2387. The reservoir seals 2300a-2300d cover the top surface of the precursor composition 2311, thereby preventing oxidation of at least the precursor composition 2311. In some embodiments, the reservoir seals move as the precursor composition 2311 is flowed out of the reservoir 2332. This movement allows the reservoir seal 2387 to maintain contact with the precursor composition 2311, thereby preventing the precursor composition from coming into contact with ambient air that may oxidize or otherwise degrade the precursor composition 2311. It is understood that the movement of the reservoir seal 2387 or similar functionality may be added to or be a component of any of the PVUs described herein.

[0082] Figures 23A-B show the PVU 2300a. In Figures 23A-B, the PVU 2300a includes a vapor passage 2304a, an outer housing 2306a, air intake passages 2307a-c, a reservoir body 2310, a precursor passage 2312, an entrainment zone / gap 2314, a heater housing 2316, and a reservoir seal 2387. Figure 23B shows the air and vapor flows of the PVU 2300a during operation.

[0083] When the user inhales and the PVU 2300a is activated, air flows into the primary intake passages 2307a-2307b and travels along one or more exterior surfaces of the heater housing 2316 and is heated thereby. The air received via the intake passages 2307b also flows through / across the inner end of the secondary intake passages 2307c. Based on one or more of the Coanda effect and / or the Venturi effect, the additional air received via the secondary intake passages 2307c merges with the flow of air from the intake passages 2307b that is flowing along the heater housing 2316. The combined air travels into (and through) the entrainment zone 2314.

[0084] As the combined air flows through the entrainment zone 2314, it also flows through a passageway leading to the precursor passageway 2312. Thus, based on one or more of the Coanda effect and / or the Venturi effect, the air flowing through the entrainment zone 2314 exerts a negative pressure (e.g., vacuum) on the precursor composition 2311 (both in the passageway and in the reservoir 2332). In embodiments, a combination of a heating effect on the precursor composition 2311 (i.e., ΔT, which increases the temperature of the precursor composition 2311) and a vacuum effect (i.e., ΔP, which reduces the pressure of the precursor composition 2311 relative to the surroundings) is required to convene the precursor composition 2311 to move from the reservoir 2332 to the entrainment zone 2314. Note that in some embodiments, reducing the pressure of the precursor composition 2311 also reduces the boiling, melting, and / or viscosity target temperature (e.g., according to the ideal gas law equation -PV=nRT). In these embodiments, for example, the temperature precursor composition 2311 (and / or the air flowing through entrainment zone 2214) is selected or controlled to determine the amount or flow of precursor composition 2311 relative to the user's inhalation force (i.e., ΔP).

[0085] Similarly, in some embodiments, the characteristics of the heater, heater housing 2316, intake tubes 2307a-2307c, and / or flow path of PVU 2300a are selected and / or balanced to form a feedback loop that controls the dispensed amount or flow of precursor composition 2311. For example, a relatively strong inhalation by a user (compared to a baseline inhalation) increases the air flow along the exterior surface of heater housing 2316 (compared to a baseline inhalation). One or more of the aforementioned characteristics are selected, for example, such that the increased flow draws more heat from heater housing 2316, and this increased flow reduces the temperature of the outside of heater housing 2316. A decrease in the temperature of heater housing 2316 results in a decrease in the temperature of precursor composition 2311, thereby increasing its viscosity and decreasing its flow rate. Thus, as a result of the airflow / pressure / temperature / viscosity feedback loop, if the characteristics of PVU2300a are appropriately selected, the pressure drop caused by forceful inhalation is offset (or nearly offset) by the increase in viscosity of precursor composition 2311, resulting in a baseline inhalation dose that is the same (or nearly the same) as a forceful inhalation dose.

[0086] 23C-23D show PVU 2300b. In FIG. 23C-23D, PVU 2300b includes vapor passage 2304b, outer housing 2306b, intake passages 2307a-2307d, reservoir body 2310, precursor passage 2312, entrainment zone / gap 2314, heater housing 2316, and reservoir seal 2387. FIG. 23D shows the air and vapor flows of PVU 2300b in operation. PVU 2300b operates similarly to PVU 2300b, uses the same principles, and is configured for feedback loop, except for the addition of intake passage 2307d along with vapor passage 2304b. Thus, for the sake of brevity, a description of these principles and the like will be omitted with respect to FIG. 23C-23D.

[0087] 23E-23F show PVU 2300c. In FIG. 23E-23F, PVU 2300c includes vapor passage 2304c, outer housing 2306c, intake passages 2307a-2307e, reservoir body 2310, precursor passage 2312, entrainment zone / gap 2314, heater housing 2316, and reservoir seal 2387. FIG. 23F shows air and vapor flow during operation of PVU 2300c. PVU 2300c operates similarly to PVU 2300b, uses the same principles, and is configured for feedback loop, except for the addition of a second intake passage 2307e along vapor passage 2304c. Thus, for brevity, a description of these principles and the like will be omitted with respect to FIG. 23C-23D.

[0088] FIG. 23G illustrates PVU 2300d. In FIG. 23G, PVU 2300d includes vapor passage 2304c, outer housing 2306c, intake passages 2307a-2307e, reservoir body 2310, precursor passage 2312, entrainment zone / gap 2314, heater housing 2316, reservoir seal 2387, and sealing force 2386. Thus, PVU 2300d operates similarly to PVUs 2300a-2300c, uses the same principles, and is configured for feedback loop, except for the addition of sealing force 2386. Thus, for the sake of brevity, a description of these principles and the like will be omitted with respect to FIGS. 23C-23D. Sealing force 2386 acts to either increase the pressure of precursor composition 2311 in reservoir 2332 (thereby aiding in the ejection of precursor composition 2311 and increasing its melting point) or decrease the pressure of precursor composition 2311 (thereby slowing the ejection of precursor composition 2311 and decreasing its melting point). Sealing force 2386 may be provided by, for example, a spring, positive gas pressure (e.g., air at or above ambient pressure), negative gas pressure (e.g., vacuum or partial vacuum), gravity, etc.

[0089] 23A-24B show a personal vaporization unit according to an eighteenth embodiment. In Figs. 24A-24B, only the left half of a cross-section of a PVU 2400 is shown to improve visibility of distinct features. In Figs. 24A-24B, the PVU 2400 includes one or more of an outer housing 2406, an intake passageway 2407a-2407e, a reservoir body 2410, a precursor passageway 2412, a heater housing 2416, and a reservoir 2432. In Fig. 24B, the approximate locations and extents of a number of airflow regions 2491-2497 are shown.

[0090] As the user inhales, air enters the PVU 2400 through inlet passage 2407a and enters region 2491. Region 2491 is characterized by a laminar flow of air with increasing velocity, increasing temperature (i.e., heated by heater housing 2416), and increasing pressure. To increase entrainment of precursor composition from reservoir 2432, air entering via inlet passage 2407a is induced to increase velocity by the decreasing cross-section of the passage.

[0091] Air also enters the PVU 2400 via intake passage 2407b. The flow of air entering the PVU 2400 via intake passage 2407b increases via the Coanda effect, which is aided by the change in pressure between air intake passage 2307a and air intake passage 2407b. The air entering through intake passage 2407a mixes with the air entering through intake passage 2407b in region 2492. The mixing of the two streams in region 2492 may be aided or dependent on the Venturi effect. In region 2492, the temperature, pressure, and velocity of the streams decrease due to the mixing of the two streams. The mixed air proceeds from region 2492 to entrainment region 2493. In entrainment region 2493, the pressure of the air increases due to mixing with the heated precursor composition.

[0092] Air also enters the PVU 2400 through intake passage 2407c. The flow of air entering the PVU 2400 through intake passage 2407b can be increased through the Coanda effect. Coanda vanes 2489 function to increase the pressure and velocity of the flow in region 2439. The flow from region 2493 proceeds to expansion region 2494. In expansion region 2494, the pressure drops, the velocity drops, and the temperature increases, allowing the return of larger particles (e.g., to the entrainment region). Additional air enters the PVU 2400 through intake passage 2407d. The flow of air entering the PVU 2400 through intake passage 2407c is increased through the Coanda effect. The shape of intake passage 2407c and the shape of the junction with steam passage 2404 in region 2495 are configured to increase laminar flow, increase the velocity of the flow, decrease the temperature, and increase the pressure of the flowing mixed steam. In region 2496, the steam path 2404 narrows (e.g., the cross-sectional area decreases), thereby increasing the pressure, increasing the flow rate, and decreasing the temperature. Additional air is drawn into the PVU 2400 through air inlet 2497 and mixes with the flow from the steam path 2404 in region 2497.

[0093] 25A-25D show a personal vaporization unit according to a nineteenth embodiment. In FIG. 25A-25D, only the left half of a cross-section of a PVU 2500 is shown to improve visibility of distinct features. In one or more of FIG. 25A-25D, the PVU 2500 may include one or more of an outer housing 2506, an intake passageway 2507a-2507c, a reservoir body 2510, a precursor composition 2511, a precursor passageway 2512, a heater housing 2516, a reservoir 2532, particle impact flow regions 2588-2589, and flow contraction / redirection regions 2586-2586.

[0094] As the user inhales, air enters the PVU 2500 through intake passageway 2507a and enters region 2591. In region 2591, the flow is substantially laminar and increases in velocity as the passageway narrows. The flow also is heated by heater housing 2516 as it passes through region 2591. The flow proceeds from region 2591 to region 2592. In region 2592, the flow reaches a peak and / or maximum velocity. Also in region 2592, convective heating of the flow (i.e., thermal energy transfer to) reaches a peak and / or maximum velocity. The flow proceeds from region 2592 to region 2593.

[0095] Region 2593 corresponds to an entrainment region where precursor composition 2511 is entrained in the flow as vapor and / or aerosol particles. In region 2593, a peak pressure and flow of the precursor composition may be reached as the passage narrows. Also, in region 2593, the temperature of the flow increases due at least in part to the flow mixing / entrainment with heated precursor 2511. From region 2593, the flow containing precursor composition 2511 (vapor and / or aerosol) then proceeds to region 2594.

[0096] In region 2594, the passage expands relative to region 2593. This results in a decrease in pressure, temperature, and velocity of the flow in region 2594. The flow may also return to having laminar flow characteristics. Also, in region 2594, large particles may become entrained in suspension and / or drop out due at least in part to the decrease in flow velocity. In region 2594, the flow proceeds to particle impact section 2588. From particle impact section 2588, the flow proceeds to particle impact section 2589. Prior to reaching impact section 2588, additional air is admitted to the flow via intake passage 2507b. Intake passage 2507b is configured to increase the amount of additional air admitted to intake passage 2507b using one or more of the Venturi effect and the Coanda effect.

[0097] In the regions of the particle collision regions 2588-2589, the flow pressure decreases and the temperature and velocity increase. The particle collision regions 2588-2589 function as collision surfaces and have the function of selecting small (or smaller) (e.g., about 10 μm or less) particles, agglomerates that pass beyond the respective collision regions 2588-2589. The collision regions 2588-2589 each include flow contraction / direction regions 2585-2586 that increase the flow velocity, decrease the flow temperature, and increase the flow pressure.

[0098] From the impingement portion 2589, the flow proceeds to region 2595. Prior to reaching region 2595, additional air is admitted to the flow via intake passage 2507c, which is configured to increase the amount of additional air admitted to intake passage 2507c using one or more of the Venturi effect and the Coanda effect. Proximate region 2595 and intake passage 2507c, the temperature, pressure, and velocity of the flow decrease. Also, in region 2595, the flow may return to having laminar flow characteristics.

[0099] In an embodiment, near the intake passage 2507c, the flow velocity decreases and the pressure increases (due at least in part to the increased volume of air received from the intake passage 2507c and the Coanda and / or Venturi effects). The relatively high velocity air received via the intake passage 2507c also selects for smaller particle sizes (e.g., about 10 μm or less).

[0100] 25D illustrates some details that may be used near region 2593 (the entrainment region). As illustrated in FIG. 25D, region 2593 (and particularly reservoir body 2510) has features that utilize capillary action of precursor composition 2511 to form a capillary pocket 2581 of precursor composition 2511. This is shown in FIG. 25D, which shows capillary pocket 2581 of precursor composition 2511 held in place by meniscus 2582 and in communication with the bulk of precursor composition 2511 in reservoir 2532 via precursor passageway 2512. In an embodiment, capillary pocket 2581 of precursor composition 2511 has a hydrostatic pressure of precursor composition 2511 equal to or greater than the hydrostatic pressure of precursor composition 2511 in reservoir 2532. The hydrostatic pressure (which includes gravity) applied to the precursor composition 2511 in the capillary pocket 2581 defines that the precursor composition 2511 in the capillary pocket 2581 is hydrostatically "locked" within the capillary pocket 2581 unless and until an additional force (e.g., reduced pressure caused by suction) releases the precursor composition 2511 in the capillary pocket 2581.

[0101] FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary particle impingement portion and flow path. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary housing 2606 and reservoir body 2610 configuration. In FIG. 26, the PVU 2600 includes a vapor passage 2604, a housing 2606, a reservoir body 2610, a precursor passage 2612, a reservoir 2632, and particle impingement portions 2688-2689. The housing 2606 and reservoir body 2610 are configured to form the vapor passage 2604. The housing 2906 and reservoir body 2610 are also configured to form exemplary particle impingement portions 2688-2689 along the vapor passage 2604.

[0102] 27A-B show an exemplary heater and heater housing assembly. In FIGS. 27A-B, heater assembly 2700 includes heater housing 2716 and heater 2726. FIG. 27A is a perspective view of heater assembly 2700 showing both interior and exterior visible components. FIG. 27B is a cross-sectional view of heater assembly 2700. In an embodiment, heater 2726 is comprised of a heater coil (e.g., of nichrome wire). In an embodiment, heater housing 2716 may be glass that contacts a majority of the exterior surface of heater 2726 and substantially encapsulates heater 2726 in three dimensions. The substantial encapsulation and contact of heater 2726 and heater housing 2716 in three dimensions increases heat transfer from heater 2726 to the exterior surface of heater housing 2716.

[0103] 28A-28D show an exemplary flow conduit and flow path. FIGs. 28A-28B show a cross section of an exemplary housing 2806 and reservoir body 2810a configuration. In FIGs. 28A-28B, the PVU 2800a includes a vapor passage 2804, a housing 2806, a reservoir body 2810a, a precursor passage 2812a, a heater housing 2816, a reservoir 2832a, and a flow conduit 2888a. The housing 2806 and reservoir body 2810a are configured to form the vapor passage 2804. The housing 2806 and reservoir body 2810a are also configured to form an exemplary flow conduit 2888a along the vapor passage 2804. Relative to vertical (eg, the longitudinal direction of the housing 2806 and / or the laminar flow direction of air moving over the flow guide 2888a), the flow guide 2888a has a positive (eg, 20°) angle of attack (inclination angle).

[0104] As the user inhales, air flows into the PVU 2800a and into region 2891a. In one embodiment, in region 2891a, the flow has laminar characteristics. The flow is also heated by at least one of radiation and convection. The flow then proceeds to region 2893a. In region 2893a, the flow may be understood to be flowing from the "top" of the wing-shaped flow conduit 2888a. Thus, region 2892a, at the "bottom" of the wing-shaped flow conduit 2888a, has a relatively constant pressure characteristic. In an embodiment, the pressure in region 2892a is greater than the pressure in region 2893a.

[0105] In embodiments, in region 2893a, the flow has laminar characteristics with a relatively high flow velocity (e.g., relative to region 2891a and / or region 2892a). However, in some embodiments, the angle of attack of flow guide 2888a is selected such that at least some turbulence is formed in region 2893a. This turbulence can aid in the formation and / or selection of small aerosol particles. In region 2893a, the temperature of the flow increases and the pressure decreases. The flow proceeds from region 2893a to expansion region 2894a (e.g., the cross-sectional area of ​​steam path 2802 increases).

[0106] In region 2894a, the flow rate decreases and the temperature increases. The decrease in flow rate helps induce larger aerosol particles (e.g., larger than 10 μm) to fall out of entrainment / suspension. The flow proceeds from region 2894a to region 2895a. In region 2895a, the flow is compressed (e.g., the cross-sectional area of ​​vapor path 2802 decreases). In region 2895a, the flow rate increases. The increased flow rate helps select smaller aerosol particles (e.g., less than 10 μm) to remain in the flow and proceed to the user.

[0107] 28C-D, the PVU 2800b includes a vapor passage 2804, a housing 2806, a reservoir body 2810b, a precursor passage 2812b, a heater housing 2816, a reservoir 2832b, and a flow guide 2888b. The housing 2806 and the reservoir body 2810b are configured to form a vapor passage 2804. The housing 2806 and the reservoir body 2810b are also configured to form an exemplary flow guide 2888b along the vapor passage 2804. With respect to the vertical (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the housing 2806 and / or the laminar flow direction of air moving over the flow guide 2888b), the flow guide 2888b has a positive (e.g., -5°) angle of attack.

[0108] As the user inhales, air flows into PVU 2800b and into region 2891b. In one embodiment, in region 2891b, the flow has laminar characteristics. The flow is also heated by at least one of radiation and convection. The flow then proceeds to region 2893b. In region 2893b, the flow may be understood to be flowing over the "bottom" of wing-shaped flow conduit 2888b. Region 2892b, at the "top" of wing-shaped flow conduit 2888b, has relatively constant pressure characteristics. In an embodiment, the pressure in region 2893a is greater than the pressure in region 28932 (2893b).

[0109] In embodiments, in region 2893b, the flow has laminar characteristics with relatively high flow velocities (e.g., relative to region 2981b and / or region 2892b). However, in some embodiments, the angle of attack of flow guide 2888b is selected such that at least some turbulence is formed in region 2893b. This turbulence can aid in the formation and / or selection of small aerosol particles.

[0110] 29A-29D show a personal vaporization unit according to a twentieth embodiment. In one or more of FIGS. 29A-29D, the PVU 2900 includes one or more of an outer housing 2906, an intake passageway 2907, a reservoir body 2910, a precursor composition 2911, a precursor passageway 2912, a heater 2926, a reservoir 2932, an IR reflector 2982, and a particle impingement stream 2988-2989. FIGS. 29A-29B are cross-sectional views. FIG. 29C is an isometric cross-sectional view. FIG. 29D is an isometric cross-sectional view in which the outer housing 2906 is not shown to better illustrate some internal features and / or components of the PVU 2900.

[0111] When a user inhales, air enters the PVU 2900 through the intake passage 2907. In one embodiment, the flow in the intake passage 2907 is substantially laminar. The flow is also heated by the heater 2926 while passing through the intake passage 2907. In one embodiment, the flow in the intake passage may be non-laminar, which increases the transit time of the air in the flow through the intake passage 2907 compared to laminar flow, thereby increasing the time that the air in the flow is heated by the heater 2926. Near the point where the flow exits the intake passage 2907, the precursor composition 2911 is entrained in the flow as vapor and / or aerosol particles. The flow, including the heated air, vapor of the precursor composition 2911, and / or aerosol particles of the precursor composition 2911, then enters the aerosol-generation region / chamber 2993.

[0112] In the aerosol generation region 2993, the flow forms at least one vortex. The vortex of the flow and the increasing velocity of the laminar flow induce larger entrained aerosol particles to the outer flow boundary based on centrifugal force. These larger particles collide with the housing 2906 in region 2993 and are thereby thrown out of the flow. The precursor 2911 thrown out of the flow as larger particles are further heated / reheated by IR radiation from the heater 2926 to become smaller particles and / or vapor. The IR radiation from the heater 2916 (2926) can be reflected by the IR reflector 2982 to direct the IR radiation to the region 2993. The smaller and / or lighter particles can escape the vortex near the center of the region 2993 where the flow velocity is lower. The larger entrained particles are also thrown out of the flow by the particle impingement flow sections 2988-2989 in the regions 2992-2993 located along the vortex particle boundary layer. Vaporized precursor composition 2911 and smaller aerosol particles of precursor composition 2911 may remain in suspension and exit region 2993 via vapor pathways 2904 to be inhaled by the user.

[0113] 30A-30D show a personal vaporization unit according to a twenty-first embodiment. In one or more of FIGS. 30A-30D, the PVU 3000 includes one or more of an outer housing 3006, an intake passageway 3007, a reservoir body 3010, a precursor composition 3011, a precursor passageway 3012, a heater 3026, a reservoir 3032, an IR reflector 3082, and a particle impingement stream portion 3088-3089. FIGS. 30A-30B are cross-sectional views. FIG. 30C is an isometric cross-sectional view. FIG. 30D is an isometric cross-sectional view in which the outer housing 3006 is not shown to better illustrate some internal features and / or components of the PVU 3000.

[0114] When a user inhales, air enters the PVU 3000 through the intake passage 3007. In one embodiment, the flow in the intake passage 3007 is substantially laminar. The flow is also heated by the heater 3026 while passing through the intake passage 3007. In an embodiment, the flow in the intake passage may be non-laminar, which increases the transit time of the air in the flow through the intake passage 3007 compared to laminar flow, thereby increasing the time that the air in the flow is heated by the heater 3026. Near the point where the flow exits the intake passage 3007, the precursor composition 3011 is entrained in the flow as vapor and / or aerosol particles. The flow, including the heated air, the vapor of the precursor composition 3011, and / or the aerosol particles of the precursor composition 3011, then enters the aerosol-generation region / chamber 3091.

[0115] In the aerosol generation region 3091, the flow forms at least one vortex. The vortex of the flow and the increasing velocity of the laminar flow induce larger entrained aerosol particles to the outer flow boundary based on centrifugal force. These larger particles collide with the housing 3006 in region 3091 and are thereby thrown out of the flow. The precursor 3011 thrown out of the flow as larger particles are further heated / reheated by IR radiation from the heater 3026 to become smaller particles and / or vapor. The IR radiation from the heater 3026 can be reflected by the IR reflector 3082 and direct the IR radiation to the region 3091. The smaller and / or lighter particles can escape the vortex near the center of the region 3091 where the flow velocity is lower. The larger entrained particles are also thrown out of the flow by particle impingement flow sections 3088-3089 located along the vortex particle boundary layer. Vaporized precursor composition 3011 and smaller aerosol particles of precursor composition 3011 may remain in suspension and exit region 3091 via vapor path 3004 to be inhaled by the user. The flow within vapor path 3004 (particularly near region 3091) is also further heated by heater 3026 while traveling through vapor path 3004.

[0116] Some heaters disclosed herein (e.g., 126, 226, 326, 426, 526, 626, and 1326) are shown in a general form (e.g., heaters 226, 326, 426, and 1326) or have a coil-like appearance (e.g., heaters 126, 526, and 626). These appearances are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that one or more of heaters 126, 226, 326, 426, 526, 626, and 1326 may be one or more of coiled wire, ceramic heater cartridges, bulb (e.g., tungsten, halogen, etc.) electroplated conductors on a substrate, direct thermal conductors, and / or evaporated conductors manufactured via known metal deposition methods. Additionally, heaters 126, 226, 326, 426, 526, 626, and 1326 are or include coherent and / or non-coherent light emitters (e.g., similar to laser diodes 766 and 866 illuminating laser target 767 and laser target 867, respectively) that irradiate targets inside the housing (e.g., glass) that become hot when irradiated. In other words, heaters 126, 226, 326, 426, 526, 626, 1326 are not necessarily coils, but may be or include coils and / or other heating elements.

[0117] The embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, the following embodiments.

[0118] In one embodiment, the vaporizer includes a reservoir, an infrared radiation source, and an entrainment passage; the reservoir holds a precursor composition and has a first end having a passageway, the passageway having the first end in contact with the precursor composition and a second end exterior to the reservoir, the passageway operative to not allow free flow of the precursor composition without heating at least a portion of the precursor composition proximate the passageway; the infrared radiation source, when activated, heats a portion of the precursor composition proximate the passageway; The entrainment passage communicates with a second end of the passage for drawing the heated precursor composition from the second end of the passage for entrainment with the air flow when a portion of the precursor composition is heated to or above a first temperature and an air flow is directed through the entrainment passage.

[0119] Embodiment 2 is the vaporizer of embodiment 1, wherein the heated precursor composition entrained in an air stream comprises a vaporized precursor composition.

[0120] Embodiment 3 is the vaporizer of embodiment 1, wherein the heated precursor composition entrained in the air stream is further heated by the infrared radiation source.

[0121] Example 4 is the vaporizer of Example 3, wherein the infrared radiation source heats a heated precursor composition entrained in the airflow to produce a vaporized precursor composition.

[0122] Example 5 is the vaporizer of example 1, wherein the airflow is at least partially heated by the infrared radiation source before passing through the second end of the passageway.

[0123] Embodiment 6 is the vaporizer of embodiment 5, wherein the air stream is heated to or above a second temperature that generates vapor from the precursor composition entrained in the air stream.

[0124] Example 7 is the vaporizer of example 1, wherein the reservoir comprises glass.

[0125] In an eighth embodiment, the vaporizer includes a housing, a reservoir, an entrainment passage, and an infrared radiation source; the reservoir is disposed within the housing, a gap between an outer surface of the reservoir and an inner surface of the housing functions as a vapor passageway, the reservoir is configured to contain a precursor at ambient temperature and release the precursor through the precursor passageway when the vaporizer is operating; the entrainment passage communicates with the precursor passage to receive the precursor discharged from the precursor passage and to entrain the discharged precursor in a user-generated airflow to at least partially vaporize the discharged precursor; The infrared radiation source is activated to heat the emitted precursor and the airflow to form a vapor from the emitted precursor.

[0126] Embodiment 9 is the vaporizer of embodiment 8, wherein the amount of precursor released from the precursor passage is based on at least one characteristic of an inhalation performed by a user.

[0127] Embodiment 10 is the vaporizer of embodiment 9, wherein releasing the precursor through the precursor passage when the vaporizer is operating is based at least in part on applying heat to the precursor contained by the reservoir.

[0128] Embodiment 11 is the vaporizer of embodiment 8, wherein a user inhales vapor from the released precursor through the vapor passage and mouthpiece.

[0129] Example 12 is the vaporizer of example 8, wherein the infrared radiation source comprises an electrically heated wire.

[0130] Embodiment 13 is the vaporizer of embodiment 8, wherein the infrared radiation source includes a diode that emits infrared radiation.

[0131] Example 14 is the vaporizer of example 8, wherein the infrared radiation source includes a crystal material adapted to resonate in response to modulated light.

[0132] Embodiment 15 is a vaporizer cartridge comprising a reservoir and a vaporizer; the reservoir is disposed within the vaporizer housing by containing a vapor precursor composition and forming a vapor passageway between a first exterior surface of the reservoir and an interior surface of the housing, the reservoir further configured to contain the vapor precursor composition at ambient temperature and to release the vapor precursor composition through the precursor passageway when the vaporizer is operating; the vaporizer is configured to form an entrainment passage using a second exterior surface of a reservoir including a precursor passage, the entrainment passage communicating with the precursor passage to receive the vapor precursor composition emitted from the precursor passage, to entrain the emitted vapor precursor composition in a user-generated airflow, and to at least partially vaporize the emitted vapor precursor composition; The vaporizer includes an infrared radiation source that, when activated, heats the emitted vapor precursor composition and an airflow to form a vapor from the emitted vapor precursor composition.

[0133] Embodiment 16 is the cartridge of embodiment 15, wherein the amount of vapor precursor composition released from the precursor passage is based on at least one characteristic of an inhalation performed by a user.

[0134] Embodiment 17 is the cartridge of embodiment 16, wherein releasing the vapor precursor composition through the precursor passage when the vaporizer is activated is based at least in part on heating the vapor precursor composition contained by the reservoir.

[0135] Embodiment 18 is the cartridge of embodiment 16, wherein the reservoir further comprises a septum for containing a vapor precursor composition within the reservoir.

[0136] Example 19 is the cartridge of example 18, wherein the septum comprises a self-repairing material.

[0137] Example 20 is the cartridge of example 15, wherein at least the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface are made of glass.

[0138] The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications suited to the particular uses contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims

1. The vaporizer includes a reservoir, an infrared radiation source, and an entrainment passage; the reservoir holds a precursor composition and has a first end having a passageway, the passageway having the first end in contact with the precursor composition and a second end exterior to the reservoir, the passageway operative to not allow free flow of the precursor composition without heating at least a portion of the precursor composition proximate the passageway; the infrared radiation source, when activated, heats a portion of the precursor composition proximate the passageway; the entrainment passage communicating with a second end of the passage for drawing the heated precursor composition from the second end of the passage for entrainment with the air flow when a portion of the precursor composition is heated to or above a first temperature and an air flow is directed through the entrainment passage.

2. 2. The vaporizer of claim 1, The vaporizer, wherein the heated precursor composition entrained in an air stream comprises a vaporized precursor composition.

3. 2. The vaporizer of claim 1, The heated precursor composition entrained in the air stream is further heated by said infrared radiation source.

4. 4. The vaporizer of claim 3, The vaporizer, wherein the infrared radiation source heats a heated precursor composition entrained in an air stream to produce a vaporized precursor composition.

5. 2. The vaporizer of claim 1, The vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the airflow is at least partially heated by the infrared radiation source before passing through the second end of the passageway.

6. 6. The vaporizer of claim 5, The vaporizer, wherein the air stream is heated to or above a second temperature to generate vapor from a precursor composition entrained in the air stream.

7. 2. The vaporizer of claim 1, The vaporizer, wherein the reservoir comprises glass.

8. The vaporizer includes a housing, a reservoir, an entrainment passage, and an infrared radiation source; the reservoir is disposed within the housing, a gap between an outer surface of the reservoir and an inner surface of the housing functions as a vapor passageway, the reservoir is configured to contain a precursor at ambient temperature and release the precursor through the precursor passageway when the vaporizer is operating; the entrainment passage is in communication with the precursor passage to receive the precursor discharged from the precursor passage and to entrain the discharged precursor in a user-generated airflow to at least partially vaporize the discharged precursor; a vaporizer, wherein the infrared radiation source, when activated, heats the emitted precursor and the airflow to form a vapor from the emitted precursor.

9. 9. The vaporizer of claim 8, A vaporizer, wherein the amount of precursor released from the precursor passage is based on at least one characteristic of an inhalation provided by a user.

10. 10. The vaporizer of claim 9, A vaporizer, wherein releasing a precursor through a precursor passage when the vaporizer is operating is based at least in part on applying heat to a precursor contained by the reservoir.

11. 9. The vaporizer of claim 8, A vaporizer in which a user inhales vapor from the released precursor through the vapor passage and mouthpiece.

12. 9. The vaporizer of claim 8, The vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the infrared radiation source comprises an electrically heated wire.

13. 9. The vaporizer of claim 8, The vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the infrared radiation source includes a diode that emits infrared radiation.

14. 9. The vaporizer of claim 8, The vaporizer, wherein the infrared radiation source includes a crystal material adapted to resonate in response to modulated light.

15. The vaporizer cartridge includes a reservoir and a vaporizer. the reservoir is disposed within the vaporizer housing by containing a vapor precursor composition and forming a vapor passageway between a first exterior surface of the reservoir and an interior surface of the housing, the reservoir further configured to contain the vapor precursor composition at ambient temperature and to release the vapor precursor composition through the precursor passageway when the vaporizer is operating; the vaporizer is configured to use a second exterior surface of a reservoir including a precursor passage to form an entrainment passage in communication with the precursor passage to receive the vapor precursor composition emitted from the precursor passage, to entrain the emitted vapor precursor composition in a user-generated airflow, and to at least partially vaporize the emitted vapor precursor composition; The vaporizer cartridge, wherein the vaporizer includes an infrared radiation source that, when activated, heats the emitted vapor precursor composition and an airflow to form a vapor from the emitted vapor precursor composition.

16. 16. A cartridge according to claim 15, 11. A vaporizer cartridge, comprising: a vaporizer cartridge configured to vaporize a vapor of a precursor composition; a vaporizer cartridge configured to vaporize a vapor of a precursor composition;

17. 17. A cartridge according to claim 16, comprising:

11. A vaporizer cartridge, comprising: a reservoir configured to receive a vapor precursor composition from a vaporizer; a reservoir configured to receive a vapor precursor composition from a vaporizer cartridge;

18. 17. A cartridge according to claim 16, comprising: The vaporizer cartridge, wherein the reservoir further comprises a septum for containing a vapor precursor composition within the reservoir.

19. 20. A cartridge according to claim 18, comprising: A vaporizer cartridge, wherein the partition comprises a self-repairing material.

20. 16. A cartridge according to claim 15, A vaporizer cartridge, wherein at least a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface are comprised of glass.

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